handheld game console

Abstract

A portable game device (1, 1') comprises: a display (3); a first operation button (4) and a second operation button (5); and a housing (2, 2') that has a front surface (21, 21'), a back surface (22, 22') and side surfaces. The side surfaces include an upper surface (23, 23') on which the first operation button and the second operation button are positioned. The first operation button as a first exposed section (41) that is exposed from the housing, and a first shaft (45) that serves as the rotational center of the first operation button. The first exposed section has a first inclined section (411) that is inclined in the direction away from the upper surface from the right side toward the left side at the right side of the first exposed section. The first shaft is positioned at the same position as the first inclined section in the left-right direction, and is accommodated in the housing so as to be capable of rotating in a direction such that the left edge of the first exposed section subsides without the entirety of the first exposed section moving downward when the first exposed section is pressed downward. The second operation button has a similar configuration to the first operation button.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable game machine. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, in portable game machines, it is known to provide operation buttons not only on the main surface of a housing provided with a display, but also on the upper surface of the housing (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-12652). [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] However, along with the demand for size reduction of portable game machines, further size reduction of operation buttons and the like is desired, and there is room for improvement in the configuration of operation buttons provided on the upper surface of the housing.

[0004] In view of the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable game machine in which the configuration of an operation button provided on the upper surface of a housing is improved. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0006] (1) A portable game console comprising a display, a first operation button and a second operation button operated by a user, a housing having a main surface on which the display is provided, a back surface located opposite to the main surface, and a side surface connecting the main surface and the back surface, wherein the side surface has an upper surface located above the user when the portable game console is held by the user so that it is facing the main surface, a lower surface located opposite to the upper surface, a left surface located to the left of the user in the above state, and the left side The housing has a right side located opposite to the top surface, the first operation button is located in a region of the top surface that is closer to the left side than to the right side, the second operation button is located in a region of the top surface that is closer to the right side than to the left side, the first operation button has a first exposed portion exposed from the housing and a first axis that is the pivot point of the first operation button, the first exposed portion has a first inclined portion on the right side of the first exposed portion that is inclined in a direction away from the top surface from the right side toward the left side, and the first axis is the first inclined portion The lower side of the first exposed portion is located in the same position in the left-right direction between the left and right surfaces as the position in the left-right direction where the first inclined portion is provided relative to the upper surface, and is housed in the housing such that when the first exposed portion is pressed in the direction toward the lower surface, the left side end of the first exposed portion sinks in and the entire first exposed portion does not move in the direction toward the lower surface, and the second operating button has a second exposed portion exposed from the housing and a second axis which is the pivot center of the second operating button, and the second exposed portion A portable game console having a second inclined portion on the left side of the second exposed portion that slopes away from the upper surface from the left side toward the right side, the second axis being located on the lower side of the second inclined portion at the same position in the left-right direction as the second inclined portion is located relative to the upper surface, and being rotatable in a direction that causes the right side end of the second exposed portion to sink when the second exposed portion is pressed toward the lower side, and the entire second exposed portion being housed in the housing so as not to move toward the lower side.

[0007] According to the embodiment of (1) above, it is possible to reduce the space required to provide the first and second operation buttons while suppressing a decrease in the operability of the first and second operation buttons, and a portable game console is provided in which the configuration of the operation buttons provided on the top surface of the housing is improved.

[0008] (2) The portable game console according to (1) above, further comprising a third operation button and a fourth operation button operated by a user, wherein the third operation button has a third exposed portion exposed from the housing, and the fourth operation button has a fourth exposed portion exposed from the housing, wherein on the upper surface, the right side end of the third exposed portion is positioned to the left of the left side end of the first exposed portion, and on the upper surface, the left side end of the fourth exposed portion is positioned to the right of the right side end of the second exposed portion.

[0009] According to the embodiment of (2) above, by arranging the third exposed portion to the left of the first exposed portion of the first operation button which is only rotatable, continuous button operation from the first operation button to the third operation button can be facilitated, and by arranging the fourth exposed portion to the right of the second exposed portion of the second operation button which is only rotatable, continuous button operation from the second operation button to the fourth operation button can be facilitated.

[0010] (3) The portable game console according to (2) above, wherein the third operating button is movable in a straight line such that the entire third exposed portion sinks in when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and the fourth operating button is movable in a straight line such that the entire fourth exposed portion sinks in when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction.

[0011] According to the embodiment described in (3) above, it is possible to suppress confusion between the first operation button and the third operation button, and between the second operation button and the fourth operation button by the user, and consequently, to suppress accidental button presses by the user.

[0012] (4) The portable game console according to (3) above, wherein the third operation button has a third axis which is the pivot point of the third operation button, and the third axis is housed in the housing so as to be linearly movable such that the entire third exposed portion sinks when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and so as to be rotatable such that the left side end of the third exposed portion sinks when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and the fourth operation button has a fourth axis which is the pivot point of the fourth operation button, and the fourth axis is housed in the housing so as to be linearly movable such that the entire fourth exposed portion sinks when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and so as to be rotatable such that the right side end of the fourth exposed portion sinks when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction.

[0013] According to the embodiment described in (4) above, the third and fourth operation buttons can be operated in two different operating modes, further improving the operability of the third and fourth operation buttons.

[0014] (5) The portable game console according to (4) above, wherein the upper surface has a left upper corner portion connected to the left surface and having an R shape or chamfered shape, and a right upper corner portion connected to the right surface and having an R shape or chamfered shape, the third exposed portion extends along the left upper corner portion outside the housing, and the fourth exposed portion extends along the right upper corner portion outside the housing.

[0015] According to the embodiment of (5) above, when the third exposed portion is pressed, a force in the direction of rotation of the third shaft is more easily generated, further improving the operability of the third operation button, and when the fourth exposed portion is pressed, a force in the direction of rotation of the fourth shaft is more easily generated, further improving the operability of the fourth operation button.

[0016] (6) The portable game console according to any one of (2) to (5) above, wherein the first exposed portion and the third exposed portion are positioned within the range to which the index finger of the user's left hand extends when the user's left hand is placed on the left side, and the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion are positioned within the range to which the index finger of the user's right hand extends when the user's right hand is placed on the right side.

[0017] According to the embodiment described in (6) above, it becomes possible to operate the first and third operation buttons with one index finger and the second and fourth operation buttons with the other index finger, thereby improving the operability of the portable game console.

[0018] (7) A portable game console according to any one of (2) to (5) above, wherein the distance in the left-right direction from the right side end of the first exposed portion to the left side end of the third exposed portion is 30 mm to 40 mm, and the distance in the left-right direction from the left side end of the second exposed portion to the right side end of the fourth exposed portion is 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0019] According to the embodiment described in (7) above, a typical user can operate the first and third operation buttons with one index finger and the second and fourth operation buttons with the other index finger, thereby improving the operability of the portable game console.

[0020] (8) The portable game console according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the length of the first exposed portion is longer than the length of the third exposed portion in the front-to-back direction between the main surface and the back surface, and the length of the second exposed portion is longer than the length of the fourth exposed portion in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] According to the embodiment of (8) above, it is possible to suppress the decrease in operability of the first and second operation buttons when the index finger is placed diagonally to the upper surface.

[0022] (9) The portable game machine according to (8) above, wherein a position of the main surface side end portion of the first exposed portion in the front-rear direction is equal to a position of the main surface side end portion of the third exposed portion, and a position of the main surface side end portion of the second exposed portion in the front-rear direction is equal to a position of the main surface side end portion of the fourth exposed portion.

[0023] According to the aspect of (9) above, it becomes easy to simultaneously operate both the first operation button and the third operation button with one index finger, and it becomes easy to simultaneously operate both the second operation button and the fourth operation button with the other index finger.

[0024] (10) The portable game machine according to any one of (7) to (9) above, wherein a left-right direction interval between the first exposed portion and the third exposed portion is 3 mm to 10 mm, and a left-right direction interval between the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion is 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0025] According to the aspect of (10) above, while enabling continuous button operation of the first operation button and the third operation button, it is possible to suppress unintentional simultaneous pressing of the first operation button and the third operation button by a user, and while enabling continuous button operation of the second operation button and the fourth operation button, it is possible to suppress unintentional simultaneous pressing of the second operation button and the fourth operation button by a user.

[0026] (11) The portable game machine according to (10) above, wherein a left-right direction length of the first exposed portion is longer than the left-right direction interval between the first exposed portion and the third exposed portion, a left-right direction length of the second exposed portion is longer than the left-right direction interval between the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion, a left-right direction length of the third exposed portion is longer than the left-right direction length of the first exposed portion, and a left-right direction length of the fourth exposed portion is longer than the left-right direction length of the second exposed portion.

[0027] According to the aspect of (11) above, the surface areas of the first exposed portion, the second exposed portion, the third exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion can be secured within a limited space, and the operability of the first operation button, the second operation button, the third operation button and the fourth operation button can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the handheld game console according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the handheld game console according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view of the handheld game console, showing the inside of the housing in a state where the second housing is removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the second housing, showing the inner surface of the second housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of the first operation button. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the first operation button. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion where the first operation button is provided in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of the second operation button. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of the handheld game console according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top view of the handheld game console according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear view of the handheld game console, showing the inside of the housing in a state where the second housing is removed. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front view of the second housing, showing the inner surface of the second housing. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a front view of the third operation button. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the third operation button. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is a magnified view of the area in Figure 11 where the third operation button is located. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a front view of the fourth operation button. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a magnified front view of a portable game console showing the area where the first and third operation buttons are located. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, similar components will be given the same reference numerals.

[0030] <First Embodiment> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 is a front view of the portable game console 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a top view of the portable game console 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The portable game console 1 is a portable game console that is powered, for example, by a built-in battery.

[0031] The portable game console 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and is held by the user. The user holds the portable game console 1 in the orientation shown in Figure 1, and Figure 1 shows the portable game console 1 facing the user. In this specification, the orientation of the portable game console 1 is defined in the state in which the portable game console 1 held by the user is facing the user. In this embodiment, the length of the portable game console 1 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the portable game console 1 in the up-down direction, and the portable game console 1 has a horizontally elongated shape.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the portable game console 1 comprises a housing 2, a display 3, and an operating mechanism. The housing 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and forms the outer surface of the portable game console 1. The housing 2 has a main surface 21 on which the display 3 is provided, a rear surface 22 located on the opposite side of the main surface 21, and a side surface connecting the main surface 21 and the rear surface 22. The main surface 21 of the housing 2 faces the user when the portable game console 1 is operated by the user.

[0033] The sides have an upper surface 23, a lower surface 24, a left surface 25, and a right surface 26. The upper surface 23 is located above the user when the portable game console is held by the user so that it is facing the main surface 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "holding state"), the lower surface 24 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 23 and is located below the user when the device is held, the left surface 25 is located to the left of the user when the device is held, and the right surface 26 is located on the opposite side of the left surface 25 and is located to the right of the user when the device is held. In this embodiment, an exhaust port 231 for discharging air from the internal space of the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2 and an earphone jack 232 are provided on the upper surface 23 of the housing 2.

[0034] In this specification, "upper" means the direction from the lower surface to the upper surface, "lower" means the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface, "left" means the direction from the right surface to the left surface, "right" means the direction from the left surface to the right surface, "front" means the direction from the back to the main surface, and "back" means the direction from the main surface to the back. Therefore, for example, the terms upper side, lower side, right side, left side, front side, and back side can be read as upper surface side, lower surface side, right side, left side, main surface side, and back side, respectively. Also, the terms up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction can be read as the up and down direction between the upper surface and the lower surface, the left and right direction between the left surface and the right surface, and the front and back direction between the main surface and the back, respectively. Furthermore, the terms upward, downward, forward, and backward can be read as the direction towards the upper surface, the direction towards the lower surface, the direction towards the main surface, and the direction towards the back, respectively.

[0035] Housing 2 includes a first housing 27 and a second housing 28, and is formed by combining the first housing 27 and the second housing 28. As shown in Figure 2, the first housing 27 is located on the front side of the portable game console 1, and the second housing 28 is located on the rear side of the portable game console 1. The first housing 27 and the second housing 28 define the internal space of housing 2 when the first housing 27 and the second housing 28 are combined. The first housing 27 and the second housing 28 are each made of resin, metal, etc., and are formed by injection molding, die casting, etc.

[0036] The display 3 is provided on the main surface 21 of the housing 2 so that its display surface is visible to the user, and displays visual information (text, images, etc.). In this embodiment, the display 3 is positioned in the central area in the left-right direction of the portable game console 1. The display 3 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display, etc. The display 3 may also be a touch panel type display.

[0037] In the portable game console 1, the operating members are provided such that at least a portion is exposed to the outside and is operated by the user. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the portable game console 1 includes a first operation button 4, a second operation button 5, a power button 6, and a volume button 7 as operating members provided on the upper surface 23 of the housing 2. The first operation button 4 is located in an area on the upper surface 23 that is closer to the left surface 25 than to the right surface 26, that is, in an area to the left of the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. On the other hand, the second operation button 5 is located in an area on the upper surface 23 that is closer to the right surface 26 than to the left surface 25, that is, in an area to the right of the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. Between the first operation button 4 and the second operation button 5 are the volume button 7, the power button 6, the exhaust port 231, and the earphone jack 232, with the first operation button 4 being adjacent to the volume button 7. The left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1 refers to the line that divides the portable game console 1 in the left-right direction.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the portable game console 1 includes a stick member 8 and a group of buttons 9 as operating members provided on the main surface 21 of the housing 2. For example, the group of buttons 9 consists of four buttons: A, B, X, and Y. The stick member 8 is positioned in the area to the left of the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1, and the group of buttons 9 is positioned in the area to the right of the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The portable game console 1 may further include a directional pad positioned in the area to the left of the left-right center line CL and an analog stick positioned in the area to the right of the left-right center line CL as operating members provided on the main surface 21 of the housing 2. The operating members are made of resin, metal, etc., and are formed by injection molding, die casting, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first housing 27 has holes 271a to 271d for passing an operating member through the upper surface 23 of the housing 2, a hole 271e for accessing the earphone jack 232, and holes 271f to 271j for passing an operating member through the main surface 21 of the housing 2. Holes 271a to 271e open on the upper surface 23 of the housing 2, and holes 271f to 271n open on the main surface 21 of the housing 2.

[0040] Note that the configuration and arrangement of the operating members shown in Figures 1 and 2 are merely examples, and some operating members may be omitted or other operating members may be added. For example, the portable game console 1 may further include additional stick members other than the stick member 8, plus buttons, minus buttons, a capture button for taking pictures of images displayed on the display 3, a home button for displaying the home menu, etc., as operating members provided on the main surface 21 of the housing 2.

[0041] Figure 3 is a rear view of the portable game console 1 showing the inside of housing 2 with the second housing 28 removed. The housing 2 houses the internal components of the portable game console 1. In this embodiment, the internal components are attached to the first housing 27, and the second housing 28 covers the internal components attached to the first housing 27. Figure 3 shows the portable game console 1 with the second housing 28 removed. Note that some of the internal components of the portable game console 1 are omitted in Figure 3.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the portable game console 1 includes, as internal components, a first switch 171, a second switch 172, a first spring 100, and a second spring 200. The first switch 171 is located directly below the first operation button 4 in the internal space of the housing 2 and is pressed by the first operation button 4. The second switch 172 is located directly below the second operation button 5 in the internal space of the housing 2 and is pressed by the second operation button 5. The first switch 171 and the second switch 172 have the same shape and are located symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The first switch 171 is located to the left of the first spring 100, and the second switch 172 is located to the right of the second spring 200. The first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are mounted, for example, on a circuit board (specifically, the rear surface of the circuit board) housed in the housing 2. The first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are, for example, tact switches. The first switch 171 and the second switch 172 may have different shapes.

[0043] The first spring 100 is positioned directly below the first operation button 4 in the internal space of the housing 2 and biases the first operation button 4 upward. The second spring 200 is positioned directly below the second operation button 5 in the internal space of the housing 2 and biases the second operation button 5 upward. The first spring 100 and the second spring 200 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The first spring 100 and the second spring 200 are, for example, compression coil springs. However, the first spring 100 and the second spring 200 may have different shapes from each other. In another embodiment, the first operation button 4 and the second operation button 5 may be biased upward by other elastic bodies or other structures instead of, or in addition to, the springs. For example, if the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are tact switches, they may be biased upward by the dome portion, and if the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are rubber switches, they may be biased upward by the key rubber.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the first housing 27 has a main surface-side first shaft housing portion 272, a main surface-side second shaft housing portion 273, a first spring support portion 274, and a second spring support portion 275. The main surface-side first shaft housing portion 272, the main surface-side second shaft housing portion 273, the first spring support portion 274, and the second spring support portion 275 are provided on the rear surface (back surface) of the first housing 27. The main surface-side first shaft housing portion 272, the main surface-side second shaft housing portion 273, the first spring support portion 274, and the second spring support portion 275 each protrude from the back surface of the first housing 27 toward the internal space of the housing 2. Furthermore, at least a portion of the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272, the main surface side second shaft housing portion 273, the first spring support portion 274, and the second spring support portion 275 may be separate from the first housing 27 and attached to the back surface of the first housing 27 by fasteners (e.g., screws), adhesive members (e.g., adhesive, adhesive tape, etc.).

[0045] The first shaft housing portion 272 and the second shaft housing portion 273 on the main surface have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The functions of the first shaft housing portion 272 and the second shaft housing portion 273 on the main surface will be described later.

[0046] The first spring support portion 274 and the second spring support portion 275 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The first spring support portion 274 is positioned to the left of the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272, and the second spring support portion 275 is positioned to the right of the main surface side second shaft housing portion 273. The first spring support portion 274 supports the first spring 100, and the second spring support portion 275 supports the second spring 200. Note that the first spring support portion 274 and the second spring support portion 275 may have different shapes from each other.

[0047] Figure 4 is a front view of the second housing 28 showing its inner surface. As shown in Figure 4, the second housing 28 has a rear-side first shaft housing portion 281 and a rear-side second shaft housing portion 282. The rear-side first shaft housing portion 281 and the rear-side second shaft housing portion 282 are provided on the front surface (inner surface) of the second housing 28. The rear-side first shaft housing portion 281 and the rear-side second shaft housing portion 282 each protrude from the inner surface of the second housing 28 toward the internal space of the housing 2. At least one of the rear-side first shaft housing portion 281 and the rear-side second shaft housing portion 282 is separate from the second housing 28 and may be attached to the inner surface of the second housing 28 by fasteners (e.g., screws), adhesive members (e.g., adhesive, adhesive tape, etc.).

[0048] The rear-side first shaft housing 281 and the rear-side second shaft housing 282 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. When the first housing 27 and the second housing 28 are assembled, the rear-side first shaft housing 281 faces the main-side first shaft housing 272, and the rear-side second shaft housing 282 faces the main-side second shaft housing 273. The rear-side first shaft housing 281, together with the main-side first shaft housing 272, supports the first operation button 4, and the rear-side second shaft housing 282, together with the main-side second shaft housing 273, supports the second operation button 5. Note that the main-side first shaft housing 272 and the main-side second shaft housing 273 may have different shapes. Also, the rear-side first shaft housing 281 and the rear-side second shaft housing 282 may have different shapes.

[0049] The configurations of the first operation button 4 and the second operation button 5 will be described in detail below. The first operation button 4 is rotatably supported by the housing 2 and presses the first switch 171 when rotated by the user. The second operation button 5 is rotatably supported by the housing 2 and presses the second switch 172 when rotated by the user.

[0050] Figure 5 is a front view of the first operation button 4, and Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the first operation button 4. The first operation button 4 has a first key top portion 40, a first base portion 43, a first projection 44, a first shaft 45, and a first shaft base portion 46. The first key top portion 40, the first base portion 43, the first projection 44, the first shaft 45, and the first shaft base portion 46 are integrally molded.

[0051] The first keytop portion 40 is located at the top of the first operation button 4 and is the part that is positioned outward when the first operation button 4 is installed on the portable game console 1. The first keytop portion 40 is contacted by the user's finger (typically the index finger of the left hand) when the user operates the first operation button 4. The first keytop portion 40 is smaller than the hole 271a in the housing 2. The first keytop portion 40 penetrates the hole 271a and is partially exposed from the housing 2.

[0052] The first keytop portion 40 consists of a first exposed portion 41 that is exposed from the housing 2 and a first non-exposed portion 42 that is not exposed from the housing 2. The first exposed portion 41 is located outside the upper surface 23, and the first non-exposed portion 42 is located on the internal side of the upper surface 23. In Figure 6, for convenience, the first exposed portion 41 is shown with diagonal lines to distinguish it from the first non-exposed portion 42.

[0053] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the portion in Figure 3 where the first operation button 4 is provided. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first exposed portion 41 has a first inclined portion 411 and a first flat portion 412. The first inclined portion 411 is inclined on the right side of the first exposed portion 41 in a direction away from the upper surface 23 from right to left. That is, the first inclined portion 411 is inclined outward in the left-right direction away from the upper surface 23. In this embodiment, the first inclined portion 411 is inclined on the right end of the first exposed portion 41 in a direction away from the upper surface 23 from right to left, and has a rounded R shape.

[0054] The first flat portion 412 has a flat surface and extends parallel to the upper surface 23 of the housing 2 when the first operating button 4 is supported by the housing 2. In this specification, "flat" means generally flat, and the first flat portion 412 may have a slight curve or inclination. The first flat portion 412 is adjacent to the first inclined portion 411 and smoothly connects to the first inclined portion 411. The first exposed portion 41 may have another inclined portion between the first inclined portion 411 and the first flat portion 412, having a different inclination angle than the first inclined portion 411. Furthermore, the first exposed portion 41 may have another flat portion to the right of the first inclined portion 411, or another inclined portion having a different inclination angle than the first inclined portion 411. Also, the first inclined portion 411 may have a shape other than an R shape, such as an inclined surface.

[0055] The first base portion 43 is located below the first keytop portion 40, and the first keytop portion 40 protrudes outward from the upper surface of the first base portion 43. The first base portion 43 is larger than the hole 271a of the housing 2 and is positioned within the internal space of the housing 2. The first base portion 43 has a flat plate shape and is biased by the first spring 100 so that its upper surface abuts against the inner surface of the housing 2. This prevents the first operation button 4 from falling into the internal space of the housing 2 and failing to return to its original position when it is pressed down.

[0056] The first projection 44 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first base portion 43. The first projection 44 faces the first spring support portion 274 in the internal space of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 7, one end (lower end) of the first spring 100 is housed in the recess of the first spring support portion 274, and the other end (upper end) of the first spring 100 surrounds the first projection 44 and abuts against the lower surface of the first base portion 43. That is, the first projection 44 is inserted into the annular end of the first spring 100. The first spring support portion 274 of the housing 2 and the first projection 44 of the first operation button 4 restrict the lateral movement of the first spring 100 while allowing it to expand and contract. This suppresses displacement of the first spring 100.

[0057] The first shaft base 46 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first base portion 43. The first shaft 45 protrudes forward from the front surface of the first shaft base 46 and backward from the rear surface of the first shaft base 46. That is, the first shaft 45 extends from the first shaft base 46 in the front-rear direction (perpendicular to the left-right and up-down directions). The first shaft 45 is connected to the first base portion 43 and the first key top portion 40 via the first shaft base 46. The first shaft 45 has a cylindrical shape and serves as the pivot point of the first operation button 4. That is, the first operation button 4 rotates relative to the housing 2 around the first shaft 45.

[0058] The first shaft 45 is located at the bottom of the first operation button 4 and is positioned within the internal space of the housing 2. In the left-right direction, the first shaft 45 is located between the boundary between the first inclined portion 411 and the first flat portion 412 and the right end of the first exposed portion 41. One end of the first shaft 45 (front end) is housed in the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272 of the first housing 27, and the other end of the first shaft 45 (rear end) is housed in the rear side first shaft housing portion 281 of the second housing 28. Specifically, the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272 has a housing hole that extends in the vertical direction, into which the front end of the first shaft 45 is housed, and the rear side first shaft housing portion 281 has a housing hole that extends in the vertical direction, into which the rear end of the first shaft 45 is housed.

[0059] When the first operation button 4 is attached to the housing 2, the front end of the first shaft 45 is initially housed in the main surface side first shaft housing 272, and the first shaft 45 moves upward within the housing hole of the main surface side first shaft housing 272 to expose the first exposed portion 41 from the housing 2 through the hole 271a. When the first base portion 43 is biased by the first spring 100 with the first exposed portion 41 exposed from the housing 2, the state of the first operation button 4 is maintained. Next, when the second housing 28 is fastened to the first housing 27, the rear end of the first shaft 45 is housed in the rear side first shaft housing 281. As a result, the main surface side first shaft housing 272 and the rear side first shaft housing 281 restrict the lateral movement of the first shaft 45, and the rear side first shaft housing 281 restricts the downward movement of the first shaft 45. Furthermore, the upward movement of the first shaft 45 is restricted by the contact of the first base portion 43 with the housing 2, and the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272 and the rear surface side first shaft housing portion 281 allow the rotation of the first shaft 45. Therefore, the first shaft 45 has one degree of freedom, which is rotation only. Note that the first operation button 4 may have a shaft housing portion, and the housing 2 may have a first shaft that serves as the rotation center of the first operation button 4.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the first shaft 45 extends in the front-rear direction and is positioned to the right of the first spring 100 and the first switch 171 in the internal space of the housing 2. The first switch 171 has a projection 1711 extending toward the first base portion 43 of the first operation button 4. The first shaft 45 is housed in the housing 2 so as to be rotatable in a direction in which the first shaft 45 rotates clockwise in a rear view of the portable game console 1 shown in Figure 7 when the first exposed portion 41 is pressed downward, i.e., in a direction in which the left end of the first exposed portion 41 sinks in.

[0061] When the first shaft 45 rotates in the direction described above, the first spring 100 is compressed by the first base portion 43, and the first base portion 43 presses against the projection 1711 of the first switch 171. Alternatively, instead of the first switch 171 having a projection 1711, the first operation button 4 may have a projection for pressing against the first switch 171.

[0062] In order to effectively generate the force that rotates the first shaft 45, it is desirable to press the first exposed portion 41 at a position away from the first shaft 45. For this reason, in order to promote the rotation of the first shaft 45 in the above direction, it is conceivable to position the first shaft 45 to the right of the first exposed portion 41. However, in this case, the length of the first operation button 4 in the left-right direction becomes longer, and the space required to install the first operation button 4 becomes larger.

[0063] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first shaft 45 is located below the first inclined portion 411 of the first exposed portion 41, at the same position in the left-right direction as the position where the first inclined portion 411 is provided relative to the upper surface 23. That is, the first shaft 45 is positioned inward from both ends of the first exposed portion 41. This reduces the space required to provide the first operation button 4 compared to the case where the first shaft 45 is positioned outward from both ends of the first exposed portion 41.

[0064] However, if the first shaft 45 is positioned inward from both ends of the first exposed portion 41, the first exposed portion 41 may be pressed directly above the first shaft 45. If the upper surface of the first exposed portion 41 is flat, when the first exposed portion 41 is pressed directly above the first shaft 45, no force is generated or it is difficult to generate a force that rotates the first operation button 4. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first operation button 4 is formed such that the position of the first shaft 45 and the position of the first inclined portion 411 are the same in the left-right direction. Therefore, when a user presses the first inclined portion 411 directly above the first shaft 45 vertically downward, a force is easily generated that rotates the first operation button 4. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the space required to provide the first operation button 4 while suppressing a decrease in the operability of the first operation button 4, and a portable game console 1 with an improved configuration of operation buttons provided on the upper surface 23 of the housing 2 is provided.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 restricts the movement of the first shaft 45 other than rotation via the main surface side first shaft housing 272 and the rear side first shaft housing 281. That is, the first shaft 45 is housed in the housing 2 so that it does not move downward when the first exposed portion 41 is pressed downward. In other words, the first shaft 45 is housed in the housing 2 so that the entire first exposed portion 41 does not move downward when the first exposed portion 41 is pressed downward. Therefore, space for the first shaft 45 to move vertically is not required, and the space required to provide the first operation button 4 can be further reduced.

[0066] Figure 8 is a front view of the second operation button 5. As shown in Figure 3, the first operation button 4 and the second operation button 5 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1 and have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the left-right center line CL. That is, the second operation button 5, like the first operation button 4, has a second key top portion 50, a second base portion 53, a second projection 54, a second shaft 55, and a second shaft base portion 56. The second key top portion 50, the second base portion 53, the second projection 54, the second shaft 55, and the second shaft base portion 56 are integrally molded. Also, the second key top portion 50, like the first key top portion 40, consists of a second exposed portion 51 and a second non-exposed portion 52. In Figure 8, for convenience, the second exposed portion 51 is shown with diagonal lines to distinguish it from the second non-exposed portion 52.

[0067] The second operation button 5 is supported by the housing 2 in the same way as the first operation button 4 and has the same characteristics as the first operation button 4. For example, the second exposed portion 51 has a second inclined portion 511 on the left side of the second exposed portion 51 that slopes away from the upper surface 23 from left to right, and a second flat portion 512 adjacent to the second inclined portion 511. In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 511 is inclined at the left end of the second exposed portion 51 that slopes away from the upper surface 23 from left to right. The second shaft 55 is located below the second inclined portion 511 of the second exposed portion 51 and is located at the same position in the left-right direction as the second inclined portion 511 is positioned relative to the upper surface 23. The second shaft 55 is housed in the housing 2 so as not to move downward when the second exposed portion 51 is pressed downward. In other words, the second shaft 55 is housed in the housing 2 so as not to move the entire second exposed portion 51 when the second exposed portion 51 is pressed downward. These features allow the second operation button 5 to have the same effect as the first operation button 4.

[0068] Furthermore, the configuration of the second operation button 5 (for example, the configuration of the second operation button 5, the main surface side second shaft housing portion 273, the second spring support portion 275, the rear side second shaft housing portion 282, the second spring 200, the second switch 172, etc.) can be modified in the same way as the configuration of the first operation button 4 (for example, the configuration of the first operation button 4, the main surface side first shaft housing portion 272, the first spring support portion 274, the rear side first shaft housing portion 281, the first spring 100, the first switch 171, etc.).

[0069] <Second Embodiment> The portable game console according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the portable game console according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below focusing on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 9 is a front view of a portable game console 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a top view of the portable game console 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the housing 2' of the portable game console 1' has a main surface 21', a back surface 22', and side surfaces, the side surfaces having a top surface 23', a bottom surface 24', a left surface 25', and a right surface 26'. The housing 2' includes a first housing 27' and a second housing 28', and is formed by combining the first housing 27' and the second housing 28'.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the upper surface 23' of the housing 2' has a left upper corner 233, a right upper corner 234, and a horizontal section 235 between the left upper corner 233 and the right upper corner 234. The left upper corner 233 has a rounded R shape and is connected to the left surface 25'. The right upper corner 234 has a rounded R shape and is connected to the right surface 26'. The horizontal section 235 is a flat surface and is smoothly connected to the left upper corner 233 and the right upper corner 234. The left upper corner 233 and the right upper corner 234 may each have a chamfered shape.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the portable game console 1' further includes a third operation button 11 and a fourth operation button 12 as operating members provided on the upper surface 23' of the housing 2'. The third operation button 11 is positioned to the left of the first operation button 4 on the upper surface 23' of the housing 2'. In this embodiment, the first operation button 4 is positioned on the horizontal portion 235 of the upper surface 23', and the third operation button 11 is positioned on the upper left corner 233 of the upper surface 23'. On the other hand, the fourth operation button 12 is positioned to the right of the second operation button 5 on the upper surface 23' of the housing 2'. In this embodiment, the second operation button 5 is positioned on the horizontal portion 235 of the upper surface 23', and the fourth operation button 12 is positioned on the upper right corner 234 of the upper surface 23'. By arranging the first operation button 4, the second operation button 5, the third operation button 11, and the fourth operation button 12 in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the housing 2' in this way, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the portable game console 1'. Furthermore, since the first operation button 4, the second operation button 5, the third operation button 11, and the fourth operation button 12 do not protrude from the housing 2' in the front-to-back direction (thickness direction), the back of the portable game console 1' can be made flat.

[0073] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the first housing 27' has, in addition to holes 271a to 271j, a hole 271k for passing the third operation button 11 and a hole 271l for passing the fourth operation button 12. Hole 271k is open at the upper left corner 233 of the housing 2', and hole 271l is open at the upper right corner 234 of the housing 2'.

[0074] Figure 11 is a rear view of the portable game console 1' showing the inside of housing 2' with the second housing 28' removed. Figure 11 shows the portable game console 1' with the second housing 28' removed. Note that some internal components of the portable game console 1' are omitted in Figure 11.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, the portable game console 1' includes, as internal components, a first switch 171, a second switch 172, a first spring 100, and a second spring 200, as well as a third switch 173, a fourth switch 174, a third spring 300, and a fourth spring 400. The third switch 173 is located directly below the third operation button 11 in the internal space of the housing 2' and is pressed by the third operation button 11. The fourth switch 174 is located directly below the fourth operation button 12 in the internal space of the housing 2' and is pressed by the fourth operation button 12. The third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1'. In this embodiment, the third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 have the same shape as the first switch 171 and the second switch 172. The third switch 173 is positioned to the left of the third spring 300, and the fourth switch 174 is positioned to the right of the fourth spring 400. The third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 are mounted on a circuit board (specifically, the rear surface of the circuit board) housed in, for example, the housing 2'. The third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 are, for example, tact switches. Note that the third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 may have different shapes from each other.

[0076] The third spring 300 is positioned directly below the third operation button 11 in the internal space of the housing 2' and biases the third operation button 11 upward. The fourth spring 400 is positioned directly below the fourth operation button 12 in the internal space of the housing 2' and biases the fourth operation button 12 upward. The third spring 300 and the fourth spring 400 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1. The third spring 300 and the fourth spring 400 are, for example, compression coil springs. However, the third spring 300 and the fourth spring 400 may have different shapes from each other. In another embodiment, the third operation button 11 and the fourth operation button 12 may be biased upward by other elastic bodies or other structures instead of, or in addition to, the springs. For example, if the third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 are tact switches, they may be biased upward by the dome portion, and if the third switch 173 and the fourth switch 174 are rubber switches, they may be biased upward by the key rubber.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the first housing 27' further includes a main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 and a main surface-side fourth shaft housing portion 277. The main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 and the main surface-side fourth shaft housing portion 277 are provided on the rear surface (back surface) of the first housing 27'. The main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 and the main surface-side fourth shaft housing portion 277 each protrude from the back surface of the first housing 27' toward the internal space of the housing 2'. At least one of the main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 and the main surface-side fourth shaft housing portion 277 is separate from the first housing 27' and may be attached to the back surface of the first housing 27' by fasteners (e.g., screws), adhesive members (e.g., adhesive, adhesive tape, etc.).

[0078] The main surface-side third axis housing portion 276 and the main surface-side fourth axis housing portion 277 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1'. The functions of the main surface-side third axis housing portion 276 and the main surface-side fourth axis housing portion 277 will be described later.

[0079] Figure 12 is a front view of the second housing 28' showing its inner surface. As shown in Figure 12, the second housing 28' further has a rear-side third shaft housing portion 283 and a rear-side fourth shaft housing portion 284. The rear-side third shaft housing portion 283 and the rear-side fourth shaft housing portion 284 are provided on the surface (inner surface) of the second housing 28' on the main surface 21' side. The rear-side third shaft housing portion 283 and the rear-side fourth shaft housing portion 284 each protrude from the inner surface of the second housing 28' toward the internal space of the housing 2'. At least one of the rear-side third shaft housing portion 283 and the rear-side fourth shaft housing portion 284 is separate from the second housing 28' and may be attached to the inner surface of the second housing 28' by fasteners (e.g., screws), adhesive members (e.g., adhesive, adhesive tape, etc.).

[0080] The rear-side third axis housing 283 and the rear-side fourth axis housing 284 have the same shape and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1'. When the first housing 27' and the second housing 28' are combined, the rear-side third axis housing 283 faces the main-side third axis housing 276, and the rear-side fourth axis housing 284 faces the main-side fourth axis housing 277. The rear-side third axis housing 283, together with the main-side third axis housing 276, supports the third operation button 11, and the rear-side fourth axis housing 284, together with the main-side fourth axis housing 277, supports the fourth operation button 12. Note that the main-side third axis housing 276 and the main-side fourth axis housing 277 may have different shapes. Also, the rear-side third axis housing 283 and the rear-side fourth axis housing 284 may have different shapes.

[0081] The configurations of the third operation button 11 and the fourth operation button 12 will be described in detail below. The third operation button 11 is supported in the housing 2' so as to be able to move in a straight line and rotate, and the third switch 173 is pressed by a straight line or rotational operation by the user. The fourth operation button 12 is supported in the housing 2' so as to be able to move in a straight line and rotate, and the fourth switch 174 is pressed by a straight line or rotational operation by the user.

[0082] Figure 13 is a front view of the third operation button 11, and Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the third operation button 11. The third operation button 11 has a third key top portion 110, a third base portion 113, a third projection 114, a third shaft 115, and a third shaft base portion 116. The third key top portion 110, the third base portion 113, the third projection 114, the third shaft 115, and the third shaft base portion 116 are integrally molded.

[0083] The third keytop portion 110 is the portion located outward when the third operation button 11 is provided on the portable game console 1'. The third keytop portion 110 is contacted by the user's finger (typically the left index finger) when the user operates the third operation button 11. The third keytop portion 110 is smaller than the hole 271k in the housing 2'. The third keytop portion 110 penetrates the hole 271k and is partially exposed from the housing 2'.

[0084] The third keytop portion 110 consists of a third exposed portion 111 that is exposed from the housing 2' and a third non-exposed portion 112 that is not exposed from the housing 2'. The third exposed portion 111 is located outside the upper surface 23', and the third non-exposed portion 112 is located on the interior side of the upper surface 23'. In Figure 13, for convenience, the third exposed portion 111 is shown with diagonal lines to distinguish it from the third non-exposed portion 112. Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the portion in Figure 11 where the third operation button 11 is provided. As shown in Figure 15, the third exposed portion 111 extends along the upper left corner 233 of the housing 2' on the outside of the housing 2'.

[0085] As is clear from Figure 9, the right end of the third exposed portion 111 of the third operation button 11 is positioned to the left of the left end of the first exposed portion 41 of the first operation button 4 on the upper surface 23'. When the first operation button 4 is operated by the user, the first operation button 4 rotates so that the left end of the first exposed portion 41 goes down. In such a rotational operation, the user's left hand fingers tend to move to the left compared to an operation to push the first operation button 4 vertically downward. Therefore, by positioning the third exposed portion 111 to the left of the first exposed portion 41 of the first operation button 4, which can only rotate, continuous button operation from the first operation button 4 to the third operation button 11 can be facilitated.

[0086] The third base portion 113 is located below the third keytop portion 110, and the third keytop portion 110 protrudes outward from the upper surface of the third base portion 113. The third base portion 113 is larger than the hole 271k of the housing 2' and is positioned within the internal space of the housing 2'. The third base portion 113 has a shape that follows the upper left corner portion 233 of the housing 2', and its upper surface contacts the inner surface of the housing 2' due to the biasing force of the third spring 300. This prevents the third operation button 11 from falling into the internal space of the housing 2' and failing to return to its original position when the third operation button 11 is pressed down.

[0087] The third projection 114 has a substantially cylindrical shape and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the third base portion 113. The third projection 114 faces the third switch 173 in the internal space of the housing 2'. As shown in Figure 15, the third switch 173 has a projection 1731 that extends toward the third base portion 113 of the third operation button 11. The third projection 114 presses the projection 1731 of the third switch 173 when the third operation button 11 is operated. Note that the third switch 173 may have a different shape from the first switch 171, and the third projection 114 may be omitted as long as the projection 1731 of the third switch 173 is formed to be pressed by the third base portion 113, etc.

[0088] The third shaft base 116 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the third base portion 113. The third shaft 115 protrudes forward from the front surface of the third shaft base 116 and backward from the rear surface of the third shaft base 116. That is, the third shaft 115 extends in the front-rear direction from the third shaft base 116. The third shaft 115 is connected to the third base portion 113 and the third key top portion 110 via the third shaft base 116. The third shaft 115 has a cylindrical shape and serves as the pivot point of the third operation button 11. That is, the third operation button 11 rotates around the third shaft 115 relative to the housing 2'.

[0089] The third shaft 115 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 2'. The third shaft 115 extends in the front-rear direction and is positioned to the right of the third switch 173 in the internal space of the housing 2'. As shown in Figure 15, one end (lower end) of the third spring 300 is housed in a recess of the main surface side third shaft housing 276, and the other end (upper end) of the third spring 300 abuts against the third shaft 115. That is, the third shaft 115 is supported by the housing 2' via the third spring 300. The main surface side third shaft housing 276 allows the expansion and contraction of the third spring 300 while restricting its lateral movement. This suppresses displacement of the third spring 300.

[0090] Furthermore, one end (front end) of the third shaft 115 is housed in the main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 of the first housing 27', and the other end (rear end) of the third shaft 115 is housed in the rear surface-side third shaft housing portion 283 of the second housing 28'. Specifically, the main surface-side third shaft housing portion 276 has a housing hole that extends in the vertical direction, into which the front end of the third shaft 115 is housed, and the rear surface-side third shaft housing portion 283 has a housing hole that extends in the vertical direction, into which the rear end of the third shaft 115 is housed.

[0091] When the third operation button 11 is attached to the housing 2', the front end of the third shaft 115 is first housed in the main surface side third shaft housing 276, and the third shaft 115 moves upward within the housing hole of the main surface side third shaft housing 276 in order to expose the third exposed portion 111 from the housing 2' through the hole 271k. When the third shaft 115 is biased by the third spring 300 with the third exposed portion 111 exposed from the housing 2', the state of the third operation button 11 is maintained. Next, when the second housing 28' is fastened to the first housing 27', the rear end of the third shaft 115 is housed in the rear side third shaft housing 283. As a result, the main surface side third shaft housing 276 and the rear side third shaft housing 283 restrict the lateral movement of the third shaft 115 while allowing linear movement (vertical movement) and rotation of the third shaft 115. Therefore, the third shaft 115 has two degrees of freedom: linear motion and rotation. The third operation button 11 may have a shaft housing, and the housing 2' may have a third shaft that serves as the rotation center of the third operation button 11.

[0092] When a force is applied to the third operating button 11 that moves the third shaft 115 downward against the biasing force of the third spring 300, for example, when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed vertically downward near the top of the third shaft 115, the third shaft 115 moves downward within the housing holes of the main surface third shaft housing portion 276 and the rear surface third shaft housing portion 283. On the other hand, when such force is released, the third shaft 115 moves upward within the housing holes of the main surface third shaft housing portion 276 and the rear surface third shaft housing portion 283. Therefore, the third shaft 115 is housed in the housing 2' such that the entire third exposed portion 111 sinks in when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward. In other words, the third operation button 11 is capable of linear motion such that the entire third exposed portion 111 sinks when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downwards, and the user presses the third switch 173 with this linear motion. In this case, a different operating feel is created between the first operation button 4, to which linear motion is not applied, and the third operation button 11, to which linear motion is applied. Therefore, confusion between the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 by the user can be suppressed, and consequently, accidental button presses by the user can be suppressed.

[0093] On the other hand, when a force is applied to the third operating button 11 that rotates the third shaft 115 so that the left end of the third exposed portion 111 sinks in, for example, when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward to the left of the third shaft 115, the third shaft 115 rotates within the housing holes of the main surface side third shaft housing portion 276 and the rear side third shaft housing portion 283. Therefore, in this embodiment, the third shaft 115 is housed in the housing 2' so that it can move linearly so that the entire third exposed portion 111 sinks in when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward, and so that it can rotate so that the left end of the third exposed portion 111 sinks in when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward. In other words, the third operation button 11 is linearly movable so that the entire third exposed portion 111 sinks when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward, and is rotatable so that the left end of the third exposed portion 111 sinks when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward, and the third switch 173 is pressed by the user through linear or rotational operation. Therefore, the third operation button 11 can be operated in two different modes, further improving the operability of the third operation button 11.

[0094] Furthermore, as described above, the third exposed portion 111 extends outside the housing 2 along the upper left corner 233 of the housing 2. This makes it easier to generate a force that rotates the third shaft 115 when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed, further improving the operability of the third operation button 11.

[0095] Furthermore, the third shaft 115 is positioned between the right end and the center of the third exposed portion 111 in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the third shaft 115 is positioned outside both ends of the third exposed portion 111, the space required to install the third operation button 11 can be reduced. In addition, the left-right distance from the first operation button 4 to the third shaft 115 can be shortened, making it easier to press down the third operation button 11 after operating the first operation button 4 (linear operation).

[0096] Figure 16 is a front view of the fourth operation button 12. As shown in Figure 11, the third operation button 11 and the fourth operation button 12 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1' and have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the left-right center line CL. That is, the fourth operation button 12, like the third operation button 11, has a fourth key top portion 120, a fourth base portion 123, a fourth projection 124, a fourth shaft 125, and a fourth shaft base portion 126. The fourth key top portion 120, the fourth base portion 123, the fourth projection 124, the fourth shaft 125, and the fourth shaft base portion 126 are integrally molded. Also, the fourth key top portion 120, like the third key top portion 110, consists of a fourth exposed portion 121 and a fourth non-exposed portion 122. In Figure 16, for convenience, the fourth exposed portion 121 is shown with diagonal lines to distinguish it from the fourth non-exposed portion 122.

[0097] The fourth operation button 12 is supported by the housing 2' in the same way as the third operation button 11 and has the same characteristics as the third operation button 11. For example, as is clear from Figure 9, the left end of the fourth exposed portion 121 of the fourth operation button 12 is positioned to the right of the right end of the second exposed portion 51 of the second operation button 5 on the upper surface 23'. The fourth exposed portion 121 also extends outside the housing 2' along the upper right corner 234 of the housing 2'. The fourth shaft 125 is housed in the housing 2' so as to be linearly movable so that the entire fourth exposed portion 121 sinks when the fourth exposed portion 121 is pressed downward, and so as to be rotatable so that the right end of the fourth exposed portion 121 sinks when the fourth exposed portion 121 is pressed downward. In other words, the fourth operation button 12 is linearly movable so that the entire fourth exposed portion 121 sinks when the fourth exposed portion 121 is pressed downward, and is rotatable so that the right end of the fourth exposed portion 121 sinks when the fourth exposed portion 121 is pressed downward, and the fourth switch 174 is pressed by a linear or rotational operation by the user. Due to these features, the fourth operation button 12 has the same effect as the third operation button 11.

[0098] Furthermore, the configuration of the fourth operation button 12 (for example, the configuration of the fourth operation button 12, the main surface side fourth shaft housing 277, the rear side fourth shaft housing 284, the fourth spring 400, the fourth switch 174, etc.) can be modified in the same way as the configuration of the third operation button 11 (for example, the configuration of the third operation button 11, the main surface side third shaft housing 276, the rear side third shaft housing 283, the third spring 300, the third switch 173, etc.).

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 are positioned within the range of the user's left index finger when the user's left hand is placed on the left side 25' of the housing 2. This makes it possible to operate the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 with the index finger, thereby improving the operability of the portable game console 1'. It is also possible to operate both the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 simultaneously with one finger by rotating the first operation button 4 with the fingertip and pressing down on the third operation button 11 with the pad of the finger. Moreover, it is also possible to operate both the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 simultaneously with one finger by rotating the first operation button 4 with the fingertip or the pad of the finger and rotating the third operation button 11 with the part of the finger between the first and third joints.

[0100] The second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 are positioned within the range of the user's right index finger when the user's right hand is resting on the right side 26' of the housing 2. This makes it possible to operate the second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 with one finger, improving the operability of the portable game console 1'. It is also possible to operate both the second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 simultaneously with one finger by rotating the second operation button 5 with the fingertip while pressing down on the fourth operation button 12 with the pad of the finger. Furthermore, it is also possible to operate both the second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 simultaneously with one finger by rotating the second operation button 5 with the fingertip or the pad of the finger and rotating the fourth operation button 12 with the part of the finger between the first and third joints.

[0101] Furthermore, when the index finger is placed at an angle to the top surface 23', the tip of the index finger is more offset from the center of the top surface 23' in the front-to-back direction than the base of the index finger. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the length in the front-to-back direction of the first exposed portion 41 of the first operation button 4, which is farther from the left surface 25', is made longer than the length in the front-to-back direction of the third exposed portion 111 of the third operation button 11, which is closer to the left surface 25', and the length in the front-to-back direction of the second exposed portion 51 of the second operation button 5, which is farther from the right surface 26', is made longer than the length in the front-to-back direction of the fourth exposed portion 121 of the fourth operation button 12, which is closer to the right surface 26'. In other words, the length of the first exposed portion 41 is longer than the length of the third exposed portion 111 in the front-to-back direction, and the length of the second exposed portion 51 is longer than the length of the fourth exposed portion 121 in the front-to-back direction. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in operability of the first operation button 4 and the second operation button 5 when the index finger is placed at an angle to the top surface 23'.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the position of the front end of the first exposed portion 41 is equal to the position of the front end of the third exposed portion 111 in the front-rear direction, and the position of the front end of the second exposed portion 51 is equal to the position of the front end of the fourth exposed portion 121 in the front-rear direction. This makes it easy to operate both the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 simultaneously with the index finger, and also makes it easy to operate both the second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 simultaneously with the index finger.

[0103] The following describes specific dimensions for the arrangement of the first operation button 4, the second operation button 5, the third operation button 11, and the fourth operation button 12. Note that the dimensions below are merely examples, and the actual dimensions for the arrangement of the first operation button 4, the second operation button 5, the third operation button 11, and the fourth operation button 12 may be outside the range of the values ​​shown below. Figure 17 is a partially enlarged front view of the portable game console 1' showing the area where the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 are located.

[0104] In this embodiment, the distance in the left-right direction from the right end of the first exposed portion 41 to the left end of the third exposed portion 111 (distance D in Figure 17) is set to 30 mm to 40 mm. This dimension allows a typical user to operate the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 with their index finger, thereby improving the operation of the portable game console 1'.

[0105] Furthermore, the left-right distance (distance B in Figure 17) between the first exposed portion 41 and the third exposed portion 111 is set to 3 mm to 10 mm. This dimension allows for continuous operation of the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11, while preventing the user from unintentionally pressing both buttons simultaneously. This dimension also allows the index finger to be in contact with both the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 when they are not being pressed. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the positions of the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 through their index finger, enabling quick operation of both buttons.

[0106] Furthermore, the length of the first exposed portion 41 in the left-right direction (distance C in Figure 17) is set to 10 mm to 15 mm, which is longer than the left-right distance between the first exposed portion 41 and the third exposed portion 111. This makes it possible to secure the surface area of ​​the first exposed portion 41 within a limited space, thereby improving the operability of the first operation button 4.

[0107] Furthermore, the length of the third exposed portion 111 in the left-right direction (distance A in Figure 17) is set to 15 mm to 20 mm. By setting the distance of the third exposed portion 111 of the third operation button 11, which is configured to be both linearly movable and rotatable, to 15 mm to 20 mm, it is possible to easily operate the third operation button 11 using two types of operation methods: linear operation and rotational operation (for example, linear operation using the pad of the finger and rotational operation using the space between the first and third joints of the finger).

[0108] Furthermore, the length of the third exposed portion 111 in the left-right direction is made longer than the left-right distance between the first exposed portion 41 and the third exposed portion 111, and the left-right length of the first exposed portion 41. This makes it possible to secure the surface area of ​​the third exposed portion 111 within a limited space, thereby improving the operability of the third operation button 11. In addition, the surface length of the third exposed portion 111, which follows the shape of the upper left corner portion 233 of the housing 2, is set to 20 mm to 25 mm.

[0109] The second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 are positioned symmetrically to the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11 with respect to the left-right center line CL of the portable game console 1'. Therefore, the dimensions of the second operation button 5 and the fourth operation button 12 are the same as the dimensions of the first operation button 4 and the third operation button 11, and the same effect as described above is achieved.

[0110] As an example, the left-right distance from the left end of the second exposed portion 51 to the right end of the fourth exposed portion 121 is set to 30 mm to 40 mm. The left-right spacing between the second exposed portion 51 and the fourth exposed portion 121 is set to 3 mm to 10 mm. The left-right length of the second exposed portion 51 is set to 10 mm to 15 mm, which is longer than the left-right spacing between the second exposed portion 51 and the fourth exposed portion 121. The left-right length of the fourth exposed portion 121 is set to 15 mm to 20 mm, which is longer than the left-right spacing between the second exposed portion 51 and the fourth exposed portion 121 and the left-right length of the second exposed portion 51. The surface length of the fourth exposed portion 121 along the shape of the upper right corner portion 234 of the housing 2 may be set to 20 mm to 25 mm.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the third operation button 11 and the fourth operation button 12 may be configured not to rotate. That is, the third operation button 11 and the fourth operation button 12 may have only one degree of freedom, which is linear motion (movement in the vertical direction). In this case, the third axis 115 of the third operation button 11 is omitted, and the third operation button 11 is supported by the housing 2' such that when the third exposed portion 111 is pressed downward, the entire third exposed portion 111 sinks downward. For example, the third base portion 113 of the third operation button 11 is supported by the housing 2' via the third spring 300. Also, the fourth axis 125 of the fourth operation button 12 is omitted, and the fourth operation button 12 is supported by the housing 2' such that when the fourth exposed portion 121 is pressed downward, the entire fourth exposed portion 121 sinks downward. For example, the fourth base portion 123 of the fourth operation button 12 is supported by the housing 2' via the fourth spring 400.

[0112] <Other Embodiments> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made.

[0113] For example, in the first embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the upper surface 23 of the housing 2 may have a left upper corner, a right upper corner, and a horizontal portion between the left upper corner and the right upper corner. In this case, the first operation button 4 may be located in the left upper corner, and the second operation button 5 may be located in the right upper corner. Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the entire upper surface 23 of the housing 2' may be a flat surface. In this case, the third exposed portion 111 of the third operation button 11 and the fourth exposed portion 121 of the fourth operation button 12 extend along the flat surface.

[0114] Furthermore, the housings 2, 2' may include three or more members (for example, a main surface member, a back surface member, and a connecting member, etc.) and be formed by combining these members. Also, an air intake or the like may be formed on the lower surfaces 24, 24' of the housings 2, 2' to draw air into the internal space of the housings 2, 2'. In addition, internal components may be attached to the second housings 28, 28', and the first housings 27, 27' may cover the internal components attached to the second housings 28, 28'. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1.1' Handheld game console 2, 2' Housing 21, 21' Main surface 22, 22' back 23, 23' top surface 24, 24' bottom side 25, 25' left side 26, 26' right side 3 displays 4. First operation button 41 1st exposed part 411 1st slope section 45 1st axis 5. Second operation button 51 2nd exposed part 511 2nd slope part 55 2nd axis

Claims

1. It is a portable game console, The display and A first operation button and a second operation button operated by the user, A housing having a main surface on which the display is provided, a rear surface located opposite the main surface, and a side surface connecting the main surface and the rear surface. Equipped with, The aforementioned side surface has an upper surface located above the user when the portable game console is held by the user so that it is facing the main surface, a lower surface located opposite the upper surface, a left surface located to the left of the user in the aforementioned state, and a right surface located opposite the left surface. The first operation button is located on the upper surface in an area closer to the left surface than to the right surface, and the second operation button is located on the upper surface in an area closer to the right surface than to the left surface. The first operation button has a first exposed portion that is exposed from the housing and a first axis that serves as the pivot point of the first operation button. The first exposed portion has a first inclined portion on the right side of the first exposed portion that slopes away from the upper surface from the right side toward the left side, The first shaft is located on the lower side of the first inclined portion, at the same position in the left-right direction between the left and right surfaces as the first inclined portion is located relative to the upper surface, and is housed in the housing such that when the first exposed portion is pressed in the direction toward the lower surface, the left side end of the first exposed portion sinks in, and the entire first exposed portion does not move in the direction toward the lower surface. The second operating button has a second exposed portion that is exposed from the housing and a second axis that serves as the pivot point of the second operating button. The second exposed portion has a second inclined portion on the left side of the second exposed portion that slopes away from the upper surface from the left side toward the right side, A portable game console wherein the second shaft is located on the lower side of the second inclined portion at the same position in the left-right direction as the position where the second inclined portion is provided relative to the upper surface, and the second exposed portion is rotatable in a direction such that the right side end of the second exposed portion sinks in when the second exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and the entire second exposed portion is housed in the housing so as not to move in the downward direction.

2. It further includes a third and fourth operation button operated by the user, The third operation button has a third exposed portion that is exposed from the housing, and the fourth operation button has a fourth exposed portion that is exposed from the housing. The portable game console according to claim 1, wherein on the upper surface, the right side end of the third exposed portion is positioned to the left of the left side end of the first exposed portion, and on the upper surface, the left side end of the fourth exposed portion is positioned to the right of the right side end of the second exposed portion.

3. The portable game console according to claim 2, wherein the third operation button is linearly movable such that the entire third exposed portion sinks in when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and the fourth operation button is linearly movable such that the entire fourth exposed portion sinks in when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction.

4. The third operating button has a third axis which is the pivot point of the third operating button, and the third axis is housed in the housing so as to be linearly movable such that the entire third exposed portion sinks when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and so as to be rotatable such that the left side end of the third exposed portion sinks when the third exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction. The portable game console according to claim 3, wherein the fourth operation button has a fourth axis which is the pivot point of the fourth operation button, and the fourth axis is housed in the housing so as to be linearly movable such that the entire fourth exposed portion sinks when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction, and so as to be rotatable such that the right side end of the fourth exposed portion sinks when the fourth exposed portion is pressed in the downward direction.

5. The upper surface has a left upper corner portion connected to the left surface and having an R-shape or chamfered shape, and a right upper corner portion connected to the right surface and having an R-shape or chamfered shape. The third exposed portion extends along the upper left corner on the outside of the housing, The portable game console according to claim 4, wherein the fourth exposed portion extends along the upper right corner outside the housing.

6. The first exposed portion and the third exposed portion are positioned within the range to which the index finger of the user's left hand extends when the user's left hand is placed on the left side. The portable game console according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion are positioned within the range to which the index finger of the user's right hand extends when the user's right hand is placed on the right side.

7. The distance in the left-right direction from the right side end of the first exposed portion to the left side end of the third exposed portion is 30 mm to 40 mm. The portable game console according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the distance in the left-right direction from the left side end of the second exposed portion to the right side end of the fourth exposed portion is 30 mm to 40 mm.

8. In the front-rear direction between the main surface and the back surface, the length of the first exposed portion is longer than the length of the third exposed portion. The portable game console according to claim 6, wherein the length of the second exposed portion is longer than the length of the fourth exposed portion in the front-to-back direction.

9. In the front-rear direction, the position of the main surface side end of the first exposed portion is equal to the position of the main surface side end of the third exposed portion. The portable game console according to claim 8, wherein in the front-to-back direction, the position of the main surface side end of the second exposed portion is equal to the position of the main surface side end of the fourth exposed portion.

10. The distance between the first exposed portion and the third exposed portion in the left-right direction is 3 mm to 10 mm. The portable game console according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion in the left-right direction is 3 mm to 10 mm.

11. The length of the first exposed portion in the left-right direction is longer than the distance between the first exposed portion and the third exposed portion in the left-right direction, and the length of the second exposed portion in the left-right direction is longer than the distance between the second exposed portion and the fourth exposed portion. The portable game console according to claim 10, wherein the length of the third exposed portion in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the first exposed portion in the left-right direction, and the length of the fourth exposed portion in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the second exposed portion in the left-right direction.

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