Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device that enables a user to quickly recognize functions assigned to operation buttons. A controller (2000) has: a main body (2100); a plurality of second operation buttons (2120, 3200) that are attached to the main body and have an upper surface portion that can be pressed downward; and mark members (2400, 3400) that can be attached to and detached from the plurality of second operation buttons. Each mark member has a top portion (2401, 3401) on which a mark is indicated for the user to recognize the functions assigned to the plurality of second operation buttons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and an assembly of an operation button and a marking member thereof.

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 Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an application, for example, the assignment of functions corresponding to operation buttons can be changed. However, the function of an operation button after the assignment of the function is changed may not be known just by looking at the operation button.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device that allows a user to quickly recognize the function assigned to an operation button.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The input device according to the present disclosure includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pushed downward, and a mark portion member that is detachable from the plurality of operation buttons and has a top portion on which marks for the user to recognize the functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons are represented. Each of the plurality of operation buttons has an opening formed in the upper surface portion, and the mark portion member has a fitting convex portion that protrudes downward from the top portion and fits into the opening. According to this, the user can quickly recognize the functions assigned to the operation buttons.

[0007] Also, the input device according to the present disclosure includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pushed downward, and a mark portion member that is detachable from the plurality of operation buttons and has a top portion on which marks for the user to recognize the functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons are represented. The mark portion member is detachable at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion than the central portion of the upper surface portion. According to this, the user can quickly recognize the functions assigned to the operation buttons.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

BEST 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 an input device for games with respect to information processing devices such as servers and consoles having an execution function of game applications (game programs), for example. The controller 2000 may be used as an input device for information processing devices having functions such as video playback functions and communication functions via the Internet. The controller 2000 can communicate with the information processing device by wire 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 same as the above-described controller 200 0 and can be used to input a control signal to the console 202 or the server 300. Each component of the controller 2000 described later may also be made of 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 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 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 shapes and relative positional relationships 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 FIG. 1, the controller 2000 has a main body, which includes a main body 2100 (base) where a plurality of operation buttons are arranged, and a stick unit 2200 (analog stick unit) connected thereto. In a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the left - right direction), the stick unit 2200 is arranged adjacent to the main body 2100. The main body 2100 and the stick unit 2200 may be arranged on a predetermined horizontal plane, such as on the floor, on a table, or on the user's thigh. The stick unit 2200 has a slide portion 2210 that extends in the left - right direction (a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) and is connected to the main body 2100. The stick unit 2200 is generally in a dome - shaped that bulges upward, and has an operation stick 2220 at the top located at its central part.

[0013] The main body 2100 has a storage recess (not shown) at its bottom for storing the slide portion 2210, and the slide portion 2210 can move relative to the storage recess in its extending direction. Thus, the stick unit 2200 can move relative to the main body 2100 in the extending direction of the slide portion 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 FIG. 10) for detecting a pressing operation on a plurality of operation buttons attached thereto and a plurality of second circuit boards 2380 (see FIGS. 9B and 10). The first circuit board 2190 and the plurality of second circuit boards 2380 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown).

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 2100 of the controller 2000 has, on it, a first operation button (central control button) 2110 serving as an operation unit for the user to perform operations, and a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (peripheral control buttons) (second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E described later) serving as operation units for the user to perform operations. The main body 2100 is circular in plan view, and the first operation button 2110 and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100. The first operation button 2110 is also circular in plan view. The first operation button 2110 is provided at the center of the main body 2100. As shown in FIG. 2, outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, a part of the outer surface (upper surface portion 2101) of the main body 2100 is exposed. The first operation button 2110 has a larger upper surface portion than the plurality of second operation buttons 2120, and is formed in a dome shape in which its central portion bulges gently upward. By making the size and shape of the first operation button 2110 like this, it is easy for the user to place their hand on the first operation button 2110. The first operation button 2110 can contribute as a button for the user to place their hand on.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, in a plan view, a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are arranged along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. In a plan view, the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are arranged in an arc along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 in a state of being attached to the main body 2100. Each second operation button 2120 has an arcuate outer peripheral edge 2121 and an inner peripheral edge 2122. The outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 is disposed outside the main body 2100 beyond the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 in a state where the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100. The inner peripheral edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120 is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 in a state where the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100. The plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are formed in a tapered shape in which the length of the outer peripheral edge 2121 is larger than that of the inner peripheral edge 2122, and the width in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 gradually decreases from the outer peripheral edge 2121 toward the inner peripheral edge 2122. The side edge of the second operation button 2120 (the side edge connected to the end of the outer peripheral edge 2121 and the end of the inner peripheral edge 2122) extends along the radial direction of the main body 2100 toward the center of the main body 2100. By shaping the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 in this way, the gap between two adjacent second operation buttons 2120 can be made uniform in a state where the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, each outer peripheral edge 2121 of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 is disposed outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and forms an arcuate outer edge along the outer peripheral edge C1 thereof. An opening H1 to which a mark member 2400 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B), which will be described later, is attached is formed in the upper surface portion of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120. In each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed at a position closer to the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 than the central portion of the second operation button 2120. The opening H1 is formed at the central position in the width direction (circumferential direction of the main body 2100) of the second operation button 2120 . A part of the opening H1 is formed in the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, among the plurality of 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 arranged outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 and form an arc-shaped inner edge along the outer peripheral edge C2 thereof.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of second operation buttons 2120A have 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 in a state where the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100. By shaping the second operation button 2120 in this way, the upper surface portion, which is the operation surface of the second operation button 2120A, can be formed widely. For example, when the operation button is small and the surface is narrow like an existing input device, it may be difficult for some users to operate. In this regard, by forming the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120A widely, it becomes easier to press the button, and for users who feel uncomfortable with the operation comfort of existing input devices, the operation of the controller 2000 including the second operation button 2120A can be made comfortable. Also, since the lower surface portion (for example, the lower surface portion 2124A in FIG. 4A described later) of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120 is exposed, the user can hook a hand, a part of the body, a tool, etc. from the lower surface portion side of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120 and lift the second operation button 2120 from the main body 2100. As will be described later, the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100 by being lifted.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-type second operation button 2120E extends inside the main body 2100 beyond the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. As shown in FIG. 12, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an overhanging portion 2132E on the upper surface portion 2123E (second upper surface portion) of the E-type second operation button 2120E that covers a part of the upper surface portion (first upper surface portion) of the first operation button 2110. In plan view, the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D do not overlap the first operation button 2110, and the E-type second operation button 2120E overlaps the first operation button 2110 at the overhanging portion 2132E. By doing so, the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120E becomes larger in the direction toward the central portion of the main body 2100. As a result, the distance from the E-type second operation button 2120E to the second operation button 2120 arranged on the opposite side across the first operation button 2110 becomes smaller, and it becomes easier for the user to operate the second operation button 2120E and the second operation button 2120 located on the opposite side while placing a hand on the first operation button 2110. The arrangement position of the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120 with respect to the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 (for example, the size of the overhanging portion 2132E) can be appropriately set according to the ease of use for the user. E The arrangement position of the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120 (for example, the size of the overhanging portion 2132E) can be appropriately set according to the ease of use for the user.

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

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 and the operation stick 22 from the controller 2000 2It is an exploded perspective view showing the state where 0 is disassembled. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can all be removed from the main body 2100. Also, the operation stick 2220 can be removed from the stick unit 2200. For example, an operation stick with a hole provided at the end can be attached to the stick unit 2200. By passing a string through the hole of the operation stick and having the user wear the string or a fixture (e.g., a band) to which the string is attached, for a user who feels that it is difficult to operate the existing operation stick, the operation of the operation stick may become easier and more comfortable.

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

[0023] As will be described later, each of the type-A to type-E second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E has a shape corresponding to the button receiving portion 2301 at its bottom. A user of the controller 2000 can select and attach a desired second operation button 2120 from among a plurality of types of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of type A to type E to the portion of the main body 2100 where the button receiving portion 2301 is provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user can change the arrangement of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E on the main body 2100. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the number of button receiving portions 2301 is eight, 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 to the main body 2100.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, in the first operation button 2110, a plurality of identification information display portions 2111 in which identification information such as numbers appears are formed on an outer peripheral portion including the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The identification information display portion 2111 is formed at a position corresponding to the button receiving portion 2301. The identification information display portion 2111 is formed at a position corresponding to the button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. Therefore, the user can grasp the identification information assigned to the button receiving portion 2301 by checking the identification information of the identification information display portion 2111. In the example shown in FIG. 3, different numbers from "1" to "8" are shown as the identification information, but the identification information is not limited to Arabic numerals and may be Roman numerals or other types of characters or symbols. Further, the identification information may be formed by a braille pattern or embossing so that it can be identified by the user touching it.

[0025] A switch is provided in the button receptacle portion 2301, as will be described later. In an application (for example, a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or a server with which the controller 2000 communicates, the switch of the button receptacle portion 2301 corresponding to the function of the application can be set, or the assignment of the switch corresponding to the function can be changed. For example, the user can change the assignment of a predetermined function of the application from the switch of the button receptacle portion 2301 disposed at the position corresponding to the identification information of "1" in FIG. 3 (the same position in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100) to the switch of the button receptacle portion 2301 disposed at the position corresponding to the adjacent identification information of "2".

[0026] Each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E has a different shape. For example, the user can visually or tactilely identify which of types A to E the second operation button 2120 they touched is from the difference in the shapes of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E. Hereinafter, each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E and the structure of the button receptacle portion 2301 that receives each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

[0028] Further, FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a switch unit 2300 disposed around the first operation button 2110 in the main body 2100 and provided with a button receiving portion 2301. FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the switch unit 2300. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2. FIGS. 10 and 11 show a state in which the second operation button 2120A of type A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2, and shows a state in which the second operation button 2120E of type E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0029] First, the second operation button 2120A of type A will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the upper surface portion 2123A of the second operation button 2120A of type A includes an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A, and faces obliquely upward and in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (in the direction from the inner peripheral edge 2122A to the outer peripheral edge 2121A). The upper surface portion 2123A of the second operation button 2120A of type A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Further, the lower surface portion 2124A of the second operation button 2120A of type A includes an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an inner peripheral edge 2122A in the same manner as the upper surface portion 2023A. The lower surface portion 2124A of the second operation button 2120A of type A faces obliquely downward and in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (in the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121A to the inner peripheral edge 2122A). In the second operation button 2120A of type A, the thickness of the outer peripheral edge 2121A is larger than that of the inner peripheral edge 2122A. Further, the second operation button 2120A of type A has an inclined surface 2127A on the 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 downward and inward.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4B, the type-A second operation button 2120A has a fitting convex portion 2125A on its lower surface portion 2124A. The fitting convex portion 2125A has a shape corresponding to a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 (see FIG. 3) provided on the upper surface portion 2101 of the main body 2100. The fitting convex portion 2125A can be attached to any of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. In the second operation button 2120A, the fitting convex portion 2125A protrudes downward from the lower surface portion 2124A. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are recessed downward from the upper surface portion 2101 of the main body 2100 and have fitting concave portions 2302 (see FIG. 9A) for receiving the fitting convex portion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A. The concave-convex relationship between the fitting convex portion 2125A and the button receiving portion 2301 may be reversed.

[0031] In this embodiment, the fitting convex portion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has a first fitting portion 2126A (see FIG. 4B) at its central portion, and the button receiving portion 2301 has a second fitting portion 2303 (see FIG. 9A) at its central portion (the central portion of the fitting concave portion 2302). With the second operation button 212 0 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 central portions of the fitting protrusions 2125B to E of the second operation buttons 2120B to E, which will be described later, first fitting portions 2126B to E are formed into which the second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 fits. In FIGS. 4B and 9A, the first fitting portion 2126A is a concave portion that is recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 is a convex portion that protrudes toward the second operation button 2120A. However, the concave-convex relationship between the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 may be reversed. For example, the first fitting portion 2126A may be a convex portion that protrudes toward the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 may be a concave portion that is recessed in a direction away from the second operation button 2120A. Also, the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are rectangles with rounded corners in plan view, but the shapes of the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are not limited to this.

[0032] Next, the B-type second operation button 2120B will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the upper surface portion 2123B and the lower surface portion 2124B of the B-type second operation button 2120B include an outer peripheral edge 2121B and an inner peripheral edge 2122B. The B-type second operation button 2120B 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. Unlike the upper surface portion 2123A of the A-type second operation button 2120A, the central portion of the upper surface portion 2123B of the B-type second operation button 2120B bulges upward. Due to the bulged shape of the upper surface portion 2123B of the B-type second operation button 2120B, for some users, the B-type second operation button 2120B may be easier to operate compared to the A-type second operation button 2120A. For example, the user may operate the second operation button 2120B by sliding the hand along the upper surface portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 from the state where the hand is placed on the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. In this process, since the user's hand interferes with the upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B, the pressing operation on the B-type second operation button 2120B may be easier than the operation on the A-type second operation button 2120A.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5B, a fitting convex portion 2125B similar to the fitting convex portion 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A is also formed on the lower surface portion 2124B of the B-type second operation button 2120B. Thereby, the B-type second operation button 2120B can also be attached to all of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 at the fitting convex portion 2125B. In addition, a plurality of holes H2 are formed in the lower surface portion 2124B of the B-type second operation button 2120B, thereby reducing the weight of the B-type second operation button 2120B.

[0034] Next, the C-type second operation button 2120C will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the upper surface portion 2123C and the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C include an outer peripheral edge 2121C and an 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 portion 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C faces obliquely upward and in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C to the inner peripheral edge 2122C), which is different from the upper surface portion 2123A of the A-type second operation button 2120A. The upper surface portion 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Also, the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120 C faces obliquely downward and in the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C to the inner peripheral edge 2122C, similar to the lower surface portion 2124A of the A-type second operation button 2120A. As shown in FIG. 6A, the vertical thickness of the C-type second operation button 2120 C increases gradually from the inner peripheral edge 2122 C toward the outer peripheral edge 2121 C .

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, in a state where a plurality of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E are attached to the main body 2100, the position of the outer peripheral edge 2121C of the C-type second operation button 2120C is the highest. By doing so, for some users, the C-type second operation button 2120 C may be easier to operate compared to other second operation buttons 2120. For example, when the user slides their hand along the upper surface portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 to operate the second operation button 2120C, the user's hand interferes with the outer periphery edge 2121C of the second operation button 2120C. As a result, the pressing operation on the C-type second operation button 2120C may be easier than the operation of other second operation buttons 2120 (for example, the A-type second operation button 2120A).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6B, a fitting convex portion 2125C similar to the fitting convex portion 2125A of the type A second operation button 2120A is also formed on the lower surface portion 2124C of the type C second operation button 2120C. Thus, the type C second operation button 2120C can also be attached to all of the plurality of button receivers 2301 in the fitting convex portion 2125 C In addition, a plurality of holes H3 are formed in the lower surface portion 2124C of the type C second operation button 2120C. Thus, the type C second operation button 2120C is made lighter in weight in the same manner as the type B second operation button 2120B.

[0037] Next, the type D second operation button 2120D will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the type D second operation button 2120D, like the type A second operation button 2120A, faces obliquely upward and in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (in the direction from the inner peripheral edge 2122D to the outer peripheral edge 2121D), and has an upper surface portion that is slightly curved in the vertical direction. The type D 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 type D second operation button 2120D is different from the type A second operation button 2120A in that it is wider than the type A second operation button 2120A in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 to which the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached. By making the type D second operation button 2120D wider, the type D second operation button 2120D may be easier to press than the type A second operation button 2120A. In addition, it may be easier to operate to press adjacent buttons simultaneously. In each of the type A to D second operation buttons 2120, the widths in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral edges 2121A to C are the same or substantially the same, and the width of the outer peripheral edge 2121D is the same or substantially the same as twice the width of the outer peripheral edge 2121A. Similarly, in each of the type A to D second operation buttons 2120, the widths in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral edges 2122A to C are the same or substantially the same, and the width of the inner peripheral edge 2122D is the same or substantially the same as twice the width of the inner peripheral edge 2122A.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the D-type second operation button 2120D has two fitting convex portions 2125D on its lower surface portion 2124D, which are the same as the fitting convex portion 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A. The D-type second operation button 2120D is different from the A-type second operation button 2120A in that the number of the fitting convex portions 2125D is two. The two fitting convex portions 2125D are separated in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 on the lower surface portion 2124D of the D-type second operation button 2120D. By attaching the two fitting convex portions 2125D to two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 (see FIG. 3), the D-type second operation button 2120D is attached to the main body 2100. When the user presses the D-type second operation button 2120D, one or both of the switches element 2381 (see FIG. 9B) provided on each of the two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 can be pressed.

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

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a protruding portion 2132E including the inner peripheral edge 2122E is formed on the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120E. As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portion 2132E of the second operation button 2120E covers a part of the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 in a state where the second operation button 2120E is attached to the main body 2100.

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

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12, the fitting convex portion 2125E of the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging portion 2128E (first engaging portion) that engages with the button receiving portion 2301 also on the outer peripheral edge 2121E side. Further, on the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the E-type second operation button 2120E, a movable portion 2129E that protrudes outside the second operation button 2120E and can be pushed in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E is provided. 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~2120D of types A~D, no engaging portion that catches on the button receiving portion 2301 is formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121 side of the fitting convex portions 2125A~2125D. Also, the second operation buttons 2120A~2120D of types A~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 FIG. 8C, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an upper member 2140E in which an outer peripheral edge 2121E, an inner peripheral edge 2122E, an upper surface portion 2123E (see FIG. 8A), and a lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E are formed, and a lower member 2150E in which a fitting convex portion 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 to D-type second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D may also be formed by combining an upper member (for example, the upper member 2140A shown in FIG. 10) and a lower member (for example, the lower member 2150A shown in FIG. 10).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8C, the side surface 2141E near the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the upper member 2140E of the E-type second operation button 2120E is recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, similar to the inner peripheral edges 2122 of the A to D-type second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D. By doing so, when the E-type second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 or pushed down with respect to the main body 2100, it is possible to suppress the lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E from interfering with the first operation button 2110.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8C, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging member 2160E in which an engaging portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E are formed. The engaging member 2160E is disposed between the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. In the upper member 2140E, a receiving recess 2142E that is recessed upward with respect to the lower surface portion 2124E is formed, and the engaging member 2160E is received inside the receiving recess 2142E. In the present embodiment, the A to D-type second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D do not have a member corresponding to the engaging member 2160E.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8C, the engaging member 2160E includes a base portion 2161E in which an engaging portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E are formed, a fixing portion 2162E that is away from the base portion 2161E in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E, a spring portion 2163E that extends while curving from the base portion 2161E and is connected to the fixing 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 in the direction of the movable portion 2129E at its lower end.

[0047] The fixing portion 2162E of the engaging member 2160E is fixed to the receiving recess 2142E of the upper member 2140E. As a result, the relative position of the fixing portion 2162E with respect to the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E is fixed. When the user pushes the movable portion 2129E in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E, the base portion 2161E and the engaging portion 2128E formed on the base portion 2161E move in the direction approaching the fixing portion 2162E as the spring portion 2163E elastically deflects. Here, the stopper portion 2164E restricts the movable portion 2129E from being excessively pushed by hitting the fixing portion 2162E. When the user releases the movable portion 2129E from this state, the base portion 2161E and the engaging portion 2128E move in the direction away from the fixing portion 2162E as the shape of the spring portion 2163E returns to the initial state, and return to the initial position. In this way, by allowing the movable portion 2129E and the engaging portion 2128E to move with respect to the fixing portion 2162E, the movable portion 2129E and the engaging portion 2128E upper member 2140E can move relatively with respect to the lower member 2150E.

[0048] The structure of the button receiving portion 2301 in the main body 2100 where the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E can be attached will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are provided in the main body 2100. Each button receiving portion 2301 is provided in the switch unit 2300 shown in FIGS. 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 FIGS. 9A and 9B, the switch unit 2300 includes a base member 2310, a cover member 2320 covering a part of the base member 2310, a first support member 2330 supporting the base member 2310 from below, a shaft member 2340, a flat magnet 2350, a magnetic body 2360 covering the lower side of the magnet 2350, a second support member 2370 supporting the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 from below, and a second circuit board 2380 having a switch element 2381 mounted on its upper surface portion. The cover member 2320 is formed in a frame shape and has an opening H4 at its central portion. At the opening H4 of the cover member 2320, a button receiving portion 2301 is exposed. At the lower end of the cover member 2320, an engaging portion 2321 that engages with the first support member 2330 is formed. By fixing the cover member 2320 to the first support member 2330, the shaft member 2340, the magnet 2350, the magnetic body 2360, and the second support member 2370 disposed 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 FIGS. 9B and 10, in the switch unit 2300, the base member 2310 and the shaft member 2340 are disposed between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330. In the base member 2310, the opposite side (lower side) of the second fitting portion 2303 on the upper surface portion, which is a convex portion, is a concave portion, and the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 are accommodated inside the concave portion. Further, on the upper surface portion of the base member 2310, a wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 is formed. In the base member 2310, outside the wall portion 2313, a convex portion 2316 protruding toward the outer peripheral edge C1 side of the main body 2100 is formed. 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. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the base member 2310 from coming off on the outer peripheral edge C1 side of the main body 2100.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 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 about the axis Ax1 with respect to the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 has a shaft portion 2341 extending along the axis Ax1 and an engaging portion 2342 located above the axis Ax1. The engaging portion 2342 is a claw portion that extends upward from the shaft portion 2341 and protrudes in the direction of the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 at its upper end. The engaging portion 2342 extends along the axis Ax1. As shown in FIG. 9A, the engaging portion 2342 surrounds the fitting recess 2302 and the second fitting portion 2303 provided in the fitting recess 2302 together with the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310. The engaging portion 2342 may be a recess where the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120 is hooked.

[0052] The second circuit board 2380 of the switch unit 2300 shown in FIG. 9B is fixed to the first support member 2330 by a fixture 2390 such as a screw. An opening H5 is formed in the central portion of the first support member 2330, and the switch element 2381 is exposed through this opening H5. Further, above the switch element 2381, a second support member 2370, a magnetic body 2360, a magnet 2350, a base member 2310, and a cover member 2320 are arranged in this order from the bottom. When the second operation button 2120 is pushed downward by the user, the second support member 2370 moves downward via the base member 2310 and the magnet 2350. The switch element 2381 detects that the second operation button 2120 has been pushed by the user by detecting the approach of the second support member 2370 or the pressing of the switch by the second support member 2370.

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

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface portion 2123A of the type A second operation button 2120A is disposed above the extension line L1 along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. Similarly, the upper surface portions 2123B - E of the type B - E second operation buttons 2120B - E are also disposed above the extension line along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. Thereby, a step is formed between the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 and the upper surface portions 2123A - E of the second operation buttons 2120A - E. For example, when the user slides their hand from the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 and moves it to any one of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120, their hand hits the step, making it easier to confirm the boundary between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120. Also, by perceiving with the sense of touch of the hand that they have overcome the step, they can perceive that their hand is touching the second operation button 2120. That is, in button operations with a part larger than the fingertip, it becomes easier to recognize the switching of the button to be operated. Thus, for users who feel uncomfortable with the operation of existing input devices, the operation of the controller 2000 including the second operation button 2120 can be made comfortable.

[0055] The controller 2000 has a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure. The first magnetic structure includes at least two magnetic poles separated in the circumferential direction (the first direction) of the main body 2100. The second magnetic structure includes a magnetic body or a magnet facing at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. In the present embodiment, the "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 body. The first magnetic structure is provided on one of the base member 2310 constituting the button receiving portion 2301 and the second operation button 2120, 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 first and second magnetic structures on the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120, the second operation button 2120 is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by magnetic force. Here, in the first magnetic structure, since at least two magnetic poles are separated in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100, the posture of the second operation button 2120 can be corrected by magnetic force. The user only needs to place the second operation button 2120 at approximately the right position when attaching it to the button receiving portion 2301, and the attachment work of the second operation button 2120 can be easily performed. 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 portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 to move the second operation button 2120.

[0057] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the base member 2310 has one magnet 2350, and the second operation button 2120 has one magnetic body 2152. As shown in FIG. 11, the magnet 2350 has a magnetic pole (for example, N pole) N1 on the upper side and a magnetic pole (a magnetic pole opposite to the magnetic pole N1, for example, S pole) S1 on the lower side. The magnetic pole N1 and the magnetic pole S1 of the magnet 2350 are separated in the vertical direction (a third direction intersecting the pressing direction of the second operation button 2120, the first direction, and the second direction described later).

[0058] The magnetic body 2152 is, for example, a sheet metal, is fixed to the lower member 2150A, and is exposed downward at the first fitting portion 2126A (FIG. 4B) such as a concave portion. The second operation buttons 2120B to E of type B to E also have a magnetic body 2152 fixed to the lower member. In a state where the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the magnetic body 2152 faces the magnet 2350 provided below the button receiving portion 2301 and is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350. Not limited to this, the base member 2310 may have a magnetic body, and the second operation button 2120 may have a magnet. Also, the second operation button 2120 may have a magnet instead of having the magnetic body 2152.

[0059] The first magnetic structure includes a U-shaped magnetic body 2360. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 11, the magnet 2350 is disposed in the recess of the U-shaped magnetic body 2360. The magnetic body 2360 functions as a so-called magnetization yoke that strengthens the attracting force of the magnet 2350 with respect to the magnetic body 2152. As shown in FIG. 11, at the upper end portion of the magnetic body 2360, magnetic forces of magnetic poles (for example, S poles) S2 and S3 opposite to the upper magnetic pole (for example, N pole) N1 of the magnet 2350 are generated by the magnet 2350. Note that the relationship between the N and S poles of the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 may be reversed.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, in the button receiving portion 2301, three magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 including the magnetic pole N1 of the magnet 2350 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 (the direction indicated by the arrow D3 in FIGS. 9A and 11). As shown in FIGS. 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 constituting the first magnetic structure in the button receiving portion 2301 in this way, the posture of the second operation button 2120 with respect to the button receiving portion 2301 can be corrected by magnetic force. Thereby, the work of attaching the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301 becomes easy. In addition, the number of magnets 2350 arranged in the button receiving portion 2301 can be reduced as compared with the case where a plurality of magnets are arranged in the circumferential direction of the button receiving portion 2301.

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

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 includes a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340 attached thereto. The shaft member 2340 extends along the axis Ax1 and has a shaft portion 2341 including the axis Ax1 and an engaging portion 2342 extending upward from the shaft portion 2341. In a state where the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is disposed 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 convex portion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has an engaging portion 2151 at a position on the inner peripheral edge 2122 side. In a state where 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 engaging portion 2151, which is a claw portion, is caught by the engaging portion 2342, which is also a claw portion. One of the engaging portion 2151 and the engaging portion 2342 may be a claw portion, and the other may be a recess for the claw to catch. By the engaging portion 2151 and the engaging portion 2342 engaging with each other, displacement of the second operation button 2120A in a direction away from the button receiving portion 2301 is prevented. Also, engaging portions that engage with the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 are formed on the respective fitting convex portions 2125B - D of the B - D type second operation buttons 2120B - D.

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

[0066] The second operation button 2120A extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of the button receiving portion 2301 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the engaging portion 2151 is located with respect to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (a direction toward the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100). In the plan view shown in FIG. 3, the second operation button 2120A covers the entire area of the button receiving portion 2301. As shown in FIG. 10, the second operation button 2120A has a first portion A1 and a second portion A2. The first portion A1 is the side where the engaging portion 2151 is provided with respect to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic mechanism. The second portion A2 is a portion on the side opposite to the first portion A1 with respect 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 larger than the width of the first portion A1. In the plan view, the second portion A2 is wider than the first portion A1. Therefore, the user can easily push the second portion A2 rather than the first portion A1.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, a gap D1 is formed between the outer peripheral portion C1 of the main body 2100 and the second operation button 2120A. Therefore, when the user presses down a position near the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A (for example, the second portion A2), the portion near the inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A (for example, the first portion A1) is biased upward. Here, at the portion near the inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A, the engaging portion 2151 is caught by the engaging portion 2342 of the button receiving portion 2301. Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the second operation button 2120A from coming off the button receiving portion 2301. Also, for the B to D type second operation buttons 2120B to D, in the radial direction of the main body 2100, the width of the second portion A1 which is on the side opposite to the first portion A2 where the engaging portion 2151 is provided is larger than the width of the first portion. Thereby, it is also possible to effectively prevent the B to D type second operation buttons 2120B to D from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0068] The engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is biased by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring to the position shown in FIG. 10 (hereinafter referred to as the lock position). When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2342 is disposed at the lock position and engages with the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A. In this state, when the user lifts the outer peripheral 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 and the entire shaft member 2340 rotates about the axis Ax1. As a result, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 moves from the lock position, which is the initial position shown in FIG. 10, to the unlock position (a position closer to the first operation button 2110 than the lock position). Thereby, it becomes 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 portion 2301 by lifting the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward. The second operation buttons 2120B to D of types B to D can also be easily removed from the button receiving portion 2301 by lifting these outer peripheral edges 2121.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, an inclined surface 2127A extending downward from the outer edge and toward the central portion of the main body 2100 is formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the type A second operation button 2120A. When the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward and presses the inclined surface 2127A, the second operation button 2120A moves upward and in the direction of the central portion of the main body 2100. When the second operation button 2120A moves in the direction of the central portion of the main body 2100, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120A and moves to the unlock position, enabling the second operation button 2120A to be removed from the button receiving portion 2301. That is, by forming the inclined surface 2127A on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A, it becomes easier to remove the second operation button 2120A. Further, inclined surfaces 2127B - D extending downward and toward the central portion of the main body 2100 are also formed on the outer peripheral edges 2121B - D of the type B - D second operation buttons 2120B - D. Thereby, it also becomes easier to remove the type B - D second operation buttons 2120B - D.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, the button receiver 2301 including the base member 2310 and the shaft member 2340 is biased upward by the switch of the switch element 2381. The outer edge of the button receiver 2301 abuts against a frame-shaped cover member 2320 in which an opening H4 (see FIG. 9B) is formed. On one side of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 (the end near the edge C1 of the main body 2100), a convex portion 2316 of the base member 2310 (see FIG. 9B) is arranged, and on the other side of the outer edge (the end near the center of the main body 2100), a convex portion 2343 protruding in the direction from the shaft portion 2341 of the shaft member 2340 toward the center of the main body 2100 (the vertical direction and the direction intersecting the axis Ax1) is arranged. The convex portion 2316 of the base member 2310 and the convex portion 2343 of the shaft member 2340 are in contact with the cover member 2320 fixed to the main body 2100. When one side or the other side of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 is pushed, the button receiver 2301 can move downward while using the opposite side as a fulcrum. Thereby, it becomes possible to operate the switch of the switch element 2381 both when one side and when the other side of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 are pushed.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E is formed by combining an upper member 2140E and a lower member 2150E in the vertical direction, and an engagement member 2160E is arranged between the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. As shown in FIG. 12, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E also has a magnetic body 2152 such as sheet metal in the lower member 2150E. Thereby, the magnetic body 2152 is attracted to the button receiver 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350 provided in the button receiver 2301, and it becomes easy to attach the E-shaped second operation button 2120E to the button receiver 2301. Further, since a plurality of magnetic poles are arranged along the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 in the button receiver 2301, when attaching the E-shaped second operation button 2120E to the button receiver 2301, the posture of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E can be corrected.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portion 2132E including the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-type second operation button 2120E covers the portion including the outer peripheral edge C2 of the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. A vertical gap D2 is secured between the protruding portion 2132E and the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. The gap D2 is larger than the movable range of the second operation button 2120E (i.e., the movable range 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 pushed down.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 2, the A to D-type second operation buttons 2120A to 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 FIG. 10). 131 A).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, in the E-type second operation button 2120E, the width of the protruding portion 2132E is narrower than the width of the outer peripheral portion 2131E. By doing so, the layout of a plurality of operation buttons including the E-type second operation button 2120E in the main body 2100 becomes easier. As shown in FIG. 12, the fitting convex portion 2125E of the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging portion 2151 (second engaging portion) at a position closer to its inner peripheral edge 2122E (a position closer to the protruding portion 2132E), similar to the A-type second operation button 2120A. In a state where 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. Thereby, for example, even when a portion near the outer peripheral portion 2131E of the second operation button 2120E is pushed downward by the user and the opposite protruding portion 2132E is biased upward, it is possible to effectively suppress the E-type second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0075] Further, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging portion 2128E (first engaging portion) at a position near its outer peripheral edge 2121E. The engaging portion 2128E is provided at a position closer to the side opposite to the protruding portion 2132E in the second operation button 2120E. 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 under the wall portion 2313 (see FIG. 9B). In a state where the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E is caught by the engaging portion 2315 of the base member 2310. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the E-type second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301. Particularly in the E-type second operation button 2120E, the engaging portion 2128E is caught by the button receiving portion 2301 at a position near the outer peripheral portion 2131E. For this reason, even when the protruding portion 2132E that largely protrudes from the first operation button 2110 is pushed downward by the user and the outer peripheral portion 2131E on the opposite side is biased upward, it is possible to effectively prevent the E-type second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, a movable portion 2129E is provided on the outer peripheral portion 2131E of the second operation button 2120E. When the user pushes the movable portion 2129E in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122, the engaging portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E moves from the locked position, which is the initial position shown in FIG. 12, to the unlocked position (a position closer to the inner peripheral edge 2122 than the locked position). By pushing the movable portion 2129E, the user can release the engagement between the engaging portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E and the engaging portion 2315 of the base member 2310. In this state, when the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the second operation button 2120E upward, the engaging portion 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 portion 2301.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the E-type second operation button 2120 E ofE On the outer surface of the movable part 2129E provided in E , an inclined surface 2135E is formed which extends from its outer edge downward and toward the central part of the main body 2100. By pushing the inclined surface 2135E, the user can move the second operation button 2120E in an oblique direction upward and toward the central part of the main body 2100. When the second operation button 2120E moves toward the central part of the main body 2100, the second operation button 2120E can push the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340, and it becomes possible to remove the second operation button 2120E from the button receiving part 2301. That is, by forming the inclined surface 2135E on the movable part 2129E of the second operation button 2120E, the engagement between the two engaging parts 2128E and 2342 and the second operation button 2120E can be released by a series of operations of pushing the movable part 2129E, and it becomes easy to remove the second operation button 2120E.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, the type-A second operation button 2120A is not provided with an engaging part that engages with the engaging part 2315 of the base member 2310. In the second operation button 2120A, a guided inclined surface 2133A that is guided by the wall part 2313 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) of the base member 2310 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting convex part 2125. The guided inclined surface 2133A is inclined from the outer edge of the fitting convex part 2125A (the outer edge near the outer peripheral edge 2121A) downward and in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122A.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9A, inside the wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 on the upper surface portion of the base member 2310, a guide slope 2314 extending downward and in the direction of the second fitting portion 2303 is formed. By the guided slope 2133A formed on the fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A abutting against the guide slope 2314 and sliding along the guide slope 2314, the fitting projection 2125A can be guided inside the wall portion 2313. Thereby, it is possible to facilitate the attachment of the second operation button 2120A of type A to the button receiving portion 2301. Further, guided slopes 2133B - E are also formed on the fitting projections 2125B - E of the second operation buttons 2120B - E of types B - E. Thereby, the second operation buttons 2120 of types B - E B to E can also be easily attached to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4B, a first fitting portion 2126A is formed at the central portion 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 vertical surface than the guided slope 2133A with respect to the bottom surface of the fitting projection 2125A. As shown in FIG. 9A, at the central portion of the button receiving portion 2301, a second fitting portion 2303 (second fitting portion) protruding upward is formed. 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 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 may be a surface closer to a vertical surface than the guide slope 2314 with respect to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301.

[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. Thereby, it is possible to suppress 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). Further, wall surfaces 2134B to E are also formed in the recesses 2126B to E of the fitting protrusions 2125B to E of the second operation buttons 2120B to E of types B to E. Thereby, the second operation buttons 2120B to E of types B to E can also be suppressed from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301.

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

[0083] As shown in FIG. 13A, the mark member 2400 has a top portion 2401 on which a mark, which is a character, number, symbol, or a combination of these, appears. Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the mark member 2400 has a fitting protrusion 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 FIG. 13A, the top portion 2401 is circular, but the shape of the top portion 2401 may be a rectangle such as a square, or other shapes. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, a symbol "circle" is attached to the top portion 2401 as identification information. The identification information is not limited to symbols, and may be numbers (Arabic numerals or Roman numerals), or other types of characters. Different types of identification information from the identification information display portion 2111 formed on the first operation button 2110 may be attached to the top portion 2401 of the mark member 2400. Further, 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 the user touching it.

[0084] The marking member 2400 can be attached to or removed from the inside of the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120. The fitting convex portion 2403 of the marking member 2400 has a first extension portion 2403a and a second extension portion 2403b that are of the same length and extend downward, with the lower ends formed in a flange shape. Between the first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b, there is a gap in the width direction of the marking member 2400 interval formed. When the first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b bend in the gap between direction, the width of the entire fitting convex portion 2403 becomes narrower. As a result, the user can insert the fitting convex portion 2403 into the inside of the opening H1 formed in the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 or remove the fitting convex portion 2403 from the opening H1.

[0085] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the type A second operation button 2120A with the marking member 2400 attached. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the type E second operation button 2120E with the marking member 2400 attached. As shown in FIG. 2, in each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion than the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the marking member 2400 is detachable at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 than the central portion of the upper surface portion. By doing so, it becomes easier to press the central portion of the upper surface portion 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 FIGS. 14 and 15, at least a part of the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 overlaps with a part of the outer peripheral portion 2121 of the second operation button 2120. When the user touches the marking member 2400 during the operation of the second operation button 2120, the second operation button 2120 of the outer peripheral edge 212 one ofIt is possible to sense that the vicinity is being touched or that the central portion in the width direction of the second operation button 2120 is being touched. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to confirm that a finger or the like is placed at an arbitrary home position.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 is circular, and a part of its outer peripheral edge overlaps with a part of the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120. By doing so, the user can insert a fingertip (nail tip) or the like between the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 and the second operation button 2120, making it easier to remove the mark member 2400 from the second operation button 2120. The top 2401 of the mark member 2400 may have a portion that extends outside the second operation button 2120 beyond the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120. Further, the outer edge of the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 may have a portion that overlaps with the inner peripheral edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120. By doing so as well, it is possible to make it easier to remove the mark member 2400.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 has a lower surface portion 2402 that faces the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 in a state where the mark member 2400 is attached to the second operation button 2120. The upper surface portion 2123A of the type A second operation button 2120A shown in FIG. 14 is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Also, the upper surface portion 2123E of the type E second operation button 2120E shown in FIG. 15 is also slightly curved in the vertical direction. In contrast, the lower surface portion 2402 of the mark member 2400 is flat in the vertical direction. As a result, a slight gap is formed between the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 and the lower surface portion 2402 of the mark member 2400. (see Figure 13B) The user can insert a fingertip or the like into this gap. This makes it easier to remove the mark member 2400 from the second operation button 2120.

[0089] The mark member 2400 shown in FIG. 15 is different from the mark member 2400 shown in FIG. 14 in that the symbol "square" is attached to the top 2401. The user can attach the mark member 2400 with desired identification information to a plurality of second operation buttons 2120. The user can attach the mark member 2400 with a mark corresponding to a function set in an application (for example, a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or a server to the second operation button 2120. By checking the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120, the user can recognize the function of the second operation button 2120 in the application. Also, the user may change the arrangement of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 or change the assignment of the switches of the button receiving portions 2301 corresponding to the functions in the application. Even in such a case, by changing the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120, it is possible to suppress a difference between the function set in the application and the function indicated by the mark of the mark member 2400.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, examples obtained by modifying the above embodiments may also be included in the configuration that forms the gist of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower side of a second operation button 3200 obtained by modifying a part of the second operation button 2120 (for example, the A-type second operation button 2120A) described in the embodiment and the lower side of a mark member 3400 obtained by modifying a part of the mark member 2400 described in the embodiment. The second operation button 3200 shown in FIG. 16 can be attached onto the main body 2100 described in the embodiment. Also, the mark member 3400 shown in FIG. 16 can be attached to the second operation button 3200 shown in the same figure. As shown in FIG. 16, an opening H2 is formed in the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200. In the example of FIG. 16, the opening H2 is in the vertical direction second operationIt is a hole that penetrates the button 3200. The mark member 3400 can be attached to and detached from the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200.

[0092] The mark member 3400 may be manufactured using materials such as resin or rubber. As shown in FIG. 16, the mark member 3400 has a plate-like top portion 3401 and a fitting convex portion 3403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 3401 and fits into the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200. The top 3 On the upper surface of 3401, identification information (mark) such as characters, symbols, numbers, or a string of these combined is attached. The identification information attached to the top portion 3401 may be formed by a braille pattern or embossing so that it can be identified by the user touching it. Also, in the example of FIG. 16, the top portion 3401 is circular (disk-shaped), but the shape of the top portion 3401 may be a rectangle such as a square or other shapes.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 16, the top 3 3401 of the mark member 3400 has a flat lower surface portion 3402. In a state where the mark member 3400 is attached to the second operation button 3200, the lower surface portion 3402 of the mark member 3400 faces the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200. While the lower surface portion 3402 of the mark member 3400 is flat, the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 may be curved. By doing so, a slight gap can be formed between the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 and the lower surface portion 3402 of the mark member 3400. The user can remove the mark member 3400 from the second operation button 3200 by inserting a fingertip or the like into this gap.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, the fitting convex portion 3403 of the mark member 3400 extends downward (upward in the plane of FIG. 16) from the lower surface portion 3402 of the mark member 3400. The fitting convex portion 3403 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The fitting convex portion 3403 has a first convex portion 3403a and a second convex portion 3403b that project from its outer peripheral surface along the lower surface portion 3402. The first convex portion 3403a projects in a first direction that intersects the vertical direction, and the second convex portion 3403b projects in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b are located in opposite directions with respect to the axis Ax2 of the fitting convex portion 3403 that extends in the vertical direction. The width V of the first convex portion 3403a in the circumferential direction of the fitting convex portion 3403 and the width V of the second convex portion 3403b in the same direction may be the same. The first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b may have the same shape and size. Note that the number of convex portions formed on the fitting convex portion 3403 may be a plurality of three or more, or may be one.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 16, the opening H2 is circular, and a plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 h are formed on the outer peripheral edge on the lower side of the opening H2. Each of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 h is recessed in a direction that intersects the vertical direction. Each of the recesses 320 3 a~320 3 h is recessed outside the edge of the opening H2. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the number of recesses is eight. However, the number of recesses formed on the edge of the opening H2 may be more than eight or less than eight. The number of recesses formed on the edge of the opening H2 may be, for example, four.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 16, each of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 h formed on the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2 may have a width W in the direction along the edge of the opening H2. Each of the widths W of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 h may all be the same. Each of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~3203 h may have the same shape and size. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the number of recesses is eight, and the angle formed between two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 is 45 degrees. When the number of recesses formed on the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2 is four, the angle formed between two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 may be 90 degrees.

[0097] A plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 The size of h corresponds to the sizes of the first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b. More specifically, a plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 The width W of h is slightly wider than the width V of the first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b. Thereby, the first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b of the fitting convex portion 3403 can be fitted into any one of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 among h.

[0098] Also, for example, a plurality of recesses may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the fitting convex portion 3403. In this case, at least one convex portion that protrudes toward the center of the opening H2 and fits into any one of the plurality of recesses of the fitting convex portion 3403 may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2.

[0099] When the first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b fit into any one of the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 among h, rotation of the mark member 3400 in the circumferential direction about the axis Ax2 can be suppressed. Also, the first convex portion 3403a and the second convex portion 3403b of the mark member 3400 are in a plurality of directions (from the center of the opening H2 to the plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3The mark member 3400 can be attached to the second operation button 3200 so as to face any one of the directions (the direction toward h). As a result, the identification information such as characters and symbols attached to the top 3401 of the mark member 3400 can face the second operation button 3200 in a plurality of directions. For example, the bottom of the identification information such as characters can face forward or backward, left or right, or an oblique direction with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, with respect to the second operation button 3200.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of button receivers 2301 formed in the main body 2100 are arranged along the outer peripheral edge of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110. Therefore, the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the plurality of button receivers 2301 face in different directions from each other. For example, when the second operation button 3200 is attached to the button receiver 2301 located on the front side of the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces forward. Further, when the second operation button 3200 is attached to the button receiver 2301 located on the rear side of the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces backward. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the main body 2100 has eight button receivers 2301. Therefore, when eight second operation buttons 3200 are attached to the eight button receivers 2301, the outer peripheral edge 3201 of each of the second operation buttons 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 peripheral edges 3201 of the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main body 2100 face, and the plurality of recesses 320 3 a to 320 3 The number of directions toward h may match. As a result, the identification information of the plurality of mark members 3400 attached to the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 can all face in the same direction. Also, the direction in which the outer peripheral edges 3201 of the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 face, and the plurality of recesses 320 3 a to 3203 The direction towards h may coincide.

[0102] The user can attach a plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main body 2100 with a plurality of mark members 3400 so that all of the plurality of identification information faces the same direction. For example, the plurality of mark members 3400 can be attached so that the bottoms of the plurality of identification information face the front side of the user's hand. By doing so, the user can easily recognize the plurality of identification information. That is, the function of the second operation button 2120 set in an application (for example, a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or a server can be easily recognized.

[0103] (1-1) As described above, the input device described in this embodiment has a main body, an upper surface portion for placing a hand, a first operation button attached to the main body, 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 peripheral portion that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. According to this, for a user who feels uncomfortable with the operation of an existing input device, the operation of the input device can be made comfortable.

[0104] (1-2) The input device described in this embodiment has a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body for placing a 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 portion of each of the plurality of second operation buttons is arranged above an extension line along the upper surface portion of the first operation button. According to this, for a user who feels uncomfortable with the operation of an existing input device, the operation of the input device can be made comfortable.

[0105] (1-3) In the input device of the above (1-1) or (1-2), the plurality of second operation buttons may be detachable from the main body. For example, the user can select a desired second operation button from among a plurality of types of second operation buttons and attach it to the main body. Further, since the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button extends outside the main body beyond the outer edge of the main body, the user can hook a fingertip or the back of the hand on the outer peripheral portion to remove the second operation button.

[0106] (1-4) In the input device of the above (1-3), 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 disposed 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 where the engaging portion engages with the second operation button and an unlocked position 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 the outer peripheral edge of the second operation button.

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

[0108] (1-6) In the input device of the above (1-4) or (1-5), the plurality of second operation buttons may have an inclined surface that extends downward from the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button and toward the central portion of the main body. When the inclined surface of the second operation button is pushed by the user, the second operation button moves in the direction of the central portion of the main body, and the engaging portion is pushed 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 receiver for pressing the switch, an operation button attached to the button receiver by magnetic force, a first magnetic structure including at least two magnetic poles provided on one of the button receiver and the operation button and separated in a first direction, and a second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or a magnet provided on the other of the button receiver and the operation button and facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and has a first engaging portion engaged with the button receiver. According to this, the second operation button can be attracted to the button receiver by magnetic force and the posture of the second operation button can be corrected, facilitating the work of attaching the second operation button to the button receiver. Also, when the side opposite to the side where the engaging portion is provided on the second operation button is pushed down, it is possible to prevent the second operation button from detaching from the main body.

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

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

[0112] (2-4) In any one of the input devices of the above (2-1) to (2-3), the operation button may extend beyond the outer peripheral edge of the button receiver in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engaging portion is located with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. Even when the user presses down a portion of the second operation button that extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of the button receiver, the engaging portion engages with the button receiver at the position on the opposite side, so that it is possible to prevent the second operation button from detaching from the button receiver.

[0113] (2-5) In the input device of the above (2-1) or (2-4), the operation button may have a first portion that is the side where the first engaging portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and a second portion that is a 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 may be larger than the width of the first portion. Since the second operation button is engaged with the button receiving portion at the first portion where the engaging portion is provided, when the user presses the second portion, it is possible to suppress the first portion from separating from the button receiving portion, and it is possible to suppress the second operation button from coming off the button receiving portion.

[0114] (2-6) Any one of the first magnetic structures of the above (2-1) to (2-5) may further include at least one U-shaped magnetic body. The at least one magnet may be disposed in a recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic body. According to this, the adsorption force of the magnet to the magnetic body can be strengthened. Also, the number of magnets disposed on the button receiving portion can be reduced.

[0115] (2-7) In the input device of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-6), the operation button may have a fitting convex portion including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure. The button receiving portion may have a fitting concave portion for receiving the fitting convex portion. A guided slope may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting convex portion. According to this, the fitting convex portion of the second operation button can be guided to the fitting concave portion of the button receiving portion, and it is possible to easily attach the second operation button to the button receiving portion.

[0116] (2-8) In any one of the input devices (2-1) to (2-7) described above, the operation button may have a first fitting portion that is a convex portion protruding toward the button receiving portion or a concave portion recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion on the fitting convex portion. The button receiving portion may have a second fitting portion that is a convex portion protruding toward the operation button or a concave portion recessed in a direction away from the operation button, into which the first fitting portion fits. The outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion may have a vertical surface or a surface closer to the vertical surface than the guided inclined surface. According to this, when the second operation button is attached, it is possible to suppress the second operation button from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion.

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

[0118] (2-10) The operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button attached to the main body by magnetic force, and has a first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, and 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 main body. According to this, since the second operation button is attracted to the main body by magnetic force, the work of attaching the second operation button to the main body becomes easy.

[0119] (3-1) The input device described in this embodiment has a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a second operation button attached to the main body at a position different from the first operation button. The first operation button has a first top surface portion that serves as an operation unit operated by the user. The second operation button has a second top surface portion that serves as an operation unit operated by the user, and a protrusion portion that covers a portion of the first top surface portion is provided on a portion of the second top surface portion. This allows users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices comfortably to operate the input device.

[0120] (3-2) In the input device of the above (3-1), the second operation button may be a push button. kin A gap may be provided, which can prevent the second operation button from interfering with the first operation button when the second operation button is pressed down.

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

[0122] (3-4) The above (3-1) to (3-3) any one of In the input device, 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 extending outward beyond the outer periphery 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 lay out the operation buttons on the main body.

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

[0124] (3-6) In the input device of any one of the above (3-1) to (3-5), 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 at a position closer to the opposite side of the protruding portion in the second operation button. According to this, when the user presses down the protruding portion of the second operation button, it is possible to suppress the portion closer to the opposite side from coming off the button receiving portion.

[0125] (3-7) In the input device of the above (3-6), the second operation button may have an outer peripheral portion that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral 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 in the second operation button. According to this, when the user presses down the portion closer to the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button, it is possible to suppress the portion closer to the protruding portion from coming off the button receiving portion.

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

[0127] (3-9) In any of the input devices (3-1) to (3-8) above, the first operation button may be provided at the central portion of the main body. The protruding portion may protrude toward the central portion of the main body. The second operation button may have an outer peripheral portion extending outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. According to this, in a plan view, the second operation button can be enlarged, 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 an upper surface portion for pressing by hand, and has a protruding portion covering a part of the upper surface portion for placing the hand, which is attached to the main body and formed on other operation buttons. According to this, for a user who feels uncomfortable with the comfort of operating an existing input device, the input device can be operated comfortably.

[0129] (4-1) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion capable of being pressed downward, and a top portion on which marks for the user to recognize the functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons are represented, and a mark member detachable from the plurality of operation buttons. Each of the plurality of operation buttons has an opening formed in the upper surface portion. The mark member has a fitting convex portion protruding downward from the top portion and fitting into the opening. According to this, the user can grasp the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the mark represented on the mark member. Also, even when the function of the second operation button is changed in the application, the user can grasp the correct function assigned to the second operation button by replacing the mark member of the second operation button.

[0130] (4-2) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pushed downward, and a top portion on which marks for the user to recognize the functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons are represented, and a mark member that is detachable from the plurality of operation buttons. The mark member is detachable at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion than the central portion of the upper surface portion. According to this, the user can grasp the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the mark represented on the mark member. Further, since the mark member is attached at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion of the second operation button than the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button, it becomes easier for the user to press down the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button.

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

[0132] (4-4) In the input device of any one of the above (4-1) to (4-3), a part of the outer peripheral edge of the top portion may overlap with a part of the outer peripheral edge of the operation button. According to this, it becomes easier to insert a fingertip or the like between the top portion of the mark member and the second operation button and remove the mark member from the second operation button.

[0133] (4-5) In the input device of any one of the above (4-1) to (4-4), the top portion may have a lower surface portion facing the upper surface portion in a state where the mark member is attached to the operation button. The upper surface portion may be curved in the vertical direction. The lower surface portion may be flat in the vertical direction. According to this, a gap can be formed between the top portion of the mark member and the second operation button, and it becomes easier to remove the mark member from the second operation button.

[0134] (4-6) In any of the input devices of the above (4-1) to (4-5), the plurality of operation buttons may have an outer peripheral portion that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. At least a part of the top may overlap with a part of the outer peripheral portion. According to this, during the operation of the second operation, the user can sense that they are touching near the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button by touching the mark member. button During the operation of the second operation, by touching the mark member, the user can sense that they are touching near the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button.

[0135] (4-7) In any of the input devices of the above (4-1) to (4-6), the mark member may have a fitting convex portion that protrudes downward from the top and fits into the opening. The opening may have a plurality of recesses formed along the edge of the opening. The fitting convex portion may have at least one convex portion that fits into any of the plurality of recesses. According to this, rotation of the mark member in the circumferential direction about the axis of the fitting convex portion can be suppressed. Also, the marks attached to the top of the mark member can be oriented in a plurality of directions with respect to the second operation button. For example, by attaching a plurality of mark members to a plurality of second operation buttons such that the bottoms of the marks of each of the plurality of mark members face the front side of the user, the user can easily recognize the plurality of marks.

[0136] (4-8) In any of the input devices of the above (4-1) to (4-6), the mark member may have a fitting convex portion that protrudes downward from the top and fits into the opening. The fitting convex portion may have a plurality of recesses. The opening may be formed along the edge of the opening and may also have at least one convex portion that fits into any of the plurality of recesses. By doing so, rotation of the mark member in the circumferential direction about the axis of the fitting convex portion can also be suppressed. Also, the marks attached to the top of the mark member can be oriented in a plurality of directions with respect to the second operation button. For example, by attaching a plurality of mark members to a plurality of second operation buttons such that the bottoms of the marks of each of the plurality of mark members face the front side of the user, the user can easily recognize the plurality of marks.

[0137] Although specific embodiments are shown and described in detail in this specification, it will be understood that the subject matter encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims. oh

Claims

1. The main body, A plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pressed downward; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, the mark member being detachable from the plurality of operation buttons; Each of the plurality of operation buttons has an opening formed in the upper surface portion, the mark member has a fitting protrusion that protrudes below the top and fits into the opening, The top of the marking member has a lower surface facing the upper surface of the operation button when the marking member is attached to the operation button. Input devices.

2. The main body, A plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pressed downward; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, the mark member being detachable from the plurality of operation buttons; the mark member is detachably attached to a position closer to an edge of the upper surface portion than to a center portion of the upper surface portion, A part of the outer periphery of the top part overlaps with a part of the outer periphery of the operation button. Input devices.

3. The main body, A plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion that can be pressed downward; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, the mark member being detachable from the plurality of operation buttons; the mark member is detachably attached to a position closer to an edge of the upper surface portion than to a center portion of the upper surface portion, the plurality of operation buttons have an outer periphery extending outward beyond an outer periphery of the main body; At least a portion of the apex overlaps a portion of the perimeter. Input devices.

4. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The plurality of operation buttons are detachable from the main body. Input devices.

5. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The upper surface portion is curved in the up-down direction, The lower surface portion is flat in the up-down direction. Input devices.

6. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The opening has a plurality of recesses formed along an edge of the opening, The fitting protrusion has at least one protrusion that fits into any one of the plurality of recesses. Input devices.

7. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The fitting protrusion has a plurality of recesses, The opening has at least one protrusion formed along an edge of the opening and adapted to fit into any one of the recesses. Input devices.

8. An operation button having an upper surface portion; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize a function assigned to the operation button, the mark member being detachable from the operation button; The operation button has an opening formed in the upper surface portion, the mark member has a fitting protrusion that protrudes below the top and fits into the opening, The top of the marking member has a lower surface facing the upper surface of the operation button when the marking member is attached to the operation button. An assembly of an operating button and a mark member.

9. An operation button having an upper surface portion; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize a function assigned to the operation button, the mark member being detachable from the operation button; the mark member is detachably attached to a position closer to an edge of the upper surface portion than to a center portion of the upper surface portion, A part of the outer periphery of the top part overlaps with a part of the outer periphery of the operation button. An assembly of an operating button and a mark member.

10. A device having an upper surface and an operation button attached to a main body; a mark member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed so that a user can recognize a function assigned to the operation button, the mark member being detachable from the operation button; the mark member is detachably attached to a position closer to an edge of the upper surface portion than to a center portion of the upper surface portion, The operation button has an outer periphery that extends outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body, At least a portion of the apex overlaps a portion of the perimeter. An assembly of an operating button and a mark member.

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