Joystick mechanism and gamepad

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a joystick mechanism and a gamepad. The joystick mechanism comprises a mounting seat, a circuit board, a joystick assembly and a reinforcement member, wherein the mounting seat comprises a first end and a second end which are arranged opposite each other; the circuit board is arranged on the mounting seat and comprises a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor; and the joystick assembly is arranged at the first end in a manner of being capable of swinging and protruding, and comprises a first magnet arranged corresponding to the first Hall sensor and a second magnet arranged corresponding to the second Hall sensor. The reinforcement member covers the first end and is clamped to the mounting seat, and the reinforcement member protrudes out of the peripheral side of the mounting seat and is configured to be connected to an external supporting structure, the external supporting structure being not limited to a housing or a wiring board of the gamepad. The reinforcement member can be fixedly connected to the external supporting structures by means of welding, bonding or connection such as a threaded fastener, and the reinforcement member is used for abutting against the mounting seat from the first end, such that loosening of connection between the mounting seat and the external supporting structure is prevented, and therefore the working reliability of the joystick mechanism is guaranteed.

Description

Joystick mechanism and game controller Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of game handles, in particular to a rocker mechanism and a game handle. Background Art

[0002] Game controllers are common accessories for electronic gaming devices. Users can control virtual characters by operating their joysticks, buttons and other components.

[0003] In related art, such as disclosed in patent CN218240764U, a multi-directional joystick includes a joystick head assembly and an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper and lower shells are fixedly engaged, and the joystick head assembly is swingably mounted on the upper shell. The joystick head assembly generates a control signal when it swings in a first direction, and another control signal when it swings in a second direction. In this solution, the upper shell is connected to the outer shell or circuit board of the game controller via threaded fasteners. After the joystick head assembly moves relative to the outer shell for a period of time, the connection between the multi-directional joystick and the outer shell or circuit board can become loose, reducing operational reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiment of the utility model provides a rocker mechanism and a game handle to ensure the reliability of the operation of the rocker mechanism.

[0005] A rocker mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The mounting base includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other;

[0007] a circuit board, disposed on the mounting base and comprising a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor;

[0008] a rocker assembly, swingably protruding from the first end, and comprising a first magnet corresponding to the first Hall sensor, and a second magnet corresponding to the second Hall sensor; and

[0009] A reinforcement member covers at least a portion of the first end and is engaged with the mounting seat. The reinforcement member protrudes from a peripheral side of the mounting seat and is used to be connected to an external supporting structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reinforcement includes an integrally formed supporting portion and a connecting portion, the rocker assembly is passed through the supporting portion, and the supporting portion is supported by the first end, and the connecting portion protrudes from the peripheral side of the mounting seat and is used to connect to an external support structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting base has a lug, and the lug is provided with a first hole for passing a fastener. The reinforcement member includes an extension portion integrally formed with the supporting portion, and the extension portion extends to the side of the lug facing the rocker assembly and is used to abut against the fastener after the fastener is passed through the lug.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lug is closer to the second end than to the first end, the reinforcement is a sheet metal piece, and the extension portion is provided with a second hole connected to the first hole, the second hole is used to pass the fastener, and the extension portion extends to the edge of the hole wall of the first hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mounting base has a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the rocker assembly is used to swing around the first direction and the second direction. In the first direction, the mounting base has the lugs at both opposite ends, and the extensions are provided at both opposite ends of the supporting portion, and the extensions correspond one-to-one to the lugs.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes an upper shell and a bottom cover that are locked and fixed to each other, the upper shell has the first end and the lug, the bottom cover has the second end, and the circuit board is connected to the bottom cover; one of the extension portion and the upper shell has a clamping block, and the other has a clamping hole for locking and fixing with the clamping block.

[0015] In one embodiment, the upper shell includes a main body and a boss, the main body has the first end and the lug, the boss protrudes from the first end, the rocker mechanism is passed through the boss and extends out of the boss, the main body forms an abutment surface at the first end, the abutment surface is distributed in the circumference of the boss, and the abutment portion abuts against the abutment surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the boss has an exposed spherical mating surface, and the boss is provided with two or more mating grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the abutting portion has a limiting portion received in the mating groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rocker assembly includes a main shaft, a first rocker and a second rocker, the first rocker and the second rocker are respectively arranged on the mounting base, and the first magnet is connected to the first rocker, and the second magnet is connected to the second rocker, the main shaft is passed through the first rocker and is used to drive the first rocker to swing in a first direction so that the first magnet swings relative to the first Hall sensor; the main shaft is also passed through the second rocker and is used to drive the second rocker to swing in a second direction so that the second magnet swings relative to the second Hall sensor.

[0018] A game controller comprises a shell and any one of the above described rocker mechanisms, wherein the rocker mechanism is connected to the shell.

[0019] The above-mentioned rocker mechanism can be applied to a game controller. The rocker mechanism includes a mounting base, a circuit board, a rocker assembly, and a reinforcement. The mounting base includes a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other. The circuit board is arranged on the mounting base and includes a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor. The rocker assembly is swingably protruded from the first end and includes a first magnet arranged corresponding to the first Hall sensor and a second magnet arranged corresponding to the second Hall sensor. The reinforcement covers at least a portion of the first end and is engaged with the mounting base. The reinforcement protrudes from the circumference of the mounting base and is used to connect to an external support structure. The external support structure is not limited to the outer shell or circuit board of the game controller. The reinforcement can be fixedly connected to these external support structures by welding, bonding, or connecting with threaded fasteners. The reinforcement is used to press the mounting base from the first end to prevent the connection between the mounting base and these external support structures from loosening, thereby ensuring the working reliability of the rocker mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a rocker mechanism according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIG2 is an exploded view of the rocker mechanism shown in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is another exploded view of the rocker mechanism shown in FIG1 ;

[0024] FIG4 is an exploded view of the rocker assembly shown in FIG3 .

[0025] Reference numerals:

[0026] Rocker mechanism 10, mounting base 100, first end 101, second end 103, lug 110, first hole 111, upper shell 120, block 121, body 123, abutting surface 1231, boss 125, mating groove 1251, spherical mating surface 1253, bottom cover 130, rocker assembly 200, spindle 210, first rocker module 220, first rocker 221, first magnet 223, second rocker module 230, second rocker 231, second magnet 233, reinforcement 300, abutting portion 310, limiting portion 311, connecting portion 320, extending portion 330, second hole 331, latching hole 333, circuit board 400, first Hall effect sensor 410, second Hall effect sensor 420 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to facilitate a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] 1 , the present invention discloses a joystick mechanism 10 , which can be connected to a housing of a game controller (not shown). An operator can control a virtual character through the joystick mechanism 10 and components such as buttons on the game controller.

[0031] With reference to FIG2 at the same time, the rocker mechanism 10 includes a mounting base 100, a rocker assembly 200 and a reinforcement 300. The mounting base 100 is roughly in the shape of a rectangular box, and includes a first end 101 and a second end 103 arranged opposite to each other. The rocker assembly 200 is swingably protruded from the first end 101. The reinforcement 300 covers at least a portion of the first end 101 and is engaged with the mounting base 100. The reinforcement 300 extends to the circumference of the mounting base 100 and protrudes from the circumference of the mounting base 100. The reinforcement 300 is used to connect to an external support structure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the external support structure is not limited to the outer shell, circuit board, etc. of the game controller. The rocker mechanism 10 can be assembled to these external support structures, and the mounting base 100 can be fixedly connected to these external support structures by welding, bonding or connecting with threaded fasteners.

[0032] 2 , the reinforcement 300 may be a sheet metal part such as a stainless steel sheet, which may be formed by a stamping and bending process to improve processing efficiency. The reinforcement 300 may include an integrally formed abutting portion 310 and a connecting portion 320. The abutting portion 310 is generally annular and the rocker assembly 200 is passed through the abutting portion 310. The abutting portion 310 abuts against the first end 101 of the mounting seat 100, and the connecting portion 320 protrudes from the circumference of the mounting seat 100 and is used to connect to an external support structure. Specifically, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the connecting portion 320 may be L-shaped, and a portion of the connecting portion 320 may be attached to the side of the mounting seat 100 and be fixed to the mounting seat 100. The connection method of the connecting portion 320 to the external support structure is not limited to welding, bonding, or connection with threaded fasteners.

[0033] Furthermore, the mounting base 100 has a lug 110 with a first hole 111 defined therein for receiving a fastener (not shown). The reinforcement member 300 includes an extension portion 330 integrally formed with the abutment portion 310. The extension portion 330 extends to the side of the lug 110 facing the rocker assembly 200 and is configured to abut against the fastener after the lug 110 is received therethrough.

[0034] In related art, such as disclosed in patent CN218240764U, a multi-directional joystick includes a joystick head assembly and an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper and lower shells are fixedly engaged, and the joystick head assembly is swingably mounted on the upper shell. The joystick head assembly generates a control signal when it swings in a first direction, and another control signal when it swings in a second direction. In this solution, the upper shell is connected to the outer shell or circuit board of the game controller via threaded fasteners. After the joystick head assembly moves relative to the outer shell for a period of time, the connection between the multi-directional joystick and the outer shell or circuit board can become loose, reducing operational reliability.

[0035] In the rocker mechanism 10 of the present invention, the sheet-like reinforcement 300 can be fixedly connected to these external support structures by welding, bonding or connecting with threaded fasteners. The reinforcement 300 is used to press the mounting base 100 from the first end 101 to prevent the connection between the mounting base 100 and these external support structures from loosening after long-term operation of the rocker mechanism 10, thereby ensuring the working reliability of the rocker mechanism 10.

[0036] Furthermore, referring to Figures 2 and 3 , the lug 110 is relatively thin and is located closer to the second end 103 than the first end 101. The extension 330 of the reinforcement member 300 defines a second hole 331 that communicates with the first hole 111. The second hole 331 and the first hole 111 can be arranged concentrically. The second hole 331 is also used to pass a fastener through. The extension 330 can extend to the edge of the hole wall of the first hole 111, meaning that the diameters of the second hole 331 and the first hole 111 can be comparable. After the lug 110 is passed through the fastener and connected to the external support structure via the fastener, a threaded fastener such as a bolt or screw can press against the extension 330 at the second hole 331, thereby ensuring a more stable and reliable connection between the reinforcement member 300 and the mounting base 100.

[0037] The mounting base 100 may have a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the rocker assembly 200 is used to swing around the first direction and the second direction. In the first direction, the mounting base 100 has lugs 110 at both opposite ends. The supporting portion 310 has extensions 330 at both opposite ends, and the extensions 330 correspond one-to-one with the lugs 110. In other words, the mounting base 100 has lugs 110 and extensions 330 at both opposite ends in the first direction, and both ends can be connected to the external support structure by threaded fasteners to ensure the stability of the connection between the mounting base 100 and the external support structure. Combined with the snap-fit ​​fixation of the reinforcement 300 and the mounting base 100, the positioning reliability of the reinforcement 300 on the mounting base 100 can be further guaranteed, preventing the reinforcement 300 from easily falling off the mounting base 100.

[0038] Continuing with FIG3 , the mounting base 100 includes an upper shell 120 and a bottom cover 130 that engage and secure with each other. This assembly method can improve the assembly efficiency of the rocker mechanism 10. The upper shell 120 has a first end 101 and a lug 110, while the bottom cover 130 has a second end 103. One of the extension portion 330 and the upper shell 120 has a locking block 121, while the other has a locking hole 333 for engaging and securing with the locking block 121. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the upper shell 120 has the locking block 121 and the bottom cover 130 has the locking hole 333. The reinforcement member 300 can be pressed down onto the mounting base 100 from the side where the first end 101 is located, thereby securing the extension portion 330 to the mounting base 100. Similarly, the upper shell 120 and the bottom cover 130, and the connecting portion 320 and the upper shell 120 can also be secured by engaging with the locking block 121 and the locking hole 333. This will not be further described here.

[0039] Continuing with Figure 3 , the upper housing 120 includes a body 123 and a boss 125. The body 123 has a first end 101 and a lug 110, with the boss 125 protruding from the first end 101. The rocker mechanism 10 is inserted through and extends from the boss 125. The body 123 forms an abutment surface 1231 at the first end 101. The abutment surface 1231 is distributed along the circumference of the boss 125, and the abutment portion 310 abuts against the abutment surface 1231. The abutment surface 1231 increases the contact area with the reinforcement member 300, thereby improving the installation stability of the reinforcement member 300 on the mounting base 100.

[0040] The boss 125 may further include two or more mating grooves 1251 spaced apart around its circumference. The abutting portion 310 includes a stopper 311 received in the mating grooves 1251. The mating grooves 1251 and the stopper 311 cooperate to facilitate positioning of the reinforcement member 300 on the mounting base 100, preventing the reinforcement member 300 from easily rotating relative to the mounting base 100 after being fitted onto the boss 125, thereby further ensuring the reliable positioning of the reinforcement member 300 on the mounting base 100.

[0041] The boss 125 may have an exposed spherical mating surface 1253. The end of the rocker mechanism 10 extending from the mounting base 100 may be used to mount a rod cap (not shown) or other structure. The rod cap may be disc-shaped and is used to increase the contact area with the user's finger, thereby facilitating the user's application of force to the rocker mechanism 10 to cause it to swing. The spherical mating surface 1253 of the boss 125 may mate with the rod cap, thereby utilizing the rod cap to better cover the gap between the rocker mechanism 10 and the boss 125, preventing dust and other foreign matter from entering the interior of the rocker mechanism 10.

[0042] Continuing with Figure 3 , the rocker mechanism 10 includes a circuit board 400 mounted on the mounting base 100 . The circuit board 400 includes a first Hall effect sensor 410 and a second Hall effect sensor 420 . The circuit board 400 integrates the necessary control circuitry and electrically connects to the game controller's circuit board via lead lines. Furthermore, referring to Figure 4 , the rocker assembly 200 includes a main shaft 210 , a first rocker module 220 , and a second rocker module 230 . The first rocker module 220 includes a first rocker 221 provided on the mounting base 100, and a first magnet 223 connected to the first rocker 221 and arranged corresponding to the first Hall sensor 410. The main shaft 210 is passed through the first rocker 221 and is used to drive the first rocker 221 to swing around a first direction, so that the first magnet 223 swings relative to the first Hall sensor 410, thereby generating a trigger signal in one direction; the second rocker module 230 includes a second rocker 231 provided on the mounting base 100, and a second magnet 233 connected to the second rocker 231 and arranged corresponding to the second Hall sensor 420. The main shaft 210 is passed through the second rocker 231 and is used to drive the second rocker 231 to swing around a second direction, so that the second magnet 233 swings relative to the second Hall sensor 420, thereby generating a trigger signal in another direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first magnet 223 and the second magnet 233 are magnets, and the first Hall sensor 410 and the second Hall sensor 420 are Hall sensors. When the first rocker 221 causes the first magnet 223 to swing relative to the first Hall sensor 410, the magnetic field of the first magnet 223 changes accordingly. The Hall sensor can generate a control signal in response to the change in the magnetic field, thereby achieving operational control. Similarly, when the second rocker 231 causes the second magnet 233 to swing relative to the second Hall sensor 420, the magnetic field of the second magnet 233 changes accordingly. The Hall sensor can also generate a control signal in response to the change in the magnetic field, thereby achieving operational control.

[0044] In the above rocker assembly 200, since the first magnet 223 is directly connected to the first rocker 221 and is driven by the first rocker 221 to swing relative to the first Hall sensor 410, the second magnet 233 can be directly connected to the second rocker 231 and is driven by the second rocker 231 to swing relative to the second Hall sensor 420. The connection between the first magnet 223 and the first rocker 221 and the connection between the second magnet 233 and the second rocker 231 do not need to go through intermediate components, thereby simplifying the intermediate links of assembly, improving positioning accuracy, and improving product yield.

[0045] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0046] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementations of the present invention. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present utility model patent shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rocker mechanism, characterized in that, comprising: a mounting base including a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; a circuit board disposed on the mounting base and including a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor; a rocker assembly swingably protruding from the first end and including a first magnet corresponding to the first Hall sensor and a second magnet corresponding to the second Hall sensor; and a reinforcing member covering at least a part of the first end and engaging with the mounting base, the reinforcing member protruding from the circumferential side of the mounting base and being used for connecting to an external support structure.

2. The rocker mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, the reinforcing member includes an integrally formed abutting portion and a connecting portion, the rocker assembly passes through the abutting portion, and the abutting portion abuts against the first end, and the connecting portion protrudes from the circumferential side of the mounting base and is used for connecting to an external support structure.

3. The rocker mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, the mounting base has a lug, the lug is provided with a first hole for passing through a fastener, the reinforcing member includes an extension portion integrally formed with the abutting portion, the extension portion extends to the side of the lug facing the rocker assembly, and is used for abutting against the fastener after the fastener passes through the lug.

4. The rocker mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the lug is closer to the second end than the first end, the reinforcing member is a sheet metal part and the extension portion is provided with a second hole communicating with the first hole, the second hole is used for passing through the fastener, and the extension portion extends to the edge of the hole wall of the first hole.

5. The rocker mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the mounting base has a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, the rocker assembly is used for swinging around the first direction and the second direction, in the first direction, both opposite ends of the mounting base have the lugs, both opposite ends of the abutting portion are provided with the extension portions, and the extension portions correspond to the lugs one by one.

6. The rocker mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, the mounting base includes an upper shell and a bottom cover that are snap-fitted and fixed to each other, the upper shell has the first end and the lug, the bottom cover has the second end, the circuit board is connected to the bottom cover; one of the extension portion and the upper shell has a snap block, and the other has a snap hole for snap-fitting and fixing with the snap block.

7. The rocker mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, the upper shell includes a body and a convex platform, the body has the first end and the lug, the convex platform protrudes from the first end, the rocker mechanism passes through the convex platform and protrudes from the convex platform, the body forms an abutting surface at the first end, the abutting surface is distributed in the circumferential direction of the convex platform, and the abutting portion abuts against the abutting surface.

8. The rocker mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, the convex platform has an exposed spherical mating surface, and two or more mating grooves are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the convex platform, and the abutting portion has a limiting portion accommodated in the mating groove.

9. The rocker mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, the rocker assembly includes a main shaft, a first rocker and a second rocker. The first rocker and the second rocker are respectively arranged on the mounting seat, and the first magnet is connected to the first rocker, and the second magnet is connected to the second rocker. The main shaft passes through the first rocker and is used to drive the first rocker to swing around a first direction, so that the first magnet swings relative to the first Hall sensor; the main shaft also passes through the second rocker and is used to drive the second rocker to swing around a second direction, so that the second magnet swings relative to the second Hall sensor.

10. A game handle, characterized in that, it includes a housing and the rocker mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, and the rocker mechanism is connected to the housing.

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