Game controller and button thereof

Abstract

A game controller and a button thereof. The button comprises a housing (100), a button body (200), and a flexible reset member (300). The button body is slidably fitted to the housing. One end of the flexible reset member abuts against the housing while the other end abuts against the button body, so that when the button body is pressed, the flexible rest member moves relative to the housing, and further presses against a trigger structure of a circuit board of the game controller. The flexible reset member can be made of a soft rubber material such as silica gel or rubber, and compared with a spring, the flexible reset member can be formed by using injection molding and other means, achieving improved production consistency and ensuring the uniformity of assembled buttons. The deformation characteristics of the flexible reset member made of soft rubber material can also prevent abnormal noise during pressing. In addition, the flexible reset member can also prevent large variations in feedback strength and tactile feel during button pressing, thereby improving user experience.

Description

Game controller and its buttons Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of game handles, in particular to a game handle and buttons thereof. 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 the related art, as disclosed in patent CN117153600A, the game controller button includes a button body, a spring, a base and a silicone conductor. The spring is arranged between the button body and the base, and the silicone conductor is connected to the button body. When the operator presses the button body and squeezes the spring, the silicone conductor can contact the circuit switch and generate a trigger signal. After releasing the button body, the spring can drive the button body to reset. During this process, the spring can provide press feedback. However, the production consistency of the spring is difficult to guarantee, and the consistency of the assembled button is also difficult to guarantee. Abnormal noise may occur during use, and the feedback force and paragraph feeling provided by the spring will also be different during the process of pressing the button body, which reduces the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiment of the present invention provides a game controller and buttons thereof to improve button consistency and user experience.

[0005] A button, comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] a key body, slidingly fitted in the housing; and

[0008] A flexible restoring member has one end abutting against the housing and the other end abutting against the key body, so as to move relative to the housing when the key body is pressed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the shell is provided with a through hole, and the shell has a support platform in the circumferential direction of the through hole, the flexible reset member includes a supporting portion and a movable portion connected to the supporting portion, the supporting portion abuts against the support platform, the movable portion abuts against the key body and is arranged corresponding to the through hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flexible reset member includes a deformation portion connected between the abutting portion and the movable portion, the deformation portion and the abutting portion are combined to form a movable groove for penetrating the movable portion, and the movable groove is connected to the through hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the button includes a conductive silicone body, the conductive silicone body is connected to an end of the movable portion close to the through hole, and the conductive silicone body is inserted into the movable groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the supporting portion is annular, the cross-section of the movable portion is circular, the outer diameter of the movable portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the supporting portion, and in the axial direction of the through hole, the outer diameter of the deformation portion gradually decreases from the supporting portion to the movable portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shell has a limit platform in the circumferential direction of the support platform, and in the axial direction of the through hole, the limit platform protrudes from the support platform toward the key body; when the key body is pressed, the limit platform is used to abut against the key body to limit the movement range of the key body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the key body includes a clamping portion, a supporting platform, a guide column and a limiting portion, the supporting platform is connected to one end of the clamping portion, the guide column is connected to the end of the supporting platform away from the clamping portion, and more than two guide columns are arranged at circumferential intervals along the supporting platform, the limiting portion and the guide column are connected to the same side of the supporting platform, and the limiting portion is provided between any two adjacent guide columns, and the supporting platform abuts against the movable portion; in the axial direction of the through hole, the shell has a guide body protruding from the limiting platform, and more than two guide bodies are provided and slideably cooperate with the guide columns one by one, and the limiting portion is used to abut against the limiting platform to limit the movement range of the key body.

[0015] In one embodiment, a slot is formed at one end of the engaging portion away from the movable portion, and the key includes a key cap detachably engaged with the slot.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing includes an upper shell and a bottom shell, and the upper shell and the bottom shell are snap-connected to form a receiving cavity for receiving the key body and the flexible reset member.

[0017] A game controller comprises a shell and any one of the above buttons, wherein the button is arranged through the shell.

[0018] The above-mentioned buttons can be used in game controllers. The buttons include a shell, a key body and a flexible reset member. The key body slides in the shell. One end of the flexible reset member abuts the shell, and the other end abuts the key body, so that when the key body is pressed, it moves relative to the shell, thereby pressing the trigger structure on the circuit board of the game controller. The flexible reset member can be made of a soft rubber material such as silicone or rubber. Compared with springs, the flexible reset member can be formed by injection molding and other methods, and its production consistency is better, which can ensure the consistency of the assembled keys. The deformation characteristics of the flexible reset member made of soft rubber material can also prevent abnormal noise problems during the pressing process. Moreover, the flexible reset member can also prevent large differences in feedback force and paragraph feeling during the process of pressing the key body, thereby improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 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.

[0020] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of buttons of a game controller according to an embodiment;

[0021] FIG2 is an exploded view of the button shown in FIG1 ;

[0022] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the button shown in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG4 is an exploded view of the button shown in FIG1 from another perspective.

[0024] Reference numerals:

[0025] Key 10, housing 100, receiving cavity 101, upper shell 110, bottom shell 120, through hole 121, support platform 123, limiting platform 125, guide body 127, guide groove 1271, key body 200, clamping portion 210, clamping groove 211, support platform 220, guide column 230, limiting portion 240, flexible reset member 300, movable groove 301, supporting portion 310, movable portion 320, deformation portion 330, keycap 400, conductive silicone body 500 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 1 , the present invention discloses a button 10 , which can be used on a game controller (not shown). An operator can control a virtual character through the button 10 of the game controller.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 simultaneously, the key 10 includes a housing 100, a key body 200, and a flexible reset member 300. The key body 200 is slidably fitted into the housing 100. One end of the flexible reset member 300 abuts the housing 100, and the other end abuts the key body 200, so that it moves relative to the housing 100 when the key body 200 is pressed. A game controller generally includes a housing (not shown) and components such as a circuit board disposed within the housing. The circuit board integrates a control circuit. The key 10 is disposed through the housing. When the operator presses the key 10, the flexible reset member 300 of the key 10 can press against a trigger structure on the circuit board, such as an electronic switch or contact, thereby generating a trigger signal.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the housing 100 is roughly in the shape of a hollow rectangular box, which may include an upper shell 110 and a bottom shell 120. The upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are snap-fitted and enclose a receiving cavity 101 for accommodating the key body 200 and the flexible reset member 300. For example, one of the upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can be provided with a protrusion and the other can be provided with a groove. When the upper shell 110 is placed on the bottom shell 120 and pressed down, the protrusion can enter the groove, so that the upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are snap-fitted to form a reliable fixed connection. This structural setting can improve the assembly efficiency of the housing 100. Of course, this structure also facilitates the removal of the upper shell 110 from the bottom shell 120 for maintenance.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the material of the upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can be the same, for example, hard plastic, for example, the hardness of the plastic is greater than Shore 65D. The hard plastic shell 100 can better protect the internal key body 200 and the flexible reset member 300, improve the service life, and provide better rigid support for the entire structure. Moreover, the hard plastic upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can also be easily processed and molded to maintain production consistency. Of course, in other embodiments, the materials of the upper shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can be different, for example, one is hard plastic and the other is metal or ceramic.

[0033] The bottom housing 120 defines a through hole 121, with the flexible reset member 300 positioned corresponding to this hole. This hole 121 can correspond to a trigger structure on a circuit board, such as an electronic switch or contact. When the key 200 is pressed, a portion of the flexible reset member 300 moves axially along the through hole 121, pressing against a trigger structure on the circuit board, such as an electronic switch or contact, to generate a trigger signal.

[0034] For example, the key 10 may include a keycap 400 detachably attached to the key body 200. The keycap 400 is inserted through the housing 100 and exposed outside the housing 100. When the operator presses the keycap 400, the key body 200 can be driven by the keycap 400 to move within the housing 100. In some embodiments, the flexible return member 300 is made of a soft rubber, such as silicone or rubber, and its hardness can be less than Shore 60D. The flexible return member 300 made of such a material can deform under pressure and return to its original shape after the pressure is released.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bottom shell 120 has a support platform 123 circumferentially around the through hole 121. The flexible reset member 300 includes a supporting portion 310 and a movable portion 320 connected to the supporting portion 310. The supporting portion 310 abuts against the support platform 123, and the movable portion 320 abuts against the key body 200. The support platform 123 can be annular, and its surface can be relatively flat, such as a plane, so that it can provide better support for the supporting portion 310. Of course, an adhesive layer can also be conveniently provided on the surface of the supporting portion 310 to reliably fix the supporting portion 310 to the bottom shell 120, preventing the flexible reset member 300 from easily shifting relative to the bottom shell 120 during the pressure of the key body 200. Of course, the adhesive layer is not required.

[0036] The flexible reset member 300 may further include a deformable portion 330 connected between the abutting portion 310 and the movable portion 320. The deformable portion 330 and the abutting portion 310 together form a movable groove 301 for the movable portion 320 to pass through, and the movable groove 301 is connected to the through hole 121. For example, the cross-section of the abutting portion 310 may be annular, and the cross-section of the movable portion 320 may be circular. The outer diameter of the movable portion 320 is smaller than the inner diameter of the abutting portion 310, and the outer diameter of the deformable portion 330 gradually decreases from the abutting portion 310 toward the movable portion 320 in the axial direction of the through hole 121. In other words, the outer surface of the deformable portion 330 may be a conical surface. When the key body 200 is not pressed, the supporting effect of the deformable portion 330 can cause the movable portion 320 to suspend in the movable groove 301, or cause at least a portion of the movable portion 320 to suspend in the movable groove 301. When the key body 200 is pressed, the movable portion 320 is driven within the movable groove 301 toward the through hole 121, causing the deformable portion 330 to deform and accumulate elastic force. After the operator releases the key body 200, the deformable portion 330 can drive the key body 200 back to its original position. Of course, during this process, the movable portion 320 and the abutting portion 310 can also be squeezed and deformed, generating elastic potential energy, which helps drive the key body 200 back to its original position after the key body 200 is released.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the key 10 may include a conductive silicone body 500, which is connected to the end of the movable portion 320 near the through hole 121. For example, the conductive silicone body 500 is injection molded into the movable portion 320 and is inserted into the movable groove 301. The conductive silicone body 500 can generally be used in circuit boards with contact structures, and can generate a trigger signal when it comes into contact with the contacts. The provision of the conductive silicone body 500 makes the key 10 suitable for both mechanical switch-type circuit boards and contact-type circuit boards. The circuit boards can be adapted to the key 10 without modification, thereby improving the compatibility of the key 10.

[0038] The housing 100 may further include a limiting platform 125 circumferentially of the support platform 123, and in the axial direction of the through hole 121, the limiting platform 125 protrudes from the support platform 123 toward the key body 200. When the key body 200 is pressed, the limiting platform 125 is used to abut against the key body 200 to limit the movement range of the key body 200.

[0039] Specifically, with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the key body 200 may include a clamping portion 210, a support 220, a guide post 230, and a stopper 240. The support 220 is connected to one end of the clamping portion 210, and the guide post 230 is connected to the end of the support 220 facing away from the clamping portion 210. Two or more guide posts 230 are provided at intervals along the circumference of the support 220. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, four guide posts 230 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the through hole 121. In other embodiments, the number of guide posts 230 may be increased or decreased.

[0040] The limiting portion 240 and the guide post 230 are connected to the same side of the support platform 220, and a limiting portion 240 is provided between any two adjacent guide posts 230. The height of the limiting portion 240 protruding from the support platform 220 is less than the height of the guide post 230 protruding from the support platform 220. The support platform 220 abuts against the movable portion 320. In the axial direction of the through hole 121, the housing 100 may also have a guide body 127 protruding from the limiting platform 125. There may be two or more guide bodies 127 and they are slidably engaged with the guide posts 230 in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the guide body 127 may have a guide groove 1271, and the guide post 230 is slidably engaged in the guide groove 1271. The shape of the guide post 230 matches the shape of the guide groove 1271. In other words, taking into account engineering errors, the basic values ​​of the diameter of the guide post 230 and the aperture of the guide groove 1271 can be equal. Combined with the arrangement of multiple guide posts 230 , the key body 200 can move axially along the through hole 121 when the key body 200 is pressed, preventing the key body 200 from deflecting during movement, causing uneven force on the flexible return member 300 and reducing its service life.

[0041] After the key body 200 is pressed, the guide post 230 moves along the guide groove 1271 and presses down the movable part 320. The movable part 320 moves down and contacts the trigger structure of the circuit board, such as an electronic switch or contact, to generate a trigger signal. At the same time, the flexible reset member 300 accumulates elastic potential energy due to being squeezed and deformed. When the limit part 240 abuts the limit platform 125, the guide post 230 cannot move downward under normal circumstances. That is, the abutment between the limit part 240 and the limit platform 125 can limit the range of movement of the key body 200, preventing the user from pressing too hard and causing damage to the flexible reset member 300. After the operator releases the key body 200, the squeezed and deformed flexible reset member 300 releases its elastic potential energy and drives the key body 200 to reset, and the operator can perform the next pressing operation.

[0042] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, a slot 211 may be provided at one end of the clamping portion 210 away from the movable portion 320, and the keycap 400 may be detachably clamped to the slot 211. The keycap 400 may be cylindrical, and its structure and material may have many variations, such as customized design. For example, the material of the keycap 400 may be silicone, or ceramic, etc. The detachable structure of the keycap 400 and the clamping portion 210 allows the user to easily replace the keycap 400 with a different height, different shape, different feel, or different pressing force, so as to more conveniently achieve personalization and enhance the user experience.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 key, characterized in that, include: case; a key body, slidingly fitted in the housing; as well as A flexible restoring member has one end abutting against the housing and the other end abutting against the key body, so as to move relative to the housing when the key body is pressed.

2. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is provided with a through hole, and the shell has a support platform in the circumferential direction of the through hole. The flexible reset member includes a supporting portion and a movable portion connected to the supporting portion. The supporting portion abuts against the support platform, and the movable portion abuts against the key body and is arranged corresponding to the through hole.

3. The button according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible restoring member includes a deformation portion connected between the abutting portion and the movable portion. The deformation portion and the abutting portion are combined to form a movable groove for penetrating the movable portion. The movable groove is communicated with the through hole.

4. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that, The button includes a conductive silicone body, the conductive silicone body is connected to one end of the movable part close to the through hole, and the conductive silicone body is penetrated into the movable groove.

5. The key according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross section of the supporting portion is annular, the cross section of the movable portion is circular, the outer diameter of the movable portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the supporting portion, and in the axial direction of the through hole, the outer diameter of the deformable portion gradually decreases from the supporting portion to the movable portion.

6. The button according to claim 2, wherein The shell has a limit platform in the circumferential direction of the support platform, and in the axial direction of the through hole, the limit platform protrudes from the support platform toward the key body; when the key body is pressed, the limit platform is used to abut against the key body to limit the movement range of the key body.

7. The button according to claim 6, wherein The key body includes a clamping portion, a supporting platform, a guide column and a limiting portion, the supporting platform is connected to one end of the clamping portion, the guide column is connected to the end of the supporting platform away from the clamping portion, and two or more guide columns are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the supporting platform, the limiting portion and the guide column are connected to the same side of the supporting platform, and the limiting portion is provided between any two adjacent guide columns, and the supporting platform abuts against the movable portion; in the axial direction of the through hole, the shell has a guide body protruding from the limiting platform, and the guide bodies are provided with more than two and slide-fit with the guide columns one-to-one, and the limiting portion is used to abut against the limiting platform to limit the movement range of the key body.

8. The button according to claim 7, characterized in that, A clamping slot is formed at one end of the clamping portion away from the movable portion, and the key comprises a key cap detachably clamped in the clamping slot.

9. The button according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The housing comprises an upper shell and a bottom shell, and the upper shell and the bottom shell are clamped together to form a receiving cavity for receiving the key body and the flexible reset member.

10. A game controller, characterized in that, The invention comprises a housing and the key according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the key is arranged through the housing.

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