Gamepad

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a gamepad, comprising a housing, a trigger button, a circuit board, and a shift plate. The trigger button comprises a button body rotatably arranged on the housing and a sensor arranged on the button body; the circuit board is arranged in the housing and comprises a board body and a microswitch and a sensing element which are electrically connected to the board body; the shift plate is arranged on the housing and is configured to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the housing; at the first position, the shift plate is configured to abut against the button body so as to be driven by the button body to press the microswitch, thereby achieving a micro trigger function, and the action surface of the shift plate used for pressing the microswitch is arranged in parallel with the plate body so as to improve the tactile feel of button triggering; and when at the second position, the shift plate is farther away from the sensor than at the first position, and the button body is configured to drive the sensor to move and sense the sensing element, thereby achieving a linear trigger function. According to the gamepad, by switching the position of the shift plate on the housing, switching between the linear trigger function and the micro trigger function can be implemented, thereby improving the convenience of use.

Description

Game controller Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, in particular to a game handle. Background Art

[0002] Game controllers are common accessories for electronic gaming devices. Users control virtual characters by manipulating their joysticks, buttons, and other components. Game controllers typically have triggers on their shoulders, which are generally categorized as linear triggers or micro-triggers. Linear triggers are more suitable for games requiring precise control, such as racing throttle control, while micro-triggers are more suitable for games requiring increased firing rate, such as shooters.

[0003] In the related art, a game controller is generally equipped with only one type of trigger button. Users need to change different types of controllers when operating different types of games, which reduces the convenience of use. Utility Model Content

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a game controller to improve the convenience of using the game controller.

[0005] A game controller, comprising:

[0006] shell;

[0007] The trigger key comprises a key body rotatably arranged on the housing and a sensor arranged on the key body;

[0008] a circuit board, disposed in the housing and comprising a board body, a micro switch and a sensor electrically connected to the board body; and

[0009] A dial plate is provided on the housing and is used to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. In the first position, the dial plate is used to abut against the key body to be driven by the key body to press the micro switch, and the active surface of the dial plate for pressing the micro switch is parallel to the plate body; in the second position, the dial plate is further away from the sensor member relative to the first position, and the key body is used to drive the sensor member to move and sense the induction member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shift plate includes a body and a limiting portion, wherein the limiting portion is connected to a side of the body facing the plate body, and the limiting portion is used to limit the range of movement of the body when in the first position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main body includes a substrate and an extension portion connected to the substrate, the limiting portion is connected to the side of the extension portion facing the plate body, and in the first position, the extension portion extends between the sensor and the induction member to be used to resist the key body, and the active surface of the substrate for pressing the micro switch is parallel to the plate body.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the key body is in the first position and the key body is in the initial position, the angle between the active surface of the extension portion for contacting the key body and the plate body is less than 20 degrees.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the key body is in the first position and the key body is in the initial position, the normal line of the active surface of the extension portion for contacting the key body is perpendicular to the plate body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the game controller includes a limit plate connected to the shell, the limit plate has a limit protrusion, the base plate is provided with a first limit groove and a second limit groove which are spaced apart and arranged on the same side, the first limit groove is farther away from the extension portion than the second limit groove, the base plate and the limit plate are slidably fitted, and when the limit protrusion is accommodated in the first limit groove, the dial plate is located in the first position; when the limit protrusion is accommodated in the second limit groove, the dial plate is located in the second position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the main body includes a shift block connected to the base plate, the shift block is protruding from a side of the base plate away from the first limiting groove, and the shift block is exposed to the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the substrate has a curved buffer portion, and the buffer portion is located between the extension portion and the first limiting groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the body includes a guide portion connected to the substrate, the guide portion is protruded from a side of the substrate away from the micro switch and is provided with a guide groove, and the housing has a guide bar that slides in engagement with the guide groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, the game controller includes a reset member disposed in the housing, one end of the reset member is connected to the key body, and the other end is connected to the housing.

[0019] The above-mentioned game controller includes a shell, a trigger button, a circuit board and a dial plate. The trigger button includes a key body rotatably arranged on the shell and a sensor element arranged on the key body. The circuit board is arranged in the shell and includes a board body and a micro switch and a sensor element electrically connected to the board body. The dial plate is arranged on the shell and is used to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the shell. In the first position, the dial plate is used to abut against the key body to be driven by the key body to press the micro switch, that is, the dial plate in the first position can realize the function of the micro trigger, and the action surface of the dial plate for pressing the micro switch is parallel to the board body, which can concentrate the force applied to the micro switch button on the moving direction of the button, thereby improving the sensitivity and feel of the button triggering; in the second position, the dial plate is farther away from the sensor element relative to the first position, and the key body is used to drive the sensor element to move and sense the sensor element, that is, the dial plate in the second position can realize the function of a linear trigger. In other words, the above game controllers can switch between the linear trigger function and the micro trigger function by switching the position of the dial on the shell. Users do not need to be equipped with multiple game controllers, thereby improving the convenience of use. 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 partial structure of a game controller according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIG2 is an exploded view of the game controller shown in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is an exploded view of the game controller shown in FIG1 with some of its structures removed;

[0024] FIG4 is a side view of the game controller shown in FIG1 with the paddle in a first position;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the game controller shown in FIG1 with the paddle in a second position;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a force model of the extension portion of the game controller shown in FIG5 .

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] Game controller 10, housing 100, through hole 101, guide bar 110, trigger button 200, key body 210, sensor 220, circuit board 300, board body 310, micro switch 320, button 321, sensor 330, dial plate 400, body 410, base plate 411, first limiting groove 411a, second limiting groove 411b, extension 413, dial block 415, guide portion 417, guide groove 417a, buffer portion 419, limiting portion 420, reset member 500, limiting plate 600, limiting protrusion 610 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 1 , the present invention discloses a game controller 10 , wherein an operator can control a virtual character through components such as a joystick and buttons of the game controller 10 .

[0033] Referring to Figure 2 , the game controller 10 may include a housing 100, a trigger button 200, a circuit board 300, and a dial plate 400. The housing 100 provides rigidity to the entire structure, while the trigger button 200, circuit board 300, and dial plate 400 are mounted to the housing 100 and provided with a position limiter and protective function. The trigger button 200 includes a key body 210 rotatably mounted to the housing 100 and a sensor 220 mounted on the key body 210. Specifically, the key body 210 of the trigger button 200 is rotatably mounted to the shoulder of the housing 100, facilitating operation by pressing with the index finger. In one embodiment, the sensor 220 is a magnet.

[0034] The circuit board 300 is disposed within the housing 100 and includes a board body 310, a microswitch 320, and a sensor 330 electrically connected to the board body 310. The board body 310 integrates the control circuitry of the game controller 10. The microswitch 320 can switch within a specified range and under a specified force. The contact spacing between the switches is relatively small, and it is also called a sensitive switch. The sensor 330 is configured to correspond to the sensor 220. For example, the sensor 330 is a Hall effect sensor. When the sensor 220 moves relative to the sensor 330, the sensor 330 can detect changes in the magnetic field and generate a trigger signal.

[0035] The dial plate 400 is disposed within the housing 100 and is configured to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the housing 100. For example, an operator can push or pull the dial plate 400 to switch the dial plate 400 between the first position and the second position relative to the housing 100. Referring to Figures 3 and 4 , in the first position, the dial plate 400 is configured to abut against the key body 210 so as to be driven by the key body 210 to press the microswitch 320, thereby generating a trigger signal. The active surface of the dial plate 400 for pressing the microswitch 320 is parallel to the plate body 310. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the dial plate 400 in the first position, and Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the dial plate 400 in the second position. In the second position, the dial plate 400 is further away from the sensor 220 than in the first position, and the key body 210 is configured to drive the sensor 220 to move and sense the induction element 330. In other words, when the paddle 400 is in the first position, the trigger button 200 can function as a micro trigger, which is suitable for operating shooting games such as shooting games that require increased shooting frequency; when the paddle 400 is in the second position, the trigger button 200 can function as a linear trigger, which is suitable for operating racing games such as throttle control that require precise control.

[0036] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" should be understood as concepts that include engineering tolerances and should not be considered as strictly parallel or perpendicular relationships in geometric terms. For example, two surfaces with an angle between 0 and 5 degrees are considered parallel, while two surfaces with an angle between 90 and 95 degrees are considered perpendicular.

[0037] The above game controller 10 includes a housing 100, a trigger button 200, a circuit board 300 and a dial plate 400. The trigger button 200 includes a key body 210 rotatably arranged on the housing 100 and a sensor 220 arranged on the key body 210. The circuit board 300 is arranged in the housing 100 and includes a board body 310 and a micro switch 320 and a sensor 330 electrically connected to the board body 310. The dial plate 400 is arranged in the housing 100 and is used to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the housing 100. In the first position, the dial plate 400 is used to abut against the key body 210 to be driven by the key body 210. Pressing the microswitch 320, i.e., in the first position, the dial plate 400 can function as a micro trigger. Furthermore, the surface of the dial plate 400 used to press the micro switch 320 is parallel to the plate body 310. This allows the force applied to the button 321 of the micro switch 320 to be concentrated in the direction of movement of the button 321, thereby improving the sensitivity and feel of triggering the button 321. In the second position, the dial plate 400 is further away from the sensor 220 than in the first position. The button body 210 is used to drive the sensor 220 to move and sense the sensor 330. In other words, the dial plate 400 in the second position can function as a linear trigger. In other words, the game controller 10 described above can switch between the linear trigger function and the micro trigger function by simply switching the position of the dial plate 400 within the housing 100. This eliminates the need for users to have multiple game controllers 10, thereby improving user convenience.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the dial plate 400 may include a body 410 and a stopper 420. The stopper 420 is connected to the side of the body 410 facing the plate 310. The stopper 420 is used to limit the range of motion of the body 410 when in the first position. Specifically, when the dial plate 400 is in the first position, a user presses the key body 210 of the trigger button 200, causing the key body 210 to rotate relative to the housing 100. The key body 210 presses against the body 410, which in turn presses against the microswitch 320, generating a trigger signal. During this process, the stopper 420 limits the range of motion of the body 410, preventing the portion of the body 410 that contacts the key body 210 from swinging too far and potentially damaging the microswitch 320 or related structures. This structure also prevents damage to the microswitch 320 or related structures caused by the impact of accidentally dropping the game controller 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the body 410 may include a substrate 411 and an extension 413 connected to the substrate 411. The extension 413, the substrate 411, and the limiting portion 420 may be integrally formed to improve processing efficiency. The limiting portion 420 is connected to the side of the extension 413 facing the plate body 310. With reference to FIG2 , when in the first position, the extension 413 extends between the sensor 220 and the inductive element 330 to abut against the key body 210. The active surface of the substrate 411 for pressing the microswitch 320 is parallel to the plate body 310. In this embodiment, the active surface of the substrate 411 for pressing the microswitch 320 is parallel to the plate body 310 in the first position. This can concentrate the force applied to the key 321 of the microswitch 320 in the direction of movement of the key 321, thereby improving the sensitivity and feel of the key 321 when triggered.

[0040] Further, referring to FIG4 , when the dial plate 400 is in the first position and the key body 210 is in the initial position, the active surface of the extension 413, which is used to abut the key body 210, forms an angle of less than 20 degrees with the plate body 310. The initial position of the key body 210 can be simply understood as the position of the key body 210 relative to the housing 100 when not pressed by the operator. For example, in conjunction with FIG5 , the game controller 10 may include a reset member 500 disposed within the housing 100. The reset member 500 may be a spring or a spring, with one end of the reset member 500 connected to the key body 210 and the other end connected to the housing 100. Of course, the reset member 500 may be indirectly connected to the housing 100 via the plate body 310 of the circuit board 300. In some embodiments, when the key body 210 is pressed, the reset member 500 is compressed, and the reset member 500 accumulates elastic potential energy; after the user releases the pressure on the key body 210, the reset member 500 releases the elastic potential energy and drives the key body 210 to return to its initial position, thereby resetting the trigger key 200.

[0041] Furthermore, when the dial plate 400 is in the first position and the key body 210 is in the initial position, the normal of the active surface of the extension 413 that contacts the key body 210 is perpendicular to the plate 310. In other words, when the dial plate 400 is in the first position and the key body 210 is in the initial position, the active surface of the extension 413 that contacts the key body 210 and the plate 310 can be substantially parallel. The parallel arrangement of the active surface of the extension 413 that contacts the key body 210 and the plate 310 in the first position can concentrate the force applied by the key body 210 to the button 321 of the micro switch 320 in the direction of movement of the button 321, thereby improving the sensitivity and feel of triggering the trigger button 200.

[0042] Specifically, Figure 6 shows a simplified geometric model of the above-mentioned structure. Assume that the angle between the active surface of the extension portion 413 in the first position that contacts the key body 210 and the plate body 310 is β, the pressing direction of the micro switch 320 is perpendicular to the plate body 310, and the force applied by the key body 210 on the extension portion 413 is F. The force applied perpendicular to the plate body 310 to the micro switch 320 is F*cosβ. When the angle β is reduced to β' as shown in the figure, under the action of the same force F', the force applied perpendicular to the plate body 310 to the micro switch 320 increases. In other words, the closer the angle between the active surface of the extension portion 413 in the first position that contacts the key body 210 and the plate body 310 is to 0, that is, the closer the two are to being parallel, the smaller the force required to trigger the micro switch 320. In accordance with the operator's experience, a control signal can be generated with less force, that is, the triggering sensitivity and feel of the trigger key 200 are improved, thereby avoiding the operation feel being too hard and reducing the user experience.

[0043] Continuing with reference to Figure 3, the game controller 10 may include a limit plate 600 connected to the housing 100, the limit plate 600 has a limit protrusion 610, the base plate 411 is provided with a first limit groove 411a and a second limit groove 411b that are spaced apart and arranged on the same side, the first limit groove 411a is farther away from the extension portion 413 than the second limit groove 411b, the base plate 411 and the limit plate 600 are slidably matched, and when the limit protrusion 610 is accommodated in the first limit groove 411a, the dial plate 400 is located in the first position, and when the limit protrusion 610 is accommodated in the second limit groove 411b, the dial plate 400 is located in the second position. In other words, the first position and the second position of the dial plate 400 can be limited by the cooperation between the limiting protrusion 610 and the first limiting groove 411a and the second limiting groove 411b. When the operator drives the dial plate 400 to switch between the first position and the second position relative to the housing 100, the limiting protrusion 610 can provide a clicky tactile feedback when sliding into and out of the first limiting groove 411a or the second limiting groove 411b, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

[0044] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 2 , the body 410 may include a shift block 415 connected to the base plate 411. The shift block 415 is protruding from a side of the base plate 411 facing away from the first limiting groove 411a, and the shift block 415 is exposed to the housing 100. Also, with reference to Figure 1 , the housing 100 may define a through hole 101 for receiving the shift block 415. The shift block 415 is disposed within the through hole 101. An operator can push and pull the shift block 415 to switch the entire shift plate 400 between the first position and the second position, thereby improving user convenience.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to Figures 2 and 3 , the body 410 may further include a guide portion 417 connected to the base plate 411. The guide portion 417 protrudes from the side of the base plate 411 facing away from the microswitch 320 and defines a guide slot 417a. The housing 100 includes a guide bar 110 that slidably engages with the guide slot 417a. The guide portion 417 may be integrally formed with the base plate 411 to improve the processing efficiency of the dial plate 400. The sliding engagement of the guide bar 110 with the guide slot 417a guides and limits the movement of the dial plate 400 between the first and second positions, preventing the dial plate 400 from deviating and adversely affecting the activation of the microswitch 320.

[0046] Furthermore, the base plate 411 may also have a curved buffer portion 419, located between the extension portion 413 and the second limiting groove 411b. The base plate 411 may be made of a steel sheet, and the curved buffer portion 419 can buffer deformation of the base plate 411. When the key body 210 strikes the extension portion 413, the buffering effect of the buffer portion 419 prevents the impact from being transmitted over an excessive distance to the base plate 411, which could adversely affect the fit between the base plate 411 and the limiting plate 600, and between the shift block 415 and the housing 100.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 game controller, characterized in that, include: shell; The trigger key comprises a key body rotatably arranged on the housing and a sensor arranged on the key body; A circuit board is disposed in the housing and includes a board body and a micro switch and a sensor electrically connected to the board body; as well as A dial plate is provided on the housing and is used to be driven to switch between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. In the first position, the dial plate is used to abut against the key body to be driven by the key body to press the micro switch, and the active surface of the dial plate for pressing the micro switch is parallel to the plate body; in the second position, the dial plate is further away from the sensor member relative to the first position, and the key body is used to drive the sensor member to move and sense the induction member.

2. The game handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shift plate includes a body and a limiting portion, wherein the limiting portion is connected to a side of the body facing the plate body, and the limiting portion is used to limit the range of movement of the body when in the first position.

3. The game controller according to claim 2, wherein, The main body includes a substrate and an extension portion connected to the substrate, the limiting portion is connected to the side of the extension portion facing the plate body, and in the first position, the extension portion extends between the sensor and the induction member to be used to resist the key body, and the active surface of the substrate for pressing the micro switch is parallel to the plate body.

4. The game controller according to claim 3, characterized in that When the key body is in the first position and the key body is in the initial position, the angle between the active surface of the extension portion for contacting the key body and the plate body is less than 20 degrees.

5. The game controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the key body is in the first position and the key body is in the initial position, the normal line of the active surface of the extension portion for contacting the key body is perpendicular to the plate body.

6. The game controller according to claim 3, characterized in that, The game controller includes a limiting plate connected to the shell, the limiting plate has a limiting protrusion, the base plate is provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove which are spaced apart and arranged on the same side, the first limiting groove is farther away from the extension portion than the second limiting groove, the base plate and the limiting plate are slidably matched, and when the limiting protrusion is accommodated in the first limiting groove, the dial plate is located in the first position; when the limiting protrusion is accommodated in the second limiting groove, the dial plate is located in the second position.

7. The game controller according to claim 6, wherein The main body includes a shift block connected to the base plate. The shift block is protruding from a side of the base plate away from the first limiting groove, and the shift block is exposed to the housing.

8. The game controller according to claim 6, characterized in that The base plate has a curved buffer portion, and the buffer portion is located between the extending portion and the first limiting groove.

9. The game handle according to claim 3, wherein The body includes a guide portion connected to the base plate. The guide portion is protruding from a side of the base plate away from the micro switch and is provided with a guide groove. The housing has a guide bar that is slidably matched with the guide groove.

10. The game controller according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The game handle includes a reset member arranged in the shell, one end of the reset member is connected to the key body, and the other end is connected to the shell.

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