Device

Abstract

Provided is a device to be gripped by a user, the device having an attachment part, a first movable part, and a second movable part. A controller having a first button is detachably attached to the attachment part. The first movable part: has a first surface which extends in a left–right direction and which is pressed from above by a user, and a first pressing part; and rotates, due to the first surface being pressed, about a first axis extending in a first direction that includes a left–right directional component. The second movable part: has a second surface pressed by the first pressing part as a result of the rotation of the first movable part, and a second pressing part; and rotates, due to the second surface being pressed, about a second axis extending in a second direction closer to a front–rear direction than the first direction. The second pressing part is configured to press the first button of the controller attached to the attachment part as a result of the rotation of the second movable part.

Description

Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-110680 (Patent Document 1) discloses an accessory device used with a game controller.

[0003] JP 2018-110680 A

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to improve operability.

[0005] The device disclosed herein is a device to which a controller is detachably attached, the device having a mounting portion that protrudes from the side and is attached to a game device, and a button provided on the mounting portion, and the device comprises a storage portion, a flange, an operation portion, and a pusher. The controller is stored in the storage portion. The storage portion is defined by inner surfaces including at least a top surface facing downward, a bottom surface facing upward, and a bottom surface facing forward, and is open to the front. The flange extends downward from the top surface and has an inner flange surface facing the bottom surface, and covers at least a portion of the front of the mounting portion of the controller stored in the storage portion. The operation portion is operated by a user. When the operation portion is operated, the pusher protrudes downward from the top surface and presses the button of the controller stored in the storage portion.

[0006] The device may include a magnetic member that is magnetically attracted to the button. In the device, the magnetic member may be provided above the button of the controller housed in the housing.

[0007] In the above device, the pusher may have a magnetic member. In the above device, the magnetic member may be provided on at least one side of the center of the button of the controller attached to the device in the left-right direction. The pusher may press the other side of the center of the button.

[0008] In the above device, the pusher may have a magnetic member, and the pusher may rotate about a shaft provided on one side of the magnetic member in the left-right direction.

[0009] In the above device, the magnetic member may be provided from one side to the other side of the center of the button in the left-right direction.

[0010] In the above device, the magnetic member is provided on at least one side of the center of the button of the controller attached to the device in the left-right direction so as not to move relative to the housing portion, and may not be provided on the other side.

[0011] In the device, the bottom surface may have a first elastic deformation body. In the device, the first elastic deformation body may be located below the center in the up-down direction on the bottom surface exposed when the device is viewed from the front side.

[0012] In the above device, the lower surface may have a second elastically deformable body, and the upper surface may not have an elastically deformable body.

[0013] In the above device, the left-right length of the flange may be shorter than the left-right length of the opening of the storage portion facing forward.

[0014] In the above device, the left-right length of the flange may be longer than the left-right length of the mounting portion and shorter than the left-right length of the controller.

[0015] The device may have a rim, the housing may be located on an inner diameter side of the rim, and the operating portion may be located rearward of the rim.

[0016] The device may be in a steering shape and may have a front housing and a rear housing fixed to the rear of the front housing. The front housing and the rear housing may form a rim. The device may include a rim cover that covers the rim except for an upper end region of an outer periphery of the rim.

[0017] In the above device, the area of ​​the bottom surface facing the inner surface of the flange may have a curved shape that is convex upward and backward.

[0018] In the above device, the distance between the region of the bottom surface that faces the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion may increase as it goes downward.

[0019] In the above device, the distance between the lower end of the area of ​​the bottom surface facing the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion may be greater than the distance between the lower end of the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion.

[0020] In the above-described device, the flange may have an entrance port provided on the inner surface of the flange through which light irradiated from the mounting portion enters, and an exit port provided on the outer surface of the flange through which the light incident from the entrance port exits. The exit port may be located above the entrance port.

[0021] The device disclosed herein is a device to be held by a user and includes a mounting unit, a first movable unit, and a second movable unit. A controller having a first button is detachably mounted on the mounting unit. The first movable unit has a first surface extending in the left-right direction and pressed from above by the user, and a first pressing unit, and rotates around a first axis extending in a first direction including a left-right component when the first surface is pressed. The second movable unit has a second surface pressed by the first pressing unit as the first movable unit rotates, and a second pressing unit, and rotates around a second axis extending in a second direction closer to the front-rear direction than the first direction when the second surface is pressed. The second pressing unit is configured to press the first button of the controller mounted on the mounting unit when the second movable unit rotates.

[0022] In the above device, the first surface may be located rearward of the first axis. In the above device, the rear end of the second movable part may be located forward of the rear end of the first movable part.

[0023] In the above device, the first pushing portion may be located between the first shaft and the first surface in the front-to-rear direction.

[0024] In the above device, the first axis may be located forward of the center of the second movable part in the front-rear direction.

[0025] In the above device, the second movable portion may be provided with a magnet that attracts the first button with a magnetic force.

[0026] The above device may be configured to be held by a user with both hands. The controller may have a second button. The device may include a third movable unit and a fourth movable unit. The third movable unit may have a third surface extending in the left-right direction and pressed from above by the user, and a third pressing unit, and may rotate around a third axis extending in a third direction including a left-right component when the third surface is pressed. The fourth movable unit may have a fourth surface pressed by the third pressing unit when the third movable unit rotates, and a fourth pressing unit, and may rotate around a fourth axis extending in a fourth direction closer to the front-to-back direction than the third direction when the fourth surface is pressed. The fourth pressing unit may be configured to press a second button on the controller attached to the attachment unit when the fourth movable unit rotates. The first surface may be located in a position covered from the right side by the user's right index finger, right middle finger, or right ring finger. The third surface may be located in a position covered from the left side by the user's left index finger, left middle finger, or left ring finger.

[0027] In the above device, the right end of the first axis may be located to the left of the right end of the first surface, and the left end of the third axis may be located to the right of the left end of the third surface.

[0028] The device may include a rim that is gripped by a user with both hands, and the first and third surfaces may each be located behind the rim.

[0029] In the above-described device, when viewed from above, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, and the third direction and the fourth direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0030] The above device may include a housing that houses the first movable part so that the first surface is exposed, and a cushion provided between an inner surface of the housing and an upper surface of the first movable part.

[0031] 13 is a first perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of a device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a second perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of a device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a front schematic diagram showing the configuration of an example of an information processing device. FIG. 16 is a front schematic diagram showing a state in which each of the first controller and the second controller is detached from the game device. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the information processing device is held and operated. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the controller is held and operated in a horizontal position. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the controller is held and operated in a vertical position. FIG. 19 is an assembled perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. FIG. 19 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first controller. FIG. 19 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first controller. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective schematic diagram including a protruding portion. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a state in which the first button is attracted to the first game device magnetic element. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a state in which the controller is attached to the game device. FIG. 19 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second controller. FIG. 19 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of a device according to the first embodiment. 25. A six-sided schematic diagram showing a state in which a first controller is attached to the device. A schematic perspective view showing a state in which a user is holding the device. A first exploded schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A second exploded schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A third exploded schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A fourth exploded schematic perspective view showing a configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A schematic perspective view showing a configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A schematic front view showing a configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 25. A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 25. A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first controller is attached to the device. A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first controller is attached to the device. A schematic front view showing a state in which the first controller is attached to the device. A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first controller is attached to the device according to the first embodiment. A schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is not pressed.FIG. 2 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is not pressed. FIG. 3 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is pressed. FIG. 4 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is pressed. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a second controller is attached to the device. FIG. 6 is a partial schematic perspective view showing a state in which the second controller is attached to the device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the second controller is attached to the device according to the third embodiment.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0033] <Overview> First, an overview of an example of an apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a first perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a second perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0034] 1 and 2 , device 500 according to this embodiment has a first movable part 510, a second movable part 520, a third movable part 530, a fourth movable part 540, and a housing 590. Second movable part 520 and fourth movable part 540 are examples of pushers that protrude downward when first movable part 510 and third movable part 530 are operated. Housing 590 is provided with a storage part 800. Storage part 800 stores a controller.

[0035] <Information Device> Next, the configuration of an example of an information device having a first controller and a second controller will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of an information device.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , the information device 1000 has a first controller 1, a second controller 2, and a game device 3. Hereinafter, the first controller 1 or the second controller 2 will be collectively referred to simply as a controller. Each of the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 is, for example, a game controller. The game device 3 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on input to the controller. The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 are detachable from the game device 3. In the attached state shown in FIG. 3 , the first controller 1 is attached to the right side of the game device 3, and the second controller 2 is attached to the left side of the game device 3.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 are detached from the game device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the controller can be used both when it is attached to the game device 3 and when it is detached from the game device 3.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, when the controller is attached to the game device 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented, for example, vertically. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, when the controller is detached from the game device 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally (or, from another perspective, parallel to the ground).

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 are operated by different users.

[0041] In the following description, when referring to the orientation of the controller (up, down, left, right), the description will be based on the orientation in use when the controller is detached from the game device 3 and its longitudinal direction is the left-right direction. On the other hand, in the following description, when referring to the orientation of the game device 3 and the orientation of the information device 1000 with the controller attached to the game device 3, the description will be based on the orientation in use when the direction connecting the sides of the controllers attached to the game device 3 is the left-right direction.

[0042] 7, when the controller is detached from the game device 3, it can also be used with its longitudinal direction oriented, for example, vertically (or, from another perspective, perpendicular to the ground) or longitudinally. In the example shown in FIG. 7, one user operates both the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. However, each controller may be operated by a different user.

[0043] Hereinafter, the usage state shown in FIG. 5 will be referred to as the integrally held state, the usage state shown in FIG. 6 as the horizontally held state, and the usage state shown in FIG. 7 as the vertically held state.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first controller 1 has a protrusion 100 on an upper side surface 11 that protrudes from the side surface. The upper side surface 11 of the first controller 1 is a side surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first controller 1. The protrusion 100 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. The protrusion 100 is attached to the controller housing 10. Similarly, the second controller 2 has a protrusion 200 on an upper side surface 211 that protrudes from the side surface and extends in the longitudinal direction of the side surface. The upper side surface 211 of the second controller 2 is a side surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second controller 2. The protrusion 200 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 211. The protrusion 200 is attached to the controller housing 20.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the game device 3 has a game device-side recess 310 in the right side surface 313 of the main body. The game device-side recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The game device-side recess 310 extends along the up-and-down direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The left side surface 314 of the game device 3 has a game device-side recess 320. The game device-side recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body. The game device-side recess 310, 320 is an elongated recess that extends along the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 or the left side surface 314 of the main body.

[0046] The game device recesses 310, 320 are game device attachment portions provided on the game device 3 of the information equipment device. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3 so that the protrusion 100 fits into the game device recess 310. The first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3 so that the upper surface 11 of the first controller 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the body of the game device 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 of the first controller 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the body of the game device 3. Similarly, the second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 so that the protrusion 200 fits into the game device recess 320. The second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 so that the upper surface 211 of the second controller 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the body of the game device 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 211 of the second controller 2 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the body of the game device 3.

[0047] The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 each include a joystick and a set of four buttons, and when attached to the game device 3, the first controller 1 is attached so that the four buttons are on the upper side and the joystick is on the lower side. On the other hand, the second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 so that the joystick is on the upper side and the four buttons are on the lower side.

[0048] The information device may be capable of executing functions other than games. The information device may also include a case capable of housing a device capable of executing a game. The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 may be attached to a component of the information device other than the game device 3. For example, the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 may be attachable to each other.

[0049] <Game Device> As shown in FIG. 3, a display 305 is provided on a front body 315 of the game device 3 .

[0050] The game apparatus 3 has a lower terminal 303. The game apparatus 3 may output images to the outside via the lower terminal 303. When the game apparatus 3 is placed on a cradle with the lower surface of the main body facing up, the lower terminal 303 may be connected to a terminal of the cradle.

[0051] The game device 3 has an upper terminal 302 on an upper side surface 316 of the main body. The game device 3 may also have a power button 307, a storage medium slot 304, and an audio input / output terminal 301 on the upper side surface 316 of the main body. The game device 3 may execute a game application stored in a storage medium inserted into the storage medium slot 304, thereby executing game processing.

[0052] Fig. 8 is an assembled perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the game device 3. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a similar configuration on the left side.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8 , a game device-side recess 310 is provided on the main body right side surface 313 of the game device 3. The game device-side recess 310 is a recessed portion on the main body right side surface 313. The game device-side recess 310 has a game device-side bottom surface 3121 and a game device-side inner peripheral surface 3120 that surrounds the game device-side bottom surface 3121. In this embodiment, the portion of the main body housing 306 that forms the right side surface of the game device 3 is recessed, thereby forming the game device-side inner peripheral surface 3120 and a base surface (base surface 311 described below) that serves as the base of the bottom surface. A cover member 338 is placed on the base surface, and the surface of the cover member 338 forms the game device-side bottom surface 3121 of the game device-side recess 310. The cover member 338 may be omitted, in which case the bottom surface formed by the main body housing 306 becomes the game device-side bottom surface 3121 of the game device-side recess 310.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9 , the game device 3 includes a first plug connector 330, a cover member 338, a pair of shoulder screws 334, and two game device magnetic elements 410, 420 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the game device recess 310. The first game device magnetic element 410 is located on the upper side, and the second game device magnetic element 420 is located on the lower side. The first game device magnetic element 410 is located in an area above the longitudinal center of the main body right side surface 313, and the second game device magnetic element 420 is located in a lower area. The game device magnetic elements 410, 420 each include a magnet and a yoke that sandwiches the magnet. The game device magnetic elements 410, 420 do not necessarily have to include a yoke. Both game device magnetic elements 410, 420 may be located in the upper or lower areas.

[0055] The base surface 311 has a first hole 401 and a second hole 402 for accommodating the game device magnetic elements 410 and 420. The first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. That is, the first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base surface 311. As will be described in detail later, the first controller 1 also has magnetic elements, and the magnetic elements on the first controller 1 are attracted to the game device magnetic elements 410 and 420, thereby attaching the controller to the game device 3. When all or part of the game device magnetic elements 410 and 420 enter the holes 401 and 402 from inside the main body housing 306, the distance between the magnetic elements on the first controller 1 attached to the game device 3 and the game device magnetic elements 410 and 420 becomes shorter, thereby increasing the magnetic force of attraction.

[0056] The second game device magnetic element 420 has the same configuration as the first game device magnetic element 410. Similarly to the first game device magnetic element 410, the second game device magnetic element 420 is partially housed in the second hole 402.

[0057] <Controller> FIG. 10 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first controller 1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first controller 1 of this embodiment includes, on its front face, a joystick 31 (an example of a directional input unit), a set of four buttons 32 arranged in a cross shape, a + button 33(1), and a home button 33(2). The first controller 1 also includes a first button 110, a second button 120, a synchronization button 50, a right shoulder button 130, and a right Z shoulder button 140. As will be described in detail below, the first button 110, the second button 120, and the synchronization button 50 are provided on the protrusion 100. These are examples of input units, and not all of them may be included. The first controller 1 may also include other input units, such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor, instead of or in addition to these input units. Each of the first button 110 and the second button 120 is an attraction button that is attracted by magnetic force.

[0059] When the first controller 1 is attached to the game apparatus 3, operation information from the input unit is transmitted to a main body first terminal 331 of the game apparatus 3 through a first terminal 160 (described later), and the information is processed by the CPU of the game apparatus 3 in accordance with a program. In a usage mode in which the controller is not attached to the game apparatus 3, operation information from the input unit is transmitted to the CPU of the game apparatus 3 via a wireless chip provided in the controller and a wireless chip provided in the game apparatus 3. The game apparatus does not need to include the first terminal 160 and the main body first terminal 331, in which case information is transmitted via the wireless chip even when the controller is attached to the game apparatus 3.

[0060] 10 , the first controller 1 has a front surface 15, a rear surface 16, an upper surface 11, a right side surface 12, a lower surface 13, and a left side surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface that faces the user using the first controller 1 when the controller is held as a unit, held horizontally, or held vertically. The rear surface 16 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 and the rear surface 16 are connected to the upper surface 11, right side surface 12, lower surface 13, and left side surface 14, respectively.

[0061] The normal direction of the upper surface 11 is also referred to as the upward direction R1. The upward direction R1 is the direction in which the convex portion 100 protrudes, and is also referred to as the upward, upper side, or convex direction. The convex portion 100 is located on the upward direction R1 side of the upper surface 11. The direction opposite to the upward direction R1 is also referred to as the downward direction R3. The downward direction R3 is also referred to as the downward or lower side. The upward direction R1 and the downward direction R3 are collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0062] The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and toward the right side surface 12 is also referred to as the right direction R2. The right direction R2 is also referred to as the right side or right side. The opposite direction of the right direction R2 is also referred to as the left direction R4. The left direction R4 is also referred to as the left side or left side. The right direction R2 and the left direction R4 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0063] The normal direction of the front surface 15 is also referred to as the front direction R5. The front direction R5 is also referred to as the front side, front side, or forward. The direction opposite to the fifth direction is also referred to as the rear direction R6. The rear direction R6 is also referred to as the rear side, rear side, or rear. The front direction R5 and the rear direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front-to-rear direction.

[0064] As described above, the upper side surface 11 is located on the upward side of the front surface. The upper side surface 11 is a side surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the left-right direction of the front surface 15. The upper side surface 11 extends in the left-right direction. The lower side surface 13 is located opposite the upper side surface 11. The lower side surface 13 is on the downward direction R3 side of the upper side surface 11. The right side surface 12 is connected to the right end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the right side surface far from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the right end of the lower side surface 13. The left side surface 14 is connected to the left end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the left side surface far from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the left end of the lower side surface 13. The right side surface is on the right direction R2 side of the left side surface.

[0065] 10 , the front surface 15 of the first controller is provided with, from right to left, a + button 33(1), a set of four buttons 32, a joystick 31, and a home button 33(2). The set of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 are adjacent to each other. In the vertical direction, the joystick 31 is located between the upper and lower buttons of the set of four buttons 32. In the horizontal direction, the joystick 31 is located approximately on an extension of a straight line connecting the right button and the left button of the set of four buttons 32.

[0066] The joystick 31 can be tilted in 360 degrees, and may be tilted in any direction, including the upward direction R1 to the leftward direction R4. The joystick 31 may be tilted in only some directions. The joystick 31 may be pushable. Instead of tilting, the joystick 31 may be slidable in each direction. The game device 3 may perform processing in accordance with a signal indicating the operation direction in a program executed in response to a user's operation of the joystick 31. Note that the controller may have another input unit as a direction input unit instead of or in addition to the joystick 31. For example, it may have a cross key or a set of buttons.

[0067] In the executed program, the game device 3 may perform a corresponding predetermined process based on the pressing of the + button 33(1) and the set of four buttons 32. The game device 3 may call up a home menu in response to an input to the home button 33(2).

[0068] The right shoulder button 130 is a button that is used, for example, in the integrated grip state, and is a button that is located in the upper right portion of the first controller 1 in the integrated grip state. The right shoulder button 130 may also be used in the vertically held state. The right shoulder button 130 has a curved operation surface. The right shoulder button 130 extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The right shoulder button 130 is provided approximately in a portion that would be the lower right portion of the first controller 1 in the horizontally held state. At least a portion of the right shoulder button 130 may be provided on the right surface 12. The operation surface of the right shoulder button 130 curves approximately along the lower right portion of the first controller 1. The game device 3 performs a predetermined process in an executed program based on the pressing of the right shoulder button.

[0069] The right Z shoulder button 140 is a button that is used, for example, in a state where the controller is held as one unit, and is provided on the back side of the right shoulder button 130. The right Z shoulder button 140 may also be used in a state where the controller is held vertically. The right Z shoulder button 140 has a curved operation surface. The right shoulder button 130 extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The right Z shoulder button 140 is provided approximately in a portion that would be the lower right part of the first controller 1 when the controller is held horizontally. At least a portion of the right Z shoulder button 140 may be provided on the right surface 12. At least a portion of the right Z shoulder button 140 may be provided on the back surface 16. The operation surface of the right Z shoulder button 140 curves approximately along the lower right part of the first controller 1. Note that the entire right Z shoulder button 140 may be provided on the back surface. The game device 3 performs a predetermined process in an executed program based on the pressing of the right Z shoulder button 140.

[0070] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first controller 1. Fig. 12 is an exploded schematic perspective view including the protrusion 100.

[0071] 11 , in addition to the components already described, the first controller 1 has a light emitting unit 150 that notifies the user of the controller's identification number, a first terminal 160 that connects to the main body first terminal 331 of the game apparatus 3, a first cushion 191, a second cushion 192, and an operation lever 182 for removing the protrusion 100 from the game apparatus 3. Operating the operation lever 182 causes the pressing member 181 to protrude. The first terminal 160 is a controller terminal provided on the first controller 1.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11 , the protrusion 100 protrudes upward from the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the protrusion 100 protrudes from the upper surface 11 in the upward direction R1. The protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 (i.e., its length in the longitudinal direction is longer than that in other directions). Note that the protrusion 100 does not have to extend in a direction that strictly coincides with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11, as long as it extends along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 does not have to strictly coincide with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The protrusion 100 is an elongated protrusion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the protrusion 200 of the second controller 2 also has a configuration similar to the protrusion 100. The following description will focus on the configuration of the convex portion 100 of the first controller 1.

[0073] The protrusion 100 has a top surface (hereinafter also referred to as the top surface 106) and a peripheral surface (hereinafter also referred to as the outer peripheral surface 107) extending downward from the top surface. The top surface 106 is spaced apart from the upper side surface 11. The outer peripheral surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the upper side surface 11 and extends from the top surface 106 to the upper side surface 11. The outer peripheral surface 107 is continuous with the top surface 106 so as to surround the outer edge of the top surface 106. The top surface 106 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. When viewed from the direction of the top surface 106, the protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. The length of the top surface 106 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the top surface 106 in the front-to-back direction. The surface of the top surface 106 may or may not be flat, for example, by embossing.

[0074] In this embodiment, the convex portion 100 has a truncated pyramidal shape whose cross section becomes smaller toward the top surface 106. Note that, as described below, the longitudinal end regions may be rounded. From another perspective, when the convex portion 100 is viewed from the top surface 106 side (i.e., from above), the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 surrounding the top surface 106 are visible. Note that the shape of the convex portion 100 is not limited to a truncated pyramid. For example, the convex portion 100 may be a truncated cone or a rectangular parallelepiped. The outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 may have a shape that does not expand outward toward the top surface 106. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 may be inclined inward toward the top surface 106, or may not be inclined inward or outward, and may extend vertically from the upper side surface 11, for example.

[0075] The left-right length of the protrusion 100 (i.e., the longitudinal length of the protrusion 100) may be, for example, two or more times the front-to-rear length of the protrusion 100, or five or more times the front-to-rear length of the protrusion 100. The left-to-right length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 50% or more of the left-to-right length of the upper surface 11, or 70% or more of the left-to-rear length of the protrusion 100. The left-to-right length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 25 times or less, or 15 times or less of the front-to-rear length of the protrusion 100.

[0076] By increasing the horizontal length of the protrusion 100, the horizontal length of the top surface (operation surface) of the upper button (right) 110 and the upper button (left) 120 can be increased, improving operability. It also becomes easy to arrange the first cushion 191, the second cushion 192, etc. on the top surface of the protrusion 100.

[0077] 11 , the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that make up the controller housing 10. The upper surface 11 is provided with a housing opening 17 that is formed by the end face of the front housing 61 and the end face of the rear housing 62. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the controller housing 10, passing through the housing opening 17.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12 , the protrusion 100 has a protrusion flange 19. The protrusion flange 19 extends outward (more specifically, in the left-right and front-rear directions) from the lower end of the wall that constitutes the outer circumferential surface 107. The region of the protrusion 100 above the protrusion flange 19 is exposed from the housing opening 17. The lower region of the protrusion 100, including the protrusion flange 19, is located inside the controller housing 10. The protrusion flange 19 functions to prevent the protrusion 100 from coming off. Note that in another aspect, the protrusion 100 may be composed of multiple components. Also, in another aspect, the protrusion 100 may be part of the controller housing 10. For example, the protrusion 100 may be formed by at least one of the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62.

[0079] The protrusion 100 is an attachment part that is detachably attached to a game device attachment part provided on the game device. Specifically, the protrusion 100 is configured to fit into the game device recess 310 from the front direction of the recess (toward the right side of the game device 3). The shape of the protrusion 100 is configured to match the shape of the game device recess 310. From another perspective, the top surface 106 and outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion are compatible with the shapes of the game device bottom surface 3121 and game device inner peripheral surface 3120 of the game device recess 310. When the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the top surface 106 abuts against or faces closely to the game device bottom surface 3121, and the outer peripheral surface 107 abuts against or faces closely to the game device inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, for example, when a user attaches the first controller 1 to the game device 3, the first controller 1 is guided to an appropriate attachment position. Furthermore, for example, the first controller 1 attached to the game device 3 is prevented from shifting in position in the up-down or front-back direction on the game device 3. As an example, even if a force is applied to the controller in the front-back or up-down direction in response to an operation input by the user while the controller is held as one unit, the controller is prevented from shifting in position significantly with respect to the game device 3.

[0080] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first button 110 and the second button 120 are provided on the convex portion 100. The first button 110 and the second button 120 are buttons that are pressed by the user and move downward when pressed. A ground connection portion 51 is connected to the underside of the first button 110. A tactile switch 117 is provided below the first button 110. When the first button 110 moves downward when pressed by the user, the tactile switch 117 is pressed by the first button 110. The first button 110 and the tactile switch 117 form a button switch. The second button 120 and the tactile switch 127 form a button switch.

[0081] First button 110 is exposed from a fifth opening 197 provided in top surface 106. The exposed portions of first button 110 and second button 120 (see FIG. 10 ) form operation units that are pressed by the user. A ground connection unit 53 is connected to the underside of second button 120. A tactile switch 127 is provided below second button 120. Tactile switch 127 is pressed by second button 120. The on signals of tactile switch 117 and tactile switch 127 are transmitted to game device 3, and a process corresponding to the pressing of first button 110 and second button 120 is performed in an executed program.

[0082] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the convex portion 100. The synchronization button 50 may be used to issue an instruction for setting processing related to wireless communication between the first controller 1 and the game apparatus 3.

[0083] The first controller 1 has a terminal accommodating portion 167. The first terminal 160 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion 167. The first terminal 160 extends in the up-down direction. A terminal opening 196 is provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 of the first controller 1. The first terminal 160 is provided inside the terminal opening 196. The terminal accommodating portion 167 communicates with the terminal opening 196. In other words, the terminal accommodating portion 167 opens into the top surface 106. Therefore, the first terminal 160 is accessible from outside the top surface 106.

[0084] Terminal opening 196 is provided on top surface 106 between first button 110 and second button 120. Therefore, terminal accommodating portion 167 opens on top surface 106 between first button 110 and second button 120.

[0085] Light-emitting unit 150 is provided on outer peripheral surface 107 of convex portion 100. More specifically, light-emitting unit 150 is provided on the front side of outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the area of ​​outer peripheral surface 107 where light-emitting unit 150 is provided faces the front side. When the user looks at front surface 15 of first controller 1, the user can see the light from light-emitting unit 150. Light-emitting unit 150 typically emits light emitted by an LED to the outside.

[0086] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify the user of predetermined information. When the game apparatus 3 communicates with multiple controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may show the user information identifying each controller. The light-emitting unit 150 may show other information to the user. The number of light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, four. In this embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. For example, of the four light-emitting units 150, a portion or number of light-emitting units 150 may light up according to the identification number assigned to the controller.

[0087] Light emitting portion 150 is provided between first button 110 and second button 120 in the longitudinal direction of convex portion 100. Light emitting portion 150 is provided at a position overlapping first terminal 160 in the longitudinal direction of convex portion 100. From another perspective, light emitting portion 150 is located below terminal opening 196 when viewed from the front side.

[0088] A first cushion 191 and a second cushion 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The height of the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 from the upper side surface 11 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 from the upper side surface 11. From another perspective, the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 increase the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. Note that the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 may be omitted.

[0089] The controller 1 may be placed so that the top surface of the protrusion 100 faces a ground surface, such as a desk. In this case, the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 themselves contact the ground surface, thereby preventing the cushion-free portion of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 from directly contacting the ground surface. Furthermore, when the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 contact the game device-side bottom surface 3121 of the game device-side recess 310.

[0090] With respect to the height from the upper surface 11, the height of the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 is equal to or higher than the maximum height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 are located at the uppermost positions on the first controller 1. The shape of the first cushion 191 is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle. The first cushion 191 may have a through hole. The shapes of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 may be the same or different.

[0091] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first cushion 191 is located closer to the right side surface 12 than the first button 110. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first button 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the first cushion 191.

[0092] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second cushion 192 is located closer to the left side surface 14 than the second button 120. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second button 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the second cushion 192. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second button 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the second cushion 192.

[0093] The protrusion 100 may be divided. The protrusion 100 may be made up of, for example, a plurality of protrusion members. The mounting structure of the controller 1 is not limited to the protrusion 100. The controller 1 may have a mounting part other than the protrusion 100. In a mounting part other than the protrusion 100, the first opening 170 for mouse operation may be open in the direction in which the upper surface 11 faces.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first controller 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174. The mouse operation sensor 174 is, for example, an optical sensor. The mouse operation sensor 174 has, for example, a light source (not shown) and a light-receiving sensor (not shown). Light from the light source is irradiated onto a tracking surface (not shown) through the first opening 170. The light-receiving sensor detects the light emitted from the light source reflected from the tracking surface, which changes in accordance with the relative movement of the first controller 1 with respect to the tracking surface. The mouse operation sensor 174 allows the first controller 1 to be used as a mouse. The second controller 2, which will be described later, also has a mouse operation sensor 274 with a similar configuration. Each of a first cushion 191, a second cushion 192, a third cushion 253, and a fourth cushion 254, which will be described later, comes into contact with the tracking surface and functions as a mouse sole.

[0095] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 11. The structure of first button 110 and its surroundings will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the structure of second button 120 and its surroundings is substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction to the structure of first button 110 and its surroundings.

[0096] 13 , the portion of first button 110 exposed from the top surface of convex portion 100 forms operation surface 115, which is the surface operated by the user. First button 110 has a main body 114 including operation surface 115, a side wall 118, a flange 113, a first protrusion 111, and a second protrusion 112. Operation surface 115 extends along the longitudinal direction of convex portion 100 on top surface 106 of convex portion 100. In other words, the longitudinal direction of operation surface 115 is the left-right direction. From another perspective, the longitudinal direction of operation surface 115 coincides with the longitudinal direction of convex portion 100.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first button 110 is a single component, and is made of a material that is not entirely magnetic but is attracted to a magnet. The material of the first button 110 is not particularly limited, but may be made of a soft magnetic material. The material of the first button 110 may be, for example, iron, or, as an example, cold-rolled steel plate (SPCC). The material of the first button 110 may also contain iron. For example, the material of the first button 110 may be iron with added silicon and / or nickel. For example, the first button 110 may be a single component in which resin is molded around a soft magnetic material.

[0098] In another embodiment, first button 110 may be made of a magnet, or may be made of a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0099] In another embodiment, only a portion of first button 110 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. In this case, at least the portion exposed from top surface 106 of convex portion 100 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Also, at least the portion forming operation surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet.

[0100] The operation surface 115 is an operation surface of the first button 110 that is exposed from the fifth opening 197 and is pressed by the user. The operation surface 115 faces the upward direction R1. The operation surface 115 extends in the left-right direction. The length of the operation surface 115 in the left-right direction may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the length of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the length of the operation surface 115 in the left-right direction may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the length of the upper side surface 11 of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction.

[0101] 13, a tactile switch 117 is provided below the first protrusion 111. The tactile switch 117 is disposed on a flexible printed circuit 90 (hereinafter also referred to as FPC 90). The upper part of the tactile switch 117 is a leaf spring.

[0102] When the first button 110 is not pressed by the user, the first protrusion 111 is supported from below by the tactile switch 117. When the user presses the first button 110, the first button 110 moves downward from its initial position. The first protrusion 111 of the first button 110 moving downward presses the upper part of the tactile switch 117. When pressed, the upper part of the tactile switch 117 deforms, sinking downward. This turns on a switch inside the tactile switch. When the user releases the first button 110, the upper part of the tactile switch 117 returns to its original shape. The return of the shape of the upper part of the tactile switch 117 pushes the first protrusion 111 back upward. Therefore, the first button 110 returns to its initial position. In other words, when the first button 110 is pressed, the tactile switch 117 biases the first button 110 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the first button 110. Note that the tactile switch 117 may be biased in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the first button 110 even when the first button 110 is not pressed.

[0103] In another embodiment, first button 110 may be biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring. That is, when first button 110 is not pressed by the user, first button 110 may be biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring and may be separated from tactile switch 117. In another embodiment, a rubber switch may be used instead of tactile switch 117.

[0104] 12 and 13 , first button 110 has main body 114, the surface of which forms the operation surface, sidewall 118 extending from the underside of main body 114, and flange 113 extending outward from sidewall 118. Flange 113 hooks directly or indirectly onto first inner surface 71, thereby preventing first button 110 from slipping out.

[0105] The first controller 1 has a first elastically deformable body 52 between the upper surface of the flange portion 113 and the first inner surface 71. The first elastically deformable body 52 elastically deforms when a force is applied thereto and elastically returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The material of the first elastically deformable body 52 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, rubber.

[0106] When the first controller 1 is attached to the game apparatus 3, the first button 110 is attracted to the first game apparatus magnetic element 410. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first button 110 attracted to the first game apparatus magnetic element 410.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 14 , when the first controller 1 is attached to the game apparatus 3, the first button 110 and the first game apparatus magnetic element 410 face each other. In this embodiment, the first button 110 is made of a soft magnetic material. Therefore, when the first game apparatus magnetic element 410 approaches the first button 110, the first button 110 is attracted by the magnetic force of the first game apparatus magnetic element 410. This applies a force to the first button 110 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. At this time, the first elastic deformation body 52 provided between the flange portion 113 and the first inner surface 71 is pressed toward the first inner surface 71 by the flange portion 113, and elastically deforms to contract in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. As a result, the first button 110 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. That is, the first button 110 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from its initial position, which is the position when the first button 110 is not pressed by the user. The pressing direction is, for example, downward direction R3. The direction opposite to the pressing direction is, for example, the upward direction R1.

[0108] Second button 120 has a configuration similar to that of first button 110. As shown in Figures 10 to 13, top surface 106 of convex portion 100 has regions that are each at a different height from upper side surface 11. Top surface 106 of convex portion 100 has first region 101, second region 102, third region 103, fourth region 104, and fifth region 105.

[0109] The first region 101 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, where a first button 110 is provided. The first button 110 is provided so as to pass through a fifth opening 197 formed in the first region 101. Similarly, the second region 102 is a region where a second button 120 is provided. The second button 120 is provided so as to pass through a sixth opening 198 formed in the second region 102.

[0110] 11 , the third region 103 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at one end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the third region 103 is continuous with an end surface on the rightward direction R2 side of the outer circumferential surface 107 of the protrusion 100. The third region 103 is a region that is located on the upper direction R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the third region 103 may be shorter than the lengths of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0111] A first cushion 191 is provided in the third region 103. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, the first cushion 191 is disposed in a recess provided in the third region 103. A portion of the first cushion 191 is exposed from the recess. Note that the third region 103 may be flat without a recess. The first cushion 191 may be placed on the flat surface of the third region.

[0112] 11 , the fifth region 105 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at the other end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the fifth region 105 is continuous with the end surface on the left direction R4 side of the outer circumferential surface 107 of the protrusion 100. The fifth region 105 is a region that is located on the upper direction R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the fifth region 105 may be shorter than the lengths of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0113] A second cushion 192 is provided in the fifth region 105. The second cushion 192 is disposed in a recess provided in the fifth region 105. A portion of the second cushion 192 is exposed from the recess. Note that the fifth region 105 may be flat without a recess. The second cushion 192 may be placed on the flat surface of the fifth region. It can also be said that the first cushions 191, 192 increase the height of the convex portion 100 from the upper side surface 11.

[0114] The fourth region 104 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, and is located between the first region 101 and the second region 102 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106. The fourth region is provided with a terminal opening 196 and a synchronization button opening 195.

[0115] The third region 103 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104.

[0116] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first region 101 is located between the third region 103 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second region 102 is located between the fifth region 105 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, each of the first region 101, the second region 102, and the fourth region 104 is located between the third region 103 and the fifth region 105.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 13 , the height of the first region 101 from the upper surface 11 is a first height T1. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the first region 101 in the vertical direction is the first height T1. Similarly, the height of the second region 102 from the upper surface 11 is a second height T2. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the second region 102 in the vertical direction is the second height T2. In this embodiment, the first height T1 and the second height T2 are the same, but they may be different. Note that the first region 101 and the second region 102 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0118] The height of the third region 103 from the upper side surface 11 is a third height T3. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the third region 103 in the vertical direction is the third height T3. Similarly, the height of the fifth region 105 from the upper side surface 11 is a fifth height T5. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the fifth region 105 in the vertical direction is the fifth height T5.

[0119] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same or lower. The third region 103 and the fifth region 105 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0120] The height of the fourth region 104 from the upper surface 11 is a fourth height T4. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fourth region 104 in the up-down direction is the fourth height T4. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same as or lower than them. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5, but may be the same as or higher than them. The fourth region 104 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0121] The height of the top surface of the first cushion 191 from the upper surface 11 is a sixth height T6. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the first cushion 191 in the vertical direction is the sixth height T6. Similarly, the height of the top surface of the second cushion 192 from the upper surface 11 is a seventh height T7. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the second cushion 192 in the vertical direction is the seventh height T7.

[0122] When first button 110 is in the initial position, the height of operation surface 115 from upper surface 11 is an eighth height T8. From another perspective, the distance from upper surface 11 to operation surface 115 in the up-down direction is the eighth height T8. Similarly, when second button 120 is in the initial position, the height of operation surface 125 from upper surface 11 is a ninth height T9. From another perspective, the distance from upper surface 11 to operation surface 125 in the up-down direction is the ninth height T9.

[0123] 13 and 14, the first button 110 can move upward. As shown in Fig. 14, when the first button 110 is attracted to the first game device magnetic element 410 and in contact with the game device bottom surface 3121, the height of the operation surface 115 from the upper surface 11 is a tenth height T10. Similarly, when the second button 120 is attracted to the second game device magnetic element 420 and in contact with the game device bottom surface 3121, the height of the operation surface 125 from the upper surface 11 is an eleventh height T11.

[0124] <Connection Structure> Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the controller is attached to the game device 3. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 16 is parallel to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 15 , the protrusion 100 of the first controller 1 fits into the game device recess 310 of the game device 3. The first button 110 is attracted to the first game device magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. The length of the top surface of the first button 110 (third length W3) in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the first game device magnetic element 410 (first length W1). The first button 110 is attracted to the first game device magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. The second button 120 is attracted to the second game device magnetic element 420 by magnetic force. The length of the top surface of the second button 120 (fourth length W4) in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the second game device magnetic element 420 (second length W2). The second button 120 further has a first protrusion 121 and a second protrusion 122.

[0126] FIG. 16 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second controller 2. As shown in FIG. 16, the second controller 2 includes, for example, a joystick 41, which is an example of a directional input unit, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. While the first controller 1 includes a + button 33(1) and a home button 33(2), the second controller 2 includes a - button 43(1) and a capture button 43(2). The second controller 2 also includes a third button 210, a fourth button 220, a synchronization button, a left shoulder button 230, and a left Z shoulder button 240. The third button 210, the fourth button 220, and the synchronization button are provided on the protrusion 200. The second controller 2 further includes a light emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 connected to a main body second terminal 341 of the game apparatus 3, a mouse sensor opening 270 for guiding light to a mouse operation sensor 274, a third cushion 253, a fourth cushion 254, and an operation unit 282 constituting a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 200 from the game apparatus 3. The structure and function of each component are substantially the same as those of the first controller 1. However, some functions may be different. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save an image output to the display 305. The third button 210 and the fourth button 220 are each an attraction button that is attracted by magnetic force.

[0127] In addition, in the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the joystick 31 and the set of four buttons 32 on the first controller 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the joystick 41 and the set of four buttons 42 on the second controller 2. That is, on the first controller 1, the joystick 31 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 32. Similarly, on the second controller 2, the joystick 41 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 42. Meanwhile, in the horizontally held state, the right shoulder button 130 and right Z shoulder button 140 are on the right side on the first controller 1, while the left shoulder button 230 and left Z shoulder button 240 are on the left side on the second controller 2. From another perspective, in the integrated holding state, the joystick 31 on the first controller 1 is located below the set of four buttons 32, while the joystick 41 on the second controller 2 is located above the set of four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the integrally held state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and Z shoulder button (right) 140 of the first controller 1 and the shoulder button (left) 230 and Z shoulder button (left) 240 of the second controller 2 are both on the upper side.

[0128] <Apparatus> First Embodiment Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of an apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0129] 1, 2, and 17, the device 500 has at least a front housing 560, a rear housing 570, an inner housing 550, a first movable part 510, a second movable part 520, a third movable part 530, a fourth movable part 540, and a rim cover 580. The device 500 has a steering wheel shape. A rim 591 is formed by a portion of the front housing 560 and a portion of the rear housing 570. The rim cover 580 covers the rim 591. The storage section 800 is provided in the area surrounded by the rim 591.

[0130] FIG. 18 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the state in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. As shown in FIG. 18 , the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500 so that the front surface 15 of the first controller 1 faces forward and the protrusion 100 faces upward. Note that at least a portion of the protrusion 100 is covered so as not to be exposed. The upper portion of the protrusion 100 is covered so as not to be exposed. The set of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 of the first controller 1 face forward. The set of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 of the first controller 1 are exposed from the housing 800. The user can operate the first controller 1 while it is attached to the device 500. The device 500 is a peripheral device to which the first controller 1 is attached. Note that the second controller 2 can also be attached to the device 500 in a similar manner. Specifically, the second controller 2 is attached to the device 500 so that the front surface 215 faces forward and the protrusion 200 faces upward.

[0131] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a user is holding the device 500. As shown in FIG. 19, the user holds the device 500 in the same manner as gripping a steering wheel. Specifically, the device 500 is configured so that the user holds the opposing left and right portions of the rim 591 with both hands. The first surface 511 of the first movable part 510 and the third surface 531 of the third movable part 530 are each located behind the rim 591. The first surface 511 and the third surface 531 are each an example of an operating unit operated by the user. The operating unit of the device 500 is located behind the rim 591.

[0132] The first surface 511 of the first movable part 510 is located at a position that can be covered from the right side by the user's right index finger, right middle finger, or right ring finger. The third surface 531 of the third movable part 530 is located at a position that can be covered from the left side by the user's left index finger, left middle finger, or left ring finger. The first surface 511 and the third surface 531 are pressed down by the user's fingers.

[0133] Next, the assembled state of the device according to the first embodiment will be shown and each component will be described using Figures 20 to 23. Figure 20 shows the inner housing 550. As shown in Figure 20, the second movable portion 520 has a second surface 521, a second pushing portion 522, a second shaft 523, and a first magnetic member 610. The second surface 521 is provided with a first magnetic member placement recess 524. The first magnetic member 610 is placed in the first magnetic member placement recess 524. The second pushing portion 522 is located opposite the second surface 521. The second shaft 523 has a first shaft member 523a and a second shaft member 523b. The first magnetic member placement recess 524 is located between the first shaft member 523a and the second shaft member 523b in the axial direction of the second shaft 523.

[0134] The fourth movable portion 540 has a fourth surface 541, a fourth pushing portion 542, a fourth shaft 543, and a second magnetic member 620. The fourth surface 541 is provided with a second magnetic member arrangement recess 544. The second magnetic member 620 is arranged in the second magnetic member arrangement recess 544. The fourth pushing portion 542 is located on the opposite side of the fourth surface 541. The fourth shaft 543 has a third shaft member 543a and a fourth shaft member 543b. The second magnetic member arrangement recess 544 is located between the third shaft member 543a and the fourth shaft member 543b in the axial direction of the fourth shaft 543.

[0135] Each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 is a component that is attracted to a magnet by magnetic force. Each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 includes a component made of a magnet or a material that is not a magnet but is attracted to a magnet, such as a soft magnetic material. As shown in FIG. 20 , each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 includes a pair of yokes 611 and a magnet 613. That is, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 includes the magnet 613. The material of the magnet 613 is not particularly limited. The magnet 613 is, for example, a neodymium magnet. The material of the yoke 611 is not particularly limited. The yoke 611 is, for example, made of a soft magnetic material, such as iron. The magnet 613 is sandwiched between the yoke 611 in the front-to-rear direction. In another aspect, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 may have the magnet 613 without the yoke 611. Also, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 may have a component made of a soft magnetic material without the magnet 613.

[0136] The first magnetic member 610, the second magnetic member 620, and the game device magnetic elements 410, 420 may be the same component. For example, they may have the same shape or magnetic properties. By using the same component, the user can have a similar sensation when attaching or detaching the controller, thereby reducing discomfort. However, they may also be different components.

[0137] The internal housing 550 includes an internal housing main body 557, a first support plate 551, a second support plate 552, a third support plate 553, and a fourth support plate 554. The internal housing main body 557 extends in the longitudinal direction and is generally plate-shaped. The first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552 extend from the internal housing main body 557 on one longitudinal side of the internal housing main body 557, facing each other in the lateral direction. The internal housing main body 557 is provided with a second movable part arrangement hole 601 and a fourth movable part arrangement hole 602. The second movable part arrangement hole 601 is located between the first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552 in the lateral direction of the internal housing main body 557. A third support plate 553, a fourth support plate 554, and a fourth movable part arrangement hole 602 are similarly provided on the other longitudinal side of the internal housing main body 557.

[0138] On one longitudinal side of the inner housing main body 557, the first support plate 551 has a notch in its upper portion. The second support plate 552 has a second shaft member arrangement hole 555. The second movable part 520 is rotatably supported by the first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552 by arranging the first shaft member 523a in the notch of the first support plate 551 and the second shaft member 523b in the second shaft member arrangement hole 555. A portion of the supported second movable part 520 is arranged in the second movable part arrangement hole 601. At least a portion of the first magnetic member 610 is arranged in the second movable part arrangement hole 601. Note that at least a portion of the second movable part 520 is larger than the second movable part arrangement hole 601 and is prevented from coming out. The other longitudinal side of the inner housing main body 557 has a similar structure. The structures of the support plates and shaft members are merely examples, and the shapes are not limited as long as the first and second movable parts are rotatably supported.

[0139] FIG. 21 is a second exploded perspective view of the front housing 560 as seen from the back. As shown in FIG. 21 , the device 500 includes a first rubber member 621, a second rubber member 622, and a light guide member 630. The front housing 560 includes a first annular portion 560a and a first bridging portion 560b. At least a portion of the front surface of the first bridging portion 560b forms part of the storage portion 800. The first bridging portion 560b extends to bridge the space surrounded by the first annular portion 560a. The inner housing 550 is attached to the front housing 560 using three first fastening screws 701. The light guide member 630 is disposed between the first bridging portion 560b and the inner housing 550. The first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622 are attached to holes formed in the first bridging portion 560b. At least a portion of the first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622 is exposed inside the housing portion 800 .

[0140] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing how the front housing 560, to which the components shown in FIG. 21 are assembled, is assembled with other components. As shown in FIG. 22 , the device 500 has a third rubber member 623 and a fourth rubber member 624 within the accommodation section 800. The rear housing 570 has a second annular portion 570a and a second bridging portion 570b. The second bridging portion 570b extends to bridge the space surrounded by the second annular portion 570a. The second bridging portion 570b is provided with a first movable portion arrangement hole 603 and a third movable portion arrangement hole 604. A portion of the first movable portion 510 is disposed in the first movable portion arrangement hole 603. A portion of the third movable portion 530 is disposed in the third movable portion arrangement hole 604.

[0141] The first movable part 510 has a first surface 511, a first pressing part 512, and a first shaft 513. The first surface 511 extends in the left-right direction (see FIG. 17 ). The first surface 511 is pressed from above by a user. The first pressing part 512 faces in the opposite direction to the first surface 511. Similarly, the third movable part 530 has a third surface 531, a third pressing part 532, and a third shaft 533. The third surface 531 extends in the left-right direction (see FIG. 17 ). The third surface 531 is pressed from above by a user. The third pressing part 532 faces in the opposite direction to the third surface 531. The first pressing part 512 presses the second movable part 520, and the third pressing part 532 presses the fourth movable part 540.

[0142] The front housing 560 is attached to the rear housing 570 using two second fastening screws 702. The rear housing 570 is fixed to the rear of the front housing 560. The second fastening screws 702 pass through holes provided in the first bridging portion 560b, which forms the accommodating portion 800, from the front. A third rubber member 623 covers one of the two second fastening screws 702. The third rubber member 623 is attached to the first bridging portion 560b. A fourth rubber member 624 covers the other of the two second fastening screws 702. The fourth rubber member 624 is attached to the first bridging portion 560b. Note that the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570 may be fastened together using rim fastening screws (not shown) in addition to or instead of the first and second fastening screws. Multiple annular fastening screws may be used. The annular portion fastening screw fastens the first annular portion 560a and the second annular portion 570a together. The annular portion fastening screw may extend from the rear of the second annular portion 570a forward toward the first annular portion 560a.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 23 , a rim 591 is formed by assembling the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570. The rim 591 is formed by a first annular portion 560a of the front housing 560 and a second annular portion 570a of the rear housing 570. A rim cover 580 is attached to the rim 591. The rim cover 580 is generally annular, but not completely annular. Specifically, the rim cover 580 is cut off at the top end. The rim cover 580 covers the outer periphery of the rim 591 except for the upper end region. The rim cover 580 is, for example, a resin molded product.

[0144] The rim cover 580 covers the rim 591 formed by the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570, preventing the hand from coming into contact with the joint between them. Furthermore, because the upper end of the rim cover 580 is cut, it can be easily attached to the rim 591. For example, the rim cover 580 may have an engaging piece that engages with a hole provided in the rim 591, or it may be adhered to the rim 591 with an adhesive. Furthermore, the cut of the rim cover 580 is fixed to the rim 591 so that it is located in the upper end region of the rim 591. In this embodiment, the cuts of the rim cover 580 are spaced apart. Therefore, the upper end region of the rim 591 is not covered by the rim cover 580. Therefore, the user can visually and tactilely identify the upper end of the rim 591. This allows the user to instantly determine which side is up during a steering operation. In addition, the rim 591, that is, at least one of the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570, may have a convex portion that protrudes in the outer direction so as to fill in the gap between the slits of the rim cover 580.

[0145] Note that, when annular portion fastening screws are provided, the annular portion fastening screws may be exposed at a portion of the outer circumferential edge of the rim 591 excluding the upper end region. That is, the annular portion fastening screws may be inserted through threaded holes provided at a portion of the outer circumferential edge of the rim 591 excluding the upper end region. An annular portion fastening screw provided at such a position is covered by the rim cover 591. This prevents the user from touching the annular portion fastening screws and threaded holes. Note that, because the first and second fastening screws are covered by the third and fourth rubber members, respectively, in this embodiment, all of the screws fastening the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570 are not exposed, including the case where the annular portion fastening screws as described above are provided.

[0146] Next, the configuration of the storage unit 800 will be described using Figures 24 to 27. Note that the following description will also basically describe the case where the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. When the second controller 2 is attached to or detached from the device 500, the device 500 performs substantially the same functions as when the first controller 1 is attached or detached. Furthermore, in the following description, the structure of one side in the left-right direction will be described, and a description of the other side, which may be essentially repetitive, may be omitted.

[0147] FIG. 24 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the device 500 according to the first embodiment. The device 500 has a storage unit 800. The storage unit 800 opens to the front. The storage unit 800 is defined by inner surfaces including, for example, an upper surface 801, a lower surface 802, a bottom surface 805, a right surface 803, and a left surface 804. The upper surface 801 faces downward. The lower surface 802 faces upward. The bottom surface 805 faces forward. The right surface 803 faces left. The left surface 804 faces right. Note that "facing in a certain direction" only needs to be substantially facing that direction, and is not limited to strictly facing that direction. The storage unit 800 has a protrusion storage unit 850. The protrusion storage unit 850 will be described later.

[0148] The top surface 801 has a first top surface region 801a and a second top surface region 801b. The first top surface region 801a is formed by the inner housing 550. The second top surface region 801b is formed by the front housing 560. In the vertical direction, the second top surface region 801b is located lower than the first top surface region 801a. The bottom surface 802 faces the top surface 801. The bottom surface 802 is formed by the front housing 560. The bottom surface 805 has a first bottom surface region 805a and a second bottom surface region 805b. The first bottom surface region 805a is formed by the inner housing 550. The second bottom surface region 805b is formed by the front housing 560. In the vertical direction, the second bottom surface region 805b is located lower than the first bottom surface region 805a.

[0149] Fig. 25 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the device 500 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Fig. 25. The cross section shown in Fig. 26 is parallel to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 26 , the right surface 803 has a first right surface region 803a and a second right surface region 803b. The first right surface region 803a is formed by the inner housing 550. The second right surface region 803b is formed by the front housing 560. In the left-right direction, the second right surface region 803b is located to the right of the first right surface region 803a. Similarly, the left surface 804 has a first left surface region 804a and a second left surface region 804b. The first left surface region 804a is formed by the inner housing 550. The second left surface region 804b is formed by the front housing 560. In the left-right direction, the second left surface region 804b is located to the left of the first left surface region 804a.

[0151] The right surface 803 faces the left surface 804. Specifically, the first right surface region 803a faces the first left surface region 804a. The second right surface region 803b faces the second left surface region 804b. In the left-right direction, the second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542 are each located between the first right surface region 803a and the first left surface region 804a. The second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542 are each exposed to the first upper surface region 801a.

[0152] Fig. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 25. The cross section shown in Fig. 27 is parallel to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 27 , the device 500 has a flange 900. The flange 900 has a flange inner surface 902, a flange outer surface 901, and a flange lower surface 903. The flange inner surface 902 is continuous with the first upper surface region 801a. The flange inner surface 902 extends downward from the first upper surface region 801a. The flange inner surface 902 faces rearward. The flange inner surface 902 is substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface region 801a. The flange inner surface 902 is formed by the internal housing 550. The flange inner surface 902 faces the first bottom surface region 805a. The first bottom surface region 805a has a curved shape that is convex upward and rearward. The distance between the flange inner surface 902 and the first bottom surface region 805a in the front-to-rear direction increases downward.

[0154] The flange outer surface 901 is located opposite the flange inner surface 902. The flange outer surface 901 faces forward. The flange outer surface 901 is substantially parallel to the flange inner surface 902. The flange outer surface 901 is formed by the front housing 560. The first bridging portion 560b has a front surface 710 that extends left and right above the controller housing 10 of the attached first game controller 1 so as to cover at least the protrusion 100. The flange outer surface 901 is part of the front surface 710. The flange outer surface 901 is part of the first bridging portion 560b. In the front-to-rear direction, the flange outer surface 901 is the portion that overlaps with the flange inner surface 902.

[0155] 27 , the flange lower surface 903 is continuous with the flange outer surface 901. The flange lower surface 903 extends rearward from the flange outer surface 901. The flange lower surface 903 faces downward. The flange lower surface 903 is continuous with the flange inner surface 902. The flange lower surface 903 extends forward from the flange inner surface 902. The flange inner surface 902 is formed by the inner housing 550 and the front housing 560.

[0156] As described above, the accommodation unit 800 has a protrusion accommodation unit 850 at its upper portion, the front side of which is defined by the flange 900. The protrusion accommodation unit 850 opens downward and communicates with the rest of the space in the accommodation unit 800. The protrusion accommodation unit 850 is defined at least in part by a first top surface region 801a, a first bottom surface region 805a, a first right surface region 803a, a first left surface region 804a, and a flange inner surface 902. As shown in FIG. 18 , the protrusion accommodation unit 850 accommodates at least a portion of the protrusion of a game controller accommodated in the accommodation unit 800. At least a portion of the front surface of the protrusion of the game controller accommodated in the accommodation unit 800 is covered by the flange 900. The front surface of the protrusion may be covered by the flange 900 except for the base portion. This prevents the user from unnecessarily touching the protrusion of a game controller attached to the device 500.

[0157] In this embodiment, the game controller is attached to the device 500 using magnetic force, as will be described in detail later. For example, the first button 110 is magnetically attached to the second pressing portion 522, which is part of the second movable portion 520 and exposed from the first upper surface region 801a. Similarly, the second button 120 is magnetically attached to the fourth pressing portion 542, which is part of the fourth movable portion 540 and exposed from the first upper surface region 801a. In this way, the second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542 are attracted to other objects by magnetic force. However, the flange 900 covers a portion of the front side of the housing portion 800, particularly the front of the second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542, thereby preventing unintended objects from being attracted to the second pressing portion 522 or the fourth pressing portion 542.

[0158] Next, a method for attaching the first controller 1 to the device 500 will be described. Fig. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. Fig. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500.

[0159] Because the device 500 has a flange 900, the first controller 1 cannot be inserted parallel to the front side of the storage unit 800 toward the rear. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28 , the first controller 1 is first tilted so that the upper part, including the protrusion 100, is positioned further back than the lower part, and is inserted into the storage unit 800, protrusion 100 first, in the direction of the first arrow A1, from the lower front side of the storage unit 800 toward the upper rear side. The protrusion 100 is then inserted into the protrusion storage unit 850, which faces the flange inner surface 902. Next, as shown in FIG. 29 , the first controller 1 rotates in the direction of the second arrow A2, roughly about the protrusion 100 as the center of rotation, so that the lower part of the first controller 1 approaches the storage unit 800. As a result, the first controller 1 is stored in the storage unit 800. In this embodiment, the first button 110 and the second button 120 of the first controller 1 are attached to the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 of the device 500, respectively.

[0160] As described above, because the device 500 according to this embodiment has the flange 900, when attaching the first controller 1 to the device 500, it is necessary to first insert the attachment portion of the first controller 1 between the flange 900 and the bottom surface 805 of the housing portion 800, and then rotate the side opposite the attachment portion toward the interior of the housing portion 800. Therefore, compared to when the user simply pushes the controller 1 parallel to the front into the housing portion 800 from the front, it is easier for the user to guide the first controller 1 to an appropriate position in the front-to-rear direction after attachment. Therefore, as will be described later, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to misalignment in the front-to-rear direction between the second movable portion 520 and the buttons 110 of the first controller 1.

[0161] The device 500 also has a magnetic member 610 that is attracted to the first button 110 by magnetic force. The first button 110 is attached to the second pressing portion 522 by magnetic force. This allows the first controller 1 to be easily attached to the device 500. Furthermore, because the buttons 110 and 120 are attracted by magnetic force, it is easy to align the position of the first controller 1 within the accommodating portion 800. In particular, although the flange 900 makes it difficult to see the protrusion accommodating portion 850 into which the protrusion 100 is inserted from the front side, the pressing portions 522 and 542 are exposed within this protrusion accommodating portion, making it easy to insert the protrusion 100 into the appropriate position.

[0162] Furthermore, the first bottom surface region 805a of the bottom surface 805 that faces the flange inner surface 902 has a curved shape that convexes upward and rearward. Therefore, when attaching the first controller 1 to the housing 800, when the convex portion 100 is inserted rearward and upward into the convex portion housing portion 850, interference between the convex portion 100 and the first bottom surface region 805a can be prevented. Note that when attaching the first controller 1 to the housing 800, the convex portion 100 may come into contact with the first bottom surface region 805a. Note that the shape of the first bottom surface region 805a in this embodiment is an example. For example, the first bottom surface region 805a may have a shape in which the distance from the convex portion 100 of the attached first controller 1 increases as it goes downward. In addition, the first bottom surface area 805a may be shaped so that the distance between the lower end of the first bottom surface area 805a and the convex portion 100 of the attached first controller 1 is greater than the distance between the lower end of the flange inner surface 902 and the convex portion 100.

[0163] FIG. 30 is a schematic front view showing the left-right lengths of each part when the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. As shown in FIG. 30 , the left-right length of the flange 900 (seventh length W7) is shorter than the left-right length of the forward-facing opening of the accommodating portion 800 (fifth length W5). In other words, the left-right length of the convex portion accommodating portion 850 is shorter than the left-right length of the forward-facing opening of the accommodating portion 800. The seventh length W7 may be, for example, 0.7 to 0.95 times the fifth length W5. The left-right length of the flange 900 (seventh length W7) is longer than the left-right length (eighth length W8) of the convex portion 100, which is the attachment portion of the first controller 1, and shorter than the left-right length (sixth length W6) of the first controller 1. This makes it easier to align the first controller 1 in the left-right direction when inserting the protrusion 100 into the protrusion accommodating portion 850 when attaching the first controller 1 to the accommodating portion 800 .

[0164] When removing the first controller 1 from the device 500, the user hooks their finger on the underside 13 of the controller housing 10 through a notch 561 (see FIG. 24 ) provided below the storage portion 800. The notch 561 is formed by cutting out the center in the left-right direction of the bottom wall that forms the storage portion. Therefore, a portion of the underside 13 of the first controller 1 stored in the storage portion 800 is exposed downward through the notch 561. Then, in contrast to when the controller 1 is attached, the first controller 1 rotates in the opposite direction of the second arrow A2, with the convex portion 100 serving as the rotation center so that the lower portion of the first controller 1 moves away from the storage portion 800. In this embodiment, a force acts on the buttons 110, 120 in a direction away from the pressing portions 522, 542, with the underside 13 of the first controller 1 serving as the force point and the vicinity of the lower end of the flange inner surface 902 serving as the fulcrum. The first controller 1 then moves from the storage section 800 in the direction opposite to the first arrow A1. This allows the first controller 1 to be removed from the device 500. Because the first controller 1 is removed while rotating around the protruding section 100, the buttons 110 and 120 are more easily separated from the pressing sections 522 and 542 than when the first controller 1 is removed by, for example, pulling it vertically downward. This allows the user to easily remove the first controller 1 as intended. In this embodiment, the distance from the bottom end of the flange inner surface 902 to the notch 561 (or the notched portion of the bottom surface 802) is longer than the distance from the bottom end of the flange inner surface 902 to the pressing sections 522 and 542 (or the vertical length of the flange inner surface 902). Therefore, the user can easily remove the first controller 1 by levering it. The notch 561 may have a different shape or may be absent.

[0165] Next, other components of the storage section 800 will be described. As shown in Fig. 25, the bottom surface 805 has a first elastic deformation body 651. The first elastic deformation body 651 is provided in the second bottom surface region 805b. The first elastic deformation body 651 has a third rubber member 623 and a fourth rubber member 624.

[0166] When the user places the first controller 1 in the storage unit 800, the magnetic member 610 may attract the lower part of the first controller 1 toward the bottom surface 805 of the storage unit 800, with the upper part of the first controller 1 acting as the center of rotation. At this time, the first elastic deformation body 651 can suppress the impact when the back surface of the first controller 1 collides with the bottom surface 805.

[0167] The first elastic deformation body 651 is located below the center in the vertical direction on the bottom surface 805 that is exposed when the device 500 is viewed from the front side. Because the first controller 1 rotates around the upper side, shocks can be suppressed by positioning the first elastic deformation body 651 more radially outward from the center. The first elastic deformation body 651 may be located at the center in the vertical direction on the bottom surface 805, or may be located above the center.

[0168] The lower surface 802 also has a second elastic deformation body 652. The second elastic deformation body 652 has a first rubber member 621 and a second rubber member 622.

[0169] The second elastic deformation body 652 supports the first controller 1 when, for example, the stick of the first controller 1 attached to the device 500 is tilted. For example, if the stick of the first controller 1 is tilted downward and the first controller 1 is not supported, the first controller 1 may move downward within the housing 800, creating a gap between the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 and the first button 110 and the second button 120. If such a gap exists and the user presses the first movable part 510 or the third movable part 530, the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 may not sufficiently press the first button 110 and the second button 120. When the first controller 1 is operated, for example, by tilting the stick downward, the second elastic deformation body 652 supports the first controller 1, thereby preventing the first button 110 and the second button 120 from being insufficiently pressed. The second elastic deformation body 652 is elastically deformable, and therefore can reduce resistance when the first controller 1 is attached to or detached from the housing part.

[0170] On the other hand, the top surface 801 does not have to have an elastically deformable body. This makes it possible to improve the fit when attaching the controller 1 to the device 500 while attracting the button 110 by magnetic force.

[0171] In this embodiment, in the left-right direction, the third rubber member 623 and the fourth rubber member 624 are each located between the first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622. On the other hand, because the top surface 801 does not have an elastically deformable body, the buttons 110 are attracted by magnetic force, improving the fit when attaching the controller 1 to the device 500.

[0172] FIG. 26 shows a cross section of the second bottom surface region 805b. The second bottom surface region 805b has a first bottom surface portion 811, a second bottom surface portion 812, and a third bottom surface portion 813. The third bottom surface portion 813 is continuous with both the first bottom surface portion 811 and the second bottom surface portion 812. In the left-right direction, the third bottom surface portion 813 is located between the first bottom surface portion 811 and the second bottom surface portion 812. Each of the first bottom surface portion 811 and the second bottom surface portion 812 has a shape that curves backward. At least a portion of the operation lever 182 formed on the back surface 16 of the first controller 1 is disposed in the space formed by the first bottom surface portion 811. At least a portion of the operation lever 282 formed on the back surface 20 of the second controller 2 is disposed in the space formed by the second bottom surface portion 812. In the front-rear direction, the third bottom surface portion 813 is located in front of each of the first bottom surface portion 811 and the second bottom surface portion 812.

[0173] Fig. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first controller is attached to the device according to embodiment 1. The cross section shown in Fig. 31 is parallel to both the up-down direction and the front-back direction.

[0174] The flange 900 has a first light guiding hole 731 and a second light guiding hole 732 that communicate with each other. The first light guiding hole 731 is provided in the inner housing 550. The first light guiding hole 731 opens to the flange inner surface 902 and forms an incident port 730a. The second light guiding hole 732 is provided in the front housing 560. The second light guiding hole 732 opens to the flange outer surface 901 and forms an exit port 730b.

[0175] The light incident port 730a faces the light emitting unit 150 of the first controller 1. Light emitted from the convex portion 100 enters the light incident port 730a. The light incident from the light incident port 730a exits from the exit port 730b. The first light guide hole 731 has a first light guide hole upper end 731a and a first light guide hole lower end 731b. The second light guide hole 732 has a second light guide hole upper end 732a and a second light guide hole lower end 732b.

[0176] Second light guide hole 732 is located higher than first light guide hole 731. Specifically, second light guide hole lower end 732b is located higher than first light guide hole lower end 731b in the vertical direction. Note that second light guide hole upper end 732a is located higher than first light guide hole upper end 731a in the vertical direction. This allows light from convex portion 100 of controller 1 to be radiated to the outside while maintaining the overall vertical thickness of the lower end of flange 900. Therefore, the user can view the light while maintaining the strength of flange 900.

[0177] The device 500 also includes a light guide member 630. The light guide member 630 is attached to the inner housing 550. The light guide member 630 is disposed at the center of the inner housing 550 in the left-right direction. The light guide member 630 includes a guide main body 632 and a guide protrusion 631. The guide protrusion 631 protrudes from the guide main body 632. The guide protrusion 631 is inserted into the second light guide hole 732. The guide main body 632 is located between the front housing 560 and the inner housing 550. The light guide member 630 is not inserted into the first light guide hole 731, but may be inserted therein. Although the first light guide hole 731 and the second light guide hole 732 are offset from each other in the vertical direction, the light guide member 630 allows light emitted from the light emitting element 152 of the first controller 1 to be effectively emitted to the outside of the device 500 through the light outlet 730b.

[0178] Next, a configuration for pressing the buttons 110, 120 of the first game controller 1 attached to the device 500 by user operation will be described.

[0179] FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of the device 500 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32 , the device 500 has a first pressing component 810 and a second pressing component 820. The first pressing component 810 includes a first movable component 510 and a second movable component 520. The second pressing component 820 includes a third movable component 530 and a fourth movable component 540. In the left-right direction, the first pressing component 810 is located to the right of the center of the internal housing 550. In the left-right direction, the second pressing component 820 is located to the left of the center of the internal housing 550. Note that the light guide member 630 is located between the first pressing component 810 and the second pressing component 820.

[0180] The first axis 513 of the first movable part 510 extends in a first direction D1 that includes a left-right component. The first axis 513 may extend in a direction parallel to the left-right direction, or in a direction inclined relative to the left-right direction. The right end of the first axis 513 is located to the left of the right end of the first surface 511 (see FIG. 22). Similarly, the third axis 533 of the third movable part 530 extends in a third direction D3 that includes a left-right component. The third axis 533 may extend in a direction parallel to the left-right direction, or in a direction inclined relative to the left-right direction. The left end of the third axis 533 is located to the right of the left end of the third surface 531 (see FIG. 22).

[0181] The second axis 523 of the second movable part 520 extends in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is closer to the front-rear direction than the first direction D1. The second direction D2 includes a front-rear component. The second axis 523 may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. Similarly, the fourth axis 543 of the fourth movable part 540 extends in the fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is closer to the front-rear direction than the third direction D3. The fourth direction D4 includes a front-rear component. The fourth axis 543 may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0182] In this embodiment, the third direction D3 is the same as the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4 is the same as the second direction D2. When viewed in the up-down direction, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. In other embodiments, the third direction D3 may be different from the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4 may be different from the second direction D2. When viewed in the up-down direction, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

[0183] Fig. 33 is a first cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of device 500 when first surface 511 is not pressed. The cross section shown in Fig. 33 is parallel to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0184] 33 , the convex portion 100 of the first controller 1 is disposed behind the flange 900 of the device 500. In the front-to-rear direction, the convex portion 100 is disposed between the flange inner surface 902 and the first bottom surface area 805a. In the up-down direction, the controller housing 10 of the first controller 1 is disposed below the flange lower surface 903.

[0185] 33 , the first button 110 of the first controller 1 is disposed in a position facing the second movable part 520 of the device 500. Similarly, the second button 120 of the first controller 1 is disposed in a position facing the fourth movable part 540 of the device 500.

[0186] The first button 110 is attracted to the second movable part 520. The second movable part 520 has a first magnetic member 610. The first magnetic member 610 and the first button 110 are attracted to each other by magnetic force. The first button 110 contacts a second pressing part 522 of the second movable part 520. In this embodiment, the second pressing part 522 is flat, but it may be convex or have another shape. The second pressing part 522 is made of, for example, resin. The first magnetic member 610 faces the first button 110 while being spaced apart from the first button 110. Note that the second pressing part 522 may be made of, for example, a magnetic material, or the entire second movable part 520 may be made of a magnetic material. In the up-down direction, the direction in which the second surface 521 of the second movable part 520 faces is opposite to the direction in which the second pressing part 522 faces. In the vertical direction, the second pressing portion 522 is located below the second surface 521 .

[0187] The first movable part 510 has a movable main body part 515, a first surface 511, a first pushing part 512, a first shaft 513, and a first lower end part 514. The first surface 511 is the surface that is pushed by the user. The first surface 511 is exposed to the outside from the housing 590. The housing 590 accommodates the first movable part 510 so that the first surface 511 is exposed (see FIG. 18 ). The first surface 511 is exposed to the outside from a first movable part arrangement hole 603 formed in the rear housing 570.

[0188] In the up-down direction, the direction in which the first pressing portion 512 faces is opposite the direction in which the first surface 511 faces. The first surface 511 is part of the upper surface of the movable main body portion 515, and the first pressing portion 512 is part of the lower surface of the movable main body portion 515. The first pressing portion 512 has, for example, a curved shape that is convex downward. The first pressing portion 512 contacts the second surface 521 of the second movable portion 520. The first lower end portion 514 is the end of the portion that protrudes downward from the surface opposite the first surface 511.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 33 , the first surface 511 is located rearward of the first shaft 513 in the front-rear direction. The first pushing portion 512 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first surface 511 in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the second movable portion 520 is located forward of the rear end of the first movable portion 510 in the front-rear direction. The first shaft 513 is located forward of the center of the second movable portion 520 in the front-rear direction in the front-rear direction. The first magnetic member 610 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first pushing portion 512 in the front-rear direction. The device 500 has a cushion 595. The cushion 595 is provided between the inner surface of the housing 590 and the upper surface of the movable main body portion 515 of the first movable portion 510. The cushion 595 and the first pushing portion 512 are located on the same straight line parallel to the up-down direction. The cushion 595 can suppress noise caused by interference between the first movable part 510 and the housing 590, for example, when the first movable part 510 is forced upward by the reaction force of the button 110 of the controller 1, or when the controller 1 is equipped with a vibrator.

[0190] FIG. 34 is a second cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of device 500 when first surface 511 is not pressed. The cross section shown in FIG. 34 is parallel to both the left-right and up-down directions. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of device 500 as seen from the front, and therefore shows a portion of the right side of device 500 in the left-right direction. The left side of FIG. 34 can also be referred to as the inside of device 500 in the left-right direction, and the right side of FIG. 34 can also be referred to as the outside of device 500 in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, when referring to left and right, they are also referred to as the inside and the outside.

[0191] 34 , in the vertical direction, second pressing portion 522 of second movable portion 520 is located below top surface 801 of accommodating portion 800. Similarly, in the vertical direction, operation surface 115 of first button 110 is located below first top surface region 801a of accommodating portion 800. Protrusion 100 of first controller 1 is spaced apart from first top surface region 801a of accommodating portion 800.

[0192] The magnetic member 610 is located above the first button 110 of the first controller 1 housed in the housing 800. In the left-right direction, the center of the magnetic member 610 is located more inward than the center of the first button 110. In this embodiment, the magnetic member 610 is located from one side to the other of the center of the button in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the width of the operation surface 115 of the first button 110 is greater than the width of the magnetic member 610. In the left-right direction, the width of the operation surface 115 of the first button 110 is greater than the width of the second pressing portion 522.

[0193] 34, the second shaft 523 is provided inside the center of the magnetic member 610 in the left-right direction. The second shaft 523 is located above the second pressing portion 522 in the up-down direction.

[0194] 35 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of device 500 when first surface 511 is pressed. The area shown in FIG. 35 corresponds to the area shown in FIG.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 35 , the first surface 511 is pressed downward by the user. The first movable part 510 rotates around the first axis 513 as the first surface 511 is pressed. The first movable part 510 rotates in the direction of the third arrow A3. The first pressing part 512 of the first movable part 510 presses down the second surface 521 of the second movable part 520. The first lower end part 514 of the first movable part 510 abuts against the housing 590, thereby stopping the rotation of the first movable part 510. The angle of rotation of the first movable part 510 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 45° or less, 30° or less, or 20° or less.

[0196] 36 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of device 500 when first surface 511 is pressed. The area shown in FIG. 36 corresponds to the area shown in FIG.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 36 , the second movable part 520 rotates around the second axis 523 when the second surface 521 is pressed by the first pressing part 512. As the second movable part 520 rotates, the second pressing part 522 tilts in the left-right direction. In the up-down direction, the height of the right end of the second pressing part 522 is lower than the height of the left end of the second pressing part 522. As the second pressing part 522 tilts while in contact with the operation surface 115 of the first button 110, the operation surface 115 of the first button 110 also tilts. In the up-down direction, the height of the right end of the operation surface 115 is lower than the height of the left end of the operation surface 115. The first button 110 is pressed down as a whole by the second pressing part 522. In other words, as the second movable part 520 rotates, the second pressing part 522 presses the first button 110 of the first controller 1. Second movable portion 520 presses one side of the center of first button 110 more than the other side. First protrusion 111 of pressed down first button 110 presses tactile switch 117.

[0198] When the user releases the first surface 511, the upper part of the tactile switch 117 returns to its original shape. This causes the first protrusion 111 to be pushed back upward. Therefore, the first button 110 moves to its initial position. This causes the second movable part 520 to rotate, and the second movable part 520 moves to its original position. The second surface 521 of the second movable part 520 pushes up the first pressing part 512. This causes the first movable part 510 to rotate, and the first movable part 510 moves to its original position.

[0199] Similarly, the third movable part 530 rotates around the third axis 533 when the third surface 531 is pressed by the user. The fourth movable part 540 rotates around the fourth axis 543 when the fourth surface 541 is pressed by the third pressing part 532. The fourth pressing part 542 presses the second button 120 of the first controller 1 as the fourth movable part 540 rotates.

[0200] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first movable part 510, which rotates around the first axis 513 extending in the left-right direction, is pressed by the user, and the second movable part 520, which rotates around the second axis 523 extending in the front-to-back direction, is pressed by the first movable part 510, thereby causing the button 110 to be pressed by the second movable part 520.

[0201] In some devices held by a user, a movable part having a left-right operating surface is configured to rotate around an axis extending in a direction including a front-to-rear component. However, depending on the size of the user's hand and the way the device is held, the part of the left-to-right operating surface that is pressed can vary, resulting in variations in the force required for operation or the operating feel. With the above configuration, the first movable part 510 operated by the user rotates around the first axis 513 extending in the left-to-right direction, so even if the user's pressing position varies in the left-to-right direction, variations in the force required for operation and the operating feel can be suppressed. Furthermore, the second movable part 520 pressed by the first movable part 510 rotates around the second axis 523 extending in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the position of the part pressed by the second axis 523 or the first pressing part 512 of the first movable part 510 can be adjusted while reducing the thickness of the device 500 in the front-to-rear direction, and the force required by the user to press the button 110 can be adjusted. Furthermore, since the part of the second movable part 520 that is pressed by the first pressing portion 512 of the first movable part 510 is fixed, variations in the force required to press the button 110 and the operating feel due to variations in the position where the user presses the first surface 511 of the first movable part can be reduced.

[0202] In this embodiment, the first pressing portion 512 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first pressing surface 511 in the front-to-rear direction. At least a portion of the second movable portion, including the second pressing surface 521 pressed by the first pressing portion, is located in a position overlapping the first movable portion in the up-down direction. This allows the thickness of the device 500 in the front-to-rear direction to be reduced.

[0203] In addition, the second movable part 520 has a magnetic member 610. This allows the second movable part 520 and the button 110 to attract each other even while the button 110 is being pressed or released by the user operating the first movable part 510, for example, thereby improving operability.

[0204] Furthermore, since the second movable part 520 presses the other side of the button 110 rather than the center, the second movable part 520 can press the button 110 while preventing the entire controller 1 from tilting.

[0205] So far, an example has been described in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. A second controller 2 can also be attached to the device 500. FIG. 37 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the second controller 2 is attached to the device 500. As shown in FIG. 37 , the second controller 2 is attached to the device 500 so that the front of the second controller 2 faces forward. The set of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2 face forward. The set of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2 are exposed from the housing 800. A user can operate the set of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2. When the second controller 2 is attached to the device 500, the positional relationship of each part with the device 500 is substantially the same as that described using the first controller 1, although there are differences such as the left and right being reversed, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. For example, the third button 210 and the fourth button 220 of the second controller 2 housed in the housing 800 are pressed by the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540, similar to the first button 110 and the second button 120 of the first controller. When held horizontally, the positions of the control levers on the back and the surrounding bulges on the back are reversed between the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. As described with reference to FIG. 26 , the control levers and at least part of the surrounding bulges of one controller are disposed in one of the spaces formed by the first bottom surface 811 and the second bottom surface 812, and the corresponding parts of the other controller are disposed in the other.

[0206] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a device 1500 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 38 is a partial perspective schematic diagram showing a state in which a controller is attached to a device 1500 according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 38, a second controller 2 is attached to the device 1500, but a first controller 1 may also be attached. As shown in FIG. 38, the device 1500 according to this embodiment has a first movable part 1510, a second movable part 1520, and a magnetic member 1610. The first movable part 1510 has a first shaft 1513 and a movable main body part 1515. The first shaft 1513 extends in the left-right direction. The second movable part 1520 has a second shaft 1523, a second surface 1521, and a second pressing part 1522. The second pressing part is not attracted to the third button 210 by magnetic force. For example, the second movable part 1520 does not have a magnetic member. The second shaft 1523 extends in the front-rear direction. In the left-right direction, the second shaft 1523 is located to the right of the second surface 1521.

[0207] The third button 210 of the second controller 2 is attracted to the magnetic member 1610 by magnetic force. The third button 210 is attracted to the magnetic member 1610. The magnetic member 1610 is provided so as not to move relative to the storage section of the device 1500 in which the second controller 2 is stored. The magnetic member 1610 is fixed to, for example, the housing 1590. In the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is located to the left of the first movable part 1510. In the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is provided on one side of the center of the third button 210, and is not provided on the other side of the center of the third button 210. In the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is located to the left of the second movable part 1520. In the left-right direction, the second surface 1521 is located between the magnetic member 1610 and the second shaft 1523.

[0208] In this embodiment, when second movable part 1520 is rotated by a user operation on first movable part 1510, second pressing part 1522 presses down on one side of the center of third button 210. At this time, the other side of third button 210 is pulled in the left-right direction by magnetic member 1610. Therefore, third button 210 is pressed so that one side sinks in, with the other side of the center acting as an axis. Note that magnetic member 1610 is fixed and does not follow the movement of third button 210.

[0209] Third Embodiment Next, the configuration of a device 2500 according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 39 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a controller is attached to a device 2500 according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 39, a second controller 2 is attached to the device 2500, but a first controller 1 may also be attached.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 39 , the housing 2590 of the device 2500 is provided with an accommodating section 2800. The housing 2590 has a horizontally elongated shape. The maximum width of the housing 2590 in the left-right direction is greater than the maximum width of the housing 2590 in the up-down direction. The housing 2590 has a flange, which covers at least a portion of the front of the convex portion of the second controller 2. The first movable section 2510 is located rearward of the attached second controller 2 and rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction. When pressed by the first movable section 2510, the third movable section (not shown) rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction and presses the third button 210 of the second controller 2.

[0211] <Modifications> In the above, the case where the controller mounting portion is a protrusion has been described, but the controller mounting portion is not limited to a protrusion. As an example, the controller mounting portion may be a slider mounting portion. The slider mounting portion is mounted by sliding it along a rail provided on the game device. The mounting portion may have a structure that protrudes from the side, or may have another structure.

[0212] Although a game controller has been exemplified above as a controller, the controller may be any other controller having buttons.

[0213] In the above description, the controller is attached to the device by being housed in the housing, but other attachment structures may also be used.

[0214] Although the above description has been given of a device in which a controller is attached, the device may have two movable parts that rotate around axes facing in different directions, but no controller is attached. For example, the device may be a standalone controller that includes a fifth movable part that is operated by a user and rotates around a first axis extending in a first direction, a sixth movable part that is pressed by the fifth movable part and rotates around a second axis extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a contact that is pressed by the sixth movable part.

[0215] Although the device has been described above as having a flange, the device may not have a flange and may have a structure in which the controller can be inserted parallel to the front side into the housing. In this case, the device may or may not have a magnetic member that magnetically attracts the buttons on the controller.

[0216] The device may have the first and second movable parts, but not the third and fourth movable parts.

[0217] Although the above describes a case where the buttons on the controller are pressed using the first to fourth movable parts, other configurations for pressing the buttons may be used. For example, a single part pressed by the user may directly press a button on the controller attached to the device. The single part is an example of a pusher. Alternatively, at least a portion of the top surface defining the housing portion may be exposed, allowing the user to directly press a button on the controller attached to the device.

[0218] The device does not need to have a magnetic member that is attracted to the button of the controller by magnetic force, for example, the second movable part does not need to have a magnet.

[0219] The device may not include the second elastically deformable body 652. For example, the device may have a protruding portion that does not elastically deform, such as rubber. For example, a portion of the lower surface 802 may protrude upward. Also, a portion of the lower end of the bottom surface 805 may protrude forward. Such a protruding portion may support the controller when the controller is operated.

[0220] The device may have a terminal. The terminal of the device is electrically connected to, for example, the first terminal of the controller 1. In this case, the device may have a circuit. For example, the device may have a processor. Note that the device may have a processor without having a terminal. For example, the devices 500, 1500, and 2500 may have a processor and communicate with the controller or game device wirelessly.

[0221] In the above description, the outer shape of the rim 591 is circular, but the rim does not have to be circular. For example, the rim may be diamond-shaped or ribbon-shaped. The rim may also have a discontinued outer shape. For example, the rim may have a circular shape with the top part discontinued. The shape of the rim cover is not limited to the shapes shown in the embodiments. The device does not have to have a rim cover.

[0222] In the above description, the device 500 has been described as having the inner housing 550, the front housing 560, and the rear housing 570. However, the configuration of the housings and the shape of each housing are not limited. For example, the device may not have the inner housing 550.

[0223] The light emitted by the light-emitting portion of the controller attached to the device may be made invisible by the device. For example, the flange 900 may not have an entrance and an exit.

[0224] In the above description, the housing is defined by at least the bottom, right, left, and lower surfaces, but it may not have at least some of these. The device may also have a front surface that defines the front side of the housing and faces the entire front of the controller.

[0225] The device may not include some of the components described in the embodiments, may include additional components, or may be replaced with other components. For example, the device may not include at least some of the first elastic deformation body 651, the second elastic deformation body 652, and the cushion 595.

[0226] Input from a mouse operation sensor may be used with the controller attached to the device, and the light receiving state of the mouse operation sensor may change when an operation is performed on the device.

[0227] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0228] 1 First controller, controller 2 Second controller 3 Game device 10, 20 Controller housing 11, 211 Upper side 12 Right side 13 Lower side 14 Left side 15 Front 16 Rear 17 Housing opening 19 Convex flange 31, 41 Joystick 32, 42 Set of four buttons 33 (1) + button 33 (2) Home button 43 (1) - button 43 (2) Capture button 50 Sync button 51, 53 Ground connection portion 52, 651 First elastic deformation body 54, 652 Second elastic deformation body 61 Front housing 62 Rear housing 71, 73 First inner surface 72, 74 Second inner surface 90 Flexible printed circuit 100, 200 Convex portion 101 First area 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 Fourth area 105 Fifth area 106 Top surface 107 Outer circumferential surface 110 First button 111, 121 First protrusion 112, 122 Second protrusion 113, 123 Flange portion 114, 124 Main body 115, 125 Operation surface 117, 127 Tactile switch 118, 128 Side wall 120 Second button 130 Shoulder button (right) 140 Z shoulder button (right) 150, 250 Light-emitting portion 152 Light-emitting element 160 First terminal 167 Terminal accommodating portion 170 First opening 174 Mouse operation sensor 181 Pressing member 182 Operation lever 191 First cushion 192 Second cushion 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 195 Opening for synchronization button 196 Opening for terminal 197 Fifth opening 198 Sixth opening 210 Third button 220 Fourth button 230 Shoulder button (left) 240 Z shoulder button (left) 253 Third cushion 254 Fourth cushion 260 Second terminal 270 Opening for mouse sensor 274 Mouse operation sensor 282 Operation unit 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Storage medium slot 305 Display 306 Main body housing 307 Power button 310320 Game device-side recess 311 Base surface 313 Right side surface of main body 314 Left side surface of main body 315 Front surface of main body 316 Upper side surface of main body 317 Lower side surface of main body 330 First plug connector 331 First terminal of main body 332 Tongue body 333 Connector support portion 334 Shoulder screw 338 Cover member 341 Second terminal of main body 401 First hole, hole 402 Second hole 410 Game device-side magnetic element, first game device-side magnetic element 420 Second game device-side magnetic element 500, 1500, 2500 Device 510, 1510, 2510 First movable portion 511, 1511 First surface 512, 1512 First pushing portion 513, 1513 First shaft 514 First lower end portion 515, 1515 Movable main body portion 520, 1520 Second movable portion 521, 1521 Second surface 522, 1522 Second pushing portion 523, 1523 Second shaft 523a First shaft member 523b Second shaft member 524 First magnetic member arrangement recess 530, 2530 Third movable portion 531 Third surface 532 Third pushing portion 533 Third shaft 540 Fourth movable portion 541 Fourth surface 542 Fourth pushing portion 543 Fourth shaft 543a Third shaft member 543b Fourth shaft member 544 Second magnetic member arrangement recess 550 Inner housing 551 First support plate 552 Second support plate 553 Third support plate 554 Fourth support plate 555 Second shaft member arrangement hole 556 Fourth shaft member arrangement hole 557 Inner housing main body portion 560 Front housing 560a First annular portion 560b First bridging portion 561 Finger insertion opening 570 Rear housing 570a Second annular portion 570b Second bridging portion 580 Rim cover 590, 1590, 2590 Housing 591 Rim 595 Cushion 601 Second movable portion arrangement hole 602 Fourth movable portion arrangement hole 603 First movable portion arrangement hole 604 Third movable portion arrangement hole 610, 1610 Magnetic member, first magnetic member 611 Yoke 613 Magnet 620 Second magnetic member 621, 2621 First rubber member 622, 2622 Second rubber member 623 Third rubber member 624 Fourth rubber member 630,2630 Light guide member 631 Guide protrusion 632 Guide main body 701 First fastening screw 702 Second fastening screw 710 Third bridging part 730a Inlet port 730b Output port 731 First light guide hole 731a First light guide hole upper end 731b First light guide hole lower end 732 Second light guide hole 732a Upper end of second light guide hole 732b Lower end of third light guide hole 800,2800 Accommodation part 801 Upper surface 801a First upper surface area 801b Second upper surface area 802 Lower surface 803 Right surface 803a First right surface area 803b Second right surface area 804 Left surface 804a First left surface area 804b Second left surface area 805 Bottom surface 805a First bottom surface area 805b Second bottom surface area 810 First pressing component 811 First bottom surface portion 812 Second bottom surface portion 813 Third bottom surface portion 820 Second pressing component 850 Convex portion accommodating portion 900 Flange 901 Flange outer surface 902 Flange inner surface 903 Flange lower surface 1000 Information equipment device 3120 Game device side inner peripheral surface 3121 Game device side bottom surface A1 First arrow A2 Second arrow A3 Third arrow D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction D4 Fourth direction R1 Up direction R2 Right direction R3 Down direction R4 Left direction R5 Front direction R6 Back direction T1 First height T2 Second height T3 Third height T4 Fourth height T5 Fifth height T6 Sixth height T7 Seventh height T8 8th height T9 9th height T10 10th height T11 11th height W1 1st length W2 2nd length W3 3rd length W4 4th length W5 5th length W6 6th length W7 7th length W8 8th length

Claims

1. A device to be held by a user, comprising: a mounting part to which a controller having a first button is detachably attached; a first movable part having a first surface extending in the left-right direction and pressed from above by the user, and a first pressing part, and rotating around a first axis extending in a first direction including a left-right component when the first surface is pressed; a second movable part having a second surface pressed by the first pressing part when the first movable part rotates, and a second pressing part, and rotating around a second axis extending in a second direction closer to the front-to-rear direction than the first direction when the second surface is pressed; and the second pressing part is configured to press the first button of the controller attached to the mounting part when the second movable part rotates.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface is located rearward of said first axis.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the rear end of the second movable part is located forward of the rear end of the first movable part.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first pushing portion is located between the first axis and the first surface in the front-to-rear direction.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first axis is located forward of the center of the second movable portion in the front-to-rear direction.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second movable part is provided with a magnet that is attracted to the first button by magnetic force.

7. The device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device is configured to be held by the user with both hands, the controller has a second button, the device comprises: a third movable part having a third surface extending in the left-right direction and pressed from above by the user, and a third pressing part, and rotating around a third axis extending in a third direction including a left-right component when the third surface is pressed, and a fourth movable part having a fourth surface pressed by the third pressing part when the third movable part rotates, and a fourth pressing part, and rotating around a fourth axis extending in a fourth direction closer to the front-to-back direction than the third direction when the fourth surface is pressed, the fourth pressing part is configured to press the second button of the controller attached to the attachment part when the fourth movable part rotates, the first surface is located in a position covered from the right side by the user's right index finger, right middle finger, or right ring finger, and the third surface is located in a position covered from the left side by the user's left index finger, left middle finger, or left ring finger.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the right end of the first axis is located to the left of the right end of the first surface, and the left end of the third axis is located to the right of the left end of the third surface.

9. The device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the device comprises a rim that is gripped by the user with both hands, and wherein each of the first surface and the third surface is located rearward of the rim.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, when viewed in the vertical direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other, and the third direction and the fourth direction are perpendicular to each other.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a housing that houses the first movable part so that the first surface is exposed, and a cushion provided between the inner surface of the housing and the upper surface of the first movable part.

Images