U.S. Pat. No. 11,648,463

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a particular example of a game controller1comprising an assembled shell2, and control means in particular comprising two pivoting control members3: a pivoting member3located in the left part of the game controller1and a pivoting member3located in the right part of the game controller1.

The assembled shell2comprises, in a manner known per se, an upper half-shell2a, which is assembled by any means, for example mechanically by means of screws or the like and/or by gluing and/or by welding, with a lower half-shell2b.

In this particular example, the assembled shell2more particularly has an ergonomic shape adapted to facilitate gripping thereof with both hands by a player.

Each pivoting member3is passed through an opening20of the upper half-shell2a, more particularly a circular opening20.

More particularly in this specific embodiment, with reference toFIGS.1and3, and in a nonlimiting manner relative to the invention, at each circular opening20of the upper half-shell2a, the game controller1comprises a cylindrical tubular insert4, which is mounted in an opening20of the upper half-shell2aof the controller2, and is fastened to the upper half-shell2a. The upper part of this insert4is provided with a ring40whose inner edge40adelimits a circular opening40b(FIG.3) of smaller diameter than the diameter of the opening20of the shell2. When this tubular insert4is mounted and is fastened in a circular opening20of the upper half-shell2aof the game controller1, the circular opening40bof this tubular insert4is centered relative to this opening20.

In another variant embodiment, the game controller may not comprise such a tubular insert4, and/or may not comprise a ring40. In the absence of ring40, the aforementioned inner edge40ais replaced by the inner edge of the opening20in the upper half-shell2aof the game controller. In another variant embodiment, the ring40can be an integral part of the upper half-shell2aor be an add-on part, which can be fixed permanently or removably to the tubular insert4or directly at the opening20of the upper half-shell2a.

In the particular embodiment ofFIG.1, each pivoting member3is of the “joystick” type, and is positioned near the edge of the shell2, so as to be able to be easily manipulated by the left thumb or the right thumb of a player holding the game controller.

Each pivoting control member3of the game controller1is formed by a monolithic assembly of several elements30,31,32, which will now be described with reference toFIGS.2and3, and is further provided with ring cylindrical and removable adjusting ring5A.

Pivoting Control Member3

The element30(FIG.2) of each pivoting control member3is a base element which is intended to be mounted and fixed permanently with respect to the shell2of the game controller. This base element30of each pivoting control member3is known and will therefore be described briefly below.

With reference toFIG.2, this base element30comprises a cylindrical shaft (“stick”)300, with a central axis300a, which is mounted to pivot relative to a casing301. This pivoting cylindrical shaft300is able to be tilted manually with respect to the casing301, in all directions, from a central rest position, illustrated inFIGS.1and2, into which it returns in a rotationally elastic manner. The means for elastically rotating into the central rest position of this shaft300are known and will therefore not be described in detail. These elastic return means, of the spring type, are housed inside the casing301.

This pivoting shaft300is also, and in the usual manner, coupled to analog displacement sensors, for example potentiometer-type sensors, which are housed inside the casing301, and which make it possible to measure the angles of rotation of this shaft300, respectively about two reference axes of rotation, which are perpendicular to each other and which define a plane perpendicular to the central axis300aof the shaft300in its rest position inFIG.2. In a known manner, these sensors deliver analog measurement signals which are characteristic of the instantaneous value of the angle formed by the central axis300aof the shaft300, about each reference axis of rotation, with respect to the rest position of this axis300a.

The base element30is mounted and fastened to the inside of the shell2of the game controller1, so that on the one hand its casing301is fully housed inside the assembled shell2and is fastened to the assembled shell2, and on the other hand its pivoting shaft300is positioned perpendicular to the circular opening40bof the tubular insert4described above and is centered with respect to this circular opening40b. The element31of each pivoting control member3is a protective part which is symmetrical and rigid, and which comprises:in the lower part, a dome-shaped cup310andin the upper part, a cylindrical assembly end piece311, which is centered relative to the lower cup310, the central axis of symmetry of the cup310being coincident with the central axis of symmetry of this cylindrical end piece311.

More particularly, the cylindrical assembly end piece311comprises a cavity311a(FIGS.2and3) which is open at the top and which is delimited by a bottom wall311band a side wall311c, which is preferably cylindrical. The bottom wall comprises (FIG.3) a projecting central lug311d. The side wall311ccomprises preferably diametrically opposed assembly slots311e.

Referring toFIG.3, the protective element31further comprises, in its lower part, a central cylindrical housing312. This central cylindrical housing312is dimensioned so as to allow a tight fitting in this housing312of the pivoting shaft300of the base element30. The cross-section of this cylindrical housing312and the cross-section of the pivoting shaft300are not circular and are chosen so as to allow the pivoting shaft300to be blocked in rotation about its central axis in this housing312. The element31is mounted simply by axially fitting the element31onto the pivoting shaft300of the base element30.

The cup310of the protective element31is dimensioned such that its maximum external diameter is greater than the diameter of the opening40bof the tubular insert4. The cup of the element31makes it possible to partially close the opening40bof the tubular insert4, without hindering the pivoting of the shaft300of the base element30, which makes it possible in particular to avoid the accidental introduction of foreign bodies or elements inside the assembled shell2and also makes it possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the game controller1.

The element32constitutes the head of the pivoting control member3and, once mounted, is positioned (FIG.1) on the outside of the assembled shell. This head32has a geometry and dimensions suitable for the manipulation by a player of the pivoting control member3, preferably using one of his two thumbs.

More particularly, this head32is removable so that it can be easily and quickly mounted or removed by a user, in particular without having to disassemble the shell2from the game controller1.

In this particular example, this head32is made up of sub-elements321,322.

The sub-element321is a symmetrical monobloc part having a central axis of symmetry321a, and is for example an injected plastic part. It comprises a substantially disc-shaped upper part3210and a lower cylindrical part3211, which is oriented perpendicular to said disc-shaped upper part3210, and which is centered with respect to said disc-shaped upper part3210.

The sub-element322is disc-shaped, and is intended to be in contact with the player's thumb. The sub-element322is generally molded onto the disc-shaped upper part3210of the sub-element321or can be fastened by any means, in a permanent and robust manner, to the disc-shaped upper part3210of the sub-element321.

This sub-element322can for example be made of rubber to improve grip with the user's thumb.

The upper face322aof the sub-element322can for example be curved and concave as illustrated inFIG.3. In another variant, the upper face322aof the sub-element322may for example be domed and convex or may be planar.

The cylindrical lower part3211of the sub-element321of the head32is elastically deformable to allow it to be elastically fitted into the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31.

More particularly, in the specific variant embodiment ofFIGS.2and3, the cylindrical lower part3211of the head32comprises diametrically opposed legs3211a, which are each provided with an external assembly lug3211b. Each assembly lug3211bcan be pressed in under the action of a mechanical stress and can, in the absence of a mechanical stress, elastically return to its rest position ofFIG.2, in which it protrudes toward the outside of the leg3211a. The cylindrical lower part3211of the head32also comprises a lower slit3211cadapted to the geometry of the lug311dof the protective part31.

To assemble the head32with the protective element31(FIG.3), it suffices to insert the cylindrical lower part3211of the head32axially by hand into the cylindrical cavity311aof the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31, until the lug311dprotruding in the bottom of the cylindrical cavity311aenters the slit3211c, which ultimately makes it possible to obtain a blocking in rotation of the head32relative to the protective element31. During this axial insertion, a slight depression of each lug3211bis obtained toward the interior of the legs3211auntil each lug3211bis positioned opposite an assembly slot311eof the cylindrical assembly end piece311and enters this assembly slot311e(configuration ofFIG.3), which allows axial blocking of the head32relative to the protective element31.

The elasticity of the assembly lugs3211bfurther allows radial clamping of the cylindrical lower part3211of the head32relative to the cylindrical assembly end piece311. This radial clamping is strong enough to prevent accidental dislocation of the head32relative to the protective element31. However, this radial clamping is weak enough to allow a user to intentionally dislodge the head32from the protective element31, by pulling axially by hand and with sufficient force on the head32, so as to obtain, under the effect of this axial traction, a depression of the assembly lugs3211btoward the interior of the legs3211awhich is sufficient to cause the lugs3211bto leave their respective assembly slots311e.

The head32is thus easily and quickly removable by hand by a player, which if necessary allows a user to easily and quickly place the removable adjusting ring5A on the game controller1or to easily and quickly remove it from the game controller1without having to disassemble the shell2of the game controller1.

Removable Adjusting Ring5A

Each pivoting control member3is provided with a rigid and removable cylindrical adjusting ring5A, of height H.

The material constituting this adjusting ring5A is of no importance for the invention.

In this particular example, this adjusting ring5A comprises an outer face50forming, over the entire height H of the ring5A, a straight cylinder of circular cross-section.

In another variant embodiment, the outer face50of this adjusting ring5A could form a straight cylinder of circular cross-section only over part of the height H of the ring.

The internal section, and in particular the internal diameter Din(FIG.6A) of this ring5A is chosen so as to allow the mounting of this ring5A on the assembly end piece311of the element31with a minimum clearance that is just sufficient to allow guided axial sliding of the ring5A on the assembly end piece311of the element31. The adjusting ring5A can therefore be slipped over the assembly end piece311of the protective element31, in a removable manner, without being fixed to this protective element31.

As will appear more clearly later, the choice of the external diameter Dout(FIG.6A,6B,6C) of this cylindrical adjusting ring allows adjustment of the stop angle of the pivoting member3.

Mounting and Assembly of the Pivoting Member and the Removable Adjusting Ring

The mounting and assembly of a pivoting member3provided with a removable adjusting ring is carried out for example by proceeding as follows.

Each base element30assembled with the associated protective element31is fastened in one of the upper2aor lower2bhalf-shells at a predefined location and is electrically connected to an electronic control circuit of the game controller intended to be housed inside the shell2.

This electronic control circuit in particular allows the automatic processing of the measurement signals delivered by the rotational displacement sensors of the pivoting control member3. This electronic control circuit can comprise one or more electronic memories, a processor which is capable of automatically executing embedded software, and which can be implemented for example by means of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable electronic circuit of the FPGA type or a specific electronic circuit of the ASIC type, and one or more connectors allowing the processor to communicate with a game console or the like.

Then, the upper half-shell2aprovided with a tubular insert4at each opening20is positioned on the lower half-shell2b, such that the shaft300of each pivoting control member30, in its central rest position and carrying the protective element31, is oriented perpendicularly relative to the circular opening40bof the tubular insert4and is centered relative to this circular opening40b. Finally, the two half-shells2a,2bare assembled together, for example by means of screws.

Once the two half-shells2a,2bare assembled to form the shell2of the game controller1, as shown inFIG.3, the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31, which is also centered with respect to the circular opening40bof the tubular insert4, is preferably passed through the opening40bof the insert and protrudes outside the assembled shell2, so that it is at least in part located and easily accessible outside the assembled shell2.

The aforementioned assembly steps are carried out in the factory.

The user can easily and quickly configure the game controller1obtained at the end of the aforementioned assembly steps, by choosing an adjusting ring, for example the thin adjusting ring5A, having a specific external diameter Doutwhich defines the stop angle of the pivoting control member3, and by removably slipping this adjusting ring on the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31.

Once this adjusting ring is mounted, the user simply needs to fit the removable head32into the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31, as described above. Once the head32has been fitted onto the protective element31(FIG.3), the adjusting ring is axially blocked in position between the upper face310aof the cup310of the protective element31and the removable head32.

Stop Angle of the Pivoting Control Member3

The central axis of symmetry of the tubular insert4is referenced A inFIG.3, that is to say, in this particular embodiment, the central axis of symmetry of the circular opening40bdelimited in the shell2assembled by the upper ring40of this insert4.

In thisFIG.3, the pivoting control member3provided with its adjusting ring5A is in its central rest position, its axis of symmetry3abeing, in this central rest position, coincident with the central axis of symmetry A of the circular opening40b.

As described above, the user of the game controller1can manually rotate this control member3, provided with its adjusting ring5A, in all directions by tilting it relative to the central rest position ofFIG.3. When the user of the game controller1releases this control member3, the latter elastically returns to its central rest position inFIG.3.

Whatever its tilt direction, the control member3, provided with its adjusting ring5A, can pivot (FIG.4/rotation R) until it reaches a stop position, for example such as that inFIG.4. In this stop position, the adjusting ring5A is in abutment and the tilting of the pivoting control member3is thus blocked in this stop position. The adjusting ring5A thus makes it possible to adjust the maximum travel of the tilting of the pivoting control member3.

In the particular case ofFIG.4, the inner edge40aof the ring40surrounds the control member3over its entire periphery. In the stop position of the control member3provided with its adjusting ring5A, the control member3abuts against the inner edge40aof the ring40by means of said adjusting ring5A, the inner edge40aof the ring40fulfilling a low rotational stop function.

The stop position of the control member3provided with its adjusting ring5A is characterized by a stop angle α (FIG.4), which corresponds to the maximum angle formed by the two central axes of symmetry A and3afor a given tilt direction of the control member3.

In the embodiment of the appended figures, but in a non-limiting manner with respect to the invention, the value of the stop angle α is preferably the same for all the tilt directions of the control member3provided with its adjusting ring.

In another variant embodiment, the value of the stop angle α may be different for at least two different tilt directions of the control member3provided with its adjusting ring and/or the geometry of the opening40bis not necessarily circular, but may for example be of the polygonal type or of the elliptical type and/or the rest position is not necessarily a central position.

Typically, the value of the stop angle of the pivoting control member3of a game controller is less than 90° and generally between 20° and 70°.

FIG.5shows a variant embodiment in which the pivoting control member3is provided with a cylindrical adjusting ring5C, of the same height H as the ring5A, thicker than the thin ring5A, and thus having an external diameter Dout(FIG.6C) which is greater than that of the thin ring5A. In this case, the stop angle α is set to a value less than that of the stop angle obtained with the thin ring5A.

The value of the stop angle α thus depends on the external diameter Doutof the cylindrical adjusting ring used. The larger this external diameter, the smaller the value of the stop angle α will be, and vice versa.

Preferably, the user of the controller has several removable adjusting rings at his disposal for each pivoting control member3, such as for example the cylindrical adjusting rings5A,5B,5C ofFIG.6A,6B,6C, respectively. These cylindrical adjusting rings5A,5B,5C ofFIG.6A,6B,6Chave the same internal section, and in particular the same internal diameters Din, but have different thicknesses E, and therefore have different external diameters Dout. These cylindrical adjusting rings5A,5B,5C preferably have the same height H.

The thinnest ring5A makes it possible to obtain the largest stop angle value a and for example allows a stop angle of 46°. The thickest adjusting ring5C makes it possible to obtain the smallest stop angle value a and for example allows a stop angle of 30°. The ring5B of intermediate thickness makes it possible to obtain an intermediate stop angle value a and for example a stop angle α of 38°.

The lower the value of the stop angle α, the greater the responsiveness of the pivoting control member3of the game controller, and vice versa.

Owing to the adjusting rings5A,5B,5C, the user of the controller can advantageously adjust the responsiveness of a pivoting control member3of his game controller1very easily and very quickly, in particular to make this responsiveness more suited to the type of game he wishes to play. All he has to do is remove the removable head32from the pivoting control member3by hand, remove the adjusting ring present on the control member3, if necessary, insert the new adjusting ring5A,5B or5C corresponding to the responsiveness desired by the user for the pivoting control member3onto the protective element31, and replace the removable head32; all these operations are advantageously carried out easily by the user without having to disassemble the assembled shell2of the game controller1.

Thus, when the user of the game controller wishes to have a more responsive controller, for example to play a fighting game, he can choose to equip each pivoting control member3of his game controller1with the adjusting ring5C making it possible to obtain the smallest stop angle α. When the user of the game controller wishes to have a less responsive controller, he can choose to equip each pivoting control member3of his game controller1with the adjusting ring5B or5A making it possible to obtain larger stop angle values α.

Other Variant Embodiments (Non-Exhaustive List)

The invention is not limited to the particular variant embodiment of the appended figures.

In particular, and in a non-exhaustive manner, the invention is not limited to the particular structure and to the particular dimensions of the sub-elements321and322forming the head32and illustrated in the appended figures.

The invention is not limited to the implementation of a head32in two assembled parts321and322, but in another variant the head32may comprise more than two assembled parts or could be made in one piece, for example an injected plastic part.

The head32is not necessarily specifically adapted to be manipulated by means of a thumb of the hand, the invention extending more generally to any pivoting control member3that can be manipulated manually, whatever in particular the structure, the geometry, the dimensions and the constituent materials of the head32of the control member3. For example, the control member3can be a pivoting “stick” of the “joystick” type which can be grasped with two fingers of one hand or with the whole hand.

The means for assembling the removable head32may be different from those which have been previously described, the removable head for example being able to be screwed on or assembled by means of magnets or the like.

In another variant, the cylindrical assembly end piece311of the protective element31(or of another element of the control member3) could be adapted so as to be fitted inside a tubular lower part3211of the removable head32, the adjusting ring being designed in this case to be slipped over this tubular lower part3211of the head32.

In another variant, the head32is not necessarily removable. In this case, the stop angle adjusting ring may for example be in two separate parts which can be assembled together so as to allow the adjusting ring to be mounted on the pivoting control member without disassembling the shell2and without removing the head32from the pivoting control member. For example, the adjusting ring may consist of two half-cylinders which can be assembled on the control member by magnetic magnetization to constitute the adjusting ring; the two half-cylinders can be magnetized or the pivoting control member3can be magnetized and the two half-cylinders can be made from a ferromagnetic material, and for example from metal. The two half-cylinders can also be assembled together by any other means, so as to be able to be separated from one another, for example by screwing, clipping or fitting.

The protective element31of the variant of the appended figures is optional and could be omitted. In this case, the head32of the pivoting control member is designed to be fitted directly onto the pivoting shaft300of the base element30, without an intermediate part31.

In the invention, the removable adjusting element5A,5B,5C preferably has an outer face50forming a straight cylinder of circular cross-section.

In another variant, the cross-section of this outer face50may not be circular, and may for example be of the polygonal or elliptical type.

The invention is not limited to the implementation of adjusting rings5A,5B,5C having a circular inner section. The geometry of the internal sections of the adjusting rings5A,5B,5C is of no importance for the invention, this internal section possibly being polygonal (triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) for example

In another variant embodiment, the adjusting elements may be constituted by removable cylindrical adjusting rings, which are adapted so as to be able to be slipped coaxially on one another, so as to obtain a removable adjusting element whose external diameter depends on the number of coaxial rings. The greater the number of adjusting rings mounted coaxially with respect to one another on the pivoting control member, the lower the value of the stop angle α of the pivoting control member, and vice versa.