JP3039908U - Input device for game console - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: To improve the operability of a cross key of an input device for a game machine. A shaft 8 and pins 11,
The sensing unit 6 is fixed using the nut 13. The cross key 2 is attached to the sensing unit 6. Pin 1
Reference numeral 1 passes through the long hole 12, and by loosening the nut 13 and moving the pin 11 in the long hole 12, the sensing unit 6, that is, the cross key 2 can be rotated about the shaft 8. After rotating the cross key 2 to a desired position, the nut 13 is tightened and fixed. By this operation, the direction of the cross key 2 can be arbitrarily changed. The hole 14 is an escape hole provided in the rotation range of the cross key 2.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to an input device for a game machine, and more particularly to an input device for a game machine having a position indicating means for moving a cursor or a character displayed on an output screen.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 In a computer device such as a video game, an input device for instructing an input position of information on an output screen or moving a character or an image is connected. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of the input device of the video game machine. In the figure, on the operation surface of the input device 1, a cross-shaped key (hereinafter referred to as “cross key”) 2 for instructing an input position and a specific position at the position instructed by the cross key 2 are specified. A function key 3 for instructing processing and a game start key 4 are provided. The input device 1 is connected to a game machine body (not shown) through a cable 5.

The operator basically holds the input device 1 with both hands, operates the cross key 2 with the left hand L and operates the function key 3 with the right hand (not shown). By operating the cross key 2 with the thumb as shown in the figure and tilting it in a desired direction, the input position can be changed in that tilting direction. For example, the input position is moved in the arrow X direction by pressing the overhanging portion 2a of the cross key 2, and is moved in the arrow Y direction by 90 degrees from the X direction by pressing the overhanging portion 2b (however, , X, Y are directions on the screen (not shown).

[0004]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 The input operation using the cross key 2 has the following problems. That is, there are a wide range of people who enjoy playing video games, from infants to adults, and the size of each person's hands varies. Moreover, the size of the conventionally known input device is almost constant, and the size is not changed according to the user. Therefore, a person who enjoys the game holds the input device 1 and operates the cross key 2 and the function keys 3 in such a way that he / she can easily fit the feeling of his / her hand.

However, when each person holds the input device 1 in an easy-to-hold manner and performs an input operation, the direction of the thumb (see FIG. 14) placed on the cross key 2 varies depending on the person. . On the other hand, the direction of the cross key 2 is fixed with respect to the main body of the input device 1, that is, the housing. Therefore, the sense of the person who is operating the cross key 2 may differ from the actual tilt direction of the cross key 2. For example, the operator himself thinks that he is moving the input position in the direction X, but actually the input position is moved in the direction of the arrow Z, which causes a problem.

If the sense of the operator and the direction of the input position on the actual screen are deviated in this way, quick operation is hindered and a recent video game that requires prompt input instructions is supported. However, there is a problem that the optimal operation becomes difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and provide an input device for a game machine, which is capable of optimally operating a cross key or the like at a holding position of the input device that is easy for an operator to be familiar with.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The present invention to solve the above problems and achieve the object is an input means for giving an instruction corresponding to an operation direction to a game machine main body, a housing in which the input means is mounted on an operation surface, and the input means. The first point is that it is provided with supporting means for rotatably supporting the input means in a plane parallel to the operation surface, and fixing means for fixing the rotation of the input means in the plane at an arbitrary position. There are features.

Further, the present invention further comprises a sensing unit for accommodating a sensing unit coupled to the input unit for sensing an operation on the input unit, wherein the supporting unit receives the input through the sensing unit. A second feature is that the means is configured to rotatably support the means on the housing, and the input means is supported on the housing by the support means with the center of the input means as the center of rotation. Has a third characteristic.

Further, according to the present invention, the fixing means is provided in the sensing unit, and an arc-shaped elongated hole formed in an operation surface of the casing in a circle concentric with a rotation center of the input means, A fourth feature is that the pin means is formed so as to penetrate the elongated hole and project to the operation surface, and the stopper means for fixing the pin means to the housing at an arbitrary position in the elongated hole.

Further, according to the present invention, the fixing means further has a plurality of counterbore parts in the elongated hole, and the stopper means engages the pin means with the counterbore part. A fifth feature is that it includes a means for releasing the engagement, and a sixth feature is that the stopper means is provided with spring means for pressing the pin means against the spot facing portion. Further, the present invention has a seventh feature in that the input means is a cross key for instructing a changing direction of the input position at a pressing position, and the input means is an instruction corresponding to a tilting direction of the operating rod. The eighth feature is that it is a joystick that outputs a.

Further, according to the present invention, the first locking teeth provided on the outer periphery of the sensing unit and the plurality of teeth provided at the housing and formed at a constant pitch are the first locking teeth. A second locking tooth configured to determine the orientation of the sensing unit at an angle corresponding to the meshing position, and the first locking tooth and the second locking tooth. A ninth feature is that the fixing means is constituted by a spring means that urges in the direction of matching.

Further, according to the present invention, the first and second locking teeth are arranged concentrically with a center of the operating rod in a neutral position, and the sensing is performed by operating the operating rod in an axial direction. The tenth feature is that the unit is displaced to disengage the first and second locking teeth from each other.

According to the present invention having the above characteristics, the input means can be rotated in a plane parallel to the operation surface and fixed so as not to rotate at any position. In particular, according to the fifth and sixth characteristics, the turning angle of the input means is fixed by the spot facing portion, and the orientation of the input means can be set to a predetermined position.

Further, according to the eighth to tenth features, the orientation of the input means composed of the joystick can be arbitrarily set, and in particular, according to the tenth feature, the joystick is operated by operating the operation stick of the joystick. The orientation (including the sensing unit) can be changed and the position can be fixed.

[0016]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent parts. 1 is a plan view of a main part of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cross key 2 is a sensing unit (hereinafter simply referred to as “unit”) having a built-in sensor or switch (not shown) that detects that the cross key 2 is operated by an operator. ) 6 is attached. Since the detailed manner of mounting the cross key 2 on the unit 6 and the detection operation by the operation of the operator are well known, the description thereof will be omitted here. A casing 7 for accommodating the unit 6 is provided with a shaft 8 perpendicular to the upper surface of the casing 7, and the shaft 8 is a top plate 7a of the casing 7, that is, a plate forming an operation surface and a bottom plate 7b. Both ends are supported by.

The unit 6 has tabs 9 and 10 projecting outward from its peripheral edge, and one tab 10 is supported by the shaft 8 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 8. A pin 11 is erected on the other tab 9, and the pin 11 penetrates an arc-shaped long hole 12 provided in the upper plate 7a of the housing 7 and projects outward. The pin 11 is a bolt having a threaded end, and a nut 13 is screwed into the bolt. When the nut 13 is rotated in the tightening direction, the tab 9 and the nut 13 pinch the upper plate 7a. The elongated hole 12 has an arc shape centered on the shaft 8, and when the nut 13 is loosened, the pin 11 can be moved in the elongated hole 12, so that the unit 6 rotates about the shaft 8 as the center. Can move.

Further, holes 14 are formed in the upper plate 7a. This hole 14 is an escape hole provided to form a region in which the cross key 2 can be freely displaced by the rotation of the unit 6. The long holes 12 and the holes 14 are provided so that the protruding portions of the pins 11 and the cross key 2 do not interfere with the upper plate 7a, and are normally covered so as not to hinder the rotation of the pins 11 and the cross key 2. Is preferred. In this embodiment, a rubber or plastic sheet material 15 is interposed between the unit 6 and the upper plate 7a to form a cover.

A circuit board 16 is attached to the bottom plate 7 b of the housing 7, and the circuit board 16 and the sensor means in the unit 6 are connected by a cable 17. The circuit board 16 is held by the base 16a of the bottom plate 7b, and the unit 6 is held by the base 16b. The cable 17 has a sufficient length so as not to hinder the rotation of the unit 6, and of course, a twisted wire rather than a single wire so that the mechanical resistance against the rotation of the unit 6 does not increase. It is good to consider such as using. In addition, when the number of cores of the cable 17 is large, it is preferable to consider the treatment of the cable 17 associated with the rotation so that the cable 17 is properly bundled or passed through a tube so as not to be complicated.

Based on the above configuration, the operator first loosens the nut 13 and then picks the nut 13 to move the pin 11 in the elongated hole 12 to move the cross key 2 about the shaft 8 to the upper plate 7. Rotate in the plane of a. Then, after adjusting the direction of the cross key 2 to a direction that suits one's preference, the nut 13 is tightened to fix the direction of the cross key 2.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part of the second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the same. 3 and 4, the unit 6 is wholly exposed on the upper plate 7a. The unit 6 is fixedly supported by the boss 18a in the middle of the arm 18. The cable 17 penetrates the boss 18a and extends downward. One end 18b of the arm 18 is rotatably supported by the shaft 8. A pin 11 is provided on the other end 18c of the arm.

According to the second embodiment, unlike the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, it is not the cross key 2 that penetrates the upper plate 7a, but the boss 18a having a small cross-sectional area. No large hole such as the hole 14 is provided, and a small long hole 19 for avoiding the branch portion 18a may be provided in the upper plate 7a. Therefore, the sheet material 15 that covers the long hole 19 may be small, or in some cases, only the portion of the long hole 12 may be covered and the sheet material 15 for the long hole 19 may be omitted, and the lower surface of the unit 6 may be omitted. You may open it and use it as a cover.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a main part showing the third embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the same. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the embodiment, the shaft 20 provided on the lower surface of the unit 6 is fitted to the boss 21 provided on the bottom plate 7b of the housing 7 to rotatably support the unit 6. Let That is, the cross key 2 is rotatable around the center of the key 2. With such a configuration, the cross key 2 can be rotated with a small turning radius to adjust the direction thereof, which is advantageous for application to an input device in which a large operation surface cannot be secured.

Further, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an essential part showing the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the same. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in this embodiment, in order to fasten and fix the unit 6 to the upper plate 7a of the housing 7, the tabs 9 are extended in four directions, and four pins 11 are provided on each of the tabs 9. It projects above the upper plate 7a. The upper plate 7a is provided with elongated holes 22 so that these four pins 11 can be rotated about the center of the cross key 2 in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the upper plate 7a. The long hole 22 is arranged so that the center of the cross key 2 is coaxial. The cross key 2 is rotatable around its central portion as a virtual center.

In this example, the pins and the long holes are provided at four positions, but the number of pins and the like are not limited to four, and if the pins or the like are arranged at a plurality of positions with the center of the cross key 2 coaxial. Good. For example, if the pins are arranged at three positions at intervals of 120 degrees, there will be no hindrance to the rotation or reliable tightening of the cross key 2.

Next, a modified example of the stopper means composed of the pin 11 and the nut 13 will be described. First, instead of the pin 11 and the nut 13, a bolt can be used. FIG. 9 shows an example of tightening with bolts. The tab 9 is provided with a screw hole, and the bolt 23 is screwed into the screw hole. In this modification, the head 23a of the bolt 23 can be pinched for tightening and loosening operations.

Further, if the above-mentioned configuration is modified as follows, even if the nut 13 and the bolt 23 are loosened to some extent during operation, the set angle can be prevented from shifting. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main part of the input device showing an example in which the angle deviation is prevented, and FIG. In FIG. 10, counterbore portions 24a are formed in the long holes 24 at equal angular intervals. Then, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the nut 13 is tightened to the pin 11, the nut 13 is seated on the counterbore portion 24a. Therefore, when changing the direction of the cross key 2, the nut 13 is loosened to separate the nut 13 from the counterbore portion 24a and retracted above the upper surface of the upper plate 7a. Then, in this state, the nut 12 is picked up to adjust the direction of the cross key 2, and when the desired direction is reached, the nut 13 is tightened again to be seated on the counterbore 24a, and the adjustment is completed. According to this configuration, even if the nut 13 is loosened to some extent, the adjusted direction does not change unless the nut 13 is extremely loosened. Of course, the combination of the nut 13 and the pin 11 can be transformed into the bolt 23.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, instead of the combination of the bolt and the nut, the biasing in the seating direction may be realized by the spring means. In the figure, the pin 25 is slidably inserted into the tab 9. Flanges 25a and 25b are formed at both ends of the pin 25, and one of the flanges 25a is seated on the spot facing portion 24a to restrict movement within the slot 24. Further, a compression spring 26 for urging the pin 25 in the seating direction of the flange 25a is mounted between the other flange 25b and the tab 9. In this configuration, the flange 25a is picked up and retracted upward from the long hole 24 to adjust the direction of the cross key 2, and then the flange 25a is released by the compression spring 26. Then, the seat is seated on the counterbore 24a of the long hole 24, and the adjustment direction is fixed. Note that, although the counterbore portion 24a is dish-shaped in FIG. 11A, an example in which the counterbore portion 24a is formed in a step shape is shown in FIG. 11B.

Further, the biasing direction of the compression spring 26 may be reversed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a spot facing portion 24b of the long hole 24 is formed on the back surface of the upper plate 7a. A pin 28 having a flange 28a in the middle is inserted into the tab 9, the tip of the pin 28 is projected to the outside of the upper plate 7a, and the compression spring 29 is interposed between the flange 28a and the tab 9. . According to this configuration, if the pin 28 is pushed down to retract the flange 28a from the long hole 24 to adjust the direction of the cross key 2, and then the hand is released to release the pushing down of the pin 28, the flange 28a will be released. It is urged by the compression spring 29 and seated on the counterbore 24b of the elongated hole 24, and the adjustment direction is fixed.

If the numerals or symbols indicating the angle scales or directions are marked on the casing 7 along the elongated holes 24, the operator can easily perform the adjustment operation with reference to these numerals and the like. it can. FIG. 10 shows an example with a scale indicating the angle in steps.

FIG. 13 shows the input device according to the above embodiment in which the direction of the cross key 2 is changed. As shown in the figure, since the cross key 2 matches the direction of the operator's thumb, the input position can be changed as intended by the operator.

In the above-described embodiment, the input means and the cross key are assumed as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, in the case of a circular or rectangular operation key, the operator operates the periphery of the key. The present invention can be applied to an input device including operation keys configured to give different instructions depending on which position of the button is pressed.

Next, an input device for a game machine will be described which employs a joystick, that is, an input means for moving the cursor position on the screen according to the tilting direction of the operating rod. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a game machine input device employing a joystick, FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of the same, and FIG. 17 is a sectional side view of the main part. In FIG. 15, on the upper surface of the casing 31 of the input device 30, that is, on the operation surface 32, the cross key 33, the operation rod 34, and a specific processing at the position designated by the cross key 33 and the operation rod 34 are designated. A function key 35 and a start key 36 are provided. Reference numerals 37, 38 and 39 are grips.

A unit 40 incorporating a sensor or a switch (not shown) for detecting the tilting direction when the operator operates the operation rod 34 is mounted. Since the internal structure of the joystick including the operation rod and the sensor and the operation of detecting the operation direction are well known, description thereof will be omitted here.

Similar to the cross key of the first to fourth embodiments, the unit 40 is rotated substantially in the plane of the operation surface 32 of the housing 31 and fixed at an arbitrary angle according to the preference of the operator. be able to. The rotation mechanism of the unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The unit 40 has a shaft 41 arranged at the lower part thereof coaxially with the operation rod 34, and the shaft 41 is rotatably supported by a recess 43 formed in a lower plate 42 of the housing 31. . On the other hand, the upper outer portion 44 of the unit 40 is fitted in a hole 46 formed in the upper plate 45 of the housing 31, and rotatably supports the unit 40 together with the shaft 41. Further, the unit 40 is arranged slidably in the recess 43 and the hole 46 of the upper plate 45 in the axial direction when the operation rod 34 is not operated, that is, in the neutral position. A compression spring 48 is interposed between the stepped surface 47 of the unit 40 and the upper plate 45 to urge the unit 40 downward.

Further, the lower plate 42 is provided with arcuate vertical ribs 49, and a large number of triangular teeth 49 a are formed on the inner periphery of the vertical ribs 49. The center of the arc of the vertical rib 49 is set to coincide with the center of rotation of the unit 40. On the other hand, triangular teeth 40 a that mesh with the triangular teeth of the vertical ribs 49 are formed on the outer periphery of the unit 40. The number of teeth 40a on the unit 40 side does not have to be the same as the number of teeth 49a on the vertical rib 49 side. For example, as shown in black in FIG. It suffices that the teeth 49a of the rib 49 mesh with each other. The length of meshing between the teeth 40a and the teeth 49a is set so that when the operating rod 34 is pulled up, the meshing is disengaged before the compression spring 48 is compressed until it comes into close contact. In this embodiment, the pitch of the teeth 49a is 5 degrees.

The switch 50 is provided to achieve a function different from that of the function key 35. The unit 40 is provided with a clearance at its bottom so as not to interfere with the substrate 51 and the like provided in correspondence to the switch 50 when the unit 40 is rotated.

In the input device having the above structure, the teeth 40a of the unit 40 and the teeth 49a of the vertical ribs 49 are played in a state of meshing with each other. When it is desired to change the angle of the unit 40, the operating rod 34 is picked up to disengage the engagement, and the operating rod 34 is rotated to rotate the unit 40. When the hand is released from the operating rod 34 after being rotated by a desired angle, the unit 40 is urged downward by the compression spring 48, and the teeth 40a and 49a mesh with each other to fix the angle of the unit 40. The rotation range of the unit 40 is shown by the chain line in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the unit 40 and the shaft 41 are supported, but if the length of the contact portion of the upper plate 45 with the hole 46 is increased, the shaft 41 can be omitted, and On the contrary, the unit 40 may be supported only by the shaft 41 without sliding the unit 40 and the hole 46. In the present embodiment, the cross key 33 is not rotatable, but it may be configured to be rotatable as necessary, like the cross key 2 described in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0040]

[Effect of the invention]

 As is clear from the above description, according to the inventions of claims 1 to 10, the operator himself / herself who uses the input device can arbitrarily change the direction of the operation key within the operation surface of the input device. Therefore, each operator, that is, the person who enjoys the game, can select the optimum input environment according to his or her habits and physique, and the operability is improved.

In particular, in the invention of claim 3, since the center of rotation of the operation key is aligned with the center of the operation key, the radius of rotation can be reduced. Further, in the inventions of claims 5 and 6, since the direction of the operation key is determined by the position of the spot facing portion, when a plurality of operators use the same input device, each person has a past history. The orientation of the adjusted operation key can be easily reproduced, and the adjusted position does not shift during use.

Further, according to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to easily release the fixation of the sensing unit and re-fix it by operating the operation rod of the joystick.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an essential part of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an essential part of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a main part of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an essential part of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part of an input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an essential part of an input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an essential part showing a first modified example of the operation key fixing means.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an essential part showing a second modified example of the operation key fixing means.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an essential part of a second modification of the operation key fixing means.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an essential part of a third modification of the operation key fixing means.

FIG. 13 is an overall external view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an overall external view of an input device according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of essential parts according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 30 ... Input device, 2, 33 ... Cross key, 6, 4
0 ... Sensing unit, 7, 31 ... Casing, 8, 20 ...
Axis, 9, 10 ... Tab, 11 ... Pin, 12, 22,
24 ... Long hole, 13 ... Nut, 14 ... Hole, 15 ... Sheet material, 16 ... Circuit board, 18 ... Arm, 21 ...
Boss, 23 ... Bolt, 24a ... Counterbore 26, 29 ... Spring, 34 ... Operating rod, 40a ... Triangular tooth (first locking tooth), 48 ... Compression spring, 49 ... Vertical rib, 49a ... Triangular tooth ( 2nd locking tooth)

Claims (10)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. An input unit for giving an instruction corresponding to an operation direction to a game machine main body, a casing having an operation surface on which the input unit is mounted, and a rotation of the input unit in a plane parallel to the operation surface. An input device for a game machine, comprising: a supporting unit that supports the input device freely; and a fixing unit that fixes the rotation of the input unit in the plane at an arbitrary position. 2. The apparatus further comprises a sensing unit for accommodating a sensing unit coupled to the input unit for sensing an operation on the input unit, wherein the supporting unit mounts the input unit via the sensing unit. The input device for a game machine according to claim 1, comprising means for rotatably supporting the body. 3. The input device for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein the input means is supported by the housing by the support means with a center of the input means as a rotation center. 4. The fixing means includes an arc-shaped elongated hole formed on an operation surface of the housing on a circle concentric with a rotation center of the input means, and provided in the sensing unit, and penetrates the elongated hole. 4. A pin means projecting from the operation surface, and a stopper means for fixing the pin means to the housing at an arbitrary position in the elongated hole. 4. Input device for game consoles. 5. The fixing means further has a plurality of counterbore parts in the elongated hole, and the stopper means engages the pin means with the counterbore part and releases the engagement. The input device for a game machine according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. The input device for a game machine according to claim 5, wherein the stopper means includes spring means for pressing the pin means against the counterbore. 7. The game machine input device according to claim 1, wherein the input means is a cross key for giving an instruction to change an input position in accordance with an operation direction. 8. The input device for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein the input means is a joystick that outputs an instruction corresponding to a tilting direction of the operating rod. 9. The fixing means includes: first locking teeth provided on an outer periphery of the sensing unit; and a plurality of teeth provided on the housing, the teeth being formed at a constant pitch, as the first locking teeth. A second locking tooth configured to mesh with a tooth and determine the orientation of the sensing unit at an angle according to the meshing position, and the first locking tooth and the second locking tooth are meshed with each other. 9. The input device for a game machine according to claim 8, further comprising a spring means for biasing the direction. 10. The first and second locking teeth are arranged concentrically with a center of the operating rod at a neutral position, and the sensing unit is displaced by axially operating the operating rod. The input device for a game machine according to claim 9, wherein the first and second locking teeth are disengaged from each other.