Controller operating portion structure

• US 20050092590A1
• Filed: 08/31/2004
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. (MinebeaMitsumi Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. (MinebeaMitsumi Inc.)
• Inventors: Sakou, Yoshitaka
• Granted Patent: US 6,995,325 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/329
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/705 characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/056 Modular conception
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/018 Musical instrument

Abstract

To form switch-mounting portions, switch drive portions and so on, provided at a top hoop and a spacer, with high positional precision so that switch operating signals can be outputted with positive and good operability.

Bosses 7a and 7b are formed on spacers 5a and 5b provided between a top rubber 4 and a top hoop 3. Guide holes 8a and 8b for respectively guiding the movements of the bosses 7a and 7b in accordance with a pounding operation on the top rubber 4 are formed in a flat plate portion 3a of the top hoop 3. Bushings 10, made of a high wear-resistant resin, are mounted respectively in the guide holes 8a and 8b. By doing so, switch-mounting portions 9a and 9b, switch drive portions 6a and 6b and so on, provided at the top hoop 3 and the spacers 5a and 5b, are formed with high positional precision.

Claims

1. A switch structure for a game controller, comprising:

a supporting member, formed with a hole extending in a first direction;

at least one switch, provided on the supporting member;

a tubular bushing, fitted into the hole; and

a cover, attached to the supporting member so as to be movable in the first direction, the cover comprising;

at least one actuator, operable to actuate the switch in accordance with the movement of the cover; and

a boss, inserted into the hole attached with the bushing so as to be movable in the first direction;

wherein the supporting member is comprised of a first resin material having a first hardness and a first wear-resistance; and

the bushing is comprised of a second resin material having a second hardness which is lower than the first hardness and a second wear-resistance which is higher than the first wear-resistance.

2. The switch structure for a game controller according to claim 1, wherein the second resin material is comprised of nylon.

3. The switch structure for a game controller according to claim 1, wherein:

the bushing comprises a retainer retaining the bushing in the hole, and

the bushing is configured to be detachably fitted.

4. The switch structure for a game controller according to claim 1, wherein the bushing is monolithically formed with the hole.

5. The switch structure for a game controller according to claim 1, wherein the boss and the hole serve to guide the movement of the cover.

6. The switch structure for a game controller according to claim 1, wherein:

the cover is divided into a plurality of areas;

a plurality of switches are mounted on the supporting member and the cover is provided with a plurality of actuators; and

each of the areas has at least one of the actuators to actuate at least one of the switches.