Actuating device for game machine

• US 6,394,906 B1
• Filed: 09/22/1998
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Ogata, Hiroki
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheng, Joe H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kasick, Julie K
• Application Number:
  US09/158,062
• Time in Patent Office: 1,344 Days
• Field of Search: 463/37,38 273/148 B
• US Class Current: 463/38
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0216 Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of a keyboard for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1664

Abstract

An actuating device for a game machine is disclosed in which the hand or fingers do not fatigue on prolonged use, thereby imparting an optimum feel for the user. The actuating device has a main body unit and first and second grips projecting from one side of the main body unit at opposite ends thereof. Vibration-imparting units are enclosed within the first and second grips. First and second actuating units are mounted at opposite ends of the main body unit. The first and second actuating units include plural thrusting actuators which protrude from the upper surface of the main body unit. Third and fourth actuating units are arranged on the proximal ends of the first and second grips so as to confront one another. The third and fourth actuating units include rotation actuators and signal input elements actuated by the rotation actuators. The portions of the rotation actuators which actuate the third and fourth actuating units are provided with top portions of a flexible material having outwardly bulging distal end portions.

Claims

1. An actuating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body unit having first and second sides and an upper surface;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from the first side of the main body unit;

a first actuating unit mounted in the main body unit adjacent one of the spaced positions, the first actuating unit having a plurality of first thrusting actuators protruding from the upper surface of the main body unit and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of the first thrusting actuators is depressed;

a second actuating unit mounted in the main body unit adjacent the other one of the spaced positions, the second actuating unit having a plurality of second thrusting actuators protruding from the upper surface of the main body unit and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of the second thrusting actuators is depressed; and

third and fourth actuating units mounted to the main body unit adjacent the spaced positions and in confronting relationship to one another, the third and fourth actuating units each having a rotation actuator and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of the corresponding rotation actuator;

the rotation actuators each having a main actuator body made of a synthetic resin and a top portion formed on the main actuator body and made of a flexible material which is softer than the synthetic resin.

2. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein each of the thrusting actuators has a top portion made of the flexible material.

3. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the rotation actuator is made of an elastomer.

4. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the rotation actuator is integrally formed with the main actuator body.

5. The actuating device according to claim 4, wherein the main actuator body and the top portion are formed by two-color molding.

6. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the rotation actuator has an outwardly bulging external surface.

7. The actuating device according to claim 1, further comprising vibration-imparting units housed in the first and second grips.

8. The actuating device according to claim 7, wherein the vibration-imparting units produce vibration states which are different from one another.

9. The actuating device according to claim 7, wherein the vibration-imparting units produce vibration frequencies which are different from one another.

10. The actuating device according to claim 7, wherein each of the vibration imparting units includes a driving motor and an eccentric member mounted on a driving shaft of the driving motor.

11. The actuating device according to claim 10, wherein the vibration-imparting units are of different vibration-imparting configurations.

12. An actuating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having first and second sides and an upper surface;

first and second grips protruding from the first side of the main body at both ends thereof;

vibration-imparting units housed in the first and second grips; and

an actuating unit provided in the main body and having an actuator protruding from the upper surface of the main body and a signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of the actuator,

wherein the actuator has a main actuator body made of a synthetic resin and a top portion formed on the main actuator body and made of a flexible material which is softer than the synthetic resin.

13. The actuating device according to claim 12, wherein each of the vibration-imparting units includes a driving motor and an eccentric member mounted on a driving shaft of the driving motor.

14. The actuating device according to claim 12, wherein the vibration-imparting units produce vibration states which are different from one another.

15. The actuating device according to claim 14, wherein the vibration-imparting units produce vibration frequencies which are different from one another.