Multi-directional input device

Abstract

A multi-direction input device includes a housing having an opening portion, an operation member having a shaft portion inserted into the opening portion, capable of performing a tilting operation with respect to the housing, a plate-shaped member disposed below the operation shaft, a movable shaft in a cylindrical shape inserted into the shaft portion, a lower end abutting against the plate-shaped member, a spacer disposed inside the movable shaft, abutting against the plate-shaped member, a magnet disposed above the spacer inside the movable shaft, a magnetic sensor disposed below the spacer, a first spring provided between the operation member and the movable shaft, applying a force downward with respect to the operation member to the movable shaft, and a second spring provided between the operation member and the magnet, applying a force downward with respect to the operation member to the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-directional input device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a multi-directional input device has been provided, comprising: a housing having an internal space; an operating component partially exposed from the housing and receiving operator input; first and second drive components arranged orthogonally within the housing and rotating in response to tilting operations on the operating component; and a rotation detection mechanism for detecting rotation of the first and second drive components. The rotation detection mechanism includes: a retaining member connected to the first and second drive components and holding a magnet; a magnetic detection element disposed opposite to the magnet held in the retaining member; and a cover rotatably housing the retaining member and mounted from the outside of the housing with the magnetic detection element positioned in a predetermined position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-299755 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, when operating the operating components, if the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor changes, the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor will change according to the operating state, thus there may be cases where the operating quantity cannot be accurately detected.

[0008] Therefore, the aim is to provide a multi-directional input device capable of accurately detecting operational quantities.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing having an opening; an operating member having a shaft portion inserted into the opening and capable of tilting relative to the housing; a plate-shaped member disposed below the operating shaft; a cylindrical movable shaft inserted into the shaft portion, with its lower end abutting against the plate-shaped member; a spacer disposed inside the movable shaft and abutting against the plate-shaped member; a magnet disposed inside the movable shaft and above the spacer; a magnetic sensor disposed below the spacer; a first spring disposed between the operating member and the movable shaft, applying a downward force to the movable shaft relative to the operating member; and a second spring disposed between the operating member and the magnet, applying a downward force to the magnet relative to the operating member.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] It can provide a multi-directional input device that can accurately detect the amount of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram showing the multidirectional input device 100 of the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram that illustratively shows the state of the multi-directional input device 100 after disassembly.

[0015] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a view section along the AA direction.

[0016] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a BB-directed view section.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 100.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 100.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 100.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the multi-directional input device (with the frame removed) according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a top view of the multi-directional input device of the second embodiment (with the frame and actuator removed).

[0025] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the multi-directional input device using the present invention will be described.

[0027] <Implementation Method>

[0028] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram showing the multidirectional input device 100 of the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a diagram that illustratively shows the state of the multi-directional input device 100 after disassembly. Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a view section along the AA direction. Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a BB-directed view section.

[0029] The following explanation uses the XYZ coordinate system. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the top view will be referred to as the XY plane view, the negative Z-axis side as the bottom side or lower, and the positive Z-axis side as the top side or upper, but this does not represent a universal top-bottom relationship.

[0030] The multi-directional input device 100 includes a housing 110, a frame 120, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 125, a metal contact 130A, a magnetic sensor 130B, a core 140, a plate 150, actuators 160A and 160B, a spacer 160C, a spring 160D and 160E, a magnet 170, a cover 180, a magnetic shield 185, a rod 190, and a cover 195.

[0031] The multi-directional input device 100 is an input device capable of tilting the lever 190 and pressing the lever 190 downwards. This multi-directional input device 100 can be used, for example, in the control unit of a game console.

[0032] The outer casing 110, for example, is made of resin and has a main body 111 and a rounded top 112. The main body 111 is a generally cuboid and bottomless component. When the frame 120 is mounted from below, the main body 111 becomes a bottomed component. The outer casing 110 and the frame 120 are examples of a housing, and the main body 111 and the frame 120 are examples of the main body of a housing.

[0033] The dome 112 is a dome-shaped portion that protrudes upward from the center of the upper surface of the main body 111, and has an opening 112A at the top. The upper surface of the dome 112 has a spherical shape.

[0034] The frame 120, as an example, is a soft magnetic metal material, having an opening 121 and a locking part 122. The opening 121 allows the locking part 111A of the outer shell 110, which protrudes from the side of the main body 111, to be inserted. The locking part 122 is as follows: Figure 1As shown, it is bent and engaged with the main body 111 while mounted on the main body 111. The frame 120 has the same magnetic shielding effect as the magnetic shield 185, thus reducing the influence of interfering magnetic fields on the magnetic sensor 130B and suppressing magnetic leakage from the built-in magnet 170 to the outside.

[0035] An FPC 125 is disposed on the upper surface of the portion of the frame 120 that is parallel to the XY plane at the center. The FPC 125, metal contact 130A, magnetic sensor 130B, core post 140, plate 150, actuator 160A, a portion of actuator 160B, and a portion of magnet 170 are housed within the space enclosed by the frame 120 and the housing 110.

[0036] The frame 120 can be any component that is mounted from below to the main body 111 of the outer shell 110 and can provide the storage space described above. The mounting structure for mounting to the outer shell 110 can be any structure.

[0037] FPC 125, as an example, is a component with a wiring pattern formed on a surface such as polyimide, and has a wiring section 125A. Electronic components 125B, metal contacts 130A, and magnetic sensors 130B are mounted on FPC 125.

[0038] Metal contact 130A is an example of a pressure sensor, mounted on the -X direction side of the upper surface of FPC 125. Metal contact 130A has a metal dome capable of reversing, the dome having an upward convex shape. If pressed downward by core 140, it becomes downward convex due to the reversing action, thereby detecting the pressing operation in the Z direction.

[0039] The magnetic sensor 130B is mounted approximately at the center of the upper surface of the FPC 125. The magnetic sensor 130B has a built-in sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the X direction and a sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the Y direction, and detects the displacement of the magnet 170 in the X and Y directions.

[0040] The core post 140, for example, is made of resin and is provided for pressing the metal contact 130A downwards.

[0041] Plate 150, as an example, is made of metal and has a base 151, legs 152, and extensions 153. Plate 150 is an example of a plate-shaped component. The base 151 is located in the center of plate 150 and is used to mount actuator 160B. Legs 152 extending downward are provided on all four sides of the base 151. The lower ends of the legs 152 abut against the upper surface of FPC 125, so that the base 151 is located at a position that is higher than FPC 125 by an amount of height of the legs 152. A magnetic sensor 130B and a part of electronic component 125B are arranged in the lower part of the base 151, but since the base 151 is located at a position that is higher than FPC 125 by an amount of height of the legs 152, it is configured such that even if actuator 160B is pressed downward, magnetic sensor 130B and the like can be protected. The plate 150 is fixed to the housing 110 by an extension 153 that extends outward from the base 151 when viewed from above.

[0042] Actuator 160A, for example, is made of resin and is an example of a movable part. Actuator 160A has a base 161A, an opening 162A, a shaft 163A, 164A, a side 165A, and a through hole 166A.

[0043] Actuator 160A holds rod 190 in a tilting configuration along the X-axis, and actuator 160A is also tiltable relative to housing 110 along the Y-axis. The X-axis is an example of a first axis, and the Y-axis is an example of a second axis. The ability to tilt along the X-axis means, as... Figure 3 As shown by the arrow, the Y-axis can be used as the rotation axis, causing rod 190 to tilt in the X direction. The ability to tilt in the Y direction means that actuator 160A, as shown... Figure 4 As shown by the arrow, the X-axis can be used as the axis of rotation, and the object can be tilted along the Y-axis. The ability to tilt along the Y-axis is an example of the ability to tilt along a second axis.

[0044] The base 161A is the main body of the actuator 160A and has a dome-shaped form. The dome shape of the base 161A corresponds to the spherical surface on the lower surface side of the dome 112 of the housing 110. An opening 162A is provided at the top of the base 161A. The opening 162A... Figure 4 The length ratio in the X direction shown Figure 3 The length in the Y direction shown is long.

[0045] A shaft portion 163A is provided on the -X direction side of the base 161A, and a shaft portion 164A is provided on the +X direction side. Shaft portion 163A is an example of a first shaft portion, and shaft portion 164A is an example of a second shaft portion. Furthermore, the side surfaces of the base 161A on the ±Y direction sides are parallel to the XZ plane, forming a shape resembling a cut-off dome shape. A through hole 166A is provided on the side portion 165A.

[0046] Shaft portions 163A and 164A are provided to allow actuator 160A to tilt relative to housing 110 in the Y direction. The upper surfaces of shaft portions 163A and 164A are curved into the side surfaces of a cylinder with the X-axis as the central axis.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the shaft portion 163A is embedded in the recess 111B inside the main body 111 of the housing 110. The width of the recess 111B in the Y-axis direction is the same as the width of the shaft portion 163A in the Y-axis direction. The shaft portion 163A is held in place by the recess 111B so that it can rotate in the YZ plane with the X-axis as the rotation axis.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the shaft portion 164A is embedded in the recess 111C inside the main body 111 of the housing 110. (As...) Figure 4 As shown, shaft portion 164A is longer in the Z direction compared to shaft portion 163A.

[0049] The upper surface of the shaft portion 164A is curved into the side surface of a cylinder with the X-axis as the central axis. The width of the recess 111C in the Y-axis direction is the same as the width of the shaft portion 164A in the Y-axis direction. The shaft portion 164A is held in place by the recess 111C so that it can rotate in the YZ plane with the X-axis as the axis of rotation.

[0050] The shaft portion 193 of the rod 190 is inserted into the through hole 166A, and the rod 190 is held so that it can tilt in the X direction with the Y-axis as the axis of rotation. The ability to tilt in the X direction is an example of the ability to tilt in the first axial direction.

[0051] Additionally, if lever 190 is pressed downwards, actuator 160A will... Figure 4 The central shaft 163A moves in a downward-sloping direction, pressing the core 140 downward. As a result, the metal contact 130A reverses its movement.

[0052] Actuator 160B is an example of a movable shaft and is a component that supports rod 190 relative to the bottom of housing 110. Actuator 160B has a cylindrical portion 161B, a base portion 162B, a protrusion 163B, and a notch portion 164B.

[0053] The cylindrical portion 161B is held inside the rod 190. A pedestal portion 162B is provided on the lower side of the cylindrical portion 161B. The cylindrical portion 161B extends from the upper end to the lower end of the actuator 160B and has a cylindrical receiving portion 161B1 and 161B2 and a protrusion 161B3. The receiving portion 161B1 is the space in the cylindrical internal space of the cylindrical portion 161B that is lower than the protrusion 161B3, and the receiving portion 161B2 is the space in the cylindrical internal space of the cylindrical portion 161B that is higher than the protrusion 161B3. The protrusion 161B3 is a portion that protrudes inward in a ring shape in the vertical direction of the cylindrical internal space of the cylindrical portion 161B that is slightly above the middle. The protrusion 161B3 has a through hole in the center when viewed from above, so the storage parts 161B1 and 161B2 are connected.

[0054] Furthermore, the inner diameters of the storage section 161B11 at its lower end 161B11 and upper end 161B12 are different, with the inner diameter of the lower end 161B11 being slightly larger than that of the upper end 161B12. A small step exists between the lower end 161B11 and the upper end 161B12. The inner diameter of the upper end 161B12 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical magnet 170, allowing the magnet 170 to move along the extension / retraction direction of the spring 160E. The lower end 161B11 has a slightly larger inner diameter than the upper end 161B12 to facilitate the insertion of the magnet 170.

[0055] The storage section 161B1 houses the spacer 160C and the magnet 170, while the storage section 161B2 houses a portion of the springs 160D and 160E. The lower end of the spring 160E is inserted into the through hole in the center of the protrusion 161B3.

[0056] The base portion 162B is a disc-shaped portion with a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 161B, and has a through hole at its center that communicates with the through hole of the cylindrical portion 161B. The base portion 162B is disposed on the plate 150 and abuts against the upper surface of the plate 150.

[0057] The protrusion 163B is a cuboid-shaped portion that protrudes laterally in the ±Y direction from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 161B. The width of the protrusion 163B in the X direction is narrower than the width of the cylindrical portion 161B. The protrusion 163B is provided to prevent the actuator 160B from rotating inside the shaft portion 192 of the rod 190.

[0058] The notch 164B is the portion obtained by cutting off both sides of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 161B of the actuator 160B in the ±Y direction. The straight line connecting the centers of the widths of the two notches 164B in the X direction passes through the central axis of the cylindrical portion 161B and is parallel to the Y-axis.

[0059] The spacer 160C has a base 161C, a curved portion 162C that is a spherical curved surface, and a protrusion 163C. The base 161C is a cylindrical part, the curved portion 162C is provided on the lower side of the base 161C, and two protrusions 163C protruding in the ±Y direction are provided on the side of the base 161C.

[0060] The curved portion 162C protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base 161C and has a curved surface that is spherically curved. The curved surface of the curved portion 162C abuts against the base 151 of the plate 150. The curved surface of the curved portion 162C is a curved surface with a fixed radius of curvature from the center of the upper surface of the base 161C. Figure 3 The radius of curvature is indicated by a dashed arrow. The base 161C and magnet 170 are aligned with the central axis of their cylindrical shape, thus the curved surface of the bent portion 162C has a fixed radius of curvature from the center of the lower surface of magnet 170. By providing the bent portion 162C with this curved surface, when the rod 190 is tilted in various directions, the distance between magnet 170 and the magnetic sensor 130B disposed on the lower surface side of the base 151 of plate 150 remains constant.

[0061] The straight line connecting the centers of the widths of the two protrusions 163C in the X direction passes through the center of the base when viewed from above and is parallel to the Y-axis. The width of the protrusion 163C in the X direction matches the notch 164B of the actuator 160B and is embedded in the notch 164B. The protrusion 163C is provided to prevent the spacer 160C from rotating relative to the actuator 160B in the XY plane.

[0062] Spring 160D is an example of a first spring, located between the protrusion 161B3 of actuator 160B and the upper end face of the recess 191A of operating portion 191 of rod 190. For example... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, when the spring 160D is in the neutral position before the lever 190 is operated, it contracts more than its natural length between the upper end faces of the protrusion 161B3 and the concave portion 191A, exerting a downward force on the actuator 160B relative to the lever 190. The spring 160D is provided to return the lever 190 to its pre-operation position.

[0063] Spring 160E, an example of a second spring, is located between the upper surface of magnet 170 and the upper end face of the recess 191B of the operating portion 191 of rod 190. The lower end of spring 160E abuts against the upper surface of magnet 170 with its insertion through the central through hole of protrusion 161B3. (Example:) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, when the spring 160E is in a neutral position without the lever 190 being operated, it contracts more than its natural length between the upper surface of the magnet 170 and the upper end face of the recess 191B, applying a downward force to the magnet 170 relative to the lever 190. The spring 160E is provided to keep the position of the magnet 170 relative to the spacer 160C and the plate 150 in the height direction constant.

[0064] Magnet 170 is a rod-shaped permanent magnet. As an example, the upper half is the S pole and the lower half is the N pole. The upper end of magnet 170 is inserted into the upper end side 161B12 of the storage part 161B1 of actuator 160B, and the lower half is inserted into the lower end side 161B11 of the storage part 161B1 of actuator 160B.

[0065] Cover 180 is an example of a cover component, configured to have higher strength than rod 190. Cover 180 has a base 181 and a rounded top 182. The base 181 is a cylindrical portion with a through hole 181A extending along the Z direction. Figure 2 As shown, the through hole 181A has a shape that is shorter along the X-axis and longer along the Y-axis.

[0066] The through hole 181A is inserted into the shaft portion 192 of the through rod 190. A dome 182 is provided on the lower side of the base 181. The base 181 and the top of the dome 182 are continuously provided.

[0067] The cover 180 is inserted through the through hole 181A into the shaft portion 192 of the rod 190 and is mounted on the lower side of the operating portion 191 of the rod 190.

[0068] The dome 182 is an example of an abutment portion. The upper surface (the curved surface on the +Z direction side) and the lower surface (the curved surface on the -Z direction side) of the dome 182 have a spherical shape. The dome 182 and the dome 112 of the outer shell 110 have a shape equivalent to a portion of two concentric spheres. Two concentric spheres refer to two spheres with the same center. The dome 182 and the dome 112 of the outer shell 110 have a shape equivalent to a portion of two hollow spheres.

[0069] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, when the rod 190 is in the neutral position, there is a gap between the dome 182 and the dome 112 of the housing 110. The neutral position refers to the position where the rod 190 is not tilted in either the X or Y direction and is not pressed down in the downward direction.

[0070] If rod 190 is pressed downwards, the lower surface of the dome 182 of cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of the dome 112 of housing 110. Since cover 180 is mounted on the lower surface of the operating part 191 of rod 190, if rod 190 is pressed downwards, cover 180 is sandwiched between the lower surface of operating part 191 and the upper surface of the dome 112 of housing 110. At this time, rod 190 presses actuator 160A downwards, core 140 presses metal contact 130A, and metal contact 130A reverses direction. In addition, at this time, springs 160D and 160E contract, and the distance between magnet 170 and magnetic sensor 130B remains constant.

[0071] The lower surface of the dome 182 of the cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of the dome 112 of the outer casing 110, and the cover 180 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the operating part 191 and the upper surface of the dome 112 of the outer casing 110, thereby preventing the rod 190 from being pressed downward into the metal contact 130A to an extent that reverses. Therefore, damage to the magnetic sensor 130B, electronic components 125B, etc., can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, since the cover 180 is stronger than the rod 190, the thickness of the dome 182 can be reduced. This cover 180, as an example, can be made simply using a synthetic resin with high hardness.

[0073] Since the diameter of the operating part 191 is larger than the diameter of the shaft part 192, the rod 190 and the cover 180 cannot be integrally manufactured by forming, but must be manufactured separately. If the rod 190 and the cover 180 are made separately, they can be manufactured using different materials. Therefore, by manufacturing the cover 180 with a material that has higher strength than the rod 190, it is possible to manufacture it thinner and lighter without reducing its strength compared to the case of integral manufacturing.

[0074] The lever 190 is an example of an operating component, having an operating portion 191 and a shaft portion 192. The operating portion 191 is a disc-shaped component with a larger diameter compared to the shaft portion 192. A cover portion 195 is mounted on the upper surface of the operating portion 191. The operating portion 191 has a recess 191A and a recess 191B on its inner side. The recess 191A is a portion that is recessed upwards from the inner wall 192B of the cylindrical shaft portion 192, and the recess 191B is further recessed upwards from the center of the upper end face of the recess 191A. The upper end of the spring 160D abuts against the upper end face of the recess 191A, and the upper end of the spring 160E abuts against the upper end face of the recess 191B.

[0075] The shaft portion 192 is a cylindrical portion extending downward from the center of the lower surface of the operating portion 191. For example... Figure 3As shown, the shaft portion 192 has protrusions 192A extending from both sides in the Y direction from the lower side. The two protrusions 192A protrude in a cuboid shape from both sides of the lower side of the cylindrical shaft portion 192 in the Y direction when viewed from above. The width of the protrusions 192A in the X direction is narrower than the width of the cylinder of the shaft portion 192. The center of the width of the protrusions 192A in the X direction coincides with the center of the width of the cylinder of the shaft portion 192. The inner wall 192A1 of the protrusions 192A, having the same shape as the outer wall 192B of the cylindrical shaft portion 192, is recessed in a cuboid shape in the Y direction.

[0076] The protrusion 163B of the actuator 160B is embedded inside the protrusion 192A. This is to prevent the actuator 160B from rotating relative to the rod 190 in the XY plane. This is to suppress the following situation: since the lower end of the spring 160D abuts against the upper surface of the protrusion 161B3 of the actuator 160B, if the actuator 160B rotates about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 161B along with the operation of the rod 190, the upper surface of the protrusion 161B3 will be cut by the end of the spring 160D. In addition, the rod 190 can be more Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The neutral state shown is pressed further downwards, thus configured such that, in the neutral state, the inner wall 192A1 of the protrusion 192A extends upwards more than the protrusion 163B of the actuator 160B. This is so that when the lever 190 is pressed in, the protrusion 163B can move upwards relative to the interior of the protrusion 192A.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, the shaft portion 192 positions the protrusion 192A on the Y-direction side of the through hole 181A of the cover 180, and inserts it into the through hole 181A from above. Thus, the cover 180 and the rod 190 are fixed.

[0078] Each of the two protrusions 192A has a shaft portion 193 protruding outward in a cylindrical shape in the Y direction. Furthermore, the shaft portion 193 is inserted into the through hole 166A of the actuator 160A and is held by the through hole 166A to rotate freely about the Y-axis. Thus, the rod 190 is mounted on the actuator 160A and can rotate relative to the actuator 160A in the X direction (…). Figure 3 (The direction of the arrow shown) is tilted.

[0079] Furthermore, the magnet 170 abuts against the base 151 of the plate 150 via a spacer 160C. The spacer 160C has a bent portion 162C, which has a curved surface with a fixed radius of curvature from the center of the lower surface of the magnet 170. Therefore, without pressing the rod 190 downwards and causing it to tilt in the X and Y directions, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 can be kept constant. Thus, the direction in which the magnet 170 is tilted can be accurately detected by the magnetic sensor 130B. The direction in which the magnet 170 is tilted is the same as the direction in which the shaft portion 192 of the rod 190 is tilted.

[0080] The reason why the magnetic sensor 130B can accurately detect the tilting direction of the magnet 170 is as follows. When the rod 190 is in a neutral state, the magnetic field of the magnet 170 is oriented towards the Z-axis, and there are no magnetic fields with X-axis and Y-axis components. If the rod 190 is tilted, the magnetic field with X-axis or Y-axis components increases depending on the tilting angle, so the tilting angle can be accurately detected by the magnetic sensor 130B.

[0081] For example, when the rod 190 is tilted, the magnet 170 is lifted as the lower end of the rod 190 swings. When the distance between the magnet 170 and the magnetic sensor 130B changes, the intensity of the magnetic field in the X-axis component or Y-axis component changes due to the changes in both the tilting angle and the distance. Therefore, the tilting angle cannot be accurately detected.

[0082] For this reason, in the embodiment, a spacer 160C is sandwiched between the magnet 170 and the base 151 of the plate 150.

[0083] Furthermore, a spacer 160C is sandwiched between the magnet 170 and the base 151, and a spring 160E is provided between the magnet 170 and the rod 190. Therefore, even if the rod 190 is pressed downwards, the distance between the magnet 170 and the magnetic sensor 130B remains unchanged. Whether the rod 190 is pressed in from a neutral state or after being tilted from a neutral state and then pressed in, the distance between the magnet 170 and the magnetic sensor 130B remains unchanged. Therefore, even if the rod 190 is pressed in, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 can be kept constant, and even if the rod 190 is pressed in, the direction of the tilt of the magnet 170 can be accurately detected by the magnetic sensor 130B.

[0084] In addition, opening 162A Figure 3 The length ratio in the Y direction shown Figure 4 The length in the X direction is short, and the protrusion 192A of the shaft portion 192 protrudes in the Y direction, so the shaft portion 192 cannot disengage from the actuator 160A in the upward direction.

[0085] The cover 195 is a disc-shaped component made of resin. The cover 195 is mounted on the operating part 191 of the rod 190.

[0086] The magnetic shield 185 is provided to prevent the magnetic field of the magnet 170 from leaking outwards, to shield the magnetic sensor 130B from external electromagnetic waves and other noise, and to accurately detect the operating quantity. In addition, the magnetic shield 185 also strengthens the frame 120 and helps to prevent damage to the magnetic sensor 130B and electronic components 125B. The magnetic shield 185 is a soft magnetic metal material, and is made by bending a metal plate, similar to the frame 120. The magnetic shield 185 has an opening 185A and a protrusion 185B. The opening 185A is provided for inserting the actuator 160A. The protrusion 185B protrudes from the lower part of the magnetic shield 185 in the ±Y direction and is provided for contact with the frame 120. Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic shield 185 is assembled inside the housing 110 from the lower side of the housing 110, shielding the magnetic sensor 130B located in the space between the magnetic shield 185 and the frame 120 from external electromagnetic waves and other noise.

[0087] Next, use Figures 5 to 7 The operation of the multi-directional input device 100 is explained. Figures 5 to 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 100. Figure 5 In the figure, the state in which the rod is tilted in the -X direction is shown by the XZ section without pressing it down in the downward direction by 190 degrees.

[0088] If the rod 190 is tilted in the -X direction, the shaft portion 192 abuts against the opening 112A of the dome 112 of the housing 110, thereby restricting the movement of the rod 190. The same applies when the rod 190 is tilted in the +X direction.

[0089] In addition, according to Figure 3 It can be seen that if the rod 190 is tilted in the ±Y direction, the shaft portion 192 abuts against the opening 112A of the dome 112 of the housing 110, thereby restricting the movement of the rod 190. Furthermore, at this time, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 remains unchanged and can be kept constant. This is because the spacer 160C has a curved portion 162C with a fixed radius of curvature.

[0090] exist Figure 6 The image shows the state where the rod is pressed downwards at 190 degrees. Figure 6The XZ section is shown. As an example, if the rod 190 is pressed down a certain amount from the neutral position, the springs 160D and 160E are compressed, the rod 190 moves downward, and the actuator 160A moves in a downward-sloping manner in the XZ section, pressing the core 140 downward. As a result, the metal contact 130A reverses its movement.

[0091] Furthermore, when the rod 190 is pressed in a certain amount as described above, the lower surface of the dome 182 of the cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of the dome 112 of the outer casing 110, thus preventing the rod 190 from being pressed in downwards by more than a certain amount. Therefore, damage to the magnetic sensor 130B, electronic components 125B, etc., can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, the downward pressing operation of the rod 190, as described above, can be performed from any state where the rod 190 is tilted in both axial directions. Even when the rod 190 is tilted, similar to the case in the neutral position, if the rod 190 is pressed downward by a certain amount, the springs 160D and 160E are compressed, the rod 190 moves downward, and the actuator 160A moves in a downward-sloping manner in the XZ section, pressing the core 140 downward. As a result, the metal contact 130A reverses its movement. Additionally, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 remains constant at this time. This is because the spacer 160C has a curved portion 162C with a fixed radius of curvature, and the displacement caused by the pressing of the rod 190 is absorbed by the springs 160D and 160E, preventing the magnet 170 from shifting.

[0093] As described above, even if the rod 190 is tilted from a neutral state, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 can be kept constant. Therefore, the amount by which the rod 190 is tilted can be accurately detected based on the change in the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 130B.

[0094] Therefore, a multi-directional input device 100 that can accurately detect the amount of operation can be provided.

[0095] Furthermore, even when the rod 190 is tilted downwards from its neutral state, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 can be kept constant. Therefore, the amount of tilting of the rod 190 can be accurately detected based on the change in the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 130B. Additionally, the pressure applied to the rod 190 can be detected by the metal contact 130A.

[0096] Therefore, a multi-directional input device 100 can be provided such that even when the lever 190 is tilted downward from its neutral state, the amount of operation that tilts the lever 190 can be accurately detected.

[0097] Additionally, when the lower surface of the dome 182 of the cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of the dome 112 of the outer shell 110, as Figure 7 As shown, the lower surface 182A of the dome 182, which has a larger radius than the dome 112, abuts against the upper surface 112B of the dome 112. With this configuration, even if the rod 190 is pressed downward from the neutral position, or pressed downward from a state of tilting in either of the two axial directions, the lower surface of the dome 182 abuts against the upper surface of the dome 112.

[0098] Therefore, when lever 190 is pressed downwards, the amount of operation of lever 190 can be kept constant, and the amount of operation can be stably limited. Furthermore, it can effectively prevent lever 190 from being pressed in by more than a certain amount.

[0099] As described above, when the rod 190 is pressed downwards, the lower surface 182A of the dome 182 of the cover 180 abuts against the upper surface 112B of the dome 112 of the outer casing 110, thus preventing the rod 190 from being pressed downwards into the metal contact 130A to an extent that reverses. Therefore, damage to the magnetic sensor 130B, electronic components 125B, etc., can be suppressed.

[0100] <Second Implementation>

[0101] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0102] (Overview of the multi-directional input device 200)

[0103] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, for convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction in the figure will be defined as the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis directions will be defined as the horizontal directions.

[0104] Figure 8 The multi-directional input device 200 shown is used in controllers for games, etc. Figure 8 As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 has a container shape with a generally cubic shape by combining the frame 210 and the outer casing 230. Additionally, as... Figure 8As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 has a columnar lever 220 extending upward from the opening 210A of the housing 210, capable of tilting. The multi-directional input device 200 can perform tilting operations not only in the X-axis direction (arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the Y-axis direction (arrows D3 and D4 in the figure) based on the lever 220, but also in all directions in between. Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 200 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the lever 220 via a metal terminal 262 protruding downward from the housing 230. Additionally, the multi-directional input device 200 can perform a pressing operation based on the lever 220, which can be detected by a press switch 234. Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 200 can output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the lever 220 via a metal terminal 234A protruding downward from the press switch 234.

[0105] (Configuration of the multi-directional input device 200)

[0106] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment (with the frame 210 removed). Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 This is a top view of the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment (with the frame 210 and actuator 240 removed).

[0107] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 includes a frame 210, a rod 220, a housing 230, an actuator 240, a retaining unit 250, a base plate 260, a force-applying body 270, a helical spring 271, and an abutment member 280.

[0108] The frame 210 is a cover-shaped component with an opening at the bottom. The frame 210 has a generally cubic shape with an opening at the bottom. The frame 210 is formed by processing a metal sheet using various processing methods (such as punching, bending, and other stamping processes). The frame 210 has: a flat plate portion 211, which is rectangular when viewed horizontally and from above; and four vertical wall portions 212 that are respectively provided downwards from the four sides of the flat plate portion 211. An opening 210A, which is circular when viewed from above, is formed in the center of the flat plate portion 211.

[0109] The lever 220 is a component operated by the operator for tilting. The lever 220 has a lever portion 221, a shaft portion 222, a rotating shaft portion 223, and a flange portion 224. The lever portion 221 is a generally cylindrical portion extending upward from the opening 210A of the frame 210, and is operated by the operator for tilting. The shaft portion 222 is a cylindrical portion, generally thicker than the lever portion 221, that supports the lower end of the lever 220 inside the frame 210 and rotates around the rotating shaft portion 223 as a center of rotation during the tilting operation of the lever portion 221. The rotating shaft portion 223 protrudes from near the lower end of the outer peripheral side surface of the shaft portion 222 in both the positive and negative Y-axis directions. The rotating shaft portion 223, supported by an actuator 240, allows the lever 220 to tilt in the X-axis direction. The flange portion 224 is a disc-shaped portion extending outward from the lower end of the outer peripheral side surface of the shaft portion 222. A cylindrical receiving portion 225 is formed inside the shaft portion 222 of the rod 220. The receiving portion 225 is a space with an opening at the bottom. A retaining member unit 250 is assembled in the receiving portion 225.

[0110] The housing 230 is a generally thin, cubical component with an opening at the top. The housing 230 is formed by injection molding of resin raw material. The housing 230 has a base plate 231, four vertical walls 232, and four sliding ribs 233 (an example of a "guide"). The base plate 231 is a rectangular, horizontally flat section when viewed from above. The four vertical walls 232 are erected vertically upwards from the four sides of the base plate 231. The four sliding ribs 233 extend upwards from the four corners of the base plate 231. The inner edges of each of the four sliding ribs 233 face towards the center of the housing 230. A push-button switch 234 and a push-button switch retainer 235 are provided on one of the vertical walls 232 of the housing 230. The push-button switch 234 is located below a rotating shaft 241 of the actuator 240. When lever 220 is pressed, push switch 234 is pressed by a rotating shaft 241 of actuator 240, thus turning the switch on. Push switch 234 has multiple metal terminals 234A protruding from its bottom surface. Push switch 234 can output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of lever 220 to the outside via the multiple metal terminals 234A. Push switch retainer 235 holds push switch 234 from above via retaining portion 235A. In addition, push switch retainer 235 supports a rotating shaft 241 of actuator 240 so that it can rotate and move downward through a notch 235B cut into a generally circular shape from the bottom.

[0111] The actuator 240 tiltably supports the rod 220 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the actuator 240, supported by the housing 230 and the frame 210, is tiltable in the Y-axis direction, thereby tilting together with the rod 220 in the Y-axis direction. Each end of the actuator 240 in the X-axis direction has an outwardly protruding rotating shaft 241, which is supported by the housing 230 and the frame 210, and is configured to rotate about this rotating shaft 241 in the Y-axis direction. Additionally, the actuator 240 has an elongated opening 242 extending along the X-axis direction. The rod 220 is inserted through the opening 242. Furthermore, each end of the actuator 240 in the Y-axis direction has a downwardly protruding bearing portion 243. The bearing portion 243 rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion 223 of the rod 220.

[0112] The retaining unit 250 includes a retainer 251, a coil spring 252, and a magnet 253. The retainer 251 is an example of a "movable shaft component," and is a cylindrical component with its length in the vertical direction. The retainer 251 is movably disposed in the receiving portion 225 of the rod 220. The coil spring 252 and the magnet 253 are assembled inside the cylinder 251A of the retainer 251 (see reference). Figure 11 The retainer 251 is formed using resin raw material. A portion of the lower side of the retainer 251 protrudes downward from the receiving portion 225. A curved protrusion 251B is formed at the bottom of the retainer 251. The curved protrusion 251B is formed from a portion of the spherical surface of a sphere of a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. The coil spring 252 is an example of a "first force-applying component". A rib 251C extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer peripheral side of the retainer 251. The rib 251C engages with a slit 225A formed in the vertical direction on the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion 225 of the rod 220, thereby preventing rotation of the retainer 251. The coil spring 252 is disposed above the magnet 253 inside the cylinder 251A of the retainer 251. The upper end of the coil spring 252 abuts against the top surface of the receiving portion 225 of the rod 220. The lower end of the coil spring 252 abuts against the upper surface of the magnet 253. The helical spring 252 applies downward force to the retainer 251. The magnet 253, a permanent magnet, is disposed at the bottom of the inner cavity 251A of the retainer 251. The upper half of the magnet 253 is magnetized as the S pole, and the lower half as the N pole. Alternatively, the magnetization configuration of the N and S poles of the magnet 253 can be reversed, depending on the configuration of the magnetic sensor 261.

[0113] The substrate 260 is a flat plate-shaped component for mounting various electronic components. A magnetic sensor 261 is mounted at the center of the upper surface of the substrate 260. The magnetic sensor 261 detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253. For example, the magnetic sensor 261 is configured with elements for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the X-axis direction, elements for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the Y-axis direction, and elements for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the Z-axis direction. In addition, multiple metal terminals 262 are provided protruding downward on the substrate 260. The metal terminals 262 output the signal indicating the change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 detected by the magnetic sensor 261 as an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation of the lever 220. A PWB (Printed Wiring Board) or similar material is used in the substrate 260, for example.

[0114] The force-applying body 270 is a resin component movable in the vertical direction and located on the lower side of the rod 220. The force-applying body 270 has an opening 270A in its center for the retainer 251 to pass through. As the rod 220 tilts, the force-applying body 270 is pressed down by the flange 224 of the rod 220 around the opening 270A. Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the force-applying body 270 has four arms 270B extending in four directions at 90-degree intervals from the center of the force-applying body 270. Additionally, as... Figure 12 As shown, the force-applying body 270 has sliding grooves 270C extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at the front end of each of its four arms 270B (an example of a "guided part"). Figure 12 As shown, each sliding groove 270C engages with each sliding rib 233 provided on the outer casing 230. Thus, the vertical (Z-axis direction) movement of the force-applying body 270 is guided at the front end of each of the four arms 270B by the sliding groove 270C and the sliding rib 233.

[0115] The helical spring 271 is an example of a "second force-applying component". Located on the underside of the force-applying body 270, the helical spring 271 allows the force-applying body 270 to apply upward force, which is then restored to a neutral state via the flange 224 of the push rod 220 on the force-applying body 270. In this embodiment, the multi-directional input device 200 has four helical springs 271 on the underside of each of the four arms 270B of the force-applying body 270. Thus, the force-applying body 270 applies force equally to each of the four arms 270B via the four helical springs 271.

[0116] The abutment member 280 is a resin component located on the underside of the force-applying body 270. The abutment member 280 has a curved recess 281 at its central portion (i.e., the position opposite to the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251). The curved recess 281 has a generally hemispherical shape. Like the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251, the curved recess 281 is formed along the circumference of a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. The curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251 abuts against the curved recess 281 from above, and slides as the rod 220 tilts. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the curved recess 281 is equal to the radius of curvature of the curved protrusion 251B. The abutting member 280 has retaining portions 282 that protrude in four directions at 90-degree intervals relative to the center of the abutting member 280. Each retaining portion 282 has a cylindrical protrusion 283 that protrudes upward, supporting the lower end of the coil spring 271 when the protrusion 283 enters the inner side of the coil spring 271 from below. The downward force from the coil spring 271 acts on the upper surface of the substrate 260, thereby fixing the substrate 260 to the housing 230.

[0117] (Operation of the multi-directional input device 200)

[0118] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 The image shows the state in which the lever 220 of the multi-directional input device 200 has been tilted. (Example) Figure 13 As shown, regarding the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, if a tilting operation is performed on the rod 220, the retaining member 251 tilts together with the rod 220. At this time, the multi-directional input device 200 detects the change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 provided in the retaining member 251 by means of a magnetic sensor 261 provided on the lower side of the magnet 253, and can detect the direction and angle of the tilting operation of the rod 220 with high precision.

[0119] At this time, the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251 slides on the curved recess 281 of the abutment member 280, thereby restricting the downward movement of the retainer 251 relative to the rod 220. Here, both the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251 and the curved recess 281 of the abutment member 280 are formed along the circumference of a circle centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. In addition, the radii of curvature of the curved protrusion 251B and the curved recess 281 are equal. Therefore, regardless of the tilting angle of the rod 220 and the retainer 251, the downward protrusion of the retainer 251 relative to the rod 220 is constant.

[0120] Therefore, in the second embodiment of the multi-directional input device 200, the distance between the magnet 253 and the magnetic sensor 261 remains almost unchanged when the rod 220 and the holder 251 are tilted. Thus, the second embodiment of the multi-directional input device 200 can suppress unnecessary fluctuations in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 253 and can suppress the reduction in the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor 261.

[0121] Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment adopts a configuration in which the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251 slides against the curved recess 281 of the abutment member 280. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251 slides on a plane, the lever 220 and the retainer 251 can be easily restored to a neutral state when the tilting operation of the release lever 220 is performed.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, regarding the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is tilted, the flange 224 of the lever 220 presses down the force-applying body 270. At this time, since the four arms 270B are each equally stressed by the four helical springs 271, the force-applying body 270 can move downward while maintaining a horizontal state, compressing the four helical springs 271 equally. Moreover, since the four arms 270B of the force-applying body 270 are each equally stressed by each of the four helical springs 271, when the pressing operation is released, it can move upward while maintaining a horizontal state, allowing the lever 220 to return to a neutral state. In addition, since the upward and downward movement of the force-applying body 270 is guided by the four sliding grooves 270C provided in the force-applying body 270 and the four sliding ribs 233 provided in the outer casing 230, the force-applying body 270 can also move downward while maintaining a horizontal state.

[0123] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is in a neutral state, the multi-directional input device 200 can press the horizontal force-applying body 270 against the lower surface of the flange portion 224 of the lever 220 by the force applied by the four helical springs 271. Therefore, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can stably maintain the neutral state of the lever 220 when it is in a neutral state.

[0124] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is pressed while maintaining its neutral state, the multi-directional input device 200 presses a rotation shaft 241 of the actuator 240 via the lever 220, and then presses the push switch 234 using this rotation shaft 241. Thus, the second embodiment's multi-directional input device 200 can sense that the lever 220 has been pressed.

[0125] At this time, the downward movement of the retainer 251 located within the rod 220 is restricted by the curved recess 281 of the abutment member 280. Therefore, as the rod 220 moves downward, the helical spring 252 located between the rod 220 and the retainer 251 is compressed, the height position of the retainer 251 does not change, and the rod 220 moves downward.

[0126] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is pressed, the distance between the magnet 253 located in the holding member 251 and the magnetic sensor 261 remains unchanged. Thus, the second embodiment of the multi-directional input device 200 can suppress unnecessary fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 when the lever 220 is pressed, thereby suppressing false detections of the tilting operation by the magnetic sensor 261.

[0127] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is tilted to its maximum position, the lowermost portion of the magnet 253 (a portion of the periphery of the bottom surface) is located directly above the magnetic sensor 261. That is, as... Figure 13 As shown, the perpendicular line L1 passing through the lowest part of the magnet 253 intersects the upper surface of the magnetic sensor 261.

[0128] Therefore, even when the rod 220 is tilted to its maximum, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 with high sensitivity by means of the magnetic sensor 261.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the flange portion 224 of the rod 220 is positioned higher than the curved protrusion 251B of the retainer 251. Therefore, when the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment performs a tilting operation on the rod 220, compared to the case where the flange portion 224 is positioned at the same level as the curved protrusion 251B, the amplitude of the flange portion 224 can be reduced.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the force-applying body 270 is pressed down by the flange portion 224 as the rod 220 is tilted. Therefore, when the rod 220 is tilted, before the outermost portion of the retainer 251, which tilts together with the rod 220 within the opening 270A of the force-applying body 270, comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge of the opening 270A, the force-applying body 270 is pressed downwards towards the retainer 251, thus preventing the outermost portion 251D of the retainer 251 from contacting the inner peripheral edge of the opening 270A.

[0131] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the "four directions" of the arm portion 270B, the sliding groove 270C, and the sliding rib 233 are all set as the middle direction between the X-axis and the Y-axis (directions differing by 45 degrees), but this is not a limitation. For example, the "four directions" may all be set as the same direction as the X-axis or the Y-axis.

[0132] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the arm 270B, the sliding groove 270C, and the sliding rib 233 are respectively provided in "four directions," but it is not limited to this. For example, the arm 270B, the sliding groove 270C, and the sliding rib 233 may be provided in three directions respectively.

[0133] In addition, in the second embodiment, the "guide portion" on the outer casing 230 side is provided as a sliding rib 233, and the "guided portion" on the force-applying body 270 side is provided as a sliding groove 270C, but it is not limited to this. For example, the "guide portion" on the outer casing 230 side may be provided as a sliding groove, and the "guided portion" on the force-applying body 270 side may be provided as a sliding rib.

[0134] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the force-applying body 270 is configured such that each of its four arms 270B has a sliding groove 270C, but it is not limited to this configuration. It may also be configured to have four sliding grooves 270C instead of four arms 270B. For example, the force-applying body 270 may also be configured to have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, with sliding grooves 270C at each of its four corners.

[0135] The above describes an exemplary embodiment of the multi-directional input device of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments and uses, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the claims. As an example, the multi-directional input device of the present invention can be used in a game controller.

[0136] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-151597, filed on September 9, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-027511, filed on February 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0137] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0138] 100-way input device

[0139] 110 Outer shell

[0140] 120 frame

[0141] 130A Metal Contact

[0142] 130B Magnetic Sensor

[0143] 160A and 160B actuators

[0144] 160C spacer

[0145] 162C Bend

[0146] 160D and 160E springs

[0147] 170 magnets

[0148] 180 masks

[0149] 185 Magnetic Shielding

[0150] 190 strokes

[0151] 200-way input device

[0152] 210 Frame

[0153] 220 levers (operating components)

[0154] 221 Bar section

[0155] 222 Shaft

[0156] 223 Rotating shaft

[0157] 224 Flange

[0158] 230 casing

[0159] 233 Sliding Rib (Guide Section)

[0160] 240 Actuators

[0161] 250 retainer unit

[0162] 251 Retainer (Modible Shaft Component)

[0163] 251B curved convex part

[0164] 252 helical spring (first force-applying component)

[0165] 253 magnets

[0166] 260 substrate

[0167] 261 Magnetic Sensor

[0168] 270 Force-applying body

[0169] 270A Opening

[0170] 270B Arm

[0171] 270C Sliding Groove (Guided Part)

[0172] 271 Helical Spring (Second Force Applying Component)

[0173] 280 Resistance parts

[0174] 281 Curved recess

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device, comprising: The casing has an opening; The operating component has a shaft portion that inserts into the opening, enabling tilting operations relative to the housing and pressing operations; A plate-shaped component is disposed below the operating component; A cylindrical movable shaft is inserted into the shaft portion, and its lower end abuts against the plate-shaped component; A spacer is disposed inside the movable shaft and abuts against the plate-shaped component; A magnet is disposed inside the movable shaft on the spacer; A magnetic sensor is disposed below the spacer; A first spring is disposed between the operating component and the movable shaft, and applies a downward force to the movable shaft relative to the operating component; as well as A second spring, located between the operating component and the magnet, applies a downward force to the magnet relative to the operating component. The magnet is capable of moving inside the movable shaft along the extension / retraction direction of the second spring.

2. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 1, The spacer has a curved surface that abuts against the plate-shaped member.

3. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 2, The curved surface is a curved surface centered on the center of the lower end face of the magnet and curved with a specified radius of curvature.

4. The multi-directional input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The magnet is cylindrical. The movable shaft has a cylindrical internal space for accommodating the magnet. The internal space has an upper part and a lower part, and the inner diameter of the lower part is larger than the inner diameter of the upper part.

5. The multi-directional input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The shaft portion of the operating component is capable of moving downward relative to the movable axis. When the operating component is pressed downward, the first spring and the second spring contract, causing the shaft to move downward relative to the movable axis.

6. A multi-directional input device, comprising: The operating component has a shaft and is capable of tilting and pressing operations; The movable shaft component is configured to move vertically within the shaft portion, with a portion protruding downward from the shaft portion and having a curved protrusion at the bottom. The first force-applying component is located inside the shaft portion and applies downward force to the movable shaft component; A magnet is disposed inside the movable shaft component; A magnetic sensor is disposed below the movable shaft component; The abutting component has a curved recess located opposite the curved protrusion of the movable shaft component, which allows the curved protrusion to slide as the operating component tilts. The force-applying body is configured to move in the vertical direction and has an opening in the center through which the movable shaft component can be inserted. As the operating component tilts, the flange of the operating component is pressed down on the periphery of the opening. as well as The second force-applying component applies upward force to the force-applying body, thereby restoring the operating component to a neutral state. The magnet is configured to move vertically along the inside of the shaft along with the movable shaft component.

7. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 6, It also includes a plurality of guide portions provided extending vertically along the outer side of the force-applying body. The force-applying body has multiple guided parts that engage with the multiple guide parts respectively, and the vertical movement of the force-applying body is guided by the multiple guide parts and the multiple guided parts.

8. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 7, The force-applying body is provided with the guided portion in four directions at 90-degree intervals from the center of the force-applying body.

9. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 8, The force-applying body has four arms extending in the four directions respectively, and the guided portion is provided at the front end of each of the four arms.

10. The multi-directional input device as described in claim 8, The force-applying body is subjected to equal force by the four second force-applying components located in the four directions.

11. The multi-directional input device as claimed in claim 9, The force-applying body is subjected to equal force by the four second force-applying components located in the four directions.

12. The multi-directional input device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, When the operating component is tilted to its maximum position. The lowermost part of the magnet is located directly above the magnetic sensor.

13. The multi-directional input device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, The flange portion is located in the operating component at a position higher than the curved protrusion of the movable shaft component.

14. The multi-directional input device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, The force-applying body is pressed downwards by the flange portion of the movable shaft component as the operating component tilts, thereby preventing the outermost portion of the movable shaft component, which tilts together with the operating component, from abutting against the inner periphery of the opening of the force-applying body.

15. The multi-directional input device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, The operating component can also be pressed. It also includes a push-button switch for detecting the pressing operation of the operating component. When the pressing operation is performed, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor remains unchanged by compressing the first force-applying component.

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