Multi-directional input device, control handle and control equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-direction input device, a control handle and control equipment. The multi-direction input device comprises a shell, an operation body, a reset mechanism, a circuit board and a magnetic induction assembly. A first containing cavity is formed in the shell, and an opening communicated with the first containing cavity is further formed in the shell. At least part of the operation body is slidably arranged in the first containing cavity. The operation body comprises an operation main body and a protruding part arranged on the periphery of the operation main body, the operation main body comprises a first end, and the first end extends out of the first containing cavity from the opening. The protruding part can move in the first containing cavity in the horizontal direction. The reset mechanism is arranged in the first containing cavity and elastically abuts against the protruding extending part. The reset mechanism is configured to reset the operation body to the initial position when at least part of the operation body slides in the first containing cavity. The magnetic induction assembly comprises a magnetic part and a magnetic sensor, the magnetic part is arranged on the protruding part, and the magnetic sensor is arranged on the circuit board. And a gap exists between the magnetic piece and the magnetic sensor. The problem that a traditional carbon film type contact is short in service life is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of non-contact induction technology, and particularly to a multi-direction input device, a control handle, and a control device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the demand for multi-direction input devices in control fields such as game pads is increasing in the market. Such devices are usually designed to be able to operate flexibly in the X direction and the Y direction to achieve precise control of the direction of a terminal device such as a game pad.

[0003] Currently, carbon films are mainly used as sensors for sensing changes in different directions of an induction operation body in multi-direction input devices. However, the service life of carbon films is poor and they are easily affected by environmental factors. Especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, their performance will significantly decline. After long-term use, voltage offset may occur in the carbon film, resulting in unstable output signals of the sensor and affecting the overall performance of the device. In addition, the resistance value of the carbon film may be abnormal in extreme environments, further causing the device to malfunction. Dust and foreign objects are likely to accumulate on the surface of the carbon film during use, and these contaminants will affect the sliding contact of the terminals on the carbon film, resulting in poor contact of the moving contacts. Such poor contact will not only affect signal transmission but also may cause input delay or misoperation, thus seriously affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above deficiencies of the prior art, it is necessary to provide a multi-direction input device with an extended service life and improved contact of moving contacts affected by foreign objects. Additionally, an embodiment of this application further provides a control handle including the multi-direction input device and a control device including the control handle.

[0005] An embodiment of this application provides a multi-direction input device, including a housing, an operation body, a circuit board, and a magnetic induction component. A first cavity is provided inside the housing, and an opening communicating with the first cavity is further provided on the housing. At least a part of the operation body is rotatably disposed in the first cavity. The operation body includes an operation main body and at least a part of a protruding portion provided on the periphery of the operation main body. The operation main body includes a first end, and the first end extends out of the first cavity from the opening. The circuit board is disposed in the first cavity. The magnetic induction component includes a magnetic member and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic member is fixed to the protruding portion, the magnetic sensor is disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board. There is a distance between the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor. The magnetic member is configured to move along with the operation body, and the magnetic sensor is configured to sense the change in the magnetic force of the magnetic member. The change in magnetic force reflects the change in the position of the operation main body.

[0006] This application solves the problem of short carbon film contact life by setting a gap between the magnetic part and the magnetic sensor, effectively extending the life of the multi-directional input device. By setting a gap between the magnetic part and the magnetic sensor, the dust and foreign matter contact the sensor, solving the problem of voltage offset. At the same time, because the input device does not use carbon film, even in a high temperature and high humidity environment, there is no need to worry about abnormal ring resistance caused by water absorption by the carbon film. The structure is simplified, there is no moving terminal and its related parts to cooperate, which reduces the factors affecting the reset accuracy and improves the reset accuracy.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device further includes a substrate, which is disposed in the housing and located between the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present application, the shell includes an upper shell and a lower shell fixed to each other, the circuit board is arranged on the lower shell, the substrate is stacked on the lower shell and forms a second cavity between the substrate and the lower shell, and at least part of the circuit board is fixed in the second cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, a sliding platform is protruding from one end of the substrate facing the magnetic member, and the magnetic member is configured to abut against the sliding platform. The sliding platform is concavely provided with a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves are arranged in a divergent manner along the central axis of the sliding platform.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, a support member is further provided on the substrate on a side of the upper shell facing the substrate, a limiting opening communicating with the opening is provided on the support member, and the protruding portion abuts against the support member.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device further includes a reset mechanism, which is disposed in the first cavity and elastically connected to the protruding portion. The reset mechanism is configured to reset the operating body to a starting position when the operating body is shaken in the first cavity. The reset mechanism includes a plurality of springs, and the springs have a C-shaped structure. The springs have a first fixed portion, two elastic portions located at both ends of the first fixed portion, and a second driving portion located at one end of the elastic portion away from the first fixed portion, the second driving portion is connected to the periphery of the protruding portion, and the first fixed portion is fixed to the support member.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the protruding portion includes a rotating portion and a connecting portion, the rotating portion is disc-shaped, the connecting portion is provided with a connecting groove, the magnetic part is provided with a coupling portion corresponding to the connecting groove, the coupling portion is fixed to the connecting groove, the connecting portion passes through the limiting opening, and the supporting part is configured to limit the connecting portion through the limiting opening.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device further includes a limit member, which is mounted on the substrate, has a limit slot, the connecting portion is passed through the limit slot, and is configured to move along the limit slot.

[0014] An embodiment of the present application further provides a control handle, which includes the aforementioned multi-direction input device.

[0015] An embodiment of the present application further provides a control device, which includes the aforementioned control handle. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-direction input device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the multi-direction input device shown in the figure.

[0018] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded view of the operating body and the magnetic member of the multi-direction input device shown in the figure.

[0019] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a sectional view of the multi-direction input device shown in the figure along the cutting line IV-IV in an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a sectional view of the multi-direction input device shown in the figure along the cutting line IV-IV in another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 is a module architecture diagram of the control handle of the present application.

[0022] Figure 7 is a module architecture diagram of the control device of the present application.

[0023] Description of the Main Element Symbols: Multi-direction input device 10, housing 100, operating body 20, operating main body 200, protruding part 210, first end 201, first cavity 103, opening 104, reset mechanism 300, circuit board 600, magnetic induction component 400, magnetic member 401, magnetic sensor 402, substrate 500, upper shell 101, lower shell 102, second cavity 501, sliding table 502, groove 503, support member 700, limiting port 701, elastic piece 301, first fixing part 3010, elastic part 3011, driving part 3012, rotating part 211, connecting part 212, connecting groove 213, engaging part 4011, limiting member 800, limiting groove 801, control handle 30, control device 40.

[0024] The following specific embodiments will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. Specific Embodiments

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element therebetween. When an element is considered to be "disposed on" another element, it can be directly disposed on the other element or there may be an intermediate element therebetween.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the description of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-direction input device 10, including a housing 100, an operating body 20, a circuit board 600, and a magnetic induction assembly 400. A first cavity 103 is provided in the housing 100, and an opening 104 communicating with the first cavity 103 is further provided on the housing 100. At least a part of the operating body 20 is rotatably disposed in the first cavity 103. The operating body 20 includes an operating main body 200 and at least a part of the protruding portions 210 disposed on the periphery of the operating main body 200. The operating main body 200 includes a first end 201, and the first end 201 extends out of the first cavity 103 from the opening 104. The circuit board 600 is disposed in the first cavity 103. The magnetic induction assembly 400 includes a magnetic member 401 and a magnetic sensor 402. The magnetic member 401 is fixed to the protruding portion 210, and the magnetic sensor 402 is disposed on the circuit board 600 and electrically connected to the circuit board 600. There is a distance between the magnetic member 401 and the magnetic sensor 402. The magnetic member 401 is configured to move along with the operating body 20, and the magnetic sensor 402 is configured to sense the change in the magnetic force of the magnetic member 401, and the change in the magnetic force reflects the change in the position of the operating main body 200.

[0029] By setting a gap between the magnetic member 401 and the magnetic sensor 402, the present application solves the problem of the short service life of the carbon film type contacts. Such a design significantly extends the overall life of the multi-directional input device 10 and enhances the stability and durability of the multi-directional input device 10 in various applications. By setting the gap, powder debris and other foreign matters are prevented from directly contacting the sensor, effectively reducing the interference of external contamination on the performance of the magnetic sensor 402 and solving the problem of signal instability caused by voltage offset. This not only improves the response sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 402 but also enhances the consistency and reliability of the user during operation. Since the present application no longer relies on the traditional carbon film structure, even when used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, users do not need to worry about the problem of abnormal measured resistance caused by the carbon film absorbing water, enabling the multi-directional input device 10 to still maintain excellent performance in various harsh environments. The structure of the present application is simplified, reducing the factors that may affect the reset accuracy, which further improves the reset accuracy of the multi-directional input device 10. Through the principle of magnetic induction, the operating body 20 can drive the magnetic member 401 to move smoothly relative to the magnetic sensor 402. Such a design ingeniously avoids the problems of wear and poor contact caused by the contact between the moving contact and the carbon film, fundamentally enhancing the durability and performance stability of the device.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 2 , in some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device 10 further includes a substrate 500, and the substrate 500 is disposed on the housing 100 and located between the magnetic member 401 and the magnetic sensor 402. The presence of the substrate 500 can effectively isolate the direct contact between the magnetic member 401 and the magnetic sensor 402, reducing potential electromagnetic interference. Such a physical separation helps to reduce the risk of short circuit and can prevent signal interference, enabling the magnetic sensor 402 to more accurately read the magnetic field change and provide a more stable and reliable output signal, ensuring that the magnetic field change read by the magnetic sensor 402 is more accurate. The physical separation helps to reduce the risks of short circuit and signal interference and enhances the reliability of the system. The substrate 500 provides additional support for the magnetic member 401, keeping the magnetic member 401 stable during use and preventing the magnetic member 401 from shifting due to external forces.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in some embodiments of the present application, the housing 100 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102 that are fixedly connected to each other. The housing 100 is composed of the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 that are snap-connected to each other, which facilitates assembly and disassembly, improves the maintenance efficiency of the multi-directional input device 10, and allows users to easily disassemble the multi-directional input device 10 for adjustment or replacement. The circuit board 600 is disposed on the lower housing 102, and the substrate 500 is stacked on the lower housing 102 to form a second cavity 501 therebetween. At least a part of the circuit board 600 is fixed within the second cavity 501. The circuit board 600 can effectively isolate the magnetic sensor 402 to avoid possible electromagnetic interference and improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 402. In addition, the second cavity 501 between the substrate 500 and the lower housing 102 provides sufficient space, which is crucial for the heat dissipation of the circuit board 600 within the multi-directional input device 10. Disposing the circuit board 600 on the lower housing 102 and stacking the substrate 500 to form the second cavity 501 can effectively protect the circuit board 600 from external impacts and environmental factors, thereby improving the overall stability and lifespan. At the same time, the magnetic sensor 402 is effectively separated within the second cavity 501. The second cavity 501 between the substrate 500 and the lower housing 102 provides sufficient space, which helps with the heat dissipation of the multi-directional input device 10 and avoids performance degradation or component damage caused by overheating. At the same time, the housing 100 has a magnetic shielding function to prevent false induction. It can effectively reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the magnetic sensor 402, ensure that the multi-directional input device 10 can accurately sense the user's operations in various situations, and improve the reliability of the overall control of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 2 , in some embodiments of the present application, a sliding table 502 further protrudes from one end of the substrate 500 facing the magnetic member 401. The magnetic member 401 is configured to abut against the sliding table 502. A plurality of grooves 503 are recessed on the sliding table 502, and the plurality of grooves 503 are arranged in a divergent pattern along the central axis of the sliding table 502. A sliding table 502 protrudes from one end of the substrate 500 facing the magnetic member 401 to ensure a stable abutment between the lower end of the magnetic member 401 and the sliding table 502. This design helps to improve the response speed of the multi-directional input device 10 and optimize the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 402. The plurality of grooves 503 provided on the sliding table 502 are arranged in a divergent pattern along the central axis, providing multiple contact surfaces for the magnetic member 401 to abut against. The divergent arrangement of the grooves 503 not only provides more contact surfaces but also reduces the risk of local wear, enabling the magnetic member 401 to maintain a good contact state after long-term use. This layout also helps to disperse the pressure applied to the magnetic member 401, improving the response speed and the smoothness of operation.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 4In some embodiments of the present application, a support member 700 is further provided on the substrate 500 on the side of the upper shell 101 facing the substrate 500, and a limiting opening 701 connected to the opening 104 is provided on the support member 700, and the protrusion 210 abuts against the support member 700. The support member 700 is fixed on the substrate 500 to provide additional support and stability for the protrusion 210. By abutting against the protrusion 210, the shaking of the protrusion 210 during use can be effectively reduced to ensure the accuracy of the operation. The limiting opening 701 on the support member 700 is connected to the opening 104 of the housing 100, providing a limiting mechanism for the movement of the protrusion 210. This design effectively prevents the protrusion 210 from excessive rotation and anti-pressing, thereby protecting the internal components from damage.

[0034] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device 10 further includes a reset mechanism 300, which is disposed in the first cavity 103 and elastically connected to the periphery of the protruding portion 210. The reset mechanism 300 is configured to provide reset potential energy when the operating body 20 is shaken in the first cavity 103, and reset the operating body 20 to the starting position. The reset mechanism 300 includes a plurality of springs 301, and the springs 301 have a C-shaped structure. The springs 301 have a first fixed portion 3010, two elastic portions 3011 located at both ends of the first fixed portion 3010, and a second driving portion 3012 located at one end of the elastic portion 3011 away from the first fixed portion 3010, the second driving portion 3012 is connected to the periphery of the protruding portion 210, and the first fixed portion 3010 is fixed to the support member 700. The design of the plurality of C-shaped springs 301 provides good elasticity and stability for the operating body 20. They can effectively adapt to the movement of the protruding portion 210 while maintaining a good reset function. The first fixing portion 3010 is fixed to the supporting member 700. This simplified structure not only improves the convenience of installation and maintenance of the multi-directional input device 10, but also reduces potential failure points. Optionally, the number of the spring pieces 301 is four.

[0035] See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4, in some embodiments of the present application, the protruding portion 210 includes a rotating portion 211 and a connecting portion 212. The rotating portion 211 is disc-shaped, and the connecting portion 212 is provided with a connecting groove 213. The magnetic member 401 is provided with an engaging portion 4011 corresponding to the connecting groove 213. The engaging portion 4011 is fixed in the connecting groove 213. The connecting portion 212 passes through the limiting opening 701, and the support member 700 is configured to limit the connecting portion 212 through the limiting opening 701. The disc-shaped rotating portion 211 provides a good contact surface, enabling a smoother rotation operation and also being easy to maintain stability during multi-directional input. The engaging portion 4011 provided on the magnetic member 401 corresponding to the connecting groove 213 can ensure a tight fit between the protruding portion 210 and the magnetic member 401, reducing shaking and gaps during movement, thereby further improving the stability and accuracy of the sensing signal. Preferably, the connecting portion 212 is square. Preferably, please refer to Figure 5 , in some other embodiments, the number of magnetic sensors 402 is two and they can be distributed on the upper and lower sides of the circuit board 600, which can further improve the stability and accuracy of the sensing signal.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in some embodiments of the present application, the multi-directional input device 10 further includes a limiting member 800. The limiting member 800 is mounted on the substrate 500. The limiting member 800 is provided with a limiting groove 801. The connecting portion 212 passes through the limiting groove 801 and is configured to move along the limiting groove 801. The setting of the limiting groove 801 ensures that the connecting portion 212 will not exceed the designed range during movement. This design can effectively control the rotation range of the protruding portion 210, avoiding structural damage or performance degradation caused by excessive movement. The connecting portion 212 can move along the length direction of the limiting groove 801, which provides greater flexibility for the multi-directional input device 10. When operating, the user can adjust the movement range according to needs, thereby enhancing the adjustability and applicability of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 6 , the embodiment of the present application further provides a control handle 30, including the aforementioned multi-directional input device 10. By setting a spacing between the magnetic member 401 and the magnetic sensor 402 to prevent powder and foreign objects from contacting the sensor, the problem of voltage offset is solved. The structure of the present application is simplified, without the cooperation of moving terminals and their related parts, reducing the influencing factors of reset accuracy and improving the reset accuracy. Through the principle of magnetic induction, the operating body 20 drives the magnetic member 401 to move relative to the sensor, avoiding wear and poor contact caused by the contact between the moving contact and the carbon film.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 7 , the embodiment of the present application further provides a control device 40, including the aforementioned control handle 30.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and not to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present application can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and essence of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device, characterized in that: include: A shell, wherein a first cavity is provided in the shell, and an opening communicating with the first cavity is also provided on the shell; An operating body, at least part of which is swingably disposed in the first cavity, the operating body comprising an operating body and a protruding portion at least partly disposed on the periphery of the operating body, the operating body comprising a first end, the first end extending out of the first cavity from the opening; A circuit board, the circuit board is arranged in the first cavity; and A magnetic sensing component, the magnetic sensing component includes a magnetic part and a magnetic sensor, the magnetic part is fixed to the protruding portion, the magnetic sensor is arranged on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board, there is a distance between the magnetic part and the magnetic sensor, the magnetic part is configured to move with the operating body, and the magnetic sensor is configured to sense the change in the magnetic force of the magnetic part, and the change in the magnetic force reflects the change in the position of the operating body.

2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a substrate, which is arranged on the shell and located between the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor.

3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shell includes an upper shell and a lower shell fixed to each other, the circuit board is arranged on the lower shell, the substrate is stacked on the lower shell and forms a second cavity between the substrate and the lower shell, and at least part of the circuit board is fixed in the second cavity.

4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sliding platform is also provided at one end of the substrate facing the magnetic member, and the magnetic member is configured to abut against the sliding platform.

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A support member is further provided on the substrate at a side of the upper shell facing the substrate, and a limiting opening communicating with the opening is provided on the support member, and the protruding portion abuts against the support member.

6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a reset mechanism, which is arranged in the first cavity and elastically connected to the protruding portion. The reset mechanism is configured to reset the operating body to a starting position when the operating body is shaken in the first cavity. The reset mechanism includes a plurality of spring pieces, each of which has a C-shaped structure. The spring piece has a first fixed portion, two elastic portions located at both ends of the first fixed portion, and a second driving portion located at one end of the elastic portion away from the first fixed portion. The second driving portion is connected to the periphery of the protruding portion, and the first fixed portion is fixed to the support member.

7. The multi-directional input device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protruding portion includes a rotating portion and a connecting portion, the rotating portion is disc-shaped, the connecting portion is provided with a connecting groove, the magnetic member is provided with a coupling portion corresponding to the connecting groove, the coupling portion is fixed to the connecting groove, the connecting portion passes through the limiting opening, and the supporting member is configured to limit the connecting portion through the limiting opening.

8. The multi-directional input device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a limiting member, which is mounted on the base plate. The limiting member is provided with a limiting groove. The connecting portion passes through the limiting groove and is configured to move along the limiting groove.

9. A control handle, characterized in that: A multi-directional input device comprising any one of claims 1-8.

10. A control device, characterized in that: Comprising the control handle as claimed in claim 9.

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