Input device and controller

Abstract

The invention provides an input device and a controller capable of maintaining a contact state between a head of an operating member and a cover. This input device is provided with: a module case; and an operating member protruding from one surface of the module case and capable of tilting or sliding in a surface direction along the one surface of the module case, the operating member being provided with: a lever portion extending in a direction intersecting the surface direction of the module case; a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the module case and extending in the planar direction; a cover covering an upper side and a lower side of the head; and a cover protection member provided around the shaft portion at a position in contact with a portion of the cover covering the lower side of the head portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and a controller including an operating member capable of tilting or sliding. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various controllers of various structures are known as such controllers. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-143216) discloses a game controller provided with a cover to cover the head of an operating member.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-143216 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Conventional input devices and controllers have room for improvement in terms of maintaining the contact between the head of the operating member and the cover.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problem and provide an input device and a controller capable of maintaining a contact state between the head of an operating member and a cover.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, the input device of the present disclosure comprises: a module housing; and an operating member protruding from one surface of the module housing and capable of tilting or sliding in a direction along the one surface of the module housing, wherein

[0011] The operating member comprises:

[0012] a rod portion extending in a direction intersecting the surface direction of the module housing;

[0013] a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the module housing and extending along the surface direction;

[0014] a cover covering the upper and lower sides of the head; and

[0015] A cover protection member is provided around the rod portion and is located in contact with a portion of the cover that covers the lower side of the head.

[0016] In addition, the controller of the present disclosure includes: a controller housing for a user to hold; and an operating member, a portion of which protrudes from one surface of the controller housing and can be tilted or slid in a direction along the one surface of the controller housing, wherein the operating member includes:

[0017] a rod portion extending from the inside to the outside of the controller housing in a direction intersecting the surface direction;

[0018] a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the controller housing and extending along the surface direction;

[0019] a cover covering the upper and lower sides of the head; and

[0020] A cover protection member is provided outside the controller housing around the rod portion and at a position facing the cover covering the lower side of the head portion.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the input device and the controller of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an input device and a controller capable of maintaining a contact state between the head of the operating member and the cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a top view schematically showing a controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A1-A1 line cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figure 3 Observed from the top Figure 1 A top view of the operating components of the controller.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the input device and the controller according to the first modified example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of an input device and a controller according to a second modified example of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of an input device and a controller according to a third modified example of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of an input device and a controller according to a fourth modified example of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the input device and the controller according to the fifth modified example of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of an input device and a controller according to a sixth modified example of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of an input device and a controller according to a seventh modified example of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of an input device and a controller according to an eighth modification of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] According to the first technical solution of the present disclosure, an input device is provided, comprising: a module housing; and an operating member protruding from one surface of the module housing and capable of tilting or sliding in a surface direction along one surface of the module housing, wherein the operating member comprises: a rod portion extending in a direction intersecting the surface direction of the module housing; a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the module housing and extending in the surface direction; a cover covering the upper and lower sides of the head portion; and a cover protection member arranged around the rod portion and in a position contacting the portion of the cover covering the lower side of the head portion.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device according to the first aspect, wherein the cover is provided at a position sandwiched between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the cover protection member protrudes from the rod portion toward the surface.

[0037] According to the fourth technical solution of the present disclosure, an input device is provided, which is an input device according to any one of the first to third technical solutions, wherein, on the lower side of the head, the end of the cover is arranged in a manner to surround the rod portion, and the cover protection member is arranged in a manner to cover the end of the cover.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein an end portion of the cover contacts the rod portion on the lower side of the head.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein, when viewed from the direction in which the rod portion extends, the cover protection member has an outer shape smaller than an outer shape of the cover.

[0040] According to the seventh technical solution of the present disclosure, an input device is provided, which is an input device according to any one of the first to sixth technical solutions, wherein the outer peripheral side portion of the head portion, which is located at a position further outward than the outer edge portion of the cover protection component when viewed from the direction in which the rod portion extends, is provided with a step portion which is recessed in the direction in which the rod portion extends in a manner away from the module housing.

[0041] According to the 8th technical solution of the present disclosure, an input device is provided, which is an input device according to any one of the 1st to 7th technical solutions, wherein the operating member also has a columnar member extending between the head and the cover protection member along the direction in which the rod portion extends, and the columnar member is in contact with the cover, and the head or the cover protection member.

[0042] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the columnar member penetrates the cover in the direction in which the rod portion extends and contacts the head and the cover protection member.

[0043] According to the 10th technical solution of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, comprising: a controller housing for a user to hold; and an operating member, a portion of which protrudes from one surface of the controller housing and can be tilted or slid in a surface direction along one surface of the controller housing, wherein the operating member comprises: a rod portion extending from the inside to the outside of the controller housing in a direction intersecting the surface direction; a head portion connected to one end of the rod portion on the outside of the controller housing and extending in the surface direction; a cover covering the upper and lower sides of the head portion; and a cover protection member arranged around the rod portion on the outside of the controller housing and opposite to the portion of the cover covering the lower side.

[0044] According to an eleventh technical solution of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller according to the tenth technical solution, wherein the cover is provided at a position sandwiched between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends.

[0045] According to a twelfth technical solution of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller according to the tenth or eleventh technical solution, wherein the cover protection member protrudes from the rod portion toward the surface.

[0046] According to the 13th technical solution of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, which is a controller according to any one of the 10th to 12th technical solutions, wherein, on the lower side of the head, the end of the cover is arranged in a manner to surround the rod portion, and the cover protection member is arranged in a manner to cover the end of the cover.

[0047] According to the 14th technical solution of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, which is the controller according to any one of the 10th to 13th technical solutions, wherein the cover protection member is arranged around the rod portion and is in contact with the cover on the lower side of the head.

[0048] According to a fifteenth technical solution of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth technical solutions, wherein an end portion of the cover contacts the rod portion on the lower side of the head.

[0049] According to a 16th technical solution of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller according to any one of the 10th to 15th technical solutions, wherein, when viewed from the direction in which the rod portion extends, the outer shape of the cover protection member is smaller than the outer shape of the cover.

[0050] According to the 17th embodiment of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, which is a controller according to any one of the 10th to 16th technical embodiments, wherein the outer peripheral side portion of the head portion, which is located at a position further outward than the outer edge portion of the cover protection member when viewed from the direction in which the rod portion extends, is provided with a step portion which is recessed in the direction in which the rod portion extends away from the controller housing.

[0051] According to the 18th technical solution of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, according to any one of the 10th to 17th technical solutions, wherein the operating member also has a columnar member extending between the head and the cover protection member along the direction in which the rod portion extends, and the columnar member is in contact with the cover, and the head or the cover protection member.

[0052] According to a 19th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller according to the 18th aspect, wherein the columnar member penetrates the cover in the direction in which the rod portion extends and contacts the head and the cover protection member.

[0053] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In the accompanying drawings, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0054] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the following terms such as "up", "down", "horizontal", "vertical", and "height" are used to indicate directions in the state of normal use, but this does not mean to limit the usage state of the input device and controller of the present invention.

[0055] (Implementation Method)

[0056] The structure of the input device and controller of an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The controller of the present disclosure is used in various electronic devices such as game consoles, smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers. In this embodiment, the controller is connected to a portable or fixed game console via a wireless or wired connection for use.

[0057] Figure 1 FIG is a top view schematically showing the controller of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the controller of this embodiment includes a controller case 1 , and operation buttons 2 , 3 and an operation member 4 , each of which is provided so as to partially protrude from an upper surface 1A, which is an example of one surface of the controller case 1 .

[0058] In this manual, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1 The left and right directions are called horizontal X. Figure 1 The up and down direction is called the longitudinal direction Y. Figure 1 The depth direction of the paper is called the height direction Z. The horizontal direction X, the vertical direction Y and the height direction Z are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1 is located on a plane parallel to the horizontal direction X and the vertical direction Y.

[0059] The controller housing 1 is designed to be gripped by the user. In this embodiment, the housing 1 has a hollow rectangular or substantially rectangular shape and is made of a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Furthermore, the controller housing 1 may also include a handle (not shown) shaped to facilitate gripping by the user.

[0060] The operation buttons 2 and 3 are, for example, buttons for various operations of the game. The operation buttons 2 and 3 are configured to be pressable from the outside toward the inside of the controller housing 1 along the height direction Z. When not pressed, the operation buttons 2 and 3 are urged from the inside toward the outside of the controller housing 1 by elastic members such as springs (not shown) so that a portion protrudes from the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1 and is exposed to the outside. In addition, the operation buttons 2 and 3 are not limited to two, and one or more than three may be provided. In addition, the operation buttons 2 and 3 may also be provided on a surface different from the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1.

[0061] The operating member 4 is, for example, a joystick member used for game operation, particularly for indicating a direction. In this embodiment, the operating member 4 is configured to be tiltable in a plane direction (including horizontal and vertical directions X and Y) along the upper surface 1A of the controller case 1 .

[0062] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A1-A1 line sectional view. Figure 2 As shown, a substrate 11 is disposed inside the controller housing 1. The substrate 11 is, for example, a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. An input device ID is mounted on the substrate 11. The input device ID includes the aforementioned operating member 4 and a base 5.

[0063] The base 5 includes a module housing 51. The module housing 51 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The module housing 51 houses various components, including a support member (not shown) that supports the operating member 4 so that it can tilt, and an elastic member (not shown) that returns the operating member 4 to its original position before tilting. In this embodiment, the base 5 is electrically connected to the substrate 11 via a cable extending from the module housing 51. The structure of the base 5 is not particularly limited and can be various well-known structures. In the various drawings, the internal structure of the base 5 is omitted for illustration.

[0064] The operating member 4 is configured to protrude from the upper surface 51A of the module housing 51, which is an example of one surface of the base 5, through the opening 1B provided in the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1, and is configured to be tiltable in the direction along the upper surface 51A of the module housing 51. Specifically, in this embodiment, the operating member 4 is configured to be tiltable around the fulcrum S1 located in the module housing 51. Figure 2 The solid arrows indicate the top of the container.

[0065] The operating member 4 includes: a rod portion 41 extending in a direction (hereinafter referred to as an axial direction) intersecting the surface direction along the upper surface 51A of the module housing 51; and a head portion 42 connected to one end portion 41A of the rod portion 41 outside the base 5 and extending in the surface direction.

[0066] Rod 41 has a cylindrical shape, for example, and is provided to extend from inside to outside of controller case 1 in an axial direction intersecting the plane direction. In this embodiment, rod 41 is configured to extend in height direction Z when in its original position before falling.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a top view of the operating member 4 as viewed from above. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 4 , the head portion 42 has a certain thickness (length in the height direction Z). Figure 3As shown, the head 42 is configured to have an outer shape larger than the rod 41 when viewed from the height direction Z. In the present embodiment, the head 42 is formed into a hemispherical shape or a roughly hemispherical shape. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rod 41 and the head 42 are integrally formed of a resin. For example, the rod 41 and the head 42 are composed of POM (polyoxymethylene) resin, PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) resin, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, etc. In addition, the rod 41 and the head 42 may also be separate components. In this case, the rod 41 and the head 42 may be the same material (e.g., resin) or different materials.

[0068] A cover 43 is attached to the head 42. In this embodiment, the cover 43 is configured to cover the entire or substantially the entire head 42 so that the head 42 is not exposed to the outside. That is, the cover 43 covers the head 42 from the upper side 42A to the lower side 43B. The cover 43 is made of a resin different from that of the rod 41 and the head 42. The cover 43 may also be formed separately from the head 42 and attached to the head 42. Alternatively, the cover 43 may be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding, so as to cover the head 42. In this case, to reduce the effects of heat on the head 42 during injection molding, the cover 43 may be made of a resin with a lower melting temperature than the resin constituting the head 42. Alternatively, the cover 43 may be made of a resin with a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the resin constituting the head 42. This allows the cover 43 to be more easily and tightly held by the head 42 and the cover protection member 44 described later. The cover 43 is made of a soft resin, such as an elastomer resin, for example. Alternatively, the cover 43 may be made of a resin with a higher melting temperature than the resin constituting the head 42. Alternatively, the cover 43 may be made of a resin having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the resin constituting the head 42 .

[0069] Furthermore, the cover 43 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the head portion 42 so that the head portion 42 is not exposed to the outside.

[0070] A cover protection member 44 is provided around the stem portion 41. The cover protection member 44 is a member that prevents a user's fingers from accidentally touching the stem portion 41 side of the cover 43, thereby maintaining contact between the head portion 42 and the cover 43. In this embodiment, the cover protection member 44 is provided outside the controller case 1 at a position in contact with the cover 43.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover protection member 44 is made of the same resin as the rod 41 and the head 42. Specifically, the cover protection member 44 is integrally molded from the same resin as the rod 41 and the head 42. In other words, the cover protection member 44 is configured as an annular protrusion that protrudes outward from the rod 41. The cover protection member 44 is provided on the lower side 42B of the head 42, at a position that contacts the end 43A of the cover 43 from below. As described above, the head 42 is provided at one end 41A of the rod 41. The cover protection member 44 is provided separately from the head 42 and protrudes in the plane direction from midway along the rod 41. In this embodiment, the cover 43 is provided in a position sandwiched axially between the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. That is, in the axial direction, the cover protection member 44, the cover 43, and the head 42 are provided in this order from near to far relative to the module housing 51. The cover 43 and the head 42 can be bonded together using an adhesive. Similarly, the cover 43 and the cover protection member 44 can also be bonded together using an adhesive.

[0072] On the lower side 42B of the head 42, the end 43A (inner edge) of the cover 43 is arranged so as to surround the rod 41. In this embodiment, the end 43A of the cover 43 is arranged to contact the rod 41. The end 43A of the cover 43 and the rod 41 may also be bonded together using an adhesive. The cover protection member 44 is arranged so as to cover the end 43A of the cover 43. That is, when viewed in the axial direction (height direction Z), the length L1 from the center of the rod 41 to the outer edge 44A of the cover protection member 44 is longer than the length L2 from the center of the rod 41 to the end 43A of the cover 43. With this structure, the cover protection member 44 does not protrude beyond the cover 43, thereby maintaining the contact state between the cover 43 and the head 42 without compromising the user's operability. Alternatively, the cover protection member 44 may be arranged so as to overlap with the end 43A of the cover 43 at least partially in the axial direction and to contact the end 43A of the cover 43. The thickness T1 of the cover protection member 44 is thinner than the maximum thickness T2 of the head 42.

[0073] Furthermore, when viewed in the axial direction, the outer shape of the cover protection member 44 is smaller than that of the cover 43. Specifically, when viewed in the axial direction, the length L1 from the center of the rod 41 to the outer edge 44A of the cover protection member 44 is shorter than the length L3 from the center of the rod 41 to the outer edge of the cover 43. In this embodiment, the outer shapes of the cover protection member 44 and the cover 43, when viewed in the height direction Z, are circular. In this embodiment, the outer shapes, from smallest to largest, when viewed in the height direction Z are the rod 41, cover protection member 44, head 42, cover 43, and opening 1B. By making the outer shape of the opening 1B the largest, the range within which the operating member 4 can tilt can be increased. Furthermore, when the opening 1B is larger than the outer shape of the base 5, the input device 1D can be easily mounted on the substrate 11 through the opening 1B. Furthermore, the outer shape of the opening 1B, when viewed in the height direction Z, can also be smaller than the outer shapes of the cover protection member 44, the head 42, or the cover 43. This structure makes it difficult for dust and dirt to enter through the gap between the rod 41 and the opening 1B. The outer shape of the cover protection member 44 and the outer shape of the cover 43 when viewed from the height direction Z are not particularly limited and may be other shapes such as elliptical or polygonal.

[0074] According to this embodiment, a cover protection member 44 is provided around the rod portion 41 and is located in contact with the portion of the cover 43 that covers the lower side 42B of the head portion 42. This prevents the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is located closer to the rod portion 41 than the outer edge 44A of the cover protection member 44 in the surface direction, and maintains the contact between the head portion 42 and the cover 43.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 43 is provided at a position sandwiched in the axial direction by the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. This further prevents the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 provided closer to the rod 41 than the outer edge 44A of the cover protection member 44 in the surface direction, and further maintains the contact between the head 42 and the cover 43.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover protection member 44 is provided so as to protrude in the surface direction from the rod portion 41. This further prevents the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is provided closer to the rod portion 41 in the surface direction than the cover protection member 44, and further maintains the contact between the head portion 42 and the cover 43.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the end portion 43A of the cover 43 is provided on the lower side 42B of the head portion 42 so as to surround the rod portion 41, and the cover protection member 44 is provided so as to cover the end portion 43A of the cover 43. This further prevents the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is provided closer to the rod portion 41 than the cover protection member 44 in the surface direction, and further maintains the contact between the head portion 42 and the cover 43.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the end portion 43A of the cover 43 contacts the rod portion 41 at the lower side 42B of the head portion 42. This further prevents the user's finger from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is provided closer to the rod portion 41 than the cover protection member 44 in the surface direction, and further maintains the contact between the head portion 42 of the operating member 4 and the cover.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction, the outer shape of the cover protection member 44 is smaller than that of the cover 43. This prevents the user's finger from accidentally contacting the cover protection member 44 before the cover 43, thereby reducing operability.

[0080] (First Modification)

[0081] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the length L1 from the center of the rod portion 41 to the outer edge portion 44A of the cover protection member 44 is longer than the diameter of the opening portion 1B of the controller housing 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the length L1 from the center of the rod portion 41 to the outer edge portion 44A of the cover protection member 44 may be shorter than the diameter of the opening portion 1B of the controller case 1 .

[0082] (Second Modification)

[0083] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cover protection member 44 is provided outside the controller housing 1 at a position in contact with the cover 43, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 5 As shown, the cover protection member 44 may also be provided on the outside of the shell at a position opposite to the cover 43. That is, a gap CL1 may also be provided between the cover protection member 44 and the cover 43. According to this structure, it is also possible to prevent the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is provided on the side of the rod 41 in the surface direction relative to the cover protection member 44, and the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43 can be maintained. In addition, it is also possible to provide a cover protection member 44 that is provided around the rod 41 and is not in contact with the cover 43. According to this structure, it is also possible to prevent the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is provided on the side of the rod 41 in the surface direction relative to the cover protection member 44, and the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43 can be maintained.

[0084] (Third Modification)

[0085] In addition, in the above embodiment, the rod portion 41 has a cylindrical shape and is provided in a manner extending axially from the inside to the outside of the controller housing 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the base 5 may include a protrusion 52 protruding in the axial direction from the upper surface 51A of the module case 51, and the protrusion 52 is inserted into one end of the rod 41. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating member 4 may also include a flange portion 45 protruding outward from one end portion of the rod portion 41 inside the controller housing 1. Figure 6 As shown, the flange portion 45 may also have a dome shape. The flange portion 45 may also be configured to be larger than the opening portion 1B of the controller case 1. This can prevent the base 5 and other components arranged inside the controller case 1 from being seen from the outside of the controller case 1 through the opening portion 1B.

[0086] (Fourth Modification)

[0087] In addition, in the above embodiment, the operating member 4 is configured to be tiltable in the plane direction along the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 7 As shown, it can also be configured to be able to slide along the surface direction of the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1. In addition, in the above embodiment, the head 42 is formed into a hemispherical or substantially hemispherical shape, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the head portion 42 may also be formed in a flat plate shape or a substantially flat plate shape. In addition, the outer shape of the head portion 42 when viewed from the axial direction may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In addition, the flange portion 45 may also be formed in a flat plate shape or a substantially flat plate shape. In addition, the outer shape of the flange portion 45 when viewed from the axial direction may also be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In addition, the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1 and the upper surface 51A of the module housing 51 are not limited to planes, and may also be, for example, curved surfaces. In this case, the "surface direction" along the upper surface 1A of the controller housing 1 or the upper surface 51A of the module housing 51 may also be a direction along the curved surface.

[0088] (Fifth Modification)

[0089] In addition, if Figure 8As shown, a step portion 42C that is axially recessed away from the base 5 and the controller housing 1 may be provided on the peripheral side portion of the head 42 that is located outside the outer edge of the cover protection member 44 when viewed from the axial direction. According to this structure, the contact area between the peripheral side portion of the head 42 that is not protected by the cover protection member 44 and the cover 43 can be increased, thereby further maintaining the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43. The angle of the step portion 42C can be any one of an acute angle, a right angle, and an obtuse angle. When the angle of the step portion 42C is an acute angle (that is, the cross-section of the step portion 42C is Z-shaped), the contact area between the peripheral side portion of the head 42 that is not protected by the cover protection member 44 and the cover 43 can be further increased, thereby further maintaining the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43.

[0090] (Sixth Modification)

[0091] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown, the operating member 4 may also include a columnar member 46 extending axially between the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. The columnar member 46 penetrates the cover 43 axially and contacts the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. According to this structure, even if the cover 43 is about to fall off, it can be prevented from falling off by being stuck on the columnar member 46. In addition, by making the columnar member 46 contact with the cover 43, the contact area between the cover 43 and the head 42 and the cover protection member 44 can be increased, further maintaining the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43. In addition, the columnar member 46 may also be in contact with only one of the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. According to this structure, the contact area between the cover 43 and the head 42 or the cover protection member 44 can be increased by the columnar member 46, further maintaining the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43. The columnar member 46 may be formed integrally with either or both of the head 42 and the cover protection member 44. In addition, in Figure 9 Although two columnar members 46 are shown, the number of columnar members 46 is not particularly limited and may be one or three or more. The shape of columnar members 46 is not particularly limited and may be cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal. Furthermore, columnar members 46 do not necessarily need to be in contact with cover 43.

[0092] (7th Modification)

[0093] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cover protection member 44 is configured as an annular protrusion protruding outward from the rod portion 41, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 10As shown, the cover protection member 44 does not contact the rod 41 in the X direction or the Y direction. Alternatively, the cover protection member 44 and the rod 41 are not formed integrally. That is, a gap CL2 may be provided between the inner edge of the cover protection member 44 and the rod 41. In this case, the cover protection member 44 is connected to the head 42 via a columnar member 46, for example, so that the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43 can be maintained. In this case, similar to the case where the cover protection member 44 and the rod 41 are in contact with each other, it is also possible to prevent the user's fingers from accidentally touching the portion of the cover 43 that is arranged on the side of the rod 41 in the planar direction relative to the cover protection member 44, and the contact state between the head 42 and the cover 43 can be maintained. In addition, in this case, the cover protection member may not be provided to cover the end 43A of the cover 43.

[0094] (Variation 8)

[0095] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, the end 43A of the cover 43 may be arranged along the rod 41 in a direction away from the head 42, passing through the gap CL2 between the inner edge of the cover protection member 44 and the rod 41. In this case, the cover protection member 44 may be arranged to be fitted with the end 43A of the cover 43 without being connected to the head 42 via the columnar member 46. In addition, the cover protection member 44 may be made of a different resin from the rod 41 and the head 42.

[0096] In addition, by appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the effects possessed by each can be exhibited.

[0097] While the present disclosure has been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0098] Industrial Application Possibilities

[0099] The input device and controller disclosed herein can maintain contact between the head of the operating member and the cover, and are therefore useful as input devices and controllers used in various electronic devices such as game consoles, smartphones, and personal computers.

[0100] Description of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1. Controller housing; 1A. Upper surface; 1B. Opening; 2. Operation button; 3. Operation button; 4. Operation member; 5. Base; 11. Substrate; 41. Rod; 41A. One end; 42. Head; 42A. Upper side; 42B. Lower side; 42C. Step; 43. Cover; 43A. End; 44. Cover protection member; 44A. Outer edge; 45. Flange; 51. Module housing; 51A. Upper surface; 52. Protrusion; ID. Input device.

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a module housing; and an operating member protruding from one surface of the module housing and capable of tilting or sliding in a direction along the one surface of the module housing, wherein The operating member comprises: a rod portion extending in a direction intersecting the surface direction of the module housing; a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the module housing and extending along the surface direction; a hood covering the upper and lower sides of the head; as well as A cover protection member is provided around the rod portion and is located in contact with a portion of the cover that covers the lower side of the head.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein The cover is provided at a position sandwiched between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends.

3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover protection member protrudes from the rod portion toward the surface. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein: On the lower side of the head, the end of the cover is arranged in a manner to surround the rod. The cover protection member is provided so as to cover an end portion of the cover.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein An end portion of the cover is in contact with the rod portion on the lower side of the head portion. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein: When viewed from a direction in which the rod portion extends, the cover protection member has an outer shape smaller than an outer shape of the cover.

7. The input device according to claim 1, wherein The head portion has an outer peripheral portion located outside the outer edge of the cover protection member when viewed in the direction in which the rod extends, and a step portion is provided that is recessed in the direction in which the rod extends so as to be away from the module case.

8. The input device according to claim 1, wherein The operating member further includes a columnar member extending between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends. The columnar member is in contact with the cover, and the head or the cover protection member.

9. The input device according to claim 8, wherein The columnar member penetrates the cover in a direction in which the rod portion extends and contacts the head portion and the cover protection member.

10. A controller comprising: a controller housing for a user to hold; and an operating member, a portion of which protrudes from one surface of the controller housing and can be tilted or slid in a direction along the surface of the controller housing, wherein The operating member comprises: a rod portion extending from the inside to the outside of the controller housing in a direction intersecting the surface direction; a head portion connected to one end portion of the rod portion outside the controller housing and extending along the surface direction; a cover covering the upper and lower sides of the head; as well as A cover protection member is provided outside the controller housing around the rod portion and at a position facing a portion of the cover covering the lower side.

11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: The cover is provided at a position sandwiched between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends.

12. The controller according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The cover protection member protrudes from the rod portion toward the surface.

13. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: On the lower side of the head, the end of the cover is arranged in a manner to surround the rod. The cover protection member is provided so as to cover an end portion of the cover.

14. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: The cover protection member is provided around the rod portion on the lower side of the head portion at a position in contact with the cover.

15. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: An end portion of the cover is in contact with the rod portion on the lower side of the head portion.

16. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: When viewed from a direction in which the rod portion extends, the cover protection member has an outer shape smaller than an outer shape of the cover.

17. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: The head portion has an outer peripheral portion located outside the outer edge of the cover protection member when viewed in the direction in which the rod portion extends, and a step portion is provided that is recessed in the direction in which the rod portion extends so as to be away from the controller case.

18. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: The operating member further includes a columnar member extending between the head and the cover protection member in the direction in which the rod portion extends. The columnar member is in contact with the cover, and the head or the cover protection member.

19. The controller according to claim 18, wherein: The columnar member penetrates the cover in a direction in which the rod portion extends and contacts the head portion and the cover protection member.

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