Multi-directional input device

Abstract

A multi-directional input device capable of accurately detecting an operation amount is provided with: an operation member having a shaft portion and capable of performing a tilting operation and a pressing operation; a movable shaft member provided inside the shaft portion so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a part of the movable shaft member protruding downward from the shaft portion; a biasing member provided inside the shaft portion and biasing the movable shaft member downward; a magnet disposed inside the movable shaft member; a magnetic sensor disposed below the movable shaft member; a contact member which is provided at a position facing the bottom of the movable shaft member and on which the bottom slides in accordance with the tilting of the operation member; a pressing sensor that detects the pressing operation of the operation member; and a restoring mechanism that restores the operating member to a neutral state, and when the pressing operation is performed, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor is not changed by compressing the biasing member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with the application date of September 6, 2021, application number 202180051419.8, and invention name “Multi-directional input device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there is a multi-directional input device comprising: a housing having a space therein; an operating member partially exposed from the housing and receiving an operator's operation; first and second drive members arranged in mutually orthogonal directions within the housing and rotating in response to a tilting operation of the operating member; and a rotation detection mechanism for detecting the rotation of the first and second drive members. The rotation detection mechanism comprises: a holder connected to the first and second drive members and holding magnets; a magnetic detection element disposed opposite the magnets held by the holder; and a cover rotatably housing the holder and being attached from the outside of the housing with the magnetic detection element positioned in a predetermined position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-299755 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, when the operating member is operated, if the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor changes, the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor changes depending on the operation state, and thus the amount of operation may not be accurately detected.

[0009] Therefore, an object is to provide a multi-directional input device capable of accurately detecting an operation amount.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] The multi-directional input device of an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an operating component having a shaft portion capable of tilting and pressing operations; a movable shaft component, which is configured to be movable in the up and down directions inside the shaft portion, and a portion of which protrudes downward from the shaft portion; a force-applying component, which is provided inside the shaft portion and applies force to the movable shaft component downward; a magnet, which is arranged inside the movable shaft portion; a magnetic sensor, which is arranged below the movable shaft portion; an abutment component, which is provided at a position opposite to the bottom of the movable shaft component and allows the bottom to slide as the operating component tilts; a pressure sensor, which detects the pressing operation of the operating component; and a recovery mechanism, which restores the operating component to a neutral state, and when the pressing operation is performed, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor does not change by compressing the force-applying component.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] A multi-directional input device capable of accurately detecting an operation amount can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 1 is an illustrative diagram showing a multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 1 is a diagram exemplarily showing a disassembled state of the multi-directional input device 100 .

[0016] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 An example of a cross section viewed along the AA line.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 An example of a cross section viewed along the BB line.

[0018] Figure 5 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 .

[0019] Figure 6 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 .

[0020] Figure 7 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 .

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment (with the housing removed).

[0023] Figure 10It is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a plan view of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment (with the housing and actuator removed).

[0026] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a multi-directional input device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0028] <Implementation Method>

[0029] Figure 1 1 is an illustrative diagram showing a multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a diagram exemplarily showing a disassembled state of the multi-directional input device 100 . Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 An example of a cross section viewed along the AA line. Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 An example of a cross section viewed along the BB line.

[0030] In the following, for the sake of convenience, the top view is referred to as XY plane observation, the negative Z-axis side is referred to as the lower side or lower, and the positive Z-axis side is referred to as the upper side or upper, but this does not represent a universal upper-lower relationship.

[0031] The multi-directional input device 100 includes a housing 110, a frame 120, an FPC (Flexible printed circuit) 125, a metal contact 130A, a magnetic sensor 130B, a core column 140, a plate 150, actuators 160A, 160B, a spacer 160C, a spring 160D, a spring 160E, a magnet 170, a cover 180, a magnetic shield 185, a rod 190, and a cover 195.

[0032] The multi-directional input device 100 is an input device that can perform an operation of tilting the rod 190 and an operation of downwardly pressing the rod 190. Such a multi-directional input device 100 can be used for an operation unit of a game machine, for example.

[0033] The housing 110 is made of resin, for example, and includes a main body 111 and a dome portion 112. The main body 111 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped component without a bottom. When the frame 120 is attached from below, the main body 111 becomes a component with a bottom. The housing 110 and the frame 120 are examples of a housing, and the main body 111 and the frame 120 are examples of a housing body.

[0034] The dome portion 112 is a portion that protrudes upward in a dome shape 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 portion 112 has a spherical shape.

[0035] The frame 120 is made of a metal soft magnetic system and has an opening 121 and a snap-fitting portion 122. The opening 121 is for the snap-fitting portion 111A protruding from the side of the main body 111 of the housing 110 to be embedded. The snap-fitting portion 122 is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the frame 120 is bent and engaged with the main body 111 when mounted on the main body 111. The frame 120 has a magnetic shielding effect similar to the magnetic shield 185, thereby reducing the influence of the disturbance magnetic field on the magnetic sensor 130B and suppressing magnetic flux leakage from the built-in magnet 170 to the outside.

[0036] An FPC 125 is arranged on the upper surface of a portion parallel to the XY plane in the center of the housing 120. The space enclosed by the housing 120 and the casing 110 houses the FPC 125, the metal contact 130A, the magnetic sensor 130B, the stem 140, the plate 150, the actuator 160A, a portion of the actuator 160B, and a portion of the magnet 170.

[0037] The frame 120 may be any component as long as it is attached to the main body 111 of the housing 110 from below and can realize the aforementioned storage space, and the mounting structure to the housing 110 may be any structure.

[0038] The FPC 125 is a component having a wiring pattern formed on a surface of polyimide or the like, for example, and has a wiring portion 125A. An electronic component 125B, a metal contact 130A, and a magnetic sensor 130B are mounted on the FPC 125.

[0039] Metal contact 130A is an example of a pressure sensor and is mounted on the -X direction side of the top surface of FPC 125. Metal contact 130A has a metal dome that can reverse. The dome is convex upward. When pressed downward by stem 140, the reverse motion causes it to convex downward, thereby detecting a press operation in the Z direction.

[0040] The magnetic sensor 130B is mounted substantially at the center of the upper surface of the FPC 125. The magnetic sensor 130B includes sensors for detecting changes in the magnetic field in the X direction and in the Y direction, and detects displacement of the magnet 170 in the X and Y directions.

[0041] The stem 140 is, for example, a member made of resin, and is provided to press the metal contact 130A downward.

[0042] The plate 150 is made of metal, for example, and has a base 151, legs 152, and extensions 153. The plate 150 is an example of a plate-shaped member. The base 151 is located in the center of the plate 150 and is used to support the 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 the FPC 125, so that the base 151 is located higher than the FPC 125 by the height of the legs 152. The magnetic sensor 130B and a portion of the electronic component 125B are arranged below the base 151. However, since the base 151 is located higher than the FPC 125 by the height of the legs 152, the magnetic sensor 130B and the electronic component 125B can be protected even if the actuator 160B is pressed downward. The plate 150 is fixed to the housing 110 via an extension portion 153 extending outward from the base portion 151 in a plan view.

[0043] The actuator 160A is made of resin, for example, and is an example of a movable portion. The actuator 160A includes a base 161A, an opening 162A, shafts 163A and 164A, a side portion 165A, and a through hole 166A.

[0044] The actuator 160A holds the rod 190 so that it can tilt in the X-axis direction, and the actuator 160A can tilt in the Y-axis direction relative to the housing 110. The X-axis is an example of a first axis, and the Y-axis is an example of a second axis. Figure 3 As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 , the rod 190 can be tilted in the X direction with the Y axis as the rotation axis. The ability to tilt in the Y direction means that the actuator 160A is as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown by the arrow, the X-axis can be used as the rotation axis and the tilting can be done in the Y direction. The tilting in the Y direction is an example of the tilting in the second axis direction.

[0045] The base 161A is the main body of the actuator 160A and has a dome shape. The dome shape of the base 161A corresponds to the spherical surface on the lower surface side of the dome portion 112 of the housing 110. An opening 162A is provided at the top of the base 161A. Figure 4 The length ratio in the X direction is shown Figure 3 The length in the Y direction is shown to be long.

[0046] A shaft portion 163A is provided on the -X side of base portion 161A, and a shaft portion 164A is provided on the +X 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 base portion 161A on the ±Y sides are parallel to the XZ plane and have a shape similar to a dome cut through. A through-hole 166A is provided in side portion 165A.

[0047] The shaft portions 163A and 164A are provided to enable the actuator 160A to tilt in the Y direction relative to the housing 110. The upper surfaces of the shaft portions 163A and 164A are curved like side surfaces of a cylinder having the X axis as a central axis.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, shaft 163A is embedded in recess 111B inside body 111 of housing 110. The width of recess 111B in the Y-axis direction matches the width of shaft 163A in the Y-axis direction. Recess 111B holds shaft 163A so that it can rotate in the YZ plane about the X-axis.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the shaft portion 164A is embedded in the recess 111C on the inner side of the main body 111 of the housing 110. Figure 4 As shown, the shaft portion 164A is longer in the Z direction than the shaft portion 163A.

[0050] The upper surface of shaft portion 164A is curved to form the side surface of a cylinder centered on the X-axis. The width of recess 111C in the Y-axis direction matches the width of shaft portion 164A in the Y-axis direction. Recess 111C holds shaft portion 164A in place, allowing it to rotate within the YZ plane about the X-axis.

[0051] The shaft portion 193 of the rod 190 is inserted into the through hole 166A, and the rod 190 is held so as to be tiltable in the X direction about the Y axis as the rotation axis. Tiltability in the X direction is an example of tiltability in the first axis direction.

[0052] When the rod 190 is pushed downward (pressed), the actuator 160A is actuated. Figure 4 The center axis portion 163A moves so as to deviate obliquely downward, pressing the stem 140 downward. As a result, the metal contact 130A performs a reverse operation.

[0053] The actuator 160B is an example of a movable shaft and is a member that supports the rod 190 relative to the bottom of the housing 110. The actuator 160B includes a cylindrical portion 161B, a seat portion 162B, a protruding portion 163B, and a notch portion 164B.

[0054] The cylindrical portion 161B is held inside the rod 190. A base 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 includes a cylindrical housing portion 161B1 and 161B2, and a convex portion 161B3. The housing portion 161B1 is a space below the convex portion 161B3 within the cylindrical interior of the cylindrical portion 161B, and the housing portion 161B2 is a space above the convex portion 161B3 within the cylindrical interior of the cylindrical portion 161B. The convex portion 161B3 is a portion that protrudes inward in a circular ring shape slightly above the middle of the cylindrical interior in the vertical direction. The convex portion 161B3 has a through hole at the center in a plan view, so that the housing portions 161B1 and 161B2 communicate with each other.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner diameters of the housing portion 161B1 differ between the lower end 161B11 and the upper end 161B12. The inner diameter of the lower end 161B11 is slightly larger than that of the upper end 161B12. A slight 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 in the direction of extension and contraction of the spring 160E. The inner diameter of the lower end 161B11 is slightly larger than that of the upper end 161B12 to facilitate insertion of the magnet 170.

[0056] The storage portion 161B1 stores the spacer 160C and the magnet 170, and the storage portion 161B2 stores a portion of the spring 160D and 160E. The lower end of the spring 160E is inserted into the through hole in the center of the convex portion 161B3.

[0057] The base portion 162B is a disc-shaped portion having a larger diameter than 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 contacts the upper surface of the plate 150 .

[0058] Protrusion 163B is a rectangular parallelepiped portion protruding from the lower end of cylindrical portion 161B in the ±Y directions. The width of protrusion 163B in the X direction is narrower than the width of cylindrical portion 161B. Protrusion 163B is provided to prevent actuator 160B from rotating within shaft portion 192 of rod 190.

[0059] The cutouts 164B are formed by cutting away both sides of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 161B of the actuator 160B in the ±Y directions. A straight line connecting the centers of the widths of the two cutouts 164B in the X direction passes through the central axis of the cylindrical portion 161B and is parallel to the Y axis.

[0060] The spacer 160C includes a base 161C, a spherically curved curved portion 162C, and protrusions 163C. The base 161C is a cylindrical portion having the curved portion 162C provided on its lower side and two protrusions 163C provided on its side surfaces protruding in the ±Y directions.

[0061] Curved portion 162C protrudes downward from the lower surface of base portion 161C and has a spherically curved surface. The curved surface of curved portion 162C contacts base portion 151 of plate 150. The curved surface of curved portion 162C has a constant curvature radius from the center of the upper surface of base portion 161C. Figure 3 The dotted arrow in the figure indicates the radius of curvature. Since base 161C and magnet 170 are arranged so that the central axes of the cylindrical shapes coincide, the curved surface of curved portion 162C has a constant radius of curvature from the center of the lower surface of magnet 170. By providing curved portion 162C with this curved surface, the distance between magnet 170 and magnetic sensor 130B, which is arranged on the lower surface side of base 151 of plate 150, remains constant when rod 190 is tilted in various directions.

[0062] A straight line connecting the centers of the X-direction widths of the two protrusions 163C passes through the center of the base when viewed from above and is parallel to the Y-axis. The X-direction width of protrusion 163C matches that of notch 164B in actuator 160B, and the protrusion 163C fits into notch 164B. Protrusion 163C is provided to prevent spacer 160C from rotating relative to actuator 160B within the XY plane.

[0063] The spring 160D is an example of a first spring and is provided between the convex portion 161B3 of the actuator 160B and the upper end surface of the concave portion 191A of the operating portion 191 of the lever 190. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, when the lever 190 is in a neutral position with no operation being performed, the spring 160D is contracted further than its natural length between the convex portion 161B3 and the upper end surface of the concave portion 191A, thereby biasing the actuator 160B downward relative to the lever 190. The spring 160D is provided to return the lever 190 to its pre-operation position.

[0064] Spring 160E is an example of a second spring and is provided between the upper surface of magnet 170 and the upper end surface of recess 191B of operating portion 191 of lever 190. The lower end of spring 160E is inserted through the through hole in the center of protrusion 161B3 and abuts against the upper surface of magnet 170. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, when the lever 190 is in a neutral position and not being operated, the spring 160E is contracted further than its natural length between the upper surface of the magnet 170 and the upper end surface of the recess 191B, thereby biasing the magnet 170 downward relative to the lever 190. The spring 160E is provided to maintain a constant height position of the magnet 170 relative to the spacer 160C and the plate 150.

[0065] Magnet 170 is a rod-shaped permanent magnet. For example, its upper half has an S pole and its lower half has an N pole. The upper end of magnet 170 is inserted into upper end 161B12 of housing 161B1 of actuator 160B, while the lower half is inserted into lower end 161B11 of housing 161B1 of actuator 160B.

[0066] The cover 180 is an example of a cover member and is configured to be stronger than the rod 190. The cover 180 includes a base 181 and a dome portion 182. The base 181 is a cylindrical portion having a through hole 181A extending in the Z direction. Figure 2 As shown, the through hole 181A has a shape that is shorter in the X-axis direction and longer in the Y-axis direction.

[0067] The shaft portion 192 of the rod 190 is inserted through the through hole 181A. The dome portion 182 is provided on the lower side of the base portion 181. The base portion 181 and the top of the dome portion 182 are provided continuously.

[0068] The cover 180 is inserted into the shaft portion 192 of the lever 190 via the through hole 181A and is attached to the lower side of the operating portion 191 of the lever 190 .

[0069] Dome portion 182 is an example of a contact portion. The upper surface (curved surface on the +Z direction side) and lower surface (curved surface on the -Z direction side) of dome portion 182 have spherical shapes. Dome portion 182 and dome portion 112 of housing 110 have shapes equivalent to portions of two concentric spheres. Two concentric spheres are spheres with the same center. Dome portion 182 and dome portion 112 of housing 110 have shapes equivalent to portions of two such hollow spheres.

[0070] 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 portion 182 and the dome portion 112 of the housing 110. The neutral position is a position in which the rod 190 is not tilted in either the X or Y direction and is not pressed downward.

[0071] When rod 190 is pushed downward, the lower surface of dome portion 182 of cover 180 contacts the upper surface of dome portion 112 of housing 110. Since cover 180 is attached to the lower surface of operating portion 191 of rod 190, when rod 190 is pushed downward, cover 180 becomes sandwiched between the lower surface of operating portion 191 and the upper surface of dome portion 112 of housing 110. At this point, rod 190 presses actuator 160A downward, causing stem 140 to press metal contact 130A, causing metal contact 130A to reverse. Furthermore, springs 160D and 160E contract, maintaining a constant distance between magnet 170 and magnetic sensor 130B.

[0072] The lower surface of dome portion 182 of cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of dome portion 112 of housing 110, sandwiching cover 180 between the lower surface of operating portion 191 and the upper surface of dome portion 112 of housing 110. This prevents lever 190 from being pushed downward into metal contact 130A beyond the extent of its rotation. This prevents damage to magnetic sensor 130B, electronic component 125B, and the like.

[0073] Furthermore, since the cover 180 is stronger than the rod 190, the thickness of the dome portion 182 can be reduced. For example, the cover 180 may be made of a synthetic resin having a high hardness.

[0074] Since the diameter of the operating portion 191 is larger than that of the shaft portion 192, the rod 190 and the cover 180 cannot be integrally formed by molding, but must be manufactured separately. If the rod 190 and the cover 180 are separate, they can be manufactured from different materials. Therefore, by manufacturing the cover 180 from a material stronger than the rod 190, the cover 180 can be made thinner and lighter without reducing its strength compared to a case of integral manufacturing.

[0075] Lever 190 is an example of an operating component and includes an operating portion 191 and a shaft 192. Operating portion 191 is a disc-shaped component having a larger diameter than shaft 192. A cover 195 is attached to the upper surface of operating portion 191. Operating portion 191 has a recess 191A and a recess 191B on its inner side. Recess 191A is a portion that is connected to inner wall 192B of cylindrical shaft 192 and is recessed upward. Recess 191B is further recessed upward from the center of the upper end surface of recess 191A. The upper end of spring 160D abuts against the upper end surface of recess 191A, and the upper end of spring 160E abuts against the upper end surface of recess 191B.

[0076] The shaft portion 192 is a cylindrical portion extending downward from the center of the lower surface of the operating portion 191. Figure 3As shown, shaft portion 192 has protrusions 192A protruding from both sides of the lower side in the Y direction. The two protrusions 192A protrude from both sides of the lower side of cylindrical shaft portion 192 in the Y direction, forming a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from above. The width of protrusions 192A in the X direction is narrower than the width of the cylinder of shaft portion 192. The center of the width of protrusions 192A in the X direction coincides with the center of the width of the cylinder of shaft portion 192. Inner wall 192A1 of protrusion 192A is recessed in the Y direction from inner wall 192B of cylindrical shaft portion 192, similar to the outer shape of protrusion 192A.

[0077] The protrusion 163B of the actuator 160B is embedded inside the protrusion 192A. This is to prevent the actuator 160B from rotating in the XY plane relative to the rod 190. This is to prevent 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 around the central axis of the cylindrical part 161B as the rod 190 is operated, the upper surface of the protrusion 161B3 is cut by the end of the spring 160D. In addition, the rod 190 can be more Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The shown neutral state is pushed further downward, so in the neutral state, the inner wall 192A1 of the protrusion 192A extends further upward than the protrusion 163B of the actuator 160B. This is so that the protrusion 163B can move relatively upward inside the protrusion 192A when the rod 190 is pushed in.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the shaft portion 192 is inserted into the through-hole 181A from above with the protrusion 192A positioned on the Y-direction side of the through-hole 181A of the cover 180. Thus, the cover 180 and the rod 190 are fixed.

[0079] The two protruding portions 192A are each provided with a shaft portion 193 that protrudes outward in the Y direction in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the shaft portion 193 is inserted into the through hole 166A of the actuator 160A and is held by the through hole 166A so as to be rotatable about the Y axis. Thus, the rod 190 is attached to the actuator 160A and can be moved relative to the actuator 160A in the X direction ( Figure 3 Pour in the direction of the arrow shown).

[0080] Furthermore, magnet 170 abuts base 151 of plate 150 via spacer 160C. Spacer 160C has curved portion 162C having a curved surface with a constant radius of curvature from the center of the lower surface of magnet 170. Therefore, without pushing rod 190 downward and causing it to tilt in the X and Y directions, the distance between magnetic sensor 130B and magnet 170 can be maintained constant, allowing magnetic sensor 130B to accurately detect the direction in which magnet 170 is tilted. The tilting direction of magnet 170 is the same as the tilting direction of shaft portion 192 of rod 190.

[0081] The reason why magnetic sensor 130B accurately detects the tilting direction of magnet 170 is as follows. When rod 190 is in a neutral position, the magnetic field of magnet 170 is oriented in the Z-axis direction, and no X-axis or Y-axis magnetic fields are present. When rod 190 is tilted, the X-axis or Y-axis magnetic field increases depending on the tilt angle, enabling magnetic sensor 130B to accurately detect the tilt angle.

[0082] For example, when the rod 190 is tilted, the magnet 170 is lifted and the distance between the magnet 170 and the magnetic sensor 130B changes as the lower end of the rod 190 swings. Since the intensity of the magnetic field of the X-axis component or the Y-axis component changes due to the changes in both the tilting angle and the distance, the tilting angle cannot be accurately detected.

[0083] For this reason, in the embodiment, spacer 160C is interposed between magnet 170 and base portion 151 of plate 150 .

[0084] Furthermore, a spacer 160C is interposed between magnet 170 and base 151, and a spring 160E is provided between magnet 170 and rod 190. Therefore, even when rod 190 is pressed downward, the distance between magnet 170 and magnetic sensor 130B remains constant. Whether rod 190 is pressed in from a neutral position or tilted from a neutral position, the distance between magnet 170 and magnetic sensor 130B remains constant. Therefore, even when rod 190 is pressed in, the distance between magnetic sensor 130B and magnet 170 is maintained constant, and even when rod 190 is pressed in, the direction in which magnet 170 is tilted can be accurately detected by magnetic sensor 130B.

[0085] In addition, the opening 162A Figure 3 The length ratio in the Y direction is shown Figure 4 The length in the X direction shown is short, and the protruding portion 192A of the shaft portion 192 protrudes in the Y direction. Therefore, the shaft portion 192 cannot be removed from the actuator 160A in the upward direction.

[0086] The cover 195 is a disk-shaped member made of resin, for example, and is attached to the operating portion 191 of the lever 190 .

[0087] The magnetic shield 185 is provided to prevent the magnetic field of the magnet 170 from leaking to the outside, to shield (shield) the magnetic sensor 130B from being affected by noise such as external electromagnetic waves, and to accurately detect the operation amount. In addition, the magnetic shield 185 also serves to strengthen the frame 120 and also serves to suppress damage to the magnetic sensor 130B and the electronic component 125B. The magnetic shield 185 is made of a soft magnetic metal and is made by bending a metal plate in the same manner as 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 portion of the ±Y direction side of the magnetic shield 185 and is provided to contact the frame 120. As Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic shield 185 is assembled into the housing 110 from the bottom side thereof, shielding the magnetic sensor 130B located in the space between the magnetic shield 185 and the frame 120 from external noise such as electromagnetic waves.

[0088] Next, use Figures 5 to 7 , the actions when operating the multi-directional input device 100 are described. Figures 5 to 7 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-directional input device 100. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the XZ cross section shows a state in which the rod 190 is tilted in the −X direction without being pushed downward.

[0089] When the lever 190 is tilted in the -X direction, the shaft portion 192 contacts the opening 112A of the dome portion 112 of the housing 110, thereby restricting the movement of the lever 190. This also applies when the lever 190 is tilted in the +X direction.

[0090] In addition, according to Figure 3 As can be seen, when rod 190 is tilted in the ±Y directions, shaft portion 192 abuts against opening 112A of dome portion 112 of housing 110, thereby restricting the movement of rod 190. Furthermore, at this time, the distance between magnetic sensor 130B and magnet 170 remains constant. This is because spacer 160C has curved portion 162C with a constant radius of curvature.

[0091] exist Figure 6 The state where the rod 190 is pressed downward is shown in FIG. Figure 6shows an XZ cross section. For example, if rod 190 is pushed downward a certain amount from its neutral position, springs 160D and 160E are compressed, causing rod 190 to move downward. This in turn causes actuator 160A to move diagonally downward in the XZ cross section, pressing stem 140 downward. As a result, metal contact 130A reverses.

[0092] Furthermore, when rod 190 is pushed in a certain amount as described above, the lower surface of dome portion 182 of cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of dome portion 112 of housing 110, preventing rod 190 from being pushed in downward beyond the certain amount. This prevents damage to magnetic sensor 130B, electronic component 125B, and the like.

[0093] Furthermore, the operation of pressing rod 190 downward as described above can be performed from any position, with rod 190 tilted in both directions. Even when rod 190 is tilted, the same as when it is in the neutral position: if rod 190 is pressed downward a certain amount, springs 160D and 160E are compressed, causing rod 190 to move downward. Actuator 160A then moves diagonally downward in the XZ cross-section, pressing core 140 downward. As a result, metal contact 130A reverses. Furthermore, the distance between magnetic sensor 130B and magnet 170 remains constant at this time. This is because spacer 160C has a curved portion 162C with a constant radius of curvature, and the displacement caused by pressing rod 190 is absorbed by springs 160D and 160E, preventing magnet 170 from shifting.

[0094] As described above, even if the rod 190 is tilted from the neutral state, the distance between the magnetic sensor 130B and the magnet 170 can be kept constant. Therefore, the tilting amount of the rod 190 can be accurately detected based on the change in the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 130B.

[0095] Therefore, it is possible to provide the multi-directional input device 100 that can accurately detect the amount of operation.

[0096] Furthermore, even when rod 190 is pushed downward while being tilted from its neutral position, the distance between magnetic sensor 130B and magnet 170 can be maintained constant. Therefore, the amount by which rod 190 has been tilted can be accurately detected based on the change in the intensity of the magnetic field detected by magnetic sensor 130B. Furthermore, the fact that rod 190 has been pushed downward can be detected by metal contact 130A.

[0097] Therefore, it is possible to provide the multi-directional input device 100 that can accurately detect the amount of operation for tilting the lever 190 even when the lever 190 is pushed downward in a state where the lever 190 is tilted from the neutral state.

[0098] In addition, when the lower surface of the dome portion 182 of the cover 180 abuts against the upper surface of the dome portion 112 of the housing 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, lower surface 182A of dome portion 182, which has a larger radius than dome portion 112, abuts against upper surface 112B of dome portion 112. With this configuration, even when rod 190 is pushed downward from its neutral position or when it is pushed downward from a state in which it is tilted in either of the two axial directions, the lower surface of dome portion 182 abuts against the upper surface of dome portion 112.

[0099] Therefore, when the rod 190 is pushed downward, the operation amount of the rod 190 can be kept constant and the operation amount can be stably restricted. In addition, the rod 190 can be effectively prevented from being pushed in more than a certain amount.

[0100] As described above, when rod 190 is pushed downward, lower surface 182A of dome portion 182 of cover 180 abuts upper surface 112B of dome portion 112 of housing 110, preventing rod 190 from being pushed downward beyond the extent of metal contact 130A's reversal. Consequently, damage to magnetic sensor 130B, electronic component 125B, and the like can be suppressed.

[0101] <Second embodiment>

[0102] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] (Overview of Multi-directional Input Device 200)

[0104] Figure 8 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the Z-axis direction in the figure is regarded as the vertical direction, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the figure are regarded as the horizontal direction.

[0105] Figure 8 The multi-directional input device 200 shown is used for a controller of a game console or the like. Figure 8 As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 has a container shape having a substantially cubic shape by combining the frame 210 and the housing 230. Figure 8As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 includes a columnar lever 220 extending upward from an opening 210A of a housing 210, capable of tilting. The multi-directional input device 200 can tilt the lever 220 not only in the X-axis direction (directions indicated by arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the Y-axis direction (directions indicated by arrows D3 and D4 in the figure), but also in all directions between these directions. 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 to the outside via a metal terminal 262 protruding downward from the housing 230. Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 200 can be pressed down by the lever 220, and this pressing operation can be detected by a push switch 234. Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 200 can output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the lever 220 to the outside via a metal terminal 234A protruding downward from the push switch 234.

[0106] (Configuration of Multi-directional Input Device 200)

[0107] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment (with the housing 210 removed). Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 It is a plan view of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment (with the housing 210 and the actuator 240 removed).

[0108] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the multi-directional input device 200 includes a housing 210 , a rod 220 , a housing 230 , an actuator 240 , a holder unit 250 , a base plate 260 , a biasing body 270 , a coil spring 271 , and a contact member 280 .

[0109] The frame 210 is a cover-shaped component with an opening at the bottom. The frame 210 has a roughly cubic shape with an opening at the bottom. The frame 210 is formed by processing a metal plate using various processing methods (for example, punching, bending, and other stamping processes). The frame 210 includes: a flat plate portion 211 that is horizontal and rectangular when viewed from above; and four vertical walls 212 that are arranged to extend downward from the four sides of the flat plate portion 211. The flat plate portion 211 has an opening 210A formed in its center that is circular when viewed from above.

[0110] The lever 220 is the component used by the operator to tilt the lever. The lever 220 comprises a lever portion 221, a shaft portion 222, a rotating shaft portion 223, and a flange portion 224. The lever portion 221 is a roughly cylindrical portion extending upward from the opening 210A of the housing 210 and is used by the operator to tilt the lever. The shaft portion 222 is a cylindrical portion roughly thicker than the lever portion 221, supporting the lower end of the lever 220 within the housing 210. The rotating shaft portion 223 protrudes from near the lower end of the outer circumference of the shaft portion 222 in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis, respectively. The rotating shaft portion 223 is supported by the actuator 240, enabling 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 circumference of the shaft portion 222. A cylindrical housing portion 225 is formed inside the shaft portion 222 of the rod 220. The housing portion 225 is a space open downward. The holder unit 250 is assembled in the housing portion 225.

[0111] The housing 230 is a roughly thin, cubical component with an upper opening. The housing 230 is formed by injection molding a resin material. The housing 230 includes a bottom plate 231, four vertical walls 232, and four sliding ribs 233 (an example of a "guide portion"). The bottom plate 231 is a horizontal, flat portion having a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The four vertical walls 232 are provided upright upward from the four sides of the bottom plate 231. The four sliding ribs 233 are provided extending upward from the four corners of the bottom plate 231. The inner edges of the four sliding ribs 233 are provided toward the center of the housing 230. A push switch 234 and a push switch holder 235 are provided on one of the vertical walls 232 of the housing 230. The push switch 234 is located on the lower side of a rotating shaft 241 of the actuator 240. When the lever 220 is pressed, the push switch 234 is pressed by a rotating shaft 241 of the actuator 240, and the switch is turned on. The push switch 234 has a plurality of metal terminals 234A protruding from the bottom surface. The push switch 234 can output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the lever 220 to the outside via the plurality of metal terminals 234A. The push switch holder 235 holds the push switch 234 from above via a holding portion 235A. In addition, the push switch holder 235 supports the rotating shaft 241 of the actuator 240 so that it can rotate and move downward via a notch 235B cut into a generally circular shape from the bottom side.

[0112] The actuator 240 supports the rod 220 so that it can tilt in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the actuator 240 is supported by the housing 230 and the frame 210 so that it can tilt in the Y-axis direction, thereby being able to tilt along the Y-axis direction with the rod 220. Each end of the actuator 240 in the X-axis direction includes a rotation shaft 241 protruding outward. The rotation shaft 241 is supported by the housing 230 and the frame 210 so that it can rotate in the Y-axis direction about the rotation shaft 241. Furthermore, the actuator 240 includes an opening 242 in the shape of an elongated hole extending in 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 includes a bearing 243 protruding downward. The bearings 243 rotatably support the rotation shaft 223 of the rod 220.

[0113] The holder unit 250 includes a holder 251, a coil spring 252, and a magnet 253. The holder 251 is an example of a "movable shaft member" and is a cylindrical member with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction. The holder 251 is provided in the housing portion 225 of the rod 220 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The coil spring 252 and the magnet 253 are assembled in the inner portion 251A of the cylinder of the holder 251 (see Figure 11 ). The retainer 251 is formed using a resin material. A portion of the lower side of the retainer 251 protrudes downward from the housing 225. A curved convex portion 251B is formed at the bottom of the retainer 251. The curved convex portion 251B is formed by a portion of the spherical surface of a sphere with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. The coil spring 252 is an example of a "first biasing member". 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 extending in the vertical direction formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 225 of the rod 220, thereby preventing the retainer 251 from rotating. The coil spring 252 is arranged on the upper side of the magnet 253 in the inner tube 251A of the retainer 251. The upper end of the coil spring 252 abuts against the ceiling surface of the housing 225 of the rod 220. The lower end of the coil spring 252 abuts against the upper surface of the magnet 253. Coil spring 252 biases holder 251 downward. Magnet 253 is a permanent magnet located at the bottom of cylindrical interior 251A of holder 251. The upper half of magnet 253 is magnetized to the south pole, and the lower half to the north pole. The magnetization of the north and south poles of magnet 253 can be reversed, and can be modified appropriately depending on the configuration of magnetic sensor 261.

[0114] The substrate 260 is a flat plate-shaped component on which various electronic components are mounted. A magnetic sensor 261 is mounted in 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 composed of an element that detects changes in the magnetic field in the X-axis direction, an element that detects changes in the magnetic field in the Y-axis direction, and an element that detects changes in the magnetic field in the Z-axis direction. In addition, a plurality of metal terminals 262 are provided protruding downward on the substrate 260. The metal terminal 262 outputs the signal indicating the change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 detected by the magnetic sensor 261 to the outside as an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation of the rod 220. For example, a PWB (Printed Wiring Board) is used in the substrate 260.

[0115] The force-applying body 270 is a resin component provided on the lower side of the rod 220 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The force-applying body 270 has an opening 270A in the center portion through which the retaining member 251 is inserted. As the rod 220 tilts, the force-applying body 270 is pressed down by the flange portion 224 provided on the rod 220 around the opening 270A. Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , 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. Figure 12 As shown, the force-applying body 270 is provided with a sliding groove 270C (an example of a "guided portion") extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at the front end portion of each of the four arm portions 270B. Figure 12 As shown, each sliding groove 270C engages with each sliding rib 233 provided on the housing 230. Thus, the vertical movement (Z-axis direction) of the force-applying body 270 is guided by the sliding groove 270C and the sliding rib 233 at the front end portion of each of the four arm portions 270B.

[0116] The coil spring 271 is an example of a "second biasing member." The coil spring 271 is located below the biasing member 270. By biasing the biasing member 270 upward, the biasing member 270 pushes the flange 224 of the rod 220 upward, thereby returning the rod 220 to its neutral position. In this embodiment, the multi-directional input device 200 includes four coil springs 271 below each of the four arms 270B of the biasing member 270. Thus, the biasing member 270 applies force evenly to each of the four arms 270B via the four coil springs 271.

[0117] The abutting member 280 is a resin member provided on the lower side of the force-applying body 270. The abutting member 280 has a curved concave portion 281 in its central portion (i.e., a position opposite to the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251). The curved concave portion 281 has a shape that is concave into a roughly hemispherical shape. The curved concave portion 281 is the same as the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251, and is formed along the circumference of a circle of a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. The curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251 abuts against the curved concave portion 281 from above, and the curved convex portion 251B slides as the rod 220 tilts. In addition, the curvature radius of the curved concave portion 281 is equal to the curvature radius of the curved convex portion 251B. The contact member 280 includes retaining members 282 that protrude in four directions at 90-degree intervals relative to the center of the contact member 280. Each retaining member 282 has a cylindrical protrusion 283 that protrudes upward. The protrusion 283 supports the lower end of the coil spring 271 by penetrating from below into the inner side of the coil spring 271. The downward force from the coil spring 271 acts on the upper surface of the substrate 260, thereby securing the substrate 260 to the housing 230.

[0118] (Operation of the Multi-directional Input Device 200)

[0119] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-directional input device 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 1 shows a state where the lever 220 of the multi-directional input device 200 is tilted. Figure 13 As shown, regarding the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is tilted, the holder 251 tilts together with the lever 220. At this time, the multi-directional input device 200 detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 provided in the holder 251 using the magnetic sensor 261 provided below the magnet 253, thereby being able to detect the direction and angle of the tilting operation of the lever 220 with high accuracy.

[0120] At this time, the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251 slides on the curved concave portion 281 of the abutting member 280, thereby restricting the downward movement of the retaining member 251 relative to the rod 220. Here, the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251 and the curved concave portion 281 of the abutting member 280 are both formed along the circumference of a circle centered on the rotation center of the rod 220. Furthermore, the radii of curvature of the curved convex portion 251B and the curved concave portion 281 are equal. Therefore, regardless of the tilt angle of the rod 220 and the retaining member 251, the downward protrusion of the retaining member 251 relative to the rod 220 remains constant.

[0121] Thus, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the distance between the magnet 253 and the magnetic sensor 261 hardly changes when the rod 220 and the holder 251 are tilted. Thus, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can suppress unnecessary fluctuations in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 253 and can suppress a reduction in the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor 261.

[0122] In addition, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment adopts a structure in which the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251 and the curved concave portion 281 of the abutment member 280 slide. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the curved convex portion 251B of the retaining member 251 slides on a plane, when the tilting operation of the rod 220 is released, the rod 220 and the retaining member 251 can be easily restored to the neutral state.

[0123] In addition, if 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 the force-applying body 270 downward. At this time, because the four arms 270B are equally biased by the four coil springs 271, the force-applying body 270 can move downward while maintaining a horizontal position while evenly compressing the four coil springs 271. Furthermore, because the four arms 270B of the force-applying body 270 are equally biased by each of the four coil springs 271, when the pressing operation is released, the force-applying body 270 can move upward while maintaining a horizontal position, returning the lever 220 to its neutral position. Furthermore, because 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 on the housing 230, the force-applying body 270 can also move downward while maintaining a horizontal position.

[0124] Furthermore, when the rod 220 is in the neutral state, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can press the horizontal biasing body 270 against the lower surface of the flange portion 224 of the rod 220 by the biasing force of the four coil springs 271. Thus, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can stably maintain the neutral state of the rod 220 when the rod 220 is in the neutral state.

[0125] Furthermore, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, when the lever 220 is pressed while maintaining the neutral state, the lever 220 presses down one rotation shaft 241 of the actuator 240 via the lever 220, thereby pressing the push switch 234 via the one rotation shaft 241. Thus, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can sense that the lever 220 has been pressed down.

[0126] At this time, the downward movement of the holder 251 provided in the rod 220 is restricted by the curved concave portion 281 of the abutment member 280. Therefore, as the rod 220 moves downward, the coil spring 252 provided between the rod 220 and the holder 251 is compressed, the height position of the holder 251 does not change, and the rod 220 moves downward.

[0127] Thus, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the distance between the magnet 253 provided in the holder 251 and the magnetic sensor 261 does not change when the lever 220 is pressed. Thus, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can suppress unnecessary fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 253 when the lever 220 is pressed, thereby suppressing erroneous detection of a tilting operation by the magnetic sensor 261.

[0128] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, when the rod 220 is tilted to the maximum, the lowermost portion of the magnet 253 (a portion of the peripheral portion of the bottom surface) is located directly above the magnetic sensor 261. Figure 13 As shown, a perpendicular line L1 passing through the lowermost portion of the magnet 253 intersects the upper surface of the magnetic sensor 261 .

[0129] Thus, 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 using the magnetic sensor 261 even when the rod 220 is tilted to the maximum.

[0130] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the flange portion 224 of the lever 220 is provided at a position higher than the curved convex portion 251B of the holder 251. Thus, the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment can reduce the amplitude of the flange portion 224 during a tilting operation of the lever 220, compared to a case where the flange portion 224 is provided at the same position as the curved convex portion 251B.

[0131] In addition, if 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 in the multi-directional input device 200 of the second embodiment, the force-applying body 270 is pressed downwardly by the retaining member 251 before the outermost portion of the retaining member 251, which has tilted together with the rod 220 within the opening 270A of the force-applying body 270, abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the opening 270A. This prevents the outermost portion 251D of the retaining member 251 from abutting against the inner peripheral edge of the opening 270A.

[0132] In the second embodiment, the "four directions" in which the arm portion 270B, the sliding groove 270C, and the sliding rib 233 are provided are all set to be intermediate directions between the X-axis and the Y-axis (directions that are 45 degrees apart), but this is not limiting. For example, the "four directions" may all be set to be the same direction as the X-axis or the Y-axis.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the arms 270B, the sliding grooves 270C, and the sliding ribs 233 are provided in "four directions," but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the arms 270B, the sliding grooves 270C, and the sliding ribs 233 may be provided in three directions.

[0134] In the second embodiment, the "guide portion" on the housing 230 side is the sliding rib 233, and the "guided portion" on the force-applying body 270 side is the sliding groove 270C, but this is not limiting. For example, the "guide portion" on the housing 230 side may be the sliding groove, and the "guided portion" on the force-applying body 270 side may be the sliding rib.

[0135] In the second embodiment, the force-applying body 270 has a configuration in which each of the four arms 270B has a sliding groove 270C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may have four sliding grooves 270C instead of four arms 270B. For example, the force-applying body 270 may have a rectangular shape in plan view, with sliding grooves 270C at each of the four corners.

[0136] The above describes a multi-directional input device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments and uses, and various modifications and changes 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.

[0137] This international application claims the benefit of 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.

[0138] Description of Reference Numerals

[0139] 100 Multi-directional input device

[0140] 110 housing

[0141] 120 frame

[0142] 130A Metal Contact

[0143] 130B Magnetic Sensor

[0144] 160A, 160B actuators

[0145] 160C Spacer

[0146] 162C bending part

[0147] 160D, 160E springs

[0148] 170 magnets

[0149] 180 hood

[0150] 185 Magnetic Shielding

[0151] 190 strokes

[0152] 200 Multi-directional input device

[0153] 210 frame

[0154] 220 rod (operating part)

[0155] 221 Rod

[0156] 222 shaft

[0157] 223 Rotating shaft

[0158] 224 flange

[0159] 230 housing

[0160] 233 sliding rib (guide part)

[0161] 240 actuator

[0162] 250 retainer unit

[0163] 251 retainer (movable shaft component)

[0164] 251B curved convex part

[0165] 252 Coil spring (first force applying member)

[0166] 253 Magnet

[0167] 260 substrate

[0168] 261 Magnetic Sensor

[0169] 270 Force-Exerting Body

[0170] 270A Opening

[0171] 270B Arm

[0172] 270C sliding groove (guided part)

[0173] 271 Coil spring (second force applying member)

[0174] 280 Resistance parts

[0175] 281 curved concave

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device comprising: An operating component having a shaft portion capable of performing a tilting operation and a pressing operation; a movable shaft member disposed inside the shaft portion so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and having a portion thereof protruding downward from the shaft portion; a force applying member, disposed inside the shaft portion, for applying force to the movable shaft member downward; a magnet disposed inside the movable shaft component; a magnetic sensor, disposed below the movable shaft component; an abutment member provided at a position facing the bottom of the movable shaft member, and allowing the bottom to slide as the operating member tilts; A pressure sensor for detecting the pressing operation of the operating component; as well as A recovery mechanism to restore the operating component to a neutral state, When the pressing operation is performed, the urging member is compressed so that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor does not change.

2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, The movable shaft member has a curved convex portion at the bottom. The contact member has a curved concave portion on which the curved convex portion slides.

3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, The movable shaft member has a disc-shaped base portion at the bottom. The contact member is a plate-shaped member on which the disc-shaped base portion slides.

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