Direction input device and joystick device

Abstract

A direction input device and a joystick device are provided. The joystick portion is tilted relative to the joystick module housing. The joystick portion has an operation portion that is at least partially positioned outside an outer edge of a top surface of the joystick module housing when viewed in the third direction. The controller housing has a first hole through which the joystick module passes and which is larger than the operation portion in the second direction. The cover blocks a portion of the first hole and at least a portion of the cover is located between an edge of the first hole and the joystick module housing when viewed in the first direction. The cover does not move relative to the joystick module housing. When viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating portion covers the entire joystick portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a directional input device and a joystick device. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in International Publication No. 2023 / 203799, a structure is known in which the internal structure of the controller housing is suppressed by blocking the hole through which the joystick module passes in the controller housing using the joystick module housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] On the other hand, from an operational point of view, it is sometimes desirable to further increase the size of the operating part of the joystick module. In this case, for example, if the hole in the controller housing is also enlarged to allow the operating part to pass through, a gap will be created between the joystick module housing and the edge of the hole, and internal structures such as the substrate may be exposed when looking through the hole from the outside of the controller.

[0004] If the joystick module housing is also enlarged to block the hole, it could potentially lead to a larger controller. Alternatively, for example, a joystick configuration with a shaft having an umbrella-shaped section extending from below the operating part to a position further outward than the operating part could be considered, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 130596, to cover the gap. However, since such an umbrella-shaped section tilts together with the operating part, space is required for the umbrella-shaped section to move in order to ensure a certain amount of tilting, which could still potentially lead to a larger controller.

[0005] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a joystick module or a directional input device incorporating the joystick module that allows for an increased size of the operating section while suppressing the exposure of the structure located inside the controller housing.

[0006] The directional input device disclosed herein includes: a joystick module having a joystick module housing and a joystick portion; a controller housing; and a cover. The joystick portion extends from an opening in the joystick module housing in a first direction and is tilted relative to the joystick module housing. The joystick portion has an operating part disposed at an end in the first direction and extending from the joystick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. When viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction, the operating part is at least partially located outside the outer edge of the top surface of the joystick module housing. The controller housing has a first hole through which the joystick module passes and is larger than the operating part in the second direction. The cover blocks a portion of the first hole, and when viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of the cover is located between the edge of the first hole and the joystick module housing. The cover does not move relative to the joystick module housing. When viewed in a third direction, the top surface of the operating part covers the entire joystick portion.

[0007] In the aforementioned directional input device, the cover may also have a first surface that includes a region flush with the surface of the controller housing.

[0008] In the aforementioned direction input device, at least a portion of the cover may protrude from the first hole.

[0009] In the aforementioned direction input device, the first surface may be curved in a manner that the closer it is to the center of the first hole, the more it is directed in the first direction.

[0010] In the aforementioned direction input device, the cover may have a second surface extending from the outer edge of the first surface in a third direction, and a third surface extending from the second surface in a second direction. The second surface may also face the inner peripheral surface of the first hole. The third surface may also face the opposite side of the inner surface of the controller housing, i.e., the surface of the controller housing.

[0011] In the aforementioned direction input device, the cover may also have a second hole opening on a third side. A protrusion extending from the inner surface of the controller housing may also pass through the second hole.

[0012] In the aforementioned direction input device, the cover may also have a stepped portion. The first hole may also be provided on the front wall of the controller housing. The stepped portion may also fit into the corner formed by the inner peripheral surface of the first hole on the front wall and the inner surface of the controller housing.

[0013] In the aforementioned direction input device, the control lever may have a deformable umbrella-shaped portion extending in a third and second direction. When viewed along the first direction, the cover may overlap with the outer edge of the umbrella-shaped portion.

[0014] In the aforementioned direction input device, the outer edge of the umbrella part may also be located outside the controller housing.

[0015] The aforementioned directional input device may also include a substrate. The joystick module housing may also be provided with a cut or hole extending through the substrate. At least a portion of the side of the cover opposite to the exposed side may also face the side of the substrate in the first direction.

[0016] In the aforementioned directional input device, the cover may also be fixed to the joystick module housing.

[0017] The joystick device disclosed herein includes a joystick module housing, a joystick portion, and a cover. The joystick portion extends from an opening in the joystick module housing in a first direction and is tilted relative to the joystick module housing. The joystick portion has an operating part disposed at an end in the first direction and extending from the joystick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. When viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction, the operating part is at least partially located outside the outer edge of the top surface of the joystick module housing. The cover is fixed to the joystick module housing and is disposed between the joystick module housing and the operating part in the first direction. When viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating part covers the entire joystick portion. When viewed in the first direction, the outer edge of the cover surrounds the operating part.

[0018] In the aforementioned joystick devices, the joystick portion may also have an umbrella portion that extends in a third direction and is deformable in a second direction. When viewed along the first direction, the cover may also overlap with the outer edge of the umbrella portion.

[0019] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the direction input device.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick device.

[0022] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of line III-III.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the cover.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a rear view schematic diagram showing the controller housing with a cover installed on the front wall.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the joystick module housing with a cover installed.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a rear view schematic diagram showing the state in which the joystick module housing is mounted on the front wall of the controller housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0030] (Direction Input Device)

[0031] First, the structure of the direction input device involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the direction input device. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the directional input device 1 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a controller housing 100 and a joystick device 2. The controller housing 100 has a first hole 103. The first hole 103 is formed on the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The joystick device 2 is disposed in the first hole 103.

[0033] (joystick device)

[0034] Next, the structure of the joystick device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick device 2. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 As shown, the joystick device 2 according to this embodiment includes a joystick module 3 and a cover 20. The joystick module 3 includes a joystick module housing 40, a joystick 4, and a lead-out terminal member 5.

[0036] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of line III-III. (See attached diagram.) Figure 3 As shown, the joystick module 3 passes through the first hole 103. The joystick module 3, for example, has a joystick module housing 40 and a joystick 4. The joystick 4 has a first joystick portion 10 and a second joystick portion 14. An opening 49 is formed on the top surface of the joystick module housing 40. The joystick 4 is configured to pass through the opening 49. The first joystick portion 10 is the portion extending from the opening 49. The first joystick portion 10 is located outside the joystick module housing 40. The second joystick portion 14 is the portion that does not extend from the opening 49. The second joystick portion 14 is located inside the joystick module housing 40. The second joystick portion 14 is connected to the first joystick portion 10.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, the direction in which the first joystick portion 10 extends from the opening 49 of the joystick module housing 40 is designated as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is also referred to as the front side or forward. The second direction R2 is perpendicular to the first direction R1. The second direction R2 extends radially from the axis A of the first joystick portion 10. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the radial direction or the up-down-left-right direction. The third direction R3 is the opposite direction to the first direction R1. The third direction R3 is also referred to as the rear side or rear.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick 4. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the first joystick portion 10, which is part of the joystick 4, includes, for example, an operating portion 11, a shaft portion 12, and an umbrella portion 13. The operating portion 11 is provided at the end of the first joystick portion 10 in a first direction R1. The operating portion 11 extends from the axis A of the first joystick portion 10 in a second direction R2. The operating portion 11 is generally disc-shaped. The operating portion 11 includes, for example, a first operating member 11a and a second operating member 11b. The first operating member 11a is the part that is contacted by the user. The first operating member 11a covers the second operating member 11b. The method of forming the first operating member 11a to cover the second operating member 11b is not limited; for example, two-color molding may also be used.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation unit 11 is formed by the first operation member 11a and the second operation member 11b, but it may also be formed by a single component.

[0040] The shaft portion 12 of the first control lever portion 10 is connected to the second operating member 11b. The shaft portion 12 extends along a first direction R1. The shaft portion 12 is connected to the second control lever portion 14. In this embodiment, the second operating member 11b, the shaft portion 12, and the second control lever portion 14 are formed from a single component, but they may also be formed from multiple components. The shaft portion 12, for example, has a hollow cylindrical shape. The operating portion 11 is located relative to the shaft portion 12 in the first direction R1. The second control lever portion 14 is located relative to the shaft portion 12 in a third direction R3. The second control lever portion 14, for example, has a hollow cylindrical shape. In the first direction R1, the length of the second control lever portion 14 may also be greater than the length of the shaft portion 12.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the axis A of the first joystick portion 10 extends along the first direction R1. The first joystick portion 10 and the second joystick portion 14 are tilted relative to the joystick module housing 40. Specifically, the first joystick portion 10 and the second joystick portion 14 are tilted such that the axis A of the first joystick portion 10 is tilted relative to the first direction R1. In the second direction R2, the first hole 103 is larger than the operating portion 11. In the second direction R2, the diameter (first diameter D1) of the first hole 103 is larger than the diameter (second diameter D2) of the operating portion 11.

[0042] The umbrella section 13 is formed, for example, by an elastic member. The umbrella section 13 is deformable. Figure 4 As shown, the umbrella portion 13 has a first umbrella region 13a, a second umbrella region 13b, a third umbrella region 13c, and an outer edge 13d. The first umbrella region 13a extends in a direction parallel to axis A. The first umbrella region 13a has a hollow cylindrical shape. The first umbrella region 13a is connected to the shaft portion 12. The second umbrella region 13b is connected to the first umbrella region 13a. The second umbrella region 13b extends in a second direction R2. In the second direction R2, the second umbrella region 13b is located outside the first umbrella region 13a. The second umbrella region 13b is connected to the second operating member 11b.

[0043] The third umbrella region 13c is connected to the second umbrella region 13b. The third umbrella region 13c extends in a third direction R3 and a second direction R2. The inner diameter of the third umbrella region 13c in the second direction R2 increases as it extends towards the third direction R3. In the second direction R2, the third umbrella region 13c is located outside the second umbrella region 13b. In the second direction R2, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion is located at the outermost edge of the umbrella portion 13.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the umbrella part 13 is a component different from the shaft part 12, but it may also be integrally formed with the shaft part 12 or the operating part 11, etc.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram showing the structure of the joystick 4. (As shown) Figure 5As shown, when viewed along the third direction R3, the top surface of the operating portion 11 is, for example, circular. When viewed along the third direction R3, the operating portion 11 is at least partially located outside the outer edge 48 of the top surface of the joystick module housing 40. The outer edge of the operating portion 11 surrounds the outer edge 48 of the top surface of the joystick module housing 40. When viewed along the third direction R3, the top surface of the operating portion 11 covers the entire first joystick portion 10. When viewed along the third direction R3, the entire first joystick portion 10 is surrounded by the outer edge of the operating portion 11. When viewed along the third direction R3, the first joystick portion 10 does not have a portion located radially outside the outer edge of the operating portion 11. When viewed along the third direction R3, a portion of the first hole 103 is exposed between the outer edge of the operating portion 11 and the edge 103a of the first hole 103. Therefore, internal structures such as the substrate (not shown) are exposed from the gap between the outer edge of the operating portion 11 and the edge 103a of the first hole 103.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the structure of the cover 20. The cover 20 includes, for example, a main body 28, a first fixing part 26, and a positioning part 52. The main body 28 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22. The first surface 21 extends in a third direction R3 and a second direction R2. The second surface 22 extends in a third direction R3. A cover opening 27 is provided on the first surface 21. Both the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are annular. The positioning part 52 is provided on the outer periphery of the main body 28. The positioning part 52 has a third surface 23 and a fourth surface 24. The fourth surface 24 is located opposite to the third surface 23. Both the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 extend in the second direction R2. A second hole 25 is provided in the positioning part 52. The second hole 25 opens on each of the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24. The cover 20 has a stepped part 29. The stepped part 29 is formed, for example, by the second surface 22 and the third surface 23. The first fixing part 26 is provided on the outer periphery of the main body 28. The number of first fixing parts 26 is not particularly limited, for example, there are two. The first fixing parts 26 are provided on both sides of the main body part 28.

[0047] The first fixing part 26 is, for example, a hook-shaped engaging part. Figure 8 As shown, a protrusion 44 is provided on the outer periphery of the platform portion 43 of the joystick module housing 40. A first fixing portion 26 is mounted on the protrusion 44. The first fixing portion 26 engages with the protrusion 44. The fixing method of the first fixing portion 26 is not limited to engagement. The first fixing portion 26 may be, for example, a hole or a protrusion that fits into a hole, or it may be a structure in which an object is clamped by multiple first fixing portions 26. In addition, the first fixing portion 26 may also be fixed by adhesive, for example.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the first surface 21 includes a region flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. On the first surface 21, a region near the second surface 22 is flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The surface 101 of the controller housing 100 is flush with the surface of the cover 20. The first surface 21 curves towards a first direction R1 as it gets closer to the center of the first hole 103. An axis A extends along the through direction of the first hole 103. At least a portion of the cover 20 protrudes from the first hole 103. The first surface 21 has a region located forward of the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.

[0049] The second surface 22 extends from the outer edge of the first surface 21 in a third direction R3. The second surface 22 faces the inner peripheral surface (first inner peripheral surface 103a) of the first hole 103. The second surface 22 may also be in contact with the first inner peripheral surface 103a. The third surface 23 extends from the second surface 22 in a second direction R2. The third surface 23 faces the inner surface (first inner surface 104) of the controller housing 100. The third surface 23 may also be in contact with the first inner surface 104. The first inner surface 104 is located on the opposite side of the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.

[0050] A first hole 103 is provided in the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. A stepped portion 29 engages with a corner formed by the first inner peripheral surface 103a and the first inner surface 104 of the first hole 103 in the front wall 106. The corner can be bent to approximately 90°. The corner can also be an angle other than 90°. The front wall 106 of the controller housing 100 has a protrusion 105 projecting from the first inner surface 104. The protrusion 105 passes through the second hole 25 of the cover 20.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the third umbrella region 13c enters the cover opening 27. The third umbrella region 13c surrounds the first direction R1 side end of the outer peripheral surface of the joystick module housing 40. The outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion is located outside the controller housing 100. In the first direction R1, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion is located closer to the first direction R1 than the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.

[0052] Furthermore, if the outer edge 13d of the umbrella extends into the inner side of the controller housing 100, the umbrella 13 may interfere with the joystick module housing 40 when the umbrella 13 is tilted. To prevent this interference, the joystick module housing 40 needs to be located deeper. In this case, the thickness of the controller housing 100 increases. According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella is positioned outside the controller housing 100, and a portion of the cover 20 protrudes outward from the first hole 103. Thus, a portion of the cover 20 covers at least the gap in the R2 direction between the umbrella 13 and the first hole 103. With the above structure, the enlargement of the direction input device 1 can be suppressed.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the substrate 30 has a first substrate surface 31, a second substrate surface 32, and a second inner peripheral surface 34. The first substrate surface 31 is the surface of the substrate 30 in the first direction R1. The second substrate surface 32 is located on the opposite side of the first substrate surface 31. The second inner peripheral surface 34 is connected to both the first substrate surface 31 and the second substrate surface 32. The first inner surface 104 of the controller housing 100 faces the first substrate surface 31. The top surface of the protrusion 105 faces the first substrate surface 31. At least a portion of the surface of the cover 20 opposite to the exposed surface faces the first substrate surface 31. Specifically, the fourth surface 24 of the cover 20 faces the first substrate surface 31.

[0054] A hole (third hole 33) is provided in the substrate 30. The joystick module housing 40 is provided so as to pass through the third hole 33. Alternatively, a cutout can be provided in the substrate 30. The joystick module housing 40 can also be provided with a through cutout.

[0055] The joystick module housing 40 may also have a platform portion 43 and a dome-shaped portion 45. The dome-shaped portion 45 is connected to the platform portion 43. The dome-shaped portion 45 is disposed relative to the platform portion 43 in a first direction R1. A portion of the platform portion 43 is surrounded by a second inner peripheral surface 34. An opening 49 of the joystick module housing 40 is provided in the dome-shaped portion 45. In the first direction R1, the opening 49 of the joystick module housing 40 is located between the cover opening 27 and the operation portion 11.

[0056] According to the directional input device 1 of this embodiment, the joystick module housing 40 is provided with a cut or hole through the substrate 30. This reduces the space required in the height direction of the directional input device 1. Furthermore, the substrate 30 extends elongatedly such that the fourth surface 24 of the cover 20 faces the first substrate surface 31.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a rear view schematic diagram showing the state in which the cover 20 is installed on the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. Figure 7The image shows the state of the front wall 106 and cover 20 of the controller housing 100 when viewed along the first direction R1. Cover 20 blocks a portion of the first opening 103. When viewed along the first direction R1, the cover opening 27 is located inside the first opening 103. Figure 3 As shown, in the first direction R1, at least a portion of the cover 20 can be located in the area surrounded by the first inner peripheral surface 103a of the first hole 103, or in a position closer to the first hole 103 in the first direction R1, or in a position closer to the first hole 103 in the third direction R3.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, when viewed along the first direction R1, a portion of the cover 20 is located outside the edge 103a of the first hole 103. When viewed along the first direction R1, the cover opening 27 is surrounded by the edge 103a of the first hole 103. When viewed along the first direction R1, the cover 20 overlaps with the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion. When viewed along the first direction R1, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion surrounds the cover opening 27.

[0059] According to the directional input device 1 of this embodiment, a first hole 103 is provided in the controller housing 100 for the joystick module 3 to pass through. At least a portion of the cover 20 is located between the edge 103a of the first hole 103 and the joystick module housing 40. This suppresses the exposure of structures located inside the controller housing 100. Furthermore, it suppresses design deterioration.

[0060] According to the directional input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may also have a first surface 21 including a region flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where the first surface 21 extends inwards, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign objects from the first hole 103. Furthermore, the user's feel when operating the controller becomes better.

[0061] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 20 can also protrude from the first hole 103. This prevents foreign objects from entering through the first hole 103.

[0062] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the first surface 21 can also be bent in such a way that the closer it is to the center of the first hole 103, the more it moves in the first direction R1. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering through the first hole 103.

[0063] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may also have a second surface 22 extending from the outer edge of the first surface 21 in a third direction R3, and a third surface 23 extending from the second surface 22 in a second direction R2. The second surface 22 may also face the inner peripheral surface of the first hole 103. The third surface 23 may also face the opposite side of the inner surface of the controller housing 100, that is, the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 formed by the second surface 22 and the third surface 23 can improve the alignment accuracy in the front-back direction and the up-down and left-right directions, and can effectively suppress the exposure of the internal structure.

[0064] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may also have a second hole 25 opening on the third surface 23. A protrusion 105 protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing 100 may also pass through the second hole 25. The alignment accuracy in the up, down, left, and right directions is improved through the second hole 25.

[0065] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may also have a stepped portion 29. The first hole 103 may also be provided in the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 may also fit into the corner formed by the inner peripheral surface of the first hole 103 in the front wall 106 and the inner surface of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 can improve the alignment accuracy in the front-back direction and the up-down and left-right directions, and can effectively suppress the exposure of the internal structure.

[0066] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover 20 is installed on the joystick module housing 40. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, two second fixing parts 42 are provided on the outer periphery of the platform portion 43 of the joystick module housing 40. Each of the two second fixing parts 42 has a through hole 41. The first fixing part 26 of the cover 20 is mounted to the protrusion 44 provided on the outer periphery of the platform portion 43. The first fixing part 26 engages with the protrusion 44. Thus, the cover 20 is fixed to the joystick module housing 40. The cover 20 does not move relative to the joystick module housing 40. Therefore, the joystick module 3 and the cover 20 can be treated as an integrated unit, and thus can be easily assembled with other components such as the controller housing 100.

[0067] The joystick module housing 40 has a dome-shaped portion 45. The dome-shaped portion 45 is located above the platform portion 43. The dome-shaped portion 45 is surrounded by a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 of the cover 20, respectively. The dome-shaped portion 45 is disposed at the cover opening 27. Figure 3 As shown, in the first direction R1, the cover 20 is disposed between the platform portion 43 and the operating portion 11 of the joystick module housing 40. In the first direction R1, the top surface of the joystick module housing 40 is located closer to the cover 20 in the first direction R1.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the state in which the joystick module housing 40 is mounted on the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. Figure 9 In the middle, cover 20 was removed. Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of the controller housing 100 and the joystick module housing 40 when viewed along the first direction R1. When viewed along the first direction R1, a portion of the joystick module housing 40 overlaps with the first hole 103. When viewed along the first direction R1, in the second direction R2, the remaining portion of the joystick module housing 40 is located outside the first inner circumferential surface 103a of the first hole 103.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, when viewed along the first direction R1, a gap exists between the edge 103a of the first hole 103 and the outer periphery of the joystick module housing 40. Internal structures such as the substrate 30 may be exposed through this gap. Figure 7 As shown, in the second direction R2, a portion of the cover 20 is located in the gap portion, thereby suppressing the exposure of the internal structure.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the joystick module 3 has a lead-out terminal component 5. The lead-out terminal component 5 extends from the joystick module housing 40. The lead-out terminal component 5 is electrically connected to the base plate 30.

[0071] Additionally, the joystick module housing 40 is mounted to the controller housing 100 using fastening screws 51. Specifically, the fastening screws 51 are inserted into the through hole 41 provided in the second fixing part 42 of the joystick module housing 40 and fixed to the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100.

[0072] (Assembly method)

[0073] Next, an example of a method for assembling the joystick device 2 into the controller housing 100 will be described.

[0074] First, insert the cover 20 into the shaft portion 12 of the control lever 4 from the rear. In this state, the cover 20 is not fixed to the control lever 4. Next, with the opening of the umbrella portion 13 expanded, insert the umbrella portion 13 from the rear of the control lever 4. As a result, the outer periphery of the umbrella portion 13 is covered by the cover 20. Next, the control lever 4 is inserted into the opening 49 of the control lever module housing 40. The cover 20 engages with the control lever module housing 40 (see reference). Figure 8 Thus, joystick device 2 is formed.

[0075] Next, position the cover 20 against the controller housing 100. Simultaneously, insert the joystick device 2 into the first hole 103 of the controller housing 100. Secure the joystick device 2 to the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100 using the fastening screws 51 (see reference). Figure 7 The joystick module housing 40 is inserted into the third hole 33 formed in the substrate 30, and the substrate 30 is assembled into the controller housing 100 (see reference). Figure 3 As described above, the joystick device 2 is mounted on the controller housing 100. Furthermore, the above-described mounting direction is one example; other methods may also be used.

[0076] <Variation Example>

[0077] The cover 20 can be a single component or it can be divided into two or more components. If the cover 20 is composed of two or more components, the components of the cover 20 that are divided into two parts can be assembled into the controller housing 100 or the joystick module housing 40 after the joystick module housing 40 other than the cover 20 is assembled into the controller housing 100.

[0078] The directional input device 1 is, for example, a game controller, but is not limited to a game controller. The directional input device 1 could also be, for example, a portable game console. In this case, the controller housing 100 includes the entire housing of the portable game console. The directional input device 1 could also be a device other than a portable game console.

[0079] The first surface 21 of the cover 20 may not be flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.

[0080] At least a portion of the cover 20 may not protrude from the first hole 103 in the first direction R1.

[0081] The first surface 21 of the cover 20 may not be bent in a manner that the closer it is to the center of the first hole 103, the more it bends toward the first direction R1.

[0082] The cover 20 may also not have a second hole 25 through which the protrusion 105 protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing 100 passes.

[0083] The joystick 4 may also be without the umbrella part 13. The joystick 4 may also be composed of an operating part 11 and a shaft part 12.

[0084] The outer edge of the umbrella portion 13 may also be located inside the controller housing 100. The joystick module housing 40 may also be provided with a cut or hole that does not penetrate through the substrate 30. For example, the joystick module housing 40 may also be disposed between the first substrate surface 31 of the substrate 30 and the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100.

[0085] The cover 20 may not be fixed to the joystick module housing 40. The cover 20 may also be fixed to the controller housing 100, for example.

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A direction input device, comprising: A joystick module includes a joystick module housing and a joystick portion. The joystick portion extends from an opening in the joystick module housing in a first direction and is tilted relative to the joystick module housing. The joystick portion has an operating part disposed at an end of the joystick portion in the first direction and extends from the joystick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. When viewed along a third direction opposite to the first direction, the operating part is at least partially located outside the outer edge of the top surface of the joystick module housing. The controller housing has a first hole through which the joystick module passes and which is larger than the operating part in the second direction; and A cover, which blocks a portion of the first hole, is positioned, when viewed along the third direction, at least a portion of the cover between the edge of the first hole and the joystick module housing, and the cover does not move relative to the joystick module housing. in, When viewed along the third direction, the top surface of the operating part covers the entire joystick part.

2. The direction input device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover has a first surface that includes a region flush with the surface of the controller housing.

3. The direction input device according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the cover protrudes from the first hole.

4. The direction input device according to claim 3, wherein, The first surface bends in the first direction the closer it is to the center of the first hole.

5. The direction input device according to claim 2, wherein, The cover has a second surface extending from the outer edge of the first surface in the third direction, and a third surface extending from the second surface in the second direction. The second surface faces the inner circumferential surface of the first hole. The third surface faces the opposite side of the inner surface of the controller housing, i.e., the surface of the controller housing.

6. The direction input device according to claim 5, wherein, The cover has a second hole that opens on the third side, and a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing passes through the second hole.

7. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cover has a stepped portion. The first hole is located on the front wall of the controller housing. The stepped portion engages with the corner formed by the inner peripheral surface of the first hole at the front wall and the inner surface of the controller housing.

8. The direction input device according to claim 1, wherein, The control lever portion has an umbrella portion that extends in the third direction and the second direction and is deformable. When viewed along the first direction, the cover overlaps with the outer edge of the umbrella portion.

9. The direction input device according to claim 8, wherein, The outer edge of the umbrella section is located outside the controller housing.

10. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The direction input device includes a base plate. The joystick module housing is provided with a cut or hole that penetrates the substrate. At least a portion of the side of the cover opposite to the exposed side faces the side of the substrate in the first direction.

11. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The cover is fixed to the joystick module housing.

12. A joystick device, comprising: joystick module housing; A joystick portion extending in a first direction from an opening in the joystick module housing, tilted relative to the joystick module housing, the joystick portion having an operating portion disposed at an end of the joystick portion in the first direction and extending from the joystick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the operating portion being at least partially located outside the outer edge of the top surface of the joystick module housing when viewed along a third direction opposite to the first direction; and A cover, which is fixed to the joystick module housing, is disposed between the joystick module housing and the operating part in the first direction. in, When viewed along the third direction, the top surface of the operating part covers the entire joystick part. When viewed along the first direction, the outer edge of the cover surrounds the operating part.

13. The joystick device according to claim 12, wherein, The control lever portion has an umbrella portion that extends in the third direction and the second direction and is deformable. When viewed along the first direction, the cover overlaps with the outer edge of the umbrella portion.

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