Joystick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joystick, the joystick comprising a lever attached to a base by a pivot portion, the base having one or more position sensors for detecting the position of the lever relative to the base, the lever having a longitudinal length extending between the pivot portion and the distal end, the input shaft being rotatably attached to a support, the input shaft having a longitudinal length extending between a first end and a second end having an input portion for receiving user input, the second end cooperating with the distal end of the lever such that rotation of the input shaft relative to the support causes rotation of the lever relative to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joystick.

Background Art

[0002] Analog and digital joysticks are used in arcade machines, computers, and consoles. There are games that require high analog precision, and there are also games that are operated with simpler digital control.

[0003] A digital joystick using standard four microswitches can only select eight positions depending on which microswitch is activated by the direction in which the joystick lever is pushed. Therefore, the OFF-ON of the digital joystick becomes one of the total eight positions. The circumference of the diameter set by the joystick housing becomes OFF or ON at any position going north from north. Therefore, since only eight directions can be identified, the subtleties of the input direction intended by the user cannot be identified. However, the advantage of the digital joystick is that the throw or angle with respect to the vertical of the input shaft is as small as about 10 degrees, so the activation is fast.

[0004] An analog joystick can have 360 positions on the circumference when the joystick housing is fully activated, but there are also many positions inside the effective circle. A major problem with analog joysticks over digital joysticks is the angle when operating. Due to the nature of the variable potentiometer used to set the position of the analog joystick, the angle or throw of the lever becomes dramatically larger compared to digital joysticks. This increase in angle is not preferred by people accustomed to the sharp angles of digital joysticks and is considered too slow to operate effectively when compared.

[0005] Some analog joysticks can be made to operate digitally by using software on a controlled device that interprets analog resistance and generates a corresponding digital signal based on pre-set parameters. However, joysticks that effectively convert analog signals to digital signals may be troubled by some delay due to the extra programming time required for the conversion. This latency is a significant limitation for this type of game control.

[0006] Technically, analog controllers have almost unlimited numbers of positions, but A-D conversion typically converts this to digital values from -32768 to 32767 (depending on the resolution of the conversion). To achieve the XY position, both potentiometers generate a voltage using Ohm's law of V = IR when the voltage is read by the host computer. This voltage is proportional by varying the resistance value using the sloppiness of the joystick lever.

[0007] Another way to read the XY position is with a Hall effect sensor, but the theory is the same, and the same problem of slow angles is relevant to any type of analog joystick.

[0008] There are also single analog joysticks, which are unpopular for the same reason. Efforts have been made to reduce the sloppiness of the lever, but with little success. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects of the present invention are aimed at addressing the deficiencies identified above or at least providing useful alternatives. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] According to the present invention, A lever attached to a base by a pivot portion, the base having one or more position sensors for sensing the position of the lever relative to the base, the lever having a longitudinal length extending between the pivot portion and the distal end, An input shaft pivotally supported by a support, having a longitudinal length extending between a first end and a second end having an input portion for receiving user input, the second end being an input shaft that cooperates with the distal end of the lever such that pivoting of the input shaft relative to the support causes pivoting of the lever relative to the base A joystick is provided that includes.

[0011] The present invention can reduce the angle (input shaft angle or slew) relative to the vertical at which a usable signal can be measured and can also measure signals over a full circle.

[0012] It is believed that it will be understood that when the lever is deflected from a stationary state to a displaced state, one or more position sensors detect the displaced position of the lever relative to the base by biasing the input shaft from a stationary state to a displaced state. In this way, the input shaft can be advantageously displaced from a stationary state to a displaced state. The lever is also displaced from a stationary state to a displaced state by cooperation with the input shaft.

[0013] It is advantageous for the longitudinal length of the input shaft to be greater than the longitudinal length of the lever. This difference in length can be varied, if desired, to change the angle or slew of the input shaft (typically, a suitable slew is 10 degrees from the vertical).

[0014] The input shaft advantageously pivots relative to the support at a position vertically above the pivot portion where the lever pivots relative to the base. It is believed that the support and the base will remain stationary during use.

[0015] When the input shaft moves in a first direction, the lever moves in a second, opposite direction. Thus, the output of one or more position sensors indicates movement of the input shaft in a direction opposite to the sensed direction.

[0016] The pivot portion advantageously permits pivoting in a pivot plane about a plurality of pivot axes. The pivot portion is preferably at least partially spherical.

[0017] One of the respective distal ends and second ends of the lever and the input shaft preferably receives the other of the distal end and the second end in a receiving zone therein.

[0018] This receiving zone projects longitudinally into the input shaft or the lever, and its distal end or second end is longitudinally movable through the receiving zone. This means that neither the distal end nor the second end is fixed longitudinally along the shaft, and some longitudinal movement is permitted towards the maximum displacement of the input shaft. Either the distal end or the second end is at least partially spherical. Preferably, the receiving zone has a width that receives the sphere such that the sphere contacts opposite sides of the receiving zone. The diameter of the sphere and the width are substantially the same. The distal end of the first shaft is preferably received in the receiving zone of the second end of the second shaft.

[0019] One or more position sensors preferably measure an analog output. One or more position sensors preferably consist of a variable potentiometer, but a number of known alternatives such as cameras, laser positioning (such as that used in a mouse IC), or others are envisioned.

[0020] In some embodiments, it may also be beneficial to provide both analog and digital outputs from the joystick. As the input shaft is deflected from the rest position to the displaced position, it is beneficial for the plurality of switches to be provided such that the input shaft engages at least one of the plurality of switches and at least one of the plurality of switches is actuated. It is beneficial for these plurality of switches to be disposed intermediate the support and the input shaft. This is to provide an output indicating the position of the input shaft relative to the support. Thus, the joystick can also provide a digital output. The joystick is preferably operable to provide a digital output and / or an analog output. This can be selected according to the use of the joystick. For example, there are games where a digital output is preferred and there are games where an analog output is preferred. Preferably, an actuator held by the input shaft is provided to actuate the switch held by the support.

[0021] The input shaft may have a flange projecting laterally / externally from the longitudinal length of the input shaft to actuate the plurality of switches. It is advantageous for the plurality of switches to be respectively disposed around the input shaft. This means that when the input shaft, and thus the flange, tilts outside the vertical axis, the flange contacts one or each of the plurality of sensors and an output signal is obtained. Preferably, the switch is actuated in the vertical direction. As an example, eight sensors can be disposed around the input shaft. The input shaft preferably extends through the support. The input shaft and the support preferably cooperate by means of a ball socket joint. The flange may project from the ball.

[0022] One or more position sensors are beneficial for sensing the displacement of the lever from the rest position to the displaced position relative to the base, and the joystick further comprises a biasing device for deflecting the input shaft towards a position for holding the lever in the rest position.

[0023] This biasing device is preferably arranged to deflect the input shaft towards a position where the input shaft and the lever are axially aligned. From the normal rest position where the lever and the input shaft are in line, as the input shaft deflects laterally, the perceived resilience or "feel" of the biasing device varies greatly depending on the biasing device utilized as the input shaft moves in a joint-like manner from the normal position where the input shaft and the lever are aligned to the next lateral displacement. A typical known device in a conventional joystick is a spring of constant diameter held between two opposing plates. Thus, when the input shaft deflects, it causes compression of the spring portion to oppose the movement. To move the input shaft from the rest position in such a state, a force generally known as "lift-off" is required. This results from the residual pre-tensioning of the spring acting on the two flat surfaces. Thus, the biasing device is preferably composed of a conical spring. The diameter of the turns of this conical spring increases from the first end towards the second end. It is beneficial for the diameter of this conical spring to increase in a first direction from the second end towards the first end. The biasing device is preferably held by a housing, which is detachably attached to the input shaft.

[0024] When a conical (also referred to as "involute") spring is provided, the input shaft self-aligns, and in the stationary state, the input shaft always assumes a position perpendicular (to the housing). When a lateral force is applied to the input shaft, pitching occurs from the vertical shaft. With a spring that has tension at the center, the input shaft moves freely and is proportional to the load applied purely against the spring force. Hysteresis such as that generated by partial compression of a constant-diameter spring against a flat surface does not occur.

[0025] The bias device may alternatively be composed of an elastomer bush. The elastomer bush, when moving from the vertical axis, has almost no problem of having a zero-force start position without a lift-off effect, but has a completely different "feel" that is unacceptable to some group players. Such an elastomer bush will experience both torsion and compression when a radial force is applied to the midpoint. On the other hand, as a result, both a drag force and an exponential pressure proportional to the movement distance are generated. It is beneficial for the force line to be linear, and as a result, there is only one direction of the tension of the elastomer bush.

[0026] The joystick can be deformed according to the specific preferences of the player in a way known as "plug and play". In this case, by providing an element that controls the restoring force of the input shaft of the joystick and adjusting it so that the resistance to movement increases or decreases, the "feel" of the joint of the input shaft can be adjusted. The "feel" is mainly subjective and varies from player to player. Some players prefer a joystick input shaft that moves with a metal spring, while others prefer the feel of an elastic elastomer. Therefore, it is beneficial that the bias device can be replaced with another version according to the specific requirements of the user. Thus, the joystick preferably consists of a first and a second housing part, and the first and second housing parts are releasably attached to each other and cooperate to define a receiving zone for the bias device. The bias device is preferably releasably attached to the receiving zone.

[0027] Hereinafter, the aspects of the present invention will be described only exemplarily with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Figure 10a

Figure 10b

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an exemplary embodiment showing only digital inputs using a digital switch, 4-way (NEWS), and 8-way (N.NE.E.SE., etc.). This joystick device is composed of a base structure 1 and a joystick input shaft 3 that can pivot in all directions with respect to the base molded body 1. The degree of movement can be plus or minus 10 degrees. The manual control operation knob 5 is arranged at the first end of the input shaft 3, receives the user's hand, has a shape for receiving the user's input, and is provided so that the user can comfortably and firmly hold the hand. The movement of the input shaft 3 is partially restricted for the accuracy of the response of the hand movement and the limited hand movement distance such as the radial movement of the wrist. Typically, the input shaft 3 is restricted to a movement arc of about 10 degrees in both the "X" axis and the "Y" axis, which is a preferable angle for comfortable and rapid control of the movement in video games. The input shaft 3 extends to a second opposite end 7 for cooperating with the lever 9 shown in the subsequent figure. Extending outward from the middle between the first end and the second end of the input shaft 3 is a structure 11 for enabling the input shaft 3 to pivot with respect to the base structure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, this structure 11 is composed of a partially spherical contact surface 13 that enables pivoting with respect to a corresponding socket 15 of the base structure 1. Therefore, free movement in all radial directions centered on the vertical axis is possible.

[0030] Projecting outward from the structure 11 is a flange 17 that can be referred to as a "striker" fixed to the input shaft 3. This flange may extend over the entire circumference of the input shaft 3 and has an actuating surface 19 for actuating a plurality of digital switches 21. As shown in FIG. 1, two such switches are visible. Subsequently, refer to FIGS. 3 to 5 showing the state in which the input shaft 3 is in a deflected position to actuate the digital switch 21. This joystick device incorporates four switches 21 arranged in the N, E, S, W states, each arranged on the printed circuit board 22 at intervals of 90 degrees from each other. These switches are of the plunger type and operate in alignment with the central axis of the joystick assembly. To minimize friction and irregular contact surfaces, a dome 9 is added to the top of the switch. During operation, the hand control knob is swung laterally, thereby deflecting the input shaft 3 and the structure 11 and actuating the switch 21. The actuating surface shows a flat surface, and this flat surface is horizontal to minimize the lateral force that affects clean electrical switching when the switch plunger (forming part of the switch) is pushed down until it switches from open to closed.

[0031] Thereafter, the input shaft 3 passes through the opening of the base molded body 1. It is important that when the force is removed, the input shaft 3 returns to the upright / vertical position as shown in FIG. 1. To achieve this function, in the illustrated embodiment, a biasing device 23, which is a spring that abuts against a collar 25 slidably attached to the input shaft 3, is used. This spring is held by a spring retainer 27. This spring abuts against the collar and presses the collar 25 against a contact surface 29 which consists of a plate fixed to the base structure 1. When the input shaft 3 is displaced, the collar abuts against the plate 29 and deflects the spring, returning the input shaft towards the vertical position. When the manual control knob 5 is released, it returns to the vertical position. A retaining clip 31 (such as a C-clip) is provided to hold the spring retainer 27. The spring retainer 27 also has the function of protecting against excessive forces acting on the internal components and absorbs excessive forces when the input shaft 3 is displaced and collides with the inner radial surface of the base structure.

[0032] As shown in the presented embodiment, the lower housing 33 is fixed to the base structure 1 by a plurality of screws 35. The internal configuration of the lower housing can be designed to accommodate various configurations, as will become apparent from subsequent exemplary embodiments. The upper structure 35 is also provided in a fixed state to the base structure 1.

[0033] Now, referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shows the same components as described in relation to FIG. 1. However, in this exemplary embodiment, a lever 45 is provided to reduce the slew of the input shaft 3 and enable an analog output. It will be understood that according to the invention as claimed, providing digital switching is an optional feature. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 2 also incorporates a digital output as described in relation to FIG. 1, which can be used as required depending on the application to obtain the advantages of selecting or using both digital and analog outputs.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the analog switching module 37 is composed of, as an example, a multi-axis potentiometer 39 (such as a two-axis line) and a lower housing 33 that houses a multi-way connector 41 (see FIG. 3) assembled on a printed circuit board 43. The circuit board 43 is firmly held in a predetermined position so that the multi-axis potentiometer is held concentrically with the center line of the input shaft 3. Extending from the potentiometer that forms the base is a lever 45. This lever 45 is articulated by a multi-axis gimbal assembly 46 and can move, for example, 30 degrees with respect to the vertical axis. The distal end on the opposite side of the lever 45 is composed of a partially spherical element 47. This element 47 is received by a shaft 49 provided at the second end of the input shaft 3 and extending longitudinally through the input shaft 3. The relative diameters of the element 47 and the shaft are a clearance fit, allowing the element 47 to enter the shaft 49 and enabling the shaft 49 to move longitudinally up and down when the input shaft 3 moves articulately, as will be described in more detail in relation to FIG. 3.

[0035] The advantage of this device is to impart continuous movement from the input shaft 3 so that the input shaft 3 performs pitch and rotational movements about a common straight axis, and although it is a mirror image, transmit the same movement to the lever 45 that forms part of the multi-axis potentiometer 39. By adopting a partially spherical element where the spherical part contacts the wall defining the shaft 49, first, the angle when the lever 45 drives the element 47 decreases, resulting in displacement to or from the vertical axis being permitted. Similarly, since it is an isotropic sphere, regardless of the linear position and angle, the sphericity always occupies the same relationship with the parallel inner walls defining the shaft.

[0036] It will be understood that the longitudinal length of the lever 45 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the input shaft 3. This is to ensure that the throw of the input shaft 3 is reduced to be the same as that of a known digital joystick.

[0037] Further, referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, the joystick has two separate outputs via an electrical connector. These separate outputs are digital and analog and can be sent simultaneously for further processing.

[0038] FIGS. 3 to 5 show in more detail the relationship between the lever 45 in the form of a potentiometer shaft and the element 47 arranged at the lower end of the lever 45. In these figures, the input shaft 3 is in an inclined state. In the stationary position, the spring 23 acting on the collar 25 aligns both the input shaft 3 and the lever 45 vertically. In the inclined position, when the input shaft 3 is moved from the vertical position or the stationary position, the element 47 forming the upper end of the lever 45 moves to a position proportional to the angular displacement of the input shaft 3. This relationship is important when they are integral parts having their own respective movement characteristics. A typical example is the case of the multi-axis potentiometer 39, where the lever 45 has different pitch angles with respect to the vertical center line, resulting in variations in the full-scale displacement of the potentiometer value. Similar parts may also have limited radial movement and even height at the center of rotation. Even considering very complexly, by considering the free lengths of the input shaft 3 and the lever 45, these problems can be overcome. Increasing the distance from the center of rotation of the input shaft 3 increases the sweep distance, and conversely, decreasing the distance has the opposite effect and the movement is clipped. The displacement angle of the shaft 3 remains unchanged.

[0039] The same also applies to the multi-axis linear potentiometer 39, especially the lever 45. In many cases, due to specifications and manufacturing processes, limited movement may be required to eliminate the occasional application of excessive force generated from the long input shaft 3. Usually, the amplitude of the movement from the input shaft 3 to the lever 45 has a ratio of 1 to 3. By simply changing the relative distance between the fulcrum of the joystick (at the spherical surface 15) and the contact point of the element 47, the angular movement of the lever increases or decreases.

[0040] In a further embodiment of this device, the apparent diameter of the element 47 cut around the central point is such that, regardless of the cutting angle, the cut surface is always circular. Thus, when the sphere 47 is inserted into the hollow shape at the end of the input shaft 3, the diameter of the sphere will always occupy the entire cross-sectional diameter of the shaft 49. The element 47 is fixed to the lever 45, while the lever 45 is fixed to the potentiometer 39 with a constant length, so the element 47 moves linearly along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 49.

[0041] Now, referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the digital input (represented by zone 61) and the analog input (represented by zone 63) is shown. The structure 11 is tilted by the input of the input shaft 3 to activate the switch 21. The operating surface 19 of the structure 11 pushes the switch plunger downward until it switches from open to closed. The drawing is shown in cross-section or two-dimensional view, so it is assumed that additional switches 21 are arranged around the structure 11. At the same time, the color 25 impacts the contact surface 29 and is pressed towards the spring 23. Thus, the input shaft is released and this input shaft returns to the upright vertical rest state.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be something known as the fire button 49. This fire button 49 is arranged on the upper part of the manual control knob 5. When pressure is applied to the fire button 49, the force is transmitted to the spring 55 via the retaining screw 53. On the other hand, the spring 55 pushes the shaft 57 downward. The shaft 57 impacts the element 47 and finally activates the electrical switch inside the multi-axis potentiometer 39. FIG. 5 also shows the lower housing 33 fixed to the upper housing 1 by the screw 35. As will be described in detail elsewhere, these can be removed to allow access to the entire housing for the replacement or customization of the bias device 23.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, an isometric view of a joystick device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a base structure 1 that houses various components, an upper structure 35 fixed to the base structure 1, and a lower cover 33. An input shaft 3 extends upward from the upper structure 35. There is a fixing plate 77 for fixing to a support, and an external wiring loom 79 for transmitting signals from analog inputs and / or digital inputs. In this embodiment, there is an analog connector 79a, a first digital connector 79b, and a second digital connector 79c for reverse polarity.

[0044] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a biasing device 23 is utilized to ensure that the input shaft 3 returns to a vertical orientation when the force is removed. As previously mentioned, this function is achieved in FIGS. 1 to 5 by providing a spring that abuts against a collar 25 slidably attached to the input shaft 3. This spring abuts against the collar and presses this collar 25 against a contact surface 29 formed by a plate fixed to the base structure 1. When the input shaft 3 deflects, the collar deflects the spring against the plate 29 and returns the input shaft towards the vertical position. When the manual control knob 5 is released, there is a movement to return to the vertical position. Next, referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, FIG. 7 shows an exploded and assembled view of a biasing device having the input shaft 3 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are exemplary embodiments of the configurations of other biasing devices.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7, a collar 25 is shown that slidably engages the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft 3. This collar 25 abuts against a spring 23, which also abuts against a spring retainer 27. This assembly is held on the input shaft 3 by a circlip 57. When the input shaft tilts from the vertical position, the collar that abuts against the spring slides, but among users of the joystick, particularly those for gaming applications, there are those who prefer a light and smooth operation where the input shaft 3 "returns to center by a spring", or a harder return motion to the center. To accommodate such preferences, springs 23 with various compression spring constants and loads are utilized.

[0046] Another configuration is shown in FIG. 8a (exploded perspective view and assembled perspective view), in which the biasing device consists of a conical spring 23 for varying the feel of the joystick. FIG. 8b shows the conical spring 23 in an operative state within the joystick. The spring retainer 27 is provided to receive and hold the spring 23 and can be fitted into the upper housing when the analog input section is removed. A sleeve 71 is provided, and this sleeve 71 extends over the input shaft 7 held by a circlip 57 that supports the lowermost portion of the spring 23. In this joystick assembly, it is understood that the minimum diameter turns of the conical spring are at the lower end and the thicker turns are at the upper end. The upper turns of the spring are held in a fixed position within the housing, and thus, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 8, there is no movable collar and no movement of the upper turns. Instead, when the input shaft 3 tilts, the lower end of the input shaft will abut against the lower end of the conical spring. It is further beneficial if the inclination angle of the conical portion is on a radius similar to the distance from the center point during movement. Thus, such a conical spring 23 produces a clean movement and response in any direction of movement without generating force hysteresis across the entire range of movement. It is understood that in FIG. 8b, for clarity, the analog switching device is not shown and the lower housing in the form of the cover 33 is schematically represented.

[0047] Another configuration is shown in FIG. 9a (exploded perspective view and assembled perspective view), in which the biasing device consists of an elastomer for changing the feel of the joystick. FIG. 9b shows the elastomer 73 in the operating state of the joystick, and this elastomer acts as a bush and is generally referred to as a grommet. This elastomer produces a similar feel when the joystick lever moves from one full scale in one direction to the full scale in the opposite direction. When the joystick lever is released, the joystick lever returns to the neutral or vertical position. The backlash of this movement can be adjusted by the hardness of the elastomer, the thickness of the cross-section of the material, and the selection of reliefs. This configuration is the same as using a conical spring, and the elastomer is received in the holder 27 and held in place by the sleeve 71 and the circlip 57. For clarity, FIG. 9b does not show the analog switching device, but rather schematically represents the lower housing in the form of the cover 33.

[0048] Yet another biasing device is shown in FIG. 10a (exploded perspective view and assembled perspective view respectively), and this biasing device consists of an alternative elastomer for changing the feel of the joystick. FIG. 10b shows the tensioner 75 in the operating state of the joystick. This tensioner 75 is pre-tensioned on the adhesive sleeve 71 and applies an equal tensile force in all directions, so that when the joystick input 3 is released, it ensures that this input returns to the central vertical direction. The limbs of the tensioner work in the order in which they are pulled, so this gives a feeling of a more rapid response in changing directions without the resistance of relaxing the pressure of a circular elastomer of a more regular shape. For clarity purposes, the analog switch device is not shown in FIG. 10b, but rather the lower housing in the form of the cover 33 is schematically represented.

[0049] In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10a through 10c, additional components are included, and these components house either the spring 23 or the elastomeric bushing in a common housing in a proportion and form that allows for easy removal or replacement as a module. This module may occupy the central void of the housing around the distal end of the input shaft 3, enabling rapid switching of the biasing device and giving a player the opportunity to optimize the response according to the various characteristics of different gameplays.

[0050] Aspects of the invention are described only by way of example, and it is to be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the scope of protection conferred by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A joystick comprising a lever attached to a base by a pivot portion and an input shaft pivotally supported by a support, wherein the base has one or more position sensors for detecting the position of the lever relative to the base, the lever has a longitudinal length extending between the pivot and a distal end, the input shaft has a longitudinal length extending between a first end having an input portion for receiving user input and a second end, and the second end cooperates with the distal end of the lever such that pivoting of the input shaft relative to the support causes pivoting of the lever relative to the base.

2. The joystick according to claim 1, wherein when the lever is biased from a stationary state to a displaced state, the one or more position sensors are arranged to sense the displaced position of the lever relative to the base by deflection of the input shaft from a stationary state to a displaced state.

3. The joystick according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal length of the input shaft is greater than the longitudinal length of the lever.

4. The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input shaft pivots relative to the support at a position vertically above a pivot portion about which the lever pivots relative to the base.

5. The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivot portion enables pivoting within a pivot plane about a plurality of pivot axes.

6. The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the distal end and the second end of the lever and the input shaft receives the other of the distal end and the second end in a respective receiving zone therein.

7. The joystick according to claim 6, wherein the receiving zone projects longitudinally into the input shaft or the lever, and the distal end or the second end is longitudinally movable through the receiving zone. Claim 8 The joystick according to claim 7, wherein either the distal end or the second end consists of at least a partial sphere. Claim 9 The joystick according to claim 8, wherein the receiving zone has a width for receiving the sphere such that the sphere contacts the opposing side surfaces of the receiving zone. Claim 10 The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more position sensors are configured to measure an analog output. Claim 11 The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a plurality of switches, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged such that when the input shaft is deflected from a rest position to a displacement position, the input shaft engages with at least one of the plurality of switches to activate at least one of the plurality of switches. Claim 12 The joystick according to claim 11, wherein the input shaft comprises a flange protruding laterally from the longitudinal length for actuating the plurality of switches. Claim 13 The joystick according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the plurality of switches are respectively arranged around the input shaft. Claim 14 The joystick according to claim 12, wherein there is a vertical actuation of the switch by the flange. Claim 15 The joystick according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the plurality of switches are respectively arranged between the support and the input shaft. Claim 16 The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the input shaft extends through the support. Claim 17 The joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the input shaft and the support cooperate by means of a ball socket joint.

18. The one or more position sensors detect displacement of the lever from a stationary position to a displaced position relative to the base, and the joystick further comprises a biasing device for deflecting the input shaft towards a position for holding the lever in the stationary position. The joystick device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The joystick device according to claim 18, wherein the biasing device is arranged to deflect the input shaft towards a position where the input shaft and the lever are axially aligned.

20. The joystick device according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the biasing device comprises a conical spring.

21. The joystick device according to claim 20, wherein the diameter of the conical spring increases in the first direction from the second end towards the first end.

22. The joystick device according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the biasing device comprises an elastomeric bush.

23. The joystick according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the joystick comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part and the second housing part are releasably attached to each other and cooperate to define a receiving zone for the biasing device.

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