Directional input device and stick device
The directional input device addresses the challenge of enlarging the operation part without increasing size or exposing internal structures by using a cover to conceal the stick module's internal components, ensuring a larger operating section and improved design.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINTENDO CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
Smart Images
Figure 2026084949000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0004] ,
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a direction input device and a stick device.
Background Art
[0002] As disclosed in International Publication No. 2023 / 203799 (Patent Document 1), a configuration is known in which the internal structure of the controller housing is prevented from being exposed by closing the hole in the controller housing through which the stick module passes with the stick module housing.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] On the other hand, from the perspective of operability, it may be desirable to make the operation part of the stick module larger. At this time, for example, if the hole in the controller housing is also enlarged so that the operation part can pass through, a gap may occur between the stick module housing and the edge of the hole, and when looking into the hole from outside the controller, the internal structure such as a substrate may be exposed.
[0005] Enlarging the stick module housing to cover this hole could lead to an increase in the overall size of the controller. Alternatively, as disclosed in, for example, International Publication No. 2022 / 130596 (Patent Document 2), a stick structure having an axis with an umbrella-shaped section that extends from below the operating section to the outside of the operating section could be adopted, and the gap could be covered by such an umbrella-shaped section. However, since such an umbrella-shaped section tilts together with the operating section, space is required for the umbrella-shaped section to move in order to ensure a certain amount of tilt, which could also lead to an increase in the overall size of the controller.
[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a stick module or a directional input device equipped with such a stick module, while suppressing the increase in size and the exposure of internal structures within the controller housing, and while increasing the size of the operating section. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The directional input device according to this disclosure comprises a stick module having a stick module housing and a stick portion, a controller housing, and a cover. The stick portion extends in a first direction from an opening in the stick module housing and is tilted relative to the stick module housing. The stick portion has an operating portion provided at the end of the stick portion in the first direction, extending from the stick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and located at least partially outside the outer edge of the top surface of the stick module housing when viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The controller housing has a first hole through which the stick module passes, and which is larger than the operating portion in the second direction. The cover covers a portion of the first hole and, when viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of it is located between the edge of the first hole and the stick module housing. The cover does not move relative to the stick module housing. When viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating portion covers the entire stick portion.
[0008] In the direction input device described above, the cover may have a first surface that includes a region flush with the surface of the controller housing.
[0009] In the direction input device described above, at least a portion of the cover may protrude from the first hole.
[0010] In the direction input device described above, the first surface may be curved such that it moves toward the first direction as it approaches the center of the first hole.
[0011] In the direction input device described above, the cover may have a second surface extending in a third direction from the outer edge of the first surface, and a third surface extending in a second direction from the second surface. The second surface may face the inner circumferential surface of the first hole. The third surface may face the inner surface of the controller housing, which is opposite to the surface of the controller housing.
[0012] In the direction input device described above, the cover may have a second hole opening to the third surface. A projection protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing may penetrate the second hole.
[0013] In the direction input device described above, the cover may have a stepped portion. The first hole may be provided on the front wall of the controller housing. The stepped portion may fit into the corner formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first hole on the front wall and the inner surface of the controller housing.
[0014] In the directional input device described above, the stick portion may have a deformable umbrella portion that extends in a third and second direction. The cover may overlap the outer edge of the umbrella portion when viewed in the first direction.
[0015] In the direction input device described above, the outer edge of the umbrella portion may be located outside the controller housing.
[0016] The directional input device described above may include a circuit board. The stick module housing may be provided so as to penetrate a notch or hole provided in the circuit board. At least a portion of the surface of the cover opposite to the surface exposed to the outside may face the surface of the circuit board on the first direction side.
[0017] In the directional input device described above, the cover may be fixed to the stick module housing.
[0018] The stick device according to this disclosure comprises a stick module housing, a stick portion, and a cover. The stick portion extends in a first direction from an opening in the stick module housing and is tilted relative to the stick module housing. The stick portion has an operating portion provided at the end of the stick portion in the first direction and extending from the stick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and located at least partially outside the outer edge of the top surface of the stick module housing when viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The cover is fixed to the stick module housing and is provided between the stick module housing and the operating portion with respect to the first direction. When viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating portion covers the entire stick portion. When viewed in the first direction, the outer edge of the cover surrounds the operating portion.
[0019] In the stick device described above, the stick portion may have a deformable umbrella portion that extends in a third and second direction. The cover may overlap the outer edge of the umbrella portion when viewed in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]
[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a stick module with a larger operating section or a directional input device equipped with such a stick module, while suppressing the increase in size and the exposure of internal structures within the controller housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0021] [Figure 1]It is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the direction input device. [Figure 2] It is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the stick device. [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional schematic view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of the stick. [Figure 5] It is a plan schematic view showing the configuration of the stick. [Figure 6] It is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the cover. [Figure 7] It is a rear schematic view showing the state where the cover is attached to the front wall of the controller housing. [Figure 8] It is a perspective schematic view showing the state where the cover is attached to the stick module housing. [Figure 9] It is a rear schematic view showing the state where the stick module housing is attached to the front wall of the controller housing.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as the present embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions will not be repeated.
[0023] (Direction Input Device) First, the configuration of the direction input device according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the direction input device. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction input device 1 according to the present embodiment has, for example, a controller housing 100 and a stick device 2. The controller housing 100 has a first hole 103. The first hole 103 is formed in the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The stick device 2 is disposed in the first hole 103.
[0025] (Stick device) Next, the configuration of the stick device according to this embodiment will be described.
[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the stick device 2. As shown in Figure 2, the stick device 2 according to this embodiment has a stick module 3 and a cover 20. The stick module 3 has a stick module housing 40, a stick 4, and a lead terminal member 5.
[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the stick module 3 penetrates the first hole 103. The stick module 3 includes, for example, a stick module housing 40 and a stick 4. The stick 4 has a first stick portion 10 and a second stick portion 14. An opening 49 is formed on the top surface of the stick module housing 40. The stick 4 is positioned to penetrate the opening 49. The first stick portion 10 is the portion that extends out of the opening 49. The first stick portion 10 is located outside the stick module housing 40. The second stick portion 14 is the portion that does not extend out of the opening 49. The second stick portion 14 is located inside the stick module housing 40. The second stick portion 14 is connected to the first stick portion 10.
[0028] In this specification, the direction in which the first stick portion 10 extends from the opening 49 of the stick module housing 40 is referred to as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is also called the front side or forward direction. The second direction R2 is perpendicular to the first direction R1. The second direction R2 extends radially from the axis A of the first stick portion 10. The second direction R2 is also called the radial direction or up-down-left-right direction. The third direction R3 is the opposite direction to the first direction R1. The third direction R3 is also called the rear side or rearward direction.
[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the stick 4. As shown in Figure 4, the first stick portion 10, which is part of the stick 4, has, 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 stick portion 10 in a first direction R1. The operating portion 11 extends from the axis A of the first stick portion 10 in a second direction R2. The operating portion 11 is substantially disc-shaped. The operating portion 11 has, for example, a first operating member 11a and a second operating member 11b. The first operating member 11a is the portion that the user touches. The first operating member 11a covers the second operating member 11b. The method by which the first operating member 11a is formed to cover the second operating member 11b is not limited, but for example, two-color molding may be used.
[0030] In this embodiment, the operating section 11 is formed by a first operating member 11a and a second operating member 11b, but it may also be formed by a single component.
[0031] The shaft portion 12 of the first stick portion 10 is connected to the second operating member 11b. The shaft portion 12 extends along the first direction R1. The shaft portion 12 is connected to the second stick portion 14. In this embodiment, the second operating member 11b, the shaft portion 12, and the second stick portion 14 are formed from a single part, but they may be formed from multiple parts. The shaft portion 12 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. The operating portion 11 is located in the first direction R1 relative to the shaft portion 12. The second stick portion 14 is located in the third direction R3 relative to the shaft portion 12. The second stick portion 14 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. In the first direction R1, the length of the second stick portion 14 may be greater than the length of the shaft portion 12.
[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the axis A of the first stick portion 10 extends along the first direction R1. The first stick portion 10 and the second stick portion 14 are tilted relative to the stick module housing 40. Specifically, the first stick portion 10 and the second stick portion 14 are tilted such that the axis A of the first stick portion 10 is tilted with respect to the first direction R1. With respect to the second direction R2, the first hole 103 is larger than the operating portion 11. With respect to the second direction R2, the diameter of the first hole 103 (first diameter D1) is larger than the diameter of the operating portion 11 (second diameter D2).
[0033] The umbrella portion 13 is formed of, for example, an elastic member. The umbrella portion 13 is deformable. As shown in Figure 4, 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 of the umbrella portion. 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 in contact with 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 in contact with the second operating member 11b.
[0034] The third umbrella region 13c is connected to the second umbrella region 13b. The third umbrella region 13c extends in the third direction R3 and the second direction R2. The inner diameter of the third umbrella region 13c in the second direction R2 widens 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 part of the umbrella portion 13.
[0035] In this embodiment, the umbrella portion 13 is a separate part from the shaft portion 12, but it may be integrally formed with the shaft portion 12 or the operating portion 11, etc.
[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the stick 4. As shown in Figure 5, when viewed in a third direction R3, the top surface of the operating section 11 is, for example, circular. When viewed in a third direction R3, the operating section 11 is located at least partially outside the outer edge 48 of the top surface of the stick module housing 40. The outer edge of the operating section 11 surrounds the outer edge 48 of the top surface of the stick module housing 40. When viewed in a third direction R3, the top surface of the operating section 11 covers the entire first stick section 10. When viewed in a third direction R3, the entire first stick section 10 is surrounded by the outer edge of the operating section 11. When viewed in a third direction R3, the first stick section 10 does not have any portion located radially outside the outer edge of the operating section 11. When viewed in a third direction R3, a portion of the first hole 103 is exposed between the outer edge of the operating section 11 and the edge 103a of the first hole 103. Therefore, internal structures such as a substrate (not shown) are exposed through the gap between the outer edge of the operating section 11 and the edge 103a of the first hole 103.
[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration 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. The first surface 21 is provided with a cover opening 27. Each of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 is annular. The positioning part 52 is provided on the outer circumference 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 on the opposite side of the third surface 23. Each of the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 extends in a second direction R2. The positioning part 52 is provided with a second hole 25. The second hole 25 opens into the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24, respectively. The cover 20 has a stepped portion 29. The stepped portion 29 is formed, for example, by the second surface 22 and the third surface 23. The first fixing portion 26 is provided on the outer circumference of the main body portion 28. The number of first fixing portions 26 is not particularly limited, but for example, there are two. The first fixing portions 26 are provided on both sides of the main body portion 28.
[0038] The first fixing portion 26 is, for example, a hook-shaped engaging portion. As shown in Figure 8, a projection 44 is provided on the outer circumference of the base portion 43 of the stick module housing 40. The first fixing portion 26 is attached to the projection 44. The first fixing portion 26 engages with the projection 44. The means of fixing the first fixing portion 26 is not limited to engagement. The first fixing portion 26 may be, for example, a hole or a projection that fits into a hole, or it may be a structure in which an object is sandwiched by a plurality of first fixing portions 26. The first fixing portion 26 may also be fixed by adhesive, for example.
[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the first surface 21 includes a region that is flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. On the first surface 21, the region closest to the second surface 22 is flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The surface 101 of the controller housing 100 and the surface of the cover 20 are flush. The first surface 21 is curved toward the first direction R1 as it approaches the center of the first hole 103. Axis A extends in the direction through 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 in front of the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.
[0040] 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 circumferential surface (first inner circumferential surface 103a) of the first hole 103. The second surface 22 may be in contact with the first inner circumferential 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 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.
[0041] The first hole 103 is provided in the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 fits into the corner formed by the first inner surface 103a of the first hole 103 in the front wall 106 and the first inner surface 104. The angle of the corner is approximately 90°, but the corner may be curved. The angle of the corner may be other than 90°. The front wall 106 of the controller housing 100 has a projection 105 that protrudes from the first inner surface 104. The projection 105 penetrates the second hole 25 of the cover 20.
[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the third umbrella region 13c extends into the cover opening 27. The third umbrella region 13c surrounds the end of the outer circumferential surface of the stick module housing 40 on the first direction R1 side. 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 in the first direction R1 relative to the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.
[0043] Furthermore, if the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion extends to the inside of the controller housing 100, there is a risk of interference between the umbrella portion 13 and the stick module housing 40 when the umbrella portion 13 is tilted. To prevent this interference, the stick module housing 40 would need to be placed further inside. In this case, the thickness of the controller housing 100 would increase. According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion is placed outside the controller housing 100, and a part of the cover 20 protrudes outside the first hole 103. As a result, a part of the cover 20 covers at least the clearance between the umbrella portion 13 and the first hole 103 in the R2 direction. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the direction input device 1.
[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 30 has a first substrate surface 31, a second substrate surface 32, and a second inner circumferential surface 34. The first substrate surface 31 is the surface of the substrate 30 on the first direction R1 side. The second substrate surface 32 is on the opposite side of the first substrate surface 31. The second inner circumferential 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 projection 105 faces the first substrate surface 31. At least a portion of the surface of the cover 20 opposite to the surface exposed outward faces the first substrate surface 31. Specifically, the fourth surface 24 of the cover 20 faces the first substrate surface 31.
[0045] The substrate 30 is provided with a hole (third hole 33). The stick module housing 40 is provided so as to pass through the third hole 33. The substrate 30 may also be provided with a notch. The stick module housing 40 may also be provided so as to pass through the notch.
[0046] The stick module housing 40 may have a base portion 43 and a dome-shaped portion 45. The dome-shaped portion 45 is connected to the base portion 43. The dome-shaped portion 45 is provided in a first direction R1 relative to the base portion 43. A part of the base portion 43 is surrounded by a second inner circumferential surface 34. The opening 49 of the stick module housing 40 is provided in the dome-shaped portion 45. In the first direction R1, the opening 49 of the stick module housing 40 is located between the cover opening 27 and the operating portion 11.
[0047] In the directional input device 1 according to this embodiment, the stick module housing 40 is provided so as to pass through a notch or hole provided in the substrate 30. This makes it possible to reduce the height space required for the directional input device 1. In addition, the substrate 30 extends long so that the fourth surface 24 of the cover 20 faces the first substrate surface 31.
[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view showing the controller housing 100 with the cover 20 attached to the front wall 106. In Figure 7, the front wall 106 and cover 20 of the controller housing 100 are shown as viewed in a first direction R1. The cover 20 covers a portion of the first hole 103. Viewed in the first direction R1, the cover opening 27 is inside the first hole 103. As shown in Figure 3, with respect to the first direction R1, at least a portion of the cover 20 may be located in the region surrounded by the first inner circumferential surface 103a of the first hole 103, or it may be located further in the first direction R1 than the first hole 103, or it may be located further in the third direction R3 than the first hole 103.
[0049] As shown in Figure 7, when viewed in the first direction R1, a portion of the cover 20 lies outside the edge 103a of the first hole 103. When viewed in the first direction R1, the cover opening 27 is surrounded by the edge 103a of the first hole 103. When viewed in the first direction R1, the cover 20 overlaps with the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion. When viewed in the first direction R1, the outer edge 13d of the umbrella portion surrounds the cover opening 27.
[0050] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the controller housing 100 is provided with a first hole 103 through which the stick module 3 passes. At least a portion of the cover 20 is located between the edge 103a of the first hole 103 and the stick module housing 40. This makes it possible to suppress the exposure of the internal structure of the controller housing 100. It also makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the design.
[0051] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may have a first surface 21 that includes a region flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. This makes it possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter from the first hole 103 compared to, for example, the case where the first surface 21 is recessed inward. In addition, it improves the feel when the user is operating the controller.
[0052] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 20 may protrude from the first hole 103. This makes it possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter from the first hole 103.
[0053] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the first surface 21 may be curved toward the first direction R1 as it approaches the center of the first hole 103. This makes it possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter from the first hole 103.
[0054] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may have a second surface 22 extending in a third direction R3 from the outer edge of the first surface 21, and a third surface 23 extending in a second direction R2 from the second surface 22. The second surface 22 may face the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 103. The third surface 23 may face the inner surface of the controller housing 100, opposite to the surface 101 of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 formed by the second surface 22 and the third surface 23 improves the alignment accuracy in the front-rear and up-down and left-right directions while effectively suppressing the exposure of the internal structure.
[0055] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may have a second hole 25 that opens to the third surface 23. A projection 105 protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing 100 may pass through the second hole 25. The second hole 25 improves the alignment accuracy in the up, down, left, and right directions.
[0056] According to the direction input device 1 of this embodiment, the cover 20 may have a stepped portion 29. The first hole 103 may be provided in the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 may fit into the corner formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 103 in the front wall 106 and the inner surface of the controller housing 100. The stepped portion 29 improves the alignment accuracy in the front-rear and up-down-left-right directions while effectively suppressing the exposure of the internal structure.
[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the stick module housing 40 with the cover 20 attached. As shown in Figure 8, two second fixing parts 42 are provided on the outer circumference of the base portion 43 of the stick module housing 40. Each of the two second fixing parts 42 is provided with a through hole 41. The first fixing part 26 of the cover 20 is attached to a projection 44 provided on the outer circumference of the base portion 43. The first fixing part 26 engages with the projection 44. As a result, the cover 20 is fixed to the stick module housing 40. The cover 20 does not move relative to the stick module housing 40. Therefore, the stick module 3 and the cover 20 can be treated as a single unit, and they can be easily assembled to other parts such as the controller housing 100.
[0058] The stick module housing 40 has a dome-shaped portion 45. The dome-shaped portion 45 is located above the base portion 43. The dome-shaped portion 45 is surrounded by the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the cover 20, respectively. The dome-shaped portion 45 is positioned in the cover opening 27. As shown in Figure 3, with respect to a first direction R1, the cover 20 is provided between the base portion 43 of the stick module housing 40 and the operating portion 11. With respect to a first direction R1, the top surface of the stick module housing 40 is located further in the first direction R1 than the cover 20.
[0059] Figure 9 is a schematic rear view showing the stick module housing 40 attached to the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100. In Figure 9, the cover 20 has been removed. Figure 9 shows the controller housing 100 and the stick module housing 40 as seen in a first direction R1. In the first direction R1, a portion of the stick module housing 40 overlaps with the first hole 103. In the second direction R2, the other portion of the stick module housing 40 is located outside the first inner circumferential surface 103a of the first hole 103.
[0060] As shown in Figure 9, when viewed in the first direction R1, there is a clearance between the edge 103a of the first hole 103 and the outer circumference of the stick module housing 40. This clearance could potentially expose internal structures such as the substrate 30. As shown in Figure 7, in the second direction R2, a portion of the cover 20 is positioned in this clearance, thereby suppressing the exposure of internal structures.
[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the stick module 3 has a lead-out terminal member 5. The lead-out terminal member 5 is extended from the stick module housing 40. The lead-out terminal member 5 is electrically connected to the circuit board 30.
[0062] Furthermore, the stick module housing 40 is attached to the controller housing 100 using fastening screws 51. Specifically, the fastening screws 51 are inserted into through holes 41 provided in the second fixing portion 42 of the stick module housing 40 and fixed to the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100.
[0063] (Assembly method) Next, we will describe an example of how to assemble the stick device 2 into the controller housing 100.
[0064] First, the cover 20 is inserted onto the shaft portion 12 of the stick 4 from the rear. In this state, the cover 20 and the stick 4 are not fixed together. Next, with the opening of the umbrella portion 13 widened, the umbrella portion 13 is inserted onto the stick 4 from the rear. This covers the outer edge of the umbrella portion 13 with the cover 20. Next, the stick 4 is inserted into the opening 49 of the stick module housing 40. The cover 20 engages with the stick module housing 40 (see Figure 8). This forms the stick device 2.
[0065] Next, while positioning the cover 20 and the controller housing 100, the stick device 2 is inserted into the first hole 103 of the controller housing 100. The stick device 2 is fastened to the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100 using the fastening screws 51 (see Figure 7). The stick module housing 40 is inserted into the third hole 33 formed in the substrate 30, and the substrate 30 is assembled to the controller housing 100 (see Figure 3). As described above, the stick device 2 is assembled to the controller housing 100. Note that the above assembly direction is just one example, and other methods may be used.
[0066] <Variation> The cover 20 may be a single component or it may be divisible into two or more components. If the cover 20 is composed of two or more components, after the stick module housing 40 other than the cover 20 is assembled to the controller housing 100, the two divided components of the cover 20 may be assembled to the controller housing 100 or the stick module housing 40.
[0067] The directional input device 1 is, for example, a game controller, but is not limited to a game controller. The directional input device 1 may be, for example, a portable game console. In this case, the controller housing 100 includes the housing of the entire portable game console. The directional input device 1 may be a device other than a portable game console.
[0068] The first surface 21 of the cover 20 does not have to be flush with the surface 101 of the controller housing 100.
[0069] At least a portion of the cover 20 does not need to protrude from the first hole 103 in the first direction R1.
[0070] The first surface 21 of the cover 20 does not necessarily have to be curved toward the first direction R1 as it approaches the center of the first hole 103.
[0071] The cover 20 does not necessarily have to have a second hole 25 through which a projection 105 protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing 100 passes.
[0072] The stick 4 does not necessarily have to have the umbrella portion 13. The stick 4 may consist of an operating portion 11 and a shaft portion 12.
[0073] The outer edge of the umbrella portion 13 may be located inside the controller housing 100. The stick module housing 40 may be provided so as not to penetrate any notches or holes provided in the substrate 30. The stick module housing 40 may be positioned, for example, between the first substrate surface 31 of the substrate 30 and the front wall 106 of the controller housing 100.
[0074] The cover 20 does not have to be fixed to the stick module housing 40. The cover 20 may be fixed to, for example, the controller housing 100.
[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]
[0076] 1-way input device 2 Stick devices 3 Stick Modules 4 sticks 5. Outlet terminal member 10. First stick section 11 Control section 11a First operating member 11b Second operating member 12 Shaft section 13 Umbrella section 13a 1st umbrella area 13b 2nd umbrella area 13c 3rd umbrella area 13d Outer edge of umbrella section 14. Second stick section 20 Covers 21 Page 1 22 Side 2 23 Page 3 24 Page 4 25 2nd hole 26 1st fixed part 27 Cover opening 28 Main body 29 Step section 30 circuit boards 31 First substrate surface 32 Second substrate surface 33 Hole 3 34 Second inner peripheral surface 40 Stick Module Housing 41 Through hole 42 Second fixed part 43 Daibu 44 Protrusion 45 Dome-shaped section 48 Outer edge 49 Aperture 51 Fastening screws 52 Positioning section 100 Controller Housing 101 Surface 103 Hole 1 103a First inner surface, edge 104 First Inner Surface 105 Protrusion 106 Front wall A axis D1 1st diameter D2 2nd diameter R1 1st direction R2 2nd direction R3 3rd direction
Claims
1. Stick module housing and A stick module comprising: a stick portion extending in a first direction from an opening in the stick module housing and tilted relative to the stick module housing, the stick portion having an operating portion provided at the end of the stick portion in the first direction and extending from the stick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and located at least partially outside the outer edge of the top surface of the stick module housing when viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction; A controller housing through which the stick module passes and which has a first hole larger than the operating section in the second direction, The device comprises a cover that partially blocks the first hole and, when viewed in the third direction, is positioned between the edge of the first hole and the stick module housing, and is immovable relative to the stick module housing, A directional input device in which, when viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating section covers the entire stick section.
2. The direction input device according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a first surface including a region that is 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 is curved so as it approaches the center of the first hole, it is directed toward the first direction.
5. The cover has a second surface extending in the third direction from the outer edge of the first surface, and a third surface extending in the second direction from the second surface. The second surface faces the inner circumferential surface of the first hole, The direction input device according to claim 2, wherein the third surface is the inner surface of the controller housing and faces the opposite side of the surface of the controller housing.
6. The directional input device according to claim 5, wherein the cover has a second hole opening to the third surface, and a projection protruding from the inner surface of the controller housing penetrates the second hole.
7. The cover has a stepped portion, The first hole is provided in the front wall of the controller housing, The step portion fits into the corner formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first hole in the front wall and the inner surface of the controller housing, the direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The stick portion has a deformable umbrella portion that extends in the third and second directions, The direction input device according to claim 1, wherein the cover overlaps with the outer edge of the umbrella portion when viewed in the first direction.
9. The direction input device according to claim 8, wherein the outer edge of the umbrella portion is located outside the controller housing.
10. Equipped with a circuit board, The stick module housing is provided so as to penetrate a notch or hole provided in the substrate, The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the cover opposite to the surface exposed to the outside faces the surface of the substrate on the first direction side.
11. The directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover is fixed to the stick module housing.
12. Stick module housing and A stick portion extending in a first direction from an opening in the stick module housing and tilted relative to the stick module housing, having an operating portion provided at the end of the stick portion in the first direction and extending from the stick portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and located at least partially outside the outer edge of the top surface of the stick module housing when viewed in a third direction opposite to the first direction, The stick module housing is fixed to the stick module housing and includes a cover provided between the stick module housing and the operating section in the first direction, Viewed in the third direction, the top surface of the operating section covers the entire stick section. Viewed in the first direction, the outer edge of the cover is a stick device surrounding the operating section.
13. The stick portion has a deformable umbrella portion that extends in the third and second directions, The stick device according to claim 12, wherein the cover overlaps with the outer edge of the umbrella portion when viewed in the first direction.