Multi-directional input device and controller

Abstract

A multi-directional input device with high detection accuracy and a controller equipped with the multi-directional input device are provided. [Solution] The multi-directional input device includes a housing, an operating body, a return mechanism, a swing arm assembly, and a magnetic detection assembly. The housing has an internal storage space, the operating body is swingably mounted within the storage space, and the swing arm assembly is rotatably mounted on the housing, with the operating body being drivingly connected to the swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly rotates relative to the housing when the operating body swings, and includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm, at least one of which includes a swing arm body and a rotating portion provided at both ends of the swing arm body. Two electrical connection members are located on adjacent sides of the housing, and the rotating portion is provided on the electrical connection member. The magnetic detection assembly includes a magnetic member provided on the rotating portion and a magnetic sensor provided on the electrical connection member. The magnetic member and the magnetic sensor are non-contact, significantly improving the sensor's lifespan.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of non-contact sensing technology, and more particularly to a multi-directional input device and controller. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional multi-directional input devices, flexible operation in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions is achieved mainly by swinging and pressing a lever, and changes in the direction and position of the lever are detected by a sensing member. However, in conventional multi-directional input devices, when the lever is operated in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, for example, detection is usually performed using a rotating detection member, but such detection members have problems such as low detection accuracy, not meeting user needs, and being susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In order to solve the above problems of the prior art, it is necessary to provide a multi-directional input device with high detection accuracy. Also, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a controller equipped with the multi-directional input device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, an operating body, a swing arm assembly, two electrical connection members, and a magnetic detection assembly. The housing has an internal storage space. An opening communicating with the storage space is formed in the housing. The operating body includes a main body, at least a portion of which is swingably disposed within the storage space. The main body has a first end protruding from the opening to the outside of the storage space. At least a portion of the swing arm assembly is located within the housing and rotatably mounted on the housing. The operating body is drivingly connected to the swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm, which are configured to rotate around two mutually perpendicular directions in response to rotation of the operating body. At least one of the first swing arm and the second swing arm includes a swing arm main body and a rotating portion provided at both ends of the swing arm main body. The two electrical connection members are located outside the housing. The magnetic detection assembly includes a magnetic member and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic member is connected to the rotating portion. The magnetic sensor is fixed to the electrical connection member and is installed apart from the magnetic member. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect rotational movement of the first swing arm or the second swing arm by the magnetic member.

[0005] The magnetic sensor is mounted on the electrical connection member, and the magnetic member is mounted on the rotating part. The magnetic member and the magnetic sensor are spaced apart, and a non-contact design is used between them. This improves the lifespan of the magnetic sensor, alleviates the problem of the magnetic sensor being easily interfered with by foreign objects, and simplifies the structure. Furthermore, the non-contact design between the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor solves the problems of low accuracy and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference that arise from the use of rotating electrical components in conventional multi-directional input devices, thereby achieving multi-directional operation with higher accuracy and reliability.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical connection member includes a cover, a circuit board, and a connection portion. The cover is integrally molded with the connection portion. The circuit board is provided between the cover and the connection portion. The magnetic sensor is disposed on a side of the circuit board away from the rotating portion and is electrically connected to the circuit board. The connection portion is fixed to the housing and is disposed to connect with the rotating portion.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotating part is provided with an engagement protrusion, and the connecting part is provided with an engagement groove on a side facing the rotating part, and at least a portion of the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement groove.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotating part is provided with a mounting groove, the magnetic member is at least partially disposed within the mounting groove, and the rotation center of the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor is disposed along the axial direction of the rotating part.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the swing arm body is provided with a slide groove, and the extension direction of at least a part of the slide groove coincides with the axial direction of the rotating part, and the first end passes through the slide groove and is slidably installed within the slide groove, and the first end is arranged to rotate the second swing arm relative to the housing when moving along the slide groove of the first swing arm, and is arranged to rotate the first swing arm relative to the housing when moving along the slide groove of the second swing arm.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a base and a position restriction member fixed to the base. The base has a groove in which the rotating part is rotatably mounted. The position restriction member has a position restriction opening. The operating body further includes a bulge provided on the periphery of the operating body, at least a portion of the bulge is fitted into the position restriction opening, and a first end of the bulge passes through the position restriction opening and extends toward the opening.

[0011] In some embodiments of the configuration of the present invention, the multi-directional input device further includes a pressing assembly including a pressing tool and a push switch. The pressing tool is movably mounted on the base and located at the lower end of the bulge. The pressing tool includes an abutting portion and a pressing portion. The abutting portion is mounted on the lower end of the bulge and abuts against the lower end of the bulge. The pressing portion extends outside the housing and is located at the upper end of the push switch. The push switch is mounted on the housing. The pressing tool is positioned to trigger the push switch when the operating body is pressed. The bulge further includes a second end. The second end is positioned to press the pressing portion and trigger the push switch when the operating body is pressed.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-directional input device further includes a return mechanism. The return mechanism is provided within the storage space and elastically pressed against the bulge portion so as to return the operating body when at least a portion of the operating body swings within the storage space. The return mechanism includes an elastic member provided within the position restriction member and a presser plate provided at one end of the elastic member near the position restriction opening, the elastic member presses and holds the presser plate against the lower end of the bulge portion, and the bulge portion is positioned to abut against the surface of the presser plate facing the position restriction opening.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a controller including the multi-directional input device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line IV-IV. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. [Figure 6]1 is a schematic diagram of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in combination with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. When an element is referred to as being "mounted" or "provided" on another element, the element may be directly mounted or provided on the other element, or there may be intervening elements.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention are used solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0019] 1 to 5, a multi-directional input device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100, an operating body 20, a swing arm assembly 400, two electrical connection members 500, and a magnetic detection assembly 600. The housing 100 has a housing space 101 formed therein. The housing 100 has an opening 102 communicating with the housing space 101. The operating body 20 includes an operating main body 200, at least a portion of which is swingably disposed within the housing space 101. The operating main body 200 has a first end 201 protruding from the opening 102 to the outside of the housing space 101.

[0020] At least a portion of the swing arm assembly 400 is located inside the housing 100 and is rotatably attached to the housing 100. The operating body 20 is drivingly connected to the swing arm assembly 400. The swing arm assembly 400 includes a first swing arm 410 and a second swing arm 420, which are configured to rotate around two mutually perpendicular directions as the operating body 20 rotates. At least one of the first swing arm 410 and the second swing arm 420 includes a swing arm main body 401 and a rotating portion 402 provided on both ends of the swing arm main body 401. Two electrical connection members 500 are located outside the housing 100. The magnetic detection assembly 600 includes a magnetic member 601 and a magnetic sensor 602. The magnetic member 601 is connected to the rotating portion 402. The magnetic sensor 602 is fixed to the electrical connection member 500 and installed away from the magnetic member 601, and is configured to be able to detect the rotational movement of the first swing arm 410 or the second swing arm 420 by the magnetic member 601. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the first swing arm 410 rotates in a direction parallel to the X-axis, the rotation of the first swing arm 410 may be detected by the magnetic sensor 602 corresponding to the magnetic member 601 fixed to the first swing arm 410, and when the second swing arm 420 rotates in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, the rotation of the second swing arm 420 may be detected by the magnetic sensor 602 corresponding to the magnetic member 601 fixed to the second swing arm 420. Therefore, when the operating body 20 swings in the X-axis direction, the rotation of the second swing arm 420 is detected by the magnetic sensor 602 corresponding to the magnetic member 601 fixed to the second swing arm 420. When the operating body 20 swings in the Y-axis direction, the rotation of the first swing arm 420 is detected by a magnetic sensor 602 corresponding to a magnetic member 601 fixed to the first swing arm 420 .

[0021] The magnetic sensor 602 is mounted on the electrical connection member 500, and the magnetic member 601 is mounted on the rotating part 402. The magnetic member 601 and the magnetic sensor 602 are spaced apart from each other, and a non-contact design is implemented between the magnetic member 601 and the magnetic sensor 602. This improves the life of the magnetic sensor 602, alleviates the problem of the magnetic sensor 602 being susceptible to interference from foreign objects, and simplifies the structure. Furthermore, the non-contact design between the magnetic member 601 and the magnetic sensor 602 solves the problems of low accuracy and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference that arise from the use of rotary electrical components in the conventional multi-directional input device 10, thereby achieving multi-directional operation with higher accuracy and reliability.

[0022] 2 and 3. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical connection member 500 includes a cover 501, a circuit board 502, and a connecting portion 503. The cover 501 and the connecting portion 503 are integrally molded, and the circuit board 502 is disposed between the cover 501 and the connecting portion 503. The magnetic sensor 602 is disposed on a side of the circuit board 502 away from the rotating portion 402 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 502. The connecting portion 503 is fixed to the housing 100 and disposed to connect to the rotating portion 402. By integrally molding the cover 501 with the connecting portion 503, the robustness and reliability of the electrical connection member 500 can be ensured. The circuit board 502 is disposed between the cover 501 and the connecting portion 503, which ensures stability and protection of the circuit board 502 and prevents external interference with the circuit board 502. The magnetic sensor 602 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 502 that is farther away from the rotating part 402, which further enhances the noise resistance of the sensor and ensures the stability and accuracy of the detection signal. The connection part 503 is fixed to the housing 100 and connected to the rotating part 402. This ensures the robustness of the connection between the rotating part 402 and the housing 100, reduces the effects of vibration and rattle, and improves the overall detection accuracy and lifespan.

[0023] See FIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotating part 402 includes an engaging protrusion 4021. The connecting part 503 includes an engaging groove 504 on the side facing the rotating part 402, with at least a portion of the engaging protrusion 4021 engaging with the engaging groove 504. The engaging protrusion 4021 is disposed on the circumferential side of the rotating part 402, and the engaging groove 504 is disposed facing the connecting part 503, thereby achieving a secure connection between the rotating part 402 and the connecting part 503. The engagement design between the engaging protrusion 4021 and the engaging groove 504 ensures robustness and alignment with the connecting part 503 during the rotation of the rotating part 402. This can simplify the assembly process and improve production efficiency while avoiding detection errors due to rattle or misalignment. Furthermore, this can improve the stability of the overall configuration and ensure the high precision and reliability of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0024] See FIG. 2 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating part 402 includes a mounting groove 4022. At least a portion of the magnetic member 601 is disposed in the mounting groove 4022. The rotation centers of the magnetic member 601 and the magnetic sensor 602 are distributed along the axial direction of the rotating part 402. By providing the mounting groove 4022 on the rotating part 402 and mounting the magnetic member 601 in the mounting groove 4022, the robustness and precision of the magnetic member 601 can be ensured. The rotation centers of the magnetic member 601 and the magnetic sensor 602 are distributed along the axial direction of the rotating part 402, ensuring that the magnetic sensor 602 can accurately detect the rotation of the magnetic member 601. At the same time, this design further optimizes the layout of the magnetic sensing assembly 600, improving detection sensitivity and precision, and ensuring the high precision and reliability of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0025] 2 , in some embodiments of the present invention, a sliding groove 403 is formed in the swing arm body 401. At least a portion of the sliding groove 403 extends in the axial direction of the rotating part 402. The first end 201 passes through the sliding groove 403 and is slidably installed within the sliding groove 403. The first end 201 is configured to rotate the second swing arm 420 relative to the housing 100 when moving along the sliding groove 403 of the first swing arm 410, and is also configured to rotate the first swing arm 410 relative to the housing 100 when the first end 201 moves along the sliding groove 403 of the second swing arm 420. By forming the sliding groove 403 in the swing arm body 401 and configuring the first end 201 to slide within the sliding groove 403, precise control of the movement of the swing arm assembly 400 can be achieved. When the first end 201 moves along the slide groove 403 of the first swing arm 410, the second swing arm 420 is rotated relative to the housing 100, and similarly, when the first end 201 moves along the slide groove 403 of the second swing arm 420, the first swing arm 410 is rotated relative to the housing 100, thereby ensuring smooth and accurate operation of the swing arm assembly 400 in multi-directional operation, and the restraint provided by the slide groove 403 prevents the swing arm assembly 400 from rattling or shifting, further improving the operation accuracy and stability of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0026] Please refer to FIGS. 3 to 5. In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing 100 includes a base 120 and a position restricting member 130. A groove 121 is disposed in the base 120, and the rotating portion 402 is rotatably disposed in the groove 121. The position restricting member 130 is fixed to the base 120, and a position restricting opening 131 is formed therein. The operation body 20 further includes a bulge 210 disposed on the periphery of the operation main body 200, and at least a portion of the bulge 210 is fitted into the position restricting opening 131. The first end 201 passes through the position restricting opening 131 and extends toward the opening 102. The housing 100 has a structure in which the base 120 and the position restricting member 130 cooperate with each other, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the housing 100. By providing a groove 121 in the base 120 and rotatably arranging the rotating part 402 in the groove 121, stability and high precision of the rotating part 402 are ensured. By fixing the position restricting member 130 to the base 120 and forming the position restricting opening 131, the operating range and positional accuracy of the bulging part 210 are ensured. The return mechanism 300 includes an elastic member 301 and a presser plate 302, the elastic member 301 being provided in the position restricting member 130, and the presser plate 302 being provided at one end of the elastic member 301 close to the position restricting opening 131. This ensures that the operating body 20 can automatically return to its original position after swinging, prevents the operating body 20 from being deviated from its original position for an extended period of time, and improves the convenience and efficiency of operation. The elastic member 301 is provided within the position restriction member 130, and the presser plate 302 is provided at one end of the elastic member 301 closer to the position restriction opening 131. The elastic member 301 presses the presser plate 302 against the lower end of the bulging portion 210, thereby ensuring stable contact between the presser plate 302 and the bulging portion 210. By configuring the bulging portion 210 to abut on the surface of the presser plate 302 facing the position restriction opening 131, high efficiency and high reliability of the return mechanism 300 are ensured. As an example, the bulging portion 210 may be hemispherical. By providing the position restriction opening 131 and the hemispherical structure of the bulging portion 210, the operating body 20 maintains a uniform operation feel without orientation in all directions 360°, and high-precision return characteristics.

[0027] 3 and 4. In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-directional input device 10 further includes a pressing assembly 700, which includes a pressing tool 720 and a push switch 710. The pressing tool 720 is movably mounted on the base 120 and located at the lower end of the bulging portion 210. The pressing tool 720 includes an abutting portion 721 and a pressing portion 722. The abutting portion 721 is mounted on the lower end of the bulging portion 210 and abuts against the lower end of the bulging portion 210, and the pressing portion 722 extends toward the outside of the housing 100 and is located at the upper end of the push switch 710. The push switch 710 is mounted on the housing 100. The pressing tool 720 is arranged to trigger the push switch 710 when the operation main body 200 is pressed. The pressing tool 720 is movably mounted on the base 120 and positioned at the lower end of the bulging portion 210, ensuring stability and flexibility of the pressing assembly 700. The abutting portion 721 is provided at the lower end of the bulging portion 210 and abuts against the lower end of the bulging portion 210, ensuring stability of the bulging portion 210 and high-precision contact with the pressing tool 720. The pressing portion 722 extends toward the outside of the housing 100 and is positioned at the upper end of the push switch 710, ensuring sensitivity and reliability of the pressing operation. The pressing tool 720 is configured to trigger the push switch 710 when the operation body 200 is pressed. This further improves the operational flexibility and functionality of the multi-directional input device 10. The lack of water absorption by the carbon film solves the problem of abnormal resistance values ​​during measurements in high-temperature, high-humidity environments. The bulge 210 further has a second end 211, which is positioned to press the pressing portion 722 and trigger the push switch 710 when the operation body 200 is pressed. This ensures that the push switch 710 is accurately triggered during the process of pressing the operation body 200, thereby avoiding the occurrence of mistapping or erroneous judgment. This design simplifies the structure of the pressing assembly 700 and improves its sensitivity and stability, ensuring high efficiency and high reliability in the pressing operation of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-directional input device 10 further includes a return mechanism 300, which is provided in the accommodation space 101 and elastically pressed against the bulge portion 210. The return mechanism 300 is configured to return the operating body 20 to its original position when at least a portion of the operating body 20 swings within the accommodation space 101. The return mechanism 300 includes an elastic member 301 and a presser plate 302, the elastic member 301 being provided in the position restriction member 130, and the presser plate 302 being provided at one end of the elastic member 301 closer to the position restriction opening 131. The elastic member 301 presses and holds the presser plate 302 against the lower end of the bulge portion 210, and the bulge portion 210 is configured to abut against the surface of the presser plate 302 facing the position restriction opening 131.

[0029] See FIG. 6. An embodiment of the present invention further provides a controller 30 including the above-described multi-directional input device 10. By applying the multi-directional input device 10 to the controller 30, its range of application and functionality are further expanded. By including the multi-directional input device 10 in the controller 30, precision and reliability are ensured during multi-directional operation of the handle, improving the user's operating experience. This design allows the controller 30 to meet a wider range of operating needs, improving flexibility and practicality, and providing a more precise and reliable controller 30 in fields such as games and virtual reality.

[0030] The above embodiments are for illustrating, not limiting, the technical solutions of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and gist of the technical solutions of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 10 Multi-directional input device 100 cabinets 20 Operating body 200 Operation unit 210 Bulge 201 1st end 101 Containment Space 102 Aperture 300 Return mechanism 400 Swing arm assembly 410 First swing arm 420 Second swing arm 401 Swing arm body 402 Rotating part 403 Slide groove 500 Electrical connection parts 600 Magnetic sensing assembly 601 Magnetic materials 602 Magnetic Sensor 501 Cover 502 Circuit Board 503 Connection 4021 Engaging protrusion 504 Engagement groove 4022 Mounting groove 120 base 130 Position control member 121 Groove 131 Position-controlled opening 301 Elastic member 302 Retaining plate 700 Pressing Assembly 710 Push Switch 720 Pressing tool 721 Contact part 722 Pressing part 211 2nd end 30 Controllers

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device, a housing having an internal storage space and an opening communicating with the storage space; an operating body, at least a portion of which is swingably disposed within the accommodation space, the operating body including a first end protruding from the opening to the outside of the accommodation space; a swing arm assembly at least a portion of which is located inside the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and which is drivingly connected to the operating body, the swing arm assembly including a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm and the second swing arm being configured to rotate around two directions which are perpendicular to each other as the operating body rotates, and at least one of the first swing arm and the second swing arm including a swing arm main body and a rotating portion provided at both ends of the swing arm main body; two electrical connection members located outside the housing; a magnetic detection assembly including a magnetic member and a magnetic sensor, the magnetic member being connected to the rotating portion, the magnetic sensor being fixed to the electrical connection member and spaced apart from the magnetic member, and configured to detect the rotational movement of the first swing arm or the second swing arm by the magnetic member; A multi-directional input device comprising:

2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, the electrical connection member includes a cover, a circuit board, and a connection portion integrally molded with the cover; the circuit board is disposed between the cover and the connection portion; the magnetic sensor is disposed on a side of the circuit board away from the rotating portion and is electrically connected to the circuit board; The multi-directional input device is characterized in that the connection portion is fixed to the housing and arranged to be connected to the rotation portion.

3. 3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, The rotating portion is provided with an engagement protrusion, The connecting portion has an engagement groove on a side facing the rotating portion, The multi-directional input device is characterized in that at least a portion of the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement groove.

4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, The rotating portion is provided with a mounting groove, At least a portion of the magnetic member is provided in the mounting groove, A multi-directional input device, characterized in that the rotation center of the magnetic member and the rotation center of the magnetic sensor are arranged along the axial direction of the rotating portion.

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, The swing arm body is provided with a slide groove, an extending direction of at least a part of the slide groove coincides with an axial direction of the rotating part; the first end passes through the slide groove and is slidably disposed within the slide groove; The first end is the first swing arm is disposed to rotate the second swing arm relative to the housing when moving along the slide groove; A multi-directional input device, characterized in that the second swing arm is arranged to rotate the first swing arm relative to the housing when moving along the slide groove.

6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, the housing includes a base and a position restriction member fixed to the base, The base is provided with a recessed groove in which the rotating part is rotatably mounted, The position restriction member has a position restriction opening, the operation body further includes a bulge provided on a periphery of the operation main body, At least a portion of the bulge is fitted into the position restriction opening, The multi-directional input device, wherein the first end passes through the position restriction opening and extends toward the opening.

7. 7. The multi-directional input device according to claim 6, a pressing assembly including a pressing tool movably mounted on the base and positioned at a lower end of the bulging portion, and a push switch mounted on the housing; the pressing tool includes a contact portion provided at a lower end of the bulging portion and contacting the lower end of the bulging portion, and a pressing portion protruding to the outside of the housing and positioned at an upper end of the push switch, The pressing tool is configured to trigger the push switch when the operation body is pressed, the bulging portion further has a second end, and the second end is configured to press the pressing portion and trigger the push switch when the operation body is pressed.

8. The multi-directional input device according to claim 7, a return mechanism that is provided in the accommodation space, elastically pressed against the bulging portion, and returns the operation body when at least a portion of the operation body swings within the accommodation space; The return mechanism includes: an elastic member provided within the position restriction member; a pressing plate provided at one end of the elastic member near the position restriction opening; Including, The elastic member presses the pressing plate against the lower end of the bulging portion to hold it in place, The multi-directional input device is characterized in that the bulging portion is disposed so as to abut against a surface of the pressing plate facing the position restriction opening.

9. A controller comprising the multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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