Direction input device and controller

Abstract

This direction input device comprises an input part, a first sliding part, a second sliding part, a first sliding surface, a second sliding surface, and a sliding urging part. The input part comprises an operation portion and a shaft. The first sliding part slides in a first direction. A first hole is formed on the first sliding part so as to enable the shaft to pass therethrough and extend in a second direction. The second sliding part slides in the second direction. A second hole is formed on the second sliding part so as to enable the shaft to pass therethrough and extend in the first direction. The first sliding surface has an upward-convex curved surface shape extending in the first direction, and the first sliding part abuts the first sliding surface from below to slide thereon. The second sliding surface has an upward-convex curved surface shape extending in the second direction, and the second sliding part abuts the second sliding surface from below to slide thereon. The sliding urging part is provided below the first sliding part and the second sliding part, and urges the first sliding part in an upward direction such that the first sliding part is pressed against the first sliding surface, and urges the second sliding part in the upward direction such that the second sliding part is pressed against the second sliding surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a direction input device and a controller.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-22462 (Patent Document 1) discloses a multi-direction input device that extracts a detection signal corresponding to the tilting amount of a lever member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The structure described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of miniaturization in the axial direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The direction input device according to the present disclosure includes an input unit, a first sliding unit, a second sliding unit, a first sliding surface, a second sliding surface, and a sliding biasing unit. The input unit includes an operated unit and a shaft extending downward from the operated unit. The first sliding unit slides in the first direction as the input unit tilts in the first direction from the initial position. The first sliding unit is provided with a first hole through which the shaft passes and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second sliding unit slides in the second direction as the input unit tilts in the second direction from the initial position. The second sliding unit is provided with a second hole through which the shaft passes and extends in the first direction. The first sliding surface extends in the first direction and has a curved surface shape that is convex upward, and the first sliding unit contacts and slides from below. The second sliding surface extends in the second direction and has a curved surface shape that is convex upward, and the second sliding unit contacts and slides from below. The sliding biasing unit is provided below the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit, biases the first sliding unit upward from below so as to press the first sliding unit against the first sliding surface, and biases the second sliding unit upward from below so as to press the second sliding unit against the second sliding surface.

[0006] According to the direction input device according to the present disclosure, the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit do not have a physical rotation axis and slide on the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, respectively. Therefore, in the axial direction of the input unit, the length of the direction input device can be shortened. In addition, a tilt trajectory with a degree of freedom can be designed. Further, the sliding biasing unit is provided below the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit, biases the first sliding unit upward from below so as to press the first sliding unit against the first sliding surface, and biases the second sliding unit upward from below so as to press the second sliding unit against the second sliding surface. Therefore, while suppressing the rattling when each of the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit slides, the input unit can be returned to the initial position when the input unit tilts.

[0007] According to the direction input device related to the above, the sliding biasing unit may be a spring having the same axis as the shaft as the central axis. Thereby, the space in the direction input device can be effectively utilized.

[0008] According to the above-described direction input device, the spring may be a conical coil spring. When the spring is a normal coil spring, when compressed in the axial direction, the coil springs overlap in the axial direction. On the other hand, since the conical coil spring expands in the radial direction, it is possible to suppress the conical coil spring from overlapping in the axial direction when compressed in the axial direction. Therefore, in the case of a conical coil spring, the degree of freedom in adjusting the load is improved in a space of a certain height. When there is a wide space in the radial direction of the direction input device, by using a conical coil spring as the sliding biasing portion, the degree of freedom in adjusting the load can be improved.

[0009] According to the above-described direction input device, the diameter of the conical coil spring may increase from bottom to top. Thereby, each of the first sliding portion that expands in the radial direction and the second sliding portion that expands in the radial direction can be stably supported from below.

[0010] According to the above-described direction input device, it may further include a pedestal provided in the space surrounded by the sliding biasing portion and where the lower end of the shaft slides. Thereby, the space inside the direction input device can be effectively utilized.

[0011] According to the above-described direction input device, it may further include a switch provided below the pedestal and input by pushing the input portion downward. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform a push-in input without receiving the repulsive force from the sliding biasing portion 9.

[0012] According to the above-described direction input device, it may further include a pedestal biasing portion that biases the pedestal upward. Thereby, it is possible to prevent rattling between the input portion and the pedestal.

[0013] According to the above-described direction input device, when viewed in the second direction, the width of the lower surface of the first sliding portion in the first direction may decrease from top to bottom.

[0014] According to the direction input device related above, the first sliding part may include a protruding part that protrudes in the first direction from the side surface of the first sliding part and constitutes a part of the lower surface of the first sliding part. Thereby, when the input part is tilted, the displacement in the vertical direction per tilt angle becomes large. Therefore, the force for returning the input part to the initial position can be increased.

[0015] According to the direction input device related above, when viewed in the second direction, the lower surface of the first sliding part may be composed of a central region, an outer region provided above the central region and outside the central region, and a connection region located between the central region and the outer region. The connection region may be inclined upward with respect to the central region. The outer region may be inclined downward with respect to the connection region at the boundary between the outer region and the connection region.

[0016] According to the direction input device related above, it may further include a support plate in contact with the first sliding part. While the first sliding part tilts from the initial angle to a predetermined angle, the outermost contact point in the region where the first sliding part and the support plate are in contact may be at the same position or move continuously. When the first sliding part tilts beyond the predetermined angle, the contact point may move discontinuously outward.

[0017] According to the direction input device related above, it may further include a first slider that moves linearly in response to the sliding of the first sliding part, a second slider that moves linearly in response to the sliding of the second sliding part, and a sensor that detects the electrical resistance that changes with the movement of each of the first slider and the second slider.

[0018] According to the direction input device related above, it may further include a first elastic body whose thickness changes in response to the sliding of the first sliding part, a second elastic body whose thickness changes in response to the sliding of the second sliding part, a pair of first electrodes provided on both sides of the first elastic body in the thickness direction of the first elastic body, and a pair of second electrodes provided on both sides of the second elastic body in the thickness direction of the second elastic body.

[0019] According to the direction input device described above, the first sliding portion may include a first upper surface spaced apart from the first sliding surface, and a first convex portion provided on the first upper surface and contacting the first sliding surface. The second sliding portion may include a second upper surface spaced apart from the second sliding surface, and a second convex portion provided on the second upper surface and contacting the second sliding surface. Thereby, the contact area between the first sliding portion and the first sliding surface can be reduced, and the contact area between the second sliding portion and the second sliding surface can be reduced. As a result, the sliding resistance between the first sliding portion and the first sliding surface can be reduced, and the sliding resistance between the second sliding portion and the second sliding surface can be reduced.

[0020] According to the direction input device described above, it may further include a module housing in which the first sliding portion, the second sliding portion, and the sliding biasing portion are disposed inside. Each of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be formed on the back surface of the module housing.

[0021] According to the direction input device described above, it may further include a module housing in which the first sliding portion, the second sliding portion, and the sliding biasing portion are disposed inside. The second sliding surface is formed on the back surface of the module housing, and the first sliding surface may be formed on the lower surface of the second sliding portion.

[0022] The controller according to the present disclosure may include the direction input device described above and a controller housing provided with the direction input device. The second sliding surface may be formed in a partial spherical shape such that the input portion tilts with respect to the virtual center. The virtual center may be located outside the controller housing.

[0023] According to the controller of the present disclosure, the rotation radius of the input portion can be increased with respect to the shape of the controller. As a result, the operability of the controller can be improved.

[0024] The controller according to the present disclosure may include the direction input device described above and a controller housing provided with the direction input device. The second sliding surface may be a partial spherical surface shape formed such that the input portion tilts with respect to the virtual center. The virtual center may be located outside the direction input device and inside the controller housing.

[0025] According to the controller of the present disclosure, regardless of the size of the direction input device, while increasing the rotation radius of the input portion, since the virtual center is located inside the controller, the discomfort when operating the input portion can be suppressed.

[0026] According to the controller of the present disclosure, each of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be formed on the back surface of the controller housing.

[0027] According to the controller of the present disclosure, the second sliding surface may be formed on the back surface of the controller housing, and the first sliding surface may be formed on the lower surface of the second sliding portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the direction input device can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the input portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

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Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure 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 the description thereof will not be repeated. [A. Direction Input Device] (First Embodiment) First, an overview of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a first perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment mainly includes an input unit 1, a first sliding part 10, a second sliding part 20, a sliding biasing part 9, a support plate 95, and a lower housing part 80. The input unit 1 is, for example, a stick. The input unit 1 mainly includes an operated part 41 and a shaft 42. The operated part 41 is a part operated by the user. The shaft 42 is connected to the operated part 41. The shaft 42 extends downward from the operated part 41.

[0032] In this specification, the direction from the shaft 42 toward the operated part 41 is defined as upward. Conversely, the direction from the operated part 41 toward the shaft 42 is defined as downward. A direction parallel to the direction from the shaft 42 toward the operated part 41 is defined as the vertical direction Z (see FIG. 2). The vertical direction Z is also referred to as the axial direction. The first direction X is a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The first direction X is, for example, the pitch direction. The second direction Y is a direction perpendicular to each of the first direction X and the vertical direction Z. The second direction Y is, for example, the roll direction.

[0033] The first sliding part 10 is provided with a first hole 19 extending in the second direction Y. The first hole 19 is a through hole. The shaft 42 passes through the first hole 19. The first sliding part 10 has a first upper surface 16, a first lower surface 12, a first side surface 13, a third side surface 17, and a first convex part 14. The first upper surface 16 has a first upper region 11 and a second upper region 15. In the second direction Y, the second upper region 15 is located on both sides of the first upper region 11. The first upper region 11 is sandwiched between the second upper regions 15.

[0034] The first hole 19 is provided in the first upper region 11. The first lower surface 12 is located on the opposite side of the first upper surface 16. The first hole 19 opens to each of the first upper region 11 and the first lower surface 12. The first side surface 13 is continuous with each of the first upper surface 16 and the first lower surface 12. The first side surface 13 is the end face of the first sliding portion 10 in the second direction Y. The first side surface 13 is continuous with the second upper region 15. The first side surface 13 is spaced apart from the first upper region 11. The third side surface 17 is the end face of the first sliding portion 10 in the first direction X. The third side surface 17 is continuous with each of the first upper region 11 and the second upper region 15. The first convex portion 14 is provided in the second upper region 15. The first convex portion 14 extends along the first direction X. In the second direction Y, the first convex portion 14 is provided on both sides of the first hole 19.

[0035] The second sliding portion 20 is provided with a second hole 29 extending in the first direction X. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. The second hole 29 is a through hole. A shaft 42 passes through the second hole 29. The second sliding portion 20 has a second upper surface 21, a second lower surface 22, a second side surface 23, and a second convex portion 24. The second lower surface 22 has a first lower region 26 and a second lower region 27. In the first direction X, the second lower region 27 is located on both sides of the first lower region 26. The first lower region 26 is sandwiched between the second lower regions 27.

[0036] The second hole 29 is provided in the first lower region 26. The second lower surface 22 is located on the opposite side of the second upper surface 21. The second hole 29 opens to each of the first lower region 26 and the second upper surface 21. The second side surface 23 is continuous with each of the second upper surface 21 and the second lower surface 22. The second side surface 23 is the end face of the second sliding portion 20 in the first direction X. The second side surface 23 is continuous with the second lower region 27. The second side surface 23 is spaced apart from the first lower region 26. The second convex portion 24 is provided on the second upper surface 21. The second convex portion 24 extends along the second direction Y. In the first direction X, the second convex portion 24 is provided on both sides of the second hole 29.

[0037] The sliding biasing portion 9 is provided on the lower housing portion 80. The sliding biasing portion 9 is, for example, a spring. The support plate 95 is provided on the sliding biasing portion 9. The support plate 95 is, for example, annular. The first sliding portion 10 is provided on the support plate 95. The first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 is in contact with the support plate 95. The second sliding portion 20 is provided on the support plate 95. The second lower region 27 of the second sliding portion 20 is in contact with the support plate 95. The first lower region 26 of the second sliding portion 20 may be spaced apart from the support plate 95. The sliding biasing portion 9 is not limited to a spring. The sliding biasing portion 9 may be an elastic body having a restoring force such as rubber, for example.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. The first schematic cross-sectional view is along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment further includes an upper housing portion 70, a pedestal 50, and a switch 4. The upper housing portion 70 and the lower housing portion 80 constitute a module housing 85. An axial through-hole 76 is provided in the upper housing portion 70. A shaft 42 is inserted into the axial through-hole 76. The upper housing portion 70 is combined with the lower housing portion 80. The first sliding portion 10, the second sliding portion 20, the sliding biasing portion 9, the support plate 95, the pedestal 50, and the switch 4 are disposed inside the module housing 85.

[0039] The upper housing portion 70 has a second sliding surface 72, a first inner side surface 73, a third upper surface 74, a first outer side surface 75, and a third lower surface 77. The second sliding surface 72 extends in the second direction Y. The second sliding surface 72 has a curved surface shape that is convex upward. In a cross-section parallel to each of the second direction Y and the vertical direction Z, the second sliding surface 72 may be, for example, an arc shape or an elliptical arc shape. The second sliding surface 72 may be a partial spherical surface shape. The second sliding surface 72 is a surface on which the second sliding portion 20 abuts and slides from below. The second sliding surface 72 is formed on the back surface of the upper housing portion 70.

[0040] The second convex portion 24 of the second sliding portion 20 is in contact with the second sliding surface 72. The second upper surface 21 may be spaced apart from the second sliding surface 72. The third upper surface 74 is located on the opposite side of the second sliding surface 72. The first inner side surface 73 is continuous with each of the third upper surface 74 and the second sliding surface 72. The first inner side surface 73 constitutes the axial through hole 76. The third lower surface 77 is continuous with the first outer side surface 75. In the vertical direction Z, the first outer side surface 75 is located between the third upper surface 74 and the third lower surface 77. The third upper surface 74 has a portion with a curved surface shape that is convex upward. Note that the second sliding portion 20 may not have the second convex portion 24. In this case, the second upper surface 21 (see FIG. 1) of the second sliding portion 20 is in contact with the second sliding surface 72.

[0041] The lower housing portion 80 has a fourth upper surface 81, a fourth lower surface 82, a second outer side surface 83, and a mounting portion 84. The fourth upper surface 81 faces the second sliding surface 72. The sliding biasing portion 9, the switch 4 portion, and the pedestal 50 are provided on the fourth upper surface 81. The mounting portion 84 is located on the fourth upper surface 81. The mounting portion 84 protrudes upward from the fourth upper surface 81. The pedestal 50 may be attached to the mounting portion 84. The second outer side surface 83 is provided along the first outer side surface 75. A space is formed inside the module housing 85 by the contact between the outer portion of the third lower surface 77 of the upper housing portion 70 and the outer portion of the fourth upper surface 81 of the lower housing portion 80.

[0042] The operated portion 41 of the input portion 1 is disposed outside the module housing 85. The shaft 42 has a central portion 43 and a retaining portion 44. The central portion 43 is continuous with the operated portion 41. The retaining portion 44 is continuous with the central portion 43. The retaining portion 44 is located below the central portion 43. The central portion 43 is located between the operated portion 41 and the retaining portion 44.

[0043] The pedestal 50 is provided below the input unit 1. The pedestal 50 is a member on which the lower end of the shaft 42 slides. The pedestal 50 has a fifth upper surface 53, a fifth lower surface 54, an outer protruding portion 56, and a central protruding portion 55. The fifth upper surface 53 has a curved surface shape that is convex upward. The lower end of the shaft 42 slides along the fifth upper surface 53. The lower end of the shaft 42 is configured along the shape of the fifth upper surface 53 of the pedestal 50. Specifically, the lower end of the shaft 42 has a curved surface shape that is concave upward. The fifth lower surface 54 is on the opposite side of the fifth upper surface 53.

[0044] Each of the outer protruding portion 56 and the central protruding portion 55 is provided on the fifth lower surface 54. The outer protruding portion 56 is located outside the central protruding portion 55. In the present embodiment, the pedestal 50 is attached to the attachment portion 84 such that the inner peripheral surface of the outer protruding portion 56 faces the outer peripheral surface of the attachment portion 84. The central protruding portion 55 is located on a straight line along the central portion 43. The pedestal 50 is provided in a space surrounded by the sliding biasing portion 9. The sliding biasing portion 9 may be a spring having the same axis A as the shaft 42 as the central axis. Specifically, the sliding biasing portion 9 may be a spiral coil spring surrounding the axis A. The axis A may pass through the operated portion 41, the shaft 42, the central protruding portion 55, and the switch 4. The axis A is parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0045] The switch 4 is provided below the pedestal 50. The switch 4 is disposed at a position facing the central protruding portion 55 of the pedestal 50. The switch 4 is input when the input unit 1 is pushed downward. Specifically, when the input unit 1 is pushed downward, the central protruding portion 55 of the pedestal 50 may move downward and the switch 4 may be pushed. After the central protruding portion 55 pushes the switch 4 downward, the central protruding portion 55 may be pushed back upward by the restoring force of the switch 4.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. The second schematic cross-sectional view is along the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper housing portion 70 has a first sliding surface 71. The first sliding surface 71 extends in the first direction X. The first sliding surface 71 has a curved surface shape that is convex upward. In a cross-section parallel to each of the first direction X and the vertical direction Z, the first sliding surface 71 may be, for example, an arc shape or an elliptical arc shape. The first sliding surface 71 may be a partial spherical surface shape. The first sliding surface 71 is a surface on which the first sliding portion 10 abuts and slides from below. The first sliding surface 71 may be formed on the back surface of the upper module housing 70 or on the second lower surface 22 of the second sliding portion 20.

[0047] The first convex portion 14 of the first sliding portion 10 abuts on the first sliding surface 71. The first upper region 11 is separated from the first sliding surface 71. The third upper surface 74 is located on the opposite side of the first sliding surface 71. The first inner side surface 73 is continuous with each of the third upper surface 74 and the first sliding surface 71. Note that the first sliding portion 10 may not have the first convex portion 14. In this case, the second upper region 15 (see FIG. 1) of the first sliding portion 10 abuts on the first sliding surface 71.

[0048] The sliding biasing portion 9 is provided below the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20. The sliding biasing portion 9 biases the first sliding portion 10 upward from below so as to press it against the first sliding surface 71. The first sliding portion 10 returns to the initial position along the first sliding surface 71. The sliding biasing portion 9 biases the second sliding portion 20 upward from below so as to press it against the second sliding surface 72. The second sliding portion 20 returns to the initial position along the second sliding surface 72. Therefore, the input portion 1 can be returned to the initial position with high accuracy. The sliding biasing portion 9 may be divided into a first biasing portion (not shown) that biases the first sliding portion 10 and a second biasing portion (not shown) that biases the second sliding portion 20. For example, two springs may be provided as the first biasing portion and two other springs may be provided as the second biasing portion.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a second perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, an input unit 1, a pedestal 50, and a lower housing unit 80 are shown, and other members are omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the retaining portion 44 is located between the central portion 43 and the pedestal 50. In the first direction X, the length of the retaining portion 44 may be greater than the length of the central portion 43. In the second direction Y, the length of the retaining portion 44 is substantially the same as the length of the central portion 43. The length of the retaining portion 44 in the first direction X may be greater than the length of the retaining portion 44 in the second direction Y.

[0050] Next, a method of attaching the input unit 1 to the second sliding portion 20 and the first sliding portion 10 will be described. The shaft 42 of the input unit 1 may be able to penetrate each of the first hole 19 and the second hole 29. In this case, without dividing the input unit 1, the input unit 1 can be attached to each of the first sliding portion 10 having the first hole 19 and the second sliding portion 20 having the second hole 29. Specifically, first, after inserting the shaft 42 of the input unit 1 into the second hole 29 (see FIG. 1) of the second sliding portion 20, the shaft 42 is rotated 90°. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the retaining portion 44 of the input unit 1 from coming out of the second hole 29. Next, after inserting the shaft 42 of the input unit 1 into the first hole 19 (see FIG. 1) of the first sliding portion 10, the shaft 42 is further rotated 90°. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the retaining portion 44 of the input unit 1 from coming out of the first hole 19. In this case, there is only a retaining mechanism for the first hole 19, and there is no retaining mechanism for the second hole 29. In addition, there may be a case where there is only a retaining mechanism for the second hole 29 and there is no retaining mechanism for the first hole 19, and the retaining portion 44 is located in the first hole 19, so that as a result, the input unit 1 moves the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20 in the same manner while preventing the input unit 1 from coming off.

[0051] The operated portion 41, the central portion 43, and the retaining portion 44 may be integrally configured or separately configured. When the operated portion 41, the central portion 43, and the retaining portion 44 are integrally configured, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where they are configured as separate divided components.

[0052] Next, the movement of the first sliding portion 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the movement of the first sliding portion 10. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5 is along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 5, when the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the first direction X, the first sliding portion 10 moves along with the movement of the input portion 1. Specifically, the first sliding portion 10 slides in the first direction X as the input portion 1 tilts from the initial position in the first direction X. The first convex portion 14 (see FIG. 3) of the first sliding portion 10 slides on the first sliding surface 71 of the upper housing portion 70 while being in contact with the first sliding surface 71. The lower end of the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 slides on the fifth upper surface 53 of the pedestal 50. At this time, the second sliding portion 20 substantially does not move.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, when the user tilts the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 to the right, the first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 compresses the sliding biasing portion 9 downward via the support plate 95. At this time, the right end of the support plate 95 moves downward. When the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the first direction X, the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 can come into contact with the first inner side surface 73 of the upper housing portion 70. In other words, when the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the first direction X, the movement of the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 is restricted by the first inner side surface 73 of the upper housing portion 70. When the user releases the input portion 1, the right end of the support plate 95 is pushed upward by the restoring force of the sliding biasing portion 9. When the first sliding portion 10 moves to the central position, the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 returns to the initial position (see FIG. 2).

[0054] Next, the movement of the second sliding portion 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the movement of the second sliding portion 20. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6 is along the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 6, when the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the second direction Y, the second sliding portion 20 moves along with the movement of the input portion 1. Specifically, the second sliding portion 20 slides in the second direction Y as the input portion 1 tilts from the initial position in the second direction Y. The second convex portion 24 (see FIG. 2) of the second sliding portion 20 slides on the second sliding surface 72 of the upper housing portion 70 while being in contact with the second sliding surface 72. The lower end of the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 slides on the fifth upper surface 53 of the pedestal 50. At this time, the first sliding portion 10 substantially does not move.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, when the user tilts the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 to the right, the second lower surface 22 of the second sliding portion 20 compresses the sliding biasing portion 9 downward via the support plate 95. At this time, the right end of the support plate 95 moves downward. When the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the second direction Y, the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 can come into contact with the first inner side surface 73 of the upper housing portion 70. In other words, when the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 tilts in the second direction Y, the movement of the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 is restricted by the first inner side surface 73 of the upper housing portion 70. When the user releases the input portion 1, the right end of the support plate 95 is pushed upward by the restoring force of the sliding biasing portion 9. When the second sliding portion 20 moves to the central position, the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 returns to the initial position (see FIG. 3).

[0056] When viewed in the vertical direction, the shaft 42 of the input portion 1 can tilt in the first direction X, can tilt in the second direction Y, or can tilt in a direction inclined with respect to each of the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Next, an overview of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment mainly has a configuration including a first sensor 60, a first slider 91, and a second slider 92, and is different from the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. For other configurations, they are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment further includes a first sensor 60, a first slider 91, and a second slider 92. In FIG. 7, the module housing 85 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, the first sensor 60 has a first contact 61, a second contact 62, and a third contact 63. When viewed in the vertical direction, the shape of the third contact 63 may be, for example, an L shape. The shape of each of the first contact 61 and the second contact 62 is, for example, a rectangle.

[0059] The first sliding portion 10 has a first protrusion 18. The first protrusion 18 is provided on the first side surface 13. The first protrusion 18 protrudes along the second direction Y. Similarly, the second sliding portion 20 has a second protrusion 28. The second protrusion 28 is provided on the second side surface 23. The second protrusion 28 protrudes along the first direction X.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, a first recess 93 is provided in the first slider 91. The first protrusion 18 is disposed in the first recess 93. The first slider 91 moves linearly in response to the sliding of the first sliding portion 10. The first protrusion 18 moves the first slider 91 as the first sliding portion 10 moves. Specifically, when the first protrusion 18 moves as the first sliding portion 10 moves, the first slider 91 is moved along with the movement of the first protrusion 18. The first slider 91 moves in the first direction X. When viewed in the vertical direction, the moving direction of the first slider 91 is the same as the moving direction of the first protrusion 18.

[0061] The first slider 91 has a first slide member 91a, a second slide member 91b, a first connection member 91c, and a conductive member made of metal (not shown). The first connection member 91c connects the first slide member 91a and the second slide member 91b. One end of the conductive member is located on the first slide member 91a. The other end of the conductive member is located on the second slide member 91b. The first slide member 91a is in contact with, for example, the first contact point 61. The second slide member 91b is in contact with, for example, the third contact point 63. When the first slider 91 moves, the electrical resistance between the first contact point 61 and the third contact point 63 may change. Thereby, the first sensor 60 may detect the electrical resistance that changes as the first slider 91 moves.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the second slider 92 is provided with a second recess 94. The second protrusion 28 is disposed in the second recess 94. The second slider 92 moves linearly in response to the sliding of the second sliding portion 20. The second protrusion 28 moves the second slider 92 as the second sliding portion 20 moves. Specifically, when the second protrusion 28 moves as the second sliding portion 20 moves, the second slider 92 is moved along with the movement of the second protrusion 28. The second slider 92 moves in the second direction Y. When viewed in the vertical direction, the moving direction of the second slider 92 is the same as the moving direction of the second protrusion 28.

[0063] The second slider 92 has a third slide member 92a, a fourth slide member 92b, a second connection member 92c, and a conductive member made of metal (not shown). The second connection member 92c connects the third slide member 92a and the fourth slide member 92b. One end of the conductive member is located on the third slide member 92a. The other end of the conductive member is located on the fourth slide member 92b. The third slide member 92a is in contact with, for example, the third contact point 63. The fourth slide member 92b is in contact with, for example, the second contact point 62. When the second slider 92 moves, the electrical resistance between the third contact point 63 and the second contact point 62 may change. Thereby, the first sensor 60 may detect the electrical resistance that changes as the second slider 92 moves.

[0064] According to the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment, the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20 can also serve as a detection mechanism. Therefore, compared with the case where the direction input device 100 includes a detection mechanism as a separate component, it is possible to reduce the space and the number of components.

[0065] (Third Embodiment) Next, an outline of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment mainly has a configuration having a second sensor 68, and is different from the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. For other configurations, they are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 8A is along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 8A, the direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment further has a second sensor 68. The second sensor 68 is, for example, a capacitance sensor. The second sensor 68 has a first sliding portion sensor 68a and a second sliding portion sensor 68b. The first sliding portion sensor 68a has a pair of first electrodes 35 and a first elastic body 36. The second sliding portion sensor 68b has a pair of second electrodes 69 and a second elastic body 67. The pair of first electrodes 35 are provided on both sides of the first elastic body 36 in the thickness direction of the first elastic body 36. The pair of second electrodes 69 are provided on both sides of the second elastic body 67 in the thickness direction of the second elastic body 67. The first elastic body 36 and the second elastic body 67 may be non-conductive. In the direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment, the first elastic body 36 and the second elastic body 67 are provided instead of the sliding biasing portion 9.

[0067] FIG. 8B is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the second sensor 68 of the direction input device 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, when viewed in the vertical direction Z, the first sliding portion sensor 68a and the second sliding portion sensor 68b have a shape along an arc. The second sliding portion sensor 68b is disposed at a position where the first sliding portion sensor 68a is rotated 90° along a virtual circle centered on the axis A. Specifically, one of the two first sliding portion sensors 68a is provided at the 0° position, and the other is provided at the 180° position. One of the two second sliding portion sensors 68b is provided at the 90° position, and the other is provided at the 270° position.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8A, the first elastic body 36 is located between the pair of first electrodes 35. One of the pair of first electrodes 35 is located on the lower housing portion 80. The first sliding portion 10 is located on the other of the pair of first electrodes 35. The thickness of the first elastic body 36 changes in accordance with the sliding of the first sliding portion 10. Thereby, the capacitance between the pair of first electrodes 35 changes. A parameter corresponding to the tilt angle of the input unit 1 may be calculated based on the capacitance between the pair of first electrodes 35 or a change thereof. Note that, instead of or in addition to the tilt angle of the input unit 1, a parameter corresponding to the load applied to the first sliding portion 10 may be calculated.

[0069] The second elastic body 67 is located between the pair of second electrodes 69. One of the pair of second electrodes 69 is located on the lower housing portion 80. The second sliding portion 20 is located on the other of the pair of second electrodes 69. The thickness of the second elastic body 67 changes in accordance with the sliding of the second sliding portion 20. Thereby, the capacitance between the pair of second electrodes 69 changes. A parameter corresponding to the tilt angle of the input unit 1 may be calculated based on the capacitance between the pair of second electrodes 69 or a change thereof. Note that, instead of or in addition to the tilt angle of the input unit 1, a parameter corresponding to the load applied to the second sliding portion 20 may be calculated.

[0070] A processor (not shown) on the controller or game device side may execute certain control linearly or stepwise according to the detected capacitance or its change. The processor on the controller or game device side may execute certain control according to the detected capacitance or its change exceeding a certain threshold. In the above, the case where the second sensor 68 is a capacitance sensor has been described, but the second sensor 68 is not limited to a capacitance sensor. The second sensor 68 may be, for example, a strain gauge, a magnetic sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0071] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, an outline of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment mainly has a configuration having a rib 86 and a pedestal biasing portion 87, and is different from the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. For other configurations, they are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9 is along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 9, the direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment further has a rib 86. The rib 86 is disposed outside the sliding biasing portion 9. The rib 86 is provided inside the module housing 85. The rib 86 is provided on the lower housing portion 80. The rib 86 may be in contact with the upper housing portion 70. The upper end of the rib 86 faces the support plate 95. When the input unit 1 tilts and the support plate 95 tilts, the support plate 95 may contact the upper end of the rib 86. From another perspective, the tilt of the support plate 95 may be restricted by the rib 86.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, the direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment may have a pedestal biasing portion 87. The pedestal biasing portion 87 may be provided between the outer protrusion 56 of the pedestal 50 and the fourth upper surface 81 of the lower housing portion 80. The pedestal biasing portion 87 is, for example, a coil spring. The pedestal biasing portion 87 biases the pedestal 50 upward. When the central protrusion 55 of the pedestal 50 presses the switch 4 by the input portion 1 being pushed downward, in addition to or instead of the switch 4, the pedestal biasing portion 87 may push the pedestal 50 upward. Note that the direction input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment may include only one of the rib 86 and the pedestal biasing portion 87, and may not include the other of the rib 86 and the pedestal biasing portion 87.

[0074] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, an outline of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment is mainly different from the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the sliding biasing portion 9 is a conical coil spring, and the other configurations are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10 is along the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 10, the sliding biasing portion 9 of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment may be a conical coil spring. The diameter of the conical coil spring may increase from the bottom to the top. The lower end of the conical coil spring may surround the switch 4. The upper end of the conical coil spring may surround the fifth upper surface 53 of the pedestal 50.

[0076] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, an overview of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the sixth embodiment is mainly different from the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment in that the width of each of the lower surfaces of the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20 decreases from top to bottom, and the other configurations are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the sixth embodiment. The schematic side view shown in FIG. 11 is viewed in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 11, when viewed in the second direction Y, the width of the lower surface (the first lower surface 12) of the first sliding portion 10 in the first direction X may decrease from top to bottom. The first lower surface 12 has a first lower end region 12a and a second lower end region 12b. The second lower end region 12b is continuous with the first lower end region 12a. The first lower end region 12a is in contact with the support plate 95. The second lower end region 12b is separated from the support plate 95. As shown in FIG. 11, when viewed in the second direction Y, the second lower end region 12b is inclined upward with respect to the first lower end region 12a. The second lower end region 12b may be continuous with the third side surface 17. In the direction input device 100 according to the sixth embodiment, only the first sliding portion 10 may have the above-described lower surface structure, or only the second sliding portion 20 may have the above-described lower surface structure.

[0078] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, an overview of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment is mainly different from the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment in that each of the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20 has a first protrusion 6, and the other configurations are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment. The schematic side view shown in FIG. 12 is viewed in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 12, the first sliding portion 10 may have a first protruding portion 6. The first protruding portion 6 protrudes from the third side surface 17 in the first direction X. The first protruding portion 6 constitutes a part of the first lower surface 12. The first protruding portion 6 is in contact with the support plate 95. The first protruding portion 6 may have a curved surface shape that is convex outward. The first protruding portion 6 is spaced apart from the first upper surface 16. The first protruding portion 6 is continuous with the first side surface 13. When there is the first protruding portion 6, compared with the case where there is no first protruding portion 6, even with the same tilt angle, the amount of depression of the support plate 95 becomes larger, so the return force relatively becomes larger. In the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment, only the first sliding portion 10 may have the first protruding portion 6, or only the second sliding portion 20 may have the first protruding portion 6.

[0080] (Eighth Embodiment) Next, an outline of the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment will be described. The direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment is mainly different from the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment in that the outer region 12e of the lower surface of each of the first sliding portion 10 and the second sliding portion 20 is above the central region 12c, and the other configurations are the same as those of the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from that of the direction input device 100 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment. The schematic side view shown in FIG. 13 is viewed in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 13, the first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 has a central region 12c, a connection region 12d, and an outer region 12e. In the first direction X, the outer region 12e is provided outside the central region 12c. The outer region 12e is provided above the central region 12c. The connection region 12d is located between the central region 12c and the outer region 12e. The connection region 12d connects the central region 12c and the outer region 12e. The connection region 12d is inclined upward with respect to the central region 12c. The outer region 12e is inclined downward with respect to the connection region 12d at the boundary between the outer region 12e and the connection region 12d. The outer region 12e constitutes a part of the lower surface of the first protrusion 6. The first protrusion 6 is spaced apart from the support plate 95.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 13, in the first direction X, the width of the central region 12c may be smaller than the width of the first convex portion 14. The central region 12c is in contact with the support plate 95 at least when the input portion 1 is in the initial position. The outer region 12e and the connection region 12d are spaced apart from the support plate 95. When viewed in the second direction Y, the connection region 12d is inclined with respect to each of the central region 12c and the outer region 12e. The width of the connection region 12d in the first direction X increases upward. In the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment, only the first sliding portion 10 may have the above-described structure, or only the second sliding portion 20 may have the above-described structure.

[0083] Next, the restoring force of the first sliding portion 10 of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment will be described.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the first sliding portion 10 of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment is tilted at a first angle (for example, 2°). As shown in FIG. 14, the contact point between the first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 and the support plate 95 is the first position A1. The first position A1 is located in the central region 12c. When the tilt angle is 2°, the interference between the first sliding portion 10 and the support plate 95 due to the tilt of the first sliding portion 10 is small. Therefore, the restoring force of the first sliding portion 10 is small.

[0085] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the first sliding portion 10 of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment is tilted at a second angle (for example, 4°) greater than the first angle. The restoring force of the first sliding portion 10 when the tilt angle is 4° is greater than the restoring force of the first sliding portion 10 when the tilt angle is 2°. As shown in FIG. 15, the contact points between the first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 and the support plate 95 are the first position A1 and the second position A2. The second position A2 is located in the outer region 12e.

[0086] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the first sliding portion 10 of the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment is tilted at a third angle (for example, 6°) greater than the second angle. The vertical displacement of the support plate 95 at the second position A2 when the input portion 1 is tilted from the initial position is greater than the vertical displacement of the support plate 95 at the first position A1. Therefore, after the contact points between the first lower surface 12 of the first sliding portion 10 and the support plate 95 become the first position A1 and the second position A2, the amount of change in the vertical displacement per tilt angle increases, and the increment (tilt) of the restoring force per tilt angle increases.

[0087] That is, while the first sliding part 10 tilts from the initial angle (for example, 0°) to the predetermined angle (for example, 4°), the contact point located most outward (for example, the first position A1) in the region where the first sliding part 10 and the support plate 95 are in contact is at the same position or moves continuously. When the first sliding part 10 tilts beyond the predetermined angle (for example, 4°), the outermost contact point moves discontinuously from the first position A1 to the second position A2. Therefore, the direction input device 100 according to the eighth embodiment can control the change in the feel of the input part 1 by switching the increment (tilt) of the restoring force per tilt angle in two stages. [B. Controller] Next, the configuration of the controller 110 according to the present disclosure will be described. The controller 110 according to the present disclosure mainly includes a direction input device 100 and a controller housing 3. The direction input device 100 is provided in the controller housing 3.

[0088] FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the controller 110 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17, the controller housing 3 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A first through hole 65 is provided in the controller housing 3. The input part 1 is disposed in the first through hole 65. A part of the input part 1 is located outside the controller housing 3.

[0089] A second through hole 66 is provided in the controller housing 3. The button 2 is disposed in the second through hole 66. A part of the button 2 is located outside the controller housing 3. The button is operated by the user. The controller housing 3 extends, for example, along the first direction X. The first direction X is, for example, the longitudinal direction of the controller housing 3. The second direction Y is, for example, the lateral direction of the controller housing 3. In a plan view, the input part 1 and the button 2 may be arranged side by side along the first direction X.

[0090] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17. The cross-section shown in Figure 18 is parallel to the first direction X. As shown in Figure 18, the controller 110 has a substrate 30 and a support member 99. The substrate 30 and the support member 99 are disposed inside the controller housing 3. The substrate 30 has a front surface 31 and a back surface 32. The back surface 32 is on the opposite side of the front surface 31. The controller housing 3 is composed of a front housing portion 3a and a back housing portion 3b. The front housing portion 3a is combined with the back housing portion 3b. The substrate 30 is located between the front housing portion 3a and the support member 99. The front housing portion 3a has a back surface 3c facing the substrate 30. The support member 99 is located between the substrate 30 and the back housing portion 3b.

[0091] The input unit 1 may have a skirt 45. The skirt 45 is, for example, continuous with the shaft 42. The skirt 45 is disposed so as to surround the shaft 42. The skirt 45 tilts as the shaft 42 tilts. A part of the skirt 45 is disposed in the first through hole 65. The skirt 45 is disposed below the operated portion 41. The inner diameter of the skirt 45 may increase as it moves away from the operated portion 41. From another perspective, the inner diameter of the skirt 45 may increase as it approaches the substrate 30 from the operated portion 41.

[0092] The controller 110 may have, for example, a reinforcing plate 7a, a first electrode layer 8a, a cushion material 7b, and a second electrode layer 8b. The second electrode layer 8b is provided on the substrate 30. The cushion material 7b is provided on the second electrode layer 8b. The first electrode layer 8a is provided on the cushion material 7b. The cushion material 7b is sandwiched between the first electrode layer 8a and the second electrode layer 8b. The reinforcing plate 7a is provided on the first electrode layer 8a.

[0093] The skirt 45 is disposed above the reinforcing plate 7a. When the user tilts the input unit 1, the skirt 45 tilts and contacts the reinforcing plate 7a. When the skirt 45 contacts the reinforcing plate 7a, a load is applied to the reinforcing plate 7a. When a load is applied to the reinforcing plate 7a, the cushioning material 7b is compressed, and the capacitance between the first electrode layer 8a and the second electrode layer 8b changes. When the load is released, the thickness of the cushioning material 7b returns to the thickness before the load was applied.

[0094] The tilting range of the input unit 1 may be restricted by the skirt 45. The detection of the capacitance change may be performed in addition to or instead of the detection of the tilting angle by the slider. When detecting the capacitance change in addition to the detection of the tilting angle by a slider or the like, the content of the execution control for each detection amount may be made different.

[0095] The input unit 1 of the direction input device 100 according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments may have a skirt 45. The above-described capacitance change detection mechanism may be incorporated into the direction input device 100.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 18, the button 2 has, for example, a pressing member 51 and a fourth contact 52. The pressing member 51 is a member that is pressed by the user. The pressing member 51 is disposed in the second through hole 66. The fourth contact 52 is provided on the surface 31 of the substrate 30. The fourth contact 52 faces the bottom surface of the pressing member 51. When the user presses the pressing member 51 toward the surface 31 of the substrate 30, the pressing member 51 contacts the fourth contact 52. Thereby, the controller 110 detects an input from the user. When the user releases the pressing member 51, the pressing member 51 is separated from the fourth contact 52 by a pressing return mechanism (not shown).

[0097] The sliding biasing portion 9 may have a plurality of coil springs. The number of coil springs is not particularly limited, but for example, it is four. The sliding biasing portion 9 may penetrate the substrate 30. The substrate 30 is provided with a third through hole 33. The sliding biasing portion 9 is disposed in the third through hole 33. The lower end of the sliding biasing portion 9 is in contact with the support member 99. The upper end of the sliding biasing portion 9 is in contact with the support plate 95. The upper end of the sliding biasing portion 9 is attached to the mounting protrusion 96 of the support plate 95. The outer protrusion 56 of the pedestal 50 may penetrate the substrate 30. The substrate 30 is provided with a fourth through hole 34. The outer protrusion 56 is disposed in the fourth through hole 34.

[0098] The input portion 1 is tiltable along the tilting direction S. The second sliding surface 72 may have a partial spherical shape formed such that the input portion 1 tilts with respect to the virtual center. The virtual center may be outside the direction input device 100 and may be located inside the controller housing 3. Specifically, the virtual center is located at the first center B1 below the substrate 30. The virtual center may be located at the first center B1 between the substrate 30 and the back surface side housing portion 3b. The virtual center may be located at the first center B1 on the support member 99. Similar to the second sliding surface 72, the first sliding surface 71 may have a partial spherical shape formed such that the input portion 1 tilts with respect to the virtual center.

[0099] Note that the virtual center may be located outside the controller housing 3. Specifically, the virtual center may be located at the second center B2 below the back surface side housing portion 3b. The substrate 30 may be located between the second center B2 and the input portion 1. The back surface side housing portion 3b may be located between the second center B2 and the support member 99.

[0100] As described above, each of the first sliding surface 71 and the second sliding surface 72 may have a curved surface shape that is convex upward, and is not limited to a partial spherical surface shape. When each of the first sliding surface 71 and the second sliding surface 72 has a shape other than the partial spherical surface shape, the movement of the input unit 1 does not become circular motion. In this case, the input unit 1 may not have a virtual center. Each of the first sliding surface 71 and the second sliding surface 72 may be formed on the back surface 3c of the controller housing 3. Alternatively, the second sliding surface 72 may be formed on the back surface 3c of the controller housing 3, and the first sliding surface 71 may be formed in the first lower region 26 of the second sliding portion 20.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1 Input section, 2 Button, 3 Controller housing, 3a Front housing section, 3b Rear housing section, 3c Rear surface, 4 Switch, 6 First protrusion, 7a Reinforcement plate, 7b Cushion material, 8a First electrode layer, 8b Second electrode layer, 9 Sliding biasing section, 10 First sliding section, 11 First upper region, 12 First bottom surface (bottom surface), 12a First lower end region, 12b Second lower end region, 12c Central region, 12d Connection region, 12e Outer region, 13 First side surface, 14 First convex part, 15 Second upper region, 16 First top surface (top surface), 17 Third side surface (side surface), 18 First protrusion part, 19 First hole, 20 Second sliding section, 21 Second top surface, 22 Second bottom surface (bottom surface), 23 Second side surface, 24 Second convex part, 26 First lower region, 27 Second lower region, 28 Second protrusion part, 29 Second hole, 30 Substrate, 31 Front surface, 32 Rear surface, 33 Third through hole, 34 Fourth through hole, 35 First electrode, 36 First elastic body, 41 Operated part, 42 Shaft, 43 Central part, 44 Stopper part, 45 Skirt, 50 Pedestal, 51 Pushing member, 52 Fourth contact point, 53 Fifth top surface, 54 Fifth bottom surface, 55 Central protrusion, 56 Outer protrusion, 60 First sensor (sensor), 61 First contact point, 62 Second contact point, 63 Third contact point, 65 First through hole, 66 Second through hole, 67 Second elastic body, 68 Second sensor, 68a Sensor for the first sliding section, 68b Sensor for the second sliding section, 69 Second electrode, 70 Upper housing section, 71 First sliding surface, 72 Second sliding surface, 73 First inner side surface, 74 Third top surface, 75 First outer side surface, 76 Shaft through hole, 77 Third bottom surface, 80 Lower housing section, 81 Fourth top surface, 82 Fourth bottom surface, 83 Second outer side surface, 84 Mounting part, 85 Module housing, 86 Rib, 87 Pedestal biasing section, 91 First slider, 91a First slide member, 91b Second slide member, 91c First connection member, 92 Second slider, 92a Third slide member, 92b Fourth slide member, 92c Second connection member, 93 First recess, 94 Second recess, 95 Support plate, 96 Mounting protrusion, 99 Support member, 100 Direction input device, 110 Controller, A Axis, A1 First position, A2 Second position, B1 First center, B2 Second center, S Tilting direction, X First direction, Y Second direction, Z Vertical direction.

Claims

1. An input unit including an operable portion and a shaft extending downward from the operable portion, a first sliding portion that slides in the first direction in response to the input unit tilting in the first direction from the initial position, and has a first hole through which the shaft passes and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second sliding portion that slides in the second direction in response to the input unit tilting in the second direction from the initial position, and has a second hole through which the shaft passes and extends in the first direction, a first sliding surface that extends in the first direction, has a curved surface shape convex upward, and against which the first sliding portion abuts and slides from below, a second sliding surface that extends in the second direction, has a curved surface shape convex upward, and against which the second sliding portion abuts and slides from below, a sliding biasing portion provided below the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion, biasing the first sliding portion upward from below so as to press the first sliding portion against the first sliding surface, and biasing the second sliding portion upward from below so as to press the second sliding portion against the second sliding surface, a direction input device.

2. The direction input device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding biasing portion is a spring having the same axis as the shaft as a central axis.

3. The direction input device according to claim 2, wherein the spring is a conical coil spring.

4. The direction input device according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the conical coil spring increases from bottom to top.

5. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pedestal provided in a space surrounded by the sliding biasing portion and on which the lower end of the shaft slides.

6. The direction input device according to claim 5, further comprising a switch provided below the pedestal and input by pushing the input unit downward.

7. The direction input device according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a pedestal biasing portion that biases the pedestal upward.

8. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when viewed in the second direction, the width of the lower surface of the first sliding portion in the first direction decreases from top to bottom.

9. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sliding portion includes a protruding portion that protrudes in the first direction from a side surface of the first sliding portion and constitutes a part of the lower surface of the first sliding portion.

10. When viewed in the second direction, the lower surface of the first sliding portion is composed of a central region, an outer region provided above the central region and outside the central region, and a connection region located between the central region and the outer region. The connection region is inclined upward with respect to the central region. The outer region is inclined downward with respect to the connection region at the boundary between the outer region and the connection region. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. Further comprising a support plate in contact with the first sliding portion. While the first sliding portion tilts from the initial angle to a predetermined angle, the outermost contact point in the region where the first sliding portion and the support plate are in contact is at the same position or moves continuously. When the first sliding portion tilts beyond the predetermined angle, the contact point moves discontinuously outward. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A first slider that moves linearly in response to the sliding of the first sliding portion. A second slider that moves linearly in response to the sliding of the second sliding portion. Further comprising a sensor that detects the electrical resistance that changes with the movement of each of the first slider and the second slider. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A first elastic body whose thickness changes in response to the sliding of the first sliding portion. A second elastic body whose thickness changes in response to the sliding of the second sliding portion. A pair of first electrodes provided on both sides of the first elastic body in the thickness direction of the first elastic body. A pair of second electrodes provided on both sides of the second elastic body in the thickness direction of the second elastic body. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The first sliding portion includes a first upper surface spaced apart from the first sliding surface, and a first convex portion provided on the first upper surface and in contact with the first sliding surface. The second sliding portion includes a second upper surface spaced apart from the second sliding surface, and a second convex portion provided on the second upper surface and in contact with the second sliding surface. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Further comprising a module housing in which the first sliding portion, the second sliding portion, and the sliding biasing portion are disposed inside. Each of the first surface to be slid and the second surface to be slid is formed on the back surface of the module housing. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The module housing further includes the first sliding portion, the second sliding portion, and the sliding biasing portion disposed therein. The second surface to be slid is formed on the back surface of the module housing, and the first surface to be slid is formed on the lower surface of the second sliding portion. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a controller housing provided with the direction input device. The second surface to be slid has a partial spherical shape formed such that the input portion tilts with respect to the virtual center. The virtual center is located outside the controller housing. A controller.

18. The direction input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a controller housing provided with the direction input device. The second surface to be slid has a partial spherical shape formed such that the input portion tilts with respect to the virtual center. The virtual center is outside the direction input device and located inside the controller housing. A controller.

19. Each of the first surface to be slid and the second surface to be slid is formed on the back surface of the controller housing. The controller according to claim 17 or claim 18.

20. The second surface to be slid is formed on the back surface of the controller housing, and the first surface to be slid is formed on the lower surface of the second sliding portion. The controller according to claim 17 or claim 18.

Images