Multi-directional input device

Abstract

To provide a multi-directional input device that can improve the accuracy of detecting a tilt operation of an operating member.SOLUTION: A multi-directional input device comprises: an operating member 104 that projects from cases 101, 102 and allows a tilt operation; a compression coil spring 107 that returns the operating member to an initial state before the tilt operation; a magnet holding part 106 that can move relative to the operating member only in a direction along the projection direction and interlocks with the tilt operation only in the tilt direction; a magnet 109 that is arranged in the magnet holding part; and magnetic sensors 110A, 110B that are arranged at positions facing the magnet and detects the movement of the magnet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a multi-directional input device has been known that includes an operating member that can be tilted, an elastic member that returns the operating member to its initial state before the tilting operation, a magnet embedded in the lower end of the operating member, and a plurality of magnetoelectric conversion elements that are provided below the operating member and detect the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet that displaces in response to the tilting operation of the operating member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-107178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional multi-directional input devices, when the operating member moves downward against the elastic member, the magnet also moves downward, changing the magnetic field, which has a negative effect on the detection of the tilting operation of the operating member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional input device that can improve the accuracy of detecting tilting operations of an operating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multi-directional input device according to the present invention comprises a case, a tiltable operating member protruding from the case, an elastic member for returning the operating member to its initial state before the tilting operation, a magnet holder that is movable relative to the operating member only in the direction along the protruding direction and moves only in the tilting direction, a magnet disposed in the magnet holder, and a magnetic sensor disposed opposite the magnet to detect the movement of the magnet. The magnet holder comprises a pair of disks disposed on both ends of the magnet, and a pin positioned coaxially with the magnet and protruding from one of the disks in the protruding direction of the operating member in the protruding direction of the operating member. The magnetic sensor is arranged on the side of the magnet and is capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. It is characterized by: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an initial state in which no operating force is applied to an operating member; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the multi-directional input device of FIG. 1 in an exploded state. [Figure 3] 2 is a front perspective view of the multi-directional input device of FIG. 1 with an upper cover made transparent. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a rear perspective view of the multi-directional input device of FIG. 1 with an upper cover made transparent. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1 in a state where the operating member is tilted in the YZ plane direction. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B. [Figure 8] 1 in a state where the operating member is tilted in the XZ plane direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the magnet holder. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a disk-shaped part, in which (A) is a plan view and (B) is a half-sectional front view. [Figure 12]4 is a front view showing the positional relationship between a magnet and a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a left side view of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating processing of output signals from a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating analysis results of detecting the tilt amount of the operation member in the X-axis direction. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating analysis results of detecting the tilt amount of the operation member in the Y-axis direction. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the analysis results of XY coordinate output values ​​when tilted in all directions. [Figure 19] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a first modified example of a magnet holding portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a first modified example of a magnet holding portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of a magnet holding portion. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a first modified example of the magnet holding portion. [Figure 23] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a cylindrical part, in which (A) is a half-sectional plan view and (B) is a half-sectional front view. [Figure 24] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a second modified example of the magnet holding portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A multi-directional input device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a multi-directional input device) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the relationship between the multidirectional input device and a three-dimensional space formed by three orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). The left-right direction of the multidirectional input device is the X-axis direction, the front-back direction of the multidirectional input device perpendicular to the X-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the multidirectional input device perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis is the Z-axis direction.

[0010] The direction toward the right of the multidirectional input device is the positive direction of the X axis (+X axis direction), the direction toward the front of the multidirectional input device is the positive direction of the Y axis (+Y axis direction), and the direction toward the top of the multidirectional input device is the positive direction of the Z axis (+Z axis direction).

[0011] The two-dimensional plane formed between the X-axis and Y-axis is called the XY-plane, the two-dimensional plane formed between the X-axis and Z-axis is called the XZ-plane, and the two-dimensional plane formed between the Y-axis and Z-axis is called the YZ-plane.

[0012] The multi-directional input device can be used in various electronic devices such as game console controllers.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the multi-directional input device includes a lower case 101, an upper case 102, an operating member 104, a rotating member 105, a magnet holding portion 106, a compression coil spring 107, a magnet 109, a first magnetic sensor 110A, a second magnetic sensor 110B, a pusher 111, a cover sheet 112, a metal dome 113, a main board 114, a first sub-board 115A, and a second sub-board 115B.

[0014] Lower case 101 and upper case 102 are combined to form a square box-shaped case, which houses various components 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 110A, 110B, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115A, and 115B of the multi-directional input device.

[0015] The lower case 101 is made of sheet metal. The lower case 101 has a bottom plate portion 101a and left and right side plate portions 101b and 101c. The bottom plate portion 101a is formed in a rectangular shape. The left and right side plate portions 101b and 101c are raised from the left and right sides of the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0016] The upper case 102 is a resin molded product. The upper case 102 has a top panel 102a and peripheral side walls (four side walls) 102b. The top panel 102a is formed in a rectangular shape. The peripheral side walls 102b hang down from the four sides (front, back, left, and right) of the top panel 102a. The upper case 102 is formed in the shape of a bottomless square box cap that opens downwards.

[0017] The upper case 102 is disposed on the bottom plate 101a so as to cover the bottom plate 101a from above. The upper case 102 is fixed to the bottom plate 101a with two screws (not shown) while being fitted between the left and right side plates 101b and 101c. The upper case 102 functions as the case body, and the lower case 101 functions as the bottom cover of the case.

[0018] The upper case 102 has a dome portion 102c and an insertion hole 102d. The dome portion 102c is formed so as to bulge upward in a dome shape from the center of the top plate portion 102a. The inner surface of the dome portion 102c is formed into a spherically curved surface. The insertion hole 102d is formed at the top (center) of the dome portion 102c. The insertion hole 102d is formed in a circular shape. The insertion hole 102d opens the interior of the upper case 102 upward.

[0019] The main board 114 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The main board 114 is fixed onto the bottom plate 101a with the peripheral edge of the main board 114 sandwiched between the bottom plate 101a and the peripheral side wall 102b. The main board 114 has a strip-shaped tail portion 114a for external connection. The tail portion 114a extends in one direction (rearward) from the rectangular main body of the main board 114 and is drawn from the inside to the outside of the upper case 102.

[0020] The operating member 104 is a resin molded product. The operating member 104 is a rod-shaped member. The operating member 104 has a base 104a, a key top mounting portion 104b, a truncated cone portion 104c, a pair of left and right second shaft portions 104d and 104e, and a magnet accommodating hole 104f. Of these components of the operating member 104, the components 104a to 104f, excluding the second shaft portions 104d and 104e, are arranged coaxially with a single straight line extending in the Z-axis direction, which is the center line of the operating member 104.

[0021] The base 104a is provided at the lower end of the operating member 104. The base 104a is formed in a round bar shape. The key top mounting portion 104b is provided at the upper end of the operating member 104. The key top mounting portion 104b is formed in a round bar shape that is thinner than the base 104a. The truncated cone portion 104c is provided between the base 104a and the key top mounting portion 104b, and connects them in a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] The left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e protrude in two opposite directions from the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 104a. The left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e are provided coaxially with respect to a straight line that is perpendicular to the center line of the operating member 4 and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0023] Magnet accommodating hole 104f is formed from the center of the end face of base 104a (the lower end face of operating member 4) to the center of truncated cone portion 104c. Magnet accommodating hole 104f is a stepped hole with a circular cross section whose diameter decreases in two steps from bottom to top. Magnet accommodating hole 104f opens downward at the end face of base 104a (the lower end face of operating member 4).

[0024] The rotating member 105 is a resin molded product. The rotating member 105 is a circular ring-shaped member. The rotating member 105 has a through-hole 105a, a pair of front and rear first shaft portions 105b and 105c, a pressing portion 105d, a pressing fulcrum portion 105e, and a pair of left and right bearing portions 105f and 105g.

[0025] The through-hole 105a is a hole that penetrates the rotating member 105 in the Z-axis direction. The front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c are provided to protrude in two opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 105. The front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c are provided coaxially with respect to a straight line that is perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member 105 and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The pressing portion 105d protrudes downward from the end of the front first shaft portion 105b. The lower end of the pressing portion 105d is formed in an arc shape that protrudes downward. The pressing fulcrum portion 105e protrudes downward from the base of the rear second shaft portion 105c. The lower end of the pressing fulcrum portion 105e is formed in an arc shape that protrudes downward.

[0027] The left bearing portion 105f and the right bearing portion 105g are circular through-holes that penetrate the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating member 105. The left bearing portion 105f and the right bearing portion 105g are arranged coaxially with a single line extending in the X-axis direction so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 105 is formed into a curved surface like a frustum of a sphere to match the inner surface of the dome portion 102c.

[0028] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, magnet 109 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the direction in which operating member 104 protrudes, and which is magnetized (polarized) with N and S poles in this axial direction. Magnet 109 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is the Z-axis direction. Magnet 109 has a circular through-hole 109a in the center. Magnet 109 is magnetized with N and S poles in the axial direction so that both end faces (upper end face and lower end face) have opposite polarities. Magnet 109 has an N pole on the upper end face and an S pole on the lower end face.

[0029] 9 to 11, the magnet holding portion 106 includes a pair of upper and lower disk portions 1060 and 1061 disposed on both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 1062. The upper disk portion 1060 and the lower disk portion 1061 each have circular through-holes 1060a and 1061a in their central portions, similar to the magnet 109.

[0030] Pin 1062 is a round pin with a circular cross section that fits into through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a. Pin 1062 is a pin made of a metal that does not stick to magnet 109, or a pin made of a metal that sticks to magnet 109 and has been subjected to a surface treatment such as plating so that it does not stick to magnet 109.

[0031] The magnet holding portion 106 is configured to hold the magnet 109 between the upper disk portion 1060 and the lower disk portion 1061 with the pin 1062 inserted into the through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a of the upper disk portion 1060, the lower disk portion 1061, and the magnet 109. The upper disk portion 1060, the lower disk portion 1061, and the magnet 109 are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line that is the center line of the pin 1062 and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The magnet holder 106 has a spherical abutment surface 1063 on the lower surface (the lower end surface of the magnet holder 106) of the lower disk portion 1061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a. The abutment surface 1063 includes a circular flat surface 1063a formed by the small-diameter end face of the spherical abutment, and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 1063b formed by the side face of the spherical abutment.

[0033] The pin 1062 has a disk-shaped flange 1062a in the axial middle of the pin 1062. With the flange 1062a in contact with the upper surface of the upper disk portion 1060, the lower pin 1062 is inserted from the flange 1062a into the through-holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a of the upper disk portion 1060, the lower disk portion 1061, and the magnet 109, and the lower end of the pin 1062 is positioned inside the through-hole 1061a of the lower disk portion 1061. The pin 1062 does not protrude from the lower surface of the lower disk portion 1061, while the upper pin 1062 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper disk portion 1060 through the flange 1062a.

[0034] The magnet holding portion 106 has two disk-shaped parts 1064 formed of a magnetic material that attaches to the magnet 109, and the two disk-shaped parts 1064 are an upper disk portion 1060 (one of the disk-shaped parts 1064) and a lower disk portion 1061 (the other disk-shaped part 1064).The upper disk portion 1060 and the lower disk portion 1061 each have abutment surfaces 1063 on both surfaces, and the spherical trapezoidal abutment surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 1061 (the lower surface of the magnet holding portion 106) is configured to be the abutment surface 1063 for the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0035] The upper and lower disk portions 1060 and 1061 can be fixed to the pins 1062 using an adhesive or by press-fitting the pins 1062 into the through holes 1060a and 1061a. Fixing in this manner can prevent the magnets 109 from wobbling.

[0036] To prevent the magnet 109 from rattling, cushioning materials (not shown) may be provided between the upper disk portion 1060 and the magnet 109 and between the lower disk portion 1061 and the magnet 109, respectively.

[0037] The compression coil spring 107 is made of a metal wire that does not stick to the magnet 109 .

[0038] The rotating member 105 has a front first shaft portion 105b and a rear first shaft portion 105c inserted into a front guide groove 102e and a rear guide groove 102f formed inside the upper case 102. This restricts rotation of the rotating member 105 around the center line of the upper case 102. In this state, the rotating member 105 is housed inside the upper case 102 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c. The front guide groove 102e and the rear guide groove 102f are formed in an inverted U shape so as to open downward.

[0039] The base 104a of the operating member 104 is inserted into the through-hole 105a of the rotating member 105, and the left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e are inserted into the left bearing portion 105f and the right bearing portion 105g of the rotating member 105. As a result, the operating member 104 is supported by the rotating member 105 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e. In this state, the operating member 104 has the key top attachment portion 104b protruding from the inside of the upper case 102 upward of the upper case 102 through the insertion hole 102d.

[0040] The magnet holding portion 106 is movably inserted into the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104 along the center line of the operating member 104, with the compression coil spring 107 fitted from the flange portion 1062a onto the upper pin 1062, and the lower surface of the lower disk portion 1061 faces the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0041] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the flange 1062a and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, and urges the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and urges the magnet holding portion 106 downward.

[0042] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the magnet holding portion 106 is supported upright on the bottom plate portion 101a by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, with the flat surface 1063a on the abutment surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a, and the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 are pushed up until the front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c engage with the upper ends (closed ends) of the front guide groove 102e and the rear guide groove 102f.

[0043] As a result, the operating member 104 is supported in an upright position on the bottom plate 101a via the magnet holder 106. With this state as the initial state, the operating member 104 can be tilted and pressed in any direction around it (all directions of 360 degrees). The operating member 104 shown in the figure can be tilted up to a maximum of 16.5 degrees.

[0044] The rotating member 105 is capable of rotating in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member 104. In addition, when the operating member 104 is pressed down, the rotating member 105 is capable of moving downward (tilting) so as to press down the pressing portion 105d with the pressing fulcrum portion 105e as a fulcrum.

[0045] As the operating member 104 is pressed down, the magnet holding portion 106 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the center line of the operating member 104 against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, that is, it enters the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that it does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed down. In other words, the magnet holding portion 106 is designed to move only in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0046] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding portion 106 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted state on the bottom plate portion 101a with the curved surface 1063b of the abutment surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 1061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0047] The pusher 111 and the metal dome 113 function as a depression detection device for the operation member 4. Specifically, they function as a depression switch, and open and close a fixed contact (not shown) formed on the main board 114.

[0048] The cover sheet 112 is a single-sided adhesive sheet. The metal dome 113 is a movable contact point made of a dome-shaped metal plate with an upward convex shape. The upper surface of the metal dome 113 is attached to the lower surface of the cover sheet 12 to form a metal dome sheet.

[0049] A central fixed contact (not shown) and outer fixed contacts (not shown) are formed on main substrate 114. The central fixed contact is formed in a circular shape and is disposed below pressing portion 105d of rotating member 105. The outer fixed contacts are formed in a C-shape and are disposed so as to surround the central fixed contact with a gap therebetween.

[0050] The metal dome sheet is attached to the main substrate 114 so that the metal domes 113 are fixed on the outer fixed contacts with the metal domes 113 straddling the central fixed contact. In this state, the tops of the metal domes 113 are spaced apart and facing away from the central fixed contact directly below them, with a gap between them.

[0051] The pusher 111 is a resin molded product. The pusher 111 is a rectangular parallelepiped member. The pusher 111 is housed inside the upper case 102 so as to be able to move up and down. The pusher 111 is disposed between the pressing portion 105d of the rotating member 105 and the metal dome 113. The pusher 111 is urged upward by the metal dome 113, and the upper surface of the pusher 111 is pressed against the lower end of the pressing portion 105d of the rotating member 105.

[0052] When the operating member 104 is pressed, the rotating member 105 moves downward in response to the pressing of the operating member 104, and the downward movement of the rotating member 105 moves the pusher 111 downward against the biasing force of the metal dome 113, causing the pusher 111 to press down on the top of the metal dome 113. As a result, the top of the metal dome 113 elastically deforms into a downward convex shape and comes into contact with the central fixed contact of the main board 114, and the metal dome 113 electrically connects the central fixed contact of the main board 114 to the outer fixed contact, turning the press switch on. This makes it possible to detect that the operating member 104 has been pressed down.

[0053] The magnet 109, the first magnetic sensor 110A, the second magnetic sensor 110B, and the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 function as a tilt operation detection device for the operating member 104.

[0054] 12 to 14, the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are disposed on the sides of the magnet 109. Specifically, they are disposed at two positions on the sides of the magnet 109 that are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis (center line) of the magnet 109. More specifically, they are disposed in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the protruding direction (Y-axis direction) of the front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c.

[0055] The first magnetic sensor 110A is disposed on the left side of the rotating member 105, facing the magnet 109 at a predetermined distance. The second magnetic sensor 110B is disposed on the right side of the rotating member 105, facing the magnet 109 at the same distance as the first magnetic sensor 110A.

[0056] First magnetic sensor 110A and second magnetic sensor 110B are surface-mounted on first sub-board 115A and second sub-board 115B, which are small rigid boards. First sub-board 115A and second sub-board 115B are each held inside upper case 102 so that their sensor mounting surfaces are perpendicular to the axis (center line) of magnet 109 and perpendicular to a line extending in the X-axis direction, and are set upright on main board 114.

[0057] The first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are the same magnetic sensor that can detect magnetic flux density in three mutually orthogonal axial directions: the X-axis and Y-axis that form the radial plane of the magnet 109, and the Z-axis that forms the axial direction of the magnet 109. For example, a 3D Hall sensor or the like can be used as this magnetic sensor.

[0058] The first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are arranged so that the centers of their respective magnetically sensitive parts 110Ax and 110Bx in the X-axis direction are coaxial with a single line extending in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the axis (center line) of the magnet 109.

[0059] 15, the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are connected to the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116, and are configured to detect the tilt angle of the magnet 109, i.e., the tilt operation of the operating member 104. Specifically, (1) the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B measure and output the magnetic flux densities Bx, By, and Bz in the three axial directions. (2) The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 calculates the angle formed by the magnetic flux density vectors Bz and By at the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B and the angle formed by the magnetic flux density vectors Bz and Bx based on the output values ​​of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B. (3) The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 calculates the tilt angle of the magnet 109 based on the result of (2). That is, the output value A of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the output value B of the second magnetic sensor 110B are added together, and the result is divided by two to be averaged.

[0060] Here, when detecting the amount of tilt in the Y-axis direction, where the distance between the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B and the magnet 109 does not change, the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B both output approximately the same output, and the average values ​​also overlap, as shown in Figure 17. In contrast, when detecting the amount of tilt in the X-axis direction, where the distance between the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B and the magnet 109 changes, as shown in Figure 16, the slope of the output value with respect to the tilt angle of the magnet 109 differs when the magnet 109 approaches or moves away from the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B. However, the output obtained by adding the output value A of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the output value B of the second magnetic sensor 110B, dividing by 2, and averaging the sum results in an output characteristic that is approximately linear with respect to the tilt angle. In other words, it can be seen that the effects of different tilt directions are canceled out.

[0061] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 is provided outside the multi-directional input device, that is, in various electronic devices such as a game console controller that are equipped with this multi-directional input device, but it can also be provided inside the multi-directional input device.

[0062] Figure 18 shows the analysis results of the output values ​​(XY coordinate output values) when operating at azimuth angles in 15-degree increments (0 to 360 degrees) and tilt angles of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 16.5 degrees. Referring to Figure 18, an elliptical output is obtained on the left, which, when normalized, becomes a circle on the right, and there is no deviation in the output values ​​due to the tilt direction or lack of linearity.

[0063] A first modified example of the magnet holder will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. A magnet holder 206 of the first modified example replaces the magnet holder 106 described above.

[0064] Magnet holder 206 includes a pair of upper and lower disks 2060 and 2061 arranged on both ends of magnet 109, and a pin 2062. Upper disk 2060 and lower disk 2061 have circular through-holes 2060a and 2061a in the center, respectively, similar to magnet 109.

[0065] Pin 2062 is a round pin with a circular cross section that fits into through holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a. Pin 2062 is a pin made of a metal that does not stick to magnet 109, or a pin made of a metal that sticks to magnet 109 and has been subjected to a surface treatment such as plating so that it does not stick to magnet 109.

[0066] The magnet holding portion 206 is configured to hold the magnet 109 between the upper disk portion 2060 and the lower disk portion 2061 with the pin 2062 inserted into the through holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a of the upper disk portion 2060, the lower disk portion 2061, and the magnet 109. The upper disk portion 2060, the lower disk portion 2061, and the magnet 109 are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line that is the center line of the pin 2062 and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] The magnet holder 206 has a spherical abutment surface 2063 on the lower surface (the lower end surface of the magnet holder 206) of the lower disk portion 2061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a. The abutment surface 2063 includes a circular flat surface 2063a formed by the small-diameter end face of the spherical abutment, and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 2063b formed by the side face of the spherical abutment.

[0068] The pin 2062 has a disk-shaped flange 2062a in the axial middle of the pin 2062. With the flange 2062a in contact with the upper surface of the upper disk portion 2060, the lower pin 2062 is inserted from the flange 2062a into the through-holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a of the upper disk portion 2060, the lower disk portion 2061, and the magnet 109, and the lower end of the pin 2062 is positioned inside the through-hole 2061a of the lower disk portion 2061. The pin 2062 does not protrude from the lower surface of the lower disk portion 2061, while the upper pin 2062 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper disk portion 2060 through the flange 2062a.

[0069] The magnet holding portion 206 is provided with a cylindrical part 2064 having a side wall portion 2064a with a C-shaped cross section and a pair of disk-shaped end wall portions 2064b, 2064c that close both end openings of the side wall portion 2064a, which are integrally formed from a non-magnetic material (synthetic resin), and has a side window 2064d through which the magnet 109 can be inserted from the side, the pair of disk-shaped end wall portions 2064b, 2064c serving as an upper disk portion 2060 and a lower disk portion 2061, with abutment surfaces 2063 on the upper surface (outer surface) of the upper disk portion 2060 and the lower surface (outer surface) of the lower disk portion 2061, respectively, and the spherical trapezoidal abutment surface 2063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 2061 (the lower surface of the magnet holding portion 206) serving as the abutment surface 2063 for the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0070] The upper disk portion 2060 and the lower disk portion 2061 can be fixed to the pin 2062 using an adhesive, or by press-fitting the pin 2062 into the through-holes 1060a and 1061a. Fixing in this manner can prevent the magnet 109 from rattling.

[0071] To prevent the magnet 109 from rattling, cushioning materials (not shown) may be provided between the upper disk portion 2060 and the magnet 109 and between the lower disk portion 2061 and the magnet 109, respectively.

[0072] The magnet holding portion 206 is movably inserted into the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104 along the center line of the operating member 104, with the compression coil spring 107 fitted from the flange portion 2062a onto the upper pin 2062, and the lower surface of the lower disk portion 2061 faces the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0073] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the flange portion 2062a and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, and urges the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and urges the magnet holding portion 206 downward.

[0074] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the magnet holding portion 206 is supported upright on the bottom plate portion 101a by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, with the flat surface 2063a on the abutment surface 2063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 2061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0075] As the operating member 104 is pressed down, the magnet holding portion 206 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the center line of the operating member 104 against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, that is, by entering the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that the magnet holding portion 206 does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed down. In other words, the magnet holding portion 206 is designed to move only in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0076] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding portion 206 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted state on the bottom plate portion 101a with the curved surface 2063b of the abutment surface 2063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 2061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0077] A second modified example of the magnet holder will be described with reference to Fig. 24. A magnet holder 306 of the second modified example replaces the magnet holders 106 and 206 described above.

[0078] Magnet 209 differs from magnet 109 in that it does not have a circular through-hole in the center. In other words, magnet 209 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the direction in which operating member 104 protrudes, and which is magnetized (polarized) with N and S poles in this axial direction. Magnet 209 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is the Z-axis direction. Magnet 209 is magnetized with N and S poles in the axial direction so that both end faces (upper end face and lower end face) have opposite poles. Magnet 209 has an N pole on the upper end face and an S pole on the lower end face.

[0079] Magnet holder 306 , like magnet holders 106 and 206 , includes a pair of upper and lower disks 3060 and 3061 disposed on both ends of magnet 209 , and a pin 3062 .

[0080] Pin 3062 is a round pin with a circular cross section. Pin 3062 is made of a metal that does not stick to magnet 209, or a pin made of a metal that sticks to magnet 209 and has been subjected to a surface treatment such as plating so that it does not stick to magnet 209.

[0081] The pin 3062 is positioned coaxially with the magnet 209, and protrudes upward (in the direction in which the operating member 104 protrudes) from the upper disk portion 2060 (one disk portion in the direction in which the operating member 104 protrudes).

[0082] Pin 3062 is positioned coaxially with magnet 209 with the lower end of pin 3062 abutting the upper surface of magnet 209, and protrudes upward (in the protruding direction of operating member 104) from upper disk portion 2060 (one disk portion in the protruding direction of operating member 104). Pin 3062 has a disk-shaped flat head 3062a, and flat head 3062a abuts against the upper surface of magnet 209.

[0083] The magnet holder 306 has a spherical abutment surface 3063 on the lower surface (the lower end surface of the magnet holder 306) of the lower disk portion 3061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a. The abutment surface 3063 includes a circular flat surface 3063a formed by the small diameter end surface of the spherical abutment, and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 3063b formed by the side surface of the spherical abutment.

[0084] The magnet holding portion 306 is provided with a cylindrical part 3064 that covers the entire magnet 209, and is formed integrally from a non-magnetic material (synthetic resin) and includes a cylindrical side wall portion 3064a arranged on the outer periphery of the magnet 209 and a pair of disk-shaped end wall portions 3064b, 3064c that close both end openings of the side wall portion 3064a. The pair of disk-shaped end wall portions 3064b, 3064c form an upper disk portion 3060 and a lower disk portion 3061, and the lower surface (outer surface) of the lower disk portion 3061 has an abutment surface 3063, and the spherical trapezoid-shaped abutment surface 3063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 3061 (the lower surface of the magnet holding portion 306) is configured to be the abutment surface 3063 against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0085] The magnet holder 306, which includes the magnet 206, pin 3062, and cylindrical part 3064, is integrally formed by insert molding, with the magnet 206 and the lower end of the pin 3062 embedded in the cylindrical part 3064.

[0086] The magnet holding portion 306 is movably inserted into the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104 along the center line of the operating member 104, with the compression coil spring 107 fitted onto the pin 3062 protruding upward from the upper disk portion 3060, and the lower surface of the lower disk portion 3061 faces the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0087] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the upper disk portion 3060 and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, and urges the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and urges the magnet holding portion 306 downward.

[0088] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the magnet holding portion 306 is supported upright on the bottom plate portion 101a by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, with the flat surface 3063a on the abutment surface 3063 on the lower surface of the lower disk portion 3061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0089] As the operating member 104 is pressed down, the magnet holding portion 306 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the center line of the operating member 104 against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, that is, by entering the magnet accommodating hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that the magnet holding portion 306 does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed down. In other words, the magnet holding portion 306 is designed to move only in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0090] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding portion 306 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted state on the bottom plate portion 101a with the curved surface 3063b of the abutment surface 3063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 3061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0091] As described above, the multi-directional input device includes cases 101 and 102, an operating member 104 that protrudes from case 102 and can be tilted, an elastic member 107 that returns operating member 104 to its initial state before tilting, a magnet holder 106 (or 206 or 306) that is movable relative to operating member 104 only in the direction along the protruding direction and moves only in the tilting direction, a magnet 109 (or 209) arranged in magnet holder 106 (or 206 or 306), and a magnet 109 (or 209) arranged at a position opposite magnet 109 (or 209) and that moves magnet 109 (or 209). The magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306) is provided with a pair of disk portions 1060 (or 2060 or 3060), 1061 (or 2061 or 3061) arranged on both ends of the magnet 109 (or 209), and a pin 1062 (or 2062 or 3062) positioned coaxially with the magnet 109 (or 209) and protruding from one of the disk portions 1060 (or 2060 or 3060) in the protruding direction of the operating member 104 in the protruding direction of the operating member 104.

[0092] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet 109 (or 209) is held by the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306), which is movable relative to the operating member 104 only in the direction along the protrusion direction and moves only in the tilting direction.As a result, even if the operating member 104 moves downward against the compression coil spring 107, the magnet 109 (or 209) will not move downward and the magnetic field will not change, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0093] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet holding portion 106 is equipped with a pair of disk portions 1060, 1061 arranged on both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 1062 positioned coaxially with the magnet 109 and protruding from one of the disk portions 1060 in the protruding direction of the operating member 104 in the protruding direction of the operating member 104. Therefore, when the outer diameter of the magnet 109 is increased, it is not necessary to increase the outer diameter of the magnet holding portion 106 accordingly, and the magnet 109 can be increased without increasing the size of the product, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0094] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet 109 has a through-hole 109a in the center, and the magnet holding unit 106 (or 206) has a pair of disks 1060 (or 2060), 1061 (or 2061) and a pin 1062 (or 2062) arranged on both ends of the magnet 109, and has through-holes 1060a (or 2060a), 1061a (or 2061a) in the center of the disks 1060 (or 2060), 1061 (or 2061), and the pin 1062 (or 2062) is inserted between the disks 1060 (or 2060), 1061a (or 2061a). By configuring the magnet 109 to be held between the disk portion 1060 (or 2060), 1061 (or 2061) and the magnet 109 when inserted into the through holes 1060a (or 2060a), 1061a (or 2061a), 109a, when the outer diameter of the magnet 109 is increased, there is no need to increase the outer diameter of the magnet holding portion 106 accordingly, and the magnet 109 can be made larger without increasing the size of the product, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0095] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet holding unit 106 (or 206 or 306) has a spherical trapezoidal contact surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) on one surface opposite to the magnet 109 (or 209) side of one disk portion 1061 (or 2061 or 3061) on the opposite side to the protruding direction of the operating member 104, and the contact surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) has a flat surface 1063a (or 2063a or 3063a) consisting of the small diameter side end surface of the spherical trapezoid and a curved surface 1063b (or 2063b or 3063b), and is configured to support the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306) in an upright state on the bottom plate portion 101a with the flat surface 1063a (or 2063a or 3063a) abutting against the bottom plate portion 101a of the case 101, and to support the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306) in an inclined state on the bottom plate portion 101a with the curved surface 1063b (or 2063b or 3063b) abutting against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0096] In the multi-directional input device, the elastic member 107 is a compression coil spring arranged between the operating member 104 and the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306), and is configured to urge the operating member 104 in the protruding direction while pressing the abutment surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) against the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0097] The multi-directional input device includes a rotating member 105 having a through-hole 105a into which an operating member 104 is inserted, the rotating member 105 having first shaft portions 105b and 105c, the first shaft portions 105b and 105c being provided coaxially with respect to a single straight line perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member 105 in a state where they protrude in two opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 105, the rotating member 105 is accommodated in a case 102 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the first shaft portions 105b and 105c, and the operating member 104 is It has two shafts 104d and 104e, and the second shafts 104d and 104e protrude in two opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface of the operating member 104, perpendicular to the center line of the operating member 104, and are also arranged coaxially with a straight line perpendicular to the first shafts 105b and 105c. The operating member 104 protrudes from the case 102 while being supported rotatably around the axes of the second shafts 104d and 104e relative to the rotating member 105, and is configured to be tiltable in any direction around it.

[0098] The multi-directional input device has a pusher 111 housed in a case 102 so as to be movable up and down, and a metal dome 113 which is a snap-type contact member that urges the pusher 111 upward, and is equipped with a push switch that can detect pressing of the operating member 104, and the rotating member 105 is housed in the case 102 so as to be movable downward as the operating member 104 is pressed, and the push switch is configured so that the rotating member 105, which moves downward as the operating member 104 is pressed, moves the pusher 111 downward against the urging force of the metal dome 113, and the pusher 111 presses the metal dome 113.

[0099] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are disposed on the sides of the magnet 109, and the magnet holding unit 106 has two identical disk-shaped parts 1064 formed of a magnetic material, the disk-shaped parts 1064 being disk portions 1060 and 1061, and the disk portions 1060 and 1061 have a spherical truncated contact surface 1063 on both surfaces thereof, and the contact surface 1063 includes a flat surface 1063a formed from the small diameter side end surface of the spherical truncated and a curved surface 1063b formed from the side surface of the spherical truncated, and is disposed on the opposite side to the protruding direction of the operating member 104. The contact surface 1063 has a flat surface 1063a and a curved surface 1063b on one surface of the disk portion 1061 opposite to the magnet 109 side. The flat surface 1063a is in contact with the bottom plate portion 101a of the case 101 and supports the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 106 in an upright position on the bottom plate portion 101a, while the curved surface 1063b is in contact with the bottom plate portion 101a and supports the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 106 in an inclined position on the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0100] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are disposed on the sides of the magnet 109, and the magnet holding section 206 is provided with a cylindrical part 2064 having a side wall 2064a having a C-shaped cross section and a pair of disk-shaped end wall sections 2064b and 2064c that close both end openings of the side wall section 2064a, which are integrally formed of a non-magnetic material, and having a side window 2064d through which the magnet 109 can be inserted from the side, and the end wall sections 2064b and 2064c of the cylindrical part 2064 are disk sections 2060 and 2061, and the disk sections 2060 and 2061 have spherical truncated contact surfaces 2063 on their outer surfaces, and the contact surfaces 2063 are formed from the small diameter side end faces of the spherical truncated. The contact surface 2063 includes a flat surface 2063a that faces the magnet 109 and a curved surface 2063b that faces the side of a spherical base. The contact surface 2063 has an outer surface opposite to the magnet 109 side of one of the disk portions 2061 on the opposite side to the protruding direction of the operating member 104. Of the flat surface 2063a and the curved surface 2063b, the flat surface 2063a is in contact with the bottom plate portion 101a of the case 101 and supports the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 206 in an upright position on the bottom plate portion 101a, and the curved surface 2063b is in contact with the bottom plate portion 101a and supports the operating member 104 together with the magnet holding portion 206 in an inclined position on the bottom plate portion 101a.

[0101] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged on the sides of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are magnetic sensors that can detect magnetic components in three axis directions that are orthogonal to each other.

[0102] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged on the sides of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are magnetic sensors that can detect magnetic components in three mutually perpendicular axial directions. Compared to when the magnetic sensors are arranged below the magnet, the product can be made lower in height while ensuring an appropriate distance (for example, a distance such that even slight rattles in the magnet do not adversely affect the detection of the tilting operation of the operating member) between the magnet 109 (or 209) and the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.

[0103] In the multi-directional input device, magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged at two positions on the sides of magnet 109 (or 209) that are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of magnet 109 (or 209), and each is a magnetic sensor that faces magnet 109 (or 209) and can detect magnetic components in three axial directions that are perpendicular to each other. The device is equipped with magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 that calculates the tilt angle of magnet 109 (or 209) based on the output values ​​of both magnetic sensors 110A and 110B, and the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one magnetic sensor and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor.

[0104] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged on the sides of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are magnetic sensors that can detect magnetic components in three mutually perpendicular axial directions, and the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one magnetic sensor and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor, thereby making it possible to reduce the height of the product and improve the detection accuracy of the tilt operation of the operating member 104 by the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B arranged on the sides of the magnet 109 (or 209).

[0105] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged on the sides of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are magnetic sensors that can detect magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions, and the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first axes 105b and 105c.

[0106] In the multi-directional input device, magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged at two positions on the sides of magnet 109 (or 209) that are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of magnet 109 (or 209), and each is a magnetic sensor that faces magnet 109 (or 209) and can detect magnetic components in three axial directions that are perpendicular to each other. A magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 is provided that calculates the tilt angle of magnet 109 (or 209) based on the output values ​​of both magnetic sensors 110A and 110B, and the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one of the magnetic sensors and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor. Magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of first shaft portions 105b and 105c.

[0107] In the multi-directional input device, by arranging the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first shaft portions 105b and 105c, an appropriate distance (for example, a distance that is neither too short nor too long) is ensured between the magnet 109 (or 209) and the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 101 Lower case 101a Bottom plate part 102 Upper case 104 Operating member 104d Left second shaft 104e Right second shaft 105 Rotating member 105a Through hole 105b Front first axle 105c Rear 1st shaft part 106 Magnet holder 1060 Upper disc 1060a Through hole 1061 Lower disc 1061a Through hole 1062 pins 1063 Contact surface 1063a flat surface 1063b Curved surface 1064 Disc-shaped parts 107 Compression coil spring 109 Magnet 109a Through hole 110A First magnetic sensor 110B Second magnetic sensor 111 Pusher 113 Metal Dome 116 Magnet tilt angle calculation section 206 Magnet holder 2060 Upper disc 2060a Through hole 2061 Lower disc 2061a Through hole 2062 pins 2063 Contact surface 2063a flat surface 2063b Curved surface 2064 Cylindrical parts 2064a side wall 2064b End wall 2064c End wall 2064d side window 209 Magnet 306 Magnet holder 3060 Upper disc 3061 Lower disc 3062 pins 3063 Contact surface 3063a flat surface 3063b Curved surface 3064 Cylindrical parts 3064a side wall 3064b End wall 3064c End wall

Claims

1. Case and an operating member that protrudes from the case and can be tilted; an elastic member that returns the operating member to its initial state before the tilting operation; a magnet holding portion that is movable relative to the operating member only in a direction along the protruding direction and moves only in a tilting direction; a magnet disposed in the magnet holder; a magnetic sensor disposed at a position facing the magnet and detecting the movement of the magnet; the magnet holder includes a pair of disks disposed on both ends of the magnet, and a pin positioned coaxially with the magnet and protruding from one of the disks in the protruding direction of the operating member in the protruding direction of the operating member, The multi-directional input device is characterized in that the magnetic sensor is disposed to the side of the magnet and is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions.

2. the magnet holding portion has a contact surface having a spherical trapezoidal shape on one surface of the disk portion opposite to the magnet side on the side opposite to the protruding direction of the operation member, the abutment surface includes a flat surface formed by a small-diameter end surface of the frustum of the sphere and a curved surface formed by a side surface of the frustum of the sphere, the flat surface abuts against a bottom plate portion of the case, and the operation member is supported upright on the bottom plate portion together with the magnet holding portion; 2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface is in contact with the bottom plate portion, and the operating member is supported in a tilted state on the bottom plate portion together with the magnet holding portion.

3. 3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a compression coil spring disposed between the operating member and the magnet holding portion, and is configured to press the contact surface against the bottom plate portion while urging the operating member in a protruding direction.

4. a rotating member having a through hole into which the operating member is inserted, The rotating member has a first shaft portion, the first shaft portion is provided coaxially with respect to a single straight line perpendicular to a center line of the rotating member in a state where it protrudes in two opposite directions from an outer peripheral surface of the rotating member, the rotating member is accommodated in the case so as to be rotatable about the axis of the first shaft portion, The operating member has a second shaft portion, the second shaft portion is provided coaxially with a straight line perpendicular to a center line of the operating member and perpendicular to the first shaft portion in a state where the second shaft portion protrudes in two opposite directions from an outer peripheral surface of the operating member, and is also perpendicular to the center line of the operating member; The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating member is supported rotatably around the axis of the second shaft portion relative to the rotating member, protrudes from the case, and can be tilted in any direction around the case.

5. a push switch that has a pusher housed in the case so as to be movable up and down, and a snap-type contact member that urges the pusher upward, and that can detect pressing of the operating member; the rotating member is accommodated in the case so as to be movable downward when the operating member is pressed; 5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein the push switch is configured such that the rotating member, which moves downward when the operating member is pressed, moves the pusher downward against the biasing force of the contact member, and the pusher presses the contact member.

6. the magnet holding portion includes two identical disk-shaped parts formed of a magnetic material, the disk-shaped parts being the disk portion, and the disk portion has a contact surface having a spherical trapezoid shape on both surfaces thereof; the abutment surface includes a flat surface formed by a small-diameter end surface of the frustum of the sphere and a curved surface formed by a side surface of the frustum of the sphere, 2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the flat surface and the curved surface of the abutment surface, which is provided on one surface of one of the disk portions opposite to the protruding direction of the operating member and opposite to the magnet side, are configured so that the flat surface abuts against the bottom plate portion of the case, together with the magnet holding portion, to support the operating member in an upright position on the bottom plate portion, and the curved surface abuts against the bottom plate portion, together with the magnet holding portion, to support the operating member in an inclined position on the bottom plate portion.

7. the magnet holding portion comprises a cylindrical part having a side wall portion having a C-shaped cross section and a pair of disk-shaped end wall portions that close both end openings of the side wall portion, the cylindrical part having a side window through which the magnet can be inserted from the side, the end wall portion of the cylindrical part being the disk portion, and the disk portion having a contact surface with a spherical trapezoidal shape on its outer surface; the abutment surface includes a flat surface formed by a small-diameter end surface of the frustum of the sphere and a curved surface formed by a side surface of the frustum of the sphere, 2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the flat surface and the curved surface of the abutment surface on the outer surface of one of the disk portions opposite to the protruding direction of the operating member, opposite to the magnet side, are configured so that the flat surface abuts against the bottom plate portion of the case, together with the magnet holding portion, to support the operating member in an upright position on the bottom plate portion, and the curved surface abuts against the bottom plate portion, together with the magnet holding portion, to support the operating member in an inclined position on the bottom plate portion.

8. the magnetic sensors are arranged at two positions on the sides of the magnet that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis of the magnet, each facing the magnet and capable of detecting magnetic components in three axial directions that are orthogonal to one another; a magnet tilt angle calculation unit that calculates the tilt angle of the magnet based on output values ​​of both of the magnetic sensors; 2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one of the magnetic sensors and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor.

9. 6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic sensor is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a protruding direction of the first shaft portion.

10. the magnetic sensors are arranged at two positions on the sides of the magnet that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis of the magnet, each facing the magnet and capable of detecting magnetic components in three axial directions that are orthogonal to one another; a magnet tilt angle calculation unit that calculates the tilt angle of the magnet based on output values ​​of both of the magnetic sensors; the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one of the magnetic sensors and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor, 6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic sensor is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a protruding direction of the first shaft portion.

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