Operating stick assembly and input device

Abstract

To provide an operating stick assembly that boasts an operating stick capable of push and tilt operations, and that can maintain high accuracy in detection of the tilt angle even during long-term use. Operating stick assembly includes operating stick that is supported such that it is tilted, and tilt operation sensor for contactless detection of the movement of detection part as a result of the tilting of operating stick. Operating stick is provided with lower stick part that has detection part, and upper stick part in which an operation part is provided or to which an operation part is attached and that may move in the axial direction of operating stick relative to lower stick part. Upper stick part will receive the press operation and will directly or indirectly push on push operation sensor.

Description

PATENT Docket No.: 116335-1515553-SYP355625WO01 Client Reference No.: SYP355625WO01OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY AND INPUT DEVICECROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2024-226720, filed December 23, 2024, entitled “OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY AND INPUT DEVICE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an operating stick assembly and an input device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] WO98 / 16285 discloses an input device that is used for game operations. The input device has an operating stick capable of tilt operations. The operating stick is supported by two intersecting support axes and can be tilted in any direction, including the fore and aft directions, the left and right directions, and any diagonal direction between these. The tilt direction and tilt angle of the operating stick is detected by two variable resistors that output signals corresponding to the rotation of the support axis. The variable resistor has a movable part that rotates with the support axis supporting the operating stick, and a contact point that is in contact with the movable part. In addition, according to the input device of WO98 / 16285, the operating stick can also be moved up and down (press operation).BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an operating stick assembly and input device that boasts an operating stick capable of push and tilt operations, and that can maintain high accuracy in detection of the tilt angle even during long-term use.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] The operating stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure includes an operating stick that is supported such that it is tilted and that has an operation part that is touched by the user’s finger at the topmost part and a detection part at the bottom, a tilt operation sensor for contactless detection of the movement of the detection part as a result of the tilting of the operating stick, and a push operation sensor for detection of push operationsagainst the operating stick. The operating stick is provided with a lower stick part that has the detection part, and an upper stick part in which the operation part is provided or to which the operation part is attached and that may move in the axial direction of the operating stick relative to the lower stick part. The upper stick part will receive the push operation and will directly or indirectly push the push operation sensor.

[0006] The input device proposed in the present disclosure has the operating stick assembly.

[0007] According to the operating stick assembly and input device proposed in the present disclosure, it will be possible to detect both push operations and tilt operations on the operating stick. In addition, because contactless sensors are used, high accuracy can be maintained for detection of the tilt angle even when used for a long period of time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A is a planar view showing an example of the input device proposed in the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure IB is a side view of the input device shown in Figure 1 A.

[0010] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of the operating stick assembly.

[0011] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 2A. In this figure, the cover member and the top member located at the top of the operating stick assembly have been removed.

[0012] Figure 3 A is an exploded perspective view of the housing, stick body, and movable member shown in Figure 2A.

[0013] Figure 3B is a perspective view with the parts shown in Figure 3 A in the assembled state.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a planar view of the operating stick assembly.

[0015] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the V-V line shown in Figure 4.

[0016] Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the bottom of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5A.

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating stick that has been tilted. The cross-section is similar to that shown in Figure 5A.

[0018] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating stick that has been pushed. The cross-section is similar to that shown in Figure 5A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The examples of embodiment of the operating stick assembly and input devices proposed in the present disclosure will be described below.

[0020] In the following description, the direction indicated by X1-X2 in Figure 1 A indicates the left and right direction, while the directions indicated by Y1 and Y2 in Figure 1 A are the forward and aft directions, respectively. Further, the directions indicated by Z1 and Z2 in Figure IB are the upper and lower directions, respectively. The Z1-Z2 direction is, for example, the direction that is perpendicular to the substrate to which the operating stick assembly is attached, and the X1-X2 direction and Y1-Y2 direction are directions along the substrate.

[0021] These directions are stipulated in order to describe the relative positions of the components, parts, and members that constitute the input device and the operating stick assembly, or to describe their shape, and do not limit the attitude of the input device during use, or the position or orientation of the operating stick assembly in the input device.INPUT DEVICE

[0022] As shown in Figure 1 A, input device 10 has, for example, right retaining part 101R that the user may hold in the right hand and left retaining part 10 IL that the user may hold in the left hand. Input device 10 has center part 101C that is positioned between retaining parts 101R and 10 IL. Input device 10 may have rear protrusion 101 d in retaining parts 101R and 10 IL that extends further backwards than the rear edge of center part 101C.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 A, a plurality of operation members is provided on the upper surface of retaining parts 10 IL and 101R for the user to operate with a finger. More specifically, a plurality of control buttons Ill is provided on the upper surface of the front of right retaining part 101R. For example, four control buttons 111 is arranged at the ends of a cross shape. Directional key (D-pad button) 112 is also arranged on the upper surface of the front of left retaining part 101L. As shown in Figure 1A, input device 10 may have operationpad 113 that is positioned between direction key 112 and / or operation button 111, and / or it may have two operation buttons 114 arranged on the right and left sides of operation pad 113, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IB, retaining parts 101R and 10 IL may have operation buttons 115 and 116 lined up in the up and down direction on their respective front surfaces. Operation button 116 on the lower side is, for example, a trigger button that is supported such that it can move forwards and backwards about the shaft part.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 A and IB, input device 10 includes operating stick assembly 100. Input device 10 may have two operational stick assemblies 100 that are separated in the left and right directions. Operating stick assembly 100 is arranged, for example, behind operation pad 113.

[0025] Input device 10 is used as an input device for an information processing device (such as a gaming device) having a function to execute a game program, a function to play a moving image, or a function to communicate over the Internet, etc. Input device 10 may communicate with the information processing device either using wires or wirelessly, and will send a signal to the information processing device in response to the operation performed by the user on operating stick assembly 100 or operation button 111, etc. Input device 10 may include various types of built-in sensors (accelerometers, gyro sensors, etc.) that is utilized to detect the attitude and movements of input device 10, or batteries or the like.

[0026] The shape of input device 10 and the layout of operating stick assembly 100 in input device 10 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1 A and IB. For example, operating stick assembly 100 is mounted on an input device that is operated with one hand. Also, the number of operating stick assemblies 100 provided in input device 10 is one assembly. Also, in input device 10, operating stick assembly 100 is arranged in the position of operation button 111 (or direction key 112).

[0027] As yet another example, operating stick assembly 100 is mounted on an input device for an industrial device or personal computer, rather than an input device for a gaming device.OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY

[0028] Operating stick assembly 100 shall be described while referring to Figure 2A through Figure 7. As shown in Figure 2A, operating stick assembly 100 includes operating stick 20, housing 30 that houses the lower part of operating stick 20, tilt operation sensor 14, and push operation sensor 15.

[0029] Operating stick assembly 100 also includes substrates 12A and 12B in the bottom part. In the example shown in Figure 2A, etc., operating stick assembly 100 includes first substrate 12A and second substrate 12B that are arranged on the upper side of first substrate 12A. These are connected to each other via connection pins 12a. Sensors 14 and 15 is mounted, for example, on second substrate 12B.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2A, operating stick 20 includes stick body 20A, top member 23 that is attached to the top of stick body 20A, and cover member 24 that is attached to the top of stick body 20A. As shown in Figure 3 A, stick body 20A includes lower stick part 22 and upper stick part 21. Upper stick part 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape, while lower stick part 22 is fitted inside upper stick part 21 (see Figure 5 A). In order to enable both push and tilt operations of operating stick 20, lower stick part 22 and upper stick part 21 may move relative to the direction of axis Axl of stick body 20A. This point will be discussed later. COVER MEMBER AND TOP MEMBER

[0031] As shown in Figure 2A, cover member 24 includes an umbrella-shaped cover part 24b that covers housing 30. The diameter of cover part 24b is greater than opening 121a (the opening that is formed in outer member 121, see Figure 1 A) into which operating stick 20 is placed, which is formed in input device 10. As a result, it will be possible to prevent exposure of housing 30, etc., to the exterior of input device 10.

[0032] Cover member 24 also includes attachment body 24d that is positioned in the center of cover part 24b, as shown in Figure 5A. Mounting body 24d is attached to stick body 20A. For example, mounting hole 24f is formed in attachment body 24d. The top of stick body 20A may then be inserted into this mounting hole 24f. More specifically, the top of upper stick part 21 is inserted into and secured within mounting hole 24f.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2A, top member 23 includes operation part 23c. Operating part 23c is positioned at the top of operating stick 20. Operating part 23c is the portion that is touched by the user when operating input device 10.

[0034] Top member 23 is attached to upper stick part 21, and upper stick part 21 and top member 23 will move up and down (move along axis Axl) as a single unit. As shown in Figure 5 A, top member 23 is attached to upper stick part 21 via cover member 24.

[0035] In particular, top member 23 may have attachment tube 23d that extends downwards from operation part 23c. Mounting tube 23d may, for example, be fitted outsideattachment body 24d of cover member 24 and attached to attachment body 24d. This structure of operating stick 20 allows top member 23 to be replaced with another top member 23 of a different size.

[0036] Cover member 24 may have a plurality of circumferentially-aligned mating holes 24e (see Figure 5A) along the outer circumferential surface of attachment body 24d about axis Axl of operating stick 20. At the lower end of attachment tube 23d, a plurality of mating projections 23b (see Figure 5 A) is formed to fit into these mating holes 24e, respectively.

[0037] Stick body 20A (stick parts 21 and 22) is formed of a different material than the material used for top member 23 and cover member 24. Stick body 20A is formed of, for example, a material having greater rigidity than the material used for top member 23 and cover member 24. As a result, it will be possible to inhibit any decrease in the accuracy of detecting the tilt angle by tilt operation sensor 14, which will be described later, that may occur due to the deflection of stick body 20A. Stick body 20A is constructed of a resin or a metal.

[0038] The material of upper stick part 21 and the material of lower stick part 22 may also be different. For example, lower stick part 22 is formed of, for example, a material that boasts greater rigidity than the material of upper stick part 21.

[0039] The structure of operating stick 20 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5 A, etc. For example, cover member 24 is integrally formed with upper stick part 21. Top member 23 may then be attached to this upper stick part 21. Alternatively, top member 23, cover member 24, and upper stick part 21 may also be formed as a single unit. In other words, upper stick part 21 itself is formed with operation part 23c to receive the user operations.TILT OPERATION SENSOR

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, operating stick 20 is tilted from its reference pose in the radial direction of operating stick 20. The reference pose is the pose (initial pose) to which operating stick 20 will return when the user is not applying any radial force to operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 5A.

[0041] When operating stick 20 is in the reference pose, axis Axl of stick body 20A is substantially perpendicular to substrates 12A and 12B that are arranged in the base of operating stick assembly 100. Operating stick 20 is tilted from the reference pose in anyradial direction (such as forward / backward, left / right, or diagonal with respect to these directions). Operating stick 20 may also be rotated about the vertical line that is substantially perpendicular to substrates 12A and 12B in this state of tilting in the radial direction.

[0042] Tilt operation sensor 14 is a sensor to detect the tilt (more specifically, the tilt angle and direction from the reference pose) of operating stick 20. Tilt operation sensor 14 is a contactless sensor. In other words, tilt operation sensor 14 is a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the tilt angle of operating stick 20 without coming into contact with operating stick 20.

[0043] As a contactless sensor, for example, it is acceptable to use a magnetic sensor. In this case, operating stick 20 may have a permanent magnet as detection part 29a, as shown in Figure 5A. The magnetic sensor will output a signal corresponding to the magnetic field formed by this magnet. More specifically, tilt operation sensor 14 is an MR sensor (Magnetic Resistance Sensor). Tilt operation sensor 14 is a TMR sensor (Tunnel Magneto Resistance Sensor), another type of magnetic sensor. Tilt operation sensor 14 may also be another type of magnetic sensor.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5A, detection part 29a (magnet) is attached, for example, to the bottommost part of stick body 20A. Lower stick part 22 has retaining part 22g at the bottommost part, detection part 29a is retained in this retaining part 22g. Retaining part 22g may, for example, be formed with a concave part that is open towards the downwards direction. A magnet that is detection part 29a may then be arranged in this concave part.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5A, detection part 29a and tilt operation sensor 14 is positioned on axis Axl of operating stick 20 in the reference pose. When operating stick 20 is in the reference pose, tilt operation sensor 14 will face detection part 29a in the direction along axis Axl (in the direction that is perpendicular to substrates 12A and 12B).SLIDE PLATE

[0046] As shown in Figure 2A, slide plate 13 is attached to the upper side of second substrate 12B. A hole is formed in the center of slide plate 13, enabling tilt operation sensor 14 to be provided within this hole. As shown in Figure 5B, the lower end of lower stick part 22 is in contact with the upper surface of this slide plate 13. More specifically, lower end 22h of the periphery of retaining part 22g will be in contact with the top surface of slide plate 13. In the state in which lower end 22h of retaining part 22g in contact with the top surface ofslide plate 13, a gap is secured between the lower surface of detection part 29a and tilt operation sensor 14.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, when operating stick 20 is tilted, the lower end of lower stick part 22 (lower end 22h of retaining part 22g) will slide along the top surface of slide plate 13. By utilizing slide plate 13, it will be possible to reduce friction (resistance) against the tilting of operating stick 20, ensuring smooth tilting. Slide plate 13 is formed of, for example, resin or metal.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5B, inclined plane 13a is formed on the top surface of slide plate 13. Inclined plane 13a is sloped, for example, such that it will gradually increase towards the center of slide plate 13. As shown in Figure 6, when operating stick 20 is tilted, lower end 22h of lower stick part 22 will slide along this inclined plane 13a. As a result of this inclined plane 13a of slide plate 13, the reaction force in response to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 (the elastic force of spring 11, which will be described later) can be adjusted according to the amount of tilting of operating stick 20. For example, as the amount of tilting of operating stick 20 increases, the reaction force to the tilting operation is increased.

[0049] The shape of slide plate 13 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5B, etc. For example, the top surface of slide plate 13 is horizontal in its entirety or it is sloped to gradually become lower towards the center.PUSH OPERATION SENSOR

[0050] As shown in Figure 5 A, stick body 20 A includes upper stick part 21 and lower stick part 22. As described above, lower end 22h of lower stick part 22 is supported by second substrate 12B. More specifically, lower end 22h of lower stick part 22 is arranged on slide plate 13. Therefore, when operating stick 20 is in the reference pose, the position of lower stick part 22 in the direction along axis Axl of operating stick 20 may not change.

[0051] On the other hand, upper stick part 21 may move relative to lower stick part 22 in a direction along axis Axl of operating stick 20. Upper stick part 21 is biased upwards by spring 11 (see Figure 5A). As shown in Figure 7, when operating stick 20 receives a push operation, upper stick part 21 will be lowered in resistance to the elastic force of spring 11. Upper stick part 21 then pushes push operation sensor 15. More specifically, upper stick part 21 indirectly pushes push operation sensor 15 via movable members 51 and 52, which will be described below.

[0052] Push operation sensor 15 is, for example, a tact switch to switch between the ON state and the OFF state in response to the push operation of operating stick 20. Alternatively, push operation sensor 15 is a pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the push force acting on operating stick 20.CIRCUIT BOARD

[0053] As shown in Figure 2A, push operation sensor 15 and tilt operation sensor 14 is mounted on second substrate 12B. Substrates 12A and 12B is circuit boards on which circuits (conductor patterns) have been formed. Second substrate 12B is electrically connected to first substrate 12A. For example, second substrate 12B and first substrate 12A is connected to one another via a plurality of connection pins 12a. Connector 12b (see Figure 2A) may also be mounted onto first substrate 12A for the purpose of electrically connecting operating stick assembly 100 to other parts of input device 10 (such as the main circuit board). It is also acceptable to form a circuit pattern on substrates 12A and 12B that electrically connects this connector 12b to sensors 14 and 15.

[0054] In the state in which operating stick assembly 100 is mounted on input device 10, connector 12b may mate (connect) to the mating connector that has been mounted on the main circuit board of input device 10. According to this structure, it will be possible to facilitate the operation of replacing operating stick assembly 100.

[0055] In addition, by utilizing two substrates 12A and 12B in this manner, it will be possible to utilize tilt operation sensor 14 that has been mounted on second substrate 12B while using the same substrate as the substrate used in the conventional model of the input device (a model that detects tilt using a conventional variable resistor rather than tilt operation sensor 14) as first substrate 12A.

[0056] Operating stick assembly 100 does not need to have second substrate 12B. In this case, tilt operation sensor 14 and push control sensor 15 is mounted on first substrate 12A. Also, operating stick assembly 100 does not necessarily need to have substrates 12A and 12B. In this case, tilt operation sensor 14 and push control sensor 15 is mounted on the main circuit board (not shown) into which input device 10 has been incorporated.SPRING AND SPRING HOLDER

[0057] Lower stick part 22 includes central axis 22a (see Figure 5A), and lower spring holder 22b (see Figure 5B) that is formed at the lower end of central axis 22a. Central axis 22a is arranged within spring 11. Lower spring holder 22b supports the lower end of spring11. Lower spring holder 22b has a diameter that is larger than that of central axis 22a. The upper surface of retaining part 22g holding detection part 29a may function as lower spring holder 22b.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5 A, upper stick part 21 includes central tube 21a. Central axis 22a of lower stick part 22 is inserted inside central tube 21a. The inner surface of center tube 21a and the outer surface of central axis 22a is formed with surface irregularities to regulate their relative rotation about axis Axl.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figure 3A, convex part 22k that extends in the direction along axis Axl is formed on the outer surface of central axis 22a. The inner surface of the central tube 21a is formed with concave parts (grooves) into which this convex part 22k is fit. These convex parts 22k and concave parts (grooves) regulate their relative rotation about axis Axl while allowing relative movement of upper stick part 21 and lower stick part 22 in the up and down directions.

[0060] Operating stick assembly 100 may also have a structure in which a portion of central axis 22a of lower stick part 22 is pressed against the inner surface of central tube 21a of upper stick part 21. As an example of this structure, a plate spring structure is formed inside central tube 21a. This plate spring structure may allow the central axis 22a to be pushed from the back side (Y2 side). In this case, the front side (Y1 side) of central axis 22a will be pressed against the inner surface of central tube 21a. As a result, the gap between the inner surface of central tube 21a and the outer surface of central axis 22a is eliminated, while allowing relative movement of the two stick parts 21 and 22 in a direction along axis Axl.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5B, upper stick part 21 includes guided part 21c and upper spring holder 21b formed at the bottom of center tube 21a. The upper end of spring 11 is supported by upper spring holder 21b. Spring 11 is provided between upper spring holder 21b and lower spring holder 22b. Spring 11 will expand and retract in a direction along axis Axl of operating stick 20 in order to bias upper spring holder 21b upward. Guided part 21c is a hemispherical portion. A concave part that opens downwards is formed inside guided part 21c. The topmost part of this concave part serves as upper spring holder 21b.STRUCTURE TO ENABLE TILT OPERATIONS

[0062] As shown in Figure 5B, the bottoms of stick parts 21 and 22 are arranged within housing 30. More specifically, guided part 21c of upper stick part 21 and lower spring holder 22b of lower stick part 22 are arranged within housing 30. Opening 31a (see Figure 5A) isformed in top part 31 of housing 30. As shown in Figure 5A, center tube 21a of upper stick part 21 and central axis 22a of lower stick part 22 extend upwards through opening 31a.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3A, housing 30 has peripheral wall 32 that is lowered from the periphery of top part 31. Peripheral wall 32 is secured to substrates 12A and 12B. Peripheral wall 32 is secured to second substrate 12B by, for example, connecting member 16, while second substrate 12B is attached to first substrate 12A. Coupling member 16 includes base part 16a and a plurality of coupling portions 16b that extend upwards from the outer edge of base part 16a. Second substrate 12B is arranged above base part 16a. Each coupling 16b is attached to the outer surface of peripheral wall 32. Alternatively, housing 30 is attached directly to first substrate 12A. For example, peripheral wall 32 of housing 30 is attached to first substrate 12A by screws.

[0064] As discussed above, upper stick part 21 is biased upwards by spring 11. Outer surface 21e (see Figure 5B) of guided part 21c of upper stick part 21 is pressed against lower edge part 3 lb (see Figure 5 A) of the inner surface of opening 31a. Below, outer surface 21e shall be referred to as the “guided surface”, while lower edge part 3 lb shall be referred to as the “guide surface”. Guided surface 21e is curved to permit the tilting of operating stick 20. For example, guided surface 21e is curved along the spherical surface. As shown in Figure 6, when operating stick 20 is tilted, guide surface 3 lb guides operating stick 20 about center Cl of guided surface 21e such that operating stick 20 will be tilted.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the lower end of lower stick part 22 (lower end 22h of retaining part 22g) is supported by slide plate 13. Therefore, as operating stick 20 tilts, lower stick part 22 moves relative to upper stick part 21 in a direction along axis Axl of operating stick 20, narrowing the distance between upper spring holder 21b and lower spring holder 22b. As a result, the elastic force of spring 11 is increased, and resistance acts on lower end 22h (the contact point with slide plate 13) of lower stick part 22. As a result, a righting movement will be obtained that attempts to return operating stick 20 to the reference pose (see Figure 5A).

[0066] When operating stick 20 is in the reference pose (see Figure 5A), spring 11 may also bias upper spring holder 21b upwards. In other words, spring 11 is positioned between spring holders 21b and 22b in a compressed state, or in other words, in a state in which a preload has been applied. By doing this, the tilting of operating stick 20 will occur when the user’s operating force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, upper edge 31c is formed in the inner surface of the opening 31a of housing 30. Hereinafter, this upper edge part 31c shall be referred to as the stopper surface. When operating stick 20 tilts, the outer circumferential surface of central tube 21a of upper stick part 21 hits stopper surface 31c, enabling the regulation of the tilting of operating stick 20 that may exceed a preset angle. Stopper surface 31c is a sloped surface that is inclined upwards such that the diameter of opening 31a gradually increases.

[0068] Guided surface 21e of upper stick part 21 is part of a spherical surface in one example. Alternatively, guided surface 21e is, for example, part of an elliptical spherical surface.

[0069] Also, instead of guided surface 21e, or in addition to guided surface 21e, it is acceptable to bend guide surface 3 lb that has been formed in opening 31a of housing 30 such that it permits the tilting of operating stick 20. For example, guide surface 3 lb is part of a spherical surface or is part of an elliptical spherical surface. As yet another example, at least one of guided surface 21e and guide surface 3 lb is an inclined plane that allows the tilting of operating stick 20, rather than a curved surface.STRUCTURE TO ENABLE PUSH OPERATIONS

[0070] Operating stick assembly 100 includes first movable member 51 and second movable member 52, as shown in Figure 3 A. As shown in Figure 5B, the position of push operation sensor 15 is separated in the radial direction away from axis Axl of operating stick 20. When operating stick 20 is subjected to push operations, upper stick part 21 pushes push operation sensor 15 via movable members 51 and 52. Movable members 51 and 52 shall be discussed below.

[0071] First movable member 51 is a circular member that surrounds axis Axl of operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 3 A. The lower parts of stick parts 21 and 22 (guided part 21c and retaining part 22g) are arranged within first movable member 51.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3 A, first movable member 51 has support part 5 la therein. Support part 51a supports upper stick part 21 to allow the tilting of upper stick part 21 about first axis Ax2 along substrates 12A and 12B. Support part 51a is, for example, a convex part (shaft) that protrudes to the inner side of first movable member 51 along first axis Ax2. First movable member 51 includes two support parts 51a that is positioned opposite each other to sandwich axis Axl of operating stick 20.

[0073] On the other hand, upper stick part 21 has supported part 21d in guided portion 21c. As shown in Figure 3 A, supported part 21d is a concave part that is formed at the lower edge of guided part 21c. Upper stick part 21 also includes two supported parts 21d that is positioned opposite each other to sandwich axis Axl of operating stick 20. As shown in Figure 5B, the two support parts 51a are each fitted within the two respective supported parts 21d.

[0074] This structure allows upper stick part 21 to push down first movable member 51. Also, this structure enables the rotation of operating stick 20 about first axis Ax2 of support part 51a, or in other words, the rotation of operating stick 20 relative to first movable member 51.

[0075] Contrary to the example shown in Figure 3A, etc., a convex part is formed in upper stick part 21 as supported part 2 Id. For example, a convex part (shaft) that protrudes from the lower edge of guided part 21c in a direction along first axis Ax2 along substrates 12A and 12B is formed as supported part 21d. In this case, first movable member 51 is formed with a concave part in which this supported part 21d fits as support part 51a.

[0076] Also, the shape of first movable member 51 does not necessarily need to be annular, provided that upper stick part 21 can depress first movable member 51 and the structure permits the rotation of operating stick 20 about first axis Ax2.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3 A, second movable member 52 includes arm part 52a. Second movable member 52 may, for example, have two arm parts 52a that are connected at the tips. First movable member 51 is arranged between two arm parts 52a. Second movable member 52 has supported part 52b at the base of arm part 52a. Supported part 52b is a convex part (shaft) that protrudes in a direction along substrates 12A and 12B. Supported part 52b is supported by peripheral wall 32 of housing 30. Arm part 52a can move up and down about axis Ax4 of supported part 52b.

[0078] Note that, contrary to the example shown in Figure 3 A, a convex part is formed in housing 30 to serve as a support part. The base of arm part 52a may then be formed with concave parts or holes into which this support fits as supported part 52b.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3 A, second movable member 52 includes sensor operation part 52c at the tip of the two arm parts 52a. As shown in Figure 5B, sensor operation part 52c islocated above push operation sensor 15. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, when the position of arm part 52a is lowered, sensor operation part 52c pushes push operation sensor 15.

[0080] Second movable member 52 is biased upwards by spring 59 (see Figure 3B). As shown in Figure 3B, second movable member 52 may have spring attachment part 52d that protrudes in the direction of the extension of arm part 52a, for example, at the tip of the two arm parts 52a. Spring 59 may, for example, be a torsion spring, the center of which is fitted to spring attachment part 52d. As shown in Figure 2B, the end of spring 59 is supported by spring support part 33 that protrudes forwards (in the Y1 direction) from housing 30.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3 A, first movable member 51 has support part 51b. support part 51b is a convex part (shaft) that protrudes in the direction of second axis Ax3 along substrates 12A and 12B. Second axis Ax3 of support part 51b and first axis Ax2 of support part 51a as described above are orthogonal to each other. First movable member 51 includes two supported parts 51b that is positioned opposite each other to sandwich axis Axl of operating stick 20.

[0082] On the other hand, second movable member 52 has support part 52e on the upper side of arm part 52a. As shown in Figure 3B, support part 51b is arranged on the upper side of support part 52e, enabling first movable member 51 to rotate about support part 51b.

[0083] In other words, support part 52e of second movable member 52 supports support part 51b of first movable member 51 to enable tilting (rotation) of first movable member 51 about second axis Ax3. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, when operating stick 20 is subjected to a tilting operation in the front-back direction (Y1-Y2 direction), operating stick 20 and first movable member 51 can rotate relative to second movable member 52 about second axis Ax3.

[0084] Contrary to the example shown in Figure 3 A, a convex part is formed in second movable member 52 as support part 52e. For example, a convex part that extends from each of the two arm parts 52a in a direction along second axis Ax3 is formed as support part 52e. In this case, first movable member 51 is formed with a concave part in which this support part 52e fits as support part 51b.

[0085] As described above, operating stick 20 is supported by support part 51a of first movable member 51, enabling it to tilt about first axis Ax2 of support part 51a. Second axis Ax3 of support part 5 lb of first movable member 51 and first axis Ax2 of support part 51aare orthogonal to each other. Therefore, operating stick 20 can be tilted about their intersection point Cl in the front-back direction (Y1-Y2), left-right direction (XI -X2 direction), and any diagonal direction relative to these. This intersection point Cl is the same as the center of guided part 21c of upper stick part 21.

[0086] When operating stick 20 is subjected to a push operation and the position of upper stick part 21 is lowered, the push operation acts on second movable member 52 via support part 51a and support part 51b of first movable member 51. Then, the position of second movable member 52 is lowered about axis Ax4 (see Figure 3B), and sensor operation part 52c of second movable member 52 pushes push operation sensor 15. As shown in Figure 3, axis Ax4 of supported part 52b of second movable member 52 and second axis Ax3 of support part 51b is parallel to each other.

[0087] When operating stick 20 is pushed and the position of upper stick part 21 is lowered, spring 11 applies a reaction force against upper stick part 21. Therefore, when the push operation is released, upper stick part 21 is moved to the initial position by the force of spring 11. As described above, the elastic force of spring 11 also acts as a righting movement to return operating stick 20 that had been tilted to the reference pose. In other words, both the reaction force to the pushing operation and the reaction force to the tilting operation is realized by spring 11.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3B, convex part 51c is formed on the circumferential surface of support part 51b of first movable member 51. On the other hand, a concave part is formed in support part 52e of second movable member 52 into which this convex part 51c is placed. By doing this, it will be possible to regulate the change in the relative position of second movable member 52 and first movable member 51 in a direction along second axis Ax3. CONCLUSION

[0089] As described above, operating stick assembly 100 includes operating stick 20 that is supported such that it is tilted and that has operation part 23c that is touched by the user’s finger at the topmost part and detection part 29a at the bottom, tilt operation sensor 14 for contactless detection of the movement of detection part 29a as a result of the tilting of operating stick 20, and push operation sensor 15 for detection of push operations against operating stick 20. Operating stick 20 is provided with lower stick part 22 that has detection part 29a, and upper stick part 21 in which an operation part is provided or to which an operation part is attached and that may move in the axial direction of operating stick 20relative to lower stick part 22. Upper stick part 21 will receive the push operation and will directly or indirectly push on push operation sensor 15.

[0090] According to this operating stick assembly 100, both push and tilt operations relative to operating stick 20 can be detected. In addition, because contactless sensors are used as tilt operation sensor 14, high accuracy can be maintained for detection of the tilt angle even when used for a long period of time.

[0091] In operating stick assembly 100 as described in (1), upper stick part 21 has upper spring holder 21b, while lower stick part 22 has lower spring holder 22b, and spring 11 that extends in a direction along axis Axl of operating stick 20 to bias upper spring holder 21b upwards is provided between upper spring holder 21b and lower spring holder 22b.

[0092] Operating stick assembly 100 as described in (1) or (2) includes housing 30 in which opening 3 la is formed. Upper spring holder 21b and lower spring holder 22b are arranged within housing 30. Upper stick part 21 extends upwards from upper spring holder 21b through opening 31a of housing 30.

[0093] In operating stick assembly 100 as described in (3), guide surface 31b is provided on the inner circumferential surface of opening 31a of housing 30, while upper stick part 21 has guided surface 21e that is located inside housing 30 and that is in contact with guide surface 3 lb of opening 31a of housing 30. At least one of either guide surface 3 lb and guided surface 21e is tilted or curved to allow the tilting of operating stick 20.

[0094] Operating stick assembly 100 as described in any one of (1) to (4) further includes first movable member 51 that is pushed by upper stick part 21 as it moves downwards, and second movable member 52 that is pushed by first movable member 51 and that will push operation sensor 15. As a result, it will be possible to increase the degree of freedom regarding the position of push operation sensor 15.

[0095] In operating stick assembly 100 as described in (3), first movable member 51 supports upper stick part 21 to allow the tilting of upper stick part 21 about first axis Ax2 along substrates 12A and 12B. Second movable member 52 supports first movable member 51 to allow the tilting of first movable member 51 about second axis Ax3 that intersects first axis Ax2 and along substrates 12A and 12B.

[0096] In operating stick assembly 100 as described in any of (1) through (6), upper stick part 21 is cylindrical and lower stick part 22 is inserted inside upper stick part 21.

[0097] Input device 10 includes operating stick assembly 100 as described in any of (1) to (8), as well as one or more operation members 111 to 116.VARIANTS

[0098] The operating stick assembly proposed in this disclosure is not limited to operating stick assembly 100 as shown in Figure 2 A, etc. For example, in operating stick assembly 100, upper stick part 21 pushes push operation sensor 15 via first movable member 51 and second movable member 52. Alternatively, upper stick part 21 is configured to directly push on push operation sensor 15.EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES10: Input device, 11: Spring, 12A: First substrate, 12B: Second substrate, 12a: Connection pin, 12b: Connector, 13: Slide plate, 13a: Inclined plane, 14: Tilt operation sensor, 15: Push operation sensor, 16: Connecting member, 16a: Base, 16b: Coupling, 20: Operating stick, 20A: Stick body, 21: Upper stick part, 21a: Central tube, 21b: Upper spring holder, 21c: Guided part, 21d: Supported part, 21e: Guided surface, 22: Lower stick part, 22a: Center axis, 22b: Lower spring holder, 22g: Retaining part, 22h: Lower end, 22k: Convex part, 23: Top member, 23b: mating projection, 23c: operation part, 23d: Attachment tube, 24: Cover member, 24b: Cover, 24d: Attachment body, 24e: Mating hole, 24f: Attachment holes, 29a: detection part, 30: Housing, 31: Top part, 31a: Opening, 31b: Lower edge (guide surface), 31c: Upper edge (stopper surface), 32: Peripheral wall, 33: Spring support, 51: First movable member, 51a: Support part, 51b: Supported part, 51c: Convex part, 52: Second movable member, 52a: Arm part, 52b: Supported part, 52c: Sensor operation part, 52d:Spring attachment part, 52e: Support part, 59: Spring, 100: Operating stick assembly, 101C: Center part, 101L: Left retaining part, 101R: Right retaining part, 111: Operation button, 112: Direction key, 113: Operation pad, 114-116: Operation button, 121: Exterior member, 121a: Opening.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An operating stick assembly comprising:an operating stick that includes:a top portion comprising an operation interface;a lower stick portion comprising a bottom portion; andan upper stick portion provided with or attached to the operation interface, the upper stick configured to move in an axial direction of the operating stick relative to the lower stick portion;a tilt sensor configured to detect a movement of the bottom portion; and a pressure sensor configured to detect a press operation against the operating stick,wherein the upper stick portion is configured to receive the press operation and further configured to directly or indirectly provide a force on the pressure sensor upon receiving the press operation.

2. The operating stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper stick portion comprises a cylindrical portion, andwherein the upper stick portion is configured to receive the lower stick portion in the cylindrical portion.

3. The operating stick assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a first movable member configured to receive pressure from the upper stick portion when the upper stick portion moves downward; anda second movable member configured to press the pressure sensor responsive to pressing by the first movable member.

4. The operating stick assembly of claim 3, further comprising a substrate,wherein the first movable member is configured to allow the upper stick portion to tilt about a first axis along the substrate, andwherein the second movable member is configured to allow the first movable member to tilt about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and along the substrate.

5. The operating stick assembly of claim 3, wherein the first movable member comprises a shaft, andwherein the second movable member comprises a support portion configured to receive the shaft in a rotatable manner.

6. An input device comprising:one or more operation members; andan operating stick assembly, comprising:an operating stick that includes:a top portion comprising an operation interface;a lower stick portion comprising a bottom portion; andan upper stick portion provided with or attached to the operation interface, the upper stick configured to move in an axial direction of the operating stick relative to the lower stick portion;a tilt sensor configured to detect a movement of the bottom portion; and a pressure sensor configured to detect a press operation against the operating stick,wherein the upper stick portion is configured to receive the press operation and further configured to directly or indirectly provide a force on the pressure sensor upon receiving the press operation.

7. The input device of claim 6, wherein the upper stick portion comprises a cylindrical portion, andwherein the upper stick portion is configured to receive the lower stick portion in the cylindrical portion.

8. The input device of claim 6, further comprising:a first movable member configured to receive pressure from the upper stick portion when the upper stick portion moves downward; anda second movable member configured to press the pressure sensor responsive to pressing by the first movable member.

9. The input device of claim 8, further comprising a substrate,wherein the first movable member is configured to allow the upper stick portion to tilt about a first axis along the substrate, andwherein the second movable member is configured to allow the first movable member to tilt about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and along the substrate.

10. The input device of claim 8, wherein the first movable member comprises a shaft, andwherein the second movable member comprises a support portion configured to receive the shaft in a rotatable manner.

11. An operating stick assembly comprising:an operating stick that includes:a top portion comprising an operation interface;an upper stick portion provided with or attached to the operation interface; anda pressure sensor configured to detect a press operation against the operating stick,wherein the upper stick portion is configured to receive a press operation and further configured to directly or indirectly provide a force on the pressure sensor upon receiving the press operation.

12. The operating stick assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper stick portion comprises:an upper spring holder;a lower spring holder; anda spring positioned between the upper spring holder and the lower spring holder,wherein the spring is configured to:expand and contract along an axis direction of the operating stick; and bias the upper spring holder upward.

13. The operating stick assembly of claim 12, further comprising a housing,wherein the upper spring holder and the lower spring holder are disposed within the housing, andwherein the upper stick portion extends upwards from the upper spring holder through an opening in the housing.

14. The operating stick assembly of claim 13, further comprising a guide surface on an inner circumferential surface of the opening of the housing,wherein the upper stick portion comprises a guided surface disposed inside the housing, the guided surface being in contact with the guide surface.

15. The operating stick assembly of claim 14, wherein the guide surface is tilted or curved to allow tilt of the operating stick.

16. The operating stick assembly of claim 14, wherein the guided surface of the upper stick portion is tilted or curved to allow tilt of the operating stick.

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