Control stick assembly and input device

Abstract

A control stick assembly is provided. An example control stick can sense pressing and tilting as well as detect a tilt angle of a control stick with high precision even while it is used for a long time. The control stick assembly includes: a control stick having a sensed portion; a movable portion having an inner surface supporting an outer surface of a supported ball of the control stick and a ball support portion with the inner surface formed to allow the control stick to be tilted, where the movable portion can move upward and downward together with the supported portion; a tilt operation sensor for sensing, in a contactless manner, a motion of the sensed portion caused by the tilting of the control stick; and a press operation sensor pressed when the movable portion has moved downward.

Description

PATENT Atorney Docket No.: 116335-1515555-SYP355628WO01Client Ref. No.: SYP355628WO01CONTROL STICK ASSEMBLY AND INPUT DEVICECROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2024-226718, filed December 23, 2024, entitled “CONTROL 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 a control stick assembly and an input device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] WO98 / 16285 discloses an input device used for game control. The input device has control sticks which can be manipulated for tilting for control. The control sticks are supported by two intersecting support shafts and can be tilted in any radial direction including the front-back direction, left-right direction, and diagonal direction between them. The tilt direction and the tilt angles of the control sticks are detected by two variable resistors which output signals in response to rotation of the support shaft. The variable resistors have movable parts which rotate together with the support shafts supporting the control sticks, and contact points in contact with the movable parts. Further, in the input device of WO98 / 16285 the control sticks can be moved up-down (pressing manipulation). The pressing operation of the control sticks is detected by a tact switch mounted on a circuit board.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a control stick assembly and an input device, which can detect the tilt angles of the control sticks with high precision even after they have been used for a long time and which enable the control sticks to be manipulated for pressing.SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0005] The control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure includes: a control stick having a supported part and a sensed part; a movable part having a support part that includes an inner surface supporting an outer surface of the supported part, wherein the innersurface is formed to allow the control stick to tilt, where the movable part is capable of moving upward and downward together with the supported part; a tilt operation sensor for sensing, in a contactless manner, a motion of the sensed part caused by the tilting of the control stick; and a press operation sensor to be pressed when the movable part has moved downward.

[0006] The input device proposed in the present disclosure has the control stick assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 A is a plane view showing one example of the input device proposed in the present disclosure.

[0008] Fig. IB is a side view showing the input device shown in Fig. 1 A.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first example of the control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the control stick assembly shown in Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 4A is a perspective view showing a state where a top member and a cover member as well as a housing of the control stick are detached.

[0012] Fig. 4B is a perspective view showing a state where a second reception part of a lower spring reception part is detached from the state shown in Fig. 4A.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a plane view showing the control stick assembly.

[0014] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the VI - VI line shown in Fig. 5 and shows a state where the control stick is not manipulated.

[0015] Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view obtained based on the same sectioned surface as in Fig. 6A and shows a state where tilting has been performed on the control stick.

[0016] Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional view obtained based on the same sectioned surface as in Fig. 6A and shows a state where pressing has been performed on the control stick.

[0017] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view showing a part of Fig. 6A.

[0018] Fig. 8A is an exploded perspective view showing a housing, a first movable body and a second movable body, and shows the rear sides of these components.

[0019] Fig. 8B is an exploded perspective view showing a housing, a first movable body and a second movable body, and shows the front sides of these components.

[0020] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a stick body, a first reception part, and a second reception part of the control stick.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view obtained along the X - X line shown in Fig. 8 A and shows the first movable body and the second movable body.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a second example of the control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the control stick assembly shown in Fig. 11.

[0024] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the control stick assembly shown in Fig. 11.

[0025] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a lower spring reception part and a first housing included in the control stick assembly shown in Fig. 11.

[0026] Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the first movable body, the second movable body, and an FPC included in the control stick assembly shown in Fig. 11.

[0027] Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view obtained along the XVI - XVI line shown in Fig.13 and shows the control stick assembly.

[0028] Fig. 16B is an enlarged view of Fig. 16A.

[0029] Fig. 16C is a cross-sectional view obtained based on the same sectioned surface as in Fig. 16A and shows the state where tilting has been performed on the control stick.

[0030] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view obtained along the XVII - XVII line shown in Fig.13 and shows the control stick assembly.

[0031] Fig. 18 is a plan view showing a third example of the control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view obtained along the XIX - XIX line shown in Fig.18 and shows the control stick assembly.

[0033] Fig. 20 is a plan view showing a fourth example of the control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 21 A is a cross-sectional view obtained along the XXI - XXI line shown in Fig.20 and shows the control stick assembly.

[0035] Fig. 2 IB is a cross-sectional view obtained based on the same sectioned surface as in Fig. 21 A and shows the state where tilting has been performed on the control stick.

[0036] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view obtained along the XXII - XXII line shown in Fig.20 and shows the control stick assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] An embodiment of the control stick assembly and the input device proposed in the present disclosure will be explained below.

[0038] In the following explanation, the direction indicated by XI - X2 in Fig. 1 A is referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction indicated by Y1 and Y2 in Fig. 1A is referred to as the front and rear, respectively. Further, the direction indicated by Z1 and Z2 in Fig. IB is referred to as upper and lower, respectively. The Z1 - Z2 direction is, for example, a direction perpendicular to a board to which the control stick assembly is attached, and the XI - X2 direction and the Y1 - Y2 direction are directions along the board.

[0039] These directions are defined to explain the relative positions and the shapes of components, parts, and members which constitute the input device and the control stick assembly, and these directions do not limit a position at the time of using the input device, nor the position and direction of the control stick assembly in the input device.INPUT DEVICE

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1 A, an input device 10 includes, for example, a right held part 101R to be held by a user with the right hand and a left held part 10 IL to be held by the user with the left hand. The input device 10 includes a center part 101C between the held parts 101R and 10 IL. The input device 10 may have, in the held parts 101R and 10 IL, rear protruding parts 101 d which extend more rearwards than the rear edges of the center part 101C.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1 A, a plurality of control members to be manipulated by the user with the fingers is provided on upper surfaces of the held parts 10 IL and 101R. Specifically, a plurality of control buttons Ill is provided on a front upper surface of the right held part 101R. For example, the four control buttons 111 are arranged at the ends of a cross. Further, adirectional key (a cross button) 112 is arranged on the front upper surface of the left held part 101L. As shown in Fig. 1 A, the input device 10 may have a control pad 113 located between the directional key 112 and the control buttons 111, as well as two control buttons 114 respectively arranged on the right side and the left side of the control pad 113. Further, as shown in Fig. IB, the held parts 101R and 10 IL may have control buttons 115 and 116 arranged in the vertical direction at the front surface thereof. The lower control button 116 may be, for example, a trigger button supported to be capable of moving in a front-rear direction about a shaft part.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 1A and IB, the input device 10 has the control stick assembly 100. The input device 10 may have two control stick assemblies 100 which are spaced in the left-right direction. The control stick assemblies 100 may be arranged, for example, in the rear of the control pad 113.

[0043] The input device 10 is utilized as an input device for an information processor (for example, a gaming device) that includes a function of implementing a game program, a moving image reproduction function, a communication function via the internet and the like. The input device 10 can communicate with the information processor in a wired or wireless manner, and the input device 10 transmits, to the information processor, signals corresponding to manipulations performed by the user on the control stick assemblies 100 and the control buttons 111, etc. The input device 10 may have built-in various sensors (an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor and the like) utilized to detect the position and the motion of the input device 10, and may also have a built-in battery.

[0044] The shape of the input device 10 and the layouts of the control stick assemblies 100 in the input device 10 are not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 1 A and IB. For example, the control stick assemblies 100 may be mounted on the input device to be manipulated by one hand. Further, there may be one control stick assembly 100 of the input device 10. Further, in the input device 10, the control stick assembly 100 may be arranged at the position of the control buttons 111 (or the directional key 112).CONTROL STICK

[0045] Referring to Figs. 2 to 10, the control stick assembly 100 will be explained.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the control stick assembly 100 has a control stick 20. The control stick 20 may include a stick body 21, a top member 23 attached to an upper part ofthe stick body 21, and a cover member 24 similarly attached to the upper part of the stick body 21.

[0047] Hereinafter, an axial line Axl of the control stick 20 (see Fig. 6A) is referred to “stick axial line.” Further, a direction along the control stick 20 and a direction along the stick axial line Axl are referred to as “stick axial direction.”

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the stick body 21 has, at its lower part, a supported ball part 21a supported by a housing 30 and a movable part 50, both of which will be described below. Further, the stick body 21 may have a shaft part 21b extending upward from the supported ball part 21a.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the cover member 24 may have a cover part 24b formed to be an umbrella shape covering the housing 30 and a lower spring reception part 40, etc. which will be described below. The diameter of the cover part 24b is larger than an opening 121a (an opening formed in an exterior member 121; see Fig. 1 A) formed at the input device 10 where the control stick 20 is arranged. This can prevent the housing 30, etc. from being exposed outside the input device 10.

[0050] Further, the cover member 24 may have an attachment body part 24d (see Fig. 3) located at the center of the cover part 24b. The attachment body part 24d may be attached to the stick body 21. For example, as shown in Fig. 6A, an attachment hole 24f piercing through the attachment body part 24d may be formed in the attachment body part 24d in the stick axial direction. Then, the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21 may be inserted into this attachment hole 24f, so that the attachment body part 24d is attached to the stick body 21.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, the top member 23 may have a disc-shaped top part 23c touched by the finger of the user and an attachment cylindrical part 23 d extending downward from the top part 23c. The attachment cylindrical part 23d may be, for example, fitted to the outside of the attachment body part 24d of the cover member 24 and thereby attached to the attachment body part 24d. This enables the top member 23 to be exchanged with another top member 23 of a different size.

[0052] The cover member 24 may have a plurality of fitting holes 24e (see Fig. 6A) lined along an outer peripheral surface of the attachment body part 24d in a circumferential direction about the axial line Axl of the control stick 20. At the lower end of the attachmentcylindrical part 23d, a plurality of fitting protrusions 23b (see Fig. 6A) may be formed to be respectively fitted into these fitting holes 24e.

[0053] The stick body 21 may be formed from a material different from the top member 23 and the cover member 24. The stick body 21 may be formed from, for example, a material having a higher rigidity than the top member 23 and the cover member 24. This can prevent the detection precision of a tilt angle by a below-described tilt operation sensor 14a from being deteriorated due to deformation of the stick body 21. The stick body 21 may be made from either resin or metal.

[0054] The structure of the control stick 20 is not limited to the examples shown in Fig. 3, etc. For example, the top member 23 and the cover member 24 may be integrally molded. In this case, the integrally molded member may have an upper spring reception part 24a which supports an upper end of a below-described spring 11.TILTING OF CONTROL STICK AND TILT OPERATION SENSOR

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6B, the control stick 20 can be tilted in the radial direction of the control stick 20 from its reference position. As shown in Fig. 6A, the reference position is a position to which the control stick 20 returns, when the user applies no radial force to the control stick 20. Hereinafter, this reference position is referred to as “stick reference position.” When the control stick 20 is at the stick reference position, the stick axial line Axl may be substantially perpendicular to a board 12. The control stick 20 can be tilted in any radial direction (for example, in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the diagonal direction with respect to them) from the stick reference position. Further, the control stick 20 may be able to rotate about a vertical line passing through the stick reference position, while in the state of being tilted in the radial direction.TILT OPERATION SENSOR

[0056] The control stick assembly 100 has the tilt operation sensor 14a (see Figs. 3 and 6A). The tilt operation sensor 14a is a sensor for sensing tilting (specifically, an angle and a tilt direction from the stick reference position) of the control stick 20. The tilt operation sensor 14a may be a contactless sensor. Namely, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be a sensor outputting a signal in response to a tilt angle of the control stick 20 without contacting with the control stick 20.

[0057] As a contactless sensor, for example, a magnetic sensor is utilized. In this case, the control stick 20 may have a magnet as a sensed part 29a. The magnetic sensor outputs asignal in response to the magnetic field formed by this magnet. More specifically, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be an MR sensor (Magnetic Resistance Sensor). The tilt operation sensor 14a may be a TMR sensor (Tunnel Magneto Resistance Sensor), which is another type of magnetic sensor. The tilt operation sensor 14a may also be a magnetic sensor of another type.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 6A, the sensed part 29a (magnet) may be attached to, for example, a lowermost part of the stick body 21. When the control stick 20 is in the stick reference position, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be arranged to be opposite to the sensed part 29a in the vertical direction.

[0059] At the lower end of the stick body 21, a recessed part 21g (see Fig. 9), which opens downward, may be formed. Then, a magnet which is the sensed part 29a may be arranged in this recessed part 21g. This structure makes it easy to ensure a distance between the sensed part 29a and the tilt operation sensor 14a. The position of the sensed part 29a may be higher than the lower edge of the recessed part 21g. This makes it easier to ensure the distance between the sensed part 29a and the tilt operation sensor 14a.PRESS OPERATION SENSOR

[0060] The control stick 20 may be supported so as to move in the vertical direction as well (see Fig. 6C). Namely, the control stick 20 may be supported to be capable of downward pressing. This support structure will be explained in detail below.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, the control stick assembly 100 has a press operation sensor 15 for sensing pressing on the control stick 20 (an up-down motion of the control stick 20). The press operation sensor 15 may be, for example, a tact switch whose ON / OFF states are switched in response to pressing of the control stick 20. The press operation sensor 15 may be a pressure sensor which outputs a signal in response to a pressing force acting on the control stick 20.OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CONTROL STICK ASSEMBLY

[0062] As shown in Fig. 3, the control stick assembly 100 has a spring 11 arranged along the stick body 21. The control stick 20 returns to the reference position due to the elastic force of the spring 11, when the tilting thereof by the user is released. The control stick assembly 100 may have the lower spring reception part 40, the housing 30, and the movable part 50. The lower spring reception part 40 may have a first reception part 41 and a second reception part 42. The movable part 50 may have a first movable body 51 and a secondmovable body 52. The lower spring reception part 40 and the spring 11 are arranged above the housing 30, and the movable part 50 is arranged inside the housing 30.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 3, the control stick assembly 100 may have the board 12 at its lowermost part. The housing 30 is fixed to the board 12. The housing 30 may have side wall parts 32R and 32L (see Fig. 8B) which face each other in the left-right direction. The side wall parts 32R and 32L are fixed to the board 12 by means of fastening members (for example, screws 16 shown in Fig. 3).

[0064] The board 12 may be a circuit board on which a circuit (conductor pattern) is formed. On this board 12, a connector 12a (see Fig. 3) may be mounted to allow the control stick assembly 100 to be electrically connected to another component (for example, a main circuit board) of the input device 10. On the board 12, a circuit may be formed to electrically connect the connector 12a to the sensors 14a and 15. In the state where the control stick assembly 100 is mounted on the input device 10, the connector 12a may be fitted (connected) to the other-party connector mounted on the main circuit board of the input device 10. This structure can make it easy to attach the control stick assembly 100 to the input device 10 or to detach the control stick assembly 100 from the input device 10.

[0065] The control stick assembly 100 does not need to necessarily have the board 12. In this case, the housing 30 may be directly fixed to a (non-illustrated) main circuit board built in the input device 10.RETURN MECHANISM

[0066] The control stick assembly 100 has a return mechanism for returning the control stick 20 to the stick reference position when the tilting thereof by the user is released. The return mechanism includes the spring 11 and the lower spring reception part 40, which are described above.

[0067] The control stick assembly 100 has a stage part 31. As shown in Fig. 8 A, the stage part 31 may be formed, for example, in an upper part of the housing 30. The planar view of the control stick assembly 100 shows that the stage part 31 is circular and the abovedescribed side wall parts 32R and 32L go down from the outer circumferential edge of the stage part 31. The housing 30 has a box shape which opens downward. As described above, the housing 30 is fixed to the board 12 and the stage part 31 is immovable with respect to the board 12. Above the stage part 31, the spring 11 and the lower spring reception part 40 (see Fig. 3) are arranged.

[0068] The control stick 20 (more specifically, the stick body 21) may have a supported ball part 21a (see Fig. 9) at its lower part. As shown in Fig. 6A, the supported ball part 21a is arranged, so that at least its lower end is located at a lower part of the stage part 31. In the stage part 31, an opening 31a (see Fig. 8 A) is formed. The stick body 21 is arranged inside the opening 31a. The stick body 21 passes through the inside of the opening 31a and extends upward.UPPER SPRING RECEPTION PART

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6A, the control stick 20 has, at its upper part, the upper spring reception part 24a, which supports an upper end of the spring 11. The control stick 20 has the attachment body part 24d (see Fig. 3) at its upper part. The attachment body part 24d may be, for example, a part located at the central part of the cover member 24 (at the center of the cover part 24b). In this attachment body part 24d, a recessed part, which opens downward, may be formed. An upper end of the spring 11 may be arranged inside this recessed part. An upper end of this recessed part may function as the upper spring reception part 24a supporting the upper end of the spring 11.LOWER SPRING RECEPTION PART

[0070] The stage part 31 may have a reception part support surface 3 lb (see Fig. 8A) on its upper surface. As shown in Fig. 6A, the lower spring reception part 40 is arranged above the reception part support surface 3 lb and supports the lower end of the spring 11.

[0071] The lower spring reception part 40 may have the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42 (see Fig. 9). The first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42 are combined in a direction along the stick body 21 (namely, in the stick axial direction). The second reception part 42 is arranged above the first reception part 41 and supports the lower end of the spring 11.

[0072] Holes 41a and 42a penetrating the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42 in the direction following along the stick body 21 are formed (see Fig. 9), where the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21 is inserted into these holes 41a and 42a. The first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42 can move relative to the stick body 21 in the direction along the stick body 21.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 7, a column-shaped energizing member 43 is arranged between the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42. This energizing member 43 presses the stick body 21 in a direction perpendicular to the stick axial direction. This canprevent the control stick 20 from wobbling (slight position changes with respect to the lower spring reception part 40). The functions of the reception parts 41, 42 and the energizing member 43 will be explained later.

[0074] When the control stick 20 is in the stick reference position (see Fig. 6A), the lower spring reception part 40 may be arranged to be in a horizontal position on the reception part support surface 3 lb of the stage part 31. Hereinafter, the position of the lower spring reception part 40 in the case where the control stick 20 is in the stick reference position will be referred to as “reception part reference position.” The lower spring reception part 40, when in the reception part reference position, may be substantially parallel to the board 12. In other words, the lower spring reception part 40, when in the reception part reference position, may be perpendicular to the axial line Axl of the control stick 20 which is in the stick reference position.SPRING

[0075] As shown in Fig. 6A, the spring 11 is arranged along the control stick 20. The spring 11 is a coil spring and may be fitted to the outside of the shaft part 21b (the part extending upward from the supported ball part 21a) of the stick body 21. The spring 11 is located between the upper spring reception part 24a and the lower spring reception part 40.

[0076] When the control stick 20 is in the stick reference position, the spring 11 presses the lower spring reception part 40 (the reception parts 41 and 42) to the reception part support surface 3 lb of the stage part 31, and energizes the upper spring reception part 24a upward. Namely, the spring 11 may be arranged between the spring reception parts 24a and 40 in a compressed state, in other words, in a preloaded state.SUPPORT STRUCTURE WHICH ENABLES THE CONTROL STICK TO BE TILTED

[0077] As shown in Fig. 7, the supported ball part 21a is arranged inside the opening 3 la of the stage part 31. An inner surface 31c of the opening 31a may be formed such that the diameter of the opening 31a becomes gradually smaller toward the upper part. The supported ball part 21a is located inside the inner surface 31c.

[0078] The control stick 20 is energized upward by the elastic force of the spring 11. When there is no pressing on control stick 20, the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the inner surface 31c of the opening 3 la in the stage part 31 are in contact with each other due to the elastic force of the spring 11. Hereinafter, the inner surface 31c of the opening 31a is referred to as “ball support surface.”

[0079] The ball support surface 31c is formed to allow a motion of the supported ball part 21a caused by tilting the control stick 20. Namely, the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 31c are formed to allow the control stick 20 to be tilted. Specifically, the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 31c are curved surfaces which allow the control stick 20 to be tilted.

[0080] The control stick 20 can be tilted about a point Cp (see Fig. 6B) located below the control stick 20 (the supported ball part 21a). Hereinafter, this point Cp is referred to as “tilt center.” The upper outer surface of the supported ball part 21a may be a part of a spherical surface about the tilt center Cp. The supported ball part 21a may assume an approximate ball shape. Similarly, the ball support surface 31c (the inner surface of the opening 31a) may be a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp. This structure enables the control stick 20 to be tilted about the tilt center Cp.

[0081] The shapes of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 31c are not limited to the above-described example, as long as the shape allows tilting of the control stick 20. For example, although the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 31c are curved surfaces, which allow the control stick 20 to be tilted, the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 31c need not be a part of the above-described spherical surface. As a further example, only the upper outer surface of the supported ball part 21a may constitute a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp, and the ball support surface 31c need not be a part of this spherical surface. Conversely, only the lower surface of the ball support surface 31c may constitute a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp, and the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a need not be a part of this spherical surface.TILTING OF THE CONTROL STICK

[0082] As shown in Fig. 6B, the lower spring reception part 40 supports the control stick 20, so that it is tilted together with the control stick 20. More specifically, a support cylindrical part 41d is formed in the lower spring reception part 40 (the first reception part 41), and the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21 is inserted into the inside of the support cylindrical part 4 Id. Thus, when the control stick 20 is tilted, the lower spring reception part 40 is also tilted accordingly.

[0083] The control stick 20 is supported by the support cylindrical part 41d of the first reception part 41. The spring 11 is fitted to the outside of the support cylindrical part 4 Id.The support cylindrical part 41d extends upward. The upper end of the support cylindrical part 41d is higher than the lower end of the spring 11. This makes it possible to improve support stability of the control stick 20 by the lower spring reception part 40.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 6B, when the control stick 20 is tilted, only a part of the outer circumferential part of the lower spring reception part 40 is in contact with the reception part support surface 3 lb of the stage part 31, and the other part is raised from the reception part support surface 3 lb of the stage part 31. At this time, the moment caused by the elastic force of the spring 11 is generated about the contact point between the lower spring reception part 40 and the reception part support surface 3 lb. Namely, the elastic force of the spring 11 acts to return the position of the lower spring reception part 40 to the reception part reference position (the horizontal position). Therefore, when the tilting of the control stick 20 by the user is released, the lower spring reception part 40 is returned to the reception part reference position and the control stick 20 is returned to the stick reference position.

[0085] Further, when the lower spring reception part 40 is tilted from the reception part reference position, the distance between the upper spring reception part 24a and the lower spring reception part 40 may be reduced. Referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, in the state where the control stick 20 is in the stick reference position (see Fig. 6A), the distance in the control stick axial direction between the lower spring reception part 40 and the upper spring reception part 24a is indicated by LI. In the state where the control stick 20 is tilted (see Fig.6B), the distance in the control stick axial direction between the lower spring reception part 40 and the upper spring reception part 24a is indicated by L2. The distance L2 is shorter than the distance LI. When the user tilts the control stick 20, this structure enables a reaction force against the tilting to be gradually increased, so that comfortability for the tilting can be improved.POSITION AT UPPER END OF SPRING

[0086] As shown in Fig. 6A, a recessed part is formed in the attachment body part 24d and the upper part of the spring 11 is arranged inside the recessed part. This makes it easy to ensure the length of the spring 11.

[0087] As described above, the control stick 20 (specifically, the cover member 24) has an umbrella-shaped cover part 24b (see Fig. 3). The upper end of the spring 11 (the upper end of the recessed part formed in the attached body part 24d) may be higher than the cover part 24b. More specifically, the upper end of the spring 11 may be higher than an upper edge 24c(see Fig. 3) of the cover part 24b. This facilitates ensuring the length of the spring 11. As a result, it is possible to prevent a change of the elastic force of the spring 11 caused by a change of the tilt angle of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive.SUPPORT SURFACE FORMED IN THE STAGE PART

[0088] As shown in Fig. 8A, the reception part support surface 3 lb has an inner circumferential part 3 le relatively near to the axial line Axl of the control stick 20 (the center of the opening 31a) and an outer circumferential part 3 If formed outside the inner circumferential part 3 le in the radial direction of the control stick 20. The inner circumferential part 31e and the outer circumferential part 3 If assumes an annular shape enclosing the opening 3 la in the planar view of the control stick 20.

[0089] The height of the reception part support surface 3 lb in the stage part 31 may change in the radial direction of the control stick 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the height of the outer circumferential part 3 If (the distance from the board 12 to the outer circumferential part 3 If) may be lower than the inner circumferential part 3 le.

[0090] In a structure different from the control stick assembly 100, in which the reception part support surface 3 lb is horizontal across its entire surface, as the tilt angle of the control stick 20 increases, the distance between the lower spring reception part 40 and the upper spring reception part 24a is significantly reduced. Therefore, when the tilt angle is increased, the reaction force against the tilting may become excessive. On the other hand, in the control stick assembly 100, the height of the outer circumferential part 3 If is lower than the inner circumferential part 3 le, which therefore can prevent the reaction force against the tilting from becoming excessive.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 7, the outer circumferential part 3 If may be an inclined plane which is gradually lower from the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le facing outward in the radial direction of the control stick 20. This can prevent the reaction force against the tilting from becoming excessive. The angle of the outer circumferential part 3 If with respect to the stick axial line Axl may change in the radial direction. Namely, the outer circumferential part 3 If may be curved in the cross-sectional view of the control stick 20.

[0092] Inside the outer circumferential part 3 If in the radial direction with respect to the outer circumferential part 3 If, the ball support surface 31c and the upper part of the supported ball part 21a are located. Namely, a certain horizontal line (a line Hl parallel to the board 12;see Fig. 7) may intersect the outer circumferential part 3 If, the ball support surface 31c, and the supported ball part 21a. The position of an upper end 21n of the supported ball part 21a is higher than an outer circumferential edge 3 Ih (a lower end) of the outer circumferential part 3 If. According to this structure, the position of the control stick 20 is higher in comparison with a structure in which the position of the upper end 2 In of the supported ball part 21a is lower than the outer circumferential edge 3 Ih (the lower end) of the outer circumferential part 3 If. As a result, another component 17 (see Fig. 3) is easily arranged below the control stick 20.

[0093] The height and the tilt of the outer circumferential part 3 If may be set such that the outer circumferential part 3 If is not in contact with the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 40. This makes it possible to determine the reaction force against the tilting based on the diameter of the inner circumferential part 3 le (the distance from the center of the opening 3 la to the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le). For example, by reducing the diameter of the inner circumferential part 3 le, the reaction force against the tilting can be reduced and, by increasing the diameter of the inner circumferential part 3 le, the reaction force against the tilting can be increased. In Fig. 6B, the tilt angle of the control stick 20 becomes maximal. In a process where the control stick 20 changes from the stick reference position to the maximum tilt angle, the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 40 need not be in contact with the outer circumferential part 3 If.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 7, the height of the inner circumferential part 3 le of the reception part support surface 3 lb may be constant and facing outward in the radial direction of the control stick 20. In other words, the inner circumferential part 3 le may be a horizontal plane which is orthogonal to a vertical line (a line perpendicular to the board 12).

[0095] As shown in Fig. 7, a corner part 31g may be formed between the inner circumferential part 3 le and the outer circumferential part 3 If. When the control stick 20 is tilted, the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 40 (the lower surface of the first reception part 41) is in contact with one point on the comer part 31g (the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le), and is raised from the other part of the reception part support surface 3 lb. Namely, when the control stick 20 is tilted, the lower spring reception part 40 is supported at only one point on the corner part 31g (the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le). In the process where the controlstick 20 is tilted, the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 40 slides on the corner part 31g (the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le).

[0096] The supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 is located lower than the inner circumferential part 3 le. In other words, the tilt center Cp (see Fig. 6B) of the control stick 20 is located lower than the inner circumferential part 3 le. Therefore, as the tilt angle of the control stick 20 increases, the distance in the stick axial direction between the inner circumferential part 3 le (the corner part 31g) and the upper spring reception part 24a is reduced. In the state shown in Fig. 6A, a distance L3 is ensured between the inner circumferential part 3 le and the upper end of the upper spring reception part 24a and, in the state shown in Fig. 6B, a distance L4 (L4 < L3) is ensured between the inner circumferential part 3 le (the corner part 31g) and the upper end of the upper spring reception part 24a. Due to this, in response to the increase of the tilt angle of the control stick 20, the distance between the lower spring reception part 40 and the upper spring reception part 24a is reduced, so that the reaction force against the tilting is increased.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 7, the diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le may be smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 40 (the first reception part 41). This can effectively prevent the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive. The diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le may be furthermore smaller than half the diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential part 3 If. The diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 31 e may be larger than the diameter of the spring 11.

[0098] The shape of the reception part support surface 31b is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 7, etc. For example, the inner circumferential part 3 le need not be a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical line. For example, the inner circumferential part 3 le may be tilted such that the height of the inner circumferential part 3 le becomes gradually higher facing outward in the radial direction. In this case, the height of the outer circumferential part 3 If may become gradually lower facing outward in the radial direction as in the example shown in Fig. 7, etc.

[0099] As a further example, the comer part 31g need not be formed between the inner circumferential part 3 le and the outer circumferential part 3 If. In this case, a curved surface may be formed between the inner circumferential part 3 le and the outer circumferential part3 If, so that the height of the reception part support surface 3 lb may gradually become smaller in the radial direction facing outward.

[0100] As a further example, both the inner circumferential part 3 le and the outer circumferential part 3 If may be tilted, so that they are gradually lowered facing outward in the radial direction of the control stick 20. In this case, a gradient of the outer circumferential part 3 If may be larger than a gradient of the inner circumferential part 3 le.STOPPER SURFACE

[0101] The stage part 31 has a stopper surface 3 li (see Fig. 8A) along the outer circumferential edge of the reception part support surface 31b. As shown in Fig. 6B, the stopper surface 3 li restricts a motion of the lower spring reception part 40 in the radial direction of the control stick 20. If the tilt angle of the control stick 20 is 9 m at a maximum, the outer circumferential edge of the lower spring reception part 40 (the outer circumferential edge of the first reception part 41) abuts against the stopper surface 3 li. Then, the stopper surface 3 li restricts a further motion of the control stick 20 and the lower spring reception part 40.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 7, the stopper surface 3 li may extend upward from the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential part 3 If in the cross-sectional view of the control stick 20. The height of the upper end of the stopper surface 3 li may be larger than the inner circumferential part 3 le. The stopper surface 3 li may be annular in the planar view of the control stick 20.

[0103] The stopper surface 3 li may be tilted with respect to the stick axial line Axl . The angle of the stopper surface 3 li may correspond to the maximum tilt angle 9 m. Namely, the stopper surface 3 li may be formed to be substantially parallel to the stick axial line Axl of the control stick 20 tilted to the maximum tilt angle 9 m. This makes it possible to restrict with more certainty the motion of the control stick 20 exceeding the maximum tilt angle 9 m.

[0104] As described above, the outer circumferential part 3 If is gradually lowered from the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le facing outward in the radial direction of the control stick 20. The stopper surface 3 li may extend upward from the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential part 3 If. This enables the position of the upper end of the stopper surface 3 li to be lowered, thereby making it easy to prevent the stopper surface 3 li from interfering with another part (for example, the cover part 24b).

[0105] The structure of the stopper surface 3 li is not limited to the example shown in Fig.6B, etc. For example, the control stick assembly 100 may have a stopper part in a part other than the stage part 31.STRUCTURE FOR ENERGIZING A CONTROL STICK

[0106] In the lower spring reception part 40 (specifically, the reception parts 41 and 42), a support hole 41a (see Fig. 7), into which the stick body 21 (more specifically, the shaft part 21b) is inserted, is formed. A small clearance may be ensured between the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21 and the inner surface of the support hole 41a. This clearance allows the lower spring reception part 40 with respect to the stick body 21 to move smoothly and relatively in the stick axial direction.

[0107] This clearance also allows changes of the relative positions of the control stick 20 and the lower spring reception part 40 in a direction orthogonal to the stick axial line Axl. These changes of the relative positions are not desirable from the viewpoint of control comfortability. Further, the changes of the relative positions influence the detection precision of the tilt angle by the tilt operation sensor 14a. For example, even if the lower spring reception part 40 is in the reception part reference position, the tilt angle detected based on a signal from the tilt operation sensor 14a may slightly change from a value indicating the stick reference position.

[0108] Therefore, the control stick assembly 100 has an energizing structure for causing a force Fl (see Fig. 7) in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl to act on the control stick 20. This force Fl acts on the control stick 20 from the lower spring reception part 40. Hereinafter, this energizing structure is referred to as “stick energizing structure” and the force Fl is referred to as “stick energizing force.”

[0109] The stick energizing structure makes it possible to prevent the changes in the relative position of the control stick 20 with respect to the lower spring reception part 40. As a result, the control comfortability can be improved. Further, it is also possible to reduce an influence of the clearance on the detection precision for the tilt angle by the tilt operation sensor 14a. Specifically, it is possible to prevent the tilt angle detected based on the signal from the tilt operation sensor 14a from changing, if the lower spring reception part 40 is in the reception part reference position.TWO RECEPTION PARTS AND ENERGIZING MEMBER BETWEEN THEM

[0110] As shown in Fig. 7, the stick energizing structure has the lower spring reception part 40 and the energizing member 43. The energizing member 43 is formed separately from the lower spring reception part 40 and can move in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl. This energizing member 43 makes the stick energizing force Fl act on the control stick 20.[OHl] As shown in Fig. 7, the lower spring reception part 40 may have the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42. The second reception part 42 is arranged above the first reception part 41, and these are combined in the stick axial direction. The energizing member 43 may be arranged between the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 9, the first reception part 41 may have, at its central part, the support cylindrical part 41d extending upward. A hole 42a is formed at the center of the second reception part 42, and the support cylindrical part 41d may pass through the hole 42a to extend upward. The shaft part 21b of the control stick 20 is inserted into the inside of the support cylindrical part 41d (the support hole 41a).

[0113] As shown in Fig. 7, the spring 11 is fitted to the outside of the support cylindrical part 4 Id. The lower end of the spring 11 is supported on the upper surface of the second reception part 42. On the upper surface of the second reception part 42, an annular recessed part 42d, in which the lower end of the spring 11 is arranged, may be formed.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 4 A, the first reception part 41 may have a plurality of engagement parts 41g along its outer circumferential edge. The second reception part 42 may be arranged inside the plurality of engagement parts 41g to restrict separation from the first reception part 41 by the plurality of engagement parts 41g. As shown in Fig. 4B, the first reception part 41 may have a plurality of convex parts 41h lining along the outer circumferential edge of the base part of the support cylindrical part 4 Id. The second reception part 42 may be supported by the upper surfaces of the convex parts 41h. This enables the contact points of the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42 to be fixed.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 7, storage recessed parts 41b and 42b may be formed in the first reception part 41 and the second reception part 42, respectively. The storage recessed part 41b may be formed on the upper side of the first reception part 41, and the storage recessedpart 42b may be formed at a lower part of the second reception part 42. Then, the two storage recessed parts 41b and 42b may face each other in the stick axial direction.

[0116] The energizing member 43 may be arranged inside the storage recessed parts 41b and 42b, and may be allowed to move in the direction orthogonal to the stick axial line Axl. The energizing member 43 may be in contact with the outer surface of the control stick 20 (in more detail, the outer surface of the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21).

[0117] The energizing member 43 and the reception parts 41, 42 may be in contact with each other via an inclined surface directly or indirectly. This inclined surface may generate the stick energizing force Fl from the elastic force of the spring 11. Hereinafter, this inclined surface is referred to as “press slant.”

[0118] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, a press slant 42c may be formed on the inner surface of the storage recessed part 42b of the second reception part 42. The press slant 42c is tilted with respect to the stick axial line Axl, so that it is oriented downward and toward the stick axial line Axl. The elastic force of the spring 11 presses the second reception part 42 downward. The energizing member 43 is in contact with the press slant 42c. Therefore, a force in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl is generated in the energizing member 43, and this force acts on the control stick 20 as the stick energizing force Fl.Namely, the energizing member 43 utilizes the elastic force of the spring 11 and presses the control stick 20 in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl. By the press slant 42c and the energizing member 43, the direction of the elastic force of the spring 11 is changed to act on the control stick 20. This structure enables the elastic force of the spring 11 to be utilized efficiently.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 7, the inclined surface 41c may be formed on the inner surface of the storage recessed part 41b of the first reception part 41 as well. The inclined surface 41c may be located more outward in the radial direction with respect to the control stick 20 than the press slant 42c. Therefore, when the press slant 42c presses the energizing member 43, the inclined surface 41c of the first reception part 41 need not be in contact with the energizing member 43.

[0120] Contrary to the example shown in Fig. 7, the inclined surface 41c of the first reception part 41 may function as the press slant. This inclined surface 41c may be tilted with respect to the stick axial line Axl, so that it is oriented upward and toward the stick axial line Axl. This structure also enables the energizing member 43 to utilize the elastic force of thespring 11 to press the control stick 20 in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl. In this case, the inclined surface 42c of the second reception part 42 may be located more outward in the radial direction with respect to the control stick 20 than the inclined surface 41c of the first reception part 41. Otherwise, the inclined surface 42c need not be formed on the inner surface of the storage recessed part 42b of the second reception part 42.

[0121] The energizing member 43 is located above the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 (more specifically, the tilt center Cp). The control stick 20 may be pressed by the energizing member 43 to be in contact with the inner surface of the support hole 41a of the support cylindrical part 4 Id. When the energizing member 43 makes the stick energizing force Fl act on the control stick 20, the inner circumferential edge of the upper end of the support cylindrical part 41d is in contact with the control stick 20 at a contact point P2 (see Fig. 7). The contact point P2 is located opposite to the contact point Pl (see Fig. 7) between the energizing member 43 and the control stick 20 with the stick axial line Axl put between the contact points Pl and P2. Thereby, the control stick 20 is pressed to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the support cylindrical part 4 Id, so that the relative positions of the control stick 20 and the lower spring reception part 40 are fixed.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 4B, a D-cut may be formed in the shaft part 21b of the stick body 21. Namely, a plane 21d may be formed in a part of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft part 21b. Meanwhile, a plane opposite to this plane 21d may be formed on the inner surface of the support cylindrical part 4 Id. This structure can prevent the changes of the relative positions of the stick body 21 and the first reception part 41 in the circumferential direction about the stick axial line Axl.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 9, the energizing member 43 may be a column shape. The energizing member 43 may be located inside the storage recessed parts 41b and 42b, in a position substantially parallel to a plane where a columnar axial line Ax2 is orthogonal to the stick axial line Axl. The outer circumferential surface (the curved surface) of the energizing member 43 may be in contact with the outer surface of the control stick 20 (the outer surface of the shaft part 21b) and the press slant 42c of the second reception part 42.

[0124] This structure makes it possible to reduce the contact area between the energizing member 43 and the stick body 21 as well as the contact area between the energizing member 43 and the reception parts 41 and 42. As a result, it is possible to reduce friction resistancewith respect to the relative motion of the lower spring reception part 40 and the stick body 21 in the stick axial direction.

[0125] The shape of the energizing member 43 is not limited to the example shown in Fig.9. For example, the energizing member 43 may be spherical. The shaft part 21b of the control stick 20 is column-shaped and therefore, if the energizing member 43 is spherical, the contact point Pl between the energizing member 43 and the shaft part 21b of the control stick 20 is displaced rightward (the XI direction) or leftward (the X2 direction) with respect to a plane (indicated by the VI - VI line in Fig. 5) including the stick axial line Axl and following along the front-rear direction. Due to this, the contact point P2 between the shaft part 21b of the control stick 20 and the inner surface of the support cylindrical part 41d is also displaced rightward (the XI direction) or leftward (the X2 direction) with respect to this plane.OTHER EXAMPLES OF ENERGIZING STRUCTURES

[0126] The stick energizing structure for generating the stick energizing force Fl is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 7, etc.

[0127] For example, the press slant for pressing the energizing member 43 may be formed not on the inner surface of the storage recessed part 42b of the second reception part 42, but on the inner surface of the storage recessed part 41b of the first reception part 41. Namely, the press slant may be formed on either of the two reception parts 41 and 42.

[0128] As a further example, the inclined surface may be formed in the energizing member 43. For example, a convex part may be formed in the second reception part 42, so that this convex part is in contact with the inclined surface of the energizing member 43. Then, this inclined surface may generate the stick energizing force Fl from the elastic force of the spring 11. On the contrary, the convex part may be formed in the first reception part 41, so that this convex part is in contact with the inclined surface of the energizing member 43. Then, this inclined surface may generate the stick energizing force Fl from the elastic force of the spring 11.

[0129] In the example shown in Fig. 7, etc., the energizing member 43 is directly in contact with both the control stick 20 and the press slant 42c of the second reception part 42. In contrast to this, the structure for generating the stick energizing force Fl may include a member other than the energizing member 43, where the energizing member 43 may be in indirect contact with the press slant 42c of the second reception part 42 via this member.

[0130] In the example shown in Fig. 7, etc., one energizing member 43 constitutes the stick energizing structure. However, there may be three or more energizing members 43. In this case, the plurality of energizing members 43 may be arranged equally in the circumferential direction about the stick axial line Axl.

[0131] As a further example, there may be two energizing members 43. In this case, the two energizing members 43 may be arranged separately in the circumferential direction about the stick axial line Axl. This structure also enables the stick body 21 to be pressed to abut against the inner surface of the support cylindrical part 41d (the inner surface of the support hole 41a).

[0132] As a further structure, the elastic force of the spring 11 need not be utilized for generating the stick energizing force Fl. In this case, a spring structure for generating this stick energizing force Fl may be provided in the lower spring reception part 40.FIRST MOVABLE BODY AND SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0133] As shown in Fig. 3, the control stick assembly 100 has the movable part 50. The movable part 50 may have the first movable body 51 and the second movable body 52. As shown in Fig. 8 A, a ball support part 51a may be formed in the first movable body 51. An inner surface 51b supporting the lower part of the supported ball part 21a may be formed in this ball support part 51a. Hereinafter, this inner surface 51b is referred to as “ball support surface.”

[0134] Tilting (see Fig. 6B) and pressing (an up-down motion; see Fig. 6C) of the control stick 20 is enabled. The movable part 50 allows rotation of the supported ball part 21a caused by tilting the control stick 20. More specifically, the ball support surface 51b is formed to support the supported ball part 21a, while allowing the rotation of the supported ball part 21a caused by tilting the control stick 20.

[0135] The movable part 50 (the first movable body 51 and the second movable body 52) is supported to be capable of moving upward and downward together with the supported ball part 21a. When the pressing of the control stick 20 is performed, the movable part 50 is lowered together with the supported ball part 21a and the press operation sensor 15 is pressed by the movable part 50 (more specifically, the second movable body 52) to switch the ON / OFF states thereof.

[0136] The housing 30 is fixed to the board 12 by means of fastening members (for example, the screws 16; see Fig. 3), and the stage part 31 is immovable with respect to the board 12. As shown in Fig. 6A, the movable part 50 (the first movable body 51 and the second movable body 52) are arranged at the lower part of the stage part 31. Further, the movable part 50 is arranged between the left and right side wall parts 32R and 32L of the housing 30 (Fig. 8B). Meanwhile, the return mechanism (the spring 11 and the lower spring reception part 40) for returning the control stick 20 to the stick reference position, is supported above the stage part 31.SUPPORT FOR CONTROL STICK BY STAGE PART AND FIRST MOVABLE PART

[0137] As shown in Fig. 7, the stage part 31 may have the ball support surface 31c. The ball support surface 51b formed in the first movable body 51 and the ball support surface 31c formed in the stage part 31 may face each other in the vertical direction. The ball support surface 31c may support the upper part of the supported ball part 21a, and the ball support surface 51b may support the lower part of the supported ball part 21a. As shown in Fig. 6C, when pressing of the control stick 20 is performed, the first movable body 51 is pressed by the supported ball part 21a through the ball support surface 51b, and moves downward together with the control stick 20. At this time, the first movable body 51 is separated from the stage part 31.

[0138] The supported ball part 21a is allowed to rotate inside the ball support surfaces 31c and 51b due to tilting the control stick 20. The supported ball part 21a is approximately spherical and has the tilt center Cp as the center, and the ball support surfaces 31c and 5 lb may constitute a part of this spherical surface to allow the rotation of the supported ball part 21a.

[0139] Thereby, the structure, in which the ball support surface 31c is formed in the stage part 31, facilitates raising the position of the supported ball part 21a (namely, the position of the control stick 20) in comparison with, for example, the structure for supporting both the upper part and the lower part of the supported ball part 21a in the movable part. As a result, the tilt operation sensor 14a and another component 17 (the component on the board 12; see Fig. 3) can be easily arranged below the control stick 20.

[0140] The outer surface of the supported ball part 21a and the ball support surface 51b may have a recessed part and a convex part formed therein, respectively, so that this recessed part and convex part are fitted to each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a recessed part21e may be formed on the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a. A convex part 51k (see Fig. 8A) may be formed on the ball support surface 51b. This convex part 51k may be fitted to the recessed part 21e (see Fig. 7). This structure can prevent the control stick 20 from rotating in the circumferential direction about the stick axial line Axl .

[0141] The recessed part 21e and the convex part 51k may be formed such that the control stick 20 can be tilted about the tilt center Cp. Specifically, the recessed part 21e may be a groove extending along an arc about the tilt center Cp. This enables the control stick 20 to be tilted in the front-rear direction (the Y1 - Y2 direction) about the tilt center Cp (see Fig. 6B). Further, the convex part 51k may have a curved screen. For example, the convex part 51k may be hemispherical. This enables the control stick 20 to be tilted in the left-right direction (the XI - X2 direction) about the tilt center Cp.

[0142] In contrast to the examples shown in Figs. 8A and 9, a convex part may be formed on the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a, and a recessed part (a groove) may be formed in the ball support surface 51b. As a further example, a recessed part (a groove) and a convex part for preventing the rotation of the control stick 20 may be formed on the ball support surface 31c of the stage part 31 and the outer surface of the supported ball part 21a.SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF SENSOR

[0143] The press operation sensor 15 is arranged such that it is pressed due to the pressing of the control stick. The press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on the board 12 as shown in, for example, Fig. 6C and may be pressed by the movable part 50 (in detail, the second movable body 52). As will be explained later, the press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the movable part 50. Then, when the pressing is performed, the press operation sensor 15 may be pressed by a component (for example, the main circuit board or a frame in the input device 10) located below the press operation sensor 15.

[0144] The tilt operation sensor 14a is supported by the movable part 50 and can move upward and downward together with the control stick 20. More specifically, the tilt operation sensor 14a is supported by the first movable body 51 and can move upward and downward together with the control stick 20.

[0145] The support structure of the tilt operation sensor 14a makes constant the distance between the sensed part 29a (the magnet) of the control stick 20 and the tilt operation sensor 14a, regardless of the up-down motion of the control stick 20 caused by pressing. When the control stick 20 is tilted, an angle of the sensed part 29a with respect to the tilt operationsensor 14a changes and the tilt operation sensor 14a outputs a signal corresponding to a change of a magnetic field caused by this angular change. This can prevent the detection precision of the tilt angle caused by pressing of the control stick 20 from deteriorating.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 3, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be mounted on, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 14. Then, this FPC 14 may be attached to the first movable body 51. The FPC 14 may be fixed by means of fastening members (for example, screws) on, for example, the lower surface of the ball support part 51a of the first movable body 51. The tilt operation sensor 14a and the sensed part 29a (the magnet) may be opposite to each other in the stick axial direction.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 3, the FPC 14 may have a plate-shaped part 14b at its end. In the part 14b, the tilt operation sensor 14a is mounted. This plate-shaped part 14b may be fixed to the lower surface of the ball support part 51a by means of fastening members (for example, screws). Hereinafter, this plate-shaped part 14b is referred to as “sensor support part.” The FPC 14 may extend from the sensor support part 14b in one direction (for example, a direction opposite to the connector 12a). As shown in Fig. 6A, this FPC 14 may be connected to the connector 12b mounted on the board 12 to transmit a signal of the tilt operation sensor 14a through the connector 12b to a control device in the input device 10.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 6A, the sensed part 29a may be attached to the lowermost part of the control stick 20. In more detail, the recessed part 21g (see Fig. 9) may be formed at the lower end of the supported ball part 21a and the sensed part 29a may be attached to the inside of the recessed part 21g. On the bottom of the ball support part 51a of the first movable body 51, an opening for exposing the sensed part 29a downward may be formed. The tilt operation sensor 14a may face the sensed part 29a through this opening in the stick axial direction.

[0149] The support structure of the tilt operation sensor 14a is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 6 A, etc. For example, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be mounted on a rigid circuit board. Then, this rigid circuit board may be attached to the first movable body 51 and connected, via the connector and the FPC, to the board 12 or the main circuit board included in the input device 10. As a further example, the FPC 14 may be directly connected to the main circuit board included in the input device 10.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 7, a recessed part 31k may be formed on the lower surface of the stage part 31. The opening 31a is formed inside the recessed part 3 Ik. In this recessed part 3 Ik, at least an upper part of the ball support part 5 la of the first movable body 51 may bearranged. Namely, the position of the upper surface of the ball support part 51a may be higher than an outer edge 3 Im of the recessed part 3 Ik. This structure enables the position of the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 to be raised. As a result, this facilitates ensuring the distance between the board 12 and the supported ball part 21a, as well as the distance between the board 12 and the tilt operation sensor 14a, and facilitates arranging the other component 17 (see Fig. 3) below the tilt operation sensor 14a.GUIDE FOR THE DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT OF MOVABLE PART

[0151] As shown in Fig. 8 A, the first movable body 51 has a first guided part 51c. The first movable body 51 may have two first guided parts 51c. These two first guided parts 51c may, for example, be located to be opposite to each other with respect to the ball support part 51a therebetween in a direction of an axial line Ax3 of a below-described supported shaft part 52b. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 8B, the housing 30 may have two guide parts 32c to which the two first guided parts 51c are respectively fitted. The guide part 32c limits the direction in which the first guided part 51c moves (the direction in which the first movable body 51 moves), to the vertical direction. This structure can prevent unintended position changes of the movable part 50 (changes of the relative positions of the tilt operation sensor 14a and the sensed part 29a) in case the pressing is performed, while allowing the movable part 50 to move up-down.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 8A, the first guided part 51c is separated from the ball support part 51a in the radial direction of the control stick 20. A connection part 51e is formed between the first guided part 51c and the ball support part 5 la in order to connect them. The two connection parts 51e may be located opposite each other with respect to the ball support part 51a therebetween in the direction of the axial line Ax3 of the supported shaft part 52b. The two first guided parts 51c may respectively extend downward from the two connection parts 51e.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 8B, grooves extending upward from the lower edges of the side wall parts 32R and 32L may be formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right side wall parts 32R and 32L of the housing 30. These grooves may function as the guide parts 32c. Namely, the first guided part 51c may be fitted to the inside of the guide part 32c. The first guided part 51c may move upward and downward in a state of being in contact with the inner surface of the guide part 32c.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 8 A, a contact convex part 5 Id in contact with the inner surface of the guide part 32c may be formed in the first guided part 51c. The contact convex part 5 Id may be formed, for example, on the front surface (the surface oriented in the Y 1 direction) and the rear surface (the surface oriented in the Y2 direction) of the first guided part 51c. The top of the contact convex part 5 Id may have a curved surface. This can reduce the contact area between the guided part 51c and the inner surface of the guide part 32c. As a result, it is possible to smooth the motion of the first movable body 51 with respect to the housing 30. Further, since the contact convex parts 5 Id are formed on the front surface and the rear surface of the guided part 51c, the motion of the first movable body 51 about the axial line along the left-right direction (the XI - X2 direction) can be restricted with certainty. A clearance may be ensured between the side (surface facing outward with respect to the leftright direction) of the first guided part 51c and the inner surface of the guide part 32c of the housing 30.

[0155] Unlike the example shown in Fig. 8A, etc., the contact convex part may also be formed on the side of the first guided part 51c. Further, the contact convex part may be formed on the inner surface of the guide part 32c. Namely, in either the first guided part 51c or the guide part 32c, the contact convex part for reducing the contact area between them may be formed.

[0156] Further, contrary to the example shown in Fig. 8A, etc., convex parts extending in the vertical direction may be formed on the inner surfaces of the side wall parts 32R and 32L of the housing 30, and these convex parts may be formed as the guide parts 32c. Then, in the first movable body 51, the grooves to which the guide parts 32c are fitted may be formed as the first guided parts 51c.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 8 A, the first movable body 51 may further have a second guided part 5 li. Meanwhile, the second movable body 52 may have two arm parts 52a, which are respectively supported via the supported shaft parts 52b. The two arm parts 52a are spaced in the left-right direction (the XI - X2 direction; the direction along the axial line Ax2 of the supported shaft part 52b). The second guided part 5 li may be arranged between these two arm parts 52a. Then, the direction in which the second guided part 5 li moves may be limited to the vertical direction by the two arm parts 52a. Namely, the arm parts 52a may function as the guide parts.

[0158] As shown in Fig. 8A, in the second guided part 51i, a contact convex part 51 j in contact with the arm part 52a may be formed. The contact convex part 5 Ij may be formed, for example, on the left and right sides of the second guided part 51i. The top of the contact convex part 51 j may have a curved surface. This can reduce the contact area between the guided part 5 li and the arm part 52a.

[0159] As described above, the first guided part 51c is in contact with the guide part 32c via the contact convex part 5 Id in the front-rear direction. The second guided part 5 li is in contact with the arm part 52a via the contact convex part 51 j in the left-right direction. This structure can efficiently prevent the motion of the first movable body 51 from being tilted both in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction.

[0160] The structure for limiting the direction in which the first movable body 51 moves is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 8A, etc. For example, the direction in which the second guided part 5 li moves may be limited not by the second movable body 52, but by the housing 30. Namely, a groove (a guide part) having an inner surface in contact with the contact convex part 51 j of the second guided part 5 li may be formed in the housing 30. As a further example, the first movable part 51 need not have the second guided part 5 li. In this case, the first guided part 51c may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 30 not only in the front-rear direction, but also in the left-right direction.SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0161] The base part of the second movable body 52 may be supported such that its up-down motion is limited. The base part of the second movable body 52 may be supported by the housing 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, the respective arm parts 52a may have, at their base parts, the supported shaft parts 52b which can rotate about the axial line Ax3 along the left-right direction. The supported shaft parts 52b may protrude from the base parts of the arm parts 52a outward in the left-right direction. Then, the arm parts 52a may be supported by the housing 30 via the supported shaft parts 52b. Support holes 32d to which the supported shaft parts 52b are fitted may be formed in the side wall parts 32R and 32L of the housing 30.

[0162] Contrary to the example shown in Fig. 8A, a shaft part may be formed in the housing 30. Then, a hole to which the shaft part is fitted may be formed in the arm part 52a.

[0163] As shown in Fig. 8B, the second movable body 52 may have an arm connection part 52f opposite the base part of the arm part 52a (the supported shaft part 52b) with respect tothe stick axial line Axl therebetween. The arm connection part 52f may be bridged across the tips of the two arm parts 52a.

[0164] The first movable body 51 is arranged above the second movable body 52. The above-described connection part 51e of the first movable body 51 may be located above the arm part 52a of the second movable body 52. As shown in Fig. 8A, the arm part 52a may have a reception surface 52c on its upper side. The reception surface 52c may be located between the base part (the supported shaft part 52b) and the tip (the arm connection part 52f) of the arm part 52a. The right-side connection part 51e of the first movable body 51 is located above the reception surface 52c of the right-side arm part 52a. The left-side connection part 51e of the first movable body 51 is located above the reception surface 52c of the left-side arm part 52a. The respective connection parts 51e have, on their lower surfaces, arm press surfaces 5 If (see Fig. 8B) for pressing the reception surfaces 52c.ARRANGEMENT OF THE PRESS OPERATION SENSOR

[0165] The press operation sensor 15 may be arranged at a position separated from the stick axial line Axl. For example, as shown in Fig. 6A, the press operation sensor 15 may be spaced forward from the stick axial line Axl. The press operation sensor 15 may be arranged not to overlap with the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 in the planar view of the control stick assembly 100.

[0166] This arrangement of the press operation sensor 15 makes it possible to ensure a degree of freedom for the distance from the board 12 to the control stick 20. For example, even if the size of the press operation sensor 15 in the vertical direction is large, the position of the control stick 20 can be lowered. Further, it becomes easy to arrange the tilt operation sensor 14a below the control stick 20.

[0167] As shown in Fig. 6A, the press operation sensor 15 and the tilt operation sensor 14a are spaced and arranged in the direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl (the direction parallel to the board 12). Further, the position of the tilt operation sensor 14a may be lower than an upper end 15a of the press operation sensor 15, and higher than a lower end 15b (a lower surface) of the press operation sensor 15. Because the position of the tilt operation sensor 14a is lowered, this makes it easy to lower the position of the control stick 20 or to ensure the distance between the sensed part 29a (for example, the magnet) attached to the control stick 20 and the tilt operation sensor 14a.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 6 A, another component 17 may be arranged below the tilt operation sensor 14a. By making effective use of the space below the tilt operation sensor 14a in this way, the size of the board 12 can be miniaturized.

[0169] As shown in Fig. 6A, the press operation sensor 15 is located below the arm connection part 52f. In the arm connection part 52f, a sensor operation part 52e for controlling the press operation sensor 15 may be formed. The lower surface of the arm connection part 52f functions as the sensor operation part 52e. The sensor operation part 52e is opposite to the press operation sensor 15 in the vertical direction.

[0170] As shown in Fig. 8B, the arm connection part 52f may connect the upper parts of the left and right arm parts 52a. Then, the press operation sensor 15 may be located between the left and right arm parts 52a. This makes it possible to ensure a width W 1 (see Fig. 8B) of the arm part 52a in the vertical direction, while being capable of utilizing the press operation sensor 15 of a large size in the vertical direction.

[0171] As shown in Fig. 6C, when the pressing of the control stick 20 is performed, the first movable body 51 is pressed by the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 and moves downward together with the control stick 20. At this time, the first movable body 51 presses the second movable body 52 down. In more detail, the arm press surfaces 5 If press the left and right arm parts 52a down. Then, the position of the second movable body 52 is lowered about the supported shaft part 52b, and the sensor operation part 52e presses the press operation sensor 15.

[0172] The sensor operation part 52e and the supported shaft part 52b are located opposite each other with respect to the reception surface 52c and the ball support part 51a therebetween in the direction along the board 12 (the front-rear direction in the example shown in the drawing). This structure can improve the detection precision of the pressing, because when the pressing acts on the control stick 20, a large motion of the sensor operation part 52e in the vertical direction is enabled.

[0173] As shown in Fig. 10, the arm press surface 5 If may be formed such that its lower end 51g protrudes. For example, the arm press surface 5 If may be formed to assume an approximate inverted triangle. Then, the arm press surface 5 If may press down, with its lower end 51g, the reception surface 52c formed on the upper surface of the arm part 52a.

[0174] An angular change of the arm press surface 5 If with respect to the reception surface 52c is allowed. Therefore, the second movable body 52 is allowed to be tilted with respect to the first movable body 51, in other words, to be tilted with respect to the vertical direction. As a result, when the first movable body 51 moves straight up-down due to the action of the guide part 32c of the housing 30, the second movable body 52 moves up-down about the supported shaft part 52b and is tilted with respect to the vertical direction.

[0175] Thus, the second movable body 52 and the first movable body 51 are allowed to relatively move (to be tilted). This structure enables the first movable body 51 to keep its position horizontal, in other words, to keep the position parallel to the board 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent the angle of the tilt operation sensor 14a with respect to the control stick 20 from changing unintentionally. For example, when the second movable body 52 presses the press operation sensor 15, it is possible to prevent the angle of the tilt operation sensor 14a with respect to the sensed part 29a of the control stick 20 from changing.ENERGIZING THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY TO THE INITIAL POSITION

[0176] The second movable body 52 is energized upward. As shown in Fig. 2, the control stick assembly 100 may have, for example, a spring 53 which is supported by the housing 30 and which energizes the second movable body 52 upward. The first movable body 51 may be energized upward via the second movable body 52. Namely, the arm parts 52a of the second movable body 52 may press up the connection parts 51e of the first movable body 51.

[0177] The spring 53 is, for example, a torsion spring. As shown in Fig. 8B, the spring 53 may have two supported parts 53b supported by the housing 30. The two supported parts 53b are supported by the upper sides of spring support parts 33 which protrude forward from the left and right side wall parts 32R and 32L of the housing 30 (see Fig. 2). The spring 53 has an attachment part 53a between the two supported parts 53b. The attachment part 53a is attached to the arm connection part 52f of the second movable body 52. The arm connection part 52f may have a convex part 52g which protrudes forward. The attachment part 53a may be attached to this convex part 52g.

[0178] The arrangement of the press operation sensor 15 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 6A, etc. For example, the press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the lower surface of the arm connection part 52f, and may move up-down together with the arm connection part 52f. Then, when the first movable body 51 presses down the second movable body 52, the press operation sensor 15 may be pressed by the board 12.

[0179] As a further example, the press operation sensor 15 may be located below the control stick 20. As described above, the tilt operation sensor 14a is also located below the control stick 20. Therefore, the press operation sensor 15 may be located below the tilt operation sensor 14a. For example, the press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the lower surface of the sensor support part 14b of the FPC 14. In this case, the control stick assembly 100 need not have the second movable body 52. In this structure, when the first movable body 51 is pressed down, the press operation sensor 15 is pressed by the board 12.

[0180] The press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on the board 12 and be located below the sensor support part 14b of the FPC 14. In this case, when the first movable body 51 is pressed down, the press operation sensor 15 is pressed by the sensor support part 14b. SECOND EXAMPLE OF THE CONTROL STICK ASSEMBLY

[0181] Referring to Figs. 11 to 17, a control stick assembly 200 will be explained. As for the control stick assembly 200, mainly the difference from the above-described control stick assembly 100 will be explained below. The matters not explained for the control stick assembly 200 may be the same as those for the control stick assembly 100. The elements common to those in the control stick assembly 100 have the corresponding reference numerals given thereto, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0182] As shown in Fig. 12, the control stick assembly 200 has the control stick 20 and the spring 11. The control stick 20 may have the stick body 21, an attachment body part 224 (see Fig. 16A) attached to the upper part of the stick body 21, and a top member 223 attached to the outside of the attachment body part 224. The top member 223 may have an umbrellashaped cover part 223a covering a housing 230 and a disc-shaped top part 223b located in the uppermost part of the control stick 20. The top member 223 may be attached to the outside of the attachment body part 224.

[0183] In the attachment body part 224, a recessed part, which opens downward, may be formed. Then, the upper part of the spring 11 may be arranged inside this recessed part. Thus, the upper end of the recessed part of the attachment body part 224 may function as an upper spring reception part 224a for supporting the upper end of the spring 11.

[0184] The control stick assembly 200 has a lower spring reception part 240, a housing 230, a movable part 250, and an FPC 214. The housing 230 may have a first housing 231 and a second housing 233. The movable part 250 may have a first movable body (an upper movable part) 251 and a second movable body (a lower movable part) 252.STRUCTURE FOR ENERGIZING THE CONTROL STICK

[0185] The control stick assembly 200 has a stick energizing structure, which causes a force in a direction intersecting the stick axial line Axl (the stick energizing force Fl) to act on the control stick 20. In the control stick assembly 200, the stick energizing structure is formed in the lower spring reception part 240. In more detail, an elastic part 242 causing the stick energizing force Fl to act on the control stick 20 is formed in the lower spring reception part 240.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 14, the lower spring reception part 240 has a support cylindrical part 241 in its central part. The lower spring reception part 240 has a disc-shaped reception part 243 expanding radially from the lower edge of the support cylindrical part 241. An opening 241a is formed in the support cylindrical part 241 and the elastic part 242 is arranged inside this opening 241a.

[0187] As shown in Fig. 16 A, one end (for example, the lower end) of the elastic part 242 may be connected to, for example, the reception part 243. The elastic part 242 may be elastically deformable such that its other end (an upper end 242a) moves in the radial direction of the control stick 20. Then, the upper end 242a of the elastic part 242 may cause the stick energizing force Fl to act on the control stick 20. The elastic part 242 may be made from a resin and be integrally shaped with the other part of the lower spring reception part 240.

[0188] This structure can also prevent the change of the relative position of the control stick 20 with respect to the lower spring reception part 240. As a result, the control comfortability can be improved. Further, it is possible to reduce the influence of the clearance between the control stick 20 and the inner surface of the support cylindrical part 241 on the detection precision of the tilt angle by the tilt operation sensor 14a.

[0189] Unlike the example shown in Fig. 16A, etc., the upper end 242a of the elastic part 242 may be connected to, for example, the support cylindrical part 241. In this case, the elastic part 242 may be elastically deformable such that the lower end of the elastic part 242 moves in the radial direction of the control stick 20. Then, the lower end of the elastic part 242 may cause the stick energizing force Fl to act on the control stick 20.

[0190] As a further example, the elastic part, which is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the control stick 20, may be formed in the control stick 20. This elastic part may abut against the lower spring reception part 240, so that the stick energizing force Fl isgenerated. For example, a spring functioning as the energizing member may be arranged between the support cylindrical part 241 and the shaft part 21b of the control stick 20.SUPPORT FOR THE CONTROL STICK BY THE FIRST MOVABLE BODY AND SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0191] The first housing 231 has a stage part 232 (see Fig. 14). As shown in Fig. 16A, the first movable body 251 and the second movable body 252 are arranged at a lower part of the stage part 232. Unlike the control stick assembly 100, the first movable body 251 and the second movable body 252 may be mutually fixed in the vertical direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the first movable body 251 and the second movable body 252 are mutually fixed by fastening members (for example, screws 259). The supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 is held by these two movable bodies 251 and 252.

[0192] As shown in Fig. 16B, an opening may be formed in the center part of the first movable body 251. The first movable body 251 may have a ball support surface 251a as an inner surface of this opening. The ball support surface 251a may support the outer surface of the upper part of the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 15, the second movable body 252 may have a ball support part 252a in its center part. The ball support part 252a may have an inner surface 252b, which supports the outer surface of the lower part of the supported ball part 21a. Hereinafter, this inner surface 252b is referred to as the ball support surface.

[0193] The supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 is arranged inside the upper and lower ball support surfaces 251a and 252b, and is rotatable inside the ball support surfaces 251a and 252b. As shown in Fig. 16C, this allows tilting of the control stick 20. The ball support surfaces 251a and 252b may be a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp (see Fig. 16C) of the control stick 20.

[0194] As shown in Fig. 15, the second movable body 252 may have recessed parts 252e at its right part and left part. Meanwhile, the first movable body 251 may have attachment convex parts 25 le at its right part and left part. The attachment convex parts 25 le may be fitted to the recessed parts 252e. Then, the first movable body 251 and the second movable body 252 may be attached, together with the FPC 214 mentioned below, by means of fastening members (for example, screws 259).POSITIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STAGE PART AND MOVABLE BODY

[0195] In the stage part 232 of the first housing 231, an opening 232b (see Fig. 14) is formed. The control stick 20 is arranged inside this opening 232b. The first movable body 251 has a ball support part 251b (see Fig. 15) in its center part. A hole is formed in the ball support part 251b and its inner surface functions as the ball support surface 251a.

[0196] As shown in Fig. 16B, the ball support part 251b of the first movable body 251 passes through the opening 232b formed in the stage part 232 to protrude upward. The position of the upper end of the ball support part 251b is higher than the upper surface of the stage part 31 (reception part support surface 232a). This structure enables the position of the control stick 20 to be raised. As a result, arranging the tilt operation sensor 14a and arranging a component arranged at a lower part of it can be facilitated. As shown in Fig. 16B, a recessed part 242b may be formed on the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 240. The upper part of the ball support part 251b may be located inside this recessed part 242b.

[0197] As shown in Fig. 16B, the position of at least the upper end of the supported ball part 21a may be higher than the upper surface of the stage part 232 (the reception part support surface 232a). In more detail, the position of the upper end of the supported ball part 21a may be higher than the upper end of the upper surface of the stage part 232 (the corner part 232g). By thus arranging the control stick 20 as described above, the position of the control stick 20 becomes higher, so that another component is easily arranged below the control stick 20.

[0198] Further, as shown in Fig. 16B, a recessed part 232c may be formed on the lower surface of the stage part 232. Then, in this recessed part 232c, the movable part 250 (more specifically, the first movable body 251) may be arranged. This structure also enables the position of the control stick 20 to be raised. As a result, it facilitates arranging the tilt operation sensor 14a and arranging a component arranged at a lower part of it.RECEPTION PART SUPPORT SURFACE

[0199] As shown in Fig. 16A, the lower spring reception part 240 is arranged above the stage part 232 of the first housing 231. The stage part 232 has the reception part support surface 232a (see Fig. 16B) on its upper surface. The height of the reception part support surface 232a may vary in the radial direction of the control stick 20.

[0200] For example, as shown in Fig. 16B, the reception part support surface 232a may have an inner circumferential part 232e relatively near the axial line Axl of the control stick20 and an outer circumferential part 232f formed outside the inner circumferential part 3 le. The inner circumferential part 3 le and the outer circumferential part 232f may be annular to enclose the opening 232b (see Fig. 14), inside which the control stick 20 is arranged. The height of the outer circumferential part 232f may be lower than the inner circumferential part 232e. This structure can prevent the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive.

[0201] As shown in Fig. 16B, the inner circumferential part 232e may be formed such that its height gradually increases in the radial direction. For example, the inner circumferential part 232e may be an inclined surface having an outer circumferential edge whose height is larger than that of an inner circumferential edge. In this structure, during the initial phase in the process of tilting the control stick 20 from the stick reference position, the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 gradually increases.

[0202] The outer circumferential part 232f may be formed such that its height becomes gradually smaller in the radial direction. For example, the outer circumferential part 232f may be an inclined surface having an outer circumferential edge whose height is smaller than that of an inner circumferential edge. This structure can prevent the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive in the latter phase of the process of tilting the control stick 20 from the stick reference position.

[0203] A comer part 232g may be formed between the inner circumferential part 232e and the outer circumferential part 232f. In the process of tilting the control stick 20, the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 240 slides on the comer part 232g (the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 232e).

[0204] The diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 3 le may be smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the lower surface of the lower spring reception part 240. This can efficiently prevent the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive. Further, the distance from the axial line Axl to the outer circumferential edge of the inner circumferential part 232e (the distance in the radial direction) may be shorter than half the distance from the axial line Axl to the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential part 232f. This can prevent the reaction force against the tilting of the control stick 20 from becoming excessive in the initial stage of the process of tilting the control stick 20 from the stick reference position.MOTION OF THE MOVABLE BODY

[0205] The spring 11 energizes the upper spring reception part 224a of the control stick 20 upward. The movable bodies 251 and 252 hold the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20 and are fixed with respect to each other. Therefore, the movable bodies 251 and 252 are energized upward by the elastic force of the spring 11. The upper surface of the first movable body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the stage part 232.

[0206] When the control stick 20 is pressed and the supported ball part 21a is lowered, the two movable bodies 251 and 252 are integrally lowered, and are separated from the lower surface of the stage part 232. When the pressing is released, the movable bodies 251 and 252 return to the initial positions (the position in which the upper surface of the first movable body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the stage part 232) by the elastic force of the spring 11. Namely, in the control stick assembly 200 which is different from the control stick assembly 100, one spring 11 can return the movable bodies to the initial positions.SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR THE TILT OPERATION SENSOR

[0207] In the control stick assembly 200 as well, like the control stick assembly 100, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be supported by the movable part 250. As shown in Fig. 17, the FPC 214, in which the tilt operation sensor 14a is mounted, may be attached to the lower surface of the second movable body 252. The FPC 214 may have a sensor support part 214b. The sensor support part 214b may be attached to the lower surface of the second movable body 252 by means of the fastening members (for example, the screws 259). The fastening members may be used for fixing, to the first movable body 251, both the second movable body 252 and the sensor support part 214b arranged on the lower surface of the second movable body 252.SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR THE PRESS OPERATION SENSOR

[0208] In the control stick assembly 200, the press operation sensor 15 may be arranged, spaced from the stick axial line Axl as in the control stick assembly 100. This can secure the degree of freedom for the height of the control stick 20. For example, the positions of the supported ball part 21a and the tilt operation sensor 14a can be lowered.

[0209] The press operation sensor 15 may be supported by the movable part 250. For example, as shown in Fig. 16A, the press operation sensor 15 may be supported by the lower surface of the second movable body 252, in a position of being directed downward. Then, when the pressing of the control stick 20 is performed and the movable part 250 is lowered,the press operation sensor 15 may be pressed to a board B on which the control stick assembly 200 is mounted (for example, the main circuit board included in the input device 10), so that the press operation sensor 15 is turned to the ON state. The housing 230 may be attached to this board B.

[0210] The press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on the FPC 214. For example, both the pressing sensor 15 and the tilt operation sensor 14a may be mounted on one surface of the FPC 214. Then, as shown in Fig. 15, this FPC 214 may be folded back and attached to the lower surface of the second movable body 252 with the press operation sensor 15 in a downward oriented state. In contrast to this, the press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the lower surface of the FPC 214 and the tilt operation sensor 14a may be attached to the upper surface of the FPC 214. By thus attaching both of the two sensors 15 and 14a to the FPC 214, in the manufacturing process for the input device 10, the assembly including the press operation sensor and the tilt operation sensor can be handled as one component to improve workability in the manufacturing process.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 16 A, the second movable body 252 may have a sensor operation part 252f. On the lower surface of the sensor operation part 252f, the sensor support part 214b may be supported. The position of the lower surface of the sensor operation part 252f may be higher than a lower surface 252g of the part in the second movable body 252, to which the FPC 214 is attached. This makes it possible to utilize the press operation sensor 15 having a large size in the vertical direction.

[0212] As shown in Fig. 16 A, the position of the tilt operation sensor 14a may be lower than the upper end of the press operation sensor 15 and may be higher than the lower end (the lower surface) of the press operation sensor 15. This lowers the position of the tilt operation sensor 14a and therefore facilitates lowering the position of the control stick 20 or ensuring the distance between the sensed part 29a (for example, the magnet) attached to the control stick 20 and the tilt operation sensor 14a.SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND MOTION OF THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0213] As shown in Fig. 16 A, the second movable body 252 may have a supported part 252c. This supported part 252c may be supported such that its up-down motion is limited. For example, the supported part 252c may be supported by the housing 230. The supported part 252c may protrude backward from, for example, the second movable body 252. Meanwhile,the housing 230 (more specifically, the second housing 233) may have a support hole 233a for supporting the supported part 252c.

[0214] The press operation sensor 15 is located opposite the support hole 233a and the supported part 252c with respect to the ball support surfaces 251a and 252b supporting the control stick 20 therebetween. The support hole 233 a of the housing 230 limits an up-down motion of the supported part 252c. Therefore, when the pressing of the control stick 20 is performed to lower it, the motion range of the sensor operation part 252f becomes larger and therefore the detection precision of the pressing by the press operation sensor 15 can be improved.ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE OF THE MOVABLE BODY TO THE HOUSING

[0215] The second movable body 252 may have connection convex parts 252d (see Fig.15), which protrude in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 11, the second housing 233 may have connection holes 233b for holding the connection convex parts 252d. Further, the first housing 231 and the second housing 233 may have attachment parts 231c and 233 d (see Fig. 11), respectively, which are fixed by means of fastening members (for example, screws 239; see Fig. 12). This makes it possible to integrate the movable part 250 and the housing 230, as well as to handle the control stick assembly 200 as one component in the manufacturing process of the input device 10.

[0216] Unlike the control stick assembly 100 shown in Fig. 2, etc., the control stick assembly 200 does not have the board 12. Even if the control stick assembly 200 has no board 12, the control stick assembly 200 can be handled as one component in the manufacturing process of the input device 10, because the movable part 250 and the housing 230 are integrated.STOPPER

[0217] The second housing 233 may have a cover part 233 e, which covers the stage part 232 of the first housing 231. An opening is formed in the center part of the cover part 233 e and the control stick 20 is arranged inside the opening. As shown in Fig. 16C, when the control stick 20 is tilted to the maximum tilt angle, an upper edge 233f (a stopper surface) of the cover part 233 e abuts against the attachment body part 224 of the control stick 20 to prevent the control stick 20 from being tilted in excess of the maximum tilt angle. Namely, the cover part 233 e functions as a stopper.

[0218] Further, the cover part 233e is dome-shaped with its upper part opened and overlaps with the cover part 223 a of the control stick 20 in the planar view. When the control stick assembly 200 is mounted on the input device 10, this structure makes it possible to efficiently prevent its internal structure from being exposed.

[0219] A part of the above-described structure of the control stick assembly 200 shown in Fig. 11, etc. may be combined with a part of the structure of the control stick assembly 100 shown in Fig. 2, etc. For example, the stick energizing structure of the control stick assembly 100 may be combined with the structure (the movable part 250) for supporting the press operation g sensor 15 in the control stick assembly 200. As another example, the structure (the board 12 and the movable bodies 51 and 52) for supporting the press operation sensor 15 in the control stick assembly 100 may be combined with the stick energizing structure in the control stick assembly 200.THIRD EXAMPLE OF THE CONTROL STICK ASSEMBLY

[0220] Referring to Figs. 18 and 19, a control stick assembly 300 will be explained. As for the control stick assembly 300, mainly the difference from the above-described control stick assemblies 100 and 200 will be explained below. The matters not explained for the control stick assembly 300 may be the same as those for the control stick assemblies 100 and 200. The elements common to the control stick assemblies 100 and 200 have the corresponding reference numerals given thereto, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0221] As shown in Fig. 19, the control stick assembly 300 has a control stick 320. The control stick 320 has a stick body 321. The stick body 321 may have a shaft part 321 A and a supported ball part 32 IB, which are separately formed and fixed with respect to each other. A screw hole 231a may be formed in the supported ball part 32 IB, so that the lower end of the shaft part 321 A is fitted into this screw hole 231a and fixed to the supported ball part 321B.

[0222] As shown in Fig. 19, the control stick assembly 300 has the tilt operation sensor 14a and the press operation sensor 15. The tilt operation sensor 14a and the press operation sensor 15 may be located below the control stick 20. Namely, the two sensors 14a and 15 may be located along the stick axial line Axl.

[0223] Further, the control stick assembly 300 may have the movable part 250, similar to the control stick assembly 200 shown in Fig. 16A, etc. In the control stick assembly 300, both the tilt operation sensor 14a and the press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the movable part 250.

[0224] In more detail, the tilt operation sensor 14a may be mounted on the upper surface of the FPC 314, and the press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on the lower surface of the FPC 314. Then, the FPC 314 may be attached to the lower surface of the movable part 250. This structure enables the press operation sensor 15 to be controlled without any tilt of the movable part 250 occurring when pressing of the control stick 20 is performed. Therefore, this structure can simplify the support structures for the two sensors 14a and 15.

[0225] As shown in Fig. 19, the control stick assembly 300 may have the first housing 231 and the second housing 233, similar to the control stick assembly 200 shown in Fig. 16A, etc. Further, the control stick assembly 300 may have a lower spring reception part 340 configured by a first reception part 341 and a second reception part 342, similar to the control stick assembly 100 shown in Fig. 6 A, etc. Then, the energizing member 43 may be arranged between them.FOURTH EXAMPLE OF THE CONTROL STICK ASSEMBLY

[0226] Referring to Figs. 20 to 22, a control stick assembly 400 will be explained. As for the control stick assembly 400, mainly the difference from the above-described control stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300 will be explained below. The matters not explained for the control stick assembly 400 may be the same as those for the control stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300. The elements common to the control stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300 have the corresponding reference numerals given thereto, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0227] As shown in Fig. 21 A, the control stick assembly 400 has a control stick 420, a lower spring reception part 440, a movable part 450, and a housing 430. The control stick assembly 400 also has the tilt operation sensor 14a and the press operation sensor 15.

[0228] The housing 430 may have a guide part 431. An opening 43 la is formed above the guide part 431. The control stick 420 may be arranged inside this opening 431a. The control stick 420 may have a stick body 421, a top member 423, and a guided member 425.

[0229] As shown in Fig. 21 A, the guided member 425 of the control stick 420 may have an attachment body part 425b located in its center part and a guided part 425c, which extends in the radial direction from the attachment body part 425b. The guided part 425c may be arranged along an inner surface (a lower surface) of the guide part 431 of the housing 430.

[0230] In the attachment body part 425b, an upper spring reception part 425a may be formed. In detail, the attachment body part 425b has an opening recessed part formed in itslower part, and an upper end of this recessed part may function as the upper spring reception part 425a for supporting the upper end of the spring 11. The attachment body part 425b is energized upward by the spring 11. An upward motion of the control stick 420 may be limited by the guide part 431 of the housing 430 and the guided part 425c of the control stick 20.

[0231] As shown in Fig. 2 IB, the inner surface of the guide part 431 and the outer surface of the guided part 425c may be curved to allow the tilting of the control stick 20. Specifically, the inner surface of the guide part 431 and the outer surface of the guided part 425c may be a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp of the control stick 420.

[0232] In the control stick assembly 100 shown in Fig. 6A, etc., in the stage part 31 of the housing 30, there is formed the ball support surface 31c for supporting the upper part of the supported ball part 21a of the control stick 20. In the control stick assembly 400, the guide part 431 of the housing 30 is an alternative of the ball support surface 31c.

[0233] As shown in Fig. 21 A, the movable part 450 may have a stage part 451. On the stage part 451, there is arranged the lower spring reception part 440 for supporting the lower end of the spring 11. The lower spring reception part 440 may have a support cylindrical part 441 in its central part. Into the support cylindrical part 441, a shaft part 421b of the stick body 421 of the control stick 420 is inserted.

[0234] The stage part 451 has a reception support surface 451b on its upper surface. The reception support surface 451b may gradually increase in height toward the radial direction of the control stick 420. This structure makes it possible to increase the reaction force against the tilting, as the tilt angle of the control stick 420 increases.

[0235] At the center of the stage part 451, an opening is formed and the inner surface of this opening may function as a ball support surface 451a. Namely, the inner surface (the ball support surface 451a) of the opening may support the supported ball part 421a located in the lowermost part of the control stick 420. The outer surface of the supported ball part 421a and the ball support surface 451a may be curved to allow the tilting of the control stick 20.Specifically, the outer surface of the supported ball part 421a and the ball support surface 451a may be a part of the spherical surface about the tilt center Cp of the control stick 420.

[0236] The tilt operation sensor 14a is located below the sensed part 29a (the magnet) attached to the supported ball part 421a. Like the control stick assembly 100 shown in Fig.6A, the tilt operation sensor 14a is mounted on the FPC 14. The FPC 14 may be fixed to the lower surface of the movable part 450 by means of the fastening members (for example, the screws).

[0237] When pressing of the control stick 420 is performed, the movable part 450 is pressed down by the supported ball part 421a. As shown in Fig. 22, the movable part 450 may have, at its rear part, a supported part 45 Id supported by the board 12. The supported part 45 Id is in contact with the board 12 and its up-down motion is limited by the board 12. When the movable part 450 is pressed down, the front part of the movable part 450 is lowered.

[0238] The press operation sensor 15 is located opposite to the supported part 45 Id with respect to the stick axial line Axl therebetween. The movable part 450 has, at its front part, a sensor operation part 45 le located on the upper side of the press operation sensor 15. When the movable part 450 is pressed down, the sensor operation part 45 le of the movable part 450 presses the press operation sensor 15, thereby turning the press operation sensor 15 to the ON state.

[0239] A part of the above-described structure of the control stick assembly 400 shown in Fig. 21A, etc. may also be combined with a part of the structure of the other control stick assemblies 100, 200, or 300.

[0240] For example, the stick energizing structure of the control stick assembly 100 may also be combined with the movable part 450 included in the control stick assembly 400. As another example, the structure (the board 12 and the movable bodies 51 and 52) for supporting the press operation sensor 15 in the control stick assembly 100 may also be combined with the lower spring reception part 440 in the control stick assembly 400.SUMMARY

[0241] The control stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure has: the control stick having the supported part and the sensed part; the movable part having the inner surface supporting the outer surface of the supported part and having the support part in which the inner surface is formed to allow the control stick to be tilted, where the movable part is capable of moving upward and downward together with the supported part; the tilt operation sensor for sensing, in a contactless manner, the motion of the sensed part caused by tilting the control stick; and the press operation sensor to be pressed when the movable part has moved downward.

[0242] In this control stick assembly, a contactless sensor is used as the tilt operation sensor and therefore the tilt angle of the control stick can be detected with high precision even after it has been used for a long period of time. Further, the pressing of the control stick can be detected by the press operation sensor.

[0243] The control stick assembly described in (1) has the stage part. The control stick may be arranged inside the opening formed in the stage part, the movable part may be arranged at the stage part, and the return mechanism for returning the tilted control stick to the initial position may be arranged above the stage part.

[0244] In the control stick assembly described in (2), the inner surface of the support part of the movable part may support the lower part on the outer surface of the supported part of the control stick. The opening in the stage part may have the inner surface, which supports the upper part on the outer surface of the supported part of the control stick. The structure, in which the supported part of the control stick is thus supported on the inner surface of the opening formed in the stage part, facilitates raising the position of the control stick, compared to e.g. a structure of which both the upper part and lower part of the supported part are supported by the movable part. As a result, it becomes easy to arrange another component below the control stick.

[0245] In the control stick assembly described in (3), the inner surface of the support part of the movable part and the inner surface of the opening of the stage part are curved to allow the rotation of the supported part of the control stick inside these inner surfaces.

[0246] In the control stick assembly described in (2), the movable part may have the first movable body, which supports the upper part on the outer surface of the supported part of the control stick, and the second movable body, which supports the lower part on the outer surface of the supported part and is mutually fixed to the first movable body in the vertical direction.

[0247] In the control stick assembly described in (5), the first movable body may be arranged below the stage part and has the support part for supporting the supported part of the control stick, the opening may be formed in the stage part, and the support part of the first movable body may pass through the inside of the opening of the stage part to protrude upward above the upper surface of the stage part. This structure facilitates raising the position of the control stick. As a result, another component is easily arranged below the control stick.

[0248] In the control stick assembly described in (5), the first movable part may have the inner surface, which supports the outer surface of the supported part, and the second movable part may have the inner surface, which supports the outer surface of the supported part. The inner surface of the support part of the first movable part and the inner surface of the support part of the second movable part may be curved to allow the rotation of the supported part of the control stick inside these inner surfaces.

[0249] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (7), the movable part may have the support part, which supports the control stick, a sensor operation part that is either opposite to the press operation sensor in the vertical direction or attached to the press operation sensor is attached, and the supported part that is formed opposite to the sensor operation part with respect to the support part therebetween and which is supported by the housing. This structure can improve the detection precision of the pressing, because when the pressing acts upon the control stick, a large motion of the sensor operation part in the vertical direction is enabled.

[0250] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (8), the press operation sensor is arranged below the movable body and is pressed by the movable body when the movable part has moved downward, or the press operation sensor is attached to the movable body and is pressed by a component located below the press operation sensor when the movable part has moved downward.

[0251] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (9), the press operation sensor and the tilt operation sensor may be spaced and arranged in the direction intersecting the axial line of the control stick. This structure enables the position of the tilt operation sensor to be lowered, so that the position of the control stick can be lowered or the distance between the tilt operation sensor and the sensed part can be ensured.

[0252] In the control stick assembly described in (10), the position of the tilt operation sensor may be lower than the upper end of the press operation sensor and higher than the lower end of the press operation sensor.

[0253] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (11), the tilt operation sensor may be supported by the movable part. This can prevent the distance between the sensed part and the tilt operation sensor from changing due to the up-down motion of the control stick.

[0254] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (12), both the tilt operation sensor and the press operation sensor may be supported by the movable part. This makes it possible to handle the assembly including the press operation sensor and the tilt operation sensor as one component, in the manufacturing process of the input device.

[0255] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (13), the movable part may include the first movable body having the support part for the control stick and the second movable body being capable of moving upward and downward together with the first movable body and being allowed to move relative to the first movable body. The tilt operation sensor is supported by the first movable body and can move upward and downward together with the first movable body, and the press operation sensor may be pressed due to a downward motion of the second movable body. This structure enables the first movable body to keep its position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the angle of the tilt operation sensor with respect to the control stick from changing unintentionally. For example, when the second movable body presses the press operation sensor, it is possible to prevent the angle of the tilt operation sensor with respect to the sensed part of the control stick from changing.

[0256] In the control stick assembly described in (14), the control stick assembly may have the guide part for limiting the direction of movement of the first movable body in the vertical direction, and the second movable body may be allowed to be tilted with respect to the vertical direction. This structure enables the first movable body to stably keep its position.

[0257] In the control stick assembly described in (14) or (15), the first movable body may be arranged above the second movable body and may press the second movable body down, when the control stick is lowered.

[0258] In the control stick assembly described in any of (14) to (16), the second movable body may have the supported part supported to disable the up-down motion, the reception part separated from the supported part and pressed by the first movable body, and the sensor operation part located opposite to the supported part with respect to the reception part therebetween. The press operation sensor may be attached to the sensor operation part of the second movable body, or the sensor operation part may be opposite to the press operation sensor in the vertical direction. This structure makes it possible to improve the detection precision of the pressing, because when the pressing acts on the control stick, a large motion of the sensor operation part in the vertical direction is enabled.

[0259] In the control stick assembly described in any of (1) to (13), the press operation sensor and the tilt operation sensor may be arranged below the control stick. This structure can simplify the support structures of the two sensors.VARIATION

[0260] The control stick assembly and the input device proposed in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described control stick assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400 and input device 10, and may be variously modified.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0261] 10: input device, 11: spring, 12: board, 14: FPC, 14a: tilt operation sensor, 14b: sensor support part, 15: press operation sensor, 16: screw, 17: component arranged below the control stick, 20: control stick, 21: stick body, 21a: supported part (supported ball part), 21b: shaft part, 23: top member, 24: cover member, 24a: upper spring reception part, 29a: sensed part, 30: housing, 31: stage part, 31b: reception part support surface, 31c: inner surface of an opening (ball support surface), 31e: inner circumferential part, 3 If: outer circumferential part, 31g: comer part, 3 Ih: outer circumferential edge, 3 li: stopper surface, 32R, 32L: side wall part, 32c: guide part, 33: spring support part, 40: lower spring reception part, 41: first reception part, 41a: support hole, 41c: inclined surface, 41d: support cylindrical part, 42: second reception part, 42a: hole, 42b: storage recessed part, 42c: slant, 43: energizing member, 50: movable part, 51: first movable part, 51a: ball support part, 51b: inner surface (ball support surface), 51c: first guided part, 5 Id: contact convex part, 51e: connection part, 5 If: arm press surface, 51g: lower end, 5 li: second guided part, 51 j : contact convex part, 51k: convex part, 52: second movable body, 52a: arm part, 52b: supported shaft part (supported part), 52c: reception surface, 52e: sensor operation part, 52f: arm connection part, 53: spring, 100: control stick assembly, 101C: center part, 101L: left held part, 101R: right held part, 121: exterior member, 200: control stick assembly, 214: FPC, 214b: sensor support part, 223: top member, 223a: cover part, 223b: top part, 224: attachment body part, 224a: upper spring reception part, 230: housing, 231: first housing, 232: stage part, 232a: reception part support surface, 232b: opening, 232e: inner circumferential part, 232f: outer circumferential part, 232g: comer part, 233: second housing, 233a: support hole, 233b: connection hole, 233e: cover part, 233f: upper edge (stopper surface), 240: lower spring reception part, 241: support cylindrical part, 241a: opening, 242: elastic part, 250: movable part, 251: first movable body, 251a: ball support surface, 251b: ball support part, 25 le: attachment convex part, 252: second movable body, 252a: ball support part, 252c: supportedpart, 252d: connection convex part, 252f: sensor operation part, 252g: lower surface, 259: screw, 300: control stick assembly, 314: FPC, 320: control stick, 321: stick body, 321 A: shaft part, 321B: supported ball part, 340: lower spring reception part, 341: first reception part, 342: second reception part, 400: control stick assembly, 420: control stick, 421: stick body, 421a: supported ball part, 421b: shaft part, 423: top member, 425: guided member, 425a: upper spring reception part, 425c: guided part, 430: housing, 431: guide part, 440: lower spring reception part, 441: support cylindrical part, 450: movable part, 451: stage part, 451a: ball support surface, 451b: reception part support surface, 45 Id: supported part, 45 le: sensor operation part.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A control stick assembly, comprising:a control stick having a supported portion and a sensed portion; a movable portion including a support portion that includes an inner surface configured to support an outer surface of the supported portion, wherein the inner surface is formed to allow the control stick to tilt, the movable portion configured to move upward and downward with the supported portion;a tilt sensor configured to sense, in a contactless manner, a movement of the sensed portion caused by the tilt of the control stick; anda pressure sensor configured to detect pressure when the movable portion moves downward.

2. The control stick assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a stage; anda return mechanism disposed above the stage, and configured to return the tilted control stick to an initial position,wherein the control stick is disposed inside an opening formed in the stage and,wherein the movable portion is disposed at a lower portion of the stage.

3. The control stick assembly of claim 2,wherein the inner surface of the support portion of the movable portion is configured to support a lower portion of the outer surface of the supported portion of the control stick, andwherein the opening of the stage comprises an inner surface configured to support an upper portion of the outer surface of the supported portion of the control stick.

4. The control stick assembly of claim 3,wherein the inner surface of the support portion of the movable portion and the inner surface of the opening of the stage are curved to allow rotation of the supported portion of the control stick inside the inner surface of the support portion of the movable portion and the inner surface of the opening of the stage.

5. The control stick assembly of claim 2,wherein the movable portion comprises:a first movable body configured to support an upper portion of the outer surface of the supported portion of the control stick; anda second movable body configured to support a lower portion of the outer surface of the supported portion,wherein the first movable body and the second movable body are mutually fixed to each other in a vertical direction.

6. The control stick assembly of claim 5,wherein the first movable body comprises a support portion configured to support the supported portion of the control stick, the first movable body being disposed at a lower portion of the stage,wherein an opening is formed in the stage, andwherein the support portion of the first movable body is disposed through the opening of the stage and protrudes above an upper surface of the stage portion.

7. The control stick assembly of claim 5,wherein the first movable body comprises an inner surface configured to support an outer surface of the supported portion,wherein the second movable portion comprises an inner surface configured to support the outer surface of the supported portion, andwherein the inner surface of the support portion of the first movable portion and the inner surface of the support portion of the second movable portion are curved to allow rotation of the supported portion of the control stick inside these inner surfaces.

8. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the support portion is configured to support the control stick, wherein the movable portion comprises:a sensor operation portion that is either disposed opposite to the pressure sensor in a vertical direction or attached to the pressure sensor; anda supported portion disposed opposite to the sensor operation portion with respect to the support portion and supported by a housing.

9. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the pressure sensor is disposed below the movable portion and configured to be pressed by the movable portion when the movable portion moves downward.

10. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the pressure sensor is attached to the movable body and configured to be pressed by a component located below the pressure sensor when the movable portion moves downward.

11. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the pressure sensor and the tilt sensor are spaced in a direction perpendicular to an axial line of the control stick.

12. The control stick assembly of claim 11,wherein a position of the tilt sensor between an upper end and a lower end of the pressure sensor.

13. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the tilt sensor is supported by the movable portion.

14. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the tilt sensor and the pressure sensor are supported by the movable portion.

15. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the movable portion comprises:a first movable body having the support portion of the control stick; anda second movable body configured to move upward and downward together with the first movable body and further configured to move relative to the first movable body,wherein the tilt sensor is supported by the first movable body and configured to move upward and downward together with the first movable body, andwherein the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure due to a downward motion of the second movable body.

16. The control stick assembly of claim 14,wherein the control stick assembly comprises a guide configured to guide a direction of movement of the first movable body in the vertical direction, andwherein the second movable body is allowed to tilt with respect to the vertical direction.

17. The control stick assembly of claim 14,wherein the first movable body is disposed above the second movable body and configured to press the second movable body down, when the control stick is lowered.

18. The control stick assembly of claim 14,wherein the second movable body comprises:a supported portion disabled to move in the vertical direction;a reception portion apart from the supported portion and configured to be pressed by the first movable body; anda sensor operation portion disposed on an opposite side of the reception portion from the supported portion, andwherein the pressure sensor is attached to the sensor operation portion of the second movable body.

19. The control stick assembly of claim 14,wherein the second movable body comprises:a supported portion disabled to move in the vertical direction;a reception portion apart from the supported portion and configured to be pressed by the first movable body; anda sensor operation portion disposed on an opposite side of the reception portion from the supported portion, andwherein the sensor operation portion faces the pressure sensor in the vertical direction.

20. The control stick assembly of claim 1,wherein the pressure sensor and the tilt sensor are disposed below the control stick.

21. An input device, comprising:a control stick assembly that comprises:a control stick having a supported portion and a sensed portion; a movable portion including a support portion that includes an inner surface configured to support an outer surface of the supported portion, wherein the inner surface is formed to allow the control stick to tilt, the movable portion configured to move upward and downward with the supported portion;a tilt sensor configured to sense, in a contactless manner, a movement of the sensed portion caused by the tilt of the control stick; anda pressure sensor configured to detect pressure when the movable portion moves downward.

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