Operating stick assembly and input device

Abstract

To provide an operating stick assembly that can inhibit rattling of the operating stick. Operating stick assembly (100) has operating stick (20) with an attaching barrel portion at the top part, spring (11), lower spring bearing portion (40) that supports the lower end of spring (11), and a biasing structure. The biasing structure causes force F1 of spring (11) to act on operating stick (20) from lower spring bearing portion (40) in a direction that intersects operating stick (20).

Description

PATENT Attorney Docket No.: 116335-1515558-SYP355630WO01Client Reference No.: SYP355630W001OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY AND INPUT DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2024-226719, filed December 23, 2024, entitled “OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY AND INPUT DEVICE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is concerning an operating stick assembly and an input device.BACKGROUND

[0003] The following Patent literature 1 concerns an input device that is used for game operations. The input device has an operating stick capable of tilt operations. The operating stick is supported by two intersecting support axes and can be tilted in any direction, including the fore and aft directions, the left and right directions, and any diagonal direction between these. The tilt direction and tilt angle of the operating stick is detected by two variable resistors that output signals corresponding to the rotation of the support axis.

[0004] Also, the input device has a return mechanism that causes the operating stick that had been tilted to return to the initial pose. In Patent literature 1, the return mechanism is constructed of a disc-shaped operating body that is fixed to the lower end of the operating stick, a countersunk-shaped returning member on which this operating body is disposed, and a spring that biases the returning member upward.PRIOR ART LITERATURE

[0005] International Publication WO No. 1998 / 16285SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Even when the operating stick is in the neutral position, rattling (a slight change in position) may be generated in the operating stick due to the clearance between parts. This type of rattling is undesirable from the standpoint of operational comfort.

[0007] One object of the present disclosure is an operating stick assembly that can reduce rattling of the operating stick in a neutral position.SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0008] The operating stick assembly in the present disclosure has an operating stick with an upper spring holder at the top part and that is supported such that it may tilt, a spring disposed along the operating stick and that has an upper end that is supported by the upper spring holder, a lower spring bearing portion that supports the lower end of the spring, and a biasing structure. The biasing structure supports the operating stick such that the lower spring bearing portion may move relative to the operating stick in the direction along the operating stick, and will tilt to match the inclination of the operating stick. The biasing structure exerts a force in a first direction that intersects the operating stick from the lower spring bearing portion to the operating stick.

[0009] The input device proposed in the present disclosure has the operating stick assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 A is a planar view showing an example of the input device proposed in the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGURE IB is a side view of the input device shown in Figure 1 A.

[0012] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the first example of the operating stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective view of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 2.

[0014] FIGURE 4A is a perspective view of the operating stick in which the top member and cover portion of the operating stick as well as the housing have been removed.

[0015] FIGURE 4B is a perspective view of the state shown in Figure 4A, in which the second bearing portion of the lower spring bearing portion has been removed.

[0016] FIGURE 5 is a planar view of the operating stick assembly.

[0017] FIGURE 6A is a cross-sectional view of the VI- VI line shown in Figure 5, and it shows the state in which the operating stick has not been operated.

[0018] FIGURE 6B is a cross-sectional view that may be obtained using the same crosssection as shown in Figure 6A, and it shows the state in which the operating stick has been tilted.

[0019] FIGURE 6C is a cross-sectional view that may be obtained using the same crosssection as shown in Figure 6A, and it shows the state in which the operating stick has been pushed.

[0020] FIGURE 7 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 6A.

[0021] FIGURE 8A is an exploded perspective view of the housing, first movable body, and second movable body, showing the back side of these components.

[0022] FIGURE 8B is an exploded perspective view of the housing, first movable body, and second movable body, showing the front side of these components.

[0023] FIGURE 9 is an exploded perspective view of the stick main body, first bearing portion, and second bearing portion of the operating stick.

[0024] FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first movable body and the second movable body that may be obtained along the X-X line shown in Figure 8A.

[0025] FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the second example of the operating stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGURE 12 is an exploded perspective view of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 11.

[0027] FIGURE 13 is a planar view of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 11.

[0028] FIGURE 14 is an exploded perspective view of the lower spring bearing portion and the first housing of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 11.

[0029] FIGURE 15 is an exploded perspective view of the first movable body, the second movable body, and the FPC of the operating stick assembly shown in Figure 11.

[0030] FIGURE 16A is a cross-sectional view of the operating stick assembly that may be obtained along the XVI-XVI line shown in Figure 13.

[0031] FIGURE 16B is an enlarged diagram of Figure 16A.

[0032] FIGURE 16C is a cross-sectional view that may be obtained using the same crosssection as shown in Figure 16A, and it shows the state in which the operating stick has been tilted.

[0033] FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view of the operating stick assembly that may be obtained along the XVII-XVII line shown in Figure 13.

[0034] FIGURE 18 is a planar view of the third example of the operating stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGURE 19 is a cross-sectional view of the operating stick assembly that may be obtained along the XIX-XIX line shown in Figure 18.

[0036] FIGURE 20 is a planar view of the fourth example of the operating stick assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGURE 21A is a cross-sectional view of the operating stick assembly that may be obtained along the XXI-XXI line shown in Figure 20.

[0038] FIGURE 2 IB is a cross-sectional view that may be obtained using the same crosssection as shown in Figure 21A, and it shows the state in which the operating stick has been tilted.

[0039] FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of the operating stick assembly that may be obtained along the XXII-XXII line shown in Figure 20.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The examples of embodiment of the operating stick assembly and input device proposed in the present disclosure will be described below.

[0041] In the following description, the direction indicated by X1-X2 in Figure 1A indicates the left and right direction, while the directions indicated by Y1 and Y2 in Figure 1A are the forward and aft directions, respectively. Further, the directions indicated by Z1 and Z2 in Figure IB are the upper and lower directions, respectively. The Z1-Z2 direction is, for example, the direction that is perpendicular to the board to which the operating stick assembly is attached, and the XI -X2 direction and Y1-Y2 direction are directions along the board.

[0042] These directions are stipulated in order to describe the relative positions of the components, parts, and members that constitute the input device and the operating stick assembly, or to describe their shape, and do not limit the attitude of the input device during use, or the position or orientation of the operating stick assembly in the input device..INPUT DEVICE

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 A, input device 10 has, for example, right held portion 101R that the user may hold in the right hand and left held portion 10 IL that the user may hold in the left hand. Input device 10 has center portion 101C that is positioned between held portions 101R and 10 IL. Input device 10 may have rear protrusion lOld in held portions 101R and 10 IL that extends further backwards than the rear edge of center portion 101C.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1A, a plurality of operation members is provided on the upper surface of held portions 101L and 101R for the user to operate with a finger. More specifically, a plurality of control buttons Ill is provided on the upper surface of the front of right held portion 101R. For example, four control buttons 111 is arranged at the ends of a cross shape. Directional key (D-pad button) 112 is also arranged on the upper surface of the front of left held portion 101L. As shown in Figure 1A, input device 10 may have operation pad 113 that is positioned between direction key 112 and / or operation button 111, and / or it may have two operation buttons 114 arranged on the right and left sides of operation pad 113, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IB, held portions 101R and 10 IL may have operation buttons 115 and 116 lined up in the up and down direction on their respective front surfaces. Operation button 116 on the lower side is, for example, a trigger button that is supported such that it can move forwards and backwards about the shaft portion.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1A and IB, input device 10 includes operating stick assembly 100. Input device 10 may have two operating stick assemblies 100 that are separated in the left and right directions. Operating stick assembly 100 is arranged, for example, behind operation pad 113.

[0046] Input device 10 is used as an input device for an information processing device (such as a gaming device) having a function to execute a game program, a function to play a moving image, or a function to communicate over the Internet, etc. Input device 10 may communicate with the information processing device either using wires or wirelessly, and will send a signal to the information processing device in response to the operation performed by the user on operating stick assembly 100 or operation button 111, etc. Input device 10 may include various types of built-in sensors (accelerometers, gyro sensors, etc.) that may be utilized to detect the attitude and movements of input device 10, or batteries or the like.

[0047] The shape of input device 10 and the layout of operating stick assembly 100 in input device 10 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1A and IB. For example, operatingstick assembly 100 is on an input device that is operated with one hand. Also, the number of operating stick assemblies 100 provided in input device 10 is one assembly. Also, in input device 10, operating stick assembly 100 is arranged in the position of operation button 111 (or direction key 112).OPERATING STICK

[0048] Operating stick assembly 100 shall be described while referring to Figure 2 through Figure 10.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, operating stick assembly 100 includes operating stick 20. Operating stick 20 includes stick main body 21, top member 23 that may be attached to the top of stick main body 21, and cover portion 24 that may also be attached to the top of stick main body 21.

[0050] In the following explanation, axis Axl of operating stick 20 (see Figure 6A) shall be referred to as the “stick axis”. The direction along operating stick 20 and the direction along stick axis Axl shall also referred to as the “stick axis direction”.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, stick main body 21 has supported ball part 21a at the bottom, where this supported ball part 21a is supported by housing 30 and movable portion 50, which will be described below. Stick main body 21 may also have shaft portion 21b that extends upwards from supported ball part 21a.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, cover portion 24 may have an umbrella-shaped cover part 24b that covers housing 30 and lower spring bearing portion 40, etc., which will be described below. The diameter of cover part 24b is greater than opening 121a (the opening that is formed in outer member 121, see Figure 1A) into which operating stick 20 is placed, which is formed in input device 10. As a result, it will be possible to prevent exposure of housing 30, etc., to the exterior of input device 10.

[0053] Cover portion 24 may also have mounting body 24d (see Figure 3) that is located in the center of cover part 24b. Mounting body 24d may be attached to stick main body 21. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, mounting hole 24f may be formed in mounting body 24d that extends through mounting body 24d in the stick axis direction. Shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21 may then be inserted into this mounting hole 24f, and mounting body 24d may be attached to stick main body 21.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, top member 23 may have a disc-shaped top part 23c that may be touched by a user’s finger, and mounting tube 23d that extends downwards from top part 23c. Mounting tube 23 d may, for example, be fitted outside attachment body 24d of cover portion 24 and attached to attachment body 24d. This structure allows top member 23 to be replaced with another top member 23 of a different size.

[0055] Cover portion 24 may have a plurality of circumferentially-aligned mating holes 24e (see Figure 6A) along the outer circumferential surface of mounting body 24d about axis Axl of operating stick 20. At the lower end of mounting tube 23d, a plurality of mating projections 23b (see Figure 6A) is formed to fit into these mating holes 24e, respectively.

[0056] Stick main body 21 may be formed of a different material than the material used for top member 23 and cover portion 24. Stick main body 21 may be formed of, for example, a material having greater rigidity than the material used for top member 23 and cover portion 24. As a result, it will be possible to inhibit any decrease in the accuracy of detecting the tilt angle by tilting operation sensor 14a, which will be described later, that may occur due to the deflection of stick main body 21. Stick main body 21 is constructed of a resin or a metal.

[0057] The structure of operating stick 20 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3, etc. For example, top member 23 and cover portion 24 may be formed as a single unit. In this case, this integrally molded member may have barrel portion 24a that supports the upper end of spring 11, which will be described below.TILTING OF THE OPERATING STICK, AND TILTING OPERATION SENSOR

[0058] As shown in Figure 6B, operating stick 20 may be tilted from its reference position in the radial direction of operating stick 20. The reference position is the pose to which operating stick 20 will return when the user is not applying any radial force to operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 6. Hereinafter, this reference position shall be referred to as the “stick reference position”. When operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position, stick axis Axl may be substantially perpendicular to substrate 12. Operating stick 20 may be tilted from the stick reference position in any radial direction (such as forward / b ackward, left / right, or diagonal with respect to these directions). Operating stick 20 may also be rotated about the vertical line that passes through the stick reference position in this state of tilting in the radial direction.TILTING OPERATION SENSOR

[0059] Operating stick assembly 100 includes tilting operation sensor 14a (see Figures 3 and 6A). Tilting operation sensor 14a is a sensor to detect the tilt (more specifically, the angle andtilt direction from the stick reference position) of operating stick 20. Tilting operation sensor 14a may be a contactless sensor. In other words, tilting operation sensor 14a may be a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the tilt angle of operating stick 20 without coming into contact with operating stick 20.

[0060] As a contactless sensor, for example, it is acceptable to use a magnetic sensor. In this case, operating stick 20 may have a permanent magnet as sensed portion 29a. The magnetic sensor will output a signal corresponding to the magnetic field formed by this magnet. More specifically, tilting operation sensor 14a may be an MR sensor (Magnetic Resistance Sensor). Tilting operation sensor 14a may be a TMR sensor (Tunnel Magneto Resistance Sensor), which is another type of magnetic sensor. Tilting operation sensor 14a may also be another type of magnetic sensor.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6A, sensed portion 29a (magnet) may be attached, for example, to the bottommost part of stick main body 21. When operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position, tilting operation sensor 14a may be arranged to oppose sensed portion 29a in the up / down direction.

[0062] Concave part 21g (see Figure 9) that is opened up and that faces downwards may be formed at the lower end of stick main body 21. A magnet that is sensed portion 29a may then be arranged in this concave part 21g. According to this structure, it will be easy to ensure a distance between sensed portion 29a and tilting operation sensor 14a. The position of sensed portion 29a may be higher than the lower edge of concave part 21g. According to this structure, it will be even easier to ensure the distance between sensed portion 29a and tilting operation sensor 14a..PRESS OPERATION SENSOR

[0063] Operating stick 20 may also be supported such that it may move in the vertical direction (see Figure 6C). In other words, operating stick 20 may be supported to enable pushing operations in the downward direction. This support structure will be discussed later.

[0064] Operating stick assembly 100 has press operation sensor 15 to detect push operations (the vertical movement of operating stick 20) relative to operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 3. Press operation sensor 15 is, for example, a tact switch to switch between the ON state and the OFF state in response to the push operation of operating stick 20. Press operation sensor 15 may also be a pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the push force acting on operating stick 20.OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY

[0065] Operating stick assembly 100 includes spring 11 that may be arranged along stick main body 21 as shown in Figure 3. Operating stick 20 will return to the stick reference position as a result of the elastic force of spring 11 when the tilt operation by the user is released. Operating stick assembly 100 may have lower spring bearing portion 40, housing 30, and movable portion 50. Lower spring bearing portion 40 may have first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42. Movable portion 50 may have first movable body 51 and second movable body 52. Lower spring bearing portion 40 and spring 11 are arranged on the upper side of housing 30, while movable portion 50 may be arranged inside housing 30.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, operating stick assembly 100 may have substrate 12 at the bottommost part. Housing 30 may be anchored onto substrate 12. Housing 30 may have sidewall portions 32R and 32L (see Figure 8B) that face each other in the left-right direction. Sidewall portions 32R and 32L may be anchored onto substrate 12 by a fastening member (such as thread 16 shown in Figure 3).

[0067] Substrate 12 may be a circuit board on which circuits (conductor patterns) have been formed. Connector 12a (see Figure 3) may also be mounted onto this substrate 12 for the purpose of electrically connecting operating stick assembly 100 to other parts of input device 10 (such as the main circuit board). It is also acceptable to form a circuit on substrate 12 that electrically connects this connector 12a to sensors 14 and 15. In the state in which operating stick assembly 100 is mounted on input device 10, connector 12a may mate (connect) to the mating connector that has been mounted on the main circuit board of input device 10. According to this structure, operating stick assembly 100 can be easily attached to or detached from input device 10.

[0068] Operating stick assembly 100 does not need to have substrate 12. In this case, housing 30 may be directly anchored onto the main circuit board (not shown in the figure) into which input device 10 has been incorporated..RETURN MECHANISM

[0069] Operating stick assembly 100 has a return mechanism that causes operating stick 20 to return to the stick reference position when the tilt operation by the user is released. The return mechanism includes spring 11 and lower spring bearing portion 40 as described above.

[0070] Operating stick assembly 100 includes supporting portion 31. As shown in Figure 8 A, supporting portion 31 may be formed, for example, on the top of housing 30. In the planar view of operating stick assembly 100, supporting portion 31 is circular, and sidewall portions 32R and32L as described above drop from the peripheral edge of supporting portion 31. Housing 30 has a box shape that is opened downwards. As described above, housing 30 is secured to substrate 12, while supporting portion 31 is immobile relative to substrate 12. On the upper side of this supporting portion 31, spring 11 and lower spring bearing portion 40 (see Figure 3) are arranged.

[0071] Operating stick 20 (more specifically, stick main body 21) may have supported ball part 21a (see Figure 9) at its bottom. As shown in Figure 6A, supported ball portion 21a is arranged such that at least its lower end is located on the lower side of supporting portion 31. Opening 31a (see Figure 8 A) is formed in supporting portion 31. Stick main body 21 is disposed inside opening 31a. Stick main body 21 extends upwardly through the inside of opening 31a.ATTACHING BARREL PORTION

[0072] As shown in Figure 6A, operating stick 20 has barrel portion 24a at its top that supports the upper end of spring 11. Operating stick 20 has mounting body 24d (see Figure 3) at its top. Mounting body 24d may be, for example, a part that is located in the center of cover portion 24 (center of cover 24b). A concave part may be formed in this mounting body 24d that is open downwardly. The upper end of spring 11 may be disposed inside this concave part. The upper end of this concave part may serve as attaching barrel portion 24a supporting the upper end of spring 11.LOWER SPRING BEARING PORTION

[0073] Supporting portion 31 may have bearing portion supporting surface 31b (see Figure 8A) on its upper surface. As shown in Figure 6A, lower spring bearing portion 40 is disposed on the upper side of this bearing portion supporting surface 3 lb and supports the lower end of spring 11.

[0074] Lower spring bearing portion 40 may have first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42 (see Figure 9). First bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42 are combined in the direction along stick main body 21 (or in other words, in the stick axis direction). Second bearing portion 42 is disposed on the upper side of first bearing portion 41 and supports the lower end of spring 11.

[0075] Holes 41a and 42a (see Figure 9) are formed in first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42 to pass through these bearing portions in the direction along stick main body 21, and shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21 is inserted inside holes 41a and 42a. First bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42 may move relative to stick main body 21 in the direction along stick main body 21.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, a cylindrical biasing member 43 is disposed between first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42. This biasing member 43 pushes stick main body 21 in the direction perpendicular to the stick axis direction. As a result, it will be possible to reduce the rattling of operating stick 20 (a slight change in position relative to lower spring bearing portion 40). The functions of these bearing portions 41 and 42 and of biasing member 43 will be discussed in detail later.

[0077] When operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position (Figure 6A), lower spring bearing portion 40 may be disposed in the horizontal pose on bearing portion supporting surface 31b of supporting portion 31. Hereinafter, the position of lower spring bearing portion 40 when operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position shall be referred to as the “bearing portion reference position”. Lower spring bearing portion 40 may be substantially parallel to substrate 12 when in the holder reference position. In other words, lower spring bearing portion 40 may be perpendicular to axis Axl of operating stick 20 in the stick reference position when in the bearing portion reference position.SPRING

[0078] As shown in Figure 6A, spring 11 is disposed along operating stick 20. Spring 11 is a coil spring and it may be fitted on the outside of shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21 (the portion that extends upwardly from supported ball part 21a). Spring 11 is located between attaching barrel portion 24a and lower spring bearing portion 40.

[0079] When operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position, spring 11 pushes lower spring bearing portion 40 (bearing portions 41 and 42) against bearing portion supporting surface 31b of supporting portion 31, biasing attaching barrel portion 24a upward. In other words, spring 11 is positioned between spring holders 24a and 40 in a compressed state, or in other words, in a state in which a pre-load has been applied.SUPPORT STRUCTURE THAT ENABLES TILTING OF THE OPERATING STICK

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, supported ball part 21a is disposed inside opening 31a of supporting portion 31. Stick supporting surface 31c of opening 31a may be formed such that the diameter of opening 31a gradually decreases towards the top. Supported ball part 21a is located inside this Stick supporting surface 31c.

[0081] Operating stick 20 will be biased upward by the elastic force of spring 11. When no pushing operation has been performed on operating stick 20, the outer surface of supported ball part 21a and Stick supporting surface 31c of opening 31a of supporting portion 31 will be incontact with each other as a result of the elastic force of spring 11. In the following explanation, stick supporting surface 31c of opening 31a shall be referred to as the “stick supporting surface”.

[0082] Stick supporting surface 31c is formed to permit the movement of supported ball part 21a that may be caused by the tilting of operating stick 20. In other words, the outer surface of supported ball part 21a and stick supporting surface 31c are formed to permit the tilting of operating stick 20. More specifically, the outer surface of supported ball part 21a and stick supporting surface 31c are curved surfaces that permit the tilting of operating stick 20.

[0083] Operating stick 20 may be tilted about point Cp (see Figure 6B) that is located at its bottom (supported ball part 21a). Hereinafter, Cp shall be referred to as the “tilt center”. The upper outer surface of supported ball part 21a may be part of a spherical surface centered about this tilt center Cp. Supported ball part 21a may also be approximately ball-shaped. Similarly, stick supporting surface 31c (the stick supporting surface of opening 31a) may be part of a spherical surface that is centered about tilt center Cp. This structure makes it possible for operating stick 20 to tilt about tilt center Cp.

[0084] It should be noted that the shape of supported ball part 21a and stick supporting surface 31c is not limited to the above-noted examples as long as the shape permits the tilting of operating stick 20. For example, the outer surface of supported ball part 21a and stick supporting surface 31c may be curved surfaces that permit the tilting of operating stick 20, but do not need to be part of the spherical surfaces described above. Further, as yet another example, only the upper outer surface of supported ball part 21a may constitute a portion of the spherical surface that is centered about tilt center Cp, and stick supporting surface 31c does not need to be a portion of this spherical surface. Conversely, only the lower surface of stick supporting surface 31c may constitute a portion of the spherical surface centered about tilt center Cp, and the outer surface of supported ball part 21a does not need to be part of this spherical surface.TILTING OF OPERATING STICK

[0085] As shown in Figure 6B, lower spring bearing portion 40 supports operating stick 20 such that it will tilt along with operating stick 20. More specifically, supporting tubular portion 41d is formed in lower spring bearing portion 40 (first holder 41), and axis 21b of stick main body 21 may be inserted inside supporting tubular portion 4 Id. Therefore, as operating stick 20 tilts, lower spring bearing portion 40 will also tilt accordingly.

[0086] Operating stick 20 is supported by supporting tubular portion 41d of first bearing portion 41. Spring 11 is fitted on the outside of supporting tubular portion 4 Id. Supportingtubular portion 41d extends upward. The upper end of supporting tubular portion 41d is higher than the lower end of spring 11. As a result, it will be possible to improve the support stability of operating stick 20 by lower spring bearing portion 40.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6B, when operating stick 20 is tilted, only a portion of the outer perimeter of lower spring bearing portion 40 will be in contact with bearing portion supporting surface 31b of supporting portion 31, while the other portions float up from bearing portion supporting surface 3 lb of supporting portion 31. At that time, a moment due to the elastic force of spring 11 will be generated in the area surrounding the contact point between lower spring bearing portion 40 and bearing portion supporting surface 31b. In other words, the elastic force of spring 11 acts to return the position of lower spring bearing portion 40 to the bearing portion reference position (horizontal attitude). Therefore, when the tilting operation on operating stick 20 by the user is released, lower spring bearing portion 40 returns to the bearing portion reference position, and operating stick 20 returns to the stick reference position.

[0088] In addition, when lower spring bearing portion 40 is tilted from the bearing portion reference position, the distance between barrel portion 24a and lower spring bearing portion 40 may be reduced. Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the distance between lower spring bearing portion 40 and barrel portion 24a in the direction of the operating stick axis will be LI when operating stick 20 is in the stick reference position (Figure 6A). When operating stick 20 is tilted (Figure 6B), the distance between lower spring bearing portion 40 and barrel portion 24a in the direction of the operating stick axis will be L2. This distance L2 is smaller than distance LI. According to this structure, when the user tilts operating stick 20, the reaction force to the tilting operation can be gradually increased, which can improve the comfort of performing the tilting operation.POSITION OF THE TOP END OF THE SPRING

[0089] As shown in Figure 6A, a concave part is formed in mounting body 24d, with the top part of spring 11 disposed inside this concave part. As a result, it will be easier to secure the length of spring 11.

[0090] As described above, operating stick 20 (more specifically, cover portion 24) has an umbrella-like cover part 24b (see Figure 3). The upper end of spring 11 (the upper end of the concave part formed in mounting body 24d) may be higher than cover 24b. More specifically, the upper end of spring 11 may be higher than upper edge 24c of cover part 24b (see Figure 3). As a result, it will be easier to secure the length of spring 11. Therefore, it will be possible toensure that the change in the elastic force of spring 11 due to the change in the tilt angle of operating stick 20 will not be excessive.SUPPORT SURFACE FORMED ON THE SUPPORTING PORTION

[0091] As shown in Figure 8A, bearing portion supporting surface 31b has inner circumferential portion 31e that is relatively close to axis Axl (the center of opening 31a) of operating stick 20, and outer circumferential portion 3 If that is formed outside inner circumferential portion 31e in the radial direction of operating stick 20. Inner circumferential portion 3 le and outer circumferential portion 3 If have a ring shape that surrounds opening 31a in a planar view of operating stick 20.

[0092] The height of bearing portion supporting surface 31b of supporting portion 31 may vary in the radial direction of operating stick 20. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the height of outer circumferential portion 3 If (the distance from substrate 12 to outer circumferential portion 3 If) may be lower than that of inner circumferential portion 3 le.

[0093] Unlike operating stick assembly 100, in a structure in which bearing portion supporting surface 31b is horizontal throughout, the distance between lower spring bearing portion 40 and barrel portion 24a decreases significantly as the angle of tilt of operating stick 20 increases. Therefore, if the tilt angle is increased, the reaction force to the tilt operation may be excessive. In contrast, in operating stick assembly 100, the height of outer circumferential portion 3 If is lower than that of inner circumferential portion 3 le, ensuring that it will be possible to prevent the reaction force to the tilting operation from being excessive.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7, outer circumferential portion 3 If is a sloped surface, and it may gradually descend from the outer circumferential portion edge of inner circumferential portion 31e towards the outer side in the radial direction of operating stick 20. As a result, it will be possible to prevent the reaction force against tilting operations from becoming excessively large. The angle of outer circumferential portion 3 If relative to stick axis Axl may also vary in the radial direction. In other words, in the cross-sectional view of operating stick 20, outer circumferential portion 3 If may be curved.

[0095] Stick supporting surface 31c and the top of supported ball part 21a are positioned on the inside in the radial direction of outer circumferential portion 3 If. In other words, a horizontal line (line Hl parallel to substrate 12, see Figure 7) may intersect outer circumferential portion 3 If, stick supporting surface 31c, and supported ball part 21a. The position of upper edge 2 In of supported ball part 21a is higher than outer edge 3 Ih (lower edge) of outer circumferentialportion 3 If. According to this structure, the position of operating stick 20 will be higher when compared to a structure in which the position of upper edge 21n of supported ball part 21a is lower than outer edge 3 Ih (lower edge) of outer circumferential portion 3 If. As a result, it will be easier to place other parts 17 (see Figure 3) below operating stick 20.

[0096] The height and tilt of outer circumferential portion 3 If may be set such that outer circumferential portion 3 If does not come into contact with the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 40. According to this structure, the diameter of inner circumferential portion 3 le (the distance from the center of opening 31a to the outer perimeter of inner circumferential portion 31e) may determine the reaction force to tilt operations. For example, by reducing the diameter of inner circumferential portion 3 le, it will be possible to reduce the reaction force to the tilt operation, while increasing the diameter of inner circumferential portion 3 le can increase the reaction force to the tilt operation. In Figure 6B, the tilt angle of operating stick 20 is at its maximum. In the process of changing operating stick 20 from the stick reference position to the maximum tilt angle, the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 40 does not have to come into contact with outer circumferential portion 3 If.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, the height of inner circumferential portion 3 le of bearing portion supporting surface 31b may be constant towards the outside in the radial direction of operating stick 20. In other words, inner circumferential portion 31e may be a horizontal plane that is orthogonal to a perpendicular line (the line that is perpendicular to substrate 12).

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, corner portion 31g may be formed between inner circumferential portion 31e and outer circumferential portion 3 If. When operating stick 20 is tilted, the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 40 (the lower surface of first bearing portion 41) will be in contact with one point on corner portion 31g (the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 31e) and will float up from the rest of bearing portion supporting surface 31b. In other words, when operating stick 20 is tilted, lower spring bearing portion 40 will be supported only at one point on corner portion 31g (the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 31e). During the process of tilting operating stick 20, the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 40 slides over comer portion 31g (the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 3 le).

[0099] Supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 is located below inner circumferential portion 3 le. In other words, tilt center Cp (see Figure 6B) of operating stick 20 is located below inner circumferential portion 31e. Therefore, as the angle of tilt of operating stick 20 increases, the distance between inner circumferential portion 31e (comer portion 31g) and barrel portion24a in the direction of the stick axis decreases. In the state shown in Figure 6A, distance L3 is secured between inner circumferential portion 31e and the upper edge of barrel portion 24a, while in the state shown in Figure 6B, distance L4 (L4 < L3) is secured between inner circumferential portion 31e (corner portion 31g) and the upper edge of attaching barrel portion 24a. As a result, the distance between lower spring bearing portion 40 and attaching barrel portion 24a will be reduced in response to the increase in the tilt angle of operating stick 20, and therefore, the reaction force to the tilt operation will be increased.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, the diameter of the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 31e may be smaller than the diameter of the outer edge of the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 40 (first bearing portion 41). As a result, it will be possible to effectively prevent the reaction force to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 from becoming excessively large. The diameter of the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 31e may be even smaller than half the diameter of the outer edge of outer circumferential portion 3 If. The diameter of the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 3 le may also be greater than the diameter of spring 11.

[0101] The shape of bearing portion supporting surface 31b is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7, etc. For example, inner circumferential portion 3 le does not necessarily need to be a horizontal surface perpendicular to the perpendicular line. For example, inner circumferential portion 3 le may be inclined such that the height of inner circumferential portion 31e will gradually increase moving outwards in the radial direction. In this case, the height of outer circumferential portion 3 If may be gradually reduced towards the outer side in the radial direction, as in the example shown in Figure 7, etc.

[0102] As yet another example, it is not necessary to form corner portion 31g between inner circumferential portion 31e and outer circumferential portion 3 If. In this case, a curved surface may be formed between inner circumferential portion 3 le and outer circumferential portion 3 If, and the height of bearing portion supporting surface 31b may gradually decrease towards the outer side in the radial direction.

[0103] As yet another example, both inner circumferential portion 31e and outer circumferential portion 3 If may be sloped such that they gradually fall downwards towards the outer side in the radial direction of operating stick 20. In this case, the slope of outer circumferential portion 3 If may be greater than the slope of inner circumferential portion 3 le.STOPPER SURFACE

[0104] Supporting portion 31 has stopper surface 3 li (see Figure 8A) at the outer peripheral edge of bearing portion supporting surface 31b. Stopper surface 3 li regulates the movement of lower spring bearing portion 40 in the radial direction of operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 6B. When the angle of inclination of operating stick 20 reaches a maximum of 9 m, the outer peripheral edge of lower spring bearing portion 40 (the outer peripheral edge of first bearing portion 41) touches stopper surface 3 li. Stopper surface 3 li then regulates any further movement of operating stick 20 and lower spring bearing portion 40.

[0105] Stopper surface 3 li may extend upwards from the outer edge of outer circumferential portion 3 If in the cross-sectional view of operating stick 20, as shown in Figure 7. The height of the upper edge of the stopper surface 3 li may be higher than that of inner circumferential portion 3 le. Stopper surface 3 li may have a ring shape in the planar view of operating stick 20.

[0106] Stopper surface 3 li may be inclined relative to stick axis Axl. The angle of stopper surface 3 li may also correspond to the maximum tilt angle 9 m. In other words, stopper surface 3 li may be formed to be substantially parallel to stick axis Axl of operating stick 20 that has collapsed to a maximum inclination angle of 9 m. According to this structure, it will be possible to more reliably limit any movement of operating stick 20 above the maximum tilt angle 9 m.

[0107] As described above, outer circumferential portion 3 If will gradually descend from the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 31e towards the outer side in the radial direction of operating stick 20. Stopper surface 3 li may extend upwards from the outer edge of outer circumferential portion 3 If. According to this structure, the position of the upper edge of stopper surface 3 li can be lowered such that it will be easier to avoid interference of stopper surface 3 li with other parts (such as cover part 24b).

[0108] The structure of stopper surface 3 li is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6B, etc. For example, operating stick assembly 100 may have a stopper part in a portion other than supporting portion 31.STRUCTURE FOR BIASING THE OPERATING STICK

[0109] Support hole 41a (see Figure 7) is formed in in lower spring bearing portion 40 (more specifically, holders 41 and 42) into which stick main body 21 (more specifically, shaft portion 21b) may be inserted. A slight clearance may be secured between shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21 and the inner surface of support hole 41a. This clearance permits smooth relativemovement of lower spring bearing portion 40 relative to stick main body 21 in the direction of the stick axis.

[0110] This clearance also allows for a change in the relative position of operating stick 20 and lower spring bearing portion 40 in the direction that is orthogonal to stick axis Axl. This type of change in the relative position is undesirable in terms of operational comfort. This relative position change may also affect the accuracy of the detection of the tilt angle by tilting operation sensor 14a. For example, even if lower spring bearing portion 40 is in the holder reference position, the angle of inclination that is detected based on the signal of tilting operation sensor 14a may vary slightly from a value that is representative of the stick reference position.[OHl] For this reason, operating stick assembly 100 has a biasing structure that causes force Fl (see Figure 7) in a direction that intersects with respect to stick axis Axl to act on operating stick 20. This force Fl acts on operating stick 20 from lower spring bearing portion 40. Hereinafter, this biasing structure shall be referred to as the “stick biasing structure,” and force Fl shall be referred to as the “stick biasing force.”

[0112] According to this stick biasing structure, it will be possible to inhibit any changes in the relative position of operating stick 20 relative to lower spring bearing portion 40. As a result, it will be possible to improve comfort when performing the operations. In addition, the impact of the clearance on the accuracy of detection of the tilt angle by tilting operation sensor 14a can be reduced. More specifically, when lower spring bearing portion 40 is in the holder reference position, it will be possible to inhibit any changes in the angle of inclination that is detected based on the signal of tilting operation sensor 14a.TWO BEARING PORTIONS AND THE BIASING MEMBER BETWEEN THEM

[0113] As shown in Figure 7, the stick biasing structure includes lower spring bearing portion 40 and biasing member 43. Biasing member 43 is formed separately from lower spring bearing portion 40, and can move in a direction that intersects stick axis Axl. This biasing member 43 will exert stick biasing force Fl on operating stick 20.

[0114] As shown in Figure 7, lower spring bearing portion 40 may have first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42. Second bearing portion 42 is disposed on the upper side of first bearing portion 41, and these holders are combined in the stick axis direction. Biasing member 43 may be disposed between first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42.

[0115] As shown in Figure 9, first bearing portion 41 may have supporting tubular portion 41d that extends upwards in its center. Hole 42a is formed in the center of second bearing portion 42, and supporting tubular portion 4 Id may extend upwardly through this hole 42a. Shaft 21b of operating stick 20 is inserted into the inside of supporting tubular portion 41d (support hole 41a).

[0116] As shown in Figure 7, spring 11 is fitted outside supporting tubular portion 4 Id. The lower end of spring 11 is supported on the upper surface of second bearing portion 42. Ringshaped concave part 42d, on which the lower end of spring 11 is disposed, may be formed on the upper surface of second bearing portion 42.

[0117] As shown in Figure 4A, first bearing portion 41 may have a plurality of engagement parts 41g at its outer edge. Second bearing portion 42 may be disposed on the inner side of the plurality of engagement parts 41g, and the separation from first bearing portion 41 may be regulated by this plurality of engagement parts 41g. As shown in Figure 4B, first bearing portion 41 may have a plurality of convex parts 41h aligned along the outer edge of the base of supporting tubular portion 4 Id. Second bearing portion 42 may be supported by the upper surface of these convex parts 41h. According to this structure, it will be possible to anchor the contact points between first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42.

[0118] As shown in Figure 7, first bearing portion 41 and second bearing portion 42 may each be formed to have housing recessed portions 41b and 42b. Housing recessed portion 41b may be formed on the upper side of first bearing portion 41, while housing recessed portion 42b may be formed on the lower side of second bearing portion 42. The two housing recessed portions 41b and 42b may then face each other in the stick axis direction.

[0119] Biasing member 43 may be disposed within housing recessed portions 41b and 42b, permitting movement in the direction that is orthogonal to stick axis Axl. Biasing member 43 may be in contact with the outer surface of operating stick 20 (more specifically, the outer surface of shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21).

[0120] Biasing member 43 and bearing portions 41 and 42 may be in direct or indirect contact with each other via pressing sloped surfaces. This type of inclined surface may cause stick biasing force Fl to be generated as a result of the elastic force of spring 11. Hereinafter, this pressing sloped surface shall be referred to as the “pressing slope.”

[0121] For example, as shown in Figure 7, pressing slope 42c may be formed on the inner surface of housing recessed portion 42b of second bearing portion 42. Pressing slope 42c isinclined relative to stick axis Axl such that it will face downwards and towards stick axis Axl. The elastic force of spring 11 pushes second bearing portion 42 downward. Biasing member 43 is in contact with pressing slope 42c. Therefore, a force in the direction that intersects stick axis Axl will be generated in biasing member 43, which acts on operating stick 20 as stick biasing force Fl. In other words, biasing member 43 utilizes the elastic force of spring 11 to push operating stick 20 in a direction that intersects stick axis Axl . This pressing slope 42c and biasing member 43 transform the direction of the elastic force of spring 11 to act on operating stick 20. According to this structure, the elastic force of spring 11 can be effectively utilized.

[0122] As shown in Figure 7, inclined surface 41c may also be formed on the inner surface of housing recessed portion 41b of first bearing portion 41. Inclined surface 41c may be located further outside of operating stick 20 in the radial direction than pressing slope 42c. Therefore, when pressing slope 42c pushes biasing member 43, inclined surface 41c of first bearing portion 41 may not be in contact with biasing member 43.

[0123] Contrary to the example shown in Figure 7, inclined surface 41c of first bearing portion 41 may function as a pressing slope. Pressing sloped surface 41c may be inclined relative to stick axis Axl such that it will face upwards and towards stick axis Axl. In this structure as well, biasing member 43 can utilize the elastic force of spring 11 to push operating stick 20 in the direction that intersects with stick axis Axl. In this case, pressing sloped surface 42c of second bearing portion 42 may be located further outside operating stick 20 in the radial direction when compared to pressing sloped surface 41c of first bearing portion 41. Alternatively, pressing sloped surface 42c may not be formed on the inner surface of housing recessed portion 42b of second bearing portion 42.

[0124] Biasing member 43 is located above supported ball part 21a (more specifically, tilt center Cp) of operating stick 20. Operating stick 20 may be pushed by biasing member 43 and against the inner surface of support hole 41a of supporting tubular portion 4 Id. When biasing member 43 applies stick biasing force Fl to operating stick 20, the inner edge of the upper end of supporting tubular portion 41d comes into contact with operating stick 20 at contact point P2 (see Figure 7). Contact point P2 is located opposite contact point Pl (see Figure 7) between biasing member 43 and operating stick 20, sandwiching stick axis Axl. In this way, the relative position of operating stick 20 and lower spring bearing portion 40 may be fixed by pressing operating stick 20 against the inner circumferential surface of supporting tubular portion 4 Id.

[0125] As shown in Figure 4B, a D-cut may be formed in shaft portion 21b of stick main body 21. In other words, plane 21d may be formed on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of shaft portion 21b. On the other hand, a plane opposite this plane 21d may be formed on the inner surface of supporting tubular portion 4 Id. According to this structure, it will be possible to inhibit any changes in the relative position of stick main body 21 and first bearing portion 41 in the circumferential direction about stick axis Axl.

[0126] Biasing member 43 may be cylindrical as shown in Figure 9. Biasing member 43 may be disposed inside housing recessed portions 41b and 42b in the position at which axis Ax2 of the cylinder is substantially parallel to the plane that is orthogonal to stick axis Axl. The outer peripheral surface (curved surface) of biasing member 43 may be in contact with the outer surface of operating stick 20 (outer surface of shaft portion 21b) and pressing slope 42c of second bearing portion 42.

[0127] According to this structure, the area of contact between biasing member 43 and stick main body 21, and the area of contact between biasing member 43 and holders 41 and 42 can be reduced. As a result, it will be possible to reduce the frictional resistance to the relative movement of lower spring bearing portion 40 and the stick main body 21 in the stick axis direction.

[0128] The shape of biasing member 43 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 9. For example, biasing member 43 may be spherical. Because shaft portion 21b of operating stick 20 is cylindrical, if biasing member 43 is spherical, contact point Pl of biasing member 43 and shaft portion 21b of operating stick 20 will be offset to the right (in the XI direction) or to the left (in the X2 direction) with respect to the plane that includes stick axis Axl and along the front-back direction (in the plane indicated by the VI- VI line in Figure 5). Therefore, contact point P2 between shaft portion 21b of operating stick 20 and the inner surface of supporting tubular portion 41d will also be shifted to the right (in the XI direction) or left (in the X2 direction) with respect to this plane.OTHER EXAMPLES OF THE BIASING STRUCTURE

[0129] The stick biasing structure that generates stick biasing force Fl is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7, etc.

[0130] For example, the pressing slope that pushes biasing member 43 may be formed on the inner surface of housing recessed portion 41b of first bearing portion 41, rather than on the innersurface of housing recessed portion 42b of second bearing portion 42. In other words, the pressing slope may be formed in either of the two bearing portions 42.

[0131] As yet another example, the pressing sloped surface may be formed in biasing member 43. For example, a convex part may be formed in second bearing portion 42, which may come into contact with the pressing sloped surface of biasing member 43. This slope may then generate stick biasing force Fl as a result of the elastic force of spring 11. Conversely, a convex part may be formed in first bearing portion 41, which may come into contact with the pressing sloped surface of biasing member 43. This slope may then generate stick biasing force Fl as a result of the elastic force of spring 11.

[0132] In the example shown in Figure 7, etc., biasing member 43 is directly in contact with both operating stick 20 and pressing slope 42c of second bearing portion 42. Unlike this structure, the structure for generating stick biasing force Fl may include a member other than biasing member 43, which may indirectly be in contact with pressing slope 42c of second bearing portion 42 via this member.

[0133] In the example shown in Figure 7, etc., the quantity of biasing members 43 that make up the stick biasing structure is one. However, the number of biasing members 43 may also be three or more. In this case, a plurality of biasing members 43 may be evenly disposed circumferentially surrounding stick axis Axl.

[0134] As yet another example, the number of biasing members 43 may be two. In this case, the two biasing members 43 may be disposed at a spacing in the circumferential direction surrounding stick axis Axl. In this structure as well, it will be possible to press stick main body 21 against the stick supporting surface of supporting tubular portion 41d (the stick supporting surface of support hole 41a).

[0135] As yet another structure, the elastic force of spring 11 may not be utilized in the generation of stick biasing force F 1. In this case, the spring structure generating this stick biasing force Fl may be provided in lower spring bearing portion 40.FIRST MOVABLE PORTION AND SECOND MOVABLE PORTION

[0136] As shown in Figure 3, operating stick assembly 100 includes movable portion 50. Movable portion 50 may have first movable body 51 and second movable body 52. As shown in Figure 8A, stick supporting portion 51a may be formed in first movable body 51. Stick supporting surface 51b may be formed in this stick supporting portion 51a to support the lowerportion of supported ball part 21a. Hereinafter, this stick supporting surface 51b shall be referred to as the “stick supporting surface”.

[0137] Operating stick 20 can be tilted (see Figure 6B) and pushed (up and down, see Figure 6C). Movable portion 50 permits the rotation of supported ball part 21a due to the tilting of operating stick 20. More specifically, stick supporting surface 5 lb is formed to support supported ball part 21a while permitting the rotation of supported ball part 21a due to the tilting of operating stick 20.

[0138] Movable portion 50 (first movable body 51 and second movable body 52) is supported such that it can be moved up and down with supported ball part 21a. When operating stick 20 is subjected to a push operation, movable portion 50 is lowered with supported ball part 21a, and press operation sensor 15 is pushed by movable portion 50 (more specifically, second movable body 52) to switch between the ON and OFF states.

[0139] Housing 30 is anchored onto substrate 12 by a fastening member (such as screw 16, see Figure 3), and supporting portion 31 is immovable relative to substrate 12. As shown in Figure 6A, movable portion 50 (first movable body 51 and second movable body 52) are disposed on the underside of supporting portion 31. Movable portion 50 is also disposed between the left and right sidewalls 32R and 32L (Figure 8B) of housing 30. On the other hand, the return mechanism (spring 11 and lower spring bearing portion 40) that returns operating stick 20 to the stick reference position is supported on the upper side of supporting portion 31.SUPPORT OF THE OPERATING STICK BY THE SUPPORTING PORTION AND FIRST MOVABLE PORTION

[0140] As shown in Figure 7, supporting portion 31 may have stick supporting surface 31c. Stick supporting surface 51b formed in first movable body 51 and stick supporting surface 31c formed in supporting portion 31 may face each other in the vertical direction. Stick supporting surface 31c may support the top part of supported ball part 21a, while stick supporting surface 5 lb may support the bottom part of supported ball part 21a. As shown in Figure 6C, when a push operation is performed on operating stick 20, first movable body 51 is pushed through stick supporting surface 51b by supported ball part 21a so that it will move downward together with operating stick 20. At this time, first movable body 51 will move away from supporting portion 31.

[0141] Supported ball part 21a is allowed to rotate inside stick supporting surfaces 31c and 51b due to the tilting of operating stick 20. Supported ball part 21a is generally spherical abouttilt center Cp, and stick supporting surfaces 31c and 5 lb may be configured to permit the rotation of supported ball part 21a.

[0142] The structure thus forming stick supporting surface 31c in supporting portion 31 facilitates, for example, the raising of the position of supported ball part 21a (or in other words, the position of operating stick 20) when compared to a structure that supports both the top and bottom parts of supported ball part 21a in the movable portion. As a result, it will be easier to place tilting operation sensor 14a and other parts 17 (parts on substrate 12, see Figure 3) below operating stick 20.

[0143] The outer surface of supported ball part 21a and stick supporting surface 51b may each be formed with concave parts and convex parts that fit together. For example, concave part 21e may be formed on the outer surface of supported ball part 21a as shown in Figure 9. Holding portion 5 Ik (see Figure 8A) may be formed on stick supporting surface 5 lb. This holding portion 51k may fit into concave part 21e (see Figure 7). According to this structure, the rotation of operating stick 20 in the circumferential direction about stick axis Axl can be inhibited.

[0144] Concave part 21e and holding portion 51k may be formed such that operating stick 20 can be tilted about tilt center Cp. More specifically, concave part 21e may be a groove extending along an arc about tilt center Cp. As a result, it will be possible for operating stick 20 to tilt in the front-back direction (Y1-Y2 direction) about tilt center Cp (see Figure 6B). Also, holding portion 51k may have a curved surface. For example, holding portion 51k may be hemispherical. According to this structure, operating stick 20 can tilt in the left-right direction (XI to X2 direction) about tilt center Cp.

[0145] Unlike the example shown in Figures 8A and 9, a convex part may be formed on the outer surface of supported ball part 21a and a concave part (groove) may be formed on stick supporting surface 51b. As yet another example, a concave part (groove) and a convex part may be formed in stick supporting surface 31c of supporting portion 31 and the outer surface of supported ball part 21a in order to prevent the rotation of operating stick 20.SENSOR SUPPORT STRUCTURE

[0146] Press operation sensor 15 may be arranged such that it will be pushed due to a push operation on the operating stick. Press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on substrate 12, for example, as shown in Figure 6C, and pressed by movable portion 50 (in particular, by second movable body 52). As will be described later, press operation sensor 15 may be attached tomovable portion 50. Then, if a push operation is performed, it may be pushed by a part located below press operation sensor 15 (such as a main circuit board or the frame of input device 10).

[0147] Tilting operation sensor 14a is supported by movable portion 50 and may move up and down together with operating stick 20. More specifically, tilting operation sensor 14a is supported by first movable body 51 and can be moved up and down with operating stick 20.

[0148] According to this support structure of tilting operation sensor 14a, the distance between sensed portion 29a (magnet) of operating stick 20 and tilting operation sensor 14a is constant regardless of the vertical movement of operating stick 20 caused by the push operation. When operating stick 20 is tilted, the angle of sensed portion 29a relative to tilting operation sensor 14a changes, and tilting operation sensor 14a outputs a signal in response to a change in the magnetic field caused by this angle change. As a result, it will be possible to reduce any drop in the detection accuracy of the tilt angle due to the pushing operation of operating stick 20.

[0149] As shown in Figure 3, tilting operation sensor 14a may be mounted, for example, in flexible printed circuit (FPC) 14. FPC 14 may then be attached to first movable body 51. FPC 14 may be secured, for example, by a fastening member (such as a screw) on the lower surface of stick supporting portion 5 la of first movable body 51. Tilting operation sensor 14a and sensed portion 29a (magnet) may face each other in the stick axis direction.

[0150] As shown in Figure 3, FPC 14 may have plate-like part 14b at its end. Tilting operation sensor 14a is mounted in that part 14b. This plate-like part 14b may be secured to the lower surface of stick supporting portion 51a by a fastening member (such as a screw). Hereinafter, this plate-like part 14b shall be referred to as the “sensor bearing portion supporting surface”. FPC 14 may extend in one direction (such as the direction that is opposite to connector 12a) from sensor bearing portion supporting surface 14b. As shown in Figure 6A, this FPC 14 may be connected to connector 12b that has been mounted on substrate 12, enabling the transmission of signals from tilting operation sensor 14a through this connector 12b to the control apparatus of input device 10.

[0151] As shown in Figure 6A, sensed portion 29a may be attached to the bottommost part of operating stick 20. More specifically, concave part 21g (see Figure 9) is formed at the lower end of supported ball part 21a, and sensed portion 29a may be mounted inside concave part 21g. At the bottom of stick supporting portion 51a of first movable body 51, an opening may be formed to expose sensed portion 29a downward. Tilting operation sensor 14a may face sensed portion 29a in the stick axis direction through this opening.

[0152] The support structure of tilting operation sensor 14a is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6A, etc.

[0153] For example, tilting operation sensor 14a may be mounted on a rigid circuit board. This rigid circuit board may then be attached to first movable body 51 and connected via a connector and an FPC to the main circuit board provided by substrate 12 or input device 10. As yet another example, FPC 14 may be directly connected to the main circuit board provided by input device 10.

[0154] As shown in Figure 7, concave part 31k may be formed on the lower surface of supporting portion 31. Opening 3 la is formed inside this concave part 3 Ik. At least the top part of stick supporting portion 51a of first movable body 51 may be disposed within this concave part 31k. In other words, the position of the top surface of stick supporting portion 51a may be higher than outer edge 31m of concave part 31k. According to this structure, the position of supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 can be raised. As a result, it will be easier to secure the distance between substrate 12 and supported ball part 21a, as well as the distance between substrate 12 and tilting operation sensor 14a, and it will also be easier to place other parts 17 (see Figure 3) below tilting operation sensor 14a.GUIDE FOR THE MOVEMENT DIRECTION OF THE MOVABLE PORTIONS

[0155] As shown in Figure 8A, first movable body 51 includes first guided portion 51c. First movable body 51 may have two first guided portions 51c. These two first guided portions 51c may be positioned opposite each other, for example, sandwiching stick supporting portion 51a in the direction of axis Ax3 of supported shaft portion 52b, which will be described below. On the other hand, housing 30 may have two guiding portions 32c into which each of these two first guided portions 51c fit, as shown in Figure 8B. Guiding portion 32c limits the direction into which first guided portion 51c may move (the direction into which first movable body 51 may move) in the vertical direction. According to this structure, it will be possible to prevent unintended changes in the pose of movable portion 50 (changes in the relative position of tilting operation sensor 14a and sensed portion 29a) when a push operation is performed, while allowing for the movement of movable portion 50 up and down.

[0156] As shown in Figure 8 A, first guided portion 51c is separated from stick supporting portion 51a of operating stick 20 in the radial direction. Connecting portion 51e is formed between first guided portion 51c and stick supporting portion 51a to connect them. Two connecting portions 51e may be positioned opposite each other, sandwiching stick supportingportion 51a, in the direction of axis Ax3 of supported shaft portion 52b. The two first guided portions 51c may each extend downwardly from the two connecting portions 51e.

[0157] As shown in Figure 8B, a groove that extends upwardly from the lower edge of sidewall portions 32R and 32L may be formed on the stick supporting surface of the left and right sidewall portions 32R and 32L of housing 30. This groove may function as guiding portion 32c. In other words, first guided portion 51c may be fitted inside guiding portion 32c. First guided portion 51c may move up and down while in the state in which it is in contact with the inner surface of guiding portion 32c.

[0158] As shown in Figure 8A, first guided portion 51c may have holding portion 5contact holding portion 5 Id that is in contact with the inner surface of guiding portion 32c. holding portion 5Contact holding portion 5 Id may be formed, for example, on the front (the face facing in the Y 1 direction) and the rear (the face facing in the Y2 direction) of first guided portion 51c. The top of holding portion 5contact holding portion 5 Id may have a curved surface. According to this structure, it will be possible to reduce the area of contact between guided portion 51c and the stick supporting surface of guiding portion 32c. As a result, it will be possible to ensure the smooth movement of first movable body 51 relative to housing 30. Also, because holding portion 5contact holding portion 5 Id is formed on the front and rear surfaces of guided portion 51c, it will be possible to reliably inhibit the movement of first movable body 51 about the axis along the left and right direction (the XI -X2 direction). It is also acceptable to secure a clearance between the side of first guided portion 51c (the side facing outward in the left and right direction) and the stick supporting surface of guiding portion 32c of housing 30.

[0159] Note that, unlike the example shown in Figure 8A, etc., a contact holding portion may also be formed on the side of first guided portion 51c. The contact holding portion may also be formed on the stick supporting surface of guiding portion 32c. In other words, a contact holding portion may be formed in either one of first guided portion 51c or guiding portion 32c in order to reduce the contact area between the two.

[0160] In addition, contrary to the example shown in Figure 8A, etc., a holding portion extending up and down in the stick supporting surface of sidewall portions 32R and 32L of housing 30 may be formed, and this holding portion may be formed as guiding portion 32c. First movable body 51 may then be formed with a groove into which this guiding portion 32c fits as first guided portion 51c.

[0161] As shown in Figure 8A, first movable body 51 may further have second guided portion 51i. On the other hand, second movable body 52 may have two arm portions 52a that are each supported via supported shaft portion 52b. The two arm portions 52a are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction (the XI -X2 direction, the direction along axis Ax2 of supported shaft portion 52b). Second guiding portion 5 li may be disposed between the two arm portions 52a. The direction of movement of second guiding portion 5 li may then be limited in the up and down direction by the two arm portions 52a. In other words, arm portion 52a may function as the guiding portion.

[0162] As shown in Figure 8A, second guiding portion 51i may be formed with holding portion 5contact holding portion 51 j that is in contact with arm portion 52a. holding portion 5Contact holding portion 51 j may be formed, for example, on the left and right side surfaces of second guided portion 5 li. The top of the holding portion 5contact holding portion 5 Ij may have a curved surface. According to this structure, it will be possible to reduce the area of contact between guided portion 5 li and arm portion 52a.

[0163] As described above, first guided portion 51c is in contact with guiding portion 32c in the front-back direction via holding portion 5 contact holding portion 5 Id. Second guided portion 5 li is in contact with arm portion 52a in the left-right direction via holding portion 5contact holding portion 51 j . According to this structure, it will be possible to effectively inhibit the movement of first movable body 51 both in the front-back direction and in the left-right direction.

[0164] The structure limiting the direction of movement of first movable body 51 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8A, etc. For example, the movement direction of second guided portion 5 li may be limited by housing 30, rather than by second movable body 52. In other words, a groove (guiding portion) having a stick supporting surface that is in contact with contact holding portion 51 j of second guided portion 5 li may be formed in housing 30. As yet another example, first movable portion 51 may not have second guided portion 5 li. In this case, first guided portion 51c may be in contact with the stick supporting surface of housing 30 not only in the front-back direction, but also in the left-right direction.SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0165] The base of second movable body 52 may be supported such that its movement up and down is restricted. The base of second movable body 52 may be supported by housing 30. For example, each arm portion 52a may have supported shaft portion 52b at its base that is rotatable about axis Ax3 along the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 8A. Supported shaft portion52b may protrude outwardly from the base of arm portion 52a in the left-right direction. Arm portion 52a may then be supported by housing 30 via supported shaft portion 52b. Support hole 32d may be formed in sidewall portions 32R and 32L of housing 30 into which supported shaft portion 52b may be fitted.

[0166] Note that, contrary to the example shown in Figure 8A, a shaft portion may be formed in housing 30. A hole may then be formed in arm portion 52a into which the shaft portion may be fitted.

[0167] As shown in Figure 8B, second movable body 52 may have arm connecting portion 52f opposite the base of arm portion 52a (supported shaft portion 52b) that sandwiches stick axis Axl. Arm connecting portion 52f may pass over the tips of the two arm portions 52a.

[0168] First movable body 51 is disposed on the upper side of second movable body 52. The above-described connecting portion 51e of first movable body 51 may be located above arm portion 52a of second movable body 52. As shown in Figure 8A, arm portion 52a may have receiving surface 52c on its upper side. Receiving surface 52c may be located between the base (supported shaft portion 52b) and the tip (arm connecting portion 52f) of arm portion 52a. Connecting portion 51e on the right side of first movable body 51 is located above receiving surface 52c of arm portion 52a on the right side. Connecting portion 51e on the left side of first movable body 51 is located above receiving surface 52c of arm portion 52a on the left side. Each connecting portion 5 le has arm pressing surface 5 If (see Figure 8B) on its lower surface to press receiving surface 52c.ARRANGEMENT OF THE PRESS OPERATION SENSORS

[0169] Press operation sensor 15 may be arranged in a position that is separated from stick axis Axl. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, press operation sensor 15 may be separated from stick axis Axl towards the forward direction. Press operation sensor 15 may be arranged such that it does not overlap supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 in the planar view of operating stick assembly 100.

[0170] According to this arrangement of press operation sensor 15, a degree of freedom can be secured for the distance from substrate 12 to operating stick 20. For example, it will be possible to lower the position of operating stick 20 even if the size of press operation sensor 15 is large in the up-down direction. It will also be easier to place tilting operation sensor 14a below operating stick 20.

[0171] As shown in Figure 6A, press operation sensor 15 and tilting operation sensor 14a are spaced apart in the direction that intersects stick axis Axl (in the direction that is parallel to substrate 12). The position of tilting operation sensor 14a may also be lower than upper end 15a of press operation sensor 15, and higher than lower end 15b (lower surface) of press operation sensor 15. According to this structure, the position of tilting operation sensor 14a will be lowered, making it easier to lower the position of operating stick 20 or to secure the distance between sensed portion 29a (such as a magnet) attached to operating stick 20 and tilting operation sensor 14a.

[0172] As shown in Figure 6A, other parts 17 may be disposed below tilting operation sensor 14a. By making effective use of the space below tilting operation sensor 14a, it will be possible to reduce the size of substrate 12.

[0173] As shown in Figure 6A, press operation sensor 15 is located below arm connecting portion 52f. In arm connecting portion 52f, sensor operating portion 52e that operates press operation sensor 15 may be formed. The lower surface of arm connecting portion part 52f functions as sensor operating portion 52e. Sensor operating portion 52e faces press operation sensor 15 in the vertical direction.

[0174] As shown in Figure 8B, arm connecting portion 52f may connect the top of arm portions 52a to the left and right. Press operation sensor 15 may then be located between arm portions 52a on the left and right. According to this structure, while securing width W1 (see Figure 8B) of arm portion 52a in the vertical direction, it will be possible to utilize press operation sensor 15 that has a large size in the vertical direction.

[0175] As shown in Figure 6C, when a push operation is performed on operating stick 20, first movable body 51 is pushed by supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 so that it will move downward together with operating stick 20. At this time, first movable body 51 pushes down second movable body 52. More specifically, arm pressing surface 5 If pushes down arm portions 52a on the left and right. Then, the position of second movable body 52 is lowered about supported shaft portion 52b, and sensor operating portion 52e pushes on press operation sensor 15.

[0176] Sensor operating portion 52e and supported shaft portion 52b are positioned opposite each other in the direction along substrate 12 the front-back direction in the example shown in the figure) between receiving surface 52c and stick supporting portion 51a. According to this structure, when a push operation acts on operating stick 20, the movement of sensor operatingportion 52e in the up and down direction can be increased, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the push operation.

[0177] Arm pressing surface 5 If may be formed such that lower end 51g protrudes, as shown in Figure 10. For example, arm pressing surface 5 If may be formed to have an approximately triangular shape that faces downwards. Arm pressing surface 5 If may then push down receiving surface 52c that has been formed on the upper surface of arm portion 52a at its lower end 51g.

[0178] A change of the angle of arm pressing surface 5 If relative to receiving surface 52c is allowed. Therefore, the tilting of second movable body 52 relative to first movable body 51, or in other words, in the up-down direction, will be permitted. As a result, when first movable body 51 moves straight up and down due to the action of guiding portion 32c of housing 30, second movable body 52 moves up and down about supported shaft portion 52b and tilts in the up-down direction.

[0179] In this way, the relative movement (tilting) of second movable body 52 and first movable body 51 is permitted. According to this structure, first movable body 51 is able to maintain its pose horizontally, or in other words, to maintain a parallel pose with substrate 12. As a result, it will be possible to inhibit any unintentional changes in the angle of tilting operation sensor 14a relative to operating stick 20. For example, when second movable body 52 presses press operation sensor 15, it will be possible to inhibit any changes in the angle between tilting operation sensor 14a and sensed portion 29a of operating stick 20.BIASING OF THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY TO THE INITIAL POSITION

[0180] Second movable body 52 is biased upwards. As shown in Figure 2, operating stick assembly 100 may have spring 53 that is supported by housing 30 and that biases second movable body 52 upwardly, for example. First movable body 51 may be biased upwardly via second movable body 52. In other words, arm portion 52a of second movable body 52 may push up connecting portion 5 le of first movable body 51.

[0181] Spring 53 may be, for example, a torsion spring. As shown in Figure 8B, spring 53 may have two supported parts 53b that are supported by housing 30. The two supported parts 53b are supported by the upper side of spring supporting portion 33 that protrudes forward from the left and right sidewalls 32R and 32L of housing 30 (see Figure 2). Spring 53 includes mounting part 53a between the two supported parts 53b. Mounting part 53a is attached to arm connecting portion 52f of second movable body 52. Arm connecting portion 52f may have holding portion52g that protrudes towards the front. Mounting part 53a may be attached to this holding portion 52g.

[0182] The placement of press operation sensor 15 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6A, etc. For example, press operation sensor 15 may be mounted onto the lower surface of arm connecting portion 52f such that it may move up and down together with arm connecting portion 52f. Then, if first movable body 51 pushes down on second movable body 52, press operation sensor 15 may be pushed by substrate 12.

[0183] As yet another example, press operation sensor 15 may be located below operating stick 20. As described above, tilting operation sensor 14a is also located below operating stick 20. Therefore, press operation sensor 15 may be located below tilting operation sensor 14a. For example, press operation sensor 15 may be mounted to the lower surface of sensor bearing portion supporting surface 14b of FPC 14. In this case, operating stick assembly 100 may not have second movable body 52. In this structure, when first movable body 51 is depressed, press operation sensor 15 is pushed by substrate 12.

[0184] Press operation sensor 15 may also be mounted on substrate 12 and located below sensor bearing portion supporting surface 14b of FPC 14. In this case, when first movable body 51 is pushed down, press operation sensor 15 will be pushed by sensor bearing portion supporting surface 14b.SECOND EXAMPLE OF THE OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY

[0185] Operating stick assembly 200 shall be described while referring to Figure 11 through Figure 17. The following explanation will focus on the differences between operating stick assembly 200 and operating stick assembly 100 as described above. Any matters of operating stick assembly 200 that are not described may be taken as being the same as in operating stick assembly 100. For the elements common to operating stick assembly 100, the same reference shall be attached and the description thereof shall be omitted.

[0186] As shown in Figure 12, operating stick assembly 200 includes operating stick 20 and spring 11. Operating stick 20 may have stick main body 21, mounting body 224 (see Figure 16A) attached to the top part of stick main body 21, and top member 223 attached to the outer side of mounting body 224. Top member 223 may have an umbrella-shaped cover part 223a that covers housing 230, and a disc-shaped top part 223b located at the topmost part of operating stick 20. Top member 223 may also be attached to the outside of mounting body 224.

[0187] Mounting body 224 may be formed with a concave part that opens downward. The top of spring 11 may then be disposed inside this concave part. Therefore, the upper end of the concave part of mounting body 224 may function as attaching barrel portion 224a supporting the upper end of spring 11.

[0188] Operating stick assembly 200 may have lower spring bearing portion 240, housing 230, movable portion 250, and FPC 214. Housing 230 may have first housing 231 and second housing 233. Movable portion 250 may have first movable body (upper movable portion) 251 and second movable body (lower movable portion) 252.STRUCTURE FOR BIASING THE OPERATING STICK

[0189] Operating stick assembly 200 has a stick biasing structure that exerts a force (stick biasing force Fl) on operating stick 20 in a direction that intersects stick axis Axl . In operating stick assembly 200, the stick biasing structure is formed in lower spring bearing portion 240. More particularly, elastic part 242 is formed in lower spring bearing portion 240 that applies stick biasing force Fl to operating stick 20.

[0190] As shown in Figure 14, lower spring bearing portion 240 has supporting tubular portion 241 in its center. Lower spring bearing portion 240 includes a disc-shaped holder 243 that spreads in the radial direction from the lower edge of supporting tubular portion 241. Opening 241a is formed in supporting tubular portion 241, and elastic part 242 is disposed inside opening 241a.

[0191] As shown in Figure 16A, one end (such as the lower end) of elastic part 242 may be connected, for example, to holder 243. Elastic part 242 may be elastically deformable such that the other end (upper end 242a) will move in the radial direction of operating stick 20. Upper end 242a of elastic part 242 may then apply stick biasing force Fl to operating stick 20. Elastic part 242 may be integrally shaped using resin with the other portions of lower spring bearing portion 240.

[0192] According to this structure, it will be possible to inhibit any changes in the relative position of operating stick 20 relative to lower spring bearing portion 240. As a result, it will be possible to improve comfort when performing the operations. In addition, the impact of the clearance between operating stick 20 and the inner surface of supporting tubular portion 241 on the accuracy of detection of the tilt angle by tilting operation sensor 14a can be reduced.

[0193] Note that, unlike the example shown in Figure 16A, etc., upper end 242a of elastic part 242 may be connected, for example, to supporting tubular portion 241. In this case, elastic part 242 may be elastically deformable such that the lower end of elastic part 242 moves in the radial direction of operating stick 20. The lower end of elastic part 242 may then apply stick biasing force Fl to operating stick 20.

[0194] As yet another example, it is also acceptable to form an elastic part, which is elastically deformable in the radial direction of operating stick 20, in operating stick 20. Stick biasing force Fl may be generated when this elastic part hits lower spring bearing portion 240. For example, between supporting tubular portion 241 and shaft portion 21b of operating stick 20, a spring may be disposed that serves as a biasing member.SUPPORT OF THE OPERATING STICK BY THE FIRST MOVABLE BODY AND THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0195] First housing 231 includes supporting portion 232 (see Figure 14). As shown in Figure 16A, first movable body 251 and second movable body 252 are disposed below supporting portion 232. Unlike in operating stick assembly 100, first movable body 251 and second movable body 252 may be secured to each other in the up-down direction. For example, as shown in Figure 17, first movable body 251 and second movable body 252 may be connected by a fastening member (such as screw 259), and supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 may be supported by the two movable bodies 251 and 252.

[0196] As shown in Figure 16B, an opening may be formed in the center portion of first movable body 251. First movable body 251 may have stick supporting surface 251a as the stick supporting surface of this opening. Stick supporting surface 251a may support the outer surface of the top of supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, second movable body 252 may have stick supporting portion 252a in its central portion. Stick supporting portion 252a may constitute stick supporting surface 252b that supports the outer surface of the lower portion of supported ball part 21a. Hereinafter, this stick supporting surface 252b shall be referred to as the stick supporting surface.

[0197] Supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 is disposed on the inner side of stick supporting surfaces 251a and 252b above and below, and is rotatable on the inner side of stick supporting surfaces 251a and 252b. As a result, this permits the tilting of operating stick 20 as shown in Figure 16C. Stick supporting surfaces 251a and 252b may be part of a spherical surface centered about tilt center Cp (see Figure 16C) of operating stick 20.

[0198] As shown in Figure 15, second movable body 252 may have concave part 252e in its right and left parts. On the other hand, first movable body 251 may have a mounting holding portion 25 le in its right and left parts. Mounting holding portion 25 le may be fitted into concave part 252e. Further, these may then be attached by a fastening member (such as screw 259) to FPC 214, which will be described below.RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE POSITIONS OF THE SUPPORTING PORTION AND THE MOVEABLE BODIES

[0199] In supporting portion 232 of first housing 231, opening 232b (see Figure 14) is formed. Operating stick 20 is disposed inside this opening 232b. First movable body 251 has stick supporting portion 251b (see Figure 15) in its central portion. A hole is formed in stick supporting portion 251b, the inner surface of which serves as stick supporting surface 251a.

[0200] As shown in Figure 16B, stick supporting portion 251b of first movable body 251 projects upwardly through opening 232b that has been formed in supporting portion 232. The position of the upper end of stick supporting portion 251b is higher than the upper surface of supporting portion 31 (bearing portion supporting surface 232a). According to this structure, the position of operating stick 20 can be raised. As a result, the placement of tilting operation sensor 14a and the placement of parts disposed below it can be facilitated. Concave part 242b may be formed on the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 240, as shown in Figure 16B. The top of stick supporting portion 251b may be located inside this concave part 242b.

[0201] As shown in Figure 16B, the position of at least the upper end of supported ball part 21a may be higher than the upper surface of supporting portion 232 (bearing portion supporting surface 232a). More specifically, the position of the upper end of supported ball part 21a may be higher than the upper end of the upper surface of supporting portion 232 (corner portion 232g). This arrangement of operating stick 20 raises the position of operating stick 20, thereby facilitating the placement of the other parts below operating stick 20.

[0202] Also, as shown in Figure 16B, concave part 232c may be formed on the lower surface of supporting portion 232. Further, movable portion 250 (more specifically, first movable body 251) may then be disposed in this concave part 232c. According to this structure as well, the position of operating stick 20 can be raised. As a result, the placement of tilting operation sensor 14a and the placement of parts disposed below it can be facilitated.BEARING PORTION SUPPORTING SURFACE

[0203] As shown in Figure 16A, lower spring bearing portion 240 is disposed on the upper side of supporting portion 232 of first housing 231. Supporting portion 232 may have bearing portion supporting surface 232a (see Figure 16B) on its upper surface. The height of bearing portion supporting surface 232a may vary in the radial direction of operating stick 20.

[0204] For example, bearing portion supporting surface 232a may have inner circumferential portion 232e that is relatively close to axis Axl of operating stick 20, and outer circumferential portion 232f that is formed outside inner circumferential portion 31e, as shown in Figure 16B. Inner circumferential portion 3 le and outer circumferential portion 232f may be shaped as rings around opening 232b (see Figure 14) into which operating stick 20 may be placed. The height of outer circumferential portion 232f may be lower than that of inner circumferential portion 232e. According to this structure, it will be possible to prevent the reaction force to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 from becoming excessively large.

[0205] As shown in Figure 16B, inner circumferential portion 232e may be formed such that its height gradually increases moving towards the radial direction. For example, inner circumferential portion 232e may be an inclined surface of which the outer circumferential portion edge height is higher than that of the inner perimeter. According to this structure, during the first step in the process of tilting operating stick 20 from the stick reference position, the reaction force in relation to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 will gradually increase.

[0206] Outer circumferential portion 232f may be formed such that its height gradually falls moving towards the radial direction. For example, outer circumferential portion 232f may be a pressing sloped surface of which the outer circumferential portion edge height is lower than that of the inner circumferential portion. According to this structure, during the second half of the process of tilting operating stick 20 from the stick reference position, it will be possible to prevent the reaction force in relation to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 from becoming excessively large.

[0207] Corner portion 232 g may be formed between inner circumferential portion 232e and outer circumferential portion 232f. During the process of tilting operating stick 20, the lower surface of lower spring bearing portion 240 slides over comer portion 232g (the outer edge of inner circumferential portion 232e).

[0208] The diameter of the outer circumferential portion edge of inner circumferential portion 31e may be smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential portion edge of the lowersurface of lower spring bearing portion 240. As a result, it will be possible to effectively prevent the reaction force to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 from becoming excessively large. Also, the distance (in the radial direction) from axis Axl to the outer circumferential portion edge of inner circumferential portion 232e may be less than half of the distance from axis Axl to the outer circumferential portion edge of outer circumferential portion 232f. According to this structure, during the first step in the process of tilting operating stick 20 from the stick reference position, it will be possible to prevent the reaction force in relation to the tilting operation of operating stick 20 from becoming excessively large.MOVEMENT OF THE MOVABLE BODIES

[0209] Spring 11 biases upper spring holder 224a of operating stick 20 upward. Movable bodies 251 and 252 hold supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20 and are anchored onto each other. Therefore, movable bodies 251 and 252 will be biased upward by the elastic force of spring 11. The upper surface of first movable body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of supporting portion 232.

[0210] When operating stick 20 is pushed and supported ball part 21a is lowered, the two movable bodies 251 and 252 will be lowered as a single unit away from the lower surface of supporting portion 232. When the push operation is released, movable bodies 251 and 252 will return to the initial position (the position at which the upper surface of first movable body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of supporting portion 232) due to the elastic force of spring 11. In other words, in operating stick assembly 200, unlike in operating stick assembly 100, the movable bodies can be returned to the initial position with a single spring 11.SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF THE TILTING OPERATION SENSOR

[0211] In operating stick assembly 200, as in operating stick assembly 100, tilting operation sensor 14a may be supported by movable portion 250. As shown in Figure 17, FPC 214 onto which tilting operation sensor 14a has been installed may be attached to the lower surface of second movable body 252. FPC 214 may have sensor bearing portion supporting surface 214b. Sensor bearing portion supporting surface 214b may be attached to the lower surface of second movable body 252 by a fastening member (such as screw 259). The fastening member may secure both second movable body 252 and sensor bearing portion supporting surface 214b that has been disposed on the lower surface of second movable body 252 to first movable body 251.SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF THE PRESS OPERATION SENSOR

[0212] In operating stick assembly 200, press operation sensor 15 may be arranged at a distance away from stick axis Axl, as was the case in operating stick assembly 100. According to this structure, it will be possible to ensure a degree of freedom regarding the height of operating stick 20. For example, the position of supported ball part 21a and tilting operation sensor 14a can be lowered.

[0213] Press operation sensor 15 may be supported by movable portion 250. For example, as shown in Figure 16A, press operation sensor 15 may be supported by the lower surface of second movable body 252 in a pose that faces downwards. Then, if operating stick 20 is pushed and movable portion 250 is lowered, press operation sensor 15 may be pressed against board B (such as a main circuit board of input device 10) onto which operating stick assembly 200 is mounted, turning the device ON. Housing 230 may be attached to this board B.

[0214] Press operation sensor 15 may be mounted onto FPC 214. For example, both press operation sensor 15 and tilting operation sensor 14a may be mounted on one side of FPC 214. This FPC 214 may then be folded back and attached to the lower surface of second movable body 252 with press operation sensor 15 facing downward, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, press operation sensor 15 may be attached to the lower surface of FPC 214 and tilting operation sensor 14a may be attached to the upper surface of FPC 214. By attaching both of the two sensors 15 and 14a to FPC 214 in this way, it will be possible to treat the assembly including the press operation sensor and the tilting operation sensor as a single component in the manufacturing process of input device 10, thereby improving its workability.

[0215] As shown in Figure 16A, second movable body 252 may have sensor operating portion 252f. Sensor bearing portion supporting surface 214b may be supported in the lower surface of sensor operating portion 252f. The position of the lower surface of sensor operating portion 252f may be higher than lower surface 252g of the portion to which FPC 214 is attached in second movable body 252. As a result, this enables the use of press operation sensor 15 with a large size in the up-down direction.

[0216] As shown in Figure 16A, the position of tilting operation sensor 14a may be lower than the upper end of press operation sensor 15, and higher than the lower end (lower surface) of press operation sensor 15. According to this structure, the position of tilting operation sensor 14a will be lowered, making it easier to lower the position of operating stick 20 or to secure thedistance between sensed portion 29a (such as a magnet) attached to operating stick 20 and tilting operation sensor 14a.SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND MOVEMENT OF THE SECOND MOVABLE BODY

[0217] As shown in Figure 16A, second movable body 252 may have supported part 252c. This supported part 252c may be supported such that its up-down movement is restricted. For example, supported part 252c may be supported by housing 230. Supported part 252c may, for example, protrude towards the backward direction from second movable body 252. On the other hand, housing 230 (more particularly, second housing 233) may have support hole 233a that supports this supported part 252c.

[0218] Press operation sensor 15 is positioned opposite support hole 233a and supported part 252c, sandwiching stick supporting surfaces 251a and 252b that support operating stick 20. Support hole 233a of housing 230 limits the up-down movement of supported part 252c. Therefore, when operating stick 20 is pushed down, the range of movement of sensor operating portion 252f increases, making it possible to improve the accuracy of detection of the push operation by press operation sensor 15.MOUNTING STRUCTURE OF THE MOVABLE BODY TO THE HOUSING

[0219] Second movable body 252 may have connecting portion holding portion 252d (see Figure 15) that protrudes in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 11, second housing 233 may have coupling hole 233b that retains this connecting portion holding portion 252d. Also, first housing 231 and second housing 233 may each have mounting parts 231c and 233 d (see Figure 11) that may be secured by a fastening member (such as threaded screw 239 (see Figure 12). According to this structure, movable portion 250 and housing 230 can be integrated into a single unit, and operating stick assembly 200 can be handled as a single component in the manufacturing process of input device 10.

[0220] Operating stick assembly 200 does not have substrate 12, unlike operating stick assembly 100 as shown in Figure 2, etc. Operating stick assembly 200, even without this substrate 12, can be treated as a single component in the manufacturing process of input device 10 because movable portion 250 and housing 230 are integrated into a single unit.STOPPER

[0221] Second housing 233 may have cover part 233e that covers supporting portion 232 of first housing 231. An opening is formed in the center of cover part 233e, with operating stick 20 disposed therein. As shown in Figure 16C, when operating stick 20 is tilted to the maximum tiltangle, upper edge 233f (stopper surface) of cover part 233e touches mounting body 224 of operating stick 20, thereby limiting any tilting beyond the maximum tilt angle of operating stick 20. In other words, cover part 233e functions as a stopper.

[0222] Also, cover part 233e is a dome shape that is opened at the top part, and it overlaps with cover part 223a of operating stick 20 in the planar view. According to this structure, when input device 10 is equipped with operating stick assembly 200, it will be possible to effectively minimize the exposure of the internal structure.

[0223] It should be noted that a portion of the structure described above of operating stick assembly 200 as shown in Figure 11, etc., may be combined with a portion of the structure of operating stick assembly 100 as shown in Figure 2, etc. For example, the stick biasing structure of operating stick assembly 100 may be combined with the structure (movable portion 250) that supports press operation sensor 15 in operating stick assembly 200. As another example, the structure (substrate 12, and movable bodies 51 and 52) that support press operation sensor 15 in operating stick assembly 100 may be combined with the stick biasing structure in operating stick assembly 200.THIRD EXAMPLE OF THE OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY

[0224] Operating stick assembly 300 shall be described while referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19. The following explanation will focus on the differences between operating stick assembly 300 and operating stick assemblies 100 and 200 as described above. Any matters of operating stick assembly 300 that are not described may be taken as being the same as in operating stick assemblies 100 and 200. For the elements common to operating stick assemblies 100 and 200, the same reference shall be attached and the description thereof shall be omitted.

[0225] As shown in Figure 19, operating stick assembly 300 includes operating stick 320. Operating stick 320 includes stick main body 321. Stick main body 321 may have shaft portion 321 A and supported ball part 321B that have been formed separately and are secured onto each other. Helical hole 231a may be formed in supported ball part 321B, and the lower end of shaft portion 321 A may be fitted into this helical hole 23 la and secured onto supported ball part 321B.

[0226] As shown in Figure 19, operating stick assembly 300 includes tilting operation sensor 14a and press operation sensor 15. Tilting operation sensor 14a and press operation sensor 15 may be located below operating stick 20. In other words, the two sensors 14a and 15 may be positioned on stick axis Axl.

[0227] Operating stick assembly 300 may also have movable portion 250 as is the case in operating stick assembly 200 shown in Figure 16 A, etc. In operating stick assembly 300, both tilting operation sensor 14a and press operation sensor 15 may be attached to movable portion 250.

[0228] More specifically, tilting operation sensor 14a may be mounted on the upper surface of FPC 314, while press operation sensor 15 may be mounted on the lower surface of FPC 314. FPC 314 may then be attached to the lower surface of movable portion 250. According to this structure, it will be possible to operate press operation sensor 15 without forcing any tilting of movable portion 250 when the push operation is performed on operating stick 20. Therefore, this structure simplifies the support structure of the two sensors 14a and 15.

[0229] As shown in Figure 19, operating stick assembly 300 may have first housing 231 and second housing 233 similar to operating stick assembly 200 as shown in Figure 16A, etc. Operating stick assembly 300 may also have lower spring bearing portion 340 that is constructed of first bearing portion 341 and second bearing portion 342, as is the case in operating stick assembly 100 shown in Figure 6 A, etc. Biasing member 43 may then be arranged between these bearing portionsFOURTH EXAMPLE OF THE OPERATING STICK ASSEMBLY

[0230] Operating stick assembly 400 shall be described while referring to Figure 20 through Figure 22. The following explanation will focus on the differences between operating stick assembly 400 and operating stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300 as described above. Any matters of operating stick assembly 400 that are not described may be taken as being the same as in operating stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300. For the elements common to operating stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300, the same reference shall be attached and the description thereof shall be omitted.

[0231] As shown in Figure 21A, operating stick assembly 400 includes operating stick 420, lower spring bearing portion 440, movable portion 450, and housing 430. In addition, operating stick assembly 400 includes tilting operation sensor 14a and press operation sensor 15.

[0232] Housing 430 may have guiding portion 431. Opening 431a is formed at the top of guiding portion 431. Operating stick 420 may be disposed inside this opening 431a. Operating stick 420 may have stick main body 421, top member 423, and guided member 425.

[0233] As shown in Figure 21A, guided member 425 of operating stick 420 may have mounting body 425b located in the center thereof, and guided portion 425c that spreads in the radial direction from mounting body 425b. Guided portion 425c may be disposed along the inner surface (lower surface) of guiding portion 431 of housing 430.

[0234] Attaching barrel portion 425a may be formed in mounting body 425b. More specifically, a concave part that is open downwards is formed in mounting body 425b, and the top end of this concave part may serve as attaching barrel portion 425a that supports the upper end of spring 11. Mounting body 425b is biased upwardly by spring 11. The movement of operating stick 420 upward may be limited by guiding portion 431 of housing 430 and guided portion 425c of operating stick 20.

[0235] As shown in Figure 2 IB, the stick supporting surface of guiding portion 431 and the outer surface of guided portion 425c may be curved to allow tilting operation of operating stick 20. More specifically, the stick supporting surface of guiding portion 431 and the outer surface of guided portion 425c may be part of a spherical surface centered about tilt center Cp of operating stick 420.

[0236] In operating stick assembly 100 as shown in Figure 6A, etc., stick supporting surface 31c was formed in supporting portion 31 of housing 30 to support the top part of supported ball part 21a of operating stick 20.

[0237] In operating stick assembly 400, guiding portion 431 of housing 30 replaces this stick supporting surface 31c.

[0238] As shown in Figure 21 A, movable portion 450 may have supporting portion 451. Lower spring bearing portion 440 that supports the lower end of spring 11 is disposed on supporting portion 451. Lower spring bearing portion 440 may have supporting tubular portion 441 in its center. Shaft portion 421b of stick main body 421 of operating stick 420 may be inserted into supporting tubular portion 441.

[0239] Supporting portion 451 has bearing portion supporting surface 45 lb on its top surface. Bearing portion supporting surface 451b may be gradually raised as it moves towards the radial direction of operating stick 420. According to this structure, as the amount of tilting of operating stick 420 increases, the reaction force to the tilting operation may be increased.

[0240] At the center of supporting portion 451, an opening is formed, and the stick supporting surface of the opening may serve as stick supporting surface 451a. In other words, the sticksupporting surface of the opening (stick supporting surface 451a) may support supported ball portion 421a that is located at the bottom of operating stick 420. The outer surface of supported ball portion 421a and the stick supporting surface 45 la may be curved to permit tilting operations of operating stick 20. More specifically, the outer surface of supported ball part 421a and stick supporting surface 451a may be part of a spherical surface centered about tilt center Cp of operating stick 420.

[0241] Tilting operation sensor 14a is located below sensed portion 29a (magnet) that is attached to supported ball part 421a. As was the case in operating stick assembly 100 shown in Figure 6A, etc., tilting operation sensor 14a may be mounted onto FPC 14. FPC 14 may be secured to the lower surface of movable portion 450 by a fastening member (such as a screw).

[0242] When a push operation is performed on operating stick 420, movable portion 450 is pushed down by supported ball part 421a. As shown in Figure 22, at the back part of movable portion 450, there may be supported part 45 Id that is supported by substrate 12. Supported part 45 Id is in contact with substrate 12, and its movement in the up-down direction is limited by substrate 12. When movable portion 450 is pushed down, the front of movable portion 450 will be lowered.

[0243] Press operation sensor 15 is located opposite on the opposite side to supported part 45 Id, sandwiching stick axis Axl. Movable portion 450 includes sensor operating portion 45 le that is located in the front of it on the top side of press operation sensor 15. When movable portion 450 is pushed down, sensor operating portion 45 le of movable portion 450 pushes press operation sensor 15, which causes press operation sensor 15 to turn ON.

[0244] It should be noted that a portion of the structure described above of operating stick assembly 400 as shown in Figure 21A, etc., may be combined with a portion of the structure of the other operating stick assemblies 100, 200, and 300.

[0245] For example, the stick biasing structure of operating stick assembly 100 may be combined with movable portion 450 in operating stick assembly 400. As another example, the structure (substrate 12, and movable bodies 51 and 52) that support press operation sensor 15 in operating stick assembly 100 may be combined with lower spring bearing portion 440 in operating stick assembly 400.SUMMARY

[0246] (1) The operating stick assembly that is proposed in the present disclosure includes an operating stick with an attaching barrel portion at the top part and that is supported such that it may tilt, a spring disposed along the operating stick and that has an upper end that is supported by the attaching barrel portion, a lower spring bearing portion that supports the lower end of the spring, and a biasing structure. The lower spring bearing portion supports the operating stick such that the lower spring bearing portion may move relative to the operating stick in the direction along the operating stick, and will tilt to match the inclination of the operating stick. The biasing structure exerts a force in a first direction that intersects the operating stick from the lower spring bearing portion to the operating stick. According to this operating stick assembly, it will be possible to inhibit rattling of the operating stick.

[0247] (2) In the operating stick assembly as described in (1), the operating stick may be arranged in the stick reference position when the operating stick is not receiving the application of any radial force. The lower spring bearing portion may be arranged in the bearing portion reference position when the operating stick is in the stick reference position, and may be supported such that it will tilt from the holder reference position when the operating stick is tilted and such that the distance with the attaching barrel portion will be reduced.

[0248] (3) In the operating stick assembly as described in (1) or (2), there is a supporting portion in which an opening is formed. The operating stick may tilt inside the opening. The lower spring bearing portion may be disposed on the upper side of the supporting portion.

[0249] (4) In the operating stick assembly as described in any one of (1) to (3), the lower spring bearing portion may have a support hole. The operating stick may be inserted into the support hole.

[0250] (5) In the operating stick assembly as described in (4), the operating stick may be pressed by the force in the first direction to come into contact with the inner surface of the support hole. According to this structure, it will be possible to stabilize the relative positions of the operating stick and the lower spring bearing portion.

[0251] (6) In the operating stick assembly as described in any one of (1) to (5), the operating stick may have a supported part and may tilt about the supported part. The biasing structure may exert a force in the first direction at a higher position than the supported portion in the operating stick.

[0252] (7) In the operating stick assembly as described in any one of (1) to (6), the biasing structure may have a biasing member that is formed separately from the lower spring bearing portion and that pushes the operating stick in the first direction.

[0253] (8) In the operating stick assembly as described in (7), the biasing member may utilize the elastic force of the spring to push the operating stick in the first direction. According to this structure, the elastic force of the spring can also be used to return the operating stick to the initial position in order to inhibit any offset in the relative positions of the lower spring bearing portion and the operating stick. As a result, it will be possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0254] (9) In the operating stick assembly as described in (8), the biasing member and the lower spring bearing portion may be in direct or indirect contact with one another via a pressing sloped surface.

[0255] (10) In the operating stick assembly as described in (9), a portion of the elastic force of the spring may act on the biasing member via the inclined surface to push the biasing member in the first direction. According to this structure, the elastic force of the spring can also be used to return the operating stick to the initial position in order to inhibit any offset in the relative positions of the lower spring bearing portion and the operating stick. As a result, it will be possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0256] (11) In the operating stick assembly as described in (10), the pressing sloped surface may be formed in at least one of the biasing member and the lower spring bearing portion.

[0257] (12) In the operating stick assembly as described in any one of (8) to (11), the lower spring bearing portion includes a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion that may be combined in a direction along the operating stick, wherein the biasing member may be disposed between the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion such that it may move in the first direction.

[0258] (13) In the operating stick assembly as described in (12), a pressing sloped surface may be formed in at least one of the first bearing portion, the second bearing portion, and the biasing member to push the biasing member in the first direction.

[0259] (14) In the operating stick assembly as described in any one of (1) to (6), the biasing structure may include an elastic part that is formed in one of either the lower spring bearing portion and the operating stick.

[0260] According to this structure, it will be possible to inhibit changes in the relative positions of the operating stick and the lower spring bearing portion without increasing the number of parts.

[0261] (15) In the operating stick assembly as described in (14), the lower spring bearing portion has a supporting tubular portion into which the operating stick may be inserted, and the elastic part may be formed in the supporting tubular portion.ALTERNATIVE EXAMPLE

[0262] The operating stick assembly and input device proposed in this disclosure are not limited to operating stick assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400, or input device 10 as described above, and various changes may be made.EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0263] 10: Input device, 11 : Spring, 12: Substrate, 14: FPC, 14a: Tilting operation sensor, 14b: Sensor bearing portion supporting surface, 15: Press operation sensor, 16: Screw, 17: Parts disposed below the operating stick, 20: Operating stick, 21: Stick main body, 21a: Supported part (supported ball part), 21b: Shaft portion, 23 : Top member, 24: Cover portion, 24a: Attaching barrel portion, 29a: Sensed portion, 30: Housing, 31: Supporting portion, 31b: Bearing portion supporting surface, 31c: Stick supporting surface of the opening (stick supporting surface), 31e: Inner circumferential portion, 3 If: Outer circumferential portion, 31g: Corner portion, 3 Ih: Outer edge, 31i: Stopper surface, 32R, 32L: Sidewall, 32c: Guiding portion, 33: Spring supporting portion, 40: Lower spring bearing portion, 41: First bearing portion, 41a: Support hole, 41c: Pressing sloped surface, 41d: Supporting tubular portion, 42: Second bearing portion, 42a: Hole, 42b: Housing recessed portion, 42c: Pressing slope, 43: Biasing member, 50: Movable portion, 51: First movable portion, 51a: Ball support part, 51b: Stick supporting surface (stick supporting surface), 51c: First guided portion, 5 Id: Contact holding portion, 51e: Connecting portion, 5 If: Arm pressing surface, 51g: Lower end, 5 li: Second guided portion, 51 j : Contact holding portion, 51k: Holding portion, 52: Second movable body, 52a: Arm portion, 52b: Supported shaft portion (supported part), 52c: Receiving surface, 52e: Sensor operating portion, 52f: Arm connecting portion, 53: Spring, 100: Operating stick assembly, 101C: Central part, 101L: Left held portion, 101R: Right held portion, 121: Exterior member, 200: Operating stick assembly, 214: FPC, 214b: Sensor bearing portion supporting surface, 223: Top member, 223a: Cover part, 223b: Top part, 224: Mounting body, 224a: Attaching barrel portion, 230: Housing, 231: First housing, 232: Supporting portion, 232a: Bearing portion supporting surface, 232b:Opening, 232e: Inner circumferential portion, 232f: Outer circumferential portion, 232g: Corner portion, 233: Second housing, 233a: Support hole, 233b: Connecting hole, 233e: Cover part, 233f: Upper edge (stopper surface), 240: Lower spring bearing portion, 241: Supporting tubular portion, 241a: Opening, 242: Elastic part, 250: Movable portion, 251: First movable body, 251a: Stick supporting surface, 251b: Stick supporting portion, 25 le: Mounting holding portion, 252: Second movable body, 252a: Stick supporting portion, 252c: Supported part, 252d: Connecting portion holding portion, 252f: Sensor operating portion, 252g: Lower surface, 259: Screw, 300: Operating stick assembly, 314: FPC, 320: Operating stick, 321: Stick main body, 321 A: Shaft portion, 321B: Supported ball part, 340: Lower spring bearing portion, 341: First bearing portion, 342: Second bearing portion, 400: Operating stick assembly, 420: Operating stick, 421: Stick main body, 421a: Supported ball part, 421b: Shaft portion, 423: Top member, 425: Guided portion, 425a: Attaching barrel portion, 425c: Guided portion, 430: Housing, 431: Guiding portion, 440: Lower spring bearing portion, 441: Supporting tubular portion, 450: Movable portion, 451: Supporting portion, 451a: Stick supporting surface, 451b: Bearing portion supporting surface, 45 Id: Supported part, 45 le: Sensor operating portion.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An operating stick assembly comprising an operating stick with an attaching barrel portion at the top part and that is supported such that it may tilt;a spring disposed along the operating stick and that has an upper end that is supported by the attaching barrel portion;a lower spring bearing portion that supports the lower end of the spring; and a biasing structure;whereinthe lower spring bearing portion supports the operating stick such that the lower spring bearing portion may move relative to the operating stick in the direction along the operating stick, and will tilt to match the inclination of the operating stick;and the biasing structure exerts a force in a first direction that intersects the operating stick from the lower spring bearing portion to the operating stick.

2. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein the operating stick is arranged in the stick reference position when the operating stick is not receiving the application of any radial force;and the lower spring bearing portion is arranged in the bearing portion reference position when the operating stick is in the stick reference position, and may be supported such that it will tilt from the bearing portion reference position when the operating stick is tilted and such that the distance with the upper spring holder will be reduced.

3. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein there is a supporting portion in which an opening is formed;,the operating stick may tilt inside the opening;and the lower spring bearing portion may be disposed on the upper side of the supporting portion.

4. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein the lower spring bearing portion has a support hole;and the operating stick may be inserted into the support hole.

5. The operating stick assembly of Claim 4, wherein the operating stick is pressed by the force in the first direction to come into contact with the stick supporting surface of the support hole.

6. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein the operating stick has a supported part and may tilt about the supported part;and the biasing structure may exert a force in the first direction at a higher position than the supported portion in the operating stick..

7. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein the biasing structure has a biasing member that is formed separately from the lower spring bearing portion and that pushes the operating stick in the first direction.

8. The operating stick assembly of Claim 7, wherein the biasing member may utilize the elastic force of the spring to push the operating stick in the first direction.

9. The operating stick assembly of Claim 8, wherein the biasing member and the lower spring bearing portion are in direct or indirect contact with each other via a pressing sloped surface.

10. The operating stick assembly of Claim 9, wherein a portion of the elastic force of the spring may act on the biasing member via the pressing sloped surface to push the biasing member in the first direction.

11. The operating stick assembly of Claim 10, wherein the pressing sloped surface is formed in at least one of the biasing member and the lower spring bearing portion.

12. The operating stick assembly of Claim 8, wherein the lower spring bearing portion includes a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion that may be combined in a direction along the operating stick;and the biasing member may be disposed between the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion such that it may move in the first direction.

13. The operating stick assembly of Claim 12, wherein an inclined surface may be formed in at least one of the first bearing portion, the second bearing portion, and the biasing member to push the biasing member in the first direction.

14. The operating stick assembly of Claim 1, wherein the biasing structure may include an elastic part that is formed in one of either the lower spring bearing portion and the operating stick.

15. The operating stick assembly of Claim 14, wherein the lower spring bearing portion has a supporting tubular portion into which the operating stick may be inserted;and the elastic part may be formed in the supporting tubular portion.

16. An input device having an operating stick assembly of Claim 1.

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