Patent Description:
<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a multi-direction input device from which a detection signal corresponding to an amount of tilt of a lever member is extracted.

Document <CIT> discloses a related multi-direction input device.

There is a room for improvement in reduction in size in an axial direction as to the structure described in PTL <NUM>.

A direction input device according to the present disclosure includes an input portion, a first slide portion, a second slide portion, a first slid surface, a second slid surface, and a slide biasing portion. The input portion includes an operated portion and a shaft that extends downward from the operated portion. The first slide portion slides in a first direction in response to the input portion tilting from an initial position in the first direction. The first slide portion is provided with a first hole through which the shaft passes, the first hole extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second slide portion slides in the second direction in response to the input portion tilting from the initial position in the second direction. The second slide portion is provided with a second hole through which the shaft passes, the second hole extending in the first direction. The first slid surface extends in the first direction, the first slid surface being in a shape curved convexly upward, the first slide portion sliding over the first slid surface as the first slide portion abutting on the first slid surface from below. The second slid surface extends in the second direction, the second slid surface being in a shape curved convexly upward, the second slide portion sliding over the second slid surface as the second slide portion abutting on the second slid surface from below. The slide biasing portion is provided below the first slide portion and the second slide portion, the slide biasing portion biasing the first slide portion upward from below as pressing the first slide portion against the first slid surface and biasing the second slide portion upward from below as pressing the second slide portion against the second slid surface.

According to the direction input device according to the present disclosure, the first slide portion and the second slide portion slide over the first slid surface and the second slid surface, respectively, without a physical rotation shaft. Therefore, the direction input device can be shorter in length in the axial direction of the input portion. Furthermore, a tilt track with a degree of freedom can be designed. In addition, the slide biasing portion provided below the first slide portion and the slide portion biases the first slide portion upward from below as pressing the first slide portion against the first slid surface and biases the second slide portion upward from below as pressing the second slide portion against the second slid surface. Therefore, while wobbling at the time of slide of each of the first slide portion and the second slide portion is suppressed, the input portion can return to the initial position when the input portion is simultaneously tilted.

According to the direction input device above, the slide biasing portion may be a spring having an axial line identical to an axial line of the shaft as a central axis. The space in the direction input device can thus effectively be utilized.

According to the direction input device above, the spring may be a conical coil spring. In an example where the spring is an ordinary coil spring, in compression in the axial direction, the coil spring is superimposed in the axial direction. Since the conical coil spring radially spreads, on the other hand, superimposition of the conical coil spring in the axial direction at the time of compression in the axial direction can be suppressed. Therefore, in the case of the conical coil spring, a degree of freedom in adjustment of a load in a space at a certain height is improved. When there is a space large in a radial direction of the direction input device, the conical coil spring can be employed as the slide biasing portion to improve the degree of freedom in adjustment of the load.

According to the direction input device above, the conical coil spring may increase in diameter upward from below. Each of the first slide portion that radially extends and the second slide portion that radially extends can be supported from below in a stable manner.

According to the direction input device above, a base over which a lower end of the shaft slides may further be provided, the base being provided in a space surrounded by the slide biasing portion. The space in the direction input device can thus effectively be utilized.

According to the direction input device above, a switch provided below the base may further be provided, the switch receiving input by pressing in of the input portion downward. Pressed-in input can thus be made without reception of repulsive force from a slide biasing portion <NUM>.

According to the direction input device above, a base biasing portion that biases the base upward may further be provided. Wobbling of the input portion and the base can thus be prevented.

According to the direction input device above, when viewed in the second direction, a width of a lower surface of the first slide portion in the first direction may decrease downward from above.

According to the direction input device above, the first slide portion may include a projecting portion that projects in the first direction from a side surface of the first slide portion, the projecting portion forming a part of a lower surface of the first slide portion. Displacement in the upward-downward direction per tilt angle at the time when the input portion is tilted is thus greater. Therefore, force for returning the input portion to the initial position can be greater.

According to the direction input device above, when viewed in the second direction, a lower surface of the first slide portion may be composed of a central region, an outer region provided above the central region and on an outer side of the central region, and a connection region located between the central region and the outer region. The connection region may be inclined upward with respect to the central region. The outer region may be inclined downward with respect to the connection region at a boundary between the outer region and the connection region.

According to the direction input device above, a support plate in contact with the first slide portion may further be provided. While the first slide portion is tilted from an initial angle to a prescribed angle, a contact located outermost in a region where the first slide portion and the support plate are in contact with each other may remain at an identical position or continuously move. When the first slide portion is tilted beyond the prescribed angle, the contact may discontinuously move outward.

According to the direction input device above, a first slider that makes a linear motion as the first slide portion slides, a second slider that makes a linear motion as the second slide portion slides, and a sensor that detects an electrical resistance that varies with a motion of each of the first slider and the second slider may further be provided.

According to the direction input device above, a first elastic body varying in thickness as the first slide portion slides, a second elastic body varying in thickness as the second slide portion slides, a pair of first electrodes provided on opposing sides of the first elastic body in a direction of thickness of the first elastic body, and a pair of second electrodes provided on opposing sides of the second elastic body in a direction of thickness of the second elastic body may further be provided.

According to the direction input device above, the first slide portion may include a first upper surface distant from the first slid surface and a first projection provided on the first upper surface, the first projection abutting on the first slid surface, and the second slide portion may include a second upper surface distant from the second slid surface and a second projection provided on the second upper surface, the second projection abutting on the second slid surface. Thus, an area of contact between the first slide portion and the first slid surface can be reduced and an area of contact between the second slide portion and the second slid surface can be reduced. Consequently, a sliding resistance between the first slide portion and the first slid surface can be lowered and a sliding resistance between the second slide portion and the second slid surface can be lowered.

According to the direction input device above, a module housing in which the first slide portion, the second slide portion, and the slide biasing portion are arranged may further be provided. Each of the first slid surface and the second slid surface may be formed on a rear surface of the module housing.

According to the direction input device above, a module housing in which the first slide portion, the second slide portion, and the slide biasing portion are arranged may further be provided. The second slid surface may be formed on a rear surface of the module housing and the first slid surface may be formed on a lower surface of the second slide portion.

A controller according to the present disclosure may include the direction input device described above and a controller housing in which the direction input device is provided. The second slid surface may be in a partially spherical shape formed such that the input portion is tilted with respect to a virtual center. The virtual center may be located on outside of the controller housing.

According to the controller according to the present disclosure, a radius of rotation of the input portion can be made larger with respect to the shape of the controller. Consequently, operability of the controller can be improved.

The controller according to the present disclosure may include the direction input device described above and a controller housing in which the direction input device is provided. The second slid surface may be in a partially spherical shape formed such that the input portion is tilted with respect to a virtual center. The virtual center may be located on outside of the direction input device and in inside of the controller housing.

According to the controller according to the present disclosure, while a radius of rotation of the input portion is large regardless of the size of the direction input device, the virtual center is located in the inside of the controller. Therefore, awkwardness at the time of the operation onto the input portion can be suppressed.

According to the controller according to the present disclosure, each of the first slid surface and the second slid surface may be formed on a rear surface of the controller housing.

According to the controller according to the present disclosure, the second slid surface may be formed on a rear surface of the controller housing and the first slid surface may be formed on a lower surface of the second slide portion.

According to the present disclosure, the direction input device can be reduced in size in the axial direction of the input portion.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

An overview of a construction of a direction input device <NUM> according to a first embodiment will initially be described.

<FIG> is a first schematic perspective view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly includes an input portion <NUM>, a first slide portion <NUM>, a second slide portion <NUM>, a slide biasing portion <NUM>, a support plate <NUM>, and a lower housing portion <NUM>. Input portion <NUM> is, for example, a stick. Input portion <NUM> mainly incudes an operated portion <NUM> and a shaft <NUM>. Operated portion <NUM> is a portion to be operated by a user. Shaft <NUM> is contiguous to operated portion <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> extends downward from operated portion <NUM>.

A direction from shaft <NUM> toward operated portion <NUM> is herein defined as an upward direction. In contrast, a direction from operated portion <NUM> toward shaft <NUM> is defined as a downward direction. A direction in parallel to the direction from shaft <NUM> toward operated portion <NUM> is defined as an upward-downward direction Z (see <FIG>). Upward-downward direction Z is also referred to as an axial direction. A first direction X is a direction perpendicular to upward-downward direction Z. First direction X is, for example, a pitch direction. A second direction Y is a direction perpendicular to each of first direction X and upward-downward direction Z. Second direction Y is, for example, a roll direction.

First slide portion <NUM> is provided with a first hole <NUM> that extends in second direction Y. First hole <NUM> is a through hole. Shaft <NUM> passes through first hole <NUM>. First slide portion <NUM> includes a first upper surface <NUM>, a first lower surface <NUM>, a first side surface <NUM>, a third side surface <NUM>, and a first projection <NUM>. First upper surface <NUM> includes a first upper region <NUM> and a second upper region <NUM>. In second direction Y, second upper region <NUM> is located on each of opposing sides of first upper region <NUM>. First upper region <NUM> lies between second upper regions <NUM>.

First hole <NUM> is provided in first upper region <NUM>. First lower surface <NUM> is located opposite to first upper surface <NUM>. First hole <NUM> opens in each of first upper region <NUM> and first lower surface <NUM>. First side surface <NUM> is contiguous to each of first upper surface <NUM> and first lower surface <NUM>. First side surface <NUM> is an end surface of first slide portion <NUM> in second direction Y. First side surface <NUM> is contiguous to second upper region <NUM>. First side surface <NUM> is distant from first upper region <NUM>. Third side surface <NUM> is an end surface of first slide portion <NUM> in first direction X. Third side surface <NUM> is contiguous to each of first upper region <NUM> and second upper region <NUM>. First projection <NUM> is provided in second upper region <NUM>. First projection <NUM> extends along first direction X. In second direction Y, first projection <NUM> is provided on each of opposing sides of first hole <NUM>.

Second slide portion <NUM> is provided with a second hole <NUM> that extends in first direction X. Second direction Y is perpendicular to first direction X. Second hole <NUM> is a through hole. Shaft <NUM> passes through second hole <NUM>. Second slide portion <NUM> includes a second upper surface <NUM>, a second lower surface <NUM>, a second side surface <NUM>, and a second projection <NUM>. Second lower surface <NUM> includes a first lower region <NUM> and a second lower region <NUM>. In first direction X, second lower region <NUM> is located on each of opposing sides of first lower region <NUM>. First lower region <NUM> lies between second lower regions <NUM>.

Second hole <NUM> is provided in first lower region <NUM>. Second lower surface <NUM> is located opposite to second upper surface <NUM>. Second hole <NUM> opens in each of first lower region <NUM> and second upper surface <NUM>. Second side surface <NUM> is contiguous to each of second upper surface <NUM> and second lower surface <NUM>. Second side surface <NUM> is an end surface of second slide portion <NUM> in first direction X. Second side surface <NUM> is contiguous to second lower region <NUM>. Second side surface <NUM> is distant from first lower region <NUM>. Second projection <NUM> is provided on second upper surface <NUM>. Second projection <NUM> extends along second direction Y. In first direction X, second projection <NUM> is provided on each of opposing sides of second hole <NUM>.

Slide biasing portion <NUM> is provided on lower housing portion <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> is, for example, a spring. Support plate <NUM> is provided on slide biasing portion <NUM>. Support plate <NUM> is, for example, circular. First slide portion <NUM> is provided on support plate <NUM>. First lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> is in contact with support plate <NUM>. Second slide portion <NUM> is provided on support plate <NUM>. Second lower region <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM> is in contact with support plate <NUM>. First lower region <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM> may be distant from support plate <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> is not limited to the spring. Slide biasing portion <NUM> may be, for example, an elastic body with resilience, such as rubber.

<FIG> is a first schematic cross-sectional view of direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. The first schematic cross-sectional view is a view along first direction X. As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment further includes an upper housing portion <NUM>, a base <NUM>, and a switch <NUM>. Upper housing portion <NUM> and lower housing portion <NUM> constitute a module housing <NUM>. Upper housing portion <NUM> is provided with a shaft through hole <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> is inserted in shaft through hole <NUM>. Upper housing portion <NUM> is combined with lower housing portion <NUM>. First slide portion <NUM>, second slide portion <NUM>, slide biasing portion <NUM>, support plate <NUM>, base <NUM>, and switch <NUM> are arranged in the inside of module housing <NUM>.

Upper housing portion <NUM> includes a second slid surface <NUM>, a first inner side surface <NUM>, a third upper surface <NUM>, a first outer side surface <NUM>, and a third lower surface <NUM>. Second slid surface <NUM> extends in second direction Y. Second slid surface <NUM> is in a shape curved convexly upward. In a cross-section in parallel to each of second direction Y and upward-downward direction Z, second slid surface <NUM> may be in, for example, an arc shape or an elliptical arc shape. Second slid surface <NUM> may be in a partially spherical shape. Second slid surface <NUM> is a surface over which second slide portion <NUM> slides as abutting thereon from below. Second slid surface <NUM> is formed on a rear surface of upper housing portion <NUM>.

Second projection <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM> abuts on second slid surface <NUM>. Second upper surface <NUM> may be distant from second slid surface <NUM>. Third upper surface <NUM> is located opposite to second slid surface <NUM>. First inner side surface <NUM> is contiguous to each of third upper surface <NUM> and second slid surface <NUM>. First inner side surface <NUM> defines shaft through hole <NUM>. Third lower surface <NUM> is contiguous to first outer side surface <NUM>. In upward-downward direction Z, first outer side surface <NUM> is located between third upper surface <NUM> and third lower surface <NUM>. Third upper surface <NUM> includes a portion in a shape curved convexly upward. Second slide portion <NUM> does not have to include second projection <NUM>. In this case, second upper surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of second slide portion <NUM> abuts on second slid surface <NUM>.

Lower housing portion <NUM> includes a fourth upper surface <NUM>, a fourth lower surface <NUM>, a second outer side surface <NUM>, and an attachment portion <NUM>. Fourth upper surface <NUM> is opposed to second slid surface <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM>, switch <NUM> portion, and base <NUM> are provided on fourth upper surface <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> is located on fourth upper surface <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> projects upward from fourth upper surface <NUM>. Base <NUM> may be attached to attachment portion <NUM>. Second outer side surface <NUM> is provided along first outer side surface <NUM>. An outer portion of third lower surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM> and an outer portion of fourth upper surface <NUM> of lower housing portion <NUM> abut on each other to provide a space in the inside of module housing <NUM>.

Operated portion <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is arranged on the outside of module housing <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM> and a pullout prevention portion <NUM>. Central portion <NUM> is contiguous to operated portion <NUM>. Pullout prevention portion <NUM> is contiguous to central portion <NUM>. Pullout prevention portion <NUM> is located below central portion <NUM>. Central portion <NUM> is located between operated portion <NUM> and pullout prevention portion <NUM>.

Base <NUM> is provided below input portion <NUM>. Base <NUM> is a member over which a lower end of shaft <NUM> slides. Base <NUM> includes a fifth upper surface <NUM>, a fifth lower surface <NUM>, an outer protrusion <NUM>, and a central protrusion <NUM>. Fifth upper surface <NUM> is in a shape curved convexly upward. The lower end of shaft <NUM> slides along fifth upper surface <NUM>. The lower end of shaft <NUM> is formed in conformity with fifth upper surface <NUM> of base <NUM>. Specifically, the lower end of shaft <NUM> is in a shape curved concavely upward. Fifth lower surface <NUM> is located opposite to fifth upper surface <NUM>.

Each of outer protrusion <NUM> and central protrusion <NUM> is provided on fifth lower surface <NUM>. Outer protrusion <NUM> is located on the outside of central protrusion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, base <NUM> is attached to attachment portion <NUM> such that an inner peripheral surface of outer protrusion <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of attachment portion <NUM> are opposed to each other. Central protrusion <NUM> is located on a straight line along central portion <NUM>. Base <NUM> is provided in a space surrounded by slide biasing portion <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> may be a spring that has an axial line A the same as an axial line of shaft <NUM>, as a central axis. Specifically, slide biasing portion <NUM> may be a helical coil spring that surrounds axial line A. Axial line A may pass through operated portion <NUM>, shaft <NUM>, central protrusion <NUM>, and switch <NUM>. Axial line A is in parallel to upward-downward direction Z.

Switch <NUM> is provided below base <NUM>. Switch <NUM> is arranged at a position opposed to central protrusion <NUM> of base <NUM>. Switch <NUM> receives input as input portion <NUM> is pressed in downward. Specifically, input portion <NUM> may be pressed in downward, so that central protrusion <NUM> of base <NUM> moves downward to press switch <NUM> in. After central protrusion <NUM> presses switch <NUM> in downward, central protrusion <NUM> may be pushed back upward owing to resilience of switch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a second schematic cross-sectional view of direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. The second schematic cross-sectional view is a view along second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, upper housing portion <NUM> includes a first slid surface <NUM>. First slid surface <NUM> extends in first direction X. First slid surface <NUM> is in a shape curved convexly upward. In a cross-section in parallel to each of first direction X and upward-downward direction Z, first slid surface <NUM> may be, for example, in an arc shape or an elliptical arc shape. First slid surface <NUM> may be in a partially spherical shape. First slid surface <NUM> is a surface over which first slide portion <NUM> slides as abutting thereon from below. First slid surface <NUM> may be formed on a rear surface of upper module housing <NUM> or second lower surface <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM>.

First projection <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> abuts on first slid surface <NUM>. First upper region <NUM> is distant from first slid surface <NUM>. Third upper surface <NUM> is located opposite to first slid surface <NUM>. First inner side surface <NUM> is contiguous to each of third upper surface <NUM> and first slid surface <NUM>. First slide portion <NUM> does not have to include first projection <NUM>. In this case, second upper region <NUM> (see <FIG>) of first slide portion <NUM> abuts on first slid surface <NUM>.

Slide biasing portion <NUM> is provided below first slide portion10 and second slide portion <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> biases first slide portion <NUM> upward from below as pressing first slide portion <NUM> against first slid surface <NUM>. First slide portion <NUM> returns to the initial position along first slid surface <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> biases second slide portion <NUM> upward from below as pressing second slide portion <NUM> against second slid surface <NUM>. Second slide portion <NUM> returns to the initial position along second slid surface <NUM>. Therefore, input portion <NUM> can highly accurately return to the initial position. Slide biasing portion <NUM> may be divided into a first biasing portion (not shown) that biases first slide portion <NUM> and a second biasing portion (not shown) that biases second slide portion <NUM>. For example, two springs may be prepared as the first biasing portion and two other springs may be prepared as the second biasing portion.

<FIG> is a second schematic perspective view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> shows input portion <NUM>, base <NUM>, and lower housing portion <NUM> and does not show other members. As shown in <FIG>, pullout prevention portion <NUM> is located between central portion <NUM> and base <NUM>. In first direction X, pullout prevention portion <NUM> may be longer in length than central portion <NUM>. In second direction Y, pullout prevention portion <NUM> is substantially the same in length as central portion <NUM>. The length of pullout prevention portion <NUM> in first direction X may be longer than the length of pullout prevention portion <NUM> in second direction Y.

A method of attaching input portion <NUM> to second slide portion <NUM> and first slide portion <NUM> will now be described. Shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> may pass through each of first hole <NUM> and second hole <NUM>. In this case, without division of input portion <NUM>, input portion <NUM> can be attached to each of first slide portion <NUM> provided with first hole <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM> provided with second hole <NUM>. Specifically, initially, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is inserted in second hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) in second slide portion <NUM>, and thereafter shaft <NUM> is turned by <NUM>°. Pullout prevention portion <NUM> of input portion <NUM> can thus be prevented from coming off through second hole <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is then inserted in first hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) in first slide portion <NUM>, and thereafter shaft <NUM> is further turned by <NUM>°. Pullout prevention portion <NUM> of input portion <NUM> can thus be prevented from coming off through first hole <NUM>. In this case, measures for prevention from coming off are taken only for first hole <NUM>, whereas such measures are not taken for second hole <NUM>. Such a manner may be applicable that measures for prevention from coming off are taken only for second hole <NUM>, the measures are not taken for first hole <NUM>, and pullout prevention portion <NUM> is located in first hole <NUM>, which consequently prevents input portion <NUM> from coming off while input portion <NUM> similarly moves first slide portion <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM>.

Operated portion <NUM>, central portion <NUM>, and pullout prevention portion <NUM> may be formed integrally or separately. In an example where operated portion <NUM>, central portion <NUM>, and pullout prevention portion <NUM> are integrally formed, the number of components can be smaller than in an example where they are formed as separate divided components.

A motion of first slide portion <NUM> will now be described. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a motion of first slide portion <NUM>. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in <FIG> is a view along first direction X. As shown in <FIG>, when shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in first direction X, first slide portion <NUM> moves with the motion of input portion <NUM>. Specifically, first slide portion <NUM> slides in first direction X with tilting of input portion <NUM> from an initial position in first direction X. First projection <NUM> (see <FIG>) of first slide portion <NUM> slides over first slid surface <NUM> while it abuts on first slid surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. The lower end of shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> slides over fifth upper surface <NUM> of base <NUM>. At this time, second slide portion <NUM> does not substantially move.

As shown in <FIG>, when the user tilts shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> to the right, first lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> compresses slide biasing portion <NUM> downward with support plate <NUM> being interposed. At this time, a right end of support plate <NUM> moves downward. When shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in first direction X, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> can abut on first inner side surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. In other words, when shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in first direction X, the motion of shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is restricted by first inner side surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. When the user releases input portion <NUM>, the right end of support plate <NUM> is pushed upward owing to resilience of slide biasing portion <NUM>. As first slide portion <NUM> moves to a central position, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> returns to the initial position (see <FIG>).

A motion of second slide portion <NUM> will now be described. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a motion of second slide portion <NUM>. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in <FIG> is a view along second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, when shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in second direction Y, second slide portion <NUM> moves with the motion of input portion <NUM>. Specifically, second slide portion <NUM> slides in second direction Y with tilting of input portion <NUM> from the initial position in second direction Y. Second projection <NUM> (see <FIG>) of second slide portion <NUM> slides over second slid surface <NUM> while it abuts on second slid surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. The lower end of shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> slides over fifth upper surface <NUM> of base <NUM>. At this time, first slide portion <NUM> does not substantially move.

As shown in <FIG>, when the user tilts shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> to the right, second lower surface <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM> compresses slide biasing portion <NUM> downward with support plate <NUM> being interposed. At this time, the right end of support plate <NUM> moves downward. When shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in second direction Y, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> can abut on first inner side surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. In other words, when shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is tilted in second direction Y, the motion of shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> is restricted by first inner side surface <NUM> of upper housing portion <NUM>. When the user releases input portion <NUM>, the right end of support plate <NUM> is pushed upward owing to resilience of slide biasing portion <NUM>. As second slide portion <NUM> moves to the central position, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> returns to the initial position (see <FIG>).

When viewed in the upward-downward direction, shaft <NUM> of input portion <NUM> can also be tilted in first direction X, in second direction Y, and in a direction inclined with respect to each of first direction X and second direction Y.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a second embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the second embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly in including a first sensor <NUM>, a first slider <NUM>, and a second slider <NUM>, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the second embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the second embodiment further includes first sensor <NUM>, first slider <NUM>, and second slider <NUM>. <FIG> does not show module housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, first sensor <NUM> includes a first contact <NUM>, a second contact <NUM>, and a third contact <NUM>. When viewed in the upward-downward direction, third contact <NUM> may be, for example, in an L shape. Each of first contact <NUM> and second contact <NUM> is, for example, rectangular.

First slide portion <NUM> includes a first protrusion <NUM>. First protrusion <NUM> is provided on first side surface <NUM>. First protrusion <NUM> protrudes along second direction Y. Similarly, second slide portion <NUM> includes a second protrusion <NUM>. Second protrusion <NUM> is provided on second side surface <NUM>. Second protrusion <NUM> protrudes along first direction X.

As shown in <FIG>, first slider <NUM> is provided with a first recess <NUM>. First protrusion <NUM> is arranged in first recess <NUM>. First slider <NUM> makes a linear motion with slide of first slide portion <NUM>. First protrusion <NUM> moves first slider <NUM> with movement of first slide portion <NUM>. Specifically, when first protrusion <NUM> moves with movement of first slide portion <NUM>, first slider <NUM> is moved with the motion of first protrusion <NUM>. First slider <NUM> moves in first direction X. When viewed in the upward-downward direction, a direction of movement of first slider <NUM> is the same as a direction of movement of first protrusion <NUM>.

First slider <NUM> includes a first slide member 91a, a second slide member 91b, a first connection member 91c, and a not-shown electrically conducting member made of metal. First connection member 91c connects first slide member 91a and second slide member 91b to each other. The electrically conducting member has one end located in first slide member 91a. The electrically conducting member has the other end located in second slide member 91b. First slide member 91a is in contact, for example, with first contact <NUM>. Second slide member 91b is in contact, for example, with third contact <NUM>. An electrical resistance between first contact <NUM> and third contact <NUM> may vary when first slider <NUM> moves. First sensor <NUM> may thus detect the electrical resistance that varies with motion of first slider <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, second slider <NUM> is provided with a second recess <NUM>. Second protrusion <NUM> is arranged in second recess <NUM>. Second slider <NUM> makes a linear motion with slide of second slide portion <NUM>. Second protrusion <NUM> moves second slider <NUM> with movement of second slide portion <NUM>. Specifically, when second protrusion <NUM> moves with movement of second slide portion <NUM>, second slider <NUM> is moved with the motion of second protrusion <NUM>. Second slider <NUM> moves in second direction Y. When viewed in the upward-downward direction, a direction of movement of second slider <NUM> is the same as a direction of movement of second protrusion <NUM>.

Second slider <NUM> includes a third slide member 92a, a fourth slide member 92b, a second connection member 92c, and a not-shown electrically conducting member made of metal. Second connection member 92c connects third slide member 92a and fourth slide member 92b to each other. The electrically conducting member has one end located in third slide member 92a. The electrically conducting member has the other end located in fourth slide member 92b. Third slide member 92a is in contact, for example, with third contact <NUM>. Fourth slide member 92b is in contact, for example, with second contact <NUM>. An electrical resistance between third contact <NUM> and second contact <NUM> may vary when second slider <NUM> moves. First sensor <NUM> may thus detect the electrical resistance that varies with motion of second slider <NUM>.

According to direction input device <NUM> according to the second embodiment, first slide portion <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM> can also serve as a detection mechanism. Therefore, the space or the number of components can be smaller than in an example where direction input device <NUM> includes the detection mechanism as a separate component.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a third embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the third embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly in including a second sensor <NUM>, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the third embodiment. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in <FIG> is a view along first direction X. As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the third embodiment further includes second sensor <NUM>. Second sensor <NUM> is, for example, a capacitance sensor. Second sensor <NUM> includes a first slide portion sensor 68a and a second slide portion sensor 68b. First slide portion sensor 68a includes a pair of first electrodes <NUM> and a first elastic body <NUM>. Second slide portion sensor 68b includes a pair of second electrodes <NUM> and a second elastic body <NUM>. The pair of first electrodes <NUM> is provided on opposing sides of first elastic body <NUM> in a direction of thickness of first elastic body <NUM>. The pair of second electrodes <NUM> is provided on opposing sides of second elastic body <NUM> in a direction of thickness of second elastic body <NUM>. First elastic body <NUM> and second elastic body <NUM> may each be a non-conductor. In direction input device <NUM> according to the third embodiment, first elastic body <NUM> and second elastic body <NUM> are provided instead of slide biasing portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view showing a construction of second sensor <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the third embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in upward-downward direction Z, first slide portion sensor 68a and second slide portion sensor 68b are each in a shape in conformity with an arc. Second slide portion sensor 68b is arranged at a position resulting from rotation of first slide portion sensor 68a by <NUM>° along a virtual circle around axial line A. Specifically, one of two first slide portion sensors 68a is provided at a position at <NUM>° and the other thereof is provided at a position at <NUM>°. One of two second slide portion sensors 68b is provided at a position at <NUM>° and the other thereof is provided at a position at <NUM>°.

As shown in <FIG>, first elastic body <NUM> is located between the pair of first electrodes <NUM>. One of the pair of first electrodes <NUM> is located on lower housing portion <NUM>. First slide portion <NUM> is located on the other of the pair of first electrodes <NUM>. First elastic body <NUM> varies in thickness with slide of first slide portion <NUM>. The capacitance between the pair of first electrodes <NUM> is thus varied. A parameter corresponding to an angle of tilt of input portion <NUM> may be calculated based on the capacitance between the pair of first electrodes <NUM> or variation thereof. A parameter corresponding to a load applied to first slide portion <NUM> may be calculated in addition to or instead of the angle of tilt of input portion <NUM>.

Second elastic body <NUM> is located between the pair of second electrodes <NUM>. One of the pair of second electrodes <NUM> is located on lower housing portion <NUM>. Second slide portion <NUM> is located on the other of the pair of second electrodes <NUM>. Second elastic body <NUM> varies in thickness with slide of second slide portion <NUM>. The capacitance between the pair of second electrodes <NUM> is thus varied. A parameter corresponding to an angle of tilt of input portion <NUM> may be calculated based on the capacitance between the pair of second electrodes <NUM> or variation thereof. A parameter corresponding to a load applied to second slide portion <NUM> may be calculated in addition to or instead of the angle of tilt of input portion <NUM>.

A controller or a processor (not shown) on a side of a game device may carry out certain control linearly or stepwise in accordance with a detected capacitance or variation thereof. The controller or the processor on the side of the game device may carry out certain control in response to the detected capacitance or variation thereof exceeding a certain threshold value. Though an example in which second sensor <NUM> is the capacitance sensor is described above, second sensor <NUM> is not limited to the capacitance sensor. Second sensor <NUM> may be, for example, a strain gauge, a magnetic sensor, or a pressure sensor.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly in including a rib <NUM> and a base biasing portion <NUM>, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional view shown in <FIG> is a view along first direction X. As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment further includes rib <NUM>. Rib <NUM> is arranged on the outside of slide biasing portion <NUM>. Rib <NUM> is provided in the inside of module housing <NUM>. Rib <NUM> is provided on lower housing portion <NUM>. Rib <NUM> may be in contact with upper housing portion <NUM>. Rib <NUM> has an upper end opposed to support plate <NUM>. When support plate <NUM> is tilted as a result of tilting of input portion <NUM>, support plate <NUM> may come in contact with the upper end of rib <NUM>. From a different point of view, tilting of support plate <NUM> may be restricted by rib <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, direction input device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment may include base biasing portion <NUM>. Base biasing portion <NUM> may be provided between outer protrusion <NUM> of base <NUM> and fourth upper surface <NUM> of lower housing portion <NUM>. Base biasing portion <NUM> is, for example, a coil spring. Base biasing portion <NUM> biases base <NUM> upward. When central protrusion <NUM> of base <NUM> presses switch <NUM> as input portion <NUM> is pressed in downward, base biasing portion <NUM> may push base <NUM> back upward in addition to or instead of switch <NUM>. Direction input device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment may include only one of rib <NUM> and base biasing portion <NUM>, and does not have to include the other of rib <NUM> and base biasing portion <NUM>.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly in that slide biasing portion <NUM> is a conical coil spring, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in <FIG> is a view along second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, slide biasing portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment may be a conical coil spring. The conical coil spring may increase in diameter upward from below. A lower end of the conical coil spring may surround switch <NUM>. An upper end of the conical coil spring may surround fifth upper surface <NUM> of base <NUM>.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment mainly in that a width of a lower surface of each of first slide portion <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM> decreases downward from above, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment. The schematic side view shown in <FIG> is a view in second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in second direction Y, the width of the lower surface (first lower surface <NUM>) of first slide portion <NUM> in first direction X may decrease downward from above. First lower surface <NUM> includes a first lower end region 12a and a second lower end region 12b. Second lower region 12b is contiguous to first lower end region 12a. First lower end region 12a is in contact with support plate <NUM>. Second lower end region 12b is distant from support plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in second direction Y, second lower end region 12b is inclined upward with respect to first lower end region 12a. Second lower end region 12b may be contiguous to third side surface <NUM>. In direction input device <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, only first slide portion <NUM> may be in a lower-surface structure as above, or only second slide portion <NUM> may be in the lower-surface structure as above.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment mainly in that each of first slide portion <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM> includes a first projecting portion <NUM>, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment. The schematic side view shown in <FIG> is a view in second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, first slide portion <NUM> may include first projecting portion <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> projects in first direction X from third side surface <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> forms a part of first lower surface <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> is in contact with support plate <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> may be in a shape curved convexly outward. First projecting portion <NUM> is distant from first upper surface <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> is contiguous to first side surface <NUM>. In the presence of first projecting portion <NUM>, even when the angle of tilt is the same, an amount of pressing down of support plate <NUM> is larger and hence recovery force is relatively greater than in the absence of first projecting portion <NUM>. In direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment, only first slide portion <NUM> or only second slide portion <NUM> may include first projecting portion <NUM>.

An overview of a construction of direction input device <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment will now be described. Direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment is different from direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment mainly in that an outer region 12e of the lower surface of each of first slide portion <NUM> and second slide portion <NUM> is located above a central region 12c, whereas it is otherwise similar in construction to direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment. A construction different from direction input device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing the construction of direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment. The schematic side view shown in <FIG> is a view in second direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, first lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> includes central region 12c, a connection region 12d, and outer region 12e. In first direction X, outer region 12e is provided on the outside of central region 12c. Outer region 12e is provided above central region 12c. Connection region 12d is located between central region 12c and outer region 12e. Connection region 12d connects central region 12c and outer region 12e to each other. Connection region 12d is inclined upward with respect to central region 12c. Outer region 12e is inclined downward with respect to connection region 12d at a boundary between outer region 12e and connection region 12d. Outer region 12e forms a part of the lower surface of first projecting portion <NUM>. First projecting portion <NUM> is distant from support plate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in first direction X, central region 12c may be smaller in width than first projection <NUM>. Central region 12c is in contact with support plate <NUM> at least when input portion <NUM> is located at the initial position. Outer region 12e and connection region 12d are distant from support plate <NUM>. When viewed in second direction Y, connection region 12d is inclined with respect to each of central region 12c and outer region 12e. A width of connection region 12d in first direction X increases upward. In direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment, only first slide portion <NUM> or only second slide portion <NUM> may be in the structure as above.

Recovery force of first slide portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment will now be described.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing a state in which first slide portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment is tilted by a first angle (for example, <NUM>°). As shown in <FIG>, a point of contact between first lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> and support plate <NUM> is located at a first position A1. First position A1 is located in central region 12c. When the angle of tilt is <NUM>°, interference between first slide portion <NUM> and support plate <NUM> caused by tilting of first slide portion <NUM> is minor. Therefore, recovery force of first slide portion <NUM> is small.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing a state in which first slide portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment is tilted by a second angle (for example, <NUM>°) larger than the first angle. Recovery force of first slide portion <NUM> in an example where the angle of tilt is <NUM>° is greater than recovery force of first slide portion <NUM> in the example where the angle of tilt is <NUM>°. As shown in <FIG>, a point of contact between first lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> and support plate <NUM> is located at first position A1 and a second position A2. Second position A2 is located in outer region 12e.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing a state in which first slide portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment is tilted by a third angle (for example, <NUM>°) larger than the second angle. Vertical displacement of support plate <NUM> at second position A2 at the time when input portion <NUM> is tilted from the initial position is greater than vertical displacement of support plate <NUM> at first position A1. Therefore, after first lower surface <NUM> of first slide portion <NUM> and support plate <NUM> come in contact with each other at first position A1 and second position A2, an amount of change in vertical displacement per angle of tilt becomes greater and an increment (inclination) of recovery force per angle of tilt becomes greater.

In other words, while first slide portion <NUM> is tilted from an initial angle (for example, <NUM>°) to a prescribed angle (for example, <NUM>°), a contact located outermost (for example, first position A1) in a region where first slide portion <NUM> and support plate <NUM> are in contact with each other remains at the same position or continuously moves. When first slide portion <NUM> is tilted beyond the prescribed angle (for example, <NUM>°), the contact located outermost discontinuously moves from first position A1 to second position A2. Therefore, direction input device <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment can control change of perception about input portion <NUM> by switching the increment (inclination) of recovery force per angle of tilt in two levels.

A construction of a controller <NUM> according to the present disclosure will now be described. Controller <NUM> according to the present disclosure mainly includes direction input device <NUM> and a controller housing <NUM>. Direction input device <NUM> is provided in controller housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view showing the construction of controller <NUM> according to the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, controller housing <NUM> is, for example, substantially in a shape of a parallelepiped. Controller housing <NUM> is provided with a first through hole <NUM>. Input portion <NUM> is arranged in first through hole <NUM>. A part of input portion <NUM> is located on the outside of controller housing <NUM>.

Controller housing <NUM> is provided with a second through hole <NUM>. A button <NUM> is arranged in second through hole <NUM>. A part of button <NUM> is located on the outside of controller housing <NUM>. The button is to be operated by the user. Controller housing <NUM> extends, for example, along first direction X. First direction X is, for example, a longitudinal direction of controller housing <NUM>. Second direction Y is, for example, a direction of a short side of controller housing <NUM>. In a plan view, input portion <NUM> and button <NUM> may be aligned along first direction X.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII in <FIG>. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is in parallel to first direction X. As shown in <FIG>, controller <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM> and a support member <NUM>. Substrate <NUM> and support member <NUM> are arranged in the inside of controller housing <NUM>. Substrate <NUM> includes a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. Rear surface <NUM> is located opposite to front surface <NUM>. Controller housing <NUM> is constituted of a front-surface-side housing portion 3a and a rear-surface-side housing portion 3b. Front-surface-side housing portion 3a is combined with rear-surface-side housing portion 3b. Substrate <NUM> is located between front-surface-side housing portion 3a and support member <NUM>. Front-surface-side housing portion 3a includes a rear surface 3c opposed to substrate <NUM>. Support member <NUM> is located between substrate <NUM> and rear-surface-side housing portion 3b.

Input portion <NUM> may include a skirt <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> is contiguous, for example, to shaft <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> is arranged to surround shaft <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> is tilted with tilting of shaft <NUM>. A part of skirt <NUM> is arranged in first through hole <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> is arranged below operated portion <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> may increase in inner diameter as a distance from operated portion <NUM> is longer. From a different point of view, skirt <NUM> may increase in inner diameter from operated portion <NUM> toward substrate <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> may include, for example, a reinforcement plate 7a, a first electrode layer 8a, a cushion material 7b, and a second electrode layer 8b. Second electrode layer 8b is provided on substrate <NUM>. Cushion material 7b is provided on second electrode layer 8b. First electrode layer 8a is provided on cushion material 7b. Cushion material 7b lies between first electrode layer 8a and second electrode layer 8b. Reinforcement plate 7a is provided on first electrode layer 8a.

Skirt <NUM> is arranged above reinforcement plate 7a. When the user tilts input portion <NUM>, skirt <NUM> is inclined to come in contact with reinforcement plate 7a. When skirt <NUM> comes in contact with reinforcement plate 7a, a load is applied to reinforcement plate 7a. When the load is applied to reinforcement plate 7a, cushion material 7b is compressed and a capacitance between first electrode layer 8a and second electrode layer 8b varies. When unloaded, a thickness of cushion material 7b returns to a thickness before application of the load.

A range of tilting of input portion <NUM> may be restricted by skirt <NUM>. Variation in capacitance may be detected in addition to or instead of detection of an angle of tilt by a slider. When variation in capacitance is detected in addition to detection of the angle of tilt by the slider or the like, contents of control carried out for amounts of detection of them may be different.

Input portion <NUM> of direction input device <NUM> according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments may include skirt <NUM>. A mechanism that detects variation in capacitance described above may be incorporated in direction input device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, button <NUM> includes, for example, a pressed member <NUM> and a fourth contact <NUM>. Pressed member <NUM> is a member to be pressed by the user. Pressed member <NUM> is arranged in second through hole <NUM>. Fourth contact <NUM> is provided on front surface <NUM> of substrate <NUM>. Fourth contact <NUM> is opposed to a bottom surface of pressed member <NUM>. When the user presses pressed member <NUM> toward front surface <NUM> of substrate <NUM>, pressed member <NUM> comes in contact with fourth contact <NUM>. Controller <NUM> thus detects input from the user. When the user releases pressed member <NUM>, pressed member <NUM> moves away from fourth contact <NUM> owing to a not-shown pushing-back mechanism.

Slide biasing portion <NUM> may include a plurality of coil springs. The number of coil springs is not particularly limited, and for example, four coil springs are provided. Slide biasing portion <NUM> may pass through substrate <NUM>. Substrate <NUM> is provided with a third through hole <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> is arranged in third through hole <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> has a lower end in contact with support member <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> has an upper end in contact with support plate <NUM>. Slide biasing portion <NUM> has the upper end attached to an attachment projecting portion <NUM> of support plate <NUM>. Outer protrusion <NUM> of base <NUM> may pass through substrate <NUM>. Substrate <NUM> is provided with a fourth through hole <NUM>. Outer protrusion <NUM> is arranged in fourth through hole <NUM>.

Input portion <NUM> can be tilted along a direction of tilt S. Second slid surface <NUM> may be in a partially spherical shape formed such that input portion <NUM> is tilted with respect to a virtual center. The virtual center may be located on the outside of direction input device <NUM> and in the inside of controller housing <NUM>. Specifically, the virtual center is located at a first center B1 located under substrate <NUM>. The virtual center may be located at first center B1 located between substrate <NUM> and rear-surface-side housing portion 3b. The virtual center may be located at first center B1 in support member <NUM>. Likewise second slid surface <NUM>, first slid surface <NUM> may be in a partially spherical shape formed such that input portion <NUM> is tilted with respect to the virtual center.

The virtual center may be located on the outside of controller housing <NUM>. Specifically, the virtual center may be located at a second center B2 located under rear-surface-side housing portion 3b. Substrate <NUM> may be located between second center B2 and input portion <NUM>. Rear-surface-side housing portion 3b may be located between second center B2 and support member <NUM>.

As described above, each of first slid surface <NUM> and second slid surface <NUM> should only be in a shape curved convexly upward and the shape thereof is not limited to the partially spherical shape. When each of first slid surface <NUM> and second slid surface <NUM> is in a shape other than the partially spherical shape, the motion of input portion <NUM> is not a circular motion. In this case, input portion <NUM> does not have to have the virtual center. Each of first slid surface <NUM> and second slid surface <NUM> may be formed on rear surface 3c of controller housing <NUM>. Alternatively, second slid surface <NUM> may be formed on rear surface 3c of controller housing <NUM> and first slid surface <NUM> may be formed in first lower region <NUM> of second slide portion <NUM>.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims rather than the description above and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Claim 1:
A direction input device (<NUM>) comprising:
an input portion (<NUM>) including an operated portion (<NUM>) and a shaft (<NUM>) that extends downward from the operated portion;
a first slide portion (<NUM>) that slides in a first direction in response to the input portion tilting from an initial position in the first direction, the first slide portion being provided with a first hole (<NUM>) through which the shaft passes, the first hole extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
a second slide portion (<NUM>) that slides in the second direction in response to the input portion tilting from the initial position in the second direction, the second slide portion being provided with a second hole (<NUM>) through which the shaft passes, the second hole extending in the first direction;
a first slid surface (<NUM>) that extends in the first direction, the first slid surface being in a shape curved convexly upward, the first slide portion sliding over the first slid surface as the first slide portion abutting on the first slid surface from below;
a second slid surface (<NUM>) that extends in the second direction, the second slid surface being in a shape curved convexly upward, the second slide portion sliding over the second slid surface as the second slide portion abutting on the second slid surface from below; and
a slide biasing portion (<NUM>) provided below the first slide portion and the second slide portion, the slide biasing portion biasing the first slide portion upward from below as pressing the first slide portion against the first slid surface and biasing the second slide portion upward from below as pressing the second slide portion against the second slid surface.