Patent ID: 8230755

Claim:
A multi-directional input apparatus comprising: an operating member including a drive shaft; a base configured to support the operating member such that the operating member is tiltable in multiple directions; a swinging member having a frame portion, the frame portion having a first elongated hole through which the drive shaft extends, the swinging member being supported on the base such that the swinging member is rotatable around a rotating axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and biasing means including a spring member which is a leaf spring provided on the swinging member, the leaf spring having an attachment portion partially surrounding the frame portion of the swinging member and a bent portion extending from the attachment portion and extending substantially along a longitudinal direction of the drive shaft and being in elastic contact with the drive shaft, the attachment portion having a second elongated hole through which the drive shaft extends, the second elongated hole being larger than the first elongated hole, the first and second elongated holes each having a longitudinal direction parallel to the rotating axis of the swinging member, wherein the swinging member is tilted in cooperation with operation of the operating member and when the operating member is tilted in a direction crossing the rotating axis of the swinging member, the swinging member is rotated by the drive shaft, wherein the biasing means is configured to elastically bias the drive shaft against a side surface of an inner wall of the first elongated hole.