Multi-direction input device, controller having the device, and control apparatus having the controller

A controller, comprising a multi-direction input device, wherein the multi-direction input device comprises:

• a housing defining a cavity and a first opening communicating with the cavity;
• an operation member disposed at least partially in the cavity and swingable relative to the housing, the operation member comprising an operation body and a protruding portion extending from a periphery of the operation body, the operation body having a first end protruding from the first opening;
• a circuit board disposed in the cavity;
• a magnetic sensing assembly comprising a magnetic element fixed to the protruding portion and a magnetic sensor disposed on the circuit board on a side away from the protruding portion;
• and
• a pressing switch disposed in the cavity on a side facing the protruding portion and electrically connected to the circuit board;
• wherein the operation member is configured to be pressed along a central axis of the operation member, pressing being applied via the operation body;
• the magnetic sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board and configured to sense changes in at least one of (i) a magnitude of a magnetic flux density and (ii) a direction of the magnetic flux density generated by the magnetic element as the operation member swings in the cavity, the changes corresponding to a position of the operation body;
• and the pressing switch is configured to be triggered when the operation body is pressed.

A control apparatus, comprising a controller, wherein the controller comprises a multi-direction input device, the multi-direction input device comprises:

• a housing defining a cavity and a first opening communicating with the cavity;
• an operation member disposed at least partially in the cavity and swingable relative to the housing, the operation member comprising an operation body and a protruding portion extending from a periphery of the operation body, the operation body having a first end protruding from the first opening;
• a circuit board disposed in the cavity;
• a magnetic sensing assembly comprising a magnetic element fixed to the protruding portion and a magnetic sensor disposed on the circuit board on a side away from the protruding portion;
• and
• a pressing switch disposed in the cavity on a side facing the protruding portion and electrically connected to the circuit board;
• wherein the operation member is configured to be pressed along a central axis of the operation member, pressing being applied via the operation body;
• the magnetic sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board and configured to sense changes in at least one of (i) a magnitude of a magnetic flux density and (ii) a direction of the magnetic flux density generated by the magnetic element as the operation member swings in the cavity, the changes corresponding to a position of the operation body;
• and the pressing switch is configured to be triggered when the operation body is pressed.