Patent ID: 8378858
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A rotationally-operated input device comprising: a magnetized rotary magnet; an operating shaft having the rotary magnet inserted in a portion thereof, and having a manually operating part at one end thereof; a case for supporting the operating shaft rotatably; a detection element arranged so as to face the rotary magnet, for detecting rotation of the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner for providing a user selection by way of shaft rotation by operating the operating part; and a fixed magnet arranged so as to face the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner, wherein the rotary magnet has alternately arranged N and S magnetic poles in a cross section in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the operating shaft, wherein a face of the fixed magnet which is closest to the rotary magnet is only one pole face of the fixed magnet, and wherein arrangement of the fixed magnet and rotary magnet provides a detent feedback to the user during operation of said operating part by creating attraction and repulsion between the magnets based on alignment or misalignment of the particular relative magnetic poles of the two magnets.