Abstract:
A rotationally-operated input device includes the following elements: (a) a magnetized cylindrical rotary magnet; (b) an operating shaft having the rotary magnet inserted and held thereon; (c) an upper case and a lower case for sandwiching the operating shaft therebetween rotatably; (d) an insulating substrate for fixing and holding the lower case; (e) a detection element mounted on the insulating substrate, for detecting rotation of the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner; and (f) a fixed magnet for generating an attractive and repulsive force between the fixed magnet and the rotary magnet. This structure allows detection of a rotation state of the operating shaft and provides click-feeling at rotating operation, in a non-contact manner. Thus a long-life small rotationally-operated input device can be provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a rotationally-operated input device that is used for operating parts of various types of electronic device and outputs rectangular wave signals in response to rotating operation of the operating shaft thereof. 
         [0003]    2. Background Art 
         [0004]    In recent years, with the size and thickness reduction of various types of electronic device, such a device has had enhanced multi-functionality. Accordingly, an increasing number of rotationally-operated input devices are mounted on an insulating substrate to be rotated in parallel with the surface of the insulating substrate. Such a conventional rotationally-operated input device is described with reference to  FIGS. 8 through 10 . 
         [0005]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a conventional rotationally-operated input device.  FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the conventional rotationally-operated input device.  FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a circular recess in a contact case of the conventional rotationally-operated input device. With reference to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , contact case  10  made of an insulating resin has circular recess  11  open to the front face thereof. Cylindrical protrusion  12  is formed at the center of the bottom face of circular recess  11 . At the center of cylindrical protrusion  12 , bearing hole  13  is provided. Along the outer periphery of cylindrical protrusion  12 , common electrode  20  is exposed. Outside of common electrode  20 , signal electrodes  30  and  40  are insert-molded in an exposed state. 
         [0006]    Common electrode  20  is exposed in a semi-circular ring shape. Extension  22  extending from the intermediate position of the semi-circular shape connects common electrode  20  to common terminal  21  that projects downwardly from the outer peripheral wall forming circular recess  11  of contact case  10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , signal electrodes  30  are formed in a position on the left side of extension  22  of common electrode  20 , in an angular range of approximately a half the angular range of exposed common electrode  20 . The plurality of signal electrodes  30  is exposed radially with respect to the center of cylindrical protrusion  12  to form A-phase signal electrodes. Signal electrodes  40  are formed in a position on the right side of extension  22  of common electrode  20 , in an angular range of approximately a half the angular range of exposed common electrode  20 . The plurality of signal electrodes  40  is exposed radially with respect to the center of cylindrical protrusion  12  to form B-phase signal electrodes. A-phase signal terminal  31  connecting to A-phase signal electrodes  30  and B-phase signal terminal  41  connecting to B-phase signal electrodes  40  extend downwardly from the outer peripheral wall and project from contact case  10  so as to sandwich common electrode  21  therebetween. 
         [0007]    In operating shaft  50  made of an insulating resin, flange  52  is formed on the rear side of linear rod-like cylindrical part  51 . Slider  60  is attached to flange  52  and slides on common electrode  20  and signal electrodes  30  and  40  of contact case  10  by rotating operation. At the center of flange  52 , support  53  is projected. Support  53  is inserted and held in bearing hole  13  of contact case  10 . 
         [0008]    Bearing  70  has a fitting hole into which cylindrical part  51  of operating shaft  50  is inserted. The bearing is fixed to contact case  10  so as to include flange  52  therein and block circular recess  11  of contact case  10  from the front side thereof. Click spring  80  made of a resilient metal plate is fixed to bearing  70  on the side of contact case  10 . A dowel at the tip of the resilient arm of the click spring is in resilient contact with projections and depressions provided on flange  52  of operating shaft  50 . 
         [0009]    Common electrode  20  and signal electrodes  30  and  40  are disposed on the bottom face of circular recess  11  of contact case  10  in a small angular range so as to reduce sliding abrasion and improve the durability of slider  60 . 
         [0010]    The rotationally-operated input device structured above is mounted on an insulating substrate (not shown) and an operating knob is attached to operating shaft  50 . This rotationally-operated input device is rotated in parallel with the surface of the insulating substrate. A description of the operation thereof is provided hereinafter. 
         [0011]    Rotation of operating shaft  50  causes slider  60  to slide on common electrode  20  and signal electrodes  30  and  40 . This operation brings common electrode  20  and A-phase signal electrodes  30  into and out of electrical contact with each other via slider  60 . Thus a rectangular wave signal is supplied between common terminal  21  and A-phase signal terminal  31 . Similarly, this operation brings common electrode  20  and B-phase signal electrodes  40  into and out of electrical contact with each other via slider  60 . Thus a rectangular wave signal is supplied between common terminal  21  and B-phase signal terminal  41 . 
         [0012]    A-phase signal electrodes  30  and B-phase signal electrodes  40  are displaced at a predetermined angle in the rotation direction of slider  60 . Thus the A-phase rectangular wave signal and the B-phase rectangular wave signal are supplied with a phase difference. Therefore, according to the output state of the A-phase rectangular wave signal and the B-phase rectangular wave signal, a direction and amount of rotation can be detected. According to the detection, the function of the electronic device incorporating the input device is controlled. 
         [0013]    For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known as the information about conventional arts related to this invention. 
       [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2004-219297 
     [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2005-302654 
       [0014]    However, with miniaturization and multi-functionality enhancement of electronic devices represented by a portable telephone, a rotationally-operated input device is requested to have a smaller mounting height and improved durability. For the above conventional rotationally-operated input device, slider  60  slides on common electrode  20  and signal electrodes  30  and  40  in a smaller angular range, but abrasion of slider  60  sliding on respective electrodes  20 ,  30 , and  40  cannot be prevented. Thus there are limitations in increasing the life and reducing the height in the mounting state. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention provides a long-life small rotationally-operated input device that is operable in parallel with the surface of an insulating substrate and has enhanced operating durability. The rotationally-operated input device includes the following elements: 
         [0016]    a) a magnetized cylindrical rotary magnet; 
         [0017]    b) an operating shaft having the rotary magnet inserted and held at an intermediate portion thereof, and having an operating part at one end thereof; 
         [0018]    c) an upper case and a lower case for sandwiching the operating shaft therebetween rotatably; 
         [0019]    d) an insulating substrate for fixing and holding the lower case; 
         [0020]    e) a detection element mounted on the insulating substrate, for detecting rotation of the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner; and 
         [0021]    f) a fixed magnet attached to one of the lower case and the upper case, for generating an attractive and repulsive force between the fixed magnet and the rotary magnet. 
         [0022]    In this structure, the operating direction of the rotationally-operated input device is in parallel with the surface of the insulating substrate on which the input device is mounted, and a rotation state can be detected in a non-contact manner. Further, click-feeling generated by the attractive and repulsive force between the rotary magnet and the fixed magnet can be obtained in a non-contact structure. Thus a long-life small rotationally-operated input device having excellent operating durability can be implemented. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a rotationally-operated input device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an input device workpiece of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an operating shaft combination of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a combination of a lower case and fixed magnets of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a partial outside view of a portable telephone incorporating the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a conceptual drawing showing a relative position of rotary magnets and the fixed magnets of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a conventional rotationally-operated input device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the conventional rotationally-operated input device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a circular recess in a contact case of the conventional rotationally-operated input device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Hereinafter, a description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 . 
       Embodiment 
       [0034]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an input device workpiece of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an operating shaft combination of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a combination of a lower case and fixed magnets of the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0035]    Lower case  110  is made of a frame-shaped insulating resin that has two rectangular through holes  111 . Semi-circular concave lower bearing parts  112  and  113  having the same central axis are disposed on the top faces at the intermediate portions of two facing sides of lower case  110  in the juxtaposition direction of two rectangular holes  111 . On the bottom face at the central position of one of the remaining two sides, two caulking projections  114  are provided. Two identical fixed magnets  120  in a rectangular parallelepiped shape are mounted on planar magnet mount  130  made of stainless steel. Caulking projections  114  are caulked so that magnet mount  130  is fixed into lower case  110  and each fixed magnet  120  is disposed in lower case  110 . Fixed magnets  120  are positioned adjacent to corresponding rectangular holes  111  in lower case  110 . Two fixed magnets  120  have the magnetic poles of the same polarity on the surfaces facing the central axis line of lower bearing parts  112  and  113  of lower case  110 , and are magnetized in the same magnetic direction. 
         [0036]    In linear rod-like operating shaft  140 , operating part  141  is formed at one end and pressing part  144  is formed at the other end. Circular fitting parts  142  and  143  are disposed between operating part  141  and pressing part  144  so as to correspond to lower bearing parts  112  and  113 , respectively, of lower case  110 . Between fitting parts  142  and  143 , two identical cylindrical rotary magnets  150 , each having a substantially oval through-hole and magnetized to have a plurality of magnetic poles in the peripheral direction thereof, are inserted and fixed so as to have the same angular relation. The portions of operating shaft  140  combined with rotary magnets  150  are formed to have the substantially oval shapes identical with those of the through-holes of rotary magnets  150 . Operating shaft  140  is fixed to rotary magnets  150  in a press fit state without any rattling so that rotary magnets  150  rotate integrally with operating shaft  140  when the operating shaft is rotated. With operating shaft  140  supported by lower case  110 , two rotary magnets  150  are positioned so as to correspond to two rectangular holes  111  in lower case  110 . In order to keep a predetermined space between rotary magnets  150 , cylindrical spacer  160  is interposed between two rotary magnets  150  on operating shaft  140 . The following descriptions are provided for a structure in which each of rotary magnets  150  is magnetized to have N magnetic poles and S magnetic poles alternately arranged at the same angle. 
         [0037]    In upper case  170  opened in the downward direction and made of an insulating resin, upper bearing parts  171  and  172  having the same central axis and a semi-circular concave shape are provided to form pairs with lower bearing parts  112  and  113 , respectively, of lower case  110 . 
         [0038]    These upper bearing parts  171  and  172  and lower bearing parts  112  and  113  fittingly support fitting parts  142  and  143  of operating shaft  140  so that the operating shaft can be rotated and pressed in the axial direction. Engagement parts  115  in four positions in lower case  110  are engaged to engaging protrusions  173  in four positions in upper case  170 . Thus upper case  170  and lower case  110  are combined into one unit. 
         [0039]    In operating shaft  140  fittingly supported by upper case  170  and lower case  110 , operating part  141  at one end and pressing part  144  at the other end project from upper case  170  and lower case  110 . Operating part  141  is formed to have a diameter larger than that of fitting part  142 . Pressing part  144  is formed to have a diameter larger than that of fitting part  143 . This structure also works to prevent inadvertent disconnection of operating shaft  140 . 
         [0040]    In the space formed by upper case  170  and lower case  110 , coil spring  180  for urging operating shaft  140  toward the side of operating part  141  is incorporated between pressing part  144  of operating shaft  140  and rotary magnet  150 . The action of this coil spring  180  allows pressing part  144  at the other end to be kept in contact with the outer wall surfaces of upper case  170  and lower case  110 . This structure prevents axial rattling of operating shaft  140  caused by the combination of the plurality of members, thus ensuring high quality. 
         [0041]    Between coil spring  180  and rotary magnet  150 , washer  190  is disposed on the end face side of coil spring  180 , and bearing plate  200  in a flat ring shape is disposed on the side of rotary magnet  150  in combination with the washer. Washer  190  and bearing plate  200  prevent the end face of coil spring  180  from direct contact with rotary magnet  150 , thus preventing degradation of rotating feeling of operating shaft  140 . 
         [0042]    Input device workpiece  210  can be transported and stored in a state in which upper case  170  and lower case  110  are combined into one unit so that operating shaft  140  can be rotated and pressed in the axial direction. 
         [0043]    On the top face of insulating substrate  220 , two identical Hall ICs  230  and push-on switch  240  are mounted. Each of the Hall ICs detects changes in flux density as a detection element. Push-on switch  240  is operated by application of a pressing force to drive part  241  thereof from the front side toward the rear side, and generates an ON signal. When the pressing force is released, the switch self-restores to an OFF state before the pressing operation. 
         [0044]    On insulating substrate  220 , input device workpiece  210  is positioned by a positioning dowel (not shown) projecting downwardly from lower case  110 . Further, cover plate  250  is disposed over input device workpiece  210  to fix input device workpiece  210  onto insulating substrate  220 . In this state, input device workpiece  210  is mounted on insulating substrate  220 . Cover plate  250  may be formed of the case (not shown) of an electronic device incorporating the input device, or may also serve as another component of the electronic device. In the state in which input device workpiece  210  is mounted on insulating substrate  220 , two Hall ICs  230  on insulating substrate  220  are housed in two rectangular holes  111  in lower case  110 . 
         [0045]    In the state in which input device workpiece  210  is positioned on insulating substrate  220 , operating part  141  of operating shaft  140  projects from the end of insulating substrate  220 . Operating knob  260  is fitted onto operating part  141 . The tip of pressing part  144  projecting from upper case  170  and lower case  110  on the opposite side of operating part  141  is in contact with drive part  241  of push-on switch  240 . Two Hall ICs  230  are in non-contact proximity to two rotary magnets  150  inserted and fixed onto operating shaft  140 . Two Hall ICs  230  are mounted on insulating substrate  220  so as to be aligned at slightly different positions with each other at a predetermined angle with respect to rotary magnets  150  in order to induce phase difference. 
         [0046]    The rotationally-operated input device of this exemplary embodiment is structured as above. Next, the operation thereof is described. 
         [0047]    In an inoperative state in which operating knob  260  is not operated, operating shaft  140  is in a stable stop state in which the magnetic poles of opposite polarity are positioned in proximity to each other and the maximum attractive force is generated between corresponding rotary magnets  150  and fixed magnets  120 . 
         [0048]    Next, operating knob  260  is rotated so that operating shaft  140  is rotated with a rotating force exceeding the attractive force between rotary magnets  150  integral with operating shaft  140  and fixed magnets  120 . With this rotation, the magnetic poles of rotary magnet  150  attracting fixed magnet  120  leaves the fixed magnet and another one of the magnetic poles repulsing fixed magnet  120  approaches fixed magnet  120 . Thus repulsive force for restraining the rotation increases. However, when the operating shaft is rotated with a force larger than the repulsive force applied to operating knob  260 , operating shaft  140  is further rotated in the same rotation direction against the repulsive force between fixed magnet  120  and rotary magnet  150 . As a result, another one of the magnetic poles generating the attractive force toward fixed magnet  120  approaches and the rotating force is applied to operating shaft  140 . 
         [0049]    In this manner, rotating operation of rotary magnets  150  on operating shaft  140  via operating knob  260  in the same direction causes attractive force and repulsive force to be alternately generated between the magnetic poles of rotary magnets  150  and fixed magnets  120  fixed to lower case  110 . Thus smooth and light click-feeling can be provided in a non-contact structure. 
         [0050]    Stopping the rotating operation of operating knob  260  brings operating shaft  140  into the stable stop state in which the magnetic poles of opposite polarity attract each other between fixed magnets  120  and rotary magnets  150 . 
         [0051]    When rotary magnets  150  are rotated by rotation of operating knob  260 , Hall ICs  230  mounted on insulating substrate  220  detect changes in the magnetic flux from the magnetic poles arranged in the peripheral direction of rotary magnets  150  and output predetermined rectangular wave signals. Further, two Hall ICs  230  are aligned at slightly different positions with each other to provide a predetermined phase difference. Thus the rectangular wave signals supplied according to the changes in the magnetic flux caused by rotation of rotary magnets  150  have a phase difference. According to this phase-difference output, a direction and amount of the rotation can be obtained. These rectangular wave signals can also be provided in a non-contact manner. Thus a rotationally-operated input device having a long life and improved durability can be provided. 
         [0052]    When operating knob  260  is rotated in the reverse direction, the attractive and repulsive force generated between rotary magnets  150  and fixed magnets  120  can provide click-feeling in the same operation as described above. In this case, pulse signals from two Hall ICs  230  provide output having a phase difference in the reverse direction. Thus the direction and amount of the rotation can be obtained. 
         [0053]    In this manner, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, a large rotation diameter need not be ensured for a rotationally-operated input device operable in parallel with the surface of insulating substrate  220 . Such a large rotation diameter need be ensured for slider  60  that rotates in a plane orthogonal to operating shaft  50  in the conventional structure. The rotationally-operated input device of this exemplary embodiment only requires a space for allowing the rotation of cylindrical rotary magnets  150  fixed to operating shaft  140 . With this structure, a small rotationally-operated input device having a reduced height from the surface of insulating substrate  220  can be implemented. 
         [0054]    Next, operating knob  260  is pressed toward the rear side of the axial direction with a pressing force exceeding the urging force of coil spring  180  for urging operating shaft  140  toward the front side. While operating shaft  140  is compressing coil spring  180  disposed on the rear side, pressing part  144  at the other end presses drive part  241  of push-on switch  240 . As a result, push-on switch  240  operates and generates the ON signal. When the pressing force is released, the resilient force of coil spring  180  and the self-restoring force of drive part  241  of push-on switch  240  return operating shaft  140  to the position in the inoperative state of  FIG. 1 . Then, push-on switch  240  also returns to the OFF state. 
         [0055]    Next, a description of incorporation of the rotationally-operated input device of this exemplary embodiment into an electronic device is provided.  FIG. 6  is a partial outside view of a portable telephone incorporating the rotationally-operated input device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the rotationally-operated input device is incorporated into and used in portable telephone  310  so that the outer peripheral side face of cylindrical operating knob  260  can be rotated and operating knob  260  can also be pressed, for example. Operating knob  260  is rotated by application of a force in a tangential direction of the outer peripheral side face. In response to the phase-difference rectangular wave signals obtained by the rotating operation, an assigned function is operated. For example, a function of scrolling a registered telephone number list shown on display  320  is operated. While a desired telephone number is displayed, pressing operating knob  260  one time operates push-on switch  240 , and in response to the generated ON signal, the selected telephone number is determined. Pressing operating knob  260  one time again causes the selected telephone number to be dialed. Such functions are implemented via software. Functions other than described above may be assigned. The rotationally-operated input device may be incorporated into an electronic device other than portable telephone  310 . 
         [0056]    In this manner, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, operation in parallel with the surface of insulating substrate  220  is possible. Further, a small rotationally-operated input device can be implemented so that rotation of operating shaft  140  allows phase-difference rectangular wave signals to be supplied and pressing operation thereof allows a signal for turning on the switch to be generated. 
         [0057]    Because coil spring  180  urges operating shaft  140  toward the side of operating knob  260 , operating shaft  140  returns when the pressing operation is released. This return operation is securely achieved even without operating knob  260  attached. Further, because this coil spring  180  urges operating shaft  140  toward operating part  141 , rattling of operating shaft  140  caused by the combination of the members can be prevented. Thus, even in a structure without push-on switch  240 , installation of coil spring  180  is preferable. 
         [0058]    Further, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, a rotation state of operating shaft  140  can be detected, according to the output of the rectangular wave signals based on the changes in the magnetic flux from rotary magnets  150  and supplied from Hall ICs  230 . Further, smooth click-feeling given by the attractive and repulsive force between rotary magnets  150  and fixed magnets  120  can be obtained with a non-contact structure. Thus a small rotationally-operated input device having improved durability and a long life can be implemented. 
         [0059]    A structure in which the rotary magnets and the fixed magnets are arranged in the relative position as shown in  FIG. 7  can increase the attractive and repulsive force between the corresponding magnets, thus providing large click-feeling.  FIG. 7  shows a section in the direction orthogonal to the axis line of operating shaft  140 . Rotary magnets  150  are fixed to operating shaft  140 . Each of rotary magnets  150  is magnetized to have magnetic poles of opposite polarity arranged alternately at a predetermined angle, similar to the above case. 
         [0060]    Fixed magnet  120  is disposed in a confronting state in which one of pole faces  121  is in proximity to rotary magnet  150 . Pole face  121  is disposed to orthogonally intersect a virtual plane from the rotation central axis of rotary magnet  150  that passes through the rotation central axis and extends toward the radial outer periphery of the rotary magnet. In other words, pole face  121  of fixed magnet  120  and rotary magnet  150  are disposed so that a virtual perpendicular line from the central position of pole face  121  in proximity to rotary magnet  150  perpendicularly intersects the rotation central axis of rotary magnet  150 . This arrangement allows the pole face of rotary magnet  150  and the pole face of fixed magnet  120  to face each other, thus concentrating the magnetic flux and enhancing the action thereof. As a result, the attractive and repulsive force between the magnets can be increased. 
         [0061]    More preferably, as shown in  FIG. 7 , fixed magnet  120  is formed so that the area of pole face  121  on the side nearer to rotary magnet  150  is reduced uniformly with respect to the central position thereof and is smaller than the area of pole face  122  on the side farther from the rotary magnet. This structure concentrates the magnetic flux on the side of the smaller area in fixed magnet  120 , thus increasing the attractive and repulsive force. 
         [0062]    In the descriptions of this exemplary embodiment, two rotary magnets  150  and two fixed magnets  120  are disposed so as to correspond to each other. However, in order to provide click-feeling, at least one fixed magnet may be used. According to the magnitude of click-feeling or magnetic force, the number of the fixed magnets can be selected. Further, the number of the rotary magnets may be only one. In this case, two Hall ICs  230  only need be aligned at slightly different positions so that the changes in the magnetic flux from the one rotary magnet can be detected. 
         [0063]    In this exemplary embodiment, rotary magnets  150  is magnetized to have N magnetic poles and S magnetic poles alternately arranged at a predetermined angle on the outer peripheral side thereof. However, the rotary magnet may be magnetized to have either one of the poles on the outer peripheral side. In this case, the shape or operation of the rotary magnet is changed to vary the magnetic flux. Fixed magnets  120  may be disposed on the side of upper case  170 . The component operable by pressing operation in the axial direction of operating shaft  140  is not limited to push-on switch  240 . Another type of switch may be used. 
         [0064]    In this exemplary embodiment, rectangular holes  111  for Hall ICs  230  are provided in lower case  110 , and rotary magnets  150  correspond to Hall ICs  230  via rectangular holes  111 . This structure allows each component to be disposed at an advantageous height, within a compact position area, and thus is preferable. However, Hall ICs  230  only need be disposed in a position in which a rotation state of rotary magnets  150  can be detected. In other words, in some arrangements, rectangular holes  111  are not necessary. 
         [0065]    Instead of Hall ICs  230 , a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic changes may be used. 
         [0066]    As described above, the rotationally-operated input device of the present invention is operable in parallel with the surface of the insulating substrate, and is capable of detecting a rotation state thereof and providing click-feeling, in a non-contact structure. Thus a long-life small rotationally-operated input device having improved operating durability can be provided. The present invention is useful for an operating part or the like of various types of electronic device. 
         [0067]    In accordance with the present invention, the operating shaft is sandwiched between the lower bearing part of the lower case and the upper bearing part of the upper case so that the operating shaft is rotatable and operable in the axial direction thereof. Further, a switch operable by pressing operation of the operating shaft at the other end in the axial direction thereof is provided. With this structure, the present invention can provide a rotationally-operated input device operable by rotating operation and pressing operation and capable of providing output corresponding to the operations. As a result, various functions can be assigned to an electronic device incorporating the rotationally-operated input device. 
         [0068]    In accordance with the present invention, the operating shaft has a spring operative to urge the operating shaft toward the side of the operating part in the axial direction thereof. This structure can prevent axial rattling of the operating shaft caused by the combination of members, thus ensuring high quality. In a case where a switch operable by the pressing operation of the operating shaft is provided, this structure ensures the returning operation of the operating shaft when the pressing operation of the switch is released. 
         [0069]    In accordance with the present invention, the fixed magnet is disposed in a confronting state in which one of the pole faces thereof is in proximity to the rotary magnet. Further, the pole face is disposed to orthogonally intersect the virtual plane from the rotation central axis of the rotary magnet that passes through the rotation central axis and extends toward the radial outer periphery of the rotary magnet. This arrangement can increase the attractive and repulsive force generated between the rotary magnet and the fixed magnet. 
         [0070]    In accordance with the present invention, the fixed magnet is disposed so that one of the pole faces is in proximity to the rotary magnet. The area of the pole face in proximity to the rotary magnet is smaller than the area of the other pole face of the fixed magnet. This structure can concentrate the magnetic flux of the fixed magnet on the side in proximity to the rotary magnet, thus increasing the attractive and repulsive force.