Abstract:
Disclosed is an input device. The input device includes a substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor, and a magnetic substance circumferentially provided in one of the sliding member and the housing and a magnet circumferentially provided in remaining one of the sliding member and the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2007-0113156, filed Nov. 7, 2007 and 10-2007-0114821, filed Nov. 12, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Electronic appliances such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and an MP3 player include an information input device inputting manipulation commands of a user. 
         [0003]    Such an information input device is classified into a button-type information input device to input on/off signals and a wheel-type information input device to input a specific manipulation command according to the rotation of a wheel thereof. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An embodiment provides an input device having a new structure. 
         [0005]    An embodiment provides a sliding-type input device. 
         [0006]    An embodiment provides an input device having restoring force. 
         [0007]    According to an embodiment, an input device includes a substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor, a magnetic substance circumferentially provided in one of the sliding member and the housing, and a magnet circumferentially provided in remaining one of the sliding member and the housing. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment, an input device includes a substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor, a first magnet installed in the sliding member and having a ring shape, and a second magnet installed in the housing and having a ring shape, wherein the first magnet is at least partially overlapped with the second magnet, and overlapped parts of the first magnet and the second magnet have polarities opposite to each other. 
         [0009]    According to an embodiment, an input device includes a substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member to face a charge plate, a first magnet installed in the sliding member and having a ring shape, and a second magnet installed in the housing and having a ring shape, wherein the first magnet is at least partially overlapped with the second magnet in a horizontal direction, and the first magnet faces the second magnet so that repulsive force is generated therebetween. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a first embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing an input device according to a first embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a second embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets of an input device according to a second embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a third embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to a third embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a fourth embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to a fourth embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a fifth embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to a fifth embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to a sixth embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a seventh embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to a seventh embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to an eighth embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an input device according to an eighth embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a ninth embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a tenth embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to an eleventh embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Hereinafter, an input device according to embodiments will be described with respect to accompanying drawings. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a first embodiment, and  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to the first embodiment. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the input device according to the first embodiment includes a base member  10  and a housing  90  coupled with the base member  10 . 
         [0031]    A substrate  20  is installed on the base member  10 , and a sliding member  50  is provided on the substrate  20 . 
         [0032]    The substrate  20  is provided thereon with a charge plate  21  divided into a plurality of areas to serve as a sensor, and a sensing plate  40  is installed below the sliding member  50  facing the charge plate  21  such that the sensor can detect the sensing plate. 
         [0033]    Capacitance of the charge plate  21  is remarkably changed according to the change of the position or the shape of the sensing plate  40 . The manipulation command of a user can be recognized by detecting the variation in the capacitance of the charge plate  21 . Since the sensing plate  40  is coupled with the sliding member  50 , the position of the sensing plate  40  may be changed according to the movement of the sliding member  50 . 
         [0034]    A dome member  60  is provided on the sensing plate  40 , and a button  70  is provided on the dome member  60 . A portion of the button  70  may protrude out of an outside through an opening  91  of the housing  90 , and a contact part  100  is provided on the button  70 . 
         [0035]    The contact part  100  helps a user to press or slide the button  70  by using user&#39;s finger or a pen. The contact part  100  may be selectively installed. 
         [0036]    The button  70  is coupled with the sliding member  50  such that the sliding member  50  is slid by external force. 
         [0037]    The button  70  applies force to the dome member  60  provided below the button  70  as the contact part  100  is pressed, and the dome member  60  changes the shape of the sensing plate  40  provided below the dome member  60 . As the shape of the sensing plate  40  is changed, the capacitance of the charge plate  21  is changed to detect that the button  70  is pressed. 
         [0038]    The dome member  60  has a convex-up shape and elasticity. Accordingly, when the button  70  is pushed down, a central portion of the dome member  60  is deformed downward and then returns to an original state thereof when the pressed button  70  is released. Accordingly, the button  70  is deformed downward as the button  70  is pushed down and then returns to an original state thereof due to elasticity of the dome member  60  when the pressed button  70  is released. 
         [0039]    As the sliding member  50  moves, the position of the sensing plate  40  is changed on the charge plate  21 , so that a command having directionality, such as the movement of a cursor, can be input through the input device. In addition, as the button  70  is pressed, the shape of the sensing plate  40  is changed on the charge plate  21 , so that the input device can input the manipulation command such as a “click” representing a selection signal. 
         [0040]    Meanwhile, after the sliding member  50  moves due to an external force, if the external force is removed, the sliding member  50  must return to an original position thereof. 
         [0041]    To this end, the input device according to a first embodiment includes a magnet  30  and a magnetic substance  80 . 
         [0042]    The magnet  30  has a ring shape so as to be coupled with the sliding member  50 , and the magnetic substance  80  has a ring shape so as to be coupled to the housing  90 . 
         [0043]    Since attractive force is generated between the magnet  30  and the magnetic substance  80 , the sliding member  50  having the magnet  30  can be exactly restored to an original position thereof. 
         [0044]    According to the first embodiment, although the magnet  30  is coupled with the sliding member  50  and the magnetic substance  80  is coupled with the housing  90 , the magnetic substance  80  may be coupled with the sliding member  50 , and the magnet  30  may be coupled with the housing  90 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a second embodiment, and  FIG. 4  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the second embodiment. 
         [0046]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0047]    In the input device according to the second embodiment, a first magnet  130  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  180  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0048]    The first magnet  130  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  180  has a ring shape with a second radius greater than the first radius so that the first magnet  130  is partially overlapped with the second magnet  180  in a vertical direction. 
         [0049]    The first magnet  130  has a first polarity  131  at a region formed radially inward of the first magnet  130 , and a second polarity  132  at a region formed radially outward of the first magnet  130 . For example, the first polarity  131  may be an S-pole, and the second polarity  132  may be an N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  131  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  132  may be the S-pole. 
         [0050]    In addition, the second magnet  180  has a first polarity  181  at a region formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity  182  at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  181  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  182  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  181  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  182  may be the S-pole. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second polarity  132  of the first magnet  130  is vertically overlapped with the first polarity  181  of the second magnet  180 . 
         [0052]    Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the second polarity  132  of the first magnet  130  and the first polarity  181  of the second magnet  180 , and repulsive force is generated between the first polarity  131  of the first magnet  130  and the first polarity  181  of the second magnet  180 . Repulsive force is generated between the second polarity  132  of the first magnet  130  and the second polarity  182  of the second magnet  180 . 
         [0053]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  can return to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  130  and  180 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a third embodiment, and  FIG. 6  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the third embodiment. 
         [0055]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0056]    In the input device according to the third embodiment, a first magnet  230  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  280  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0057]    The first magnet  230  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  280  has a ring shape with a second radius greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet  230  is partially overlapped with the second magnet  280  in a vertical direction. 
         [0058]    An upper portion of the first magnet  230  has a first polarity  231  and a lower portion of the first magnet  230  has a second polarity  232 . For example, the first polarity  231  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  232  may be the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  231  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  232  may be the N-pole. 
         [0059]    In addition, the second magnet  280  has a first polarity  281  at a region radially inward thereof and a second polarity  282  at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  281  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  282  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  281  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  282  may be the S-pole. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first polarity  231  of the first magnet  230  faces the first polarity  281  of the second magnet  280 . 
         [0061]    Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first polarity  231  of the first magnet  230  and the first polarity  281  of the second magnet  280 , and repulsive force is generated between the first polarity  231  of the first magnet  230  and the second polarity  282  of the second magnet  280 . 
         [0062]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  can return to an original position thereof due to force generated between the first and second magnets  230  and  280 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a fourth embodiment, and  FIG. 8  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the fourth embodiment. 
         [0064]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0065]    In the input device according to the fourth embodiment, a first magnet  330  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  380  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0066]    The first magnet  330  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  380  has a ring shape with a radius equal to the first radius, so that the first magnet  330  is vertically overlapped with the second magnet  380 . 
         [0067]    An upper portion of the first magnet  330  has a first polarity  331 , and a lower portion of the first magnet  330  has a second polarity  332 . For example, the first polarity  331  is the S-pole, and the second polarity  332  is the magnet north pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  331  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  332  is the magnet south pole. 
         [0068]    In addition, an upper portion of the second magnet  380  has a first polarity  381  and a lower portion of the second magnet  380  has a second polarity  382 . For example, the first polarity  381  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  382  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  381  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  382  may be the S-pole. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first polarity  331  of the first magnet  330  faces the second polarity  382  of the second magnet  380 . 
         [0070]    Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first polarity  331  of the first magnet  330  and the second polarity  381  of the second magnet  380 . 
         [0071]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  can return to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  330  and  380 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a fifth embodiment, and  FIG. 10  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the fifth embodiment. 
         [0073]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0074]    In the input device according to the fifth embodiment, a first magnet  430  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  480  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0075]    The first magnet  430  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  480  has a ring shape with a radius equal to the first radius so that the first magnet  430  is overlapped with the second magnet  480  in a vertical direction. 
         [0076]    The first magnet  430  has a first polarity  431  at a region formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity  432  at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  431  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  432  may be an N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  431  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  432  may be the S-pole. 
         [0077]    In addition, the second magnet  480  has a first polarity  481  at a region formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity  482  at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  481  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  482  may be the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  481  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  482  may be the N-pole. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first polarity  431  of the first magnet  430  faces the first polarity  481  of the second magnet  480 , and the second polarity  432  of the first magnet  430  faces the second polarity  482  of the second magnet  480 . 
         [0079]    Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first polarity  431  of the first magnet  430  and the first polarity  481  of the second magnet  480 , and attractive force is generated between the second polarity  432  of the first magnet  430  and the second polarity  482  of the second magnet  480 . 
         [0080]    In addition, repulsive force is generated between the first polarity  431  of the first magnet  430  and the second polarity  482  of the second magnet  480 , and repulsive force is generated between the second polarity  432  of the first magnet  430  and the first polarity  481  of the second magnet  480 . 
         [0081]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  can return to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  430  and  480 . 
         [0082]    Hereinafter, the arrangement of the magnets in the input device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0083]    Similarly to the fifth embodiment, in the input device according to the sixth embodiment, a first magnet  530  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  580  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0084]    The first magnet  530  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  580  has a ring shape with a radius equal to the first radius so that the first magnet  530  is overlapped with the second magnet  580  in a vertical direction. 
         [0085]    The first magnet  530  has a first polarity  531  and a second polarity  532  which are alternately aligned with each other in a radial direction. For example, the first polarity  531  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  532  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  531  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  532  may be the S-pole. 
         [0086]    The second magnet  580  has a first polarity  581  and a second polarity  582  which are alternately aligned with each other in a radial direction. For example, the first polarity  581  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  582  may be the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  581  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  582  may be the S-pole. 
         [0087]    The first polarity  531  of the first magnet  530  faces the first polarity  581  of the second magnet  580 , and the second polarity  532  of the first magnet  530  faces the second polarity  582  of the second magnet  580 . 
         [0088]    Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first polarity  531  of the first magnet  530  and the first polarity  581  of the second magnet  580 , and attractive force is generated between the second polarity  532  of the first magnet  530  and the second polarity  582  of the second magnet  580 . 
         [0089]    In addition, repulsive force is generated between the first polarity  531  of the first magnet  530  and the second polarity  582  of the second magnet  580 , and repulsive force is generated between the second polarity  532  of the first magnet  530  and the first polarity  581  of the second magnet  580 . 
         [0090]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  returns to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  530  and  580 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a seventh embodiment, and  FIG. 13  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the seventh embodiment. 
         [0092]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0093]    In the input device according to the seventh embodiment, a first magnet  630  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  680  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0094]    The first magnet  630  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  680  has a ring shape with a second radius greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet  630  is provided within the radius of the second magnet  680 . 
         [0095]    The first magnet  630  is provided with a first height, and the second magnet  680  is provided with a second height, so that the first magnet  630  is partially overlapped with the second magnet  680  in a horizontal direction. 
         [0096]    An upper portion of the first magnet  630  has a first polarity  631 , and a lower portion of the first magnet  630  has a second polarity  632 . For example, the first polarity  631  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  632  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  631  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  632  may be the S-pole. 
         [0097]    In addition, an upper portion of the second magnet  680  has a first polarity  681 , and a lower portion of the first magnet  680  has a second polarity  682 . For example, the first polarity  681  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  682  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  681  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  682  may be the S-pole. 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first polarity  631  of the first magnet  630  faces the first polarity  681  of the second magnet  680 , and the second polarity  632  of the first magnet  630  faces the second polarity  682  of the second magnet  680 . 
         [0099]    Attractive force is generated between the second polarity  632  of the first magnet  630  and the first polarity  681  of the second magnet  680 , repulsive force is generated between the first polarity  631  of the first magnet  630  and the first polarity  681  of the second magnet  680 , and repulsive force is generated between the second polarity  632  of the first magnet  630  and the second polarity  682  of the second magnet  680 . Accordingly, repulsive force is generated between the first magnet  630  and the second magnet  680 . 
         [0100]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  returns to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  630  and  680 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to an eighth embodiment, and  FIG. 15  is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the eighth embodiment. 
         [0102]    Details of elements the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy. 
         [0103]    In the input device according to the eighth embodiment, a first magnet  730  is installed in the sliding member  50 , and a second magnet  780  is installed in the housing  90 . 
         [0104]    The first magnet  730  has a ring shape with a first radius, and the second magnet  780  has a ring shape with a second radius greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet  730  is provided in the second magnet  780 . 
         [0105]    The first magnet  730  has a first height, and the second magnet  780  has a second height substantially identical to the first height, so that the first magnet  730  is at least partially overlapped with the second magnet  780  in a horizontal direction. 
         [0106]    The first magnet  730  has a first polarity  731  at a region formed radially inward thereof, and a second polarity  732  at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  731  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  732  may be the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  731  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  732  may be the N-pole. 
         [0107]    The second magnet  780  has a first polarity  781  at a region radially inward thereof, and a second polarity  782  at a region radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity  781  may be the S-pole, and the second polarity  782  may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity  781  may be the N-pole, and the second polarity  732  may be the S-pole. 
         [0108]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the second polarity  732  of the first magnet  730  faces the first polarity  781  of the second magnet  780 . 
         [0109]    Repulsive force is generated between the second polarity  732  of the first magnet  730  and the first polarity  781  of the second magnet  780 . 
         [0110]    As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding member  50  returns to an original position thereof due to the force generated between the first and second magnets  730  and  780 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a ninth embodiment. 
         [0112]    In the input device according to the ninth embodiment, a sensing member  121  is installed on a substrate  120 , and a housing  190  is provided on the substrate  120 . A sliding member  150  is interposed between the housing  190  and the substrate  120 , and a sensing plate  140  is installed below the sliding member  150  so as to be detected by the sensing member  121 . 
         [0113]    A first magnet  830  is installed in the sliding member  150 , and a second magnet  880  is installed in the housing  190 . 
         [0114]    The first magnet  830  has first and second magnetic poles  831  and  832 , and the second magnet  880  has first and second magnetic poles  881  and  882 . 
         [0115]    The first magnetic pole  831  of the first magnet  830  faces the second magnetic pole  882  of the second magnet  880 , and the first magnetic pole  831  and the second magnetic pole  882  of the second magnet  880  have the same polarity. Accordingly, if an external force is not exerted, the sliding member  150  is stopped at a predetermined position due to repulsive force between the first magnet  830  and the second magnet  880 . 
         [0116]    The sensing member  121  detects a signal according to the position variation of the sensing plate  140  to output a value corresponding to the movement of the sliding member  150 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to a tenth embodiment. 
         [0118]    In the input device according to the tenth embodiment, a sensing member  221  and a switching member  222  are mounted on a substrate  220 , and a housing  290  is provided on the substrate  220 . A sliding member  250  is interposed between the housing  290  and the substrate  220 , and a sensing plate  240  is installed below the sliding member  250  so as to be detected by the sensing member  221  and the switching member  222 . 
         [0119]    A first magnet  930  is installed in the sliding member  250 , and a second magnet  980  is installed in the housing  290 . A back yoke  931  may be installed below the first magnet  930  in order to enhance magnetic force. 
         [0120]    Attractive force is generated between the first magnet  930  and the second magnet  980 . 
         [0121]    Accordingly, if external force is not exerted, the sliding member  250  is stopped at a predetermined position due to attractive force between the first and second magnets  930  and  980 . 
         [0122]    The sensing member  221  detects a signal according to the position variation of the sensing plate  240  in a horizontal direction to output a value corresponding to the movement of the sliding member  250 . In addition, the switching member  222  detects a signal according to the position variation of the sensing plate  240  in a vertical direction to output a value corresponding to the pressing degree of the sliding member  250 . For example, when the sensing plate  240  is strongly pressed, the switching member  222  can output a signal. 
         [0123]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to an eleventh embodiment. 
         [0124]    In an input device according to the eleventh embodiment, a sensing member  321  is mounted on a substrate  320 , and a housing  390  is provided above the substrate  320 . A sliding member  350  is interposed between the housing  390  and the substrate  320 , and a sensing plate  340  is installed below the sliding member  350  so as to be detected by the sensing member  321 . 
         [0125]    A magnetic substance  1030  may be installed in the sliding member  350 , and a magnet  1080  may be installed in the housing  390 . In addition, a magnet may be mounted on the sliding member  350 , and a magnetic substance may be installed in the housing  390 . 
         [0126]    Attractive force is generated between the magnetic substance  1030  and the magnet  1080 . 
         [0127]    Accordingly, if external force is not exerted, the sliding member  350  is stopped at a predetermined position due to attractive force between the magnetic substance  1030  and the magnet  1080 . 
         [0128]    The sensing member  321  detects a signal according to the position variation of the sensing plate  340  to output a value corresponding to the movement of the sliding member  350 . 
         [0129]    As described above according to the embodiments, in the input device according to the embodiments, a magnet is installed in one of a sliding member and a housing, and a magnetic substance is installed in the other of the sliding member and the housing. Accordingly, the sliding member can return an original position thereof by using force generated between the magnet and the magnetic substance. 
         [0130]    In addition, in the input device according to the embodiments, a first magnet is installed in the sliding member, and a second magnet is installed in a housing. Accordingly, the sliding member can return to an original position thereof by using force between the first magnet and the second magnet. 
         [0131]    Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments. 
         [0132]    Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.