JOYSTICK WITH A SENSOR DEVICE

A joystick ( 1 ) comprising a substantially stationary part ( 4 ) and a movable part ( 3 ) adapted to be manipulated by an operator. The joystick further comprises a sensor device adapted to detect a position of the movable part ( 3 ) relatively to the substantially stationary part ( 4 ), the sensor device comprising a magnet arrangement comprising one or more magnets ( 9 ) and defining a predetermined magnetic field, and a magnetic detector being adapted to detect a magnetic flux and to generate a corresponding output. The magnet arrangement or the magnetic detector is arranged on the substantially stationary part ( 4 ), while the magnetic detector or the magnet arrangement is arranged on the movable part ( 3 ). Thereby relative movements between the parts ( 3, 4 ) result in relative movements between the magnet arrangement and the magnetic detector. The magnet(s) ( 9 ) of the magnet arrangement is/are shaped in such a manner that an outer contour of the magnet(s) ( 9 ) substantially follows a relative angular movement between the magnet(s) ( 9 ) and the magnetic detector during manipulation of the movable part ( 3 ). Thereby a substantially linear change in output from the magnetic detector is obtained in response to a linear change in the relative position between the parts ( 3, 4 ). The magnetic detector preferably is or comprises a Hall effect sensor ( 10 ). The magnet(s) ( 9 ) may have a curved shape, e.g. a 'banana like' shape.