Magnetic induction encoder for input equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a magnetic induction encoder for input equipment, and relates to the field of input equipment, the encoder comprises a mechanical main body formed by a fixed base and a rotatable part, and the rotatable part realizes the circumferential motion freedom degree relative to the fixed base through an axial supporting structure. The rotatable part is provided with periodically distributed magnetic coding structures in the circumferential direction, and the magnetic coding structures form continuously changing magnetic field gradient distribution in the circumferential direction. According to the encoder, a detection medium is converted from an optical nick to a magnetic array, so that the rigid constraint of a physical structure can be broken through, and dynamic precision adjustment is realized by utilizing the programmable characteristic of magnetic field distribution. The non-contact detection mechanism not only can effectively eliminate performance degradation caused by mechanical wear, but also can be compatible with different response curves through algorithm optimization, and endows the input equipment with intelligent characteristics of self-adaptive environment and use scene.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of input devices, in particular to a magnetic sensing encoder for input devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the current field of input devices, optical encoder as the mainstream displacement detection technology has been widely used in precision interactive devices such as mouse, knob controller, etc. This technology converts mechanical displacement into electrical signal pulses to realize position recognition through the cooperation of grating disc periodic light transmission structure and photoelectric sensor. Its core principle relies on the accurate modulation of physical engraving on the light path, which has high basic resolution, but the technical implementation path has obvious limitations. Since the accuracy of the grating depends entirely on the machining level of the etching process, the detection sensitivity cannot be dynamically adjusted by software or hardware means after the equipment is assembled, which makes it difficult to optimize parameters according to different application scenarios after the product is finalized. For example, in the scene of e-sports mouse and other scenes with significant differences in tracking speed and micro-operation precision requirements, traditional grating devices often need to replace physical components to realize performance adjustment, which seriously restricts the personalized space of user experience.

[0003] Further analysis shows that the inherent defects of grating technology are due to the dual restrictions of its physical structure and working principle. First, the high sensitivity of the optical path to dust pollution and mechanical wear will cause signal attenuation, and long-term use will easily cause cursor drift or positioning misalignment, especially in the working condition of frequent vibration of mobile devices, the reliability will decrease significantly. Second, the grating disc and the sensor must be strictly aligned in the axial direction, and any assembly deviation will cause signal distortion, which not only increases the production process cost, but also limits the miniaturization development of the device structure. More importantly, the grating system cannot break through the limitation of physical engraving density on the theoretical resolution, when high-speed displacement detection and sub-micron precision need to be considered, multiple grating systems are often needed to perform signal interpolation, which not only increases energy consumption, but also introduces phase accumulation error. In emerging application fields such as haptic feedback devices and high-precision digitizers, such technical bottlenecks have seriously hindered the upgrading and iteration of human-computer interaction experience.

[0004] In view of the above problems, developing a new type of magnetic sensing encoding technology has significant engineering value and market potential. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to at least overcome one of the deficiencies of the prior art, provide a magnetic sensing encoder for input devices, which can break through the rigid constraints of physical structure by converting the detection medium from optical notch to magnetic array, and realize dynamic precision adjustment by using the programmable characteristics of magnetic field distribution. This non-contact detection mechanism not only effectively eliminates the performance degradation caused by mechanical wear, but also optimizes the algorithm to be compatible with different response curves, and gives the input device the intelligent features of adapting to the environment and use scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application discloses a magnetic sensing encoder for input devices, which comprises a mechanical main body composed of a fixed base and a rotatable component, wherein the rotatable component realizes the freedom of circumferential movement relative to the fixed base through an axial support structure.

[0007] The rotatable component is circumferally provided with a periodically distributed magnetic encoding structure, which forms a continuously changing magnetic field gradient distribution along the circumference.

[0008] A magnetic signal detection unit is correspondingly arranged on the fixed base, which includes at least two adjacent magnetic field sensitive elements.

[0009] The output end of the magnetic signal detection unit is connected with a signal pin, and the pin array is electrically connected with an external control circuit.

[0010] Further, the magnetic encoding structure preferably adopts a multi-pole magnetized ring or a discrete magnetic pole array to realize the magnetic field gradient distribution.

[0011] Further, the outer edge profile of the multi-pole magnetized ring is alternately distributed with convex teeth and grooves at equal angle intervals to form geometric modulation, and the periodic change of magnetic field strength is generated by the difference in pole spacing at the tooth top and tooth root.

[0012] Further, a plurality of independent permanent magnet units are circumferentially and uniformly embedded in the rotatable component to form a discrete magnetic pole array structure, and each permanent magnet unit is arranged in an alternating pole direction to form a composite magnetic field waveform.

[0013] Further, to improve environmental adaptability and working stability, the fixed base and the protective shell form a sealed cavity through interference fit, and the rotatable component and the magnetic signal detection unit are packaged in the internal chamber. The protective shell is made of magnetically conductive shielding material, and the inner wall of the protective shell maintains a non-contact gap with the magnetic encoding structure, which not only avoids mechanical friction loss but also suppresses external magnetic field interference.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the structure realizes detection sensitivity adjustment through geometric design of magnetic field gradient distribution, and meets the accuracy requirements of different application scenarios without changing the physical structure. The differential signal output by the two magnetic field sensitive elements in the application is conditioned by the preamplifier circuit, and the rotation direction feature is analyzed by the phase comparison module, and the angular displacement is obtained by the pulse counting circuit. The signal processing mechanism can real-time solve the rotation speed and acceleration parameters, and output multi-dimensional motion information through a digital interface.

[0015] The above-listed benefits are not exhaustive of all advantages. Other potential benefits and detailed technical implementations will be further disclosed in the embodiments or other description parts of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings that follow, and wherein like structures carry like Reference Numerals, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application in a separated state of the protective shell.

[0019] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotatable component in an embodiment of the present application, using a multi-pole magnetized ring.

[0020] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotatable component in another embodiment of the present application, using a discrete magnetic pole array. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show several embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure can be presented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the present disclosure more complete and fully convey the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0022] It should be understood that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. In the drawings, the size of some features can be distorted for the sake of clarity.

[0023] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail; however, where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0025] See attached document Figure 1 and 2 This embodiment relates to an exemplary structure of a magnetic encoder for an input device. Its overall structure mainly consists of a mechanical body composed of a fixed base 1 and a rotatable component 2. The rotatable component 2 achieves circumferential motion freedom relative to the fixed base 1 through an axial support structure. The working end face of the rotatable component 2 is provided with a periodically distributed magnetic encoding structure, which forms a continuously varying magnetic field gradient distribution along the circumference. A magnetic signal detection unit 3 is correspondingly disposed on the fixed base 1. This unit includes at least two adjacent magnetic field sensing elements 301. The output terminal of the magnetic signal detection unit 3 is connected to a signal pin 4, which is electrically connected to an external control circuit (not shown in the figure).

[0026] In this embodiment, the magnetic coding structure preferably uses a multi-pole magnetized ring 5 or a discrete magnetic pole array to achieve the magnetic field gradient distribution. Taking the multi-pole magnetized ring 5 as an example, its outer edge contour is geometrically modulated by alternating convex teeth and grooves at equal angles, and the difference in magnetic pole spacing at the tooth tip and tooth root generates a periodic change in magnetic field strength.

[0027] Specifically, refer to the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the multi-pole magnetized ring 5 is made of high-performance neodymium iron boron permanent magnet material. The protrusions and grooves on its outer edge are precisely machined at specific angular intervals to ensure the accurate distribution of the magnetic field gradient. When the rotatable part 2 rotates, the multi-pole magnetized ring 5 rotates accordingly, and the magnetic field strength on its surface exhibits a periodic change in the circumferential direction. This changing magnetic field is sensed by the magnetic signal detection unit 3 on the fixed base.

[0028] See attached document Figure 4For the implementation of the discrete magnetic pole array, a plurality of independent permanent magnet units 6 are embedded in the rotatable component 2 in a circumferential direction to form a discrete magnetic pole array structure. The permanent magnet units 6 are arranged in an alternating magnetic pole direction to form a synthesized magnetic field waveform, and the magnetic poles of adjacent permanent magnet units 6 change alternately. These independent permanent magnet units 6 can be small-sized arc-shaped permanent magnets, which can ensure the stability of the magnetic field strength during long-term use. The magnetic pole direction of each permanent magnet unit 6 is accurately calculated and arranged, so that the entire discrete magnetic pole array can generate a specific regular magnetic field change at the position of the magnetic signal detection unit 3 of the fixed base 1 when the rotatable component 2 rotates. Specifically, the magnetic pole directions of adjacent permanent magnet units 6 are arranged alternately, for example, the N pole of one permanent magnet unit 6 faces upward, and the S pole of the adjacent permanent magnet unit faces upward, and the arrangement is alternated in sequence, thereby forming a synthesized magnetic field waveform. This waveform can generate clear periodic signal changes at the magnetic signal detection unit 3, which is beneficial to improve the resolution and accuracy of the encoder.

[0029] In order to improve environmental adaptability and working stability, the fixed base 1 and the protective shell 7 cooperate to form a sealed cavity, and the rotatable component 2 and the magnetic signal detection unit 6 are packaged in the internal chamber. The protective shell is made of magnetic shielding material, and the inner wall of the protective shell maintains a non-contact gap with the magnetic encoding structure, which not only avoids mechanical friction loss but also suppresses external magnetic field interference. This design enables the encoder to work stably in a relatively harsh electromagnetic environment, such as an industrial control site or an outdoor mobile device with strong external magnetic field interference, and still accurately detects the movement information of the rotating component.

[0030] In this embodiment, the magnetic signal detection unit 6 includes at least two magnetic field sensitive elements 301 arranged adjacent to each other. These magnetic field sensitive elements 301 can be Hall sensors or magnetoresistive sensors. Taking the Hall sensors as an example, they use silicon-based Hall effect chips and have high sensitivity and low noise characteristics, which can accurately detect small magnetic field changes. Two adjacent Hall sensors are installed on the fixed base 1 at a specific distance and angle, so that they can detect the magnetic field signals at different positions of the magnetic encoding structure respectively, thereby realizing accurate encoding of the rotating motion.

[0031] In actual work process, when the rotatable component 2 rotates, the magnetic field gradient change generated by the magnetic encoding structure is captured by the magnetic field sensitive element in the magnetic signal detection unit 3. The signals output by two adjacent magnetic field sensitive elements 301 form differential signals, which are processed by the preamplifier circuit, and the rotation direction characteristics are analyzed by the phase comparison module, and the angular displacement is obtained by the pulse counting circuit. The signal processing mechanism can solve the rotation speed and acceleration parameters in real time, and output multi-dimensional motion information through a digital interface. For example, in an application scenario of a computer input device, such as a drawing board or a three-dimensional mouse, the magnetic sensing encoder can accurately convert the user's rotation operation into a digital signal to realize multi-dimensional control of the cursor position, view switching, etc. Compared with the traditional mechanical encoder, it has higher precision and faster response speed, and can meet the needs of professional designers for fine operation.

[0032] It should be noted that the axial support structure, the electrical connection mode of the signal pin 4 and the external control circuit, and the specific circuit design of the preamplifier circuit, the phase comparison module and the pulse counting circuit involved in the above embodiments all belong to the known technology and existing technology of those skilled in the art. Therefore, they are not described in more detail in this embodiment.

[0033] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in essence. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included in the protection scope of the present disclosure defined by the claims. The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and the equivalents of these claims are also included.

Claims

1. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device, characterized by The encoder comprises a mechanical main body composed of a fixed base and a rotatable component, wherein the rotatable component is free to move circumferentially relative to the fixed base through an axial support structure; The rotatable component is circumferentially provided with a periodically distributed magnetic encoding structure, which forms a continuously changing magnetic field gradient distribution along the circumference; A magnetic signal detection unit is correspondingly arranged on the fixed base, which comprises at least two adjacent magnetic field sensitive elements; The output end of the magnetic signal detection unit is connected with a signal pin, and the pin array is electrically connected with an external control circuit.

2. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The magnetic encoding structure preferably adopts a multi-pole magnetized ring or a discrete magnetic pole array to realize the magnetic field gradient distribution.

3. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that The outer edge profile of the multi-pole magnetized ring is alternately formed by equiangularly spaced convex teeth and grooves to form geometric modulation, and the periodic change of magnetic field strength is generated by the difference in pole spacing at the tooth top and tooth root.

4. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that A plurality of independent permanent magnet units are uniformly embedded circumferentially in the rotatable component to form a discrete magnetic pole array structure, and each permanent magnet unit is arranged in an alternating pole direction to form a composite magnetic field waveform.

5. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that The fixed base and the protective shell form a sealed cavity through interference fit, and the rotatable component and the magnetic signal detection unit are packaged in the internal cavity.

6. A magnetic sensing encoder for an input device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that The protective shell is made of magnetic shielding material, and the inner wall of the protective shell maintains a non-contact gap with the magnetic encoding structure, which not only avoids mechanical friction loss but also suppresses external magnetic field interference.

Images