Multidirectional roller structure, input device and motor vehicle

Abstract

The multidirectional roller structure comprises a base provided with a circuit board, a plurality of rollers arranged on the base, a plurality of rollers arranged on the base, and a plurality of rollers arranged on the rollers, the first bracket is pivotally supported on the base around a first axis, and the swinging of the first bracket along the opposite direction can be operably jointed with any one of the two first signal output devices on the circuit board; the second support is pivotally supported on the first support around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, so that one end of the second support swings up and down relative to the circuit board to be connected with a second signal output device on the circuit board; and the roller is rotatably supported on the second bracket around a rotating axis parallel to the second axis, and the rotation of the roller triggers a third signal output device on the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of roller control, and more particularly to a multi-directional roller structure, an input device and a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of roller control in civil and commercial fields, higher requirements are faced for roller structures, especially multi-directional roller structures.

[0003] The current multi-directional roller structure is usually a two-way or three-way roller structure, and its roller structure is usually complicated, and the movement of the roller in different directions requires the coordinated linkage of multiple components inside the roller structure to be realized. This makes it difficult to separate and independently move the movements in multiple directions. The damage of a single component often affects the movement process in multiple directions, making the operation robustness and reliability of the roller low.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a multi-directional roller structure that is simple in structure, has high operational reliability and robustness, and can well realize independent and dissociated movements in different directions (such as self-rotation, up and down swinging, left and right swinging) under the premise of achieving good and reliable roller operation. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a multi-directional roller structure, an input device and a motor vehicle. The multi-directional roller structure provided by the present invention can effectively simplify the structural complexity of the roller, improve its operational reliability and robustness, and can well realize the independence and separation of movements in different directions (such as self-rotation, up and down swinging, left and right swinging) on ​​the basis of achieving good and reliable roller operation.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-directional roller structure is proposed, comprising: a base, provided with a circuit board; a first bracket, pivotally supported on the base around a first axis, and its swinging in relative directions can operably engage any one of two first signal output devices on the circuit board; a second bracket, pivotally supported on the first bracket around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, so that one end of the second bracket swings up and down relative to the circuit board to engage the second signal output device on the circuit board; a roller, rotatably supported on the second bracket around its rotation axis parallel to the second axis, and the rotation of the roller triggers the third signal output device on the circuit board.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first bracket is pivotally mounted on a bearing portion of the base via a first rotating shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first axis of the first bracket is disposed in a middle region of the first bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second bracket is pivotally mounted on the bearing portion of the first bracket via a second rotating shaft.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second axis is located at one end of the second bracket, and the pivoting causes the other end of the second bracket to swing up and down relative to the circuit board.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first signal output device is a touch pressure switch, and the second signal output device is a touch pressure switch.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third signal output device is a Hall sensor, wherein the roller includes a wheel portion and a multi-pole magnet disposed in the wheel portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third signal output device (1113) is an optical sensor, wherein the roller (140) includes a grating blade gear.

[0014] In some embodiments, a ratchet portion is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft of the roller, and the ratchet portion is engaged with the elastic device on the second bracket.

[0015] In some embodiments, the resilient means comprises a spring and a spring-loaded spherical element.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an input device is provided, which includes the multi-directional roller structure as described above.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle is provided, which includes the input device as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. The following drawings are not deliberately scaled according to the actual size, and the focus is on illustrating the main purpose of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a multi-directional roller structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the multi-directional roller structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure without the housing 160 and the side wall portion 112 is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2A side view of the multi-directional roller structure 100 after the roller housing 150 is further removed;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a first bracket 120 installed on a base 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first bracket 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Fig. 6A The figure shows the situation that the first bracket 120 is engaged with the first signal output device 1111a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6B The figure shows the situation that the first bracket 120 is engaged with the first signal output device 1111b according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a second bracket 130 installed on the first bracket 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 The top view of

[0028] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the second bracket 130 engaging the second signal output device 1112 on the circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.11 A top view of a roller 140 mounted on a second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Fig.12 An exemplary schematic diagram of a circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Fig.13 Another exemplary schematic diagram of a circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Fig.14 A structural diagram of a roller 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rotation axis of the roller is not shown;

[0034] Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the roller 140 and the second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, the words "a", "an", "an" and / or "the" do not refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "include" and "comprise" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements that have been clearly identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. The method or device may also include other steps or elements.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-directional roller structure 100 is provided, wherein the multi-directional roller structure refers to a roller structure in which rollers can perform corresponding movements in multiple directions.

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a multi-directional roller structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of the multi-directional roller structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing 160 and the side wall portion 112 are removed. Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a side view of the multi-directional roller structure 100 after the roller housing 150 is further removed.

[0039] Comprehensive reference Figures 1 to 3 The multi-directional roller structure 100 includes: a base 110, a first bracket 120, a second bracket 130, a roller 140, a roller shell 150, and a shell 160.

[0040] It should be understood that the base 110 may include, for example, a bottom plate portion 111 and a side wall portion 112. Figure 1 The bottom plate portion 111 and the side wall portion 112 are installed, for example, by snap-fitting.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The bottom plate portion 111 is, for example, a plate-shaped structure, and a circuit board 113 is, for example, disposed on the bottom plate portion 111 .

[0042] It should be understood that the above is only an example, and according to actual needs, the bottom plate portion 111 and the side wall portion 112 of the base 110 can be integrally formed, or can also be a separate structure. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a first bracket 120 installed on a base 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first bracket 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first bracket 120 may be, for example, a rectangular frame structure or a square frame structure, which is pivotally supported on the base 110 around the first axis X1, for example, supported on a corresponding bearing portion 114 on the side wall portion 112 of the base 110. It should be understood that the “pivotally supported” means that the first bracket 120 is installed on the base and can rotate around the first axis X1.

[0045] For example, the first axis X1 may extend in a direction parallel to a plane where the bottom plate portion 111 of the base 110 is located.

[0046] And wherein, the swinging of the first bracket 120 in the relative direction can operably engage any one of the two first signal output devices 1111 on the circuit board 113 .

[0047] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The diagrams are shown as viewed from the AA direction. Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the multi-directional roller structure 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows two situations in which the first bracket 120 swings in opposite directions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 6A 1 shows a situation in which the first bracket 120 rotates to drive the bracket 130 to engage with the first signal output device 1111a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B The figure shows the situation that the first bracket 120 rotates to drive the bracket 130 to engage with the first signal output device 1111b according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the structure for interfering with the first signal output device can be integrally constructed with the bracket 130, or can be constructed separately from the bracket 130 as an additional push rod structure, which is not limited in the present disclosure. For example, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Fig. 6A , wherein the first bracket 120 is, for example, a rectangular frame and has a first moving side 120a and a second moving side 120b, and the first axis X1 is, for example, disposed at the center line of the first bracket 120. The two first signal output devices 1111 are respectively a signal output device 1111a and a signal output device 1111b, and their arrangement positions correspond to the two corresponding moving sides of the first bracket. Figure 3 When observing from the AA direction, refer to Fig. 6AWhen the first bracket 120 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis X1, for example, the left half of the first bracket moves downward, so that the first moving side 120a moves toward the direction close to the circuit board 113, and can engage with the corresponding first signal output device 1111a on the left side. Figure 3 When observing from the AA direction, refer to Figure 6B When the first bracket rotates clockwise around the first axis X1, for example, the right half of the first bracket moves downward, so that the second moving side 120b moves toward the direction close to the circuit board 113, and for example engages with the corresponding second signal output device 1111b located on the right side.

[0048] It should be understood that the first signal output device 1111 refers to a device for outputting a signal, and the first signal output device 1111 can be configured to output a corresponding signal when it is coupled to the first bracket. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the type, content and function of the output signal.

[0049] It should be understood that, according to actual needs, the two first signal output devices may be configured to output signals of the same type but with different information, or may also output signals of different types according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0050] For example, if used in a motor vehicle, when the customer swings the roller to the left, so that the first moving side edge 120a of the first bracket 120 engages the first signal output device 1111a, the first signal output device 1111a can output a left swing signal, for example, indicating that the roller swings to the left, which corresponds to functions such as turning pages to the left, sliding to the left, returning to the previous menu, etc. If the customer swings the roller to the right, so that the second moving side edge 120b of the first bracket 120 engages the first signal output device 1111b, the first signal output device 1111b can output a right swing signal, for example, indicating that the roller swings to the right, which corresponds to functions such as turning pages to the right, sliding to the right, entering the next menu, etc.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a second bracket 130 installed on the first bracket 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Top view of . Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Comprehensive reference Figures 7 to 9 The second bracket 130 is pivotally supported on the first bracket 120 around a second axis X2 that is perpendicular to the first axis X1.

[0053] It should be understood that the second bracket may be, for example, a rectangular frame, and may also have a rectangular frame and an arc-shaped bottom surface engaging the rectangular frame (the arc-shaped bottom surface may be configured to accommodate a roller installed in the second bracket and provide corresponding protection for the roller), such as Fig. 9 As shown.

[0054] The second axis X2 may, for example, extend in a direction parallel to the plane where the bottom plate portion 111 of the base 110 is located and at the same time extend in a direction perpendicular to the first axis X1, so that the first axis and the second axis define two mutually orthogonal motion axes.

[0055] Reference Figure 7 The second bracket 130 can, for example, be mounted on the bearing portion 122 of the first bracket 120 and can rotate around the second axis X2, for example, it can be rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 122 of the first bracket 120 via its rotation shaft 131.

[0056] One end of the second bracket 130 swings up and down relative to the circuit board 113 to engage with the second signal output device 1112 on the circuit board 113 .

[0057] It should be understood that the second signal output device 1112 refers to a device for outputting a signal, and the first and second signal output devices in the present application are only intended to distinguish the signal output device corresponding to the movement of the first bracket and the signal output device corresponding to the movement of the second bracket, and are not intended to limit them. It should be understood that the first and second signal output devices can be, for example, signal devices that output the same type, or they can also be devices that output different types of signals. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0058] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the second bracket 130 engaging with the second signal output device 1112 on the circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Comprehensive reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10, wherein the second bracket 130 may be, for example, a rectangular frame bracket, and the rotation axis X2 of the second bracket is, for example, disposed near one end 130a (fixed end) of the second bracket 130, so that when the second bracket pivots around the rotation axis X2, the other end 130b (movable end) of the second bracket swings up and down relative to the circuit board 113. For example, when the user presses the roller downward (applies a downward force to the roller structure), the second bracket 130 may pivot around the rotation axis X2, and the movable end of the second bracket 130 may move downward to engage with the second signal output device 1112 disposed on the circuit board 113 corresponding to the movable end.

[0060] It should be understood that the second signal output device 1112 can be configured to output a corresponding signal when it is coupled to the second bracket. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the type, content and function of the output signal.

[0061] For example, if used in a motor vehicle, when the customer presses the roller structure downward, the movable end of the second bracket 130 moves downward, and engages with the second signal output device 1112 corresponding to the movable end on the circuit board, the second signal output device 1112 can, for example, output a downward movement signal, indicating that the roller moves downward, which can correspond to executing functions such as determining the selection of an item, taking a photo, hanging up or answering a call, etc.

[0062] Fig.11 A top view of the roller 140 mounted on the second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Reference Fig.11 The roller 140 is rotatably supported on the second bracket 130 around its rotation axis X3 parallel to the second axis X2. For example, the roller 140 can be mounted on the bearing portion 132 on the second bracket 130.

[0064] It should be understood that the rotation axis can extend in a direction parallel to the plane of the bottom plate portion 111 of the base 110 and be parallel to the second axis X2. It should be understood that the “rotatably supported” means that the roller 140 is mounted on the second bracket 130 and can rotate around the rotation axis X3.

[0065] And among them, comprehensive reference Figure 3 The rotation of the roller 140 triggers the third signal output device 1113 on the circuit board 113 .

[0066] It should be understood that the third signal device is intended to represent a device for outputting a signal, and according to actual needs, it may be, for example, a Hall sensor device.

[0067] The rotation of the roller 140 triggers the third signal output device 1113, which means that the rotation of the roller 140 causes the output signal of the third signal output device to change, and the output signal corresponds to the rotation angle (for example, the size of the output signal is proportional to the size of the rotation angle).

[0068] For example, refer again to Figure 2 According to actual needs, the multi-directional roller structure 100 may further include a roller housing 150 . The roller housing 150 , for example, may be mounted to the second bracket 130 and is intended to protect the roller 140 .

[0069] For example, refer again to Figure 1 The multi-directional roller structure is for example further provided with a housing 160, and the housing 160 can be installed to the base 110, for example, by snap-fitting to the side wall portion 112 of the base 110, so as to protect the internal components of the multi-directional roller structure.

[0070] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting a multi-directional roller structure including a base, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a roller, and setting it to have the positional structural relationship as described above, firstly, the multi-directional roller structure in the present application can be well moved in multiple different directions, such as the roller rotating around the rotation axis, the roller and the second bracket swinging up and down around the second axis, and the roller, the second bracket, and the third bracket swinging left and right around the first axis. In fact, a five-way gear structure with five movement directions is provided. Secondly, in the present application, by setting the connection relationship between the first bracket, the second bracket, and the roller, the three different movements of the roller self-rotation, up and down swinging, and left and right swinging in the roller structure are well decoupled from each other, and are respectively associated with the movement modes of the roller itself, the first bracket, and the second bracket, so that the movement processes in different directions can be more independent of each other, which is convenient for good control of the movement in each direction. In addition, such a setting also makes the overall structure of the multi-directional roller structure more streamlined, the operation reliability and robustness are stronger, and avoids the problem that the damage or wear of a single component affects the movement process in multiple directions.

[0071] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first bracket 120 is pivotally mounted on the bearing portion 114 of the base 110 via a first rotating shaft 121 .

[0072] The bearing portion 114 refers to a structural part used to support a mechanical rotating body. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific bearing type of the bearing portion.

[0073] The first rotating shaft 121 may be, for example, formed by two opposite ends (eg, Figure 5 The first rotating shaft 121 is formed by a cylindrical body protruding from the end portions 120c and 120d), and the rotation axis of the first rotating shaft 121 is, for example, the first axis X1.

[0074] Based on the above, in the present application, by arranging the first bracket to be pivotally mounted on the bearing portion of the base via the first rotating shaft, it is possible to achieve reliable installation of the first bracket relative to the base, and at the same time enable the first bracket to freely pivot relative to the base, thereby enabling the multi-directional roller structure in the present application to swing in relative directions around the first axis and reliably trigger the corresponding signal output device.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first axis X1 of the first bracket 120 is, for example, disposed in a middle region of the first bracket 120 .

[0076] It should be understood that the middle area refers to an area located near the central axis X1 of the first bracket, that is, the area is closer to the first axis X1 of the first bracket than the side edges 120a and 120b of the first bracket. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific range of the middle area.

[0077] For example, refer to Figure 5 The first bracket 120 is, for example, a rectangular frame, and the first axis X1 of the first bracket 120 can be, for example, set on the center line of the two ends 120c and 120d of the rectangular frame.

[0078] Based on the above, in the present application, the first axis of the first bracket is set in the middle area of ​​the first bracket so that the distance between the first axis and the two moving sides of the first bracket is substantially the same, which is beneficial for the first bracket to perform good rotational movement around the first axis, and is beneficial for the reasonable layout of the two first signal output devices corresponding to the first bracket on the circuit board, thereby improving the operational reliability of the multi-directional roller structure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the comprehensive reference Figures 7 to 9 The second bracket 130 is pivotally mounted on the bearing portion 122 of the first bracket 120 , for example, via a second rotating shaft 131 .

[0080] The bearing portion 122 refers to the structural portion of the first bracket 120 for supporting the mechanical rotating body. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific bearing type of the bearing portion.

[0081] The second rotating shaft 131 may be, for example, formed by a shaft extending from one end (eg, Fig. 9 The second rotating shaft 131 is formed by a cylindrical body protruding toward both sides at the end portion 130a) in the middle, and the rotation axis of the second rotating shaft 131 is, for example, the second axis X2.

[0082] Based on the above, in the present application, by arranging the second bracket to be pivotally mounted on the bearing portion of the first bracket via the second rotating shaft, it is possible to achieve reliable installation of the second bracket relative to the first bracket, and at the same time enable the second bracket to pivot freely, thereby enabling the up and down movement of the roller around the second axis in the multi-directional roller structure in the present application to be well realized, and reliably triggering the corresponding signal output device.

[0083] In some embodiments, the comprehensive reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The second axis X2 is located at one end of the second bracket 130, and the pivoting causes the other end of the second bracket 130 to swing up and down relative to the circuit board.

[0084] For example, as described above, the second bracket 130 may be, for example, substantially in the form of a rectangular frame structure and having an arc-shaped bottom surface to accommodate the roller, and the rotation axis X2 of the second bracket is, for example, disposed near one end 130a (fixed end) of the second bracket 130, that is, two second rotation shafts 131 are formed to protrude outward from two opposite sides 130c and 130d of the second bracket 130 near the end 130a, respectively, so that when the second bracket 130 pivots around the rotation axis X2, one end 130a (fixed end) of the second bracket 130 does not move or only slightly displaces, and the pivoting causes the other end 130b (movable end) of the second bracket 130 to swing up and down relative to the circuit board 113. For example, when the user presses the roller downward (applies a downward force to the roller structure), the second bracket 130 will pivot around the rotation axis X2, and the movable end of the second bracket 130 will move downward to engage with the second signal output device 1112 disposed on the circuit board 113 corresponding to the movable end.

[0085] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the second axis at one end of the second bracket, and the pivoting makes the other end of the second bracket swing up and down relative to the circuit board, so that when the second bracket rotates, the other end of the second bracket can move up and down well and reliably through the setting position of the second axis, and one end of the setting axis of the second bracket is limited so that it will not shift accordingly, so that when the second bracket pivots, it can engage with the corresponding signal output device well and reliably through the movable end to achieve signal triggering.

[0086] Fig.12 An exemplary schematic diagram of a circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.13 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the circuit board 113 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0087] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13In some embodiments, the first signal output device 1111 is a touch-pressure switch, and the second signal output device 1112 is a touch-pressure switch.

[0088] It should be understood that the touch switch is a switch that is activated by pressing the contact, that is, the signal output of the signal output device is realized by pressing the touch switch. The touch switch can be, for example, a micro switch device, or a key device. For example, the touch switch can be a mechanical switch, a pot piece, a conductive silicone, etc. For example, Fig.12 2 shows the case where both the first signal output device 1111 and the second signal output device 1112 are buttons. For example, a rubber bowl component containing conductive material may be provided on the button device. Fig.13 It shows the case where both the first signal output device 1111 and the second signal output device 1112 are micro switch devices.

[0089] It should be understood that Fig.12 , 13 Only one embodiment of a touch switch is provided, and the present application is not limited thereto. According to actual needs, the first signal output device and the second signal output device may also be configured, for example, with one being a micro switch device and the other being a key device.

[0090] For example, when the first signal output device 1111 and the second signal output device 1112 are pressed and activated, the first signal output device 1111 and the second signal output device 1112 can, for example, automatically rebound and return to a preset state (unactuated state), thereby providing a supporting force for the corresponding first bracket and the second bracket, so that the first bracket and the second bracket can return to a non-pivoted neutral position after performing a corresponding pivoting movement and pressing the corresponding signal output device (in this position, the corresponding moving side of the first bracket and the active end of the second bracket are, for example, supported in place by the first signal output device and the second signal output device, respectively).

[0091] Based on the above, in the present application, by setting the first signal output device to be a touch-pressure switch, and the second signal output device to be a touch-pressure switch, it is possible to trigger and actuate the signal output device in a simple and convenient manner by pressing the corresponding signal output device when the first bracket and the second bracket are pivoted, thereby flexibly and quickly outputting the corresponding signal, thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of the operation.

[0092] In some embodiments, the third signal output device 1113 is a Hall sensor.

[0093] The Hall sensor refers to a magnetic field sensor made according to the Hall effect. It should be understood that the Hall sensor can be set corresponding to the roller 140, especially the multi-level magnet 142 of the roller 140, for example, at a position on the circuit board corresponding to the roller ( Fig.12 The Hall sensor is shown arranged in a groove on the circuit board. Fig.13 A Hall sensor is shown disposed on the surface of a circuit board).

[0094] and Fig.14 1 shows a structural diagram of a roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the rotation axis of the roller is not shown. Fig.14 The roller 140 may include, for example, a wheel portion 141 and a multi-pole magnet 142 disposed in the wheel portion 141 .

[0095] It should be understood that the present application is not limited by the specific number of magnets and the arrangement of the magnets of the multi-pole magnet 142 .

[0096] In the present application, a multi-pole magnet is arranged in the roller, and a Hall sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the roller on the circuit board, so that when the roller rotates, the multi-pole magnet rotates accordingly and generates a magnetic field change, and the magnetic field change can be detected at the Hall sensor and a corresponding output signal (such as a voltage or current signal) can be output, and the signal value can reflect the current rotation angle of the roller (for example, it can be proportional to the rotation angle), so that the rotation of the roller can be monitored in a simple and convenient manner and a corresponding signal output can be generated. In addition, the present disclosure does not limit the method of sensing the rotation of the roller (140). Here, the third signal output device (1113) and the roller (140) can also be constructed as any rotation sensing device for detecting the rotation of the roller (140), for example, the third signal output device (1113) can be an optical sensor, and the roller (140) can include a grating blade gear.

[0097] Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the roller 140 and the second bracket 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] Reference Fig.15 In some embodiments, a ratchet portion 144 is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft 143 of the roller 140 , and the ratchet portion 144 is engaged with the elastic device 133 on the second bracket 130 .

[0099] The ratchet portion refers to a wheel-shaped component having a tooth structure on its outer edge, which may be, for example, substantially in the shape of a disk, and a plurality of continuous or spaced tooth structures are provided on the outer edge of the disk.

[0100] It should be understood that the elastic device refers to a device with elastic properties, which can elastically support the ratchet part of the roller, and when the rotating shaft of the roller rotates around the rotation axis, the protruding tooth structure of the ratchet part will further press the elastic device as the ratchet part rotates, causing it to be further compressed, and after the tooth structure passes, the elastic device will quickly recover to a state where it is not pressed by the tooth structure. The compression-rebound process alternates back and forth during the rotation of the roller, thereby providing the user with tactile feedback of the rolling gear.

[0101] Further references Figure 5 In some embodiments, the elastic device 133 includes a spring 1331 and a spring-loaded spherical element 1332 .

[0102] The spring-loaded spherical element 1332 means that after installation, the spherical element 1332 will be located between the spring 1331 and the ratchet portion of the roller, and will be installed in place against the ratchet portion via the elastic force from the spring.

[0103] By arranging the elastic device to include a spring and a spherical element loaded by the spring, the elastic device can be formed in a simple and convenient manner. When the rotating shaft of the roller rotates around the rotating axis, the protruding tooth structure of the ratchet part will apply pressure to the spring via the spherical element to press the spring, so that it is further compressed, and after the tooth structure passes, the spring will quickly recover to a state where it is not pressed by the tooth structure. The compression and rebound process is repeated during the rotation of the roller, thereby providing the user with tactile feedback of gear rolling.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an input device 200 is also proposed, which includes the multi-directional roller structure 100 as described above, has the structure as described above, and can achieve the functions as described above.

[0105] The input device refers to a device for realizing user input. For example, the user can realize the input of different control commands or the selection of functions by controlling different movements of the aforementioned multi-directional roller structure (self-rotation, up and down swing, left and right swing).

[0106] It should be understood that, according to actual needs, the input device may further include other input / output control modules and sub-devices, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the specific composition of the input device.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle 300 is also provided, which includes the input device 200 as described above, has a corresponding structure of the multi-directional roller structure 100 as described above, and can achieve the functions as described above.

[0108] The present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application. For example, "first / second embodiment", "one embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or multiple times in different positions in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, some features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application can be appropriately combined.

[0109] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0110] The above is an explanation of the present invention and should not be considered as a limitation thereof. Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the above is an explanation of the present invention and should not be considered as being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-directional roller structure (100), comprising: A base (110) is provided with a circuit board (113); A first bracket (120) is pivotally supported on the base (110) about a first axis (X1), and its swing in relative directions can operably engage any one of the two first signal output devices (1111) on the circuit board (113); A second bracket (130) is pivotally supported on the first bracket (120) around a second axis (X2) perpendicular to the first axis (X1), so that one end of the second bracket (130) swings up and down relative to the circuit board (113) to engage with a second signal output device (1112) on the circuit board (113); The roller (140) is rotatably supported on the second bracket (130) around its rotation axis (X3) parallel to the second axis (X2), and the rotation of the roller (140) triggers the third signal output device (1113) on the circuit board (113).

2. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first bracket (120) is pivotally mounted on the bearing portion (114) of the base (110) via a first rotating shaft (121).

3. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first axis (X1) of the first bracket (120) is arranged in a middle area of ​​the first bracket (120).

4. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The second bracket (130) is pivotally mounted on the bearing portion (122) of the first bracket (120) via a second rotating shaft (131).

5. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The second axis (X2) is located at one end of the second bracket (130), and the pivoting causes the other end of the second bracket (130) to swing up and down relative to the circuit board (113).

6. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first signal output device (1111) is a touch-pressure switch, and the second signal output device (1112) is a touch-pressure switch.

7. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third signal output device (1113) is a Hall sensor, wherein: The roller (140) comprises a wheel portion (141) and a multi-pole magnet (142) arranged in the wheel portion (141).

8. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third signal output device (1113) is a grating sensor, wherein: The roller (140) includes a grating blade gear.

9. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: A ratchet portion (144) is provided at one end of the rotating shaft (143) of the roller (140), and the ratchet portion (144) is engaged with the elastic device (133) on the second bracket (130).

10. The multi-directional roller structure (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic device (133) comprises a spring (1331) and a spring-loaded spherical element (1332).

11. An input device (200), comprising the multi-directional roller structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A motor vehicle (300) comprising the input device (200) as claimed in claim 11.

Images