Roller device and input device

Abstract

The application discloses a roller device, which comprises a fixed assembly and a rotating assembly. The fixed assembly comprises a base, a plurality of permanent magnets, a shaft sleeve and a micro switch; the rotating assembly comprises an outer roller and a magnetic action piece. The outer roller is provided with a rotating shaft in the middle of the chamber, and the magnetic action piece is arranged in the chamber and moves synchronously with the outer roller. The rotating shaft is rotatable and axially movable through the shaft sleeve, so that the rotating assembly can rotate and move axially relative to the fixed assembly, and trigger the micro switch when moving axially. The magnetic action piece has a first action area and a second action area arranged alternately along the circumference of the rotating shaft. The magnetic action strength between the permanent magnets and the two action areas is different, so that the rotating assembly is subjected to periodically changed magnetic attraction during rotation, thereby realizing pressing input while forming a rotating paragraph sense, and reducing noise and wear caused by mechanical friction. The application also discloses an input device comprising the above roller device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of input device technology, and in particular to a roller device and input device. Background Technology

[0002] Scroll wheels are widely used in input devices such as mice, automotive equipment, digital home appliances, and medical instruments. To help users perceive the rotation position or distance of the scroll wheel, scroll wheels are usually equipped with a tactile feedback structure to provide periodic resistance feedback to the user during rotation.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent application number 202010290754.0 discloses a scroll wheel module and a mouse, in which the scroll wheel has a ring-shaped structure, and the inner ring of the scroll wheel has a wave-like or toothed structure. One end of the tactile feedback component extends into the inner ring of the scroll wheel and contacts and engages with the wave-like or toothed structure to provide a tactile feedback during scroll wheel rotation. However, this solution still requires mechanical contact between the tactile feedback component and the inner ring of the scroll wheel to generate the tactile feedback. During long-term use, the two are prone to friction and collision, which may generate noise and wear, and affect the consistency of the scroll wheel's rotational resistance.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent application No. 202423230110.5 discloses a roller device that uses an outer grating to cooperate with an internal permanent magnet, generating a rotating segment feel through the magnetic interaction between the grating and the permanent magnet. Although this solution can reduce noise and wear caused by mechanical contact, the permanent magnet occupies the axial position of the roller device, making it difficult to further set up a rotating shaft that can move axially at the axial position of the roller device. This is not conducive to triggering a switch by axial pressing while the roller device generates a rotating segment feel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a roller device and input device that can achieve axial pressing input while forming a rotary tactile feedback.

[0006] This invention provides a roller device, including a fixed component and a rotating component; the fixed component includes a base and a plurality of permanent magnets, a circuit board, a bushing and a micro switch fixed to the base; the rotating component includes an outer roller and a magnetic actuating element, the outer roller has a cavity formed inside, a rotating shaft is protruding from the middle of the outer roller in the cavity, and the magnetic actuating element is disposed in the cavity and can move synchronously with the outer roller; The rotating shaft is rotatably and axially movable through the bushing so that the rotating assembly can rotate relative to the fixed assembly and move axially along the rotating shaft, and the micro switch can be triggered when the rotating assembly moves axially along the rotating shaft. The permanent magnets are at least partially located within the cavity and are correspondingly arranged with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator has a first action area and a second action area that are alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation. The magnetic strength between the permanent magnets and the first action area and the second action area is different, so that the rotating assembly is subjected to a periodically changing magnetic attraction during rotation.

[0007] In one embodiment, the base includes a base and a cover plate connected to the base. The fixing assembly further includes a button actuation piece. The base has a plurality of fixing arms protruding from it. The button actuation piece is connected to the plurality of fixing arms and is at least partially located between the rotating shaft and the micro switch. The button actuation piece can be displaced along the axial direction of the rotating shaft under the push of the rotating shaft to trigger the micro switch.

[0008] In one embodiment, the magnetic actuating element is annular and arranged around the rotating shaft, and a plurality of permanent magnets are spaced apart from the rotating shaft, with the plurality of permanent magnets located radially along the rotating shaft between the bushing and the magnetic actuating element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the magnetic actuating element is a grating, and the rotating assembly further includes a grating support member. The grating support member is disposed in the cavity and fixed to the outer roller, and the grating is fixed to the grating support member and arranged around the rotating shaft.

[0010] In one embodiment, the grating has a plurality of circumferentially spaced perforations along the axis of rotation, and a non-perforated area is formed between two adjacent perforations. The first functional area is formed in the non-perforated area, and the second functional area is formed in the area where the perforations are located.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fixing component further includes a slotted optocoupler disposed on the circuit board, the slotted optocoupler having a sensing slot; the grating is alternately formed with a first protrusion and a first groove along the circumference of the rotating shaft, and when the grating rotates with the outer roller, the first protrusion passes through the sensing slot in sequence, and the first groove corresponds to the sensing slot in sequence, so that the slotted optocoupler collects the rotation signal of the rotating component.

[0012] In one embodiment, the magnetic actuating element is a toothed roller, and the rotating assembly further includes a roller support member. The roller support member is disposed in the cavity and fixed to the outer roller, and the toothed roller is fixed to the roller support member and arranged around the rotating shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the toothed roller has a second protrusion and a second groove alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation, the first functional area being formed on the second protrusion and the second functional area being formed on the second groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fixing component further includes a slotted optocoupler disposed on the circuit board, the slotted optocoupler having a sensing slot; the roller support has a third protrusion and a third groove alternately formed along the circumference of the rotating shaft, and when the roller support rotates with the outer roller, the third protrusion passes through the sensing slot in sequence, and the third groove corresponds to the sensing slot in sequence, so that the slotted optocoupler collects the rotation signal of the rotating component.

[0015] The present invention also provides an input device, including the roller device described in the above embodiments.

[0016] This invention provides a roller device that arranges multiple permanent magnets corresponding to magnetic action components that move synchronously with an outer roller. A first action area and a second action area are alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation on the magnetic action component, resulting in different magnetic strengths between the permanent magnets and the first and second action areas. When the rotating component rotates relative to the fixed component, the permanent magnets sequentially align with the first and second action areas, subjecting the rotating component to periodically changing magnetic attraction, thus creating a tactile feedback during rotation and reducing noise and wear caused by contact and collision in traditional mechanical tactile feedback structures. Simultaneously, the outer roller's axis of rotation is rotatable and movable along its axial direction, passing through a bushing. This allows the rotating component to both rotate relative to the fixed component and move along the axis of rotation, triggering a microswitch. Therefore, the roller device simultaneously possesses both rotary and push-to-operate input functions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a roller device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the middle roller assembly.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the inner and outer rollers.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the grating and the grating support.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the permanent magnet and the grating.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure when the permanent magnet and the grating are in the first relative position.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure when the permanent magnet and the grating are in the second relative position.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the mating structure of the grating, slotted optocoupler, and circuit board.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the middle roller device.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a roller device provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the middle roller assembly.

[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the permanent magnet and the toothed roller.

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the permanent magnet and the toothed roller.

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure when the permanent magnet and the toothed roller are in the first relative position.

[0032] Figure 15 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure when the permanent magnet and the toothed roller are in the second relative position.

[0033] Figure 16 for Figure 10 Exploded view of the middle roller device.

[0034] Figure label: 10. Fixed component; 20. Rotating component; 11. Base; 111. Base plate; 112. Cover plate; 12. Permanent magnet; 13. Circuit board; 14. Bushing; 15. Micro switch; 16. Button actuation piece; 17. Slotted optocoupler; 171. Sensing slot; 21. Outer roller; 211. Chamber; 212. Rotating shaft; 2121. Annular groove; 22. Grating; 221. Hole; 222. Non-hollowed-out area; 223. First protrusion; 224. First groove; 23. Grating support; 231. Hook; 24. Toothed roller; 241. Second protrusion; 242. Second groove; 25. Roller support; 251. Third protrusion; 252. Third groove; 26. Snap ring. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the description of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of the invention is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0038] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar attributes, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.

[0039] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9This embodiment provides a roller device, which includes a fixed component 10 and a rotating component 20 movably connected to the fixed component 10. The fixed component 10 is used to mount and support the rotating component 20, which is capable of rotating about its own axis relative to the fixed component 10 and moving along its own axial direction relative to the fixed component 10. Hereinafter, the axial and circumferential directions are referenced to the rotation axis of the rotating component 20.

[0041] Specifically, the fixing assembly 10 includes a base 11 and a plurality of permanent magnets 12, a circuit board 13, a bushing 14, and a micro switch 15 fixed to the base 11. The base 11 includes a base 111 and a cover plate 112 connected to the base 111. The base 111 and the cover plate 112 are used together to install and support the various components in the fixing assembly 10. The circuit board 13 is fixed to the base 11, and the micro switch 15 is fixed to the base 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 13 so that when the micro switch 15 is triggered, it can output a pressing signal to the circuit board 13. The bushing 14 is fixed to the middle of the base 11 and is used to provide rotational support and axial guidance for the rotating assembly 20.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The rotating assembly 20 includes an outer roller 21 and a magnetic actuator. A chamber 211 is formed inside the outer roller 21, and a rotating shaft 212 protrudes from the center of the chamber 211 from the inner wall of the outer roller 21. The axis of the rotating shaft 212 coincides with the rotation axis of the outer roller 21. The magnetic actuator is disposed within the chamber 211 and connected to the outer roller 21, enabling the magnetic actuator to move synchronously with the outer roller 21. In this embodiment, the outer roller 21, the magnetic actuator, and corresponding components for supporting the magnetic actuator constitute a rotating assembly 20 capable of overall movement. Therefore, when the outer roller 21 rotates, the magnetic actuator rotates synchronously with the outer roller 21; when the outer roller 21 moves axially along the rotating shaft 212, the magnetic actuator also moves axially synchronously with the outer roller 21.

[0043] The rotating shaft 212 is rotatably and axially movable through the bushing 14. Thus, the bushing 14 provides radial support to the rotating shaft 212 during rotation and guides it during axial movement, enabling the rotating assembly 20 to rotate and move axially relative to the fixed assembly 10. The rotation and axial movement of the rotating assembly 20 can be performed separately, or simultaneously by the user rotating the outer roller 21 and pressing it.

[0044] Furthermore, an annular groove 2121 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 212 away from the outer roller 21. The roller device also includes a retaining ring 26, which is engaged in the annular groove 2121 and located on the side of the bushing 14 opposite to the outer roller 21. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 26 is larger than the diameter of the shaft hole through which the rotating shaft 212 passes in the bushing 14, thereby preventing the rotating shaft 212 from disengaging from the bushing 14. A movable clearance is reserved between the retaining ring 26 and the bushing 14 to match the axial movement stroke of the rotating assembly 20, so that while the retaining ring 26 restricts the rotating assembly 20 from disengaging, it does not hinder the axial movement of the rotating assembly 20 within a preset stroke.

[0045] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 9 The fixing assembly 10 also includes a button actuation piece 16. The base 111 has multiple fixing arms protruding from it. In this embodiment, two fixing arms are provided, spaced apart, and the button actuation piece 16 is connected to the two fixing arms. Specifically, both ends of the button actuation piece 16 are fixed to the two fixing arms respectively, and the middle portion of the button actuation piece 16 is at least partially located between the rotating shaft 212 and the micro switch 15. The button actuation piece 16 is constrained to the base 111 by the fixing arms, preventing it from rotating relative to the base 111, but allowing it to undergo slight axial displacement or elastic deformation when subjected to axial pressure from the rotating shaft 212.

[0046] In this embodiment, the end face of the rotating shaft 212 near the key-touch plate 16 is always in contact with the key-touch plate 16. When the user presses the outer roller 21 axially, the outer roller 21 drives the rotating shaft 212 and the rotating assembly 20 to move axially toward the micro switch 15. The rotating shaft 212 pushes the key-touch plate 16, causing the key-touch plate 16 to be displaced along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 212 and press against the micro switch 15, thereby triggering the micro switch 15. When the pressing force on the outer roller 21 is removed, the key-touch plate 16 and the micro switch 15 return to their initial state, and drive the rotating assembly 20 to reset axially. Thus, the user can generate a rotation input signal by rotating the outer roller 21, and also generate a pressing input signal by pressing the outer roller 21.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 Multiple permanent magnets 12 are at least partially located within the chamber 211 and are correspondingly arranged with the magnetic actuating element. The magnetic actuating element is annular and arranged around the rotating shaft 212. The multiple permanent magnets 12 are spaced apart from the rotating shaft 212 and are located radially between the bushing 14 and the magnetic actuating element. By arranging the permanent magnets 12 around the bushing 14, the permanent magnets 12 can avoid occupying the axial position of the rotating shaft 212, thereby reserving installation space for the rotation and axial movement of the rotating shaft 212.

[0048] In this embodiment, four permanent magnets 12 are provided, and the four permanent magnets 12 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the axis of the rotating shaft 212. The central angle between any two adjacent permanent magnets 12 is 90°, so that the four permanent magnets 12 are centrally symmetrically distributed about the axis of the rotating shaft 212. This makes the magnetic attraction force on the rotating assembly 20 more balanced along the circumference, reducing the possibility of swaying or shaking during rotation. The central axis or length direction of each permanent magnet 12 is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 212 and the central axis of the magnetic actuator. In other embodiments, the permanent magnets 12 can also be two, six, or other numbers; preferably, an even number of permanent magnets 12 are used and arranged symmetrically about the axis of the rotating shaft 212.

[0049] Please see Figures 4 to 9 In this embodiment, the magnetic actuating element is a grating 22, and the rotating assembly 20 also includes a grating support 23. The grating support 23 is disposed in the chamber 211 and fixed to the outer roller 21. The grating 22 is fixed to the grating support 23 and arranged around the rotating shaft 212, so that the outer roller 21, the grating support 23 and the grating 22 can rotate synchronously and move synchronously axially.

[0050] Specifically, the grating support 23 is provided with multiple hooks 231, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the grating support 23. The hooks 231 engage with corresponding positions within the outer roller 21 to fix the grating support 23 to the outer roller 21. The grating 22 can be fixed to the grating support 23 by snap-fit, interference fit, adhesive bonding, or fastener connection. It is understood that the specific fixing method between the grating support 23, the outer roller 21, and the grating 22 can be adjusted according to assembly requirements, as long as the grating 22 can move synchronously with the outer roller 21.

[0051] In this embodiment, the grating 22 is an annular component made of a material capable of magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet 12. For example, the grating 22 can be made of iron, steel, or other metal materials that can be attracted by the permanent magnet 12, and can be integrally formed by a stamping process. Using a stamping process to form the grating 22 is beneficial for controlling the size and circumferential distribution accuracy of each active area of ​​the grating 22.

[0052] Please see Figures 4 to 7 The grating 22 has a plurality of perforated holes 221 spaced circumferentially along the rotation axis 212, and a non-perforated area 222 is formed between two adjacent perforated holes 221. In this embodiment, the plurality of perforated holes 221 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the grating 22, so that the perforated holes 221 and the non-perforated area 222 alternate along the circumference of the grating 22. The first functional area of ​​the grating 22 is formed in the non-perforated area 222, and the second functional area is formed in the area where the perforated holes 221 are located.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, when the non-perforated area 222 rotates to the position corresponding to the permanent magnet 12, a small gap is formed between the permanent magnet 12 and the non-perforated area 222. In this embodiment, the gap H between the permanent magnet 12 and the non-perforated area 222 is 0.2mm to 0.6mm. This gap can prevent the permanent magnet 12 from contacting the grating 22 while maintaining a magnetic attraction suitable for creating a sense of rotational segmentation. In other embodiments, this gap can be adjusted according to the magnetic strength of the permanent magnet 12, the material of the grating 22, the size of the grating 22, and the required rotational resistance.

[0054] To facilitate the explanation of the cooperation relationship between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22 during rotation, this embodiment defines the first relative position and the second relative position as follows: The first relative position refers to the position where the grating 22 rotates to the non-hollowed-out area 222 and is radially opposite to the corresponding permanent magnet 12 along the rotation axis 212; the second relative position refers to the position where the grating 22 rotates to the area where the hollow hole 221 is located and is radially opposite to the corresponding permanent magnet 12 along the rotation axis 212. The first relative position and the second relative position are two representative positions that alternate during the continuous rotation of the grating 22, and are not intended to limit the rotating assembly 20 to only two fixed positions.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, when the grating 22 is in the first relative position, the distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the non-hollowed-out area 222 is small, and the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22 is strong. Therefore, the user needs to overcome significant rotational resistance when rotating the outer roller 21. Figure 7 As shown, when the grating 22 is in the second relative position, since the position corresponding to the permanent magnet 12 has a hollow hole 221, the distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the solid part on the grating 22 that can have a magnetic effect increases, which weakens the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22, and the rotational resistance that the user needs to overcome when rotating the outer roller 21 is reduced accordingly.

[0056] As the outer roller 21 drives the grating 22 to rotate continuously, the areas containing the non-hollowed-out area 222 and the hollowed-out area 221 correspond sequentially to the permanent magnet 12, causing the magnetic attraction strength between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22 to change periodically. This, in turn, causes the rotational resistance experienced by the rotating component 20 to change periodically, thus creating a sense of rotational segmentation. Since a gap is reserved between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22, they do not need to directly contact each other to generate the sense of rotational segmentation, which helps to reduce noise and wear caused by mechanical collisions and allows the roller device to maintain a relatively stable rotational feel during long-term use.

[0057] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 8The fixing assembly 10 also includes a slotted optocoupler 17 disposed on the circuit board 13, the slotted optocoupler 17 having a sensing slot 171. A first protrusion 223 and a first groove 224 are alternately formed along the circumference of the rotating shaft 212 at the end of the grating 22 facing the circuit board 13. The first protrusion 223 can extend into the sensing slot 171 and sequentially pass through the sensing slot 171 as the grating 22 rotates with the outer roller 21; the first groove 224 can sequentially rotate to a position corresponding to the sensing slot 171.

[0058] Specifically, when the first protrusion 223 passes through the sensing groove 171, it blocks the detection optical path of the slot-type optocoupler 17; when the first groove 224 corresponds to the sensing groove 171, it provides clearance space for the detection optical path of the slot-type optocoupler 17, restoring the connectivity of the detection optical path. Thus, the first protrusion 223 and the first groove 224 cause the slot-type optocoupler 17 to generate alternating detection signals during rotation. The circuit board 13 collects the rotation signal of the rotating assembly 20 based on these detection signals to determine the rotation state of the rotating assembly 20.

[0059] It should be noted that the perforated holes 221 and the non-perforated areas 222 are mainly used to cause the magnetic attraction strength between the permanent magnet 12 and the grating 22 to change periodically. The first protrusion 223 and the first groove 224 are mainly used to cooperate with the slotted optocoupler 17 to collect rotational signals, and they are used to achieve corresponding functions. There does not need to be a fixed quantitative relationship or a one-to-one correspondence between the perforated holes 221, the non-perforated areas 222 and the first protrusion 223 and the first groove 224. The number and circumferential dimensions of the perforated holes 221 and the non-perforated areas 222 can be set according to the required number of segments and rotational resistance. The number and circumferential dimensions of the first protrusion 223 and the first groove 224 can be set according to the required rotational signal acquisition accuracy.

[0060] Please see Figures 10 to 16 In another alternative embodiment, toothed rollers 24 and roller support members 25 can be used to replace the aforementioned grating 22 and grating support members 23, respectively. In this embodiment, the base 11, permanent magnet 12, circuit board 13, bushing 14, micro switch 15, button actuation piece 16, slotted optocoupler 17, outer roller 21, rotating shaft 212, and retaining ring 26 of the roller device can be the same as the aforementioned structures, and will not be described again here.

[0061] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the magnetic actuating element is a toothed roller 24, and the rotating assembly 20 also includes a roller support 25. The roller support 25 is disposed in the chamber 211 and fixed to the outer roller 21. The toothed roller 24 is fixed to the roller support 25 and arranged around the rotating shaft 212, so that the outer roller 21, the roller support 25 and the toothed roller 24 can rotate synchronously and move synchronously axially as a whole.

[0062] The toothed roller 24 is made of a material capable of magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet 12. For example, the toothed roller 24 can be made of iron, steel, or other metallic materials that can be attracted by the permanent magnet 12. The toothed roller 24 has a second protrusion 241 and a second groove 242 alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation 212, with a first working area formed in the second protrusion 241 and a second working area formed in the second groove 242.

[0063] like Figure 13 As shown, when the second protrusion 241 corresponds to the permanent magnet 12, the gap H between the permanent magnet 12 and the second protrusion 241 is 0.2mm to 0.6mm. The distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the second protrusion 241 is less than the distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the second groove 242. Therefore, the magnetic interaction strength between the permanent magnet 12 and the first working area is greater than the magnetic interaction strength between the permanent magnet 12 and the second working area.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first relative position refers to the position where the toothed roller 24 rotates to the point where the second protrusion 241 and the corresponding permanent magnet 12 are radially opposite each other along the rotation axis 212, and the second relative position refers to the position where the toothed roller 24 rotates to the point where the second groove 242 and the corresponding permanent magnet 12 are radially opposite each other along the rotation axis 212. For example... Figure 14 As shown, when the toothed roller 24 is in the first relative position, the distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the second protrusion 241 is small, and the magnetic attraction between them is strong; as Figure 15 As shown, when the toothed roller 24 is in the second relative position, the distance between the permanent magnet 12 and the second groove 242 is large, and the magnetic attraction between them is weak.

[0065] As the toothed roller 24 continues to rotate, the second protrusion 241 and the second groove 242 correspond sequentially to the permanent magnet 12, causing the intensity of the magnetic attraction and the rotational resistance of the toothed roller 24 to change periodically, thereby creating a sense of rotational segmentation. This embodiment also creates a sense of rotational segmentation through non-contact magnetic action, and by arranging the permanent magnet 12 between the bushing 14 and the toothed roller 24, space is reserved for the rotation and axial movement of the rotating shaft 212.

[0066] Please see Figure 16The roller support 25, facing the circuit board 13, has alternating third protrusions 251 and third grooves 252 along the circumference of the rotating shaft 212. As the roller support 25 rotates with the outer roller 21, the third protrusions 251 sequentially pass through the sensing groove 171 of the slotted optocoupler 17, and the third grooves 252 sequentially correspond to the sensing groove 171. When the third protrusion 251 passes through the sensing groove 171, it blocks the detection optical path of the slotted optocoupler 17; when the third groove 252 corresponds to the sensing groove 171, it provides clearance space for the detection optical path. Thus, the third protrusions 251 and third grooves 252 enable the slotted optocoupler 17 to generate alternating detection signals, allowing the circuit board 13 to acquire the rotation signal of the rotating assembly 20.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 241 and the second groove 242 on the toothed roller 24 are used to form a periodically changing magnetic attraction, and the third protrusion 251 and the third groove 252 on the roller support 25 are used to cooperate with the slotted optocoupler 17 to acquire rotation signals. The second protrusion 241, the second groove 242, and the third protrusion 251, the third groove 252 do not need to have a fixed quantitative relationship or a one-to-one correspondence; their quantity, circumferential dimensions, and distribution can be set according to the required rotational segmentation and rotation signal acquisition accuracy.

[0068] The present invention also provides an input device including the aforementioned scroll wheel device. The input device can be a mouse, an in-vehicle input device, a control device for digital home appliances, a control device for medical instruments, or other devices capable of inputting information via a scroll wheel.

[0069] When the roller device is installed on the input device, the outer roller 21 is at least partially exposed outside the housing of the input device for the user to rotate or press. The circuit board 13 can transmit the rotation signal collected by the slotted optocoupler 17 and the pressing signal generated by the micro switch 15 to the control system of the input device, so that the same roller device can simultaneously realize rotation input and pressing input.

[0070] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0071] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller device, characterized in that, It includes a fixed component and a rotating component; the fixed component includes a base and a plurality of permanent magnets, a circuit board, a bushing and a micro switch fixed to the base; the rotating component includes an outer roller and a magnetic actuating element, the outer roller has a cavity formed inside, a rotating shaft is protruding from the middle of the outer roller in the cavity, and the magnetic actuating element is disposed in the cavity and can move synchronously with the outer roller; The rotating shaft is rotatably and axially movable through the bushing so that the rotating assembly can rotate relative to the fixed assembly and move axially along the rotating shaft, and the micro switch can be triggered when the rotating assembly moves axially along the rotating shaft. The permanent magnets are at least partially located within the cavity and are correspondingly arranged with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator has a first action area and a second action area that are alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation. The magnetic strength between the permanent magnets and the first action area and the second action area is different, so that the rotating assembly is subjected to a periodically changing magnetic attraction during rotation.

2. The roller device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a base and a cover plate connected to the base. The fixing assembly also includes a button actuation piece. The base has a plurality of fixing arms protruding from it. The button actuation piece is connected to the plurality of fixing arms and is at least partially located between the rotating shaft and the micro switch. The button actuation piece can be displaced along the axial direction of the rotating shaft under the push of the rotating shaft to trigger the micro switch.

3. The roller device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic actuating element is ring-shaped and arranged around the rotating shaft. The plurality of permanent magnets are spaced apart from the rotating shaft, and the plurality of permanent magnets are located radially between the bushing and the magnetic actuating element along the rotating shaft.

4. The roller device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic actuating element is a grating, and the rotating assembly further includes a grating support. The grating support is disposed in the cavity and fixed to the outer roller. The grating is fixed to the grating support and arranged around the rotating shaft.

5. The roller device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The grating has multiple circumferentially spaced perforations along the axis of rotation. A non-perforated area is formed between two adjacent perforations. The first functional area is formed in the non-perforated area, and the second functional area is formed in the area where the perforations are located.

6. The roller device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing component also includes a slotted optocoupler disposed on the circuit board, the slotted optocoupler having a sensing slot; the grating is alternately formed with a first protrusion and a first groove along the circumference of the rotating shaft, when the grating rotates with the outer roller, the first protrusion passes through the sensing slot in sequence, and the first groove corresponds to the sensing slot in sequence, so that the slotted optocoupler collects the rotation signal of the rotating component.

7. The roller device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic actuating element is a toothed roller, and the rotating assembly further includes a roller support member. The roller support member is disposed in the cavity and fixed to the outer roller, and the toothed roller is fixed to the roller support member and arranged around the rotating shaft.

8. The roller device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The toothed roller has a second protrusion and a second groove alternately arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation, the first working area is formed in the second protrusion, and the second working area is formed in the second groove.

9. The roller device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing component also includes a slotted optocoupler disposed on the circuit board, the slotted optocoupler having a sensing slot; the roller support has a third protrusion and a third groove alternately formed along the circumference of the rotating shaft, when the roller support rotates with the outer roller, the third protrusion passes through the sensing slot in sequence, and the third groove corresponds to the sensing slot in sequence, so that the slotted optocoupler collects the rotation signal of the rotating component.

10. An input device, characterized in that, Includes the roller device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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