Flywheel structure with a sense of paragraphs

By employing a permanent magnet and metal plate spacer structure in the mouse scroll wheel, the problems of complex structure and high cost in the prior art are solved, and a simple, durable and tactile scroll wheel design is achieved.

CN224383670UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19DONGGUAN CITY KAIHUA ELECTRONICS

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DONGGUAN CITY KAIHUA ELECTRONICS
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-06-19

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a flywheel structure with a distinct sense of tactile feedback, comprising a flywheel bracket, a flywheel body rotatably disposed within the flywheel bracket, a metal plate disposed on the side of the flywheel body, and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the flywheel bracket and directly opposite the metal plate. The metal plate has several spaced grooves arranged sequentially at intervals. The permanent magnet does not directly contact the metal plate, but magnetically attracts the metal plate through a gap. This flywheel structure with a distinct sense of tactile feedback eliminates the need for electromagnetic components; the magnetic attraction of the permanent magnet to the metal plate is sufficient to create a distinct sense of tactile feedback during free rotation. This effectively avoids the performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. Furthermore, this flywheel structure is simple in structure and low in production cost, effectively meeting the development needs of modern production.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of input technology, and in particular to a flywheel structure with a segmented feel. Background Technology

[0002] As an important component of the mouse, the performance and user experience of the mouse wheel have a significant impact on the overall evaluation of the mouse.

[0003] Most existing undamped scroll wheels are grating scroll wheels, which count by blocking light through a wheel with spokes. These spokes are also the source of the scroll wheel's tactile feedback. Simply use a small wire to hold the spokes in place; as the scroll rotates, it scrapes against the wire, creating the tactile feedback. When the button is pressed, a small lever can push the wire away, disengaging it from the spokes, allowing the spokes to roll freely.

[0004] Over time, the internal structure of such rollers experiences wear. Therefore, rollers utilizing the properties of electromagnets have been developed. The inner ring of the roller is lined with a ferromagnetic material, and inside the roller is a pair of magnets, one permanent magnet and the other an electromagnet. When energized, the electromagnet's magnetic field strength is similar to that of the permanent magnet, but its polarity can be adjusted by controlling the direction of the current. In segmented scrolling mode, the electromagnet and permanent magnet have the same polarity, effectively acting as a single large magnet. At both ends of the electromagnet and permanent magnet are small pieces of ferromagnetic material with a spiked structure similar to the inner ring of the roller. When these two spikes approach each other, the magnetic force creates a segmented feel. When switching to undamped mode, the current in the electromagnet reverses direction, and the polarity of the electromagnet and permanent magnet becomes opposite. In this mode, the magnetic field lines are confined to the roller core, exerting no magnetic force on the outer ferromagnetic ring, allowing the outer ring to roll freely.

[0005] However, existing technologies involve permanent magnets and electromagnets, resulting in exceptionally complex internal structures, high component and manufacturing costs, and the lifespan of electronic components that can significantly impact the overall performance and lifespan of the product. Therefore, this invention focuses on simplifying components and designing a novel structure to ensure the flywheel provides a satisfying tactile feedback during rotation, while simultaneously reducing costs and increasing product lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a flywheel structure with distinct segments. This structure eliminates the need for electromagnetic components, relying solely on the magnetic attraction of permanent magnets to the metal sheets to create a clear segmented effect during free rotation of the flywheel. This effectively avoids the performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. Furthermore, this flywheel structure is simple in structure and inexpensive to produce, effectively meeting the development needs of modern manufacturing.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to achieve the above objectives is as follows:

[0008] A segmented flywheel structure includes a flywheel bracket, a flywheel body rotatably disposed within the flywheel bracket, a metal plate disposed on the side of the flywheel body, and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the flywheel bracket and facing the metal plate. The metal plate has several spacer slots arranged sequentially at intervals. The permanent magnet does not directly contact the metal plate, and the permanent magnet magnetically attracts the metal plate through a gap.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the number of permanent magnets is two sets, which are symmetrically arranged on the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body. They are respectively a first permanent magnet arranged on one end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body and a second permanent magnet arranged on the other end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the flywheel bracket has a first embedding groove for embedding the first permanent magnet and a second embedding groove symmetrical to the first embedding groove for embedding the second permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the first embedding groove is formed with a first spacer extending toward the flywheel body and enclosing the first permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first magnetic through hole is provided in the middle of the first spacer.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the flywheel bracket has a first embedding mounting groove perpendicular to the first embedding groove on the side of the first embedding groove away from the flywheel body.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, the second embedding groove is formed with a second spacer extending toward the flywheel body and enclosing the second permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, a second magnetic through hole is provided in the middle of the second spacer.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the flywheel bracket has a second embedding mounting groove perpendicular to the second embedding groove on the side of the second embedding groove away from the flywheel body.

[0017] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a cover plate installed on the outside of the flywheel bracket and covering the first embedding groove, the second embedding groove, the first embedding mounting groove and the second embedding mounting groove.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] By configuring this flywheel structure as including a flywheel bracket, a flywheel body rotatably disposed within the flywheel bracket, a metal plate disposed on the side of the flywheel body, and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the flywheel bracket and directly opposite the metal plate, the metal plate has several spaced grooves arranged sequentially at intervals, and the permanent magnet and the metal plate do not directly contact each other, effectively preventing the problem of the flywheel body being unable to rotate due to the permanent magnet magnetically attracting the metal plate. The permanent magnet magnetically attracts the metal plate in the air, and when the flywheel body rotates, the metal plate is driven by the flywheel body to rotate synchronously. When the permanent magnet is rotated to face the slot, the metal sheet is weakly attracted by the permanent magnet. When the permanent magnet is rotated to face the metal sheet without the slot, the metal sheet is strongly attracted. The spacing creates a distinct sense of segmentation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for electromagnetic components, effectively avoiding the performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. In addition, the flywheel structure is simple, and the permanent magnet and metal sheet are inexpensive, reducing production costs and effectively meeting the development needs of modern production.

[0020] The above is an overview of the utility model's technical solution. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, will further illustrate the utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall design of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is another overall schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is another exploded view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0026] In the figure: 1. Flywheel bracket; 11. First embedding groove; 12. Second embedding groove; 13. First spacer; 131. First magnetic penetration hole; 14. First embedding mounting groove; 15. Second spacer; 151. Second magnetic penetration hole; 16. Second embedding mounting groove; 17. Limiting post; 2. Flywheel body; 3. Metal sheet; 31. Spacer groove; 4. Permanent magnet; 41. First permanent magnet; 42. Second permanent magnet; 5. Cover plate; 6. Magnetic ring; 7. Hall element. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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 this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5This utility model embodiment provides a flywheel structure with segmented design, including a flywheel bracket 1, a flywheel body 2 rotatably disposed within the flywheel bracket 1, a metal plate 3 disposed on the side of the flywheel body 2, and at least one permanent magnet 4 disposed on the flywheel bracket 1 and directly opposite the metal plate 3. The metal plate 3 has several spacer grooves 31 arranged sequentially at intervals. The permanent magnet and the metal plate 3 do not directly contact each other, effectively preventing the problem of the flywheel body 2 being unable to rotate due to the permanent magnet 4 magnetically adsorbing the metal plate 3. The permanent magnet 4 magnetically adsorbs the metal plate 3 in the air. When the flywheel body 2 rotates, the metal plate 3 is driven by the flywheel body 2 to rotate synchronously. When the permanent magnet 4 is rotated to face the spacer slot 31, the metal sheet 3 is weakly attracted by the permanent magnet 4. When the permanent magnet 4 is rotated to face the metal sheet 3 without the spacer slot 31, the metal sheet 3 is strongly attracted. The spacing creates a distinct sense of segmentation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for electromagnetic components, effectively avoiding the product performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. In addition, the flywheel structure is simple, and the permanent magnet 4 and other components are inexpensive and durable, reducing production costs and effectively meeting the development needs of modern production.

[0032] Preferably, the metal sheet 3 is a silicon steel sheet, which has high magnetic permeability and low hysteresis characteristics, as well as good resistivity and conductivity, which can effectively reduce hysteresis loss and eddy current loss when magnetic flux passes through it, and improve the energy efficiency of the equipment.

[0033] Preferred, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, there are two sets of permanent magnets 4, which are symmetrically arranged on the inner side of the flywheel bracket 1 facing the flywheel body 2. They are a first permanent magnet 41 arranged on one end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket 1 facing the flywheel body 2 and a second permanent magnet 42 arranged on the other end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket 1 facing the flywheel body 2, so that the magnetic attraction force on the left and right sides of the metal sheet 3 is uniform, providing the user with a more stable and obvious segmented feel, thereby improving the user's user experience.

[0034] The size of the spacer groove 31 and the distance between them can be set according to the size of the permanent magnet 4, so as to ensure that the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42 are simultaneously in the position directly opposite each other in the spacer groove 31 when the metal sheet 3 rotates, or both are in the position directly opposite each other in the metal sheet 3. This ensures that the metal sheet 3 is subjected to the same adsorption force, and prevents the problem that one set of permanent magnets 4 is directly opposite the metal sheet 3 and the other set of permanent magnets 4 is directly opposite the spacer groove 31, which would cause the adsorption force of the metal sheet 3 to be uneven and not produce a clear sense of segmentation. This effectively ensures the user experience of this flywheel structure.

[0035] Regarding the specific method by which the permanent magnet 4 is disposed on the flywheel bracket 1, as follows: Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the flywheel bracket 1 has a first embedding groove 11 for embedding the first permanent magnet 41 and a second embedding groove 12 symmetrical to the first embedding groove 11 for embedding the second permanent magnet 42 on the side facing the flywheel body 2. The first permanent magnet 41 is embedded in the first embedding groove 11 and the second permanent magnet 42 is embedded in the second embedding groove 12, thereby completing the installation of the permanent magnet 4 and ensuring the normal operation of this flywheel structure.

[0036] To prevent the first permanent magnet 41 from directly adhering to the metal sheet 3 during operation, such as Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the first embedding groove 11 has a first spacer 13 extending towards the flywheel body 2 and enclosing the first permanent magnet 41 on the side facing the flywheel body 2. After the first permanent magnet 41 is embedded in the first embedding groove 11, its head is embedded in the first spacer 13, thereby being blocked by the first spacer 13, preventing the first permanent magnet 41 from directly adhering to the metal sheet 3 during the operation of the metal sheet 3, and ensuring that the flywheel structure has a segmented feel.

[0037] The specific method by which the first permanent magnet 41 adsorbs the metal sheet 3 on the first spacer 13 to create a segmented effect is as follows: Figures 4 to 5 As shown, a first magnetic penetration hole 131 is opened in the middle of the first spacer 13. The first permanent magnet 41 magnetically adsorbs the metal sheet 3 through the first magnetic penetration hole 131, thereby achieving the purpose of the first permanent magnet 41 adsorbing the metal sheet 3 on the first spacer 13 in the air and thus creating a segmented feel, which improves the user experience. Moreover, there is no need to use electromagnetic components, which effectively avoids the problem of product performance and lifespan limitation caused by electronic components. The structure is simple and effectively meets the development needs of modern production.

[0038] To facilitate the installation of the first permanent magnet 41 into the first embedding slot 11 and to facilitate its removal for maintenance, etc. Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the flywheel bracket 1 has a first embedding mounting groove 14 perpendicular to the first embedding groove 11 on the side of the first embedding groove 11 away from the flywheel body 2. By setting the first embedding mounting groove 14 to be perpendicular to the first embedding groove 11, it is convenient to embed the first permanent magnet 41 and to remove the first permanent magnet 41 from the first embedding groove 11, thus preventing the situation where the first permanent magnet 41 cannot be removed after being embedded.

[0039] To prevent the second permanent magnet 42 from directly adhering to the metal sheet 3 during operation, such as Figures 4 to 5As shown, the second embedding groove 12 has a second spacer 15 extending towards the flywheel body 2 and enclosing the second permanent magnet 42. After the second permanent magnet 42 is embedded in the second embedding groove 12, its head is embedded in the second spacer 15, and is thus blocked by the second spacer 15, preventing the second permanent magnet 42 from directly adhering to the metal sheet 3 during the operation of the metal sheet 3, thus ensuring that the flywheel structure has a segmented feel.

[0040] The specific method by which the second permanent magnet 42 adsorbs the metal sheet 3 on the second spacer 15 to create a segmented effect is as follows: Figures 4 to 5 As shown, a second magnetic penetration hole 151 is opened in the middle of the second spacer 15. The second permanent magnet 42 magnetically adsorbs the metal sheet 3 through the second magnetic penetration hole 151, thereby achieving the purpose of the second permanent magnet 42 adsorbing the metal sheet 3 on the second spacer 15 in the air, thus creating a segmented feel. This improves the user experience and eliminates the need for electromagnetic components, effectively avoiding the problem of limited product performance and lifespan caused by electronic components. The structure is simple and effectively meets the development needs of modern production.

[0041] To facilitate the installation of the second permanent magnet 42 into the second embedding slot 12 and for easy removal for maintenance, etc. Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the flywheel bracket 1 has a second embedding mounting groove 16 perpendicular to the second embedding groove 12 on the side of the second embedding groove 12 away from the flywheel body 2. By setting the second embedding mounting groove 16 to be perpendicular to the second embedding groove 12, it is convenient to embed the second permanent magnet 42 and convenient to remove the second permanent magnet 42 from the second embedding groove 12, thus preventing the second permanent magnet 42 from being unable to be removed after being embedded.

[0042] To prevent the first permanent magnet 41 from sliding out of the first embedding groove 11 and the second permanent magnet 42 from sliding out of the second embedding groove 12, such as Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, it also includes a cover plate 5 installed on the outside of the flywheel bracket 1 and covering the first embedding groove 11, the second embedding groove 12, the first embedding mounting groove 14 and the second embedding mounting groove 16, thereby effectively preventing the first permanent magnet 41 from sliding out of the first embedding groove 11 and preventing the second permanent magnet 42 from sliding out of the second embedding groove 12.

[0043] Preferably, for the installation method of the cover plate 5, the cover plate 5 can be installed stably by screws passing through itself and embedding into the flywheel bracket 1, or by means of clips, etc. Therefore, no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0044] Preferred, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in order to limit the position of the cover plate 5 and prevent the cover plate 5 from shifting, the flywheel bracket 1 is also symmetrically provided with two sets of limiting posts 17 that extend outward through the cover plate 5 at one end facing the cover plate 5. The limiting posts 17 extend through the cover plate 5 to limit the cover plate 5 and prevent the cover plate 5 from shifting, which would cause the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42 to slide out.

[0045] Regarding the signal output method of this flywheel structural component in mechanical devices such as mice, such as Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 5 As shown, a magnetic ring 6 is provided on the flywheel body 2, and a Hall element 7 is provided on the flywheel bracket 1 facing the magnetic ring 6. When the flywheel body 2 rotates, the magnetic ring 6 is driven to rotate synchronously. The Hall element 7 senses the magnetic ring 6 and outputs a signal. The sensing method of the magnetic ring 6 and the Hall element 7 is a conventional technical means in the industry. Its operation mode and structure are all public technologies, so they will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0046] It should be noted that the segmented flywheel structure disclosed in this utility model is an improvement on a specific structure, but the specific control method is not an innovation of this utility model. The permanent magnets, magnetic rings, Hall elements, mouse, and other components involved in this utility model can be general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structures, principles, and control methods are known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present utility model. Therefore, other structures obtained by using the same or similar technical features as the above embodiments of the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flywheel structure with segmented design, comprising a flywheel bracket and a flywheel body rotatably disposed within the flywheel bracket, characterized in that: It also includes a metal plate disposed on the side of the flywheel body, and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the flywheel bracket and facing the metal plate. The metal plate has several spacer slots arranged in sequence at intervals. The permanent magnet and the metal plate do not directly contact each other, and the permanent magnet magnetically attracts the metal plate in the air.

2. The flywheel structure with paragraph feeling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of permanent magnets is two sets, which are symmetrically arranged on the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body. They are a first permanent magnet arranged on one end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body and a second permanent magnet arranged on the other end of the inner side of the flywheel bracket facing the flywheel body.

3. The flywheel structure with paragraph feeling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flywheel bracket has a first embedding groove for embedding the first permanent magnet and a second embedding groove symmetrical to the first embedding groove for embedding the second permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

4. The flywheel structure of claim 3, wherein: The first embedding groove has a first spacer extending toward the flywheel body and enclosing the first permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

5. The flywheel structure of claim 4, wherein: A first magnetic through hole is formed in the middle of the first spacer.

6. The flywheel structure of claim 3, wherein: The flywheel bracket has a first embedding mounting groove perpendicular to the first embedding groove on the side of the first embedding groove away from the flywheel body.

7. The flywheel structure of claim 3, wherein: The second embedding groove has a second spacer extending toward the flywheel body and enclosing the second permanent magnet on the side facing the flywheel body.

8. The flywheel structure of claim 7, wherein: A second magnetic through hole is provided in the middle of the second spacer.

9. The flywheel structure of claim 6, wherein: The flywheel bracket has a second embedding mounting groove perpendicular to the second embedding groove on the side of the second embedding groove away from the flywheel body.

10. The flywheel structure of claim 9, wherein: It also includes a cover plate installed on the outside of the flywheel bracket that covers the first embedding groove, the second embedding groove, the first embedding mounting groove, and the second embedding mounting groove.