Flywheel structure having tactile feedback

Abstract

Disclosed in the present utility model is a flywheel structure having tactile feedback, comprising a support, and a flywheel body rotatably arranged on the support, and further comprising a metal sheet arranged on the flywheel body, wherein the metal sheet is made of a magnetic material, a plurality of spacing slots sequentially arranged at intervals are formed on the metal sheet, at least one permanent magnet opposite to and not in contact with the spacing slots of the metal sheet is arranged on the support in the direction extending into the flywheel body, and the permanent magnet performs magnetic interference on the metal sheet. The flywheel structure having tactile feedback provided by the present utility model does not need to use an electromagnetic component, and only uses the magnetic force of a permanent magnet to an annular rotor to make a flywheel present distinct tactile feedback during free rotation, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of limited product performance and service life caused by electronic components. Additionally, the flywheel structure has a simple structure and a low production cost, and effectively stratifies the development requirements of modern production.

Description

A flywheel structure with a segmented feel Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of input technology, and in particular to a flywheel structure with segmented tactile feedback. 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 a segmented tactile feel. This structure does not require electromagnetic components; instead, it utilizes the magnetic attraction of a permanent magnet to the annular rotor to create a distinct segmented feel during free rotation. This effectively avoids the performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. Furthermore, this flywheel structure is simple in design and has a low production cost, effectively meeting the development needs of modern production.

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

[0008] A flywheel structure with a segmented feel includes a bracket, a flywheel body rotatably mounted on the bracket, and a metal plate mounted on the flywheel body. The metal plate is made of a magnetic material and has several spaced grooves arranged sequentially at intervals. At least one permanent magnet is disposed on the bracket extending into the flywheel body and is opposite to but not in contact with the spaced grooves of the metal plate. The permanent magnet performs magnetic interference on the metal plate.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the width of the permanent magnet is less than or equal to the length of the side of the spacer slot.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the height of the permanent magnet is less than or equal to the height of the spacer slot.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the number of permanent magnets is two sets, and the two sets of permanent magnets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support. They are a first permanent magnet arranged on the left side of the support and a second permanent magnet arranged on the right side of the support.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a first limiting member that is L-shaped and can be embedded in the bracket, and a second limiting member that is L-shaped and can be embedded in the bracket. The first limiting member has a first mounting groove formed in the middle for mounting the first permanent magnet, and the second limiting member has a second mounting groove formed in the middle for mounting the second permanent magnet.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the side of the bracket is formed with a first embedding groove that is L-shaped and is for the first limiting member to be inserted, and a second embedding groove that is symmetrical to the first embedding groove, is L-shaped and is for the second limiting member to be inserted.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a first baffle plate that covers the first embedding groove and blocks and limits the rear ends of the first permanent magnet and the first limiting member, and a second baffle plate that covers the second embedding groove and blocks and limits the rear ends of the second permanent magnet and the second limiting member.

[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first fixing block that can be embedded in a bracket is formed below the first baffle, and a first fixing groove for the first fixing block to be embedded is formed on the lower side of the bracket; a second fixing block that can be embedded in a bracket is formed below the second baffle, and a second fixing groove for the second fixing block to be embedded is formed on the lower side of the bracket.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first guide limiting block is formed on the upper side of the bracket, which abuts against the upper surface of the first baffle, and a second guide limiting block is formed on the upper surface of the second baffle.

[0017] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the first guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the upper surface of the flywheel body; a second inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the second guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the upper surface of the flywheel body.

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

[0019] This flywheel structure includes a support frame, a flywheel body rotatably mounted on the support frame, and a metal plate mounted on the flywheel body. The metal plate is made of a magnetic material and has several spaced-apart slots arranged sequentially. At least one permanent magnet, positioned on the support frame extending into the flywheel body, is opposite to but not in contact with the spaced-apart slots of the metal plate. The permanent magnet magnetically interferes with the metal plate. The absence of direct contact between the permanent magnet and the metal plate effectively prevents the flywheel body from becoming unable to rotate due to the permanent magnet magnetically attracting the metal plate. The permanent magnet magnetically attracts the metal sheet without any gaps. When the flywheel rotates, the metal sheet is driven to rotate synchronously. When the permanent magnet is directly opposite the slot, the attraction force on the metal sheet is weak; when the permanent magnet is directly opposite the metal sheet without a slot, the attraction force is strong. This spacing creates a distinct segmented feel, eliminating the need for electromagnetic components and effectively avoiding the performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. Furthermore, this flywheel structure is simple, and the permanent magnet and metal sheet are inexpensive, reducing production costs and effectively meeting the needs of modern production. By placing the permanent magnet on the bracket and extending it into the flywheel body, the permanent magnet is closer to the metal sheet, resulting in more precise and agile magnetic interference, further ensuring the segmented feel of this flywheel structure.

[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 is a schematic diagram of the overall invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along the middle of the first embedding groove.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along the middle of the second embedding groove.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket taken along the middle of the first embedding groove.

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket taken along the middle of the second embedding groove.

[0026] Figure 6 is an exploded view of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 is another exploded view of this utility model;

[0028] In the figure: 1. Bracket; 11. First embedding groove; 12. Second embedding groove; 13. First fixing groove; 14. Second fixing groove; 15. First guide limiting block; 151. First inclined guide surface; 16. Second guide limiting block; 161. Second inclined guide surface; 2. Flywheel body; 3. Metal sheet; 31. Spacing groove; 4. Permanent magnet; 41. First permanent magnet; 42. Second permanent magnet; 5. First limiting member; 51. First mounting groove; 6. Second limiting member; 61. Second mounting groove; 7. First baffle; 71. First fixing block; 8. Second baffle; 81. Second fixing block. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, this embodiment of the present invention provides a flywheel structure with a segmented feel, including a bracket 1, a flywheel body 2 rotatably mounted on the bracket 1, and a metal plate 3 mounted on the flywheel body 2. The metal plate 3 is made of a magnetic material and has several spacer grooves 31 arranged sequentially at intervals on it. At least one permanent magnet 4 is provided on the bracket 1 in the direction extending into the flywheel body 2, which is opposite to and non-contact with the spacer grooves 31 of the metal plate 3. The permanent magnet 4 performs magnetic interference on the metal plate 3.

[0034] The permanent magnet 4 and the metal sheet 3 are not in direct contact, effectively preventing the flywheel body 2 from being unable to rotate due to the permanent magnet 4 magnetically adsorbing the metal sheet 3. The permanent magnet 4 magnetically adsorbs the metal sheet 3 in the air. When the flywheel body 2 rotates, the metal sheet 3 is driven to rotate synchronously by the flywheel body 2. When the permanent magnet 4 is directly opposite the spacer slot 31, the adsorption force on the metal sheet 3 is weak. When the permanent magnet 4 is directly opposite the metal sheet 3 without the spacer slot 31, the adsorption force on the metal sheet 3 is strong. The spacing creates a distinct segmented feel, and there is no need to use electromagnetic components, effectively avoiding the product performance and lifespan limitations caused by electronic components. Furthermore, this flywheel structure is simple, and the permanent magnet 4 and metal sheet 3 are inexpensive, reducing production costs and effectively meeting the development needs of modern production. By placing the permanent magnet 4 on the bracket 1 and extending it into the flywheel body 2, the permanent magnet 4 is made closer to the metal sheet 3, resulting in more precise and agile magnetic interference with the metal sheet 3, further ensuring the segmented feel of this flywheel structure.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in order to ensure the feel of this flywheel structure, the width of the permanent magnet 4 is less than or equal to the length of the side of the spacer slot 31, so that the strength of the attraction force of the permanent magnet 4 on the spacer slot 31 is more distinct, and the problem of the permanent magnet 4 being attracted to the inside or outside of the metal sheet 3, resulting in no sense of tactile feedback, is prevented.

[0037] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in order to further ensure the feel of the flywheel structure, the height of the permanent magnet 4 is less than or equal to the height of the spacer groove 31, thereby effectively preventing the permanent magnet 4 from being magnetically attracted to both the spacer groove 31 and the metal sheet 3 at the same time and continuously, thus preventing the problem of not being able to produce a tactile feel, and effectively ensuring the tactile feel of the flywheel structure.

[0038] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, the number of permanent magnets 4 is two sets, and the two sets of permanent magnets 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support 1. They are a first permanent magnet 41 arranged on the left side of the support 1 and a second permanent magnet 42 arranged on the right side of the support 1, 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the flywheel structure further includes a first limiting member 5, which is L-shaped and can be embedded in the bracket 1, and a second limiting member 6, which is L-shaped and can be embedded in the bracket 1. The first limiting member 5 has a first mounting groove 51 formed in its middle for mounting the first permanent magnet 41, and the second limiting member 6 has a second mounting groove 61 formed in its middle for mounting the second permanent magnet 42. By installing the first permanent magnet 41 into the first mounting groove 51 and then embedding the first limiting member 5 into the bracket 1, the first permanent magnet 41 is fixedly installed. To further fix the first permanent magnet 41, it can be further fixed with glue or other methods when installed in the first mounting groove 51. Similarly, by installing the second permanent magnet 42 into the second mounting groove 61 and then embedding the second limiting member 6 into the bracket 1, the second permanent magnet 42 is fixedly installed.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the first limiting member 5 and the second limiting member 6 both extend toward the flywheel body 2, so that the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42 correspondingly disposed therein are closer to the metal plate 3 disposed on the side of the flywheel body 2, but do not directly contact the metal plate 3, thereby making the magnetic interference of the metal plate 3 more precise and agile, and further ensuring the segmented feel of this flywheel structure.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first limiting member 5 and the second limiting member 6 are installed on the bracket 1 in the following manner: A first embedding groove 11, which is L-shaped and is used to insert the first limiting member 5, and a second embedding groove 12, which is symmetrical to the first embedding groove 11 and also L-shaped, is used to insert the second limiting member 6. The first limiting member 5 is inserted into the first embedding groove 11, and the second limiting member 6 is inserted into the second embedding groove 12, thereby completing the installation of the first limiting member 5 and the second limiting member 6 and ensuring the normal operation of the flywheel structure. The L-shaped structure allows the first limiting member 5 and the second limiting member 6 to be held in place by one end of their shorter sides on the bracket 1, thus limiting their position and preventing them from being displaced by the permanent magnet, ensuring the normal operation of the flywheel structure.

[0043] To further prevent the first limiting member 5 and the second limiting member 6 from shifting, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, this flywheel structure also includes a first baffle 7 covering the first embedding groove 11 and blocking and limiting the rear ends of the first permanent magnet 41 and the first limiting member 5, and a second baffle 8 covering the second embedding groove 12 and blocking and limiting the rear ends of the second permanent magnet 42 and the second limiting member 6. By mounting the first baffle 7 on the bracket 1, the rear ends of the first permanent magnet 41 and the first limiting member 5 are blocked and limited, preventing the first limiting member 5 from falling off and shifting at the rear end, thus ensuring the normal use of the first permanent magnet 41. By mounting the second baffle 8 on the bracket 1, the rear ends of the second permanent magnet 42 and the second limiting member 6 are blocked and limited, preventing the rear ends of the second limiting member 6 from falling off and shifting, thus ensuring the normal use of the second permanent magnet 42.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the first baffle 7 and the second baffle 8 are fixed in the following ways: a first fixing block 71 is formed below the first baffle 7 and can be embedded in the bracket 1; a first fixing groove 13 is formed on the lower side of the bracket 1 for the first fixing block 71 to be embedded in; by embedding the first fixing block 71 into the first fixing groove 13, the entire first baffle 7 is fixed, preventing the first baffle 7 from shifting and achieving the purpose of stably blocking and limiting the first limiting member 5. A second fixing block 81 is formed below the second baffle 8 and can be embedded in the bracket 1; a second fixing groove 14 is formed on the lower side of the bracket 1 for the second fixing block 81 to be embedded in; by embedding the second fixing block 81 into the second fixing groove 14, the entire second baffle 8 is fixed, preventing the second baffle 8 from shifting and achieving the purpose of stably blocking and limiting the second limiting member 6.

[0045] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, to further fix the first baffle 7 and the second baffle 8, the upper side of the bracket 1 has a first guide limiting block 15 that presses against the upper surface of the first baffle 7 and a second guide limiting block 16 that presses against the upper surface of the second baffle 8. After the first baffle 7 is installed, the first guide limiting block 15 abuts against the upper surface of the first baffle 7, thereby cooperating with the first fixing groove 13 to fix the first baffle 7 vertically, further fixing the first baffle 7 and preventing it from shifting. After the second baffle 8 is installed, the second guide limiting block 16 abuts against the upper surface of the second baffle 8, thereby cooperating with the second fixing groove 14 to fix the second baffle 8 vertically, further fixing the second baffle 8 and preventing it from shifting.

[0046] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, to facilitate the installation of the first and second baffles, a first inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the first guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the top of the flywheel body. When the first baffle is installed, the lower end of the first baffle first contacts the first inclined guide surface and slides downward under the inclined guiding action of the first inclined guide surface, thereby better installing it in the first fixing groove and improving the assembly efficiency and assembly accuracy of the flywheel structure. Similarly, a second inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the second guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the top of the flywheel body. When the second baffle is installed, the lower end of the second baffle first contacts the second inclined guide surface and slides downward under the inclined guiding action of the second inclined guide surface, thereby better installing it in the second fixing groove and improving the assembly efficiency and assembly accuracy of the flywheel structure.

[0047] Other operating structures and methods of this flywheel component can be set according to actual conditions. For example, the flywheel body 2 is provided with a magnetic ring and a Hall element opposite the magnetic ring. When the flywheel body 2 rotates, the magnetic ring is driven to rotate synchronously. The Hall element senses the magnetic ring and outputs a signal. These are all existing technologies in the field, so they will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0048] It should be noted that the flywheel structure with segmented tactile feedback 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, 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 all known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0049] 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 a segmented feel, comprising a bracket and a flywheel body rotatably mounted on the bracket, characterized in that: It also includes a metal sheet disposed on the flywheel body, the metal sheet being made of a magnetic material, and having several spacer slots arranged sequentially at intervals on the metal sheet. At least one permanent magnet is disposed on the support extending into the flywheel body, which is opposite to and non-contacting with the spacer slots of the metal sheet, and the permanent magnet performs magnetic interference on the metal sheet.

2. The flywheel structure with segmented feel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the permanent magnet is less than or equal to the length of the side of the slot.

3. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the permanent magnet is less than or equal to the height of the spacer slot.

4. The flywheel structure with segmented feel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of permanent magnets is two sets, and the two sets of permanent magnets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support. They are a first permanent magnet arranged on the left side of the support and a second permanent magnet arranged on the right side of the support.

5. The flywheel structure with segmented feel according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a first limiting member that is L-shaped and can be embedded in a bracket, and a second limiting member that is L-shaped and can be embedded in a bracket. The first limiting member has a first mounting groove formed in the middle for mounting the first permanent magnet, and the second limiting member has a second mounting groove formed in the middle for mounting the second permanent magnet.

6. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bracket has an L-shaped first embedding groove for inserting the first limiting member and a second embedding groove symmetrical to the first embedding groove and also L-shaped for inserting the second limiting member.

7. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a first baffle plate that covers the first embedding groove and blocks and limits the rear ends of the first permanent magnet and the first limiting member, and a second baffle plate that covers the second embedding groove and blocks and limits the rear ends of the second permanent magnet and the second limiting member.

8. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 7, characterized in that: A first fixing block is formed below the first baffle and can be embedded in the bracket. A first fixing groove is formed on the lower side of the bracket for the first fixing block to be embedded in. A second fixing block is formed below the second baffle and can be embedded in the bracket. A second fixing groove is formed on the lower side of the bracket for the second fixing block to be embedded in.

9. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper side of the bracket has a first guide limiting block that presses against the upper surface of the first baffle and a second guide limiting block that presses against the upper surface of the second baffle.

10. The flywheel structure with tactile feedback according to claim 9, characterized in that: A first inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the first guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the upper surface of the flywheel body; a second inclined guide surface is formed on the upper surface of the second guide limiting block, extending inclinedly outward and downward from the upper surface of the flywheel body.

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