TWI862420B - Rotating unit and operating device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotating body unit capable of effectively preventing leakage of magnetorheological fluid and an operating device including the same. The MR fluid unit 12 includes a main body 12a, a shaft 12b, and a brake mechanism. The shaft 12b is mounted on the main body 12a in a rotatable state. The brake mechanism comprises: a coil 12d, which is arranged inside the main body 12a and wound into a ring, and generates a magnetic field when current flows; an MR fluid 12e, whose viscosity changes due to the magnetic field given by the coil 12d; an MR fluid retaining portion 12c, which is arranged inside the main body 12a and retains the MR fluid 12e; and a variable volume portion 12m, which changes the volume of the MR fluid retaining portion 12c according to the pressure inside the MR fluid retaining portion 12c. The brake mechanism changes the magnitude of the rotational resistance to the rotational operation toward the shaft 12b (disk portion 12ba) according to the change in viscosity of the MR fluid 12e.

Description

Rotating unit and operating device including the same

The present invention relates to a rotating body unit loaded in various operating devices and an operating device including the rotating body unit.

In recent years, various operating devices equipped with a rotating unit for inputting by rotating operation have been adopted. In addition, in recent years, operating devices equipped with a rotating unit are not only used as operating devices for operating PCs installed in workplaces or homes, but also as operating devices operated by creators or operating devices for operating games such as electronic competitive sports (e-Sports), and more delicate operating feelings are required.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a computer peripheral device, including: an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) component, which includes: a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field, and a magnetization component configured to set the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet; and a magnetorheological (MR) material, which is combined with an input element and whose viscosity changes according to the magnetic field. [Prior art document] [Patent document]

[Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11048344 Specification

[The problem that the invention wants to solve]

However, the above-mentioned computer peripheral device has the following problems. That is, in the computer peripheral device disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, if the magnetorheological fluid expands due to temperature changes, etc., the pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part increases and the magnetorheological fluid may leak out.

The subject of the present invention is to provide a rotating body unit that can effectively prevent the leakage of magnetorheological fluid and an operating device including the rotating body unit. [Means for solving the subject]

The first invention is a rotating body unit that is loaded into an operating device and performs a rotational operation, and includes a main body, a rotating body, and a braking mechanism. The rotating body is mounted on the main body in a state in which it can rotate relative to each other. The braking mechanism comprises: a coil that is arranged inside the main body and wound into a ring, and generates a magnetic field when an electric current flows; a magnetorheological fluid, the viscosity of which changes due to the magnetic field imparted by the coil; a magnetorheological fluid holding part that is arranged inside the main body and holds the magnetorheological fluid; and a variable volume part that changes the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding part according to the pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part, and changes the size of the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation to the rotating body according to the change in the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid.

Here, in a rotating body unit that controls the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation of the rotating body by a brake mechanism including a magnetorheological fluid (MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid) and a coil, the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding part is changed by a variable volume part in accordance with the change in pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part caused by the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid. Here, the operating device loaded with the rotating body unit includes, for example, a game controller, various control panels, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

The rotating body unit is a device that performs operation input by rotating operation performed by the user, and can be a structure that performs operation input by pressing in addition to rotating operation. The brake mechanism uses the property of magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) whose viscosity changes when a magnetic field is applied from the outside to adjust the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation of the rotating body. The volume variable part is, for example, a component such as elastic rubber or resin, a cylinder, an elastic film, etc., which deforms according to the pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part, thereby changing the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding part.

Thus, even if the pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part that holds the magnetorheological fluid changes due to expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid, for example, due to temperature changes, the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding part can be changed by using the volume variable part to prevent the internal pressure of the magnetorheological fluid holding part from being too high. As a result, leakage of the magnetorheological fluid can be effectively prevented.

The rotating body unit of the second invention is the rotating body unit as described in the first invention, wherein the volume variable portion includes a resin elastic member, and the resin elastic member expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. Thereby, the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion is changed using an elastic resin member, thereby effectively preventing leakage of the magnetorheological fluid using an inexpensive structure.

The rotor unit of the third invention is the rotor unit as described in the first invention, wherein the variable volume portion includes a negative pressure variable cylinder, and the negative pressure variable cylinder expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. Thereby, the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion is changed using the negative pressure variable cylinder, thereby effectively preventing leakage of the magnetorheological fluid.

The rotating body unit of the fourth invention is the rotating body unit as described in the first invention, wherein the volume variable portion includes an elastic film, and the elastic film expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. Thereby, the elasticity of the elastic film is used to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion, thereby effectively preventing the leakage of the magnetorheological fluid by using an inexpensive structure.

The rotor unit of the fifth invention is a rotor unit as described in the first invention or the second invention, wherein the magnetorheological fluid holding portion is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil. Thereby, the magnetorheological fluid holding portion that holds the magnetorheological fluid is arranged close to the inner circumference of the coil wound into a ring shape, which is easily affected by the magnetic field given by the coil, so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid can be freely changed relative to the change in the magnitude of the magnetic field. As a result, the response performance (magnetic field efficiency) corresponding to the magnitude of the magnetic field given by the coil can be improved.

The rotating body unit of the sixth invention is a rotating body unit as described in the first invention or the second invention, wherein the variable volume portion is provided at a position adjacent to the magnetorheological fluid holding portion in the direction of the rotation axis which is the rotation center of the rotating operation of the rotating body. Thereby, the variable volume portion provided at a position adjacent to the magnetorheological fluid holding portion in the axial direction can be used to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion, so as to suppress the internal pressure of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion from excessively rising.

The rotator unit of the seventh invention is the rotator unit as described in the first invention, wherein the rotator has: a rotating shaft; and a disc portion, which protrudes radially with the rotating shaft as the center and rotates while contacting the magnetorheological fluid inside the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. Thereby, the structure that rotates integrally with the rotator using the disc portion disposed inside the magnetorheological fluid holding portion becomes larger relative to the contact area of the magnetorheological fluid. Therefore, by rotating the disc portion in the magnetorheological fluid, the rotational resistance given to the disc portion rotating integrally with the rotating shaft can be efficiently changed according to the change in viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid.

The rotating body unit of the eighth invention is the rotating body unit as described in the seventh invention, wherein the disc portion is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil. Thereby, since the disc portion is arranged close to the inner circumference of the coil where the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid is most likely to change, it can have high responsiveness and change the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation.

The rotator unit of the ninth invention is the rotator unit as described in the first invention or the second invention, and further includes a first sealing member, which is arranged in the main body and seals the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid holding part. Thereby, for example, the magnetorheological fluid can be sealed inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part using the first sealing member such as an O-ring.

The rotating body unit of the tenth invention is the rotating body unit as described in the ninth invention, wherein two first sealing members are provided in a manner of clamping the coil in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. Thereby, for example, a pair of first sealing members are provided in a manner of clamping the coil in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, thereby effectively suppressing the leakage of the magnetorheological fluid in the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

The rotator unit of the eleventh invention is the rotator unit as described in the seventh invention, and further includes a second sealing member, which is arranged in the main body and seals the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid holding part in the sliding part with the rotating shaft. Thereby, in the part where the rotating shaft rotates inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part and slides, for example, a second sealing member having a cross-sectional shape different from that of the first sealing member can be used to suppress leakage of the magnetorheological fluid.

The rotating body unit of the twelfth invention is the rotating body unit as described in the eleventh invention, wherein the second sealing member abuts against the rotating shaft at two points in cross-sectional observation. Thereby, in the sliding portion with the rotating shaft, the second sealing member abutting against the rotating shaft at two points is used, thereby more effectively suppressing the leakage of the magnetorheological fluid near the sliding portion compared to a structure in which the second sealing member abuts against the rotating shaft at one point.

The rotator unit of the thirteenth invention is the rotator unit as described in the twelfth invention, wherein the second sealing member has a substantially X-shaped shape in cross-sectional observation. Thereby, by using the second sealing member having a substantially X-shaped shape in cross-sectional observation, the magnetorheological fluid can be prevented from leaking out of the magnetorheological fluid retaining portion by forming a state of contact at two points with the sliding portion of the rotating shaft.

The rotating body unit of the fourteenth invention is the rotating body unit as described in the seventh invention, and further includes a bearing portion, which is arranged on the main body portion and supports the rotating shaft. Thereby, the rotating body can receive the rotation operation input by the user in the state where the rotating shaft is supported by the bearing portion.

The operating device of the fifteenth invention includes the rotating body unit as described in the first invention or the second invention, and an operating main body portion in which the rotating body unit is loaded in a state of rotational operation. Thereby, an operating device that can effectively prevent leakage of magnetorheological fluid can be provided. [Effect of the invention]

The rotator unit of the present invention can effectively prevent leakage of magnetorheological fluid.

(Implementation form 1) If the MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid unit (rotating body unit) 12 of an implementation form of the present invention is described using Figures 1 to 10, it is as follows. In addition, in this implementation form, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily lengthy, so as to make it easier for technical personnel in this field to understand.

In addition, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions for the purpose of enabling the technical personnel in the field to fully understand the present invention, and does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the scope of the patent application by these. The MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid unit 12 of this embodiment is included in the roller unit 11 to which the operator inputs the rotation operation and the pressing operation. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b), the roller unit 11 has: an outer roller 11a, an inner roller 11b, a magnet 11d for rotation detection, and an MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid unit (rotating body unit) 12.

As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b), the outer roller 11a is a roughly cylindrical component, which is integrated with the inner roller 11b and the shaft (rotating body, rotating shaft) 12b on the side of the MR fluid unit 12, and rotates by the operator's rotation operation. As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b), the inner roller 11b is a roughly cylindrical component with a bottom, which is arranged on the inner diameter side of the outer roller 11a, and when the outer roller 11a is rotated, it is integrated with the shaft 12b and rotates.

That is, in the roller unit 11 of the present embodiment, the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b together with the shaft 12b included in the MR fluid unit 12 serve as components on the rotating side and are the subject of rotational operation by the user. As shown in FIG1 , the rotation detection magnet 11d is a component on the rotating side fixed to the inner roller 11b using, for example, an adhesive or the like. The rotation of the rotation detection magnet 11d is detected by an integrated circuit (IC) (not shown) arranged adjacent to the fixed side component, thereby detecting the rotation of the shaft 12b.

As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b), the MR fluid unit 12 is a rotating body unit constituting the central part of the roller unit 11, and is disposed on the inner circumference of the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3 (a) and Fig. 3 (b), the MR fluid unit 12 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a shaft 12b is inserted in the central part, and the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b disposed on the outer circumferential surface side of the MR fluid unit 12 with the shaft 12b as the center rotate together with the shaft 12b.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the MR fluid unit 12 includes a main body 12 a, a shaft (rotating shaft) 12 b, an MR fluid holding portion (magnetorheological fluid holding portion, braking mechanism) 12 c, a coil (braking mechanism) 12 d, MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid (magnetorheological fluid, braking mechanism) 12 e (see FIG. 2 ( b )), a sealing member (first sealing member) 12 f, a sealing member (second sealing member) 12 g, a bearing portion 12 h, a cover 12 i, a screw 12 j, a screw 12 k, a screw 12 l, and a variable volume portion 12 m.

The main body 12a is provided as a fixed-side component relative to the components on the rotating side (the outer roller 11a, the inner roller 11b, and the shaft 12b) that rotate by the rotation operation performed by the user. As shown in FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b), the main body 12a has a substantially cylindrical outer shell 12aa, a substantially disk-shaped magnetic yoke 12ab, and a push detection rod 12ac.

The housing 12aa is formed of a magnetic material and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. It is formed integrally with a push-down detection rod 12ac protruding from one axial side of the shaft 12b. The housing 12aa and the yoke 12ab form a roughly cylindrical internal space. The coil 12d, the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, the variable volume portion 12m, etc. are arranged in the roughly cylindrical internal space.

The magnetic yoke 12ab is formed using a magnetic material and has a roughly disk shape. As shown in FIG4 , the magnetic yoke 12ab is mounted on the end surface of the housing 12aa using six screws 121 in a manner that covers the end surface of the open side of the housing 12aa. As shown in FIG2 (b) and FIG3 (b), the press detection rod 12ac is provided in a manner that protrudes from one side surface of the MR fluid unit 12. The press detection rod 12ac detects the press operation by the user pressing the outer roller 11a and pressing a button not shown. In addition, the press detection rod 12ac is provided as a fixed side component relative to the rotating body including the outer roller 11a, the inner roller 11b and the shaft 12b.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 3 , the shaft (rotation shaft) 12b is provided so as to protrude from the side of the MR fluid unit 12 opposite to the side where the detection rod 12ac is pressed. The shaft 12b serves as the rotation center when the user rotates the roller unit 11, and rotates together with the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b. In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , the shaft 12b has a substantially disc-shaped disc portion 12ba protruding radially outward with the axial direction as the center.

As shown in FIG2(b), the disk portion 12ba is disposed on the inner circumference of the coil 12d that imparts a magnetic field and is inside the MR fluid holding portion 12c that holds the MR fluid 12e. Therefore, when the user rotates the outer roller 11a, the disk portion 12ba rotates while in contact with the MR fluid 12e together with the shaft 12b that rotates integrally with the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b.

At this time, as described later, the MR fluid 12e that the disk portion 12ba contacts changes in viscosity due to the influence of the magnetic field applied from the outside, thereby changing the magnitude of the rotational resistance applied to the disk portion 12ba. In addition, by integrally providing the disk portion 12ba and the shaft 12b, the contact area between the MR fluid 12e and the components on the rotating body side is increased compared to a structure without the disk portion 12ba, thereby effectively applying a braking force to the components on the rotating side.

As shown in FIG2(b), the MR fluid retaining part (magnetorheological fluid retaining part, brake mechanism) 12c is provided on the inner circumference of the coil 12d that imparts the magnetic field and in a space where the components on the rotating side (the outer roller 11a and the inner roller 11b, the shaft 12b) and the components on the fixed side (the main body 12a, the coil 12d, etc.) slide. In addition, the MR fluid 12e is sealed in the MR fluid retaining part 12c.

Thus, the viscosity of the MR fluid 12e changes due to the magnetic field applied from the outside (coil 12d), thereby changing the rotational resistance of the components on the rotating side (shaft 12b (disk portion 12ba), etc.) between the MR fluid holding portion 12c and the components on the rotating side of the roller unit 11. In addition, the MR fluid holding portion 12c changes the volume of the MR fluid 12e held by the later-described volume variable portion 12m arranged at a position adjacent to the shaft 12b in the axial direction.

The coil (brake mechanism) 12d is arranged near the radial outer side of the MR fluid holding part (brake mechanism) 12c (refer to (b) of FIG. 2) holding the MR fluid 12e, and a magnetic field is applied to the MR fluid 12e by the flow of electric current. The MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid (magnetorheological fluid, brake mechanism) 12e is mainly filled in the space of the MR fluid holding part 12c (refer to (b) of FIG. 2) provided in the sliding part of the rotating body (shaft 12b, etc. (refer to (b) of FIG. 2)) of the roller unit 11. Moreover, the MR fluid 12e is affected by the magnetic field applied by the coil 12d, and its shape is changed. Thereby, the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation of the outer roller 11a can be changed.

Here, the intensity of the magnetic field applied to the MR fluid 12e and the change in the viscosity of the MR fluid 12e are described. FIG5 shows a graph showing the relationship between the magnitude of the magnetic field when the magnetic field is generated and the viscosity of the MR fluid 12e that changes according to the magnitude of the magnetic field. The MR fluid 12e is a functional fluid in which ferromagnetic particles with a diameter of 1 μm to 10 μm are dispersed in a liquid such as water or oil. When not affected by the magnetic field, the particles are uniformly dispersed in the liquid. Moreover, when the MR fluid 12e is affected by the magnetic field, the ferromagnetic particles are magnetized and attract each other, thereby forming clusters. As shown in FIG5, the viscosity increases when the magnetic field becomes stronger.

Furthermore, the degree of cluster formation in the MR fluid 12e can be adjusted by controlling the current flowing through the coil 12d. Thus, in the mouse 10 of this embodiment, the roller unit 11 controls the current flowing through the coil 12d, thereby controlling the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the coil 12d, thereby controlling the viscosity of the MR fluid 12e. Therefore, the magnitude of the rotational resistance of the roller unit 11 can be controlled according to the change in the viscosity of the MR fluid 12e.

The sealing member (first sealing member) 12f is, for example, a rubber annular member (O-ring) having a substantially circular cross section. As shown in FIG2(b), two sealing members 12f are provided in a pair to seal the MR fluid 12e sealed in the MR fluid retaining portion 12c so as not to leak to the outside. In addition, as shown in FIG2(b), the pair of sealing members 12f is arranged to sandwich the coil 12d in the axial direction of the shaft 12b.

The sealing member (second sealing member) 12g is a substantially cylindrical member provided in the main body 12a, and is used in a state where the shaft 12b is inserted, and seals the MR fluid 12e in the MR fluid holding portion 12c in the sliding portion with the shaft 12b. In addition, the sealing member 12g abuts against the shaft 12b at two points in cross-sectional view. More specifically, the sealing member 12g has a substantially X-shaped shape in cross-sectional view.

Thus, compared with an O-ring having a circular cross section, a sealing member 12g that can withstand the pressure generated in the sliding portion and resist twisting can be used to stably seal the MR fluid 12e in a state of contacting the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 12b at two points. As shown in FIG2 (b) and FIG4, the bearing portion 12h is a roughly cylindrical member, and the shaft 12b, which is a member on the rotating side, is rotatably supported near the sealing member 12g.

As shown in Fig. 4, the cover 12i is a substantially disk-shaped member, and is disposed opposite to the surface of the disk portion 12ba on the side where the shaft 12b is provided, with a predetermined gap (e.g., 0.2 mm) therebetween. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the cover 12i forms a gap as a part of the MR fluid retaining portion 12c between the cover 12i and the surface of the disk portion 12ba on the side where the shaft 12b is provided.

Screws 12j, 12k, and 12l are fastening members that connect the various structures included in the MR fluid unit 12. Screw 12j is fixed to the housing 12aa to block two holes (the injection hole and the exhaust hole of the MR fluid 12e) provided on the housing 12aa of the main body 12a.

The screw 12k fixes the cover 12i to the yoke 12ab. Thus, the cover 12i and the yoke 12ab are configured as a fixed side component. The screw 12l is screwed into a screw hole provided on the end face of the main body 12a, thereby fixing the yoke 12ab to the end face of the main body 12a. The variable volume portion 12m is, for example, a component made of elastic resin, and is provided at a position adjacent to the MR fluid holding portion 12c in the axial direction of the shaft 12b, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6 . The variable volume portion 12m is connected to the MR fluid holding portion 12c, for example, via a sealing film or the like.

Here, the MR fluid holding portion 12c normally has a volume of, for example, about 8 cc. For example, when the temperature rises, the MR fluid 12e expands, and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c increases, as shown in FIG6 (b), the volume variable portion 12m is elastically deformed in a manner compressed in the direction of the arrow in the figure compared to FIG6 (a), thereby increasing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c.

At this time, the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c increases from 8 cc in normal times to 9 cc, for example. This prevents the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c from excessively rising, and thus effectively suppresses partial leakage of the MR fluid 12e from the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc., for example.

On the other hand, when the MR fluid 12e contracts, for example, when the temperature drops, and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c decreases, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the variable volume portion 12m elastically deforms in a manner that expands in the direction of the arrow in the figure compared to FIG. 6 (a), thereby reducing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c. At this time, the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c decreases from 8 cc in normal times to 7 cc, for example. In this way, the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be kept substantially constant, so that, for example, partial leakage of the MR fluid 12e from the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc. can be effectively suppressed.

<Application examples of the MR fluid unit 12> Here, if several examples are given to explain the operating device of the MR fluid unit 12 applicable to this embodiment, it is as follows.

FIG7 shows an example in which the MR fluid unit 12 of the present embodiment is applied to a mouse (operating device) 10 in a state in which the MR fluid unit 12 is contained in the roller unit 11. As shown in FIG7 , the mouse 10 has a mouse body 10a, a switch 10b, and a roller unit 11. The mouse body 10a is a frame portion of the mouse 10, and as shown in FIG7 , supports the roller unit 11 in a rotatable state while a part of the roller unit 11 protrudes from its upper surface.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the switch 10b is arranged near the scroll wheel unit 11 on the upper surface of the mouse body 10a. The switch 10b is operated, for example, when switching between the normal mode and the game mode, or when switching the power on/off of the mouse 10. As shown in FIG. 7 , by applying the scroll wheel unit 11 including the MR fluid unit 12 of the present embodiment to the mouse 10, for example, when the mouse 10 is used as a controller for e-Sports, etc., the responsiveness to the operation performed by the user can be improved while preventing the leakage of the MR fluid 12e.

FIG8 shows an example in which the MR fluid unit 12 of the present embodiment is applied to a dial-type operating device (operating device) 100. As shown in FIG8 , the dial-type operating device (operating device) 100 includes a main body 101 and a rotating body unit 102. The main body 101 is a substantially cylindrical base portion, and the rotating body unit 102 is mounted in a rotatable state.

The rotating body unit 102 is installed on the upper surface of the main body 101 in a state that it can rotate in a substantially horizontal direction, and includes the MR fluid unit inside. The rotating body unit 102 mainly receives operation inputs such as push, turn, and reverse. Thereby, as an operating device that performs various adjustments in a dial-type manner, it is possible to improve the response performance while preventing the leakage of the MR fluid 12e.

FIG9 shows an example in which the MR fluid unit 12 of the present embodiment is applied to a keypad type operating device (operating device) 110. As shown in FIG9 , the keypad type operating device (operating device) 110 includes a main body 111, a rotating body unit 112, a keypad 113, and a pad 114. The main body 111 is a base portion on which the rotating body unit 112 is mounted in a rotatable state.

The rotating body unit 112 is installed on the upper surface of the main body 111 in a state that it can rotate laterally, and includes the MR fluid unit inside. The keypad 113 is an operating device including a plurality of input keys, and is integrated with the rotating body unit 112 and the like. The pad 114 is provided, for example, on the front side of the rotating body unit 112 and the keypad 113 so that the rotating body unit 112 and the keypad 113 can be operated when the user's left hand is placed thereon.

Thus, in an operating device that can perform various adjustments by rotational operation and can also perform key input, the response performance to the rotational operation can be improved while preventing leakage of the MR fluid 12e. Fig. 10 shows an example in which the MR fluid unit 12 of this embodiment is applied to a controller (operating device) 120.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the controller (operating device) 120 includes a main body 121, a rotating unit 122, and a display unit 123. The main body 121 is a base portion, and various input buttons and a display unit 123 for various displays are provided on the upper surface, and the rotating unit 122 is installed in a rotatable state.

The rotating body unit 122 is disposed approximately near the center of the upper surface of the main body 121, and receives horizontal operations such as forward and backward, left and right, tilting operations such as forward and backward, left and right, pushing up and down, pressing operations, and rotating operations. Thereby, in an operating device that performs various adjustments by rotating operations and can also input various input buttons, the response performance to the rotating operation can be improved while preventing the leakage of the MR fluid 12e.

<Main features> As shown in FIG. 6 (a) to FIG. 6 (c), the MR fluid unit 12 of the present embodiment includes a main body 12a, a shaft 12b, and a brake mechanism. The shaft 12b is rotatably mounted on the main body 12a. The brake mechanism includes: a coil 12d, which is disposed inside the main body 12a and wound into a ring shape, and generates a magnetic field when current flows; an MR fluid 12e, whose viscosity changes due to the magnetic field given by the coil 12d; an MR fluid holding portion 12c, which is disposed inside the main body 12a and holds the MR fluid 12e; and a variable volume portion 12m, which changes the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c according to the pressure inside the MR fluid holding portion 12c. Furthermore, the braking mechanism changes the magnitude of the rotational resistance relative to the rotational operation toward the shaft 12b (disc portion 12ba) according to the change in viscosity of the MR fluid 12e.

Thus, even if the pressure inside the MR fluid holding portion 12c that holds the MR fluid 12e changes due to expansion/contraction of the MR fluid, for example, due to temperature changes, the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be changed by using the volume variable portion 12m to prevent the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c from being too high. As a result, the MR fluid 12e can be effectively prevented from leaking out of the MR fluid holding portion 12c.

(Implementation Form 2) If the MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid unit (rotating unit) 212 and the roller unit 211 including the same of another implementation form of the present invention are described using FIG. 11 (a) to FIG. 11 (c), it is as follows. In addition, in the MR fluid unit 212 and the roller unit 211 including the same of the present implementation form, a negative pressure variable cylinder is used as the volume variable part 212m instead of the elastic member made of resin, which is different from the above-mentioned implementation form 1 in this respect.

Among them, since the other structures are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the components having the same functions and shapes are marked with the same symbols and detailed descriptions are omitted. As shown in (a) of FIG. 11 , the MR fluid unit 212 of this embodiment has a variable volume portion 212m.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 11 , the variable volume portion 212m is a negative pressure variable cylinder, which is disposed at a position adjacent to the MR fluid holding portion 12c in the axial direction of the shaft 12b. The variable volume portion 212m is connected to the MR fluid holding portion 12c. Thereby, similarly to the embodiment 1, when the MR fluid 12e expands, for example, when the temperature rises, and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c increases, as shown in (b) of FIG. 11 , the cylinder of the variable volume portion 212m moves in a manner of being pushed outward, thereby increasing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c.

In this way, the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be prevented from excessively rising, so that, for example, partial leakage of the MR fluid 12e from the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc. can be effectively suppressed. On the other hand, when the MR fluid 12e contracts, for example, when the temperature drops, and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c decreases, as shown in (c) of FIG. 11 , the cylinder of the volume variable portion 212m moves inwardly, and the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c decreases. In this way, the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be kept substantially constant, so that, for example, partial leakage of the MR fluid 12e from the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc. can be effectively suppressed.

(Implementation Form 3) If the MR (Magneto-Rheological) fluid unit (rotating unit) 312 and the roller unit 311 including the same of another implementation form of the present invention are described using FIG. 12 (a) to FIG. 12 (c), it is as follows.

Furthermore, in the MR fluid unit 312 and the roller unit 311 including the same, the present embodiment uses an elastic film instead of a resin elastic member as the variable volume portion 312m, which is different from the first embodiment in this respect. Among them, since the structure other than this is substantially the same as the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the same symbols are used for the members having the same function and shape, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12 (a), the MR fluid unit 312 of the present embodiment has a volume variable portion 312m. As shown in FIG. 12 (a), the volume variable portion 312m is an elastic film, and is disposed at a position adjacent to the MR fluid holding portion 12c in the axial direction of the axis 12b. The volume variable portion 312m is disposed in a space connected to the MR fluid holding portion 12c, and elastically deforms in the space according to the expansion/contraction of the MR fluid 12e, thereby changing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c.

Thus, similarly to the first embodiment, when the temperature rises, for example, the MR fluid 12e expands and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c increases, as shown in FIG12(b), the elastic film portion of the volume variable portion 312m is deformed in a manner that is pushed outward, thereby increasing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c. Thus, the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be prevented from excessively rising, and thus, for example, the MR fluid 12e can be effectively suppressed from leaking out of the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc.

On the other hand, when the MR fluid 12e contracts, for example, when the temperature drops, and the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c decreases, as shown in FIG12 (c), the elastic film of the variable volume portion 312m is deformed in such a way that it is pulled inward, thereby reducing the volume of the MR fluid holding portion 12c. Thereby, the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion 12c can be kept substantially constant, so that, for example, the leakage of the MR fluid 12e from the sealing member 12f, the sealing member 12g, etc. can be effectively suppressed.

[Other embodiments] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. (A) In the embodiment, an example is given in which the MR fluid retaining portion 12c is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil 12d. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetorheological fluid retaining portion may be arranged at other positions such as the outer circumference instead of the inner circumference of the coil.

(B) In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which a disc portion 12ba provided integrally with the shaft 12b is provided as a component on the rotating body side in order to increase the contact area with the MR fluid 12e sealed in the MR fluid retaining portion 12c. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the component on the rotating body side that contacts the magnetorheological fluid may be a structure other than a disc portion, or a structure that easily transmits rotational resistance by processing the surface of the shaft, etc.

(C) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is given in which two types of sealing members 12g and 12f having different cross-sectional shapes (circular or X-shaped) are used to suppress the leakage of the MR fluid 12e held in the MR fluid holding portion 12c to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a sealing member for suppressing the leakage of the magnetorheological fluid, a sealing member of the same type of cross-sectional shape may be used. Alternatively, a sealing member having a cross-sectional shape other than circular or X-shaped may be used.

(D) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the MR fluid unit (rotating unit) 12 of the present invention is described as being applicable to the mouse 10, the dial-type operating device 100, the keypad-type operating device 110, the controller 120, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rotating unit of the present invention may also be applicable to operating devices other than the mouse, the dial-type operating device, the keypad-type operating device, and the controller.

Specifically, the rotating body unit of the present invention can also be applied to a controller for adjusting color, sound, etc. used by creators such as illustrators and cartoonists. Even in this case, by using a controller with high response performance, it is possible to cope with delicate adjustments made by users such as creators.

<Notes> The rotor unit of the present invention is a rotor unit as described in any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the magnetorheological fluid holding portion is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil. The rotor unit of the present invention is a rotor unit as described in any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the volume variable portion is arranged at a position adjacent to the magnetorheological fluid holding portion in the direction of the rotation axis which is the rotation center of the rotation operation of the rotor.

The rotator unit of the present invention is a rotator unit as described in any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the rotator has: a rotation axis; and a disc portion, which protrudes radially with the rotation axis as the center and rotates while contacting the magnetorheological fluid inside the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. The rotator unit of the present invention is a rotator unit as described in any one of the first to eighth inventions, and further includes a first sealing member, which is arranged on the main body portion and seals the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid holding portion.

The operating device of the present invention comprises: a rotating body unit as described in any one of the first to fourteenth inventions; and an operating main body part for loading the rotating body unit in a rotating operation state. [Industrial Applicability]

The rotator unit of the present invention has the following effects: it can effectively prevent leakage of magnetorheological fluid, and thus can be widely applied to various operating devices.

10: Mouse 10a: Mouse body (operating body) 10b: Switch 11: Roller unit 11a: Outer roller 11b: Inner roller 11d: Rotation detection magnet 12: MR fluid unit (rotating body unit) 12a: Main body 12aa: Housing 12ab: Magnetic yoke 12ac: Press detection rod 12b: Shaft (rotating body, rotating shaft) 12ba: Disc 12c: MR fluid holding part (magnetorheological fluid holding part, braking mechanism) 12d: Coil (braking mechanism) 12e: MR fluid (magnetorheological fluid, braking mechanism) 12f: Sealing member (first sealing member) 12g: Sealing member (second sealing member) 12h: Bearing part 12i: Cover 12j, 12k, 12l: Screws 12m: Variable volume part 100: Dial type operating device (operating device) 101: Main body 102: Rotating unit 110: Keypad type operating device (operating device) 111: Main body 112: Rotating unit 113: Keypad 114: Welding pad 120: Controller (operating device) 121: Main body 122: Rotating unit 123: Display part 211: Roller unit 212: MR fluid unit (rotating unit) 212m: Variable volume part 311: Roller unit 312: MR fluid unit (rotating unit) 312m: Variable volume part A-A: Line

FIG1 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a roller unit of an MR fluid unit including an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 (a) is a side view of the roller unit of FIG1. FIG2 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG2 (a). FIG3 (a) and FIG3 (b) are a perspective view and a front view showing the structure of an MR fluid unit included in the roller unit of FIG2 (a) and the like. FIG4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the MR fluid unit of FIG3 (a) and the like. FIG5 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnetic field strength and viscosity of the MR fluid used in the MR fluid unit of FIG1. FIG. 6 (a), FIG. 6 (b), and FIG. 6 (c) are cross-sectional views showing the states of the variable volume portion when the internal pressure of the MR fluid holding portion provided inside the roller unit of FIG. 2 (b) is in normal, pressurized, and depressurized conditions. FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a mouse loaded with the MR fluid unit shown in FIG. 1, etc. FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a dial-type operating device loaded with the MR fluid unit shown in FIG. 1, etc. FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a keypad-type operating device loaded with the MR fluid unit shown in FIG. 1, etc. FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a controller loaded with the MR fluid unit shown in FIG. 1, etc. Figures 11 (a), 11 (b), and 11 (c) are cross-sectional views showing the structure of a roller unit in another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 (a), 12 (b), and 12 (c) are cross-sectional views showing the structure of a roller unit in another embodiment of the present invention.

11: Roller unit 11a: Outer roller 11b: Inner roller 11d: Rotation detection magnet 12: MR fluid unit (rotating body unit) 12a: Main body 12aa: Housing 12ab: Magnetic yoke 12ac: Press detection rod 12b: Shaft (rotating body, rotating shaft) 12ba: Disc 12c: MR fluid holding part (magnetorheological fluid holding part, braking mechanism) 12d: Coil (braking mechanism) 12e: MR fluid (magnetorheological fluid, braking mechanism) 12f: Sealing member (first sealing member) 12g: Sealing member (second sealing member) 12h: Bearing part 12i: Cover 12m: Variable volume part

Claims (15)

A rotating body unit is loaded in an operating device and performs a rotating operation, the rotating body unit comprising: a main body; a rotating body mounted on the main body in a state capable of relatively rotating; and a braking mechanism having: a coil disposed inside the main body and wound into a ring, generating a magnetic field when current flows; a magnetorheological fluid, the viscosity of which changes due to the magnetic field imparted by the coil; a magnetorheological fluid holding part disposed inside the main body and holding the magnetorheological fluid; and a variable volume part, which changes the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding part according to the pressure inside the magnetorheological fluid holding part, and changes the magnitude of the rotational resistance to the rotational operation of the rotating body according to the change in the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid. The rotating body unit as described in claim 1, wherein the variable volume portion includes a resin elastic member, and the resin elastic member expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. The rotating body unit as described in claim 1, wherein the variable volume portion includes a negative pressure variable cylinder, and the negative pressure variable cylinder expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. The rotating body unit as described in claim 1, wherein the variable volume portion includes an elastic film, and the elastic film expands and contracts according to the expansion/contraction of the magnetorheological fluid to change the volume of the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. A rotating body unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnetorheological fluid retaining portion is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil. A rotating body unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the variable volume portion is provided at a position adjacent to the magnetorheological fluid holding portion in the direction of the rotation axis which is the rotation center of the rotation operation of the rotating body. The rotor unit as described in claim 1, wherein the rotor has: a rotation axis; and a disc portion, which protrudes radially with the rotation axis as the center and rotates while contacting the magnetorheological fluid inside the magnetorheological fluid holding portion. The rotating body unit as described in claim 7, wherein the disc portion is arranged on the inner circumference of the coil. The rotating body unit as described in claim 1 or 2 further includes a first sealing member, The first sealing member is disposed in the main body portion to seal the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid retaining portion. The rotating body unit as described in claim 9, wherein the first sealing member is provided in two pieces in such a manner as to clamp the coil in the axial direction of the rotating shaft included in the rotating body. The rotating body unit as described in claim 7 further includes a second sealing member, The second sealing member is disposed in the main body portion, and seals the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid retaining portion in the sliding portion with the rotating shaft. A rotating body unit as described in claim 11, wherein the second sealing member abuts against the rotating shaft at two points in cross-sectional observation. A rotating body unit as described in claim 12, wherein the second sealing member has a substantially X-shaped shape in cross-sectional observation. The rotating body unit as described in claim 7 further includes a bearing portion, The bearing portion is arranged on the main body portion to support the rotating shaft. An operating device, comprising: The rotating body unit as described in claim 1 or 2; and An operating main body for loading the rotating body unit in a rotating operation state.