mouse

Abstract

This invention discloses a mouse comprising a housing, a scroll wheel, a gear, a knob, a slider, a connecting rod, and an arm-shaped component. The scroll wheel is rotatably fixed inside the housing. The gear is fixed to the side of the scroll wheel. The knob is rotatably fixed to the bottom plate of the housing. The slider is slidably disposed on the bottom plate and positioned between the rotation axis of the scroll wheel and the knob. The connecting rod is pivotally connected to both the rotation axis of the knob and the slider. The middle section of the arm-shaped component abuts against the slider. The end of the tail section of the arm-shaped component interferes with the gear. When the knob is rotated in the direction of rotation, the knob drives the slider to slide back and forth toward the scroll wheel via the connecting rod, and the slider drives the middle and tail sections of the arm-shaped component, causing the end of the tail section of the arm-shaped component to move back and forth toward and away from the gear. The scroll wheel structure of the mouse according to this invention is simple, and the ratchet force related to operating the scroll wheel can be adjusted reciprocally and steplessly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mouse, and more particularly to a mouse in which the ratcheting force associated with the operation of the scroll wheel is reciprocated and steplessly adjustable. Background Technology

[0002] As input peripherals for data processing systems continue to evolve, the mouse remains an indispensable input peripheral for most systems. The mouse is used to perform cursor operations and point-and-click functions on the monitor of the data processing system, and the system executes specific control commands based on the amount of scroll wheel rotation, such as scrolling windows, zooming in and out of images, or adjusting volume.

[0003] Prior art mice have scroll wheels with recesses on their sides, the recesses forming a corrugated surface relative to the circumference of the scroll wheel's sidewalls. These prior art mice incorporate interference components that disrupt the scroll wheel, providing a ratchet force associated with its operation. The interference components disrupt the corrugated surface within the scroll wheel, resulting in multiple tactile feedback points per rotation. This tactile feedback provides a similar function to graduated scales.

[0004] However, the scroll wheel of previous technology mice was obviously complex in structure and had a high manufacturing cost.

[0005] Furthermore, existing mice allow for adjustment of the ratchet force related to scroll wheel operation; that is, the distance between the end of the interference member and the corrugated surface within the scroll wheel can be adjusted. This allows the execution of specific control commands to vary in degree depending on the tactile feedback of scroll wheel operation. For example, when the end of the interference member contacts the corrugated surface within the scroll wheel, rotating the scroll wheel with each tactile feedback causes the data processing system to scroll the window on the display three lines. When the end of the interference member is not in contact with the corrugated surface within the scroll wheel, the scroll wheel rotation continues for a period of time without interference from the interference member, meaning the scroll wheel rotates smoothly without tactile feedback. This allows the specific control commands to be executed directly to the maximum extent. For example, when a user wants to scroll a window on the display from top to bottom using the mouse wheel, they don't need to repeatedly flick the wheel; they only need to flick the wheel once for the window to scroll continuously until it reaches the desired position, at which point the wheel stops rotating.

[0006] However, the ratchet force adjustment mechanisms used in prior art mice to adjust the scroll wheel are quite complex, with some even employing motors to drive interference components. Furthermore, the ratchet force adjustment mechanisms in prior art mice are unidirectional and step-by-step, rather than reciprocating and stepless. Therefore, even if the ratchet force adjustment mechanisms in prior art mice were designed for manual operation, they would not only be inconvenient for users but could also potentially lock up. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mouse with a reciprocating and steplessly adjustable ratchet force related to the operation of the scroll wheel, making it convenient for the user to adjust the ratchet force. Furthermore, the scroll wheel structure of the mouse according to the present invention is simple.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a mouse comprising a housing, a scroll wheel, a gear, a knob, a slider, a connecting rod, and an arm-like component. The housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing has an opening. The lower housing includes a base plate. The scroll wheel is rotatably fixed within the housing. A portion of the scroll wheel protrudes beyond the opening in the upper housing. The gear is fixed to a first side of the scroll wheel. The first axis of the scroll wheel is coaxial with the second axis of the gear. The knob is rotatably fixed to the base plate of the lower housing. The knob includes a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft of the knob is located within the housing. The slider is slidably disposed on the base plate of the lower housing, and the slider is positioned between the scroll wheel and the rotating shaft. The connecting rod has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the rotating shaft of the knob. The second end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the slider. The arm-like component includes a head section, a middle section, and a tail section. The head section of the arm-like component is fixed to the lower housing. The middle section of the arm-like component abuts against the slider. The end of the arm-shaped component interferes with the gear. When the knob is turned in the direction of rotation, the knob drives the slider to slide back and forth toward the roller via the connecting rod. The slider also drives the middle and end sections of the arm-shaped component, causing the end of the arm-shaped component to move back and forth toward the gear. In this way, the ratchet force associated with operating the roller can be adjusted reciprocally and steplessly.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the rotation direction of the knob can be counterclockwise or clockwise.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the base plate of the lower housing defines the normal direction. The first axis of the roller is perpendicular to the normal direction of the base plate, and the third axis of the knob's rotation axis is parallel to the normal direction of the base plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the slider has a sloping top surface. The middle section of the arm-shaped member abuts against the sloping top surface of the slider. The height of the sloping top surface of the slider decreases with increasing direction toward the rotation axis of the knob.

[0012] In one embodiment, the slider further has a second side facing the rotation axis of the knob and a recess formed on the inclined top surface of the slider. The recess of the slider has a notch formed on the second side of the slider. The second end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the recess of the slider.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the width of the slider's recess increases with the direction toward the rotation axis of the knob.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, the first included angle between the middle section and the head section of the arm-shaped member is less than 180 degrees.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the second included angle between the middle section and the tail section of the arm-shaped member is less than 180 degrees.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the third included angle between the head and tail segments of the arm-shaped member is less than 180 degrees and equal to or greater than 90 degrees.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, the mouse includes a first support frame fixed to the base plate, and the scroll wheel is rotatably fixed to the first support frame.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, no recess is formed on the first side; or the roller has no corrugated surface.

[0019] Unlike prior art, the mouse according to the present invention has a simple scroll wheel structure, and the ratchet force associated with operating the scroll wheel can be reciprocated and adjusted steplessly.

[0020] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a mouse after the upper shell has been removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the knob rotated counterclockwise or clockwise to 0 degrees.

[0025] Figure 5 A side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated counterclockwise or clockwise to 0 degrees.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated counterclockwise to 90 degrees.

[0027] Figure 7 A side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated counterclockwise to 90 degrees.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise.

[0029] Figure 9 A side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated counterclockwise to 270 degrees.

[0031] Figure 11 A side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the knob rotated counterclockwise to 270 degrees. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 These figures schematically depict a mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in top view. Figure 2 A mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a mouse 1 after the upper housing 102 has been removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, [the following is a simplified description]. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The components and parts related to the reciprocating ratchet force of the roller and the stepless adjustment are shown in the figure. Other components, such as buttons and control circuits, are not shown in the figure.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10, a scroll wheel 11, a gear 12, a knob 13, a slider 14, a connecting rod 15, and an arm-shaped member 16.

[0035] The housing 10 includes an upper housing 102 and a lower housing 104. The upper housing 102 has an opening 1022. The lower housing 104 includes a base plate 1042.

[0036] The roller 11 is rotatably fixed inside the housing 10. For example, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the roller 11 is rotatably fixed to the first support frame 1044, which is fixed to the base plate 1042 of the lower housing 104. A portion of the roller 11 (i.e., a portion of the roller 11) protrudes beyond the opening 1022 of the upper housing 102, as shown. Figure 1 As shown. The portion of the roller 11 exposed outside the opening 1022 of the upper housing 102 is operable by the user.

[0037] Gear 12 is fixed to the first side surface 112 of roller 11. The first axial direction 110 of roller 11 is coaxial with the second axial direction 120 of gear 12. It should be emphasized that, unlike prior art mice, the first side surface 112 of the roller 11 according to the present invention does not need to be recessed, nor does it need to have a corrugated surface inside the roller 11. Obviously, the roller 11 according to the present invention has a simple structure.

[0038] The knob 13 is rotatably fixed to the base plate 1042 of the lower housing 104, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. Knob 13 includes a rotation shaft 132. The rotation shaft 132 of knob 13 is housed within housing 10.

[0039] The slider 14 is slidably disposed on the base plate 1042 of the lower housing 104, and the slider 14 is positioned between the roller 11 and the rotating shaft 132.

[0040] The connecting rod 15 has a first end 152 and a second end 154. The first end 152 of the connecting rod 15 is pivotally connected to the rotation shaft 132 of the knob 13. The second end 154 of the connecting rod 15 is pivotally connected to the slider 14.

[0041] The arm-shaped member 16 includes a head section 160, a middle section 162, and a tail section 164. The head section 160 of the arm-shaped member 16 is fixed to the lower housing 104. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the head section 160 of the arm-shaped member 16 is fixed to the second support frame 1046, and the second support frame 1046 is fixed to the bottom plate 1042 of the lower housing 104. The middle section 162 of the arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the slider 14. The end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 interferes with the gear 12.

[0042] When knob 13 is rotated in the direction TD, knob 13 drives slider 14 to slide back and forth toward roller 11 via connecting rod 15. Slider 14 drives the middle section 162 and the tail section 164 of arm-shaped member 16, causing the end of the tail section 164 of arm-shaped member 16 to move back and forth toward gear 12. In this way, the ratchet force related to operating roller 11 can be adjusted back and forth steplessly.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the rotation direction TD of knob 13 can be counterclockwise or clockwise, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the base plate 1042 of the lower housing 104 defines the normal direction N. The first axis direction 110 of the roller 11 is perpendicular to the normal direction N of the base plate 1042, and the third axis direction 1320 of the rotation axis 132 of the knob 13 is parallel to the normal direction N of the base plate 1042.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, slider 14 has an inclined top surface 140. The middle section 162 of arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the inclined top surface 140 of slider 14. The height of the inclined top surface 140 of slider 14 decreases in the direction toward the rotation axis 132 of knob 13.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the slider 14 also has a second side surface 142 facing the rotation axis 132 of the knob 13 and a recess 144 formed on the inclined top surface 140 of the slider 14. The recess 144 of the slider 14 has a notch 1442 formed on the second side surface 142 of the slider 14. The second end 154 of the connecting rod 15 is pivotally connected to the recess 144 of the slider 14.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, similarly Figure 4 As shown, the width of the recess 144 of the slider 14 increases with the direction toward the rotation axis 132 of the knob 13.

[0048] According to the present invention, only the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 interferes with the gear 12. To avoid interference between the arm-shaped member 16 and other elements or components, in one specific embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first included angle between the middle section 162 and the head section 160 of the arm-shaped member 16 is less than 180 degrees.

[0049] To avoid interference between the arm-shaped member 16 and other elements or components, in one specific embodiment, similarly... Figure 4 As shown, the second included angle between the middle section 162 and the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 is less than 180 degrees.

[0050] In order to cause the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 to interfere with the gear 12, in a specific embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third included angle between the head segment 160 and the tail segment 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 is less than 180 degrees and equal to or greater than 90 degrees.

[0051] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Please refer to the following as well. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 . Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the knob 13 rotating in the direction of rotation TD, either counterclockwise or clockwise, to 0 degrees. Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 These are perspective views of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the knob 13 rotated counterclockwise to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. Figure 4 The relative positions and orientations of slider 14 and connecting rod 15 with respect to the rotation axis 132 of roller 11 and knob 13 are shown. At this time, the knob 13 is defined as being at a reference of 0 degrees. Figure 5 A side view of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the knob 13 rotating in the direction of rotation TD, either counterclockwise or clockwise, to 0 degrees. Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 These are side views of the internal components and parts of the mouse 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the knob 13 rotated counterclockwise to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. For clarity, [the following is a separate section:] For the purpose of illustration ... Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 In the diagram, the first support frame 1044 and the second support frame 1046 are not shown.

[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the slider 14 is located at the position closest to the roller 11, the middle section 162 of the arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the lowest position of the inclined top surface 140 of the slider 14, and the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 is located at the farthest position of the gear 12.

[0053] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the knob 13 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, the slider 14 slides away from the roller 11. The middle section 162 of the arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the higher position of the inclined top surface 140 of the slider 14, and the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 is close to the gear 12.

[0054] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when the knob 13 is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise, the slider 14 is located at the position furthest from the roller 11, the middle section 162 of the arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the highest position of the inclined top surface 140 of the slider 14, and the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 is located at the position closest to the gear 12.

[0055] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the knob 13 is rotated counterclockwise to 270 degrees, the slider 14 slides toward the roller 11, the middle section 162 of the arm-shaped member 16 abuts against the lower position of the inclined top surface 140 of the slider 14, and the end of the tail section 164 of the arm-shaped member 16 moves away from the gear 12.

[0056] From the above detailed description of the present invention, it is clear that the mouse according to the present invention has a simple scroll wheel structure, and the ratchet force related to the scroll wheel of the mouse according to the present invention can be adjusted reciprocally and steplessly. The mouse according to the present invention not only makes it convenient for users to operate, but also prevents the adjustment device from locking up.

[0057] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mouse, characterized in that Include: The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing having an opening and the lower housing including a base plate; A roller is rotatably fixed inside the housing, with a portion of the roller protruding outside the opening; A gear is fixed to the first side of the roller, and the first axis of the roller is coaxial with the second axis of the gear. A knob is rotatably fixed to the base plate, and the knob includes a rotating shaft that is housed within the housing; A slider is slidably disposed on the base plate and positioned between the roller and the rotating shaft; A connecting rod having a first end and a second end, the first end of the connecting rod being pivotally connected to the rotating shaft, and the second end of the connecting rod being pivotally connected to the slider; and An arm-shaped component includes a head section, a middle section, and a tail section. The head section is fixed to the lower housing, the middle section abuts against the slider, and the end of the tail section interferes with the gear. When the knob is turned in a certain direction, the knob drives the slider to slide back and forth toward the roller via the connecting rod, and the slider drives the middle section and the tail section, causing the end of the tail section to move back and forth toward and away from the gear. The slider has an inclined top surface, and the middle section abuts against the inclined top surface. The height of the inclined top surface decreases as it moves toward the rotation axis. When the slider slides away from the roller, the position of the middle section abutting against the inclined top surface moves from a lower position to a higher position, and the end of the tail section of the arm-shaped member approaches the gear. When the slider slides toward the roller, the position of the middle section abutting against the inclined top surface moves from a higher position to a lower position, and the end of the tail section of the arm-shaped member moves away from the gear.

2. The mouse of claim 1, wherein: The base plate defines a normal direction, the first axis of the roller is perpendicular to the normal direction, and the third axis of the rotation axis is parallel to the normal direction.

3. The mouse of claim 2, wherein: The slider also has a second side facing the rotation axis and a recess formed on the inclined top surface, the recess having a notch formed on the second side, the second end of the connecting rod being pivotally connected to the recess.

4. The mouse according to claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the recess increases as it moves toward the axis of rotation.

5. The mouse according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first angle between the middle segment and the head segment is less than 180 degrees, and the second angle between the middle segment and the tail segment is less than 180 degrees.

6. The mouse according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third included angle between the head segment and the tail segment is less than 180 degrees and equal to or greater than 90 degrees.

7. The mouse according to claim 2, characterized in that: The direction of rotation is either counterclockwise or clockwise.

8. The mouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mouse includes a first support frame fixed to the base plate, and the scroll wheel is rotatably fixed to the first support frame.

9. The mouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: No depression is formed on the first side; or there is no corrugated surface inside the roller.

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