Hubless roller for computer peripheral equipment and peripheral equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a hub-free roller for computer peripheral equipment and the peripheral equipment. A hubless roller for a computer peripheral may include a wheel defining an open interior. The wheel may include a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions. The roller may include at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member disposed within the open interior of the wheel. The wheel is rotatable relative to the fixed non-contact ratchet member. Each non-contact indexing feature and the fixed non-contact ratchet member may include one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. A fixed non-contact ratchet member may be configured to interact with the non-contact indexing feature to produce a haptic response as the wheel rotates. The roller may include at least one sensor configured to detect a magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the fixed non-contact ratchet member.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Peripheral devices such as keyboards and computer mice often include a scroll wheel that enables a user to control the scrolling of a display of a computing device. Conventional scroll wheels include a solid central hub that enables the scroll wheel to rotate around a central axis. Conventional scroll wheels may be operated using a mechanical actuator that provides tactile feedback to the user and works with a sensor to detect the direction, speed, and / or amplitude of the rotation of the scroll wheel. Additionally, such a hub may take up space that could otherwise be utilized by other components that provide additional functionality and / or aesthetic features to the peripheral device. Therefore, there is a need to improve the design of scroll wheels used for computer peripheral devices. Summary of the invention

[0002] A hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device may include a wheel defining an open interior. The wheel may include a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions about the wheel. The scroll wheel may include at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member disposed proximate the wheel. The wheel may be rotatable relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. The at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may be configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to generate a tactile response when the wheel rotates relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. The scroll wheel may include at least one sensor configured to detect an amplitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the at least one sensor.

[0003] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a magnet. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include a ferromagnetic element. Each ferromagnetic element may include a ferromagnetic pin that can rotate about a pin axis. The poles of each magnet may be positioned in the same radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the wheel. The poles of each magnet on the first half of the wheel may be oriented in a first radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the wheel and the poles of each magnet on the second half of the wheel may be oriented in a second radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the wheel. At least one sensor may include a Hall sensor. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a ferromagnetic tooth. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include a magnet. The magnet may include a first ferromagnetic member disposed at an end of the first pole of the magnet and a second ferromagnetic member disposed at an end of the second pole of the magnet. The distal ends of the first ferromagnetic member and the second ferromagnetic member may have a width that substantially matches the width of each ferromagnetic tooth. The at least one sensor may include at least one of an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a resistive sensor.

[0004] Some embodiments of the present technology may include a peripheral device. The device may include a housing. The device may include at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member coupled to the housing. The device may include a wheel mount. The device may include a wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel mount. The wheel may define an open interior in which at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member is disposed. The wheel may include a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions around the wheel. The wheel may be rotatable relative to at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. The at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may be configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to generate a tactile response when the wheel rotates relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. The device may include at least one sensor configured to detect the magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel.

[0005] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the open interior may extend beyond the outer surface of the housing. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a magnet. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet members may include a ferromagnetic pin. The poles of each magnet may be oriented to generate an attractive force with each ferromagnetic pin when the magnet is aligned with one of the ferromagnetic pins. The ferromagnetic pins may contact the inner surface of the wheel. At least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include only two ferromagnetic pins within 180 degrees of each other. The two ferromagnetic pins may be disposed in an upper half of the open interior of the wheel.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present technology may encompass a hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device. The scroll wheel may include a wheel defining an open interior. The scroll wheel may include a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions around the wheel. The scroll wheel may include at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member disposed proximate to the wheel. The wheel may be capable of rotating relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. The at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may be configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to generate a tactile response when the wheel rotates relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member. The scroll wheel may include at least one sensor configured to detect an amplitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the at least one sensor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may be coupled to the wheel. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a magnet. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include an arcuate member including a plurality of teeth. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a magnet. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include a ferromagnetic member. The poles of the circumferentially adjacent magnets may be oriented in opposite radial directions relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features may include a magnet. The poles of each magnet may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member may include a ferromagnetic member disposed laterally outward of the plurality of non-contact indexing features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosed technology may be realized by reference to the remainder of the specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 A side view of a computer mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 2 An isometric view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 2A Pictured Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller.

[0012] Figure 3 An isometric view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3A Pictured Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller.

[0014] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 6 An isometric view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0017] Fig. 6A Pictured Figure 3A partial front view of a hubless roller.

[0018] Figure 6B Pictured Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller.

[0019] Figure 7 A view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0020] Fig. 7A Pictured Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller.

[0021] Fig. 8A A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 8B A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0023] Fig. 9A A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0024] Fig. 9B A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0025] Fig. 9C A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0026] Fig.9D A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0027] Fig.9E A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0028] Fig.9F A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 9G A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 9H A partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0031] Fig.9IA partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel guide for a hubless roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0032] Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0033] Fig. 10A The diagram shows a section taken along line AA. Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional front view of a hubless roller.

[0034] Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional side view of a hubless roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0035] Several of the figures are included as schematic diagrams. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered to scale unless specifically stated to be to scale. Additionally, as schematic diagrams, the drawings are provided to aid understanding and may not include all aspects or information compared to actual representations and may include exaggerated material for illustrative purposes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. Unless the order of the various steps or the arrangement of the elements is explicitly described, the description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between the various steps or elements.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hubless roller for a peripheral device, which can be used with a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, an e-reader, and / or other computing devices. Peripheral devices including such a roller may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a computer mouse, a web camera, and / or other devices that can be used to provide input for one or more computing devices. The hubless roller described herein may include a component that provides a sense of engagement to provide tactile feedback to a user and enables the roller to remain at a given angular position when the user does not apply a rotational force. In some embodiments, the sense of engagement (or other mechanical sense) may be provided by a contactless ratchet mechanism that can use magnetic force to simulate a mechanical ratchet mechanism. The hubless roller described herein may include one or more sensors that can detect the direction, amplitude, and / or speed of rotation of the roller, which may enable the roller to be used as an input device for a peripheral device. For example, the hubless roller described herein may enable a user to scroll up or down on a display of a connected computing device.

[0038] The hubless roller can reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical actuators and / or other mechanical interactions that may cause mechanical wear to the peripheral device. Additionally, the hubless roller can provide space to accommodate additional components within some of the space normally occupied by the hub. For example, a light can be inserted into the open interior of the hubless roller to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the peripheral device.

[0039] Although referred to as a scroll wheel, it should be understood that the scroll wheel of the present invention can be used to provide other inputs, wherein the direction and degree of rotation can provide input to a computer device. For example, the scroll wheel described herein can be used as a dial to control various functions such as volume, brightness, zoom, color adjustment (such as for red, green, blue (RGB) peripherals) and / or other adjustable characteristics.

[0040] Now go to Figure 1 , illustrates an embodiment of a peripheral device 100 having a hubless scroll wheel 102. As illustrated, the peripheral device 100 is a computer mouse, however, the hubless scroll wheel 102 may be incorporated into other types of peripheral devices, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a web camera, etc. The peripheral device 100 may include a housing 104, which may form an exterior of the peripheral device 100. The hubless scroll wheel 102 may define an open interior 106. The hubless scroll wheel 102 may be coupled to the housing 104 such that at least a portion of the open interior 106 extends beyond an outer surface of the housing 104. This may enable a user to see through the open interior 106 of the hubless scroll wheel 102 when viewing the peripheral device 100 from a side of the peripheral device 100. In some embodiments, the housing 104 may be designed to expose a greater amount of the open interior 106. For example, the housing 104 may include a cutout, dimple, and / or other tapered area proximate the hubless roller 102 that may allow a greater portion of the open interior 106 to be visible from the exterior of the housing 104 .

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 2AOne embodiment of a hubless roller 200 is illustrated. The hubless roller 200 can be used in a peripheral device such as the hubless roller 102 in the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 200 can include a wheel 202 defining an open interior 204. For example, the wheel 202 can be annular and can include an outer surface 206 and an inner surface 208, wherein the inner surface 208 defines a perimeter of the open interior 204. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner surface 208 can be at least 50% of the diameter of the outer surface 206, at least 60% of the diameter of the outer surface 206, at least 70% of the diameter of the outer surface 206, at least 80% of the diameter of the outer surface 206, at least 90% of the diameter of the outer surface 206, or more, wherein a greater percentage results in a thinner wheel 202 with a larger open interior 204. In some embodiments, the outer surface 206 can include a texture, such as radially aligned ridges, knurling, and / or other textures. In some embodiments, the wheel 202 can be formed of multiple layers of material. For example, the wheel 202 can have at least one rigid structural layer, which can be formed of plastic, metal, ceramic, and / or other rigid materials. For example, the outer surface 206 can be formed of an elastic material, which provides a softer and / or more grippy surface for the user to manipulate the hubless roller 200. In some embodiments, additional layers can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 208 is generally smooth, however in other embodiments, the inner surface 208 can include one or more teeth, protrusions, and / or other rough textures.

[0042] The hubless roller 200 may include a plurality of indexing features 210, such as Figure 2A202 is best shown in FIG. The indexing feature 210 can be used to provide tactile feedback to the user when the wheel 202 rotates. For example, as will be discussed in more detail below, the interaction between the indexing feature 210 and the additional components of the hubless scroll wheel 200 can produce a force that can mimic the snap or engagement of a conventional scroll wheel. The hubless scroll wheel 200 and / or associated peripherals can also use the indexing feature 210 to track the direction, speed and / or amplitude of the rotation of the hubless scroll wheel 200, which can enable the hubless scroll wheel 200 to be used to provide input to a connected computing device. Each indexing feature 210 can be positioned at a different angular position around the wheel 202. The indexing features 210 can be arranged at regular or irregular intervals around the wheel 202. In order to provide uniform tactile feedback, the indexing features 210 are arranged at regular angular intervals in the illustrated embodiment. Any number of indexing features 210 can be used, wherein a greater number of indexing features 210 provides a greater number of engagement positions. For example, wheel 202 may include at least 10 indexing features, at least 12 indexing features, at least 14 indexing features, at least 16 indexing features, at least 18 indexing features, at least 20 indexing features, at least 22 indexing features, at least 24 indexing features, at least 26 indexing features, at least 28 indexing features, at least 30 indexing features, or more.

[0043] In the present embodiment, each indexing feature 210 is a non-contact indexing feature. As used herein, the term "non-contact" may refer to a force interaction that produces tactile feedback during the rotation of the hubless roller 20. Therefore, in some cases, the non-contact features of the hubless roller described herein may slide against or otherwise contact other components of the hubless roller, but the meshing feeling or other tactile feedback is due to a non-contact force, such as a magnetic force. The indexing feature 210 may form a portion of the inner surface 208, the outer surface 206, and / or be embedded in the wheel 202 between the inner surface 208 and the outer surface 206. In the illustrated embodiment, each indexing feature 210 may be a magnet 212 or include a magnet 212. In some embodiments, each magnet 212 may have the same size, but variations are also possible. The magnet 212 may be positioned around the ring of the wheel 202, wherein adjacent magnets 212 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 214. As illustrated, the magnets 212 are wider than the gaps 214, but in some embodiments, the gaps may be as wide as or wider than the magnets 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles of each magnet 212 are oriented in the same radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel 202. For example, the north pole of each magnet 212 may face the axis of rotation of the wheel 202, while the south pole of each magnet 212 may face away from the axis of rotation of the wheel 202. In other embodiments, the north pole of each magnet 212 may face away from the axis of rotation of the wheel 202, while the south pole of each magnet 212 may face the axis of rotation of the wheel 202. In various embodiments, other arrangements of the poles of the magnets 212 are possible. For example, the poles of circumferentially adjacent magnets 212 may alternate in orientation (e.g., every other magnet 212 has a north pole facing the axis of rotation or facing away from the axis of rotation) such that the poles of circumferentially adjacent magnets 212 are oriented in opposite radial directions relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel 202.

[0044] The hubless roller 200 may include one or more ratchet members 216. The ratchet member 216 may be disposed proximate to the wheel 202, such as disposed within the wheel 202 and / or outside the wheel 202 (e.g., disposed radially beyond the outer surface of the wheel 202 and / or disposed beside the lateral side of the wheel 202). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet member 216 is disposed within the open interior 204 of the wheel 202 and may be positioned to interact with the indexing feature 210 to provide tactile feedback when the wheel 202 rotates and / or to maintain the wheel 202 at a given rotational position when the user does not apply a rotational force. In some embodiments, the ratchet member 216 may be contactless. For example, the interaction between the ratchet member 216 and the indexing feature 210 that produces tactile feedback may be the result of a non-contact force (e.g., a magnetic force) rather than a physical or mechanical force, but there may be contact (e.g., a sliding contact) between the ratchet member 216 and the indexing feature 210. In the present embodiment, ratchet member 216 comprises ferromagnetic elements, such as ferromagnetic pins 218, positioned at different angular positions around the inner surface 208 of wheel 202. Pins 218 can be positioned at regular or irregular intervals around wheel 202. Hubless roller 200 can include two or more pins, three or more pins, four or more pins, five or more pins, or six or more pins. In some embodiments, pins 218 can be arranged around open interior 204 so that at any given angular position of wheel 202, all pins 218 are radially aligned with magnets 212 or no pins 218 are aligned with magnets 212. This design can enhance the sense of engagement and the ability to keep wheel 202 in a given rotational position, as will be discussed in more detail below. Pins 218 can be formed by ferromagnetic materials attracted to magnets 212. Pins 218 can contact inner surface 208 to help support wheel 202 in a given position relative to the housing of the peripheral device while still allowing rotation of wheel 202. For example, two or more pins 218 may be positioned against inner surface 208 to prevent lateral movement of the wheel relative to the axis of rotation of wheel 202. In some embodiments, each pin 218 is rotatable about a pin axis, while in other embodiments, each pin 218 is rotationally fixed.

[0045] When the wheel 202 rotates relative to the ratchet member 216, the pin 218 can be attracted to the magnet 212 when the magnet 212 passes in close proximity to the pin 218. The presence of the gap 214 between adjacent magnets 212 can enable the hubless roller 200 to deliver tactile feedback that mimics the snap or meshing feeling of a traditional mechanical roller. For example, when the wheel 202 rotates, each pin 218 is alternately aligned with one of the magnets 212 and then aligned with the corresponding gap 214. As described above, the pins 218 can be arranged so that all or no pins 218 are aligned with the corresponding magnet 212 at a given rotational position of the wheel 202, which can synchronize the attraction between the magnet 212 and the pin 218, so that the maximum attraction is generated when each pin 218 is aligned with one of the magnets 212, and the minimum attraction is generated when each pin 218 is aligned with each of the gaps 214. When the attractive force is at its lowest, the user may feel little or no resistance to the rotational movement of wheel 202, while when the attractive force is at its highest, a greater resistance may be felt. Thus, when wheel 202 rotates relative to ratchet member 216, the alternating forces generated by magnet 212 and gap 214 may provide a repeated meshing sensation.

[0046] The presence of gap 214 may also enable the interaction between magnets 212 and pins 218 to maintain wheel 202 in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational forces applied by a user. For example, when no user force is applied to wheel 202, magnetic forces from magnets 212 closest to each pin 218 may cause wheel 202 to rotate and / or maintain wheel 202 in a position where magnets 212 closest to each pin 218 are radially aligned with the corresponding pin 218. In the absence of additional user force, the magnetic forces between magnets 212 and pins 218 may maintain wheel 202 in such a rotational position.

[0047] The ratchet members 216 can be fixed in position relative to the wheel 202 so that the wheel 202 can rotate about the ratchet members 216. For example, each ratchet member 216 can be coupled to one or more supports 220. In some embodiments, each ratchet member 216 can have a dedicated support 220, while in other embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated herein), some or all of the ratchet members 216 share a single support 220 or a set of supports 220. For example, as illustrated, the hubless roller 200 includes two supports 220, wherein one support 220 is provided on each side of the wheel 202. The end of each pin can be coupled to a support 220. As illustrated, the two supports 220 maintain the three pins 218 at substantially regular angular intervals (e.g., the pins are between about 100 and 140 degrees from each other). In some embodiments, the bearings 220 can be spaced apart from the lateral sides of the wheel 202, while in other embodiments, the lateral sides of the wheel 202 can be in contact with one bearing 220 or both bearings 220. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the bearing 220 that contacts the wheel 202 can be formed of or include a low friction and / or wear resistant material, such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the bearings 220 can not only support the pin 218 or other ratchet member 216, but can also constrain the lateral movement of the wheel 202. The bearings 220 can be completely positioned outside of the open interior 204, or a portion of one or more of the bearings 220 can extend into the open interior 204.

[0048] Each support 220 can be coupled to a housing of a peripheral device and / or components disposed within the housing. When the inner surface 208 of the wheel 202 is positioned about the pin 218, the support 220 effectively fixes the wheel 202 at a given position relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the top end of each support 220 can terminate below the top end of the wheel 202. For example, the top end of the support 220 can be disposed below the housing of the peripheral device, such as Figure 1 The peripheral device 100 is shown below the housing. This design can enable the support member 220 to be hidden within the interior of the housing and can provide a cleaner aesthetic appearance.

[0049] The hubless roller 200 may include one or more sensors 222, which may be configured to detect the magnitude, speed and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 202 relative to the ratchet member 216 and the housing of the peripheral device. The sensor 222 may take various forms, such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor and / or an inductive sensor, but other sensor types may also be used in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the hubless roller 200 includes two or more Hall sensors, which may detect changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 212 when the wheel 202 rotates. As illustrated, the Hall sensor is positioned radially outward of the outer surface 206 of the wheel 202, such as on a portion of the housing of the support 220, another support member and / or the peripheral device. In other embodiments, the Hall sensor may be positioned beside the lateral side of the wheel 202 and / or positioned within the open interior 204 of the wheel 202. By using multiple Hall sensors at different locations, the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of wheel 202 may be determined based on measured changes in the magnetic field generated by magnet 212 as wheel 202 rotates.

[0050] Although the magnet 212 is shown mounted on and / or embedded in the wheel 202 and the ratchet member 216 is fixed to the housing and / or otherwise fixed relative to the wheel 202, it should be understood that in some embodiments, this positioning can be switched so that the ratchet member 216 is disposed on the wheel 202 and the magnet 212 can be fixed to the housing and / or otherwise fixed relative to the wheel 202. In such embodiments, since the magnetic field generated by the magnet 212 is stationary (rather than rotating), the rotation of the wheel 202 can be detected using other indexing features 210, which can be detected using one or more sensors. For example, the indexing feature 210 can include teeth and / or other protrusions disposed on one or more surfaces (e.g., inner circumferential surface / outer circumferential surface, side surface, etc.) of the wheel 202, which can be detected using a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, etc., as will be described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the sensor can include an encoder coupled to rotate with the wheel 202. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, other forms of indexing features 210 may be utilized to track the movement of wheel 202 .

[0051] Figure 3 and Figure 3AAnother embodiment of a hubless roller 300 according to the present invention is illustrated. The hubless roller 300 may be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 300 may be similar to the hubless roller 200 and may include any of the features described with respect to the hubless roller 200. For example, the hubless roller 300 may include a wheel 302 defining an open interior 304. A plurality of indexing features 310, such as magnets 312, may be disposed at different angular positions around the wheel 302. As illustrated, the magnets 312 are disposed at regular angular intervals around the wheel 302, wherein adjacent magnets 312 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles of each magnet 312a on the first half of the wheel 302 are positioned in a first radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel 302, and the poles of each magnet 312 on the second half of the wheel 302 are oriented in a second radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel 302. For example, the north pole of each magnet 312a may face toward the axis of rotation of wheel 302, while the north pole of each magnet 312b may face away from the axis of rotation of wheel 302. This arrangement of magnets 312 may produce a centered magnetic field that includes a north pole half and a south pole half that are split across the axis of rotation of wheel 302. This may enable the use of a single Hall sensor, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0052] The hubless roller 300 may include one or more ratchet members 316, which may be ferromagnetic pins 318 positioned at different angular positions about the inner surface 308 of the wheel 302. The pins 318 may contact the inner surface 308 to help support the wheel 302 in a given position relative to the housing of the peripheral device while still allowing rotation of the wheel 302. Figure 2 As discussed, when the wheel 302 rotates relative to the ratchet member 316, the pin 318 can be attracted to the magnet 312 when the magnet 312 passes in close proximity to the pin 318. The presence of the gap 314 between adjacent magnets 312 can enable the hubless scroll wheel 300 to deliver tactile feedback that mimics the snap or engagement feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel 302 rotates, each pin 318 alternately aligns with one of the magnets 312 and then with the corresponding gap 314 to produce an alternating cycle of strong magnetic force and less magnetic force / no magnetic force, thereby providing a repeated engagement feel when the wheel 302 rotates relative to the ratchet member 316. As described above, the presence of the gap 314 can also enable the interaction between the magnet 312 and the pin 318 to maintain the wheel 302 in a given rotational position without a rotational force applied by the user.

[0053] The ratchet member 316 can be fixed in place relative to the wheel 302 via one or more bearings 320. The hubless roller 300 can include one or more sensors 322 that can be configured to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 302 relative to the ratchet member 316 and the housing of the peripheral device. In the illustrated embodiment, the hubless roller 300 includes a single Hall sensor (although a greater number can be used in some embodiments) that can detect changes in the collective magnetic field generated by the magnets 312 as the wheel 302 rotates. In particular, the one or more Hall sensors can be positioned to align with the axis of rotation of the wheel 302. Due to the arrangement of the poles of the magnets 312, such positioning can enable the one or more Hall sensors to monitor the collective centered magnetic field of the magnets 312 (e.g., having a north pole half and a south pole half divided across the axis of rotation of the wheel 302). More specifically, as wheel 302 rotates, the Hall sensors may detect the orientation of the north and / or south poles of the collective magnetic field, which enables hubless roller 300 to determine the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of wheel 302 .

[0054] Figure 4 A portion of another embodiment of a hubless roller 400 according to the present invention is illustrated. The hubless roller 400 can be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 400 can be similar to the hubless rollers 200 and 300 and can include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200 and 300. For example, the hubless roller 400 can include a wheel 402 defining an open interior 404. A plurality of indexing features 410, such as magnets 412, can be disposed at different angular positions around the wheel 402. As illustrated, the magnets 412 are disposed at regular angular intervals around the wheel 402, wherein adjacent magnets 412 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 414. The poles of each magnet 412 can be oriented in different arrangements, including those described with respect to the hubless rollers 200 and 300. The hubless roller 400 may include one or more ratchet members 416, which may be ferromagnetic pins 418 positioned at different angular positions about the inner surface 408 of the wheel 402. The pins 418 may contact the inner surface 408 to help support the wheel 402 in a given position relative to the housing of the peripheral device while still allowing rotation of the wheel 402. As described above with respect to Figure 2As discussed, when the wheel 402 rotates relative to the ratchet member 416, the pin 418 can be attracted to the magnet 412 when the magnet 412 passes in close proximity to the pin 418. The presence of the gap 414 between adjacent magnets 412 can enable the hubless scroll wheel 400 to deliver tactile feedback that mimics the snap or engagement feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, when the wheel 402 rotates, each pin 418 is alternately aligned with one of the magnets 412 and then aligned with the corresponding gap 414 to produce an alternating cycle of strong magnetic force and less magnetic force / no magnetic force, thereby providing a repeated engagement feel when the wheel 402 rotates relative to the ratchet member 416. As described above, the presence of the gap 414 can also enable the interaction between the magnet 412 and the pin 418 to maintain the wheel 402 in a given rotational position without the user applying a rotational force.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet member 416 is secured in place relative to the wheel 402 via one or more retainers or supports 420. In particular, the hubless roller 400 includes a central support 420 that can be disposed within the open interior 404 of the wheel 402. The central support 420 can retain a plurality of pins 418. The central support 420 can extend only to the height of the pins 418 or slightly above the height of the pins 418, thereby leaving a gap between the upper surface of the central support 420 and the top end of the wheel 402. For example, the top end of the central support 420 can extend upward beyond the axis of rotation of the wheel 402 by less than 75% of the radius of the wheel 402, less than 50% of the radius, less than 25% of the radius, or less. This design of the central support 420 can allow the open interior 404 to be easily accessible from peripheral devices, such as Figure 1 404 can be shown as an air gap when viewed from the outside of the housing of the peripheral device shown in . In some embodiments, the central support 420 can hold three or more pins 418. However, as shown, the central support 420 holds two pins 418. Each pin 418 is disposed in the upper half of the open interior 404 and rests against the upper portion of the inner surface 408. The internal support 420 itself can be supported in the housing of the peripheral device by one or more additional supports connected to the housing and / or a component disposed in the housing. The internal support 420 can be positioned in the open interior 404 so that the periphery of the internal support 420 is spaced apart from the inner surface 408 of the wheel 402 by a small gap, which can prevent the wheel 402 from rubbing against the internal support 420 when the wheel 402 rotates.

[0056] The use of the central support 420 can enable only two pins 418 to be used as ratchet members 416, wherein the pins 418 are arranged within or approximately 180 degrees of each other within the upper half of the open interior 404. For example, the magnetic attraction between the magnets 412 and the pins 418, together with gravity, can pull the wheel 402 downward, wherein the contact between the inner surface 408 and the pins 418 limits the downward movement of the wheel 402 relative to the housing. By the presence of the central support 420 within the open interior 404, the wheel 402 is prevented from moving upward because the wheel 402 can only be lifted a short distance before contacting the central support 420. Although shown with only two pins 418, in other embodiments, the central support 420 can include any number of pins. As described elsewhere herein, one or more sensors, such as a magnetic field sensor, can be used to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 402.

[0057] Figure 5 A partial view of a hubless roller 500 including a suspended wheel 502 is illustrated. The hubless roller 500 may be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 500 may be similar to the hubless rollers 200, 300, and 400 and may include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200, 300, and 400. For example, the hubless roller 500 may include a wheel 502 defining an open interior 504. A plurality of indexing features 510, such as magnets 512, may be disposed at different angular positions around the wheel 502. As illustrated, the magnets 512 are disposed at regular angular intervals around the wheel 502, wherein adjacent magnets 512 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 514. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles of each magnet 512 are oriented in the same radial direction (e.g., all north poles facing the axis of rotation of the wheel 502 or all north poles facing away from the axis of rotation of the wheel 502).

[0058] The hubless roller 500 may include one or more ratchet members 516, which may be additional magnets 530 positioned at different angular positions around the inner surface 508 of the wheel 502. For example, as illustrated, three magnets 530 are disposed within the open interior 504 at regular intervals (e.g., 120 degrees), but other numbers of magnets 530 may be used in some embodiments. For example, the hubless roller 500 may include four or more magnets 530, five or more magnets 530, six or more magnets 530, eight or more magnets 530, ten or more magnets 530, or more. The magnets 530 may be arranged at regular angular intervals around the open interior 504, wherein the surfaces of the magnets 530 are spaced apart from the inner surface 508 of the wheel 502. The poles of each magnet 530 may be oriented opposite to the poles of the magnets 512. For example, when the north pole of magnet 512 faces the axis of rotation of wheel 502, the north pole of magnet 530 faces away from the axis of rotation of wheel 502. Similarly, when the north pole of magnet 512 faces away from the axis of rotation of wheel 502, the north pole of magnet 530 faces toward the axis of rotation of wheel 502. This orientation of the individual magnets ensures that magnet 530 repels magnet 512, which can enable wheel 502 to levitate about magnet 530. In some embodiments, magnet 530 can be larger than magnet 512, which can enable fewer magnets 530 to be used while still providing sufficient magnetic force to levitate wheel 502. In other embodiments, a greater number of smaller magnets 530 can be used. The size and / or number of magnets 530 and / or magnets 512 can be selected to provide a desired amount of tactile feedback when wheel 502 rotates (e.g., when gap 514 passes through magnet 530), as well as to achieve a desired amount (possibly none) of free rotation, which can enable a user to quickly roll wheel 502 with one or more rapid applications of force.

[0059] The magnets 530 can be fixed in place relative to the wheel 502 via one or more supports 520 that enable the wheel 502 to rotate about the magnets 530. In some embodiments, each magnet 530 can have a dedicated support 520, while in other embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated herein), some or all of the magnets 530 share a single support 520 or a set of supports 520. For example, as illustrated, the hubless roller 500 includes two supports 520, one on each side of the wheel 502. The ends of each magnet 530 are coupled to the supports 520. In some embodiments, the supports 520 can be spaced apart from the lateral sides of the wheel 502, while in other embodiments, the lateral sides of the wheel 502 can be in contact with one support 520 or two supports 220. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the bearings 520 that contact the wheel 502 may be formed of or include a low friction and / or wear resistant material, such as (but not limited to) PTFE. In some embodiments, the bearings 520 may not only support the magnets 530 or other ratchet members 516, but may also constrain the lateral movement of the wheel 502. As illustrated, two bearings 520 hold the three magnets 530 at substantially regular angular intervals (e.g., the magnets 530 are approximately 120 degrees apart). The bearings 520 may be positioned entirely outside of the open interior 504, or a portion of one or more of the bearings 520 may extend into the open interior 506. As described elsewhere herein, one or more sensors, such as magnetic field sensors, may be used to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 502.

[0060] Figures 6 to 6BOne embodiment of a hubless roller 600 is illustrated. The hubless roller 600 may be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 600 may be similar to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, and 500 and may include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, and 500. The hubless roller 600 may include a wheel 602 defining an open interior 604. For example, the wheel 602 may be annular and may include an outer surface 606 and an inner surface 608, wherein the inner surface 608 defines a perimeter of the open interior 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 608 defines a plurality of teeth 612 or other protrusions that are arranged at regular intervals and may operate as an indexing feature 610. Adjacent teeth 612 may be separated by gaps 614 that may have the same width as the teeth 612 or a different width. Although the teeth 612 are shown as being generally rectangular, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the teeth 612 may have other shapes. The teeth 612 may be used to provide tactile feedback to a user when the wheel 602 rotates, and / or the teeth 612 may be used by the hubless scroll wheel 600 and / or associated peripherals to track the direction, speed, and / or magnitude of rotation of the hubless scroll wheel 600, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel 600 to be used to provide input to a connected computing device. Any number of teeth 612 may be used, wherein a greater number of teeth 612 provides a greater number of meshing positions. For example, the wheel 602 may include at least 10 teeth, at least 12 teeth, at least 14 teeth, at least 16 teeth, at least 18 teeth, at least 20 teeth, at least 22 teeth, at least 24 teeth, at least 26 teeth, at least 28 teeth, at least 30 teeth, or more.

[0061] In this embodiment, each tooth 612 operates as a non-contact indexing feature 610. For example, the teeth 612 can interact with one or more non-contact ratchet members 616 disposed within the open interior 604 to provide tactile feedback to the user when the wheel 602 rotates. In such an embodiment, the teeth 612 (and possibly other portions or all of the wheel 602) can be formed of a ferromagnetic material. In this embodiment, the ratchet member 616 includes one or more magnets 630 positioned within the open interior 604. As illustrated, a single magnet 630 is disposed within the lower half of the open interior 604. The magnet 630 can include a first ferromagnetic member 632a disposed at the end of the first pole of the magnet 630 and a second ferromagnetic member 632b disposed at the end of the second pole of the magnet 630. The ferromagnetic members 632 can focus or otherwise tune the magnetic field generated by the magnet 630 to largely attract only those teeth 612 that are aligned with the distal end 634 of each ferromagnetic member 632. In some embodiments, the distal end 634 of each ferromagnetic member 632 can have a width that substantially matches the width of each tooth 612, which can help ensure that the distal end 634 can be fully aligned with a given tooth 612 when the wheel 602 rotates. The distal end 634 can include a number of forks 636, wherein each fork 636 has a width that substantially matches the width of each tooth 612. The forks 636 can be spaced apart from each other by gaps 638, which can be sized to space the forks 636 apart by the same or substantially the same width as each gap 614 that spaces adjacent teeth 612 apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the forks 636 have different lengths, which can enable the end of each fork 636 to be spaced the same lateral distance from the nearest tooth 612. For example, the forks 636 closer to the center of the open interior 604 can be longer than the forks 636 closer to the bottom of the open interior 604. In some embodiments, the end of each prong 636 can be tapered, which can make the distance between the end of the prong 636 and the nearest tooth 612 substantially constant across the width of the prong 636 and / or tooth 612. Although shown here as having two prongs 636, it should be understood that any number of prongs 636 can be used. For example, each distal end 634 can include one or more prongs, two or more prongs, three or more prongs, four or more prongs, or more.

[0062] In some embodiments, the forks 636 can be arranged around the open interior 604 so that at any given angular position of the wheel 602, all of the forks 636 are radially aligned with the teeth 612, or no forks 636 are aligned with the teeth 612. This design can enhance the meshing feel and the ability to hold the wheel 602 in a given rotational position, as will be discussed in more detail below. The teeth 612 can be formed of a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to the magnet 630. When the wheel 602 rotates relative to the magnet 630, the teeth 612 can be attracted to the magnet 630 (and the forks 636) when the teeth 612 pass in close proximity to the forks 636 and / or are radially aligned with the forks 636. The presence of gaps 614 between adjacent teeth 612 can enable the hubless roller 600 to deliver tactile feedback that mimics the snap or meshing feel of a traditional mechanical roller. For example, as the wheel 602 rotates, each fork 636 is alternately aligned with one of the teeth 612 and then with the corresponding gap 614. As described above, the forks 636 can be arranged so that all or no forks 636 are aligned with the corresponding teeth 612 at a given rotational position of the wheel 602, which can synchronize the attraction between the teeth 612 and the forks 636, so that the maximum attraction is generated when each fork 636 is aligned with one of the teeth 612, and the minimum attraction is generated when each fork 636 is aligned with one of the gaps 614. When the attraction is the lowest, the user may feel little or no resistance to the rotational movement of the wheel 602, and when the attraction is the highest, a greater resistance will be felt. Therefore, the alternating nature of the teeth 612 and the gaps 614 can provide a wave-like force distribution that produces a meshing feeling when the wheel 602 rotates relative to the magnet 630.

[0063] The presence of gaps 614 may also enable the interaction between teeth 612 and forks 636 to maintain wheel 602 in a given rotational position in the absence of a user's applied rotational force. For example, when no user force is applied to wheel 602, magnetic forces from the forks 636 closest to each tooth 612 may cause wheel 602 to rotate and / or maintain wheel 602 in a position in which the tooth 612 closest to each fork 636 is radially aligned with the corresponding fork 636. The magnetic forces between teeth 612 and forks 636 may maintain wheel 602 in such a rotational position without additional user force.

[0064] The magnet 630 can be fixed in position relative to the wheel 602 so that the wheel 602 can rotate about the magnet 630. For example, the magnet 630 can be coupled to one or more supports 620. As shown, the hubless roller 600 includes two lateral supports 620, wherein there is a lateral support 620a on each side of the wheel 602. The lateral supports 620 can be coupled to a central support 620b (which can be similar to the central support 420) that can hold the magnet 630 within the open interior 604 without contacting the inner surface 608. The lateral supports 620a can be coupled to a housing of a peripheral device and / or a component disposed within the housing and can support and suspend the central support 620b within the open interior 604. In some embodiments, the top end of each support 620 can terminate below the top end of the wheel 602. For example, the top ends of the supports 620 can be disposed below the housing of the peripheral device, such as Figure 1 620 is below the housing shown in the peripheral device 100. This design can enable the support member 620 to be hidden within the interior of the housing and can provide a cleaner aesthetic appearance. In particular, when the peripheral device is a computer mouse, the top ends of one or more of the support members 620 can be tapered to roughly follow the contour of the main mouse button. For example, the rear end end of the support member 620 can be higher than the front end end of the support member 620, which can enable the support member 620 to support the magnet 630 and the wheel 602 as high as possible without protruding outside the housing.

[0065] The hubless roller 600 may include one or more sensors 622 that may be configured to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 602 relative to the magnet 630 and the housing of the peripheral device. The sensor 622 may take various forms, such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and / or an inductive sensor, but other sensor types may also be used in various embodiments. For example, the sensor 622 may include an optical sensor (such as, but not limited to, a through-beam sensor, a diffuse reflection sensor, a retroreflective sensor, a camera, etc.) that may detect the movement of the wheel 602. For example, the optical sensor may be aligned with the inner surface 608 of the wheel so that when the wheel 602 rotates, the sensor 622 is able to detect when the teeth 612 or the gap 614 are positioned in front of each sensor 622. For example, a light source (such as a light emitting diode (LED) using visible light and / or infrared (IR) light, a laser, and / or other light source) may be directed to emit light to the lateral side of the wheel 602. The hubless scroll wheel 600 and / or peripheral devices can determine the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 602 based on detecting the timing and pattern of when light passes through the gaps 614 or is blocked by the teeth 612. In some embodiments, a single optical sensor can be used to monitor a single location on the wheel 602, while in other embodiments, multiple optical sensors can be provided at various angular locations around the wheel 602.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sensor 622 may include an inductive sensor that can detect the movement of the wheel 602. The inductive sensor may be aligned with the inner surface 608 of the wheel so that when the wheel 602 rotates, the sensor 622 can detect when the teeth 612 or the gaps 614 are positioned in front of each sensor 622. For example, each inductive sensor may emit a magnetic field directed to the lateral side of the wheel 602. When the teeth 612 are aligned with the magnetic field, the teeth 612 will cause a change in the magnetic field, such as by affecting the amplitude of the oscillation of the magnetic field. When the gaps 614 are aligned with the magnetic field, the gaps may not cause a change in the magnetic field or cause a different change in the magnetic field. Therefore, when the wheel rotates, the magnetic field emitted by the inductive sensor oscillates in a repeating pattern. The hubless roller 600 and / or peripheral devices can monitor the changes in the magnetic field to determine the amplitude, speed, and / or direction of the rotation of the wheel 602. In some embodiments, a single inductive sensor may be used to monitor a single position on the wheel 602, while in other embodiments, multiple inductive sensors may be set around various angular positions of the wheel 602.

[0067] Figure 7 and Fig. 7AOne embodiment of a hubless roller 700 is illustrated. The hubless roller 700 can be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 700 can be similar to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 and can include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600. The hubless roller 700 can include a wheel 702 defining an open interior 704. For example, the wheel 702 can be annular and can include an outer surface 706 and an inner surface 708, wherein the inner surface 708 defines a perimeter of the open interior 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 708 defines a plurality of gear teeth 712 that are arranged at regular intervals and can operate as an indexing feature 710. The gear teeth 712 can be used to provide tactile feedback to the user when the wheel 702 rotates and / or can be used by the hubless scroll wheel 700 and / or associated peripherals to track the direction, speed, and / or magnitude of the rotation of the hubless scroll wheel 700, which can enable the hubless scroll wheel 700 to be used to provide input to a connected computing device. Any number of gear teeth 712 can be used, wherein a greater number of gear teeth 712 provides a greater number of meshing positions. For example, the wheel 702 can include at least 10 gear teeth, at least 12 gear teeth, at least 14 gear teeth, at least 16 gear teeth, at least 18 gear teeth, at least 20 gear teeth, at least 22 gear teeth, at least 24 gear teeth, at least 26 gear teeth, at least 28 gear teeth, at least 30 gear teeth, or more.

[0068] The hubless roller 700 may include one or more gears 716 that may be disposed within the open interior 704, wherein the teeth of the gears 716 engage with the gear teeth 712. As illustrated, three gears 716 are disposed within the open interior 704, but any number of gears may be used in various embodiments. For example, the hubless roller 700 may include one or more gears, two or more gears, three or more gears, four or more gears, five or more gears, or more. The gears 716 may be disposed at regular or irregular intervals around the open interior 704. When the wheel 702 rotates, the engagement of the gear teeth 712 with the gears 716 may provide a mechanical meshing feel. Additionally, when no user force is applied, the engagement of the gear teeth 712 with the gears 716 may maintain the wheel 702 at a given rotational position.

[0069] The gear 716 can be fixed in position relative to the wheel 702 so that the wheel 702 can rotate about the gear 716. For example, the gear 716 can be coupled to one or more supports 720. As shown, the hubless roller 700 includes two lateral supports 720, wherein there is a lateral support 720 on each side of the wheel 702. The lateral supports 720 can be coupled to the ends of the shafts used for each gear 716. The gears 716 can each be rotatably mounted on one of the shafts, wherein the gears 716 are disposed within the open interior 704. In some embodiments, the top end of each support 720 can terminate below the top end of the wheel 702. For example, the top ends of the supports 720 can be disposed below the housing of a peripheral device, such as Figure 1 100. This design can hide the support member 720 (and the gear 716) within the interior of the housing and can provide a cleaner aesthetic appearance.

[0070] The hubless roller 700 may include one or more sensors 722 that may be configured to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 702 relative to the gear 716 and the housing of the peripheral device. The sensor 722 may take various forms, such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and / or an inductive sensor, but other sensor types may also be used in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, a mechanical encoder may be used as the sensor 722. As illustrated, the mechanical encoder is rotatably coupled to one of the gears 716 (here the lowest gear 716), but in some embodiments a plurality of gears 716 may be coupled to the mechanical encoder. When the gear 716 rotates during the rotation of the wheel 702, the gear 716 rotates the mechanical encoder. The hubless roller 700 and / or associated peripheral device may use the rotation of the mechanical encoder to determine the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 702. In some implementations, a mechanical encoder can be configured to generate tactile feedback in addition to or in lieu of the tactile feedback generated by the engagement of gear 716 and teeth 712 .

[0071] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to a mechanical encoder, the sensor 722 may include an optical sensor that can detect the movement of the wheel 702. For example, the optical sensor may be aligned with the inner surface 708 of the wheel so that when the wheel 702 rotates, the sensor 722 can detect when the gear teeth 712 or the gaps between adjacent gear teeth 712 are positioned in front of each sensor 722. Similarly, the sensor 722 may include one or more inductive sensors that can detect the movement of the wheel 702. The inductive sensor may be aligned with the inner surface 708 of the wheel so that when the wheel 702 rotates, the sensor 722 can detect when the gear teeth 712 or the gaps between adjacent gear teeth 712 are positioned in front of each sensor 722. In such embodiments, the gear teeth 712 may be formed of a conductive material.

[0072] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Portions of additional embodiments of a hubless roller 800 according to the present invention are illustrated. Each hubless roller 800 can be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 800 can be similar to the hubless rollers 200, 300, and 400 and can include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200, 300, and 400. For example, each hubless roller 800 can include a wheel 802 defining an open interior 804. A plurality of indexing features 810, such as magnets 812, can be disposed at different angular positions around the wheel 802. As illustrated, the magnets 812 are disposed at regular angular intervals around the wheel 802, wherein adjacent magnets 812 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 814. The poles of each magnet 812 can be oriented in different arrangements, including those described with respect to the hubless rollers 200 and 300.

[0073] The hubless scroll wheel 800 can include one or more ratchet members 816, which can be ferromagnetic elements, such as arc members 818, positioned at different angular positions around the inner surface, outer surface, and / or side surface of the wheel 802. The arc members 818 can each include one or more teeth 820, wherein adjacent teeth 820 are separated by gaps 822. The teeth 820 can provide a stable position for the wheel 802. For example, when the wheel 802 rotates relative to the ratchet members 816, the teeth 820 of the arc members 818 can be attracted to the magnets 812 when the magnets 812 pass near the teeth 820. The presence of gaps 814 between adjacent magnets 812 can enable the hubless scroll wheel 800 to deliver tactile feedback that mimics the snap or meshing feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel 802 rotates, each tooth 820 is alternately aligned with one of the magnets 812 and then with the corresponding gap 814 to produce an alternating cycle of strong magnetic force and lesser magnetic force / no magnetic force, thereby providing a repeated meshing feeling when the wheel 802 rotates relative to the ratchet member 816. The presence of the gap 814 can also enable the interaction between the magnet 812 and the tooth 820 to maintain the wheel 802 in a given rotational position without the rotational force applied by the user as described above. The use of an arcuate member 818 with teeth 820 can enable the use of fewer magnets 812 while providing a greater number of meshing positions compared to multiple magnets 812. For example, eight magnets 812 and an arcuate member 818 with three teeth 820 can produce 24 (e.g., 8×3) meshing positions.

[0074] In different embodiments, the number of arcuate members 818 and teeth 820 on each arcuate member 818 can vary. For example, the hubless roller 800 can include one or more arcuate members, two or more arcuate members, three or more arcuate members, four or more arcuate members, or more. In some embodiments including a single arcuate member, the arcuate member can extend 360 degrees (e.g., the arcuate member is annular), while in other embodiments, the arcuate member can extend less than 360 degrees. In embodiments including two or more arcuate members, each arcuate member can have the same or different sizes and / or numbers of teeth. Multiple magnets 812 and multiple teeth 820 can be selected to produce a desired amount of tactile feedback. For example, the number and arrangement of the magnets 812 and teeth 820 may be selected such that: at any time, at least one magnet 812 is aligned with a corresponding tooth 820 (where the remaining magnets 812 are aligned with gaps 822 or are angularly positioned outside any arcuate member 818), at least two magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820 (of one or more arcuate members 818), at least three magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820, at least four magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820, at least five magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820, at least six magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820, or more, wherein a greater number of magnets 812 aligned with teeth 820 results in greater tactile forces. As just one example, the scroll wheel 800a may include eight magnets 812 and two arcuate members 818a located at different angular positions around the wheel 802, such as Fig. 8A Each arcuate member 818a may include three teeth 820a. The arcuate members 818a and magnets 812 may be arranged around the wheel 802 such that two magnets 812 are aligned with teeth 820a (e.g., one tooth on each arcuate member 818a) at any given point in time. In another example, the roller 800b may include eight magnets 812 and two arcuate members 818b at different angular positions around the wheel 802, such as Figure 8B Each arcuate member 818b may include six teeth 820b. The arcuate members 818b and magnets 812 may be arranged around the wheel 802 such that four magnets 812 are aligned with the teeth 820b (e.g., two teeth on each arcuate member 818b) at any given point in time. This arrangement may produce a Fig. 8A The meshing force of the embodiment of FIG. 8 is twice as great because there are twice as many magnets 812 aligned with the teeth 820. It should be understood that other numbers of magnets 812 and teeth 820 may be used to produce other numbers of meshing positions and / or other magnitudes of meshing force.

[0075] In some hubless rollers, a wheel guide (such as a pin, roller, or other contact member) can be positioned against (or near) one or more surfaces of the wheel to help hold the wheel in place on the peripheral device while allowing the wheel to rotate relative to the peripheral device. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9I Different arrangements are illustrated that use three wheel guides 904 to constrain the vertical and / or lateral movement of the wheel 902 of the hubless roller 900. Although shown with three wheel guides 904, it will be understood that more or fewer wheel guides 904 may be used in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the wheel 902 may be a solid wheel, wherein the wheel guides 904 are disposed on the inner circumferential surface and / or the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902. For example, in Fig. 9A , the hubless roller 900a includes two wheel guides 904a disposed against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902a and one wheel guide 904a disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902a. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904a is disposed proximate to the bottom of the wheel 902a. For example, the inner wheel guide 904a may be positioned at approximately the bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902a (although other positions are possible), while the outer wheel guide 904a may be positioned on opposite sides of the bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902a, such as at the same distance from the bottom point.

[0076] exist Fig. 9B , the hubless roller 900b includes one wheel guide 904b disposed against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902b and two wheel guides 904b disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902b. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904b is disposed proximate to the bottom of the wheel 902b. For example, the inner wheel guide 904b may be positioned on opposite sides of a bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902b, such as at an equal distance from the bottom point, and the outer wheel guide 904b may be positioned at approximately the bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902b (although other positions are possible). Fig. 9C , the hubless roller 900c includes two wheel guides 904c disposed against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902c and one wheel guide 904c disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902c. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904c is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the wheel 902c. For example, the inner wheel guide 904c may be positioned at approximately the outermost lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902c (although other positions are possible), while the outer wheel guide 904c may be positioned on opposite sides of the outermost lateral point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902c, such as at equal distances from the outermost lateral point. Fig.9D, the hubless roller 900d includes one wheel guide 904d disposed against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902d and two wheel guides 904d disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902d. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904d is disposed proximate to the outermost lateral point of the wheel 902d. For example, the inner wheel guides 904d may be positioned on opposite sides of the outermost lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902d, such as at equal distances from the outermost lateral point, while the outer wheel guides 904d may be positioned at approximately the outermost lateral point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902d (although other positions are possible).

[0077] In some embodiments, the wheel 902 may include an annular track 908 or groove along one or both lateral surfaces of the wheel 902. The track 908 may enable some or all of the wheel guides 904 to be disposed within the track 908, but in some embodiments, the track 908 may be included in the wheel 902 without any wheel guides 904 being disposed within the track 908. For example, the wheel guides 904 may be disposed against an inner circumferential surface and / or an outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902, such as about 9A to 9D Described. Fig.9E , the hubless roller 900e includes two wheel guides 904e disposed within an annular track 908e of the wheel 902e and one wheel guide 904e disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902e. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904e is disposed proximate to the bottom of the wheel 902e. For example, the inner wheel guide 904e may be positioned at approximately the bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902e (although other positions are possible), while the remaining wheel guides 904e may be positioned within the annular track 908e on opposite sides of the bottom point of the annular track 908e, e.g., at equal distances from the bottom point.

[0078] exist Fig.9F , the hubless roller 900f includes one wheel guide 904f disposed against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902f and two wheel guides 904f disposed within an annular track 908f of the wheel 902f. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904f is disposed proximate to the bottom of the wheel 902f. For example, the wheel guides 904f within the annular track 908f may be positioned on opposite sides of the bottom point of the annular track 908f, e.g., at an equal distance from the bottom point, and the outer wheel guides 904f may be positioned at approximately the bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 902f (although other positions are possible). Figure 9G, the hubless roller 900g includes two wheel guides 904g disposed within an annular track 908g of the wheel 902g and one wheel guide 904g disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902g. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904g is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the wheel 902g. For example, the inner wheel guide 904g may be positioned at approximately the outermost lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902g (although other positions are possible), while the remaining wheel guides 904g may be positioned within the annular track 908g on opposite sides of the outermost lateral point of the annular track 908g, such as at equal distances from the outermost lateral point. Figure 9H , a hubless roller 900h includes one wheel guide 904h disposed within an annular track 908h of the wheel 902h and two wheel guides 904h disposed against the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902h. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904h is disposed proximate to an outermost lateral point of the wheel 902h. For example, the inner wheel guide 904h may be positioned on opposite sides of the outermost lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902h, such as at an equal distance from the outermost lateral point, while the remaining wheel guides 904h may be positioned proximate to the outermost lateral point of the annular track 908h (although other positions are possible).

[0079] exist Fig.9I , a hubless roller wheel 900i includes three wheel guides 904i disposed within an annular track 908i of the wheel 902i. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides 904i is spaced equidistantly from one another (although other angular spacings are possible), wherein one of the wheel guides 904i is disposed proximate to the bottom of the wheel 902i. It should be understood that the above arrangement of the wheel guides 904 is provided merely as an example and that many variations exist. For example, any number and arrangement of wheel guides 904 may be used, the wheel guides 904 being positioned within the annular track 908 and / or against one of the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface of the wheel 902, the wheel guides 904 constraining lateral and vertical movement of the wheel 902 while allowing the wheel 902 to rotate.

[0080] Fig.10 and Fig. 10APortions of an additional embodiment of a hubless roller 1000 according to the present invention are illustrated. The hubless roller 1000 can be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 1000 can be similar to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, 800, and 900 and can include any of the features described with respect to the hubless rollers 200, 300, 400, 800, and 900. For example, the hubless roller 1000 can include a wheel 1002 defining an open interior 1004. The wheel 1002 can define one or more annular tracks 1008 or grooves along one or both lateral surfaces of the wheel 1002. A plurality of indexing features 1010, such as magnets 1012, can be disposed at different angular positions around the wheel 1002. As illustrated, the magnets 1012 are disposed at regular angular intervals around the wheel 1002, wherein adjacent magnets 1012 are spaced apart from each other via gaps 1014. Instead of being radially oriented, the poles of each magnet 1012 may be parallel to the axis of rotation of wheel 1002, wherein all poles are parallel to each other and arranged in a circular manner around wheel 1002. In some embodiments, magnets 1012 may be aligned with circular track 1008.

[0081] The hubless roller 1000 may include one or more ratchet members 1016, which may be ferromagnetic elements (such as fins, pins, or bars) positioned at different angular positions around one or both lateral surfaces of the wheel 1002. For example, as in Fig. 10A ( Fig. 10A is through Fig.10 1008 ), the ratchet members 1016 include pins that can each extend into one of the annular tracks 1008 while being disposed laterally outward of the indexing feature 1010. In some embodiments, the ratchet members 1016 can be contactless, wherein the magnetic interaction between the magnets 1012 and the ferromagnetic elements of the ratchet members 1016 produces a tactile feedback that mimics the snap or engagement feel of a conventional mechanical scroll wheel in a manner similar to that described with respect to the hubless scroll wheel 200. In some embodiments, in addition to providing an engagement feel, each ratchet member 1016 can contact one of the annular tracks 1008 to serve as a wheel guide (e.g., with respect to FIG. 9E to FIG. 9I ) to help support wheel 1002 in a given position relative to the housing of the peripheral device while still allowing wheel 1002 to rotate.

[0082] Fig.11A portion of an additional embodiment of a hubless roller 1100 according to the present invention is illustrated. Each hubless roller 1100 can be used in a peripheral device, such as the peripheral device 100 described above. The hubless roller 1100 can be similar to the hubless roller 700 and can include any of the features described with respect to the hubless roller 700. For example, each hubless roller 1100 can include a wheel 1102 defining an open interior 1104. For example, the wheel 1102 can be annular and can include an outer surface 1106 and an inner surface 1108, wherein the inner surface 1108 defines a perimeter of the open interior 1104. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 1108 defines a plurality of gear teeth 1112, which are arranged at regular intervals and can operate as an indexing feature 1110. The gear teeth 1112 can be used to provide tactile feedback to the user when the wheel 1102 rotates and / or can be used by the hubless scroll wheel 1100 and / or associated peripherals to track the direction, speed, and / or magnitude of the rotation of the hubless scroll wheel 1100, which can enable the hubless scroll wheel 1100 to be used to provide input to a connected computing device. The hubless scroll wheel 1100 can include one or more gears 1116 that can be disposed within the open interior 1104, wherein the teeth of the gears 1116 engage with the gear teeth 1112. As illustrated, a single gear 1116 is disposed within the open interior 1104, but any number of gears can be used in various embodiments. The gear 1116 can be coupled to a sensor, such as a mechanical encoder, which can rotate with the gear 1116 to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of the rotation of the wheel 1102. In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to using a mechanical encoder, the hubless roller 1100 may include one or more other sensors (e.g., magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and / or inductive sensors) configured to detect the magnitude, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the wheel 1102, such as with respect to Figure 7 and 7A as described.

[0083] In some embodiments, the hubless roller 1100 can include one or more ratchet members 1115. For example, each ratchet member 1115 can be in the form of a spring-biased ratchet member that is positioned against a toothed surface of the wheel 1102. As shown here, the toothed surface can be an inner circumferential surface of the wheel 1102, wherein the toothed surface includes gear teeth 1112. In other embodiments, the toothed surface can be a lateral surface of the wheel 1102 and / or an outer circumferential surface of the wheel 1102, such that the teeth engaged by the ratchet member 1115 are different from the gear teeth 1112 engaged by the gear 1116. The ratchet member 1115 can include a spring 1118 and an arm 1120 coupled to a housing of the peripheral device (or other fixed component of the peripheral device). The distal end of the arm 1120 can be positioned proximate to the toothed surface of the wheel 1102 and can include and / or be coupled to a contact member 1122. The contact member 1122 can engage with the toothed surface, such as by being positioned in the gap formed between two adjacent teeth of the toothed surface (as shown, the gap between adjacent gear teeth 1116). For example, the contact member 1122 can be sized and / or shaped to correspond to the gap between adjacent teeth. As shown, the contact member 1122 is cylindrical. In a specific embodiment, the arm 1120 can be positioned laterally outward of the wheel 1102, wherein the contact member 1122 extends toward the toothed surface at a certain angle and extends to engage with the toothed surface. The spring 1118 can bias the arm 1120 and the contact member 1122 toward the toothed surface. When the wheel 1102 rotates, the rotation of the toothed surface may cause the contact member 1122 to be forced to leave the first gap by the rotating teeth, wherein the contact member 1122 is snapped or otherwise pressed into the circumferentially adjacent gap by the force of the spring 1118 and the arm 1120. When the contact member 1122 hits each rotating tooth, a meshing feeling can be generated. The force of spring 1118 can be selected to provide a desired amount of engagement force.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the features of the various hubless rollers described herein may be combined in different ways. As just one example, a magnet may be embedded in a toothed wheel, thereby enabling the use of a contactless ratcheting mechanism through the magnets of the wheel and the magnetic field of the magnets and / or ferromagnetic elements within the open interior, while also enabling the use of optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and / or inductive sensors as described herein.

[0085] In some embodiments, additional functionality can be provided to any of the hubless rollers described herein. For example, one or more switches and / or sensors can be positioned on the support and / or housing to detect lateral forces applied to the hubless roller. In some embodiments, the support and the hubless roller can be mounted together with the housing of the peripheral device so that the hubless roller can be pressed relative to the housing. For example, a spring-biased support can enable the wheel to be pressed to actuate a switch, which can enable the hubless roller to be used as a clickable input device in addition to a rotatable roller. Many other sensors, switches, and / or other functions can be incorporated into the hubless roller described herein.

[0086] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended to be examples only. It must be emphasized that various embodiments can appropriately omit, replace or increase various processes or parts. In addition, the features described in certain embodiments can be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments can be combined in a similar manner. In addition, it should be emphasized that technology is developing, and therefore, many of these elements are examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0087] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary details to avoid blurring the embodiments. This description only provides example embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present invention. On the contrary, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide a feasibility description for implementing the embodiments of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0088] In addition, the words "comprises", "including", "includes", "containing", "has", "contains" and "having" when used in this specification and the appended claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components or steps, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts or groups.

[0089] Unless otherwise limited, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as the meaning commonly or conventionally understood.As used herein, the articles "one" and "a kind of" refer to one or more than one (that is, at least one) grammatical object of the article.As an example, "element" means an element or more than one element.As used herein, "about" and / or "approximately" encompasses ±20% or ±10%, ±5% or +0.1% changes compared to a specified value when involving measurable values ​​such as amount, duration, etc., because such changes are suitable in the context of systems, equipment, circuits, methods and other embodiments described herein.As used herein, "substantially" also encompasses ±20% or ±10%, ±5% or +0.1% changes compared to a specified value when involving measurable values ​​such as amount, duration, physical properties (such as frequency), because such changes are suitable in the context of systems, equipment, circuits, methods and other embodiments described herein.

[0090] In the case of providing a numerical range, it should be understood that, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, the minimum fraction of each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range to the unit of the lower limit is also specifically disclosed. Any smaller range between any specified value or unspecified intermediate value in the specified range and any other specified value or intermediate value in the specified range is included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can be independently included in the range or excluded, and each range in which any limit, no limit, or two limits are included in the smaller range is also included in the technology, subject to any clearly excluded limit in the specified range. In the case where the specified range includes one or two limits in the limits, the scope of any limit or two limits in those included limits is also included.

[0091] As used herein, including in the claims, "and" used in a list of items beginning with "at least one of" or "one or more of" indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any combination of A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, and / or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, where it is possible for item A, B, or C to appear or be used more than once, multiple uses of A, B, and / or C may form part of the contemplated combination. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

Claims

1. A hubless roller for a computer peripheral device, comprising: a wheel defining an open interior, the wheel including a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions about the wheel; at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member disposed proximate to the wheel, wherein: said wheel being rotatable relative to said at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material; and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member being configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to produce a tactile response when the wheel is rotated relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; as well as At least one sensor is configured to detect a magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the at least one sensor.

2. The hubless roller for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a magnet; and Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member includes a ferromagnetic element.

3. The hubless roller for computer peripherals according to claim 2, wherein: Each ferromagnetic element includes a ferromagnetic pin rotatable about a pin axis.

4. The hubless roller for computer peripherals according to claim 2, wherein: The poles of each magnet are oriented in the same radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

5. The hubless roller for computer peripherals according to claim 2, wherein: The poles of each magnet on the first half of the wheel are oriented in a first radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the wheel, and the poles of each magnet on the second half of the wheel are oriented in a second radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the wheel.

6. The hubless roller for computer peripherals of claim 2, wherein: The at least one sensor comprises a Hall sensor.

7. The hubless roller for computer peripherals of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a ferromagnetic tooth; and Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member includes a magnet.

8. The hubless roller for computer peripherals of claim 7, wherein: The magnet includes a first ferromagnetic member disposed at an end of a first pole of the magnet and a second ferromagnetic member disposed at an end of a second pole of the magnet; and The distal ends of the first and second ferromagnetic members have a width that substantially matches a width of each ferromagnetic tooth.

9. The hubless scroll wheel for computer peripherals of claim 8, wherein: The at least one sensor includes at least one of an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a resistive sensor.

10. A peripheral device comprising: case; at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member coupled to the housing; Wheel mounting parts; a wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel mount, wherein: The wheel defines an open interior, the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member being disposed within the open interior; The wheel includes a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions about the wheel; said wheel being rotatable relative to said at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material; and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member being configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to produce a tactile response when the wheel is rotated relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; and At least one sensor is configured to detect the magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel.

11. The peripheral device of claim 10, wherein: At least a portion of the open interior extends beyond an outer surface of the housing.

12. The peripheral device of claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a magnet; each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises a ferromagnetic pin; and The poles of each magnet are oriented to produce an attractive force with each of the ferromagnetic pins when the magnet is aligned with one of the ferromagnetic pins.

13. The peripheral device of claim 12, wherein: The ferromagnetic pins contact the inner surface of the wheel.

14. The peripheral device of claim 12, wherein: The at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises only two ferromagnetic pins disposed within 180 degrees of each other.

15. The peripheral device of claim 14, wherein: The two ferromagnetic pins are disposed within an upper half of the open interior of the wheel.

16. A hubless roller for a computer peripheral device, comprising: a wheel defining an open interior; a plurality of non-contact indexing features positioned at different angular positions about the wheel; at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member disposed proximate to the wheel, wherein: said wheel being rotatable relative to said at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material; and the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member being configured to interact with the plurality of non-contact indexing features to produce a tactile response when the wheel is rotated relative to the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member; as well as At least one sensor is configured to detect a magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the at least one sensor.

17. The hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member is coupled to the wheel.

18. The hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a magnet; and Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member includes an arcuate member including a plurality of teeth.

19. The hubless roller for a computer peripheral device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a magnet; each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member comprises a ferromagnetic member; and The poles of circumferentially adjacent magnets are oriented in opposite radial directions relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

20. The hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of non-contact indexing features comprises a magnet; The poles of each magnet are parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel; and Each of the at least one fixed non-contact ratchet member includes a ferromagnetic member disposed laterally outward of the plurality of non-contact indexing features.

Images