Roller assembly and mouse

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of mice, in particular to a roller assembly and a mouse. The rolling wheel assembly comprises a rolling wheel support, a rolling wheel, a driving module, a rotating speed sensor and a mode switching piece. The roller is rotatably mounted on the roller support and axially penetrates to form a through cavity, and concave-convex teeth are arranged on the periphery of the peripheral wall of the through cavity and extend in the axial direction of the roller. The mode switching piece comprises a pressing shaft, and the pressing shaft extends into the through cavity and corresponds to the concave-convex teeth. The rotating speed sensor is used for detecting the rotating speed of the roller. The driving module is in transmission connection with the mode switching piece. The driving module drives the mode switching piece when the rotating speed is smaller than a preset threshold value, and the pressing shaft abuts against the concave-convex teeth. The driving module drives the mode switching piece when the rotating speed is larger than a preset threshold value, and the pressing shaft breaks away from abutting pressing on the concave-convex teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mouse technology, and in particular to a scroll wheel assembly and a mouse. Background Technology

[0002] The mouse scroll wheel switches between paragraph mode and flywheel mode. When scrolling slowly, the scroll wheel provides a clear, segmented feel for precise positioning; when scrolling rapidly, the wheel switches to flywheel mode, enabling fast page scrolling.

[0003] Most mouse scroll wheels on the market currently use a magnetic structure, with two irregularly shaped magnets suspended coaxially inside the scroll wheel. The interaction of the north and south poles creates a tactile feedback. However, to ensure the feel, the magnetic force must be relatively strong. This means that when scrolling quickly, the inertial force must first overcome the strong magnetic attraction. In flywheel mode, the number of scrolling revolutions is limited and the speed is relatively low. In tactile mode, the tactile feedback is also not obvious, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a scroll wheel assembly and a mouse to solve the problems of limited scrolling number and low speed in the mouse's fast scroll wheel flywheel mode, and the lack of distinct paragraph feel in the paragraph mode, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] This invention discloses a roller assembly, including a roller bracket, a roller, a drive module, a speed sensor, and a mode switching component. The roller is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket, and the roller axially extends to form a through cavity. A toothed pattern is provided around the periphery of the through cavity, extending axially along the roller. The mode switching component includes a pressure shaft that extends into the through cavity and corresponds to the toothed pattern. The speed sensor detects the rotational speed of the roller, and the drive module is connected to the mode switching component. When the rotational speed is less than a predetermined threshold, the drive module drives the mode switching component, and the pressure shaft presses against the toothed pattern. When the rotational speed is greater than the predetermined threshold, the drive module drives the mode switching component, and the pressure shaft disengages from pressing against the toothed pattern.

[0006] Optionally, the drive module includes an electromagnet module and a torsion spring, the electromagnet module and the torsion spring are mounted on the first side of the roller bracket, and the mode switching component is rotatably mounted on the first side of the roller bracket; one end of the torsion spring presses against the pressure shaft to provide the pressure shaft to press against the concave and convex teeth; a magnetic attraction component is provided at the end of the mode switching component away from the pressure shaft, and the magnetic attraction component is magnetically attracted to the electromagnet module to drive the mode switching component and disengage the pressure shaft from pressing against the concave and convex teeth.

[0007] Optionally, a first opening corresponding to the through cavity is provided on the first side, and the pressure shaft extends into the through cavity from the first opening.

[0008] Optionally, one end of the roller bracket is provided with a mounting part, and a first mounting slot is provided on the mounting part, in which the electromagnet module is installed.

[0009] Optionally, the end of the mode switching component away from the pressure shaft is provided with an extension. The extension is located on the side of the electromagnet module and extends towards the top of the electromagnet module along the height direction of the electromagnet module. The extension extends into a magnetic suction part above the top of the electromagnet module, and the magnetic suction component is installed on the magnetic suction part.

[0010] Optionally, a limiting slot is provided on the inner side of the mounting part, the limiting slot extends in the height direction of the electromagnet module, and the side of the extension part is movably locked in the limiting slot.

[0011] Optionally, the speed sensor is a Hall sensor, which is mounted on the second side of the roller bracket opposite to the torsion spring; A mounting shaft is provided in the through cavity, and the roller is mounted in the roller bracket through the mounting shaft; a sensing magnet is sleeved on the end of the mounting shaft near the Hall sensor, and the sensing magnet corresponds to the Hall sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the roller bracket includes two opposing side plates, the two ends of which are connected to form a roller mounting cavity, in which the roller is rotatably mounted and partially exposed.

[0013] Optionally, a connecting rib is provided in the through cavity, and the connecting rib is connected to the mounting shaft and the peripheral wall of the through cavity respectively.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a mouse, including the scroll wheel assembly described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the roller assembly provided in this invention are as follows: The roller assembly of this invention has axially extending concave and convex teeth arranged on the peripheral wall of the internal through cavity. The pressure shaft on the mode switching component can be pressed against or disengaged from the concave and convex teeth in real time under the control of the drive module. Specifically, the roller rotation speed is continuously monitored by a speed sensor. When the speed is lower than a set threshold, it indicates that the user is currently in a slow, segmented mode. Under the drive of the drive module, the pressure shaft presses into the concave and convex teeth. During the slow rotation of the roller, the pressure shaft always slides on the concave and convex teeth, forming a clear and distinct mechanical segmented feel, achieving precise positioning, and significantly increasing the segmented experience of the roller's rolling motion. When the user quickly moves the roller, the roller rotation speed exceeds the set threshold. The drive module drives the pressure shaft to disengage from the concave and convex teeth. At this time, there is no contact between the pressure shaft and the concave and convex teeth, and the roller enters an unobstructed flywheel mode. During rapid rotation, there is no need to overcome resistance, which can significantly increase the number of rolling revolutions and the rotation speed. Therefore, the roller assembly segment mode and flywheel mode of the present invention can be completely decoupled at the physical level, which not only ensures clear segment feedback when scrolling slowly, but also solves the problems of limited number of rotations and low speed when scrolling at high speed, thus significantly improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the roller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the roller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the roller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the roller assembly in segment mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the roller assembly in flywheel mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 1. Scroll wheel assembly; 11. Scroll wheel bracket; 111. First side; 1111. First opening; 1112. First mounting shaft; 1113. Second mounting shaft; 1114. Mounting protrusion; 112. Mounting part; 1121. First mounting slot; 1122. Limiting slot; 113. Second side; 1131. Insertion slot; 114. Side plate; 115. Scroll wheel mounting cavity; 12. Scroll wheel; 121. Through cavity; 122. Corrugated teeth; 123. Connecting rib; 124. Wheel sleeve; 125. Mounting shaft; 13. Drive module; 131. Electromagnet module; 132. Torsion spring; 14. Speed ​​sensor; 15. Mode switching component; 151. Pressure shaft; 152. Magnetic component; 153. Extension part; 154. Magnetic part; 16. Sensing PCB board; 17. Sensing magnet; 2. Mouse. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This invention provides a roller assembly 1, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the roller assembly 1 includes a roller bracket 11, a roller 12, a drive module 13, a speed sensor 14, and a mode switching component 15. The roller 12 is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 11, and the roller 12 forms a through cavity 121 through the axial direction. The periphery of the through cavity 121 is provided with concave and convex teeth 122, which extend in the axial direction of the roller 12. The mode switching component 15 includes a pressure shaft 151, which extends into the through cavity 121 and is correspondingly arranged with the concave and convex teeth 122. The speed sensor 14 is used to detect the rotational speed of the roller 12, and the drive module 13 is connected to the mode switching component 15 for transmission.

[0020] When the rotation speed of the drive module 13 is less than a predetermined threshold, the drive mode switching component 15 is driven, and the pressure shaft 151 presses against the concave and convex teeth 122; when the rotation speed of the drive module 13 is greater than the predetermined threshold, the drive mode switching component 15 is driven, and the pressure shaft 151 disengages from pressing against the concave and convex teeth 122.

[0021] The roller assembly 1 of the present invention has axially extending teeth 122 on the peripheral wall of the through cavity 121 inside the roller 12. The pressure shaft 151 on the mode switching component 15 can press against or disengage from the teeth 122 in real time under the control of the drive module 13. That is, the rotational speed of the roller 12 is continuously monitored by the speed sensor 14. When the speed is lower than a set threshold, it indicates that the user is currently in a slow segment mode. Figure 4 As shown, the drive shaft 151 of the drive module 13 presses into the teeth 122. During the slow rotation of the roller 12, the shaft 151 slides continuously on the teeth 122, creating a clear and distinct mechanical tactile feedback, achieving precise positioning, and significantly enhancing the tactile feedback of the roller 12's rotation. When the user quickly moves the roller 12, the rotation speed of the roller 12 exceeds a set threshold, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the drive module 13 drives the pressure shaft 151 to disengage from the teeth 122. At this time, there is no contact between the pressure shaft 151 and the teeth 122, and the roller 12 enters an unobstructed flywheel mode. When rotating at high speed, it does not need to overcome resistance, which can significantly increase the number of rolling revolutions and the rotation speed. Therefore, the roller assembly 1 of the present invention can be completely decoupled from the segment mode and the flywheel mode at the physical level, which not only ensures a clear segment feedback when rolling slowly, but also solves the problems of limited number of revolutions and low speed when rolling at high speed, significantly improving the user experience.

[0022] Specifically, the drive module 13 includes an electromagnet module 131 and a torsion spring 132. The electromagnet module 131 and the torsion spring 132 are mounted on the first side 111 of the roller bracket 11, and the mode switching component 15 is rotatably mounted on the first side 111 of the roller bracket 11. One end of the torsion spring 132 presses against the pressure shaft 151 to provide elastic force for the pressure shaft 151 to press against the concave and convex teeth 122; a magnetic attracting component 152 is provided at the end of the mode switching component 15 away from the pressure shaft 151. The magnetic attracting component 152 is magnetically attracted to the electromagnet module 131 to drive the mode switching component 15 and disengage the pressure shaft 151 from pressing against the concave and convex teeth 122. Figure 4 As shown, this solution continuously applies an elastic preload to the pressure shaft 151 via the torsion spring 132, ensuring reliable pressing into the teeth 122 and creating a clear, adjustable mechanical tactile feedback. When the speed sensor 14 detects that the angular velocity of the roller 12 exceeds a threshold, such as... Figure 5As shown, the electromagnet module 131 is instantly energized, generating a magnetic attraction force with the magnetic attraction component 152 at the end of the mode switching component 15. This drives the switching component to rotate around the fulcrum and compress the torsion spring 132. The pressure shaft 151 is quickly lifted away from the concave and convex teeth 122, and the roller 12 immediately enters the zero-friction flywheel mode. Since the tactile force is entirely provided by the mechanical elasticity of the torsion spring 132, it is decoupled from the electromagnetic driving force in the flywheel mode. This avoids the obstruction of the roller's rolling inertia by traditional magnetic force, significantly increasing the number of rolling revolutions and peak speed. It also ensures stable and clear tactile feedback in the tactile mode, thus simultaneously solving the problems of limited number of revolutions, low speed, and unclear tactile feedback in the flywheel mode, resulting in a substantial improvement in the user experience.

[0023] Furthermore, the speed sensor 14 is a Hall sensor, which is mounted on the second side 113 of the roller bracket 11 opposite to the torsion spring 132. A mounting shaft 125 is provided in the through cavity 121, and the roller 12 is mounted in the roller bracket 11 via the mounting shaft 125. A sensing magnet 17 is sleeved on the end of the mounting shaft 125 near the Hall sensor, and the sensing magnet 17 corresponds to the Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is arranged on the second side 113 of the roller bracket 11 opposite to the torsion spring 132, and the sensing magnet 17 is sleeved on the end of the mounting shaft 125, so that the magnet corresponds to the Hall element. When the roller 12 rotates, the sensing magnet 17 rotates synchronously, and the Hall sensor outputs a pulse signal proportional to the rotation speed, thereby realizing the determination of the rotation speed of the roller 12 and enabling the main control chip in the mouse 2 to drive the electromagnet module 131. This solution places the three main functional modules—sensing, driving, and reset—on both sides of the roller bracket 11, making full use of the space on both sides of the roller bracket 11 and miniaturizing the overall roller assembly 1. Meanwhile, the sensing magnet 17 directly utilizes the existing mounting shaft 125, eliminating the need for additional installation structures. This compact structure ensures the accuracy and repeatability of speed detection, thereby guaranteeing the timeliness and reliability of segment / flywheel mode switching and further optimizing the user experience.

[0024] The linkage control between the Hall sensor and the electromagnet module 131 can be achieved through the main control chip in the mouse 2. The Hall sensor is set on the sensing PCB board 16. The sensing PCB board 16 and the electromagnet module 131 are electrically connected to the main control chip in the mouse 2. The main control chip has a preset threshold for rotation speed. The specific detection and transmission of the rotation speed signal of the Hall sensor, as well as the control of the electromagnet module 131 by the main control chip according to the detection signal, can all be achieved using conventional techniques in the field. For example, the linkage control between the Hall sensor and the electromagnet module 131 is completed by the microcontroller (MCU) in the mouse 2: the sensing magnet 17 of the mounting shaft 125 of the scroll wheel 12 rotates synchronously with the scroll wheel 12. The Hall sensor (such as a 3D Hall position sensor) is fixed on the scroll wheel bracket 11, which detects the change in magnetic field angle in real time and outputs CW / CCW pulses. The MCU captures the pulse frequency through a timer and calculates the angular velocity of the scroll wheel 12 within a period of 1–2 ms. When the angular velocity is below the set threshold, the MCU shuts off the drive MOSFET, the electromagnet module 131 is de-energized, and the torsion spring 132 pushes the pressure shaft 151 into the inner teeth of the roller 12, creating a clear tactile feedback. When the angular velocity is above the threshold, the MCU immediately outputs PWM or a high level, the MOSFET is turned on, the electromagnet module 131 is instantly energized and generates magnetic attraction, pulling the mode switching component 15 to rotate and compressing the torsion spring 132, causing the pressure shaft 151 to disengage from the teeth, and the roller 12 enters the zero-resistance flywheel mode. The entire closed-loop response time is <5 ms, ensuring seamless and reliable switching between tactile and flywheel modes. However, the detection by the Hall sensor and the control of the electromagnet module 131 by the main control chip based on the detection signal are not the focus of this invention and can be implemented using conventional techniques in the field, and will not be described in more detail here.

[0025] Specifically, a connecting rib 123 is provided in the through cavity 121, and the connecting rib 123 connects the mounting shaft 125 and the peripheral wall of the through cavity 121 respectively. The connecting rib 123 arranged in the through cavity 121 rigidly connects the mounting shaft 125 to the cavity wall, significantly improving the radial stiffness of the roller 12 and also serving to fix the mounting shaft 125. Furthermore, the roller 12 can be a metal part, with a wheel sleeve 124 surrounding its outer circumference.

[0026] The sensing magnet 17 is a ring magnet, which is convenient to be mounted on the mounting shaft 125. The second side 113 of the roller bracket 11 is provided with an insertion slot 1131, in which the sensing PCB board 16 is inserted.

[0027] A first opening 1111 corresponding to the through cavity 121 is provided on the first side 111, and the pressure shaft 151 extends into the through cavity 121 through the first opening 1111. By providing a first opening 1111 corresponding to the through cavity 121 on the first side 111 of the roller bracket 11, the pressure shaft 151 can extend directly into the through cavity 121 along the first opening 1111 and be precisely aligned with the concave and convex teeth 122.

[0028] A mounting portion 112 is provided at one end of the roller bracket 11, and a first mounting slot 1121 is formed on the mounting portion 112. The electromagnet module 131 is installed in the first mounting slot 1121. By integrally forming the mounting portion 112 at the end of the roller bracket 11 and forming the first mounting slot 1121 in the mounting portion 112, the electromagnet module 131 can be accurately positioned, achieving quick insertion and positioning without the need for an additional bracket. The design of the first mounting slot 1121 shortens the magnetic circuit distance between the electromagnet module 131 and the magnetic attractor 152 of the mode switching component 15, reducing magnetic loss and improving the attraction / release response speed. Specifically, the first mounting slot 1121 matches the shape of the electromagnet module 131. The electromagnet module 131 can be further fixed in the first mounting slot 1121 with adhesive.

[0029] The mode switching component 15 has an extension 153 at one end away from the pressure shaft 151. The extension 153 is located on the side of the electromagnet module 131 and extends towards the top of the electromagnet module 131 along the height direction of the electromagnet module 131. The extension 153 extends into a magnetic suction part 154 above the top of the electromagnet module 131, and the magnetic suction component 152 is installed on the magnetic suction part 154. In this design, the extension 153 of the mode switching component 15 is arranged on the side of the electromagnet module 131 and extends upward along its height to the top, forming a cantilevered magnetic suction part 154. The magnetic suction component 152 is directly fixed to the magnetic suction part 154, maintaining a minimal air gap with the upper surface of the electromagnet, so that the magnetic lines of force pass perpendicularly through the magnetic suction component 152 after the electromagnet is energized, resulting in the shortest magnetic circuit, the least magnetic leakage, and a short attraction / release response time. Simultaneously, the magnetic suction part 154 at the top of the electromagnet module 131 amplifies the torque of the electromagnetic force on the rotation fulcrum of the mode switching component 15, allowing the electromagnet module 131 to easily drive the pressure shaft 151 to quickly disengage from the concave-convex teeth 122. The magnetic suction component 152 can be injection molded into the magnetic suction part 154 during the injection molding of the mode switching component 15, or it can be fixed in the groove by adhesive after a groove is formed on the magnetic suction part 154; the specific method is not limited. The magnetic suction component 152 can be a magnetically attractable metal part, such as an iron block, or it can be a magnet.

[0030] Specifically, a first mounting shaft 1112 is provided on the first side 111 of the roller bracket 11, and the mode switching component 15 is rotatably mounted on the first mounting shaft 1112. The first mounting shaft 1112 is located on the first side 111 near the mounting part 112, and a second mounting shaft 1113 and a mounting protrusion 1114 are provided on the end of the first side 111 away from the mounting part 112. The torsion spring 132 is rotatably sleeved on the second mounting shaft 1113, with one end pressing against the pressure shaft 151 and the other end inserted into the insertion hole on the mounting protrusion 1114 for installation and fixation. The first mounting shaft 1112 and the second mounting shaft 1113 are provided with annular protrusions or protrusions to prevent the mode switching component 15 and the torsion spring 132 from disengaging.

[0031] A limiting slot 1122 is provided on the inner side of the mounting part 112. The limiting slot 1122 extends in the height direction of the electromagnet module 131, and the side of the extension part 153 is movably locked in the limiting slot 1122. By providing a limiting slot 1122 extending in the height direction of the electromagnet module 131 on the inner side of the mounting part 112 and locking the side of the extension part 153 of the mode switching member 15 in it, a precision slide rail is formed, which improves the rotational stability of the mode switching member 15. On the other hand, the limiting slot 1122 limits the extension part 153.

[0032] The roller bracket 11 includes two opposing side plates 114, with their ends connected to form a roller mounting cavity 115. The roller 12 is rotatably mounted in the roller mounting cavity 115, with a portion protruding from it. The roller bracket 11, with its two connected side plates 114 forming the roller mounting cavity 115, allows the roller 12 to rotate freely within the cavity and extend partially outwards. This design utilizes the double side plates 114 to form a rigid frame, ensuring stable mounting of the roller 12. Simultaneously, the exposed portion maximizes the contact area for the user's fingers, achieving a balance between structural strength and ease of operation.

[0033] The present invention also discloses a mouse 2, including the scroll wheel assembly 1 described above. The scroll wheel assembly 1 is mounted inside the mouse 2 via a scroll wheel bracket 11, and the scroll wheel 12 is partially exposed on the top surface of the mouse 2.

[0034] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Those skilled in the art can modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and all such modifications and substitutions should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roller assembly, characterized in that, It includes a roller bracket, a roller, a drive module, a speed sensor, and a mode switching component; the roller is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket, the roller axially extends to form a through cavity, and the through cavity has a circumferential toothed groove extending in the axial direction of the roller. The mode switching component includes a pressure shaft that extends into the through cavity and is correspondingly arranged with the concave and convex teeth; the speed sensor is used to detect the rotation speed of the roller; and the drive module is connected to the mode switching component in a transmission manner. When the rotational speed is less than a predetermined threshold, the drive module drives the mode switching component, and the pressure shaft presses against the concave and convex teeth; when the rotational speed is greater than the predetermined threshold, the drive module drives the mode switching component, and the pressure shaft disengages from pressing against the concave and convex teeth.

2. The roller assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive module includes an electromagnet module and a torsion spring. The electromagnet module and the torsion spring are mounted on the first side of the roller bracket, and the mode switching component is rotatably mounted on the first side of the roller bracket. One end of the torsion spring presses against the pressure shaft to provide elastic force for the pressure shaft to press against the concave and convex teeth; a magnetic attracting element is provided at the end of the mode switching component away from the pressure shaft, and the magnetic attracting element is magnetically attracted to the electromagnet module to drive the mode switching component and cause the pressure shaft to disengage from pressing against the concave and convex teeth.

3. The roller assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first opening corresponding to the through cavity is provided on the first side, and the pressure shaft extends into the through cavity from the first opening.

4. The roller assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The roller bracket has a mounting part at one end, and a first mounting slot is provided on the mounting part. The electromagnet module is installed in the first mounting slot.

5. The roller assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mode switching component has an extension at one end away from the pressure shaft. The extension is located on the side of the electromagnet module and extends towards the top of the electromagnet module along the height direction of the electromagnet module. The extension extends into a magnetic suction part above the top of the electromagnet module, and the magnetic suction component is mounted on the magnetic suction part.

6. The roller assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, A limiting slot is provided on the inner side of the mounting part. The limiting slot extends in the height direction of the electromagnet module, and the side of the extension part is movably engaged in the limiting slot.

7. The roller assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The speed sensor is a Hall sensor, which is mounted on the second side of the roller bracket opposite to the torsion spring. A mounting shaft is provided in the through cavity, and the roller is mounted in the roller bracket through the mounting shaft; a sensing magnet is sleeved on one end of the mounting shaft near the Hall sensor, and the sensing magnet corresponds to the Hall sensor.

8. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The roller bracket includes two opposing side plates, the two ends of which are connected to form a roller mounting cavity. The roller is rotatably mounted in the roller mounting cavity and partially exposed outside the roller mounting cavity.

9. The roller assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The through cavity is provided with connecting ribs, which are respectively connected to the mounting shaft and the peripheral wall of the through cavity.

10. A mouse, characterized in that, Includes the roller assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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