Roller module and mouse

Abstract

The application discloses a scroll wheel module and a mouse. The scroll wheel module comprises a scroll wheel support, a scroll wheel, an intermediate gear, a motor and a control circuit. The scroll wheel is rotatably arranged on the scroll wheel support and has an inner tooth ring. The motor has an output shaft on which a pinion is arranged, and the pinion is engaged with the intermediate gear. The control circuit is electrically connected with the motor, and the control circuit drives the motor to output a torque to the scroll wheel. The mouse comprises a mouse shell and the scroll wheel module. The mouse shell forms a containing space. The scroll wheel module is contained in the containing space, and the scroll wheel is partially exposed from the mouse shell. Therefore, the motor can be a small torque motor, and enough torque can be generated through gear ratio to rotate the scroll wheel, without the need for the user to continuously rotate the scroll wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a scroll wheel module and a mouse, and more particularly to a scroll wheel module that uses a motor to drive a scroll wheel via gears and a mouse using the scroll wheel module. Background Technology

[0002] The mouse is a common device that uses a scroll wheel for input. Users can perform corresponding input operations, such as scrolling through web pages, by rotating the scroll wheel (e.g., by flicking it with their fingers). Continuous scrolling can easily cause finger fatigue, and prolonged scrolling can lead to discomfort or even inflammation of the finger joints. Therefore, there is a need to design a scroll wheel module that allows users to easily rotate the scroll wheel to eliminate or alleviate the aforementioned fatigue, discomfort, or inflammation. Although increasing the mass of the scroll wheel itself increases its moment of inertia, allowing it to rotate continuously after the user flicks it, stopping the scroll wheel at any time still requires the user to directly stop the rotation with their finger. Repeatedly performing this operation can also cause discomfort in the finger joints. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a solution to the above problems.

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a roller module, which includes: Roller bracket; A roller, rotatably mounted on a roller bracket, the roller having an internal toothed ring; An intermediate gear is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket and meshes with the internal gear ring; A motor having an output shaft on which a pinion is mounted, the pinion meshing with an intermediate gear; and A control circuit is electrically connected to the motor, and the control circuit drives the motor to output torque to the roller.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the roller module includes three intermediate gears, wherein the gear axis of the pinion coincides with the gear axis of the internal gear ring, and the three intermediate gears are arranged evenly around the pinion and simultaneously mesh with the pinion and the internal gear ring.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, the gear axis of the pinion is parallel to but does not coincide with the gear axis of the internal gear ring.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, both the pinion and the intermediate gear are located entirely inside the internal gear ring.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the pitch circle diameter of the pinion is smaller than that of the intermediate gear, and the pitch circle diameter of the intermediate gear is smaller than that of the internal gear ring.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the roller module also includes a rotation sensor, which is located next to the roller and electrically connected to the control circuit. The control circuit detects the rotation direction of the roller through the rotation sensor, and drives the motor to output torque to the roller according to the detected rotation direction.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the torque is a reverse rotational torque.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the control circuit drives the motor to output torque to the roller within a specific preset time, and the torque is a reverse rotational torque.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the internal gear ring, the intermediate gear, and the pinion are made of the same material.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the roller bracket includes a bracket body and a fixing frame. The fixing frame is fixedly connected to the bracket body, the roller is rotatably connected to the bracket body, the intermediate gear is rotatably connected to the fixing frame, the motor is fixedly connected to the fixing frame, the roller has a groove, the internal gear ring is located in the groove, the groove has an opening, the intermediate gear and the pinion are both completely housed in the groove, and the fixing frame is located in the opening.

[0014] The present invention also provides a mouse, the mouse comprising: Mouse housing, which forms an accommodating space; and The scroll wheel module mentioned above is housed within the receiving space, with the scroll wheel portion protruding from the mouse housing.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the scroll wheel module of this invention includes a scroll wheel support, a scroll wheel, an intermediate gear, a motor, and a control circuit. The motor has an output shaft with a pinion gear meshing with the intermediate gear. The control circuit is electrically connected to the motor and drives the motor to output torque to the scroll wheel. The mouse of this invention includes a mouse housing and the aforementioned scroll wheel module. The scroll wheel module is housed within the housing of the mouse housing, with the scroll wheel portion protruding from the housing. This allows the motor to be a low-torque motor, generating sufficient torque through the gear ratio to rotate the scroll wheel without requiring continuous user rotation. In addition to transmitting torque, the intermediate gear also provides rotational inertia to the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel module and mouse of this invention increase rotational inertia, ensuring a certain degree of continuous rotation after the user flicks the scroll wheel, thus preventing finger fatigue.

[0016] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a mouse according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal components of a mouse.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the components of the mouse scroll wheel module.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the structure of the middle roller module.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the middle roller module from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the roller, intermediate gear, and pinion in the roller module.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a roller module component according to a variation.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the structure of the middle roller module.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a roller module component according to another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Exploded view of the structure of the middle roller module.

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the rollers, intermediate gear, and pinion in the middle roller module. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to embodiments.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a mouse according to one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of the internal components of a mouse. According to one embodiment, the mouse 1 includes a mouse housing 12, a scroll wheel module 14, and other necessary components. The mouse housing 12 includes an upper cover 122 and a lower cover 124, which are combined to form an accommodating space 12a (see reference). Figure 2 (The outline of the upper cover 122 is shown in dashed lines). The scroll wheel module 14 is housed within the receiving space 12a and partially protrudes from the mouse housing 12. Users can perform scrolling operations by operating the scroll wheel module 14, such as scrolling through window pages. In addition, the mouse 1 also has the functions of a general mouse (such as left button, right button, cursor movement, scroll wheel button, etc.), and its related structure and description can be directly referred to the structure of a general mouse, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] Please also refer to Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the components of the scroll wheel module in a Chinese mouse; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the structure of the middle roller module; Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the roller module from another perspective. The roller module 14 includes a roller bracket 142, a roller 144, three intermediate gears 146, a motor 148, and a control circuit 150 (not shown). Figures 3 to 5 (Middle). The roller 144 is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 142 such that the roller 144 is positioned relative to the roller bracket 142 about the axis of rotation 144a (denoted by a chain line). Figures 3 to 5(In the middle) rotation. The roller support 142 includes a support body 1422 and a fixing frame 1424. The support body 1422 is integrally formed into a groove structure, which has two side walls 1422a and 1422b along the rotation axis 144a. The fixing frame 1424 is fixed to the side wall 1422a of the support body 1422 (for example, by riveting the fixing frame 1424 to a protrusion on the support body 1422 by heating; the protrusion in the figure is in its state before thermoplastic deformation). The roller 144 is accommodated between the side walls 1422a and 1422b. The roller 144 includes a ring 1442 and a sidewall 1444. The ring 1442 surrounds the rotation axis 144a. The sidewall 1444 closes one side of the ring 1442 on the rotation axis 144a, while the other side of the ring 1442 is open, making the roller 1444 as a whole concave (or having a concave groove), forming an accommodating space 144b with an opening 144c. The roller 144 also includes a pivot 1446, which protrudes outward from the sidewall 1444 along the rotation axis 144a. The roller 144 is rotatably connected to the sidewall 1422b of the support body 1422 via the pivot 1446. An internal toothed ring 1448 is formed on the inner side of the ring 1442, and the internal toothed ring 1448 protrudes into the accommodating space 144b (i.e., located within the concave groove). The internal gear ring 1448 also rotates around the axis of rotation 144a along with the wheel ring 1442. In addition, part of the scroll wheel 144 is exposed on the upper cover 122 of the mouse housing 12, allowing the user to directly rotate the scroll wheel 144 to perform scrolling operations.

[0031] Motor 148 is fixed to mounting bracket 1424. Motor 148 has an output shaft 1482 that extends into receiving space 144b. A pinion 1484 (e.g., tightly fitted onto output shaft 1482) is disposed on output shaft 1482, and the entire pinion 1484 is received within receiving space 144b. Three intermediate gears 146 are rotatably mounted on mounting bracket 1424 of roller support 142 and mesh simultaneously with internal gear ring 1448 and pinion 1484. Thus, pinion 1484, intermediate gears 146, and internal gear ring 1448 are linked, allowing motor 148 to drive roller 144 via pinion 1484, intermediate gears 146, and internal gear ring 1448. Furthermore, the three intermediate gears 146 are all fully housed within the accommodating space 144b and are evenly arranged around the pinion 1484, which helps the pinion 1484 to smoothly transmit power to the internal gear ring 1448. In practical applications, more or smaller intermediate gears 146 can also be used. On the other hand, the pinion 1484 and the three intermediate gears 146 are all located completely inside the internal gear ring 1448, forming a compact configuration; also, the roller 144 can completely cover the motor 148 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 144a. This structural configuration is beneficial to the flexibility of the internal structural design of the mouse 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the mounting bracket 1424 of the roller bracket 142 is located at the opening 144c of the roller 144. The mounting bracket 1424 substantially covers the opening 144c (for example, a small gap, such as 0.2mm, is left between the mounting bracket 1424 and the opening 144c to allow the roller 144 to rotate smoothly relative to the mounting bracket 1424), making it difficult for the sound generated when the pinion 1484, intermediate gear 146, and internal gear ring 1448 are engaged to be transmitted through the air from the accommodating space 144b. In practical applications, sound insulation or sound absorption materials (such as sound insulation cotton or sound absorption cotton) can also be arranged in the accommodating space 144b to suppress sound transmission.

[0033] The control circuit 150 is electrically connected to the motor 148 (e.g., via a wire; not shown in the figure) to control the operation of the motor 148. In practical applications, the control circuit 150 can be fabricated as a printed circuit board assembly; in this embodiment, the control circuit 150 is integrated into the control module of the mouse 1 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). The control circuit 150 can drive the motor 148 to output torque to the roller 144.

[0034] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the connection between the roller, intermediate gear, and pinion in the roller module. The gear axis of pinion 1484 coincides with the gear axis of internal gear ring 1448 (marked with a cross in the diagram). The pitch circle diameter 1484a of pinion 1484 is smaller than the pitch circle diameter 146a of intermediate gear 146, and the pitch circle diameter 146a of intermediate gear 146 is smaller than the pitch circle diameter 1448a of internal gear ring 1448. Therefore, the torque output by motor 148 can be amplified by the gear ratio of this gear connection to rotate roller 144; in other words, in practical applications, motor 148 can be a low-torque motor, such as a micro motor with a power of less than 1W. Furthermore, the continuous rotation of roller 144 can be achieved by driving motor 148, so in practical applications, roller 144 (or ring 1442) does not need to be heavy; for example, it can be molded from plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. Similarly, intermediate gear 146 and pinion 1484 can also be molded from the same plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. However, this is not the limitation in practical applications.

[0035] In addition, in practical applications, the torque output by the motor 148 to the roller 144 can be a same-direction rotational torque that is in the same direction as the rotation of the roller 144, or a opposite-direction rotational torque that is in the opposite direction to the rotation of the roller 144; the former torque accelerates the rotation of the roller 144 (for example, producing a shuttle effect), while the latter torque hinders the rotation of the roller 144 (for example, producing a tactile effect).

[0036] For example, please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of some components of a roller module according to a variation. Figure 8 for Figure 7 An exploded view of the scroll wheel module. This is a schematic diagram and exploded view of some components of the scroll wheel module 15 according to a variation. The scroll wheel module 15 is structurally similar to the scroll wheel module 14, therefore the component symbols of the scroll wheel module 14 are used. For further explanation of the scroll wheel module 15, please refer directly to the relevant explanation of the scroll wheel module 14; furthermore, in practical applications, the scroll wheel module 15 can replace the scroll wheel module 14 and be integrated into the mouse 1. Compared to the scroll wheel module 14, the scroll wheel module 15 also includes a light emitting unit 152 and a light receiving unit 154 (both represented as simple blocks in the figure). The light emitting unit 152 and the light receiving unit 154 are parallel to the rotation axis 144a and are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the scroll wheel 144. Both the light emitting unit 152 and the light receiving unit 154 are drawn as simple blocks in the figure and are electrically connected to the control circuit 150 (not shown in the figure) (e.g., directly soldered to the printed circuit board of the control circuit 150). The light receiving unit 154 can receive the light emitted by the light emitting unit 152. A grating structure 1445 is formed on the side wall 1444 of the roller 144. When the roller 144 rotates, the grating structure 1445 can intermittently block the light emitted by the light emitting unit 152. The grating structure 1445 can be designed with light-transmitting gaps of different widths, so that the time for the light receiving unit 154 to be triggered by light also varies accordingly, thereby enabling the control circuit 150 to detect the rotation direction of the roller 144 through the light receiving unit 154. The control circuit 150 drives the motor 148 to output the corresponding torque to the roller 144 according to the detected rotation direction. In this example, the light receiving unit 154 acts as a rotation sensor to determine the rotation direction of the roller 144.

[0037] Furthermore, in practical applications, when the scroll wheel module 15 (or the mouse 1 with the scroll wheel module 15) is in the shuttle mode, the torque is in the same direction as the rotation of the scroll wheel 144 (i.e., same-direction rotational torque); when the scroll wheel module 15 (or the mouse 1 with the scroll wheel module 15) is not in the shuttle mode, the torque can be selectively set to be opposite to the rotation of the scroll wheel 144 (i.e., reverse rotational torque). In the latter case, the control circuit 150 can be designed to drive the motor 148 to output the torque to the scroll wheel 144 for a specific time (or a preset time), so that the user feels a tactile resistance when rotating the scroll wheel 144, thus providing a tactile feel. This specific time can be set, but is not limited to, 1ms to 5ms, depending on the user's actual operating needs, to generate different levels of tactile resistance. Periodically providing this reverse rotational torque helps the user control the actual rotation angle of the scroll wheel 144 when rotating it.

[0038] Furthermore, in the roller module 15, the optical path from the light emitting unit 152 to the light receiving unit 154 avoids the intermediate gear 146, and the sidewalls 1422a and 1422b of the roller bracket 143 also form notches to accommodate the light emitting unit 152 and the light receiving unit 154. In practical applications, the light-transmitting gap of the grating structure 1445 can be either hollow or a transparent solid (for example, the sidewall 1444 is made of a transparent material, and then an opaque layer is coated to form the light-transmitting gap; thus, the sidewall 1444 still has a sealing effect, suppressing sound transmission from the accommodating space 144b of the roller 144). Alternatively, the grating structure 1445 can be repositioned on the ring 1442, with the light emitting unit 152 and the light receiving unit 154 adjusted accordingly; in this case, the optical path from the light emitting unit 152 to the light receiving unit 154 no longer needs to avoid the intermediate gear 146. In practical applications, the rotation sensor used to measure the rotation direction of roller 144 can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the rotation sensor can be a mechanical encoder, which detects the rotation direction of roller 144 by rotating the encoder's turntable (fixed to roller 144). Alternatively, the rotation sensor can be a Hall effect sensor (or other magnetic field sensor), which detects the change in magnetic field of the magnetic components on roller 144 as roller 144 rolls to detect the rotation direction of roller 144. The type of rotation sensor used depends on the specific requirements of the product.

[0039] In roller module 14 (or roller module 15), the gear axis of pinion 1484 coincides with the gear axis of internal gear ring 1448, that is, motor 148 and roller 144 are coaxially arranged; however, this is not a limitation in practical applications. For example, please refer to... Figures 9 to 11 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of a roller module according to another embodiment; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Exploded view of the structure of the middle roller module; Figure 11 for Figure 9This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the roller, intermediate gear, and pinion in the scroll wheel module. It is a schematic diagram, exploded view, and gear connection diagram of some components of the scroll wheel module 34 according to another embodiment. The scroll wheel module 34 is structurally similar to the scroll wheel module 14, therefore the component symbols of the scroll wheel module 14 are used. For further descriptions of the scroll wheel module 34, please refer directly to the relevant descriptions of the scroll wheel module 14; in practical applications, the scroll wheel module 34 can replace the scroll wheel module 14 and be incorporated into the mouse 1. Compared to the scroll wheel module 14, the motor 148 of the scroll wheel module 34 is eccentrically positioned and at a lower location. This facilitates coordination with other components within the mouse 1 and also helps reduce the storage space 12a of the mouse 1 (e.g., to achieve a thinner mouse). The scroll wheel module 34 uses an intermediate gear 346 to mesh with an internal gear ring 1448 and a pinion 1484. The gear axis of the pinion 1484 (marked with a crosshair) is... Figure 11 The gear axis of the gear (in the middle) and the internal gear ring 1448 (marked with a cross on) Figure 11 (In the middle) Parallel but not overlapping. The roller bracket 342 structure of the roller module 34 is modified to match the setting of the motor 148. In this embodiment, the pitch circle diameter 1484a of the pinion 1484 is still smaller than the pitch circle diameter 346a of the intermediate gear 346, and the pitch circle diameter 346a of the intermediate gear 346 is still smaller than the pitch circle diameter 1448a of the internal gear ring 1448. Similarly, the torque output by the motor 148 itself can be amplified by the gear ratio of this gear connection to rotate the roller.

[0040] Furthermore, the scroll wheel module 34 has only one intermediate gear 346, but this is not a limitation in practical applications. For example, the scroll wheel module 34 may include one or more other intermediate gears (smaller than the intermediate gear 346) that mesh with the internal gear ring 1448 and the pinion 1484, which helps the pinion 1484 smoothly transmit power to the internal gear ring 1448. Additionally, both the pinion 1484 and the intermediate gear 346 of the scroll wheel module 34 are entirely located inside the internal gear ring 1448, forming a compact configuration; furthermore, the scroll wheel 144 can still completely cover the motor 148 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 144a. This structural configuration benefits the flexibility of the internal structural design of the mouse 1. Furthermore, the previous explanation regarding the rotation sensor also applies here and will not be repeated.

[0041] In addition, in both roller module 14 and roller module 34, the intermediate gears 146 and 346 not only have the function of transmitting torque (from pinion 1484 to internal gear 1448), but also have the effect of providing rotational inertia to roller 144.

[0042] In summary, the scroll wheel module of the present invention includes a scroll wheel bracket, a scroll wheel, an intermediate gear, a motor, and a control circuit. The motor has an output shaft with a pinion gear meshing with the intermediate gear. The control circuit is electrically connected to the motor and drives the motor to output torque to the scroll wheel. The mouse of the present invention includes a mouse housing and the aforementioned scroll wheel module. The scroll wheel module is housed within the housing space of the mouse housing, with the scroll wheel portion protruding from the mouse housing. This allows the motor to be a low-torque motor, generating sufficient torque through the gear ratio to rotate the scroll wheel without requiring continuous user rotation. In addition to transmitting torque, the intermediate gear also provides rotational inertia to the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel module and mouse of the present invention increase rotational inertia, ensuring that the scroll wheel continues to rotate to a certain extent after the user flicks it, thus preventing finger fatigue.

[0043] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller module, characterized in that, The roller module includes: Roller bracket; A roller, rotatably mounted on a roller bracket, the roller having an internal toothed ring; An intermediate gear is rotatably mounted on the roller bracket and meshes with the internal gear ring; A motor having an output shaft on which a pinion is mounted, the pinion meshing with an intermediate gear; as well as A control circuit is electrically connected to the motor, and the control circuit drives the motor to output torque to the roller.

2. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller module includes three intermediate gears, wherein the gear axis of the pinion coincides with the gear axis of the internal gear ring, and the three intermediate gears are arranged evenly around the pinion and simultaneously mesh with the pinion and the internal gear ring.

3. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gear axis of the pinion is parallel to, but does not coincide with, the gear axis of the internal gear ring.

4. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the pinion and the intermediate gear are located entirely inside the internal gear ring.

5. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch circle diameter of the pinion is smaller than that of the intermediate gear, and the pitch circle diameter of the intermediate gear is smaller than that of the internal gear ring.

6. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller module also includes a rotation sensor, which is located next to the roller and electrically connected to the control circuit. The control circuit detects the rotation direction of the roller through the rotation sensor and drives the motor to output torque to the roller according to the detected rotation direction.

7. The roller module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, This torque is a reverse rotational torque.

8. The roller module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control circuit drives the motor to output torque to the roller within a specific preset time period. The torque is a reverse rotational torque.

9. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The internal gear ring, the intermediate gear, and the pinion are made of the same material.

10. The roller module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller bracket includes a bracket body and a fixing frame. The fixing frame is fixedly connected to the bracket body, the roller is rotatably connected to the bracket body, the intermediate gear is rotatably connected to the fixing frame, the motor is fixedly connected to the fixing frame, the roller has a groove, the internal gear ring is located in the groove, the groove has an opening, the intermediate gear and the pinion are both completely housed in the groove, and the fixing frame is located in the opening.

11. A mouse, characterized in that, This mouse includes: Mouse housing, which forms an accommodating space; and The scroll wheel module as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the scroll wheel module is housed within the receiving space and the scroll wheel portion is exposed outside the mouse housing.

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