Roller device and mouse comprising a roller device

Abstract

A roller device includes a roller holder, a roller pivoted to the roller holder and provided with a corrugated surface, a pivot arm provided on the roller holder and provided with a protrusion to abut against the corrugated surface when the roller rotates, a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism provided with a self-locking switch to maintain a pressed position, a spring abutting between the roller holder and the pivot arm, and a wedge-shaped member protruding from the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism and aligned with a top end of the pivot arm to abut against the pivot arm when the wedge-shaped member is in an abutting position and push the pivot arm away from the corrugated surface, and to be separated from the pivot arm when the wedge-shaped member is in a separated position, and the spring presses the pivot arm to make the protrusion abut against the corrugated surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a scroll wheel device, and more particularly to a scroll wheel device for a mouse that has selectable smooth mode and ratchet mode. Background Technology

[0002] Most mice on the market nowadays feature a scroll wheel, and some of these scroll wheels offer two distinct operating modes: a smooth mode and a ratchet mode. The smooth mode allows the scroll wheel to rotate continuously, suitable for rapid page turning, while the ratchet mode provides tactile feedback for precise positioning. However, existing switching mechanisms are often complex and rely on electronic control or multiple components, impacting assembly efficiency. For example, some mice use electromagnet-driven interference elements for switching, requiring additional control circuitry and a driver, thus increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, electronically controlled structures are prone to switching failures or inaccurate interference if components wear out or malfunction, affecting the mouse's stability.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a mouse scroll wheel device that is simple in structure, intuitive in switching operation, and can stably switch between smooth mode and ratchet mode. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a roller device, comprising: a roller bracket; a roller pivotally connected to the roller bracket and having a hub with a corrugated surface; a pivot arm disposed on the roller bracket, the pivot arm having a protrusion that abuts against the corrugated surface when the roller rotates; a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism with a self-locking switch to maintain the switched position after pressing; a spring abutting between the roller bracket and the pivot arm; and a wedge-shaped member disposed on the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism and extending outward and downward. The wedge-shaped member moves between an abutting position and a disengaged position after the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism is pressed, wherein the wedge-shaped member is positioned aligned with the top end of the pivot arm, and the outer side of the bottom end of the wedge-shaped member is cut off to form a bevel, so that when the wedge-shaped member is in the abutting position it abuts against the top end of the pivot arm and pushes the pivot arm away from the corrugated surface, and when the wedge-shaped member is in the disengaged position it disengages from the top end of the pivot arm, and the spring presses against the pivot arm to abut the protrusion against the corrugated surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the pivot arm is provided with a drive member, the upper side of the drive member is provided with a finger that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, the inner side of the tip of the finger is cut off to form a contact slope, and a protruding contact slope block that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom is provided in the center of the slope. When the wedge is in the abutment position, the contact slope block contacts the contact slope.

[0006] In some embodiments, the roller bracket is provided with a pair of switching shaft holes that are positioned vertically opposite each other, and the lower side of the drive member is provided with a drive shaft whose two ends are respectively inserted into the two switching shaft holes, and the drive shaft is provided with an inwardly recessed fitting groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the roller bracket has a U-shaped structure and is provided with opposing side walls, which extend to the left and right sides of the roller respectively. One side wall of the roller bracket is provided with an L-shaped positioning plate, and the pivot arm is provided with an interference member. The rear end of the interference member is engaged with the fitting groove and extends forward between the positioning plate and the corrugated surface, and the spring abuts between the interference member and the positioning plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the front end of the interference member is provided with an inwardly protruding convex portion, the shape of which is similar to the corrugated shape of the corrugated surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner side of the positioning plate is provided with a recessed groove, the bottom surface of the groove protrudes to form a positioning block, the spring is sleeved on the outside of the positioning block and abuts against the interference member, so that the interference member swings in and out within a limited range.

[0010] In some embodiments, the push-type elastic self-locking mechanism includes a positioning frame and a button connected to the self-locking switch, the button covering the self-locking switch, and the wedge protruding from the bottom left side of the button.

[0011] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a mouse including a scroll wheel, characterized by comprising: a bottom shell with a hinge seat; a top shell connected to the bottom shell; a circuit board disposed on the bottom shell, the circuit board having a switch; a scroll wheel bracket pivotally connected to the hinge seat; a scroll wheel pivotally connected to the scroll wheel bracket and having a hub, the hub having a corrugated surface, the scroll wheel being aligned with the switch; a pivot arm disposed on the scroll wheel bracket, the pivot arm having a protrusion, the protrusion abutting against the corrugated surface when the scroll wheel rotates; a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism connected to the top shell and having a self-locking switch to maintain the switched position after pressing; and a spring abutting against the scroll wheel bracket and the top shell. The pivot arms rotate toward the corrugated surface by pushing against each other; and a wedge-shaped member is disposed on the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism and extends downward to move with the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism between an abutting position and a disengaged position after the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism is pressed, wherein the wedge-shaped member is positioned aligned with the top end of the pivot arm, and the outer side of the bottom end of the wedge-shaped member is cut off to form a bevel, so that when the wedge-shaped member is in the abutting position it abuts against the top end of the pivot arm and pushes the pivot arm away from the corrugated surface, and when the wedge-shaped member is in the disengaged position it disengages from the top end of the pivot arm, and the spring presses against the pivot arm to abut against the corrugated surface.

[0012] As described above, the roller device of this utility model, through the driving member located in the middle of the roller bracket, the interference member engaged with the driving member, the wedge-shaped member abutting against the driving member, and the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism, allows the roller device to switch between smooth mode and ratchet mode to adapt to different usage scenarios when the button is pressed. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the contents of this case can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the scroll wheel device of this utility model installed on the bottom shell of the mouse.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the bottom shell of the roller device and mouse of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the roller device of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the roller bracket of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the pivot arm of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the button and wedge-shaped part of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the smoothing mode operation of the roller device of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the ratchet mode of the roller device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives, and effects of the roller device of this utility model, the following embodiments are provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention relates to a scroll wheel device 100, comprising a scroll wheel 20 configured to rotate in response to user control. The scroll wheel 20 is pivotally connected to the center of a scroll wheel bracket 10, which is attached to a circuit board 200 or a support structure, such as a housing 300 of a mouse 400. The housing 300 includes a bottom shell 301 and a top shell 302 joined together. In this feasible embodiment, the scroll wheel bracket 10 and the scroll wheel 20 are configured to be pivotally fixed to the mouse 400, allowing the user to control the mouse by pressing the scroll wheel 20. The rear end of the scroll wheel bracket 10 is pivotally connected to two hinge seats 60 disposed on the bottom shell 301 of the housing 300, causing the scroll wheel bracket 10 to deflect downward when the scroll wheel 20 is pressed, triggering a switch 70 disposed on the circuit board 200. The roller 20 is provided with a hub 21 and a contact layer 22 surrounding the outside of the hub 21. The contact layer 22 is made of a soft material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, and conforms to the user's fingers when the user rolls or presses the roller 20.

[0024] A corrugated surface 23 is provided on the side of the hub 21, surrounding the hub 21, and a pivot arm 30 is pivotally connected to the roller bracket 10. The pivot arm 30 is configured to abut against the corrugated surface 23 and slide when the roller 20 rotates, so as to apply resistance to the roller 20 and produce a tactile feedback during the rotation of the roller 20.

[0025] To enable the roller device 100 of this invention to switch between ratchet mode and smooth mode, the housing 300 is further provided with a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism 40 and a wedge-shaped member 50 mounted on the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism 40. The wedge-shaped member 50 is configured to selectively move between an abutting position and a disengaged position. When the wedge-shaped member 50 is in the abutting position, it abuts against the pivot arm 30 and pushes the pivot arm 30 away from the corrugated surface 23. When the wedge-shaped member 50 is in the disengaged position, it disengages from the pivot arm 30, causing the pivot arm 30 to abut against the corrugated surface 23. The press-type elastic self-locking mechanism 40 is configured to lock in place by reciprocating between the abutting position and the disengaged position through a pressing action.

[0026] Please see again Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one feasible embodiment, the roller bracket 10 has a generally U-shaped structure, and the roller bracket 10 has a left side wall 11 and a right side wall 12 facing each other. The two side walls 11 and 12 extend to the left and right sides of the roller 20, respectively, and the front end of the roller bracket 10 has a roller shaft hole 13 connected to the roller 20. The left side wall 11 of the roller bracket 10 has an L-shaped positioning plate 14 and two vertically opposite switching shaft holes 15. The positioning plate 14 and the two switching shaft holes 15 are both connected to the pivot arm 30.

[0027] Please see again Figure 3 and Figure 5The pivot arm 30 is located in the middle section of the left side wall 11 and includes a drive member 31, an interference member 32 whose rear end is fitted into the drive member 31, and a spring 33 abutting between the middle section of the interference member 32 and the positioning plate 14. The upper side of the drive member 31 has a finger 34 that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. The inner side of the tip of the finger 34 is shaved off to form a contact slope 341 to contact the wedge-shaped member 50. The lower side of the drive member 31 has a drive shaft 35 whose two ends are respectively inserted into the two switching shaft holes 15. The drive shaft 35 has an inwardly recessed fitting groove 351. The rear end of the interference member 32 engages with the fitting groove 351, forming a fulcrum for the inward and outward swing of the interference member 32. The interference element 32 extends forward between the positioning plate 14 and the corrugated surface 23, and the front end of the interference element 32 does not exceed the hub 21. A protruding portion 36 is provided at the front end, the shape of which is similar to the corrugated shape of the corrugated surface 23, causing interference to the roller 20 during contact between the corrugated surface 23 and the protruding portion 36. In this embodiment, the inner side of the positioning plate 14 has a recessed groove 141, and the bottom surface of the groove 141 protrudes to form a positioning block 142. The spring 33 is sleeved on the outside of the positioning block 142 and abuts against the middle section of the interference element 32, causing the interference element 32 to swing inward and outward within a limited range.

[0028] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 6 The press-type elastic self-locking mechanism 40 includes a positioning frame 41 fixed to the top shell 302 of the outer casing 300, a self-locking switch 42 disposed inside the positioning frame 41, and a button 43 protruding from the top shell 302 of the outer casing 300 and connected to the self-locking switch 42. The button 43 covers the self-locking switch 42, which is mechanically self-locking to maintain the switched position after pressing, without requiring additional electronic control or holding mechanism. The wedge-shaped member 50 protrudes from the bottom left side of the button 43 and extends outward and downward. The wedge-shaped member 50 is aligned with the top of the driving member 31, and the outer side of the bottom end of the wedge-shaped member 50 is cut off to form a slope 51. A protruding contact slope 52 with a wider top and narrower bottom is provided in the center of the slope 51, and the contact slope 52 abuts against the contact slope 341.

[0029] Please see Figure 7In this embodiment, when the user presses the button 43, it also presses down the self-locking switch 42, causing the wedge-shaped member 50 to move downwards to the abutment position and squeeze the finger 34. The finger 34 is squeezed and pushed outwards, causing the drive shaft 35 to rotate clockwise, which in turn causes the interference member 32 to swing outwards, thus separating the protrusion 36 from the corrugated surface 23. When the protrusion 36 is separated from the corrugated surface 23, the roller 20 is not interfered with and is in a smooth mode, allowing it to continue rolling after an external force is applied. This is suitable for use scenarios where long documents need to be read and page turning is required.

[0030] Please see again Figure 8 When the user presses down the self-locking switch 42 again, the self-locking switch 42 is unlocked, and the button 43 moves upward, causing the wedge-shaped member 50 to move upward to the separated position. The finger 34 is no longer squeezed outward, and the interference member 32 is pressed inward by the spring 33, causing the protrusion 36 to abut against the corrugated surface 23. When the protrusion 36 abuts against the corrugated surface 23, the roller 20 is interfered with and enters ratchet mode, requiring continuous external force to roll.

[0031] In summary, the scroll wheel device 100 of this utility model utilizes a pivot arm 30 located in the middle of the scroll wheel bracket 10 and a wedge-shaped member 50 abutting against the pivot arm 30, along with a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism 40. When the user presses the button 43, the button 43 drives the wedge-shaped member 50 to squeeze or release the driving member 31, causing the interference member 32 to separate from or connect to the corrugated surface 23. This allows the scroll wheel device 100 to quickly switch between smooth mode and ratchet mode. The scroll wheel device 100 of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and provides a stable user experience, improving the usability of the mouse.

[0032] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller device, characterized in that: include: A roller bracket; a roller pivotally connected to the roller bracket and having a hub with a corrugated surface; a pivot arm disposed on the roller bracket, the pivot arm having a protrusion that abuts against the corrugated surface when the roller rotates; a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism with a self-locking switch to maintain the switched position after pressing; a spring abutting between the roller bracket and the pivot arm; and a wedge-shaped member disposed on the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism and extending outward and downward to, upon pressing the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism... The self-locking mechanism moves between an abutting position and a disengaging position following the press-type elastic self-locking mechanism, wherein the wedge is positioned aligned with the top of the pivot arm, and the outer side of the bottom end of the wedge is cut off to form a bevel, so that when the wedge is in the abutting position it abuts against the top of the pivot arm and pushes the pivot arm away from the corrugated surface, and when the wedge is in the disengaging position it disengages from the top of the pivot arm, and the spring presses against the pivot arm to abut the protrusion against the corrugated surface.

2. The roller device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pivot arm is provided with a driving member. The upper side of the driving member is provided with a finger that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. The inner side of the tip of the finger is cut off to form a contact slope. The center of the slope is provided with a protruding contact slope block that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. When the wedge is in the abutment position, the contact slope block contacts the contact slope.

3. The roller device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The roller bracket is provided with a pair of switching shaft holes that are positioned vertically opposite each other, and the lower side of the drive member is provided with a drive shaft whose two ends are respectively inserted into the two switching shaft holes. The drive shaft is provided with an inwardly recessed fitting groove.

4. The roller device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The roller bracket has a U-shaped structure and is provided with opposite side walls. The two side walls extend to the left and right sides of the roller respectively. One side wall of the roller bracket is provided with an L-shaped positioning plate, and the pivot arm is provided with an interference member. The rear end of the interference member is engaged with the fitting groove and extends forward between the positioning plate and the corrugated surface. The spring abuts against the interference member and the positioning plate.

5. The roller device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The interference element has an inwardly protruding convex portion at its front end, the shape of which is similar to the corrugated shape of the corrugated surface.

6. The roller device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The inner side of the positioning plate is provided with a recessed groove, and the bottom surface of the groove protrudes to form a positioning block. The spring is sleeved on the outside of the positioning block and abuts against the interference member, so that the interference member swings in and out within a limited range.

7. The roller device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The press-type elastic self-locking mechanism includes a positioning frame and a button connected to the self-locking switch. The button covers the self-locking switch, and the wedge-shaped member protrudes from the bottom left side of the button.

8. A mouse including a scroll wheel, characterized in that: include: A bottom shell with a hinge seat; a top shell connected to the bottom shell; a circuit board disposed on the bottom shell, the circuit board having a switch; a roller bracket pivotally connected to the hinge seat; a roller pivotally connected to the roller bracket and having a hub with a corrugated surface, the roller being aligned with the switch; a pivot arm disposed on the roller bracket, the pivot arm having a protrusion that abuts against the corrugated surface when the roller rotates; a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism connected to the top shell, and having a self-locking switch to maintain the switched position after pressing; a spring abutting between the roller bracket and the pivot arm to push the pivot arm toward the switch. The corrugated surface rotates; and a wedge-shaped member is disposed on the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism and extends downward to move with the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism between an abutting position and a disengaged position after the press-type resilient self-locking mechanism is pressed, wherein the wedge-shaped member is positioned aligned with the top end of the pivot arm, and the outer side of the bottom end of the wedge-shaped member is cut off to form a bevel, so that when the wedge-shaped member is in the abutting position it abuts against the top end of the pivot arm and pushes the pivot arm away from the corrugated surface, and when the wedge-shaped member is in the disengaged position it disengages from the top end of the pivot arm, and the spring presses against the pivot arm to abut the protrusion against the corrugated surface.

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