Scroll wheel rotation detector

Abstract

To provide a scroll wheel rotation detection device which is not limited in the place of use and does not suffer from wear or damage while improving detection sensitivity. [Solution] A scroll wheel rotation detection device applied to detect the rotation state of a scroll wheel, comprising: a rotating unit 3, an output unit 4, and a receiving unit 5, wherein the rotating unit rotates synchronously with the scroll wheel, and comprises a rotating light shield 31, an annular light-transmitting body 32, and a first width defined on the annular light-transmitting body, the multiple first widths being different from each other, the output unit comprises a signal output module 41, and the receiving unit comprises a signal receiving module 51, the signal output module and the signal receiving module are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotating light shield, the rotating light shield blocks the light beam output from the signal output module, and the light beam output from the signal output module passes through the annular light-transmitting body to reach the signal receiving module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a scroll wheel rotation detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional mouse is provided with a scroll wheel device that allows a user to view computer files, web pages, etc. by scrolling the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel device is provided with a scroll wheel detector for detecting the scrolling direction and speed of the scroll wheel. Conventional scroll wheel detectors generally use mechanical encoders, optical encoders, and Hall encoders.

[0003] The mechanical encoder is provided with an electrode structure that mainly detects the rotation of the scroll wheel through electrode contact, but the electrode contact is prone to resistance and wear, making it relatively difficult to use, and the electrode becomes unusable when worn out. In addition, the electrode structure cannot be reduced in size, making it difficult to improve the detection sensitivity.

[0004] Conventional optical encoders mainly use a lattice structure to detect the scroll direction and speed of a scroll wheel. In order to improve the detection sensitivity, the lattice must be reduced. However, when light passes through a lattice that is too small, the light is scattered, which limits the lattice structure and makes it difficult to improve the detection sensitivity.

[0005] The Hall encoder mainly detects magnetic force; the scroll wheel rotates a magnet and the Hall encoder detects the change in the magnet. However, the magnetic force of the magnet is easily affected by external magnetic fields, and it cannot be used in environments with high magnetic fields.

[0006] From the above description, it can be seen that the conventional scroll wheel detector has the following drawbacks:

[0007] 1. Detection sensitivity cannot be improved.

[0008] Conventional optical encoders mainly use a lattice structure to detect the scroll direction and speed of a scroll wheel, but the lattice structure affects the irradiation of light and limits the structure of the lattice, which also limits the detection sensitivity of the conventional optical encoder.

[0009] 2. The places where it can be used are limited.

[0010] Conventional Hall encoders mainly detect changes in the magnetism of a magnet to detect the scrolling direction and speed of a scroll wheel. However, because the magnetism of magnets is easily affected by external magnetic forces, conventional Hall encoders cannot be used in some places with strong magnetic fields.

[0011] 3. Easily damaged.

[0012] Conventional mechanical encoders mainly use electrode contact to detect the scroll direction and speed of a scroll wheel, but electrode contact can cause wear, and when the electrode wear reaches a certain level, poor contact or even failure can occur.

[0013] Therefore, how to design a scroll wheel detector that can be used anywhere and has improved detection sensitivity while preventing wear and tear is an urgent goal for related engineers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] In view of the above, an objective of the present invention is to provide a scroll wheel rotation detection device adapted to detect the rotation state of a scroll wheel, which includes a rotation unit, an output unit and a receiving unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The rotating unit rotates in synchronization with the scroll wheel and includes a rotating light blocking body connected to the scroll wheel, an annular light transmitting body provided on the rotating light blocking body, and a first width defined on the annular light transmitting body, and the multiple first widths are different from each other.

[0016] The output unit includes a signal output module disposed on a side of the rotating light blocking body.

[0017] The receiving unit includes a signal receiving module arranged on the side of the rotating light shield, the signal output module and the signal receiving module are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotating light shield, the rotating light shield blocks the light beam output from the signal output module, and the light beam output from the signal output module passes through the annular transparent body to reach the signal receiving module.

[0018] In still another technical aspect of the present invention, the annular light-transmitting body is made of an arc-shaped structure, both ends of the arc-shaped structure are an end and a wide end, respectively, and a first width on the arc-shaped structure is set to gradually become wider from the end to the wide end.

[0019] In still another technical feature of the present invention, the ends are spaced apart from each other on the sides of the wide end.

[0020] In still another technical means of the present invention, the end and the wide end of the above-mentioned arc-shaped structure are connected to each other.

[0021] Another technical means of the present invention is that the above-mentioned annular light-transmitting body is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped structures, both ends of each arc-shaped structure are an end end and a wide end, and the first width on the arc-shaped structures is set to gradually become wider from the end end to the wide end.

[0022] In still another technical means of the present invention, the ends of each of the above-mentioned arcuate structures are provided on the side of the wide end of the other arcuate structures so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0023] In still another technical means of the present invention, the end of each of the above-mentioned arcuate structures is connected to the wide end of another arcuate structure.

[0024] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the above-mentioned signal-receiving module has at least one light-receiving surface and a second width defined on the light-receiving surface, and the first width is smaller than the second width.

[0025] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the installation position of the signal output module corresponds to the rotation center of the rotation unit.

[0026] In still another aspect of the present invention, the installation position of the signal receiving module corresponds to the installation position of the rotating light blocking body. Effect of the Invention

[0027] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the annular light-transmitting bodies have different first widths, so that the rotating light-blocking bodies can block the optical signals output from the signal output modules with different areas, and the signal receiving module can detect the rotation state of the scroll wheel when it receives a luminous flux, and the annular light-transmitting bodies do not affect the scattering of the optical signals, which can improve the detection sensitivity of the scroll wheel rotation detection device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view illustrating a three-dimensional structure of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for illustrating a side configuration of the scroll wheel rotation detection device in the first preferred embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for explaining a side configuration of a rotation unit in the first preferred embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for explaining a side configuration of a receiving unit in the first preferred embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic side view illustrating a side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic side view illustrating the side configuration of a rotation unit of a scroll wheel rotation detection device according to the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The features and technical contents of the present invention and the related patent applications will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of the eight preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Prior to the detailed description, please note that similar components are given the same numbers.

[0030] 1, 2 and 3, a first preferred embodiment of a scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention is shown, which is applied to detect the rotation state of a scroll wheel (not shown), where the scroll wheel is provided on a mouse, but is not limited thereto, and the scroll wheel can be rotated on the mouse, and the scroll wheel rotation detection device detects the rotation direction and rotation speed of the scroll wheel.

[0031] The scroll wheel rotation detection device includes a rotation unit 3, an output unit 4, and a receiving unit 5. The rotation unit 3 rotates synchronously with the scroll wheel, and includes a rotating light blocking body 31 connected to the scroll wheel, an annular light transmitting body 32 provided on the rotating light blocking body 31, and a first width 33 defined on the annular light transmitting body 32, and the first widths 33 are different from each other. The output unit 4 includes a signal output module 41 provided on a side of the rotating light blocking body 31. The receiving unit 5 includes a signal receiving module 51 provided on a side of the rotating light blocking body 31.

[0032] The signal output module 41 and the signal receiving module 51 are respectively located on both sides of the rotating light blocking body 31. The rotating light blocking body 31 blocks the light output from the signal output module 41, and the light output from the signal output module 41 passes through the annular light transmitting body 32 to reach the signal receiving module 51. Preferably, the signal output module 41 is an infrared emitter and can output an infrared light signal 21, and the signal receiving module 51 is an infrared receiver, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] 1 and 2 again, the installation position of the signal output module 41 corresponds to, but is not limited to, the installation position of the signal output module 41 can cover the annular light transmitting body 32 and the signal receiving module 51, the optical signal 21 output from the signal output module 41 can be irradiated to the annular light transmitting body 32 through a lens, the rotating light blocking body 31 and the annular light transmitting body 32 are closely joined, and the optical signal 21 illuminates the annular light transmitting body 32 in parallel. The installation position of the signal receiving module 51 corresponds to the installation position of the rotating light blocking body 31, so that it receives the optical signal 21 that has passed through the annular light transmitting body 32, and the annular light transmitting body 32 is annularly installed on the rotating light blocking body 31 based on the rotation center of the rotating light blocking body 31. Therefore, when the rotating light blocking body 31 rotates, the annular light transmitting body 32 always faces the signal receiving module 51, and in the preferred embodiment, the signal receiving module 51 has two sensing elements, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] Preferably, the distance between the signal output module 41 and the signal receiving module 51 is 7.15 mm, the distance between the two sensing elements of the signal receiving module 51 is 8 mm, the thickness of the rotating light shield 31 is 2 mm, the irradiation range of the optical signal 21 output from the signal output module 41 is 12 mm, the height of the signal output module 41 is 1.6 mm, the height of the circuit board on which the signal output module 41 is provided is 0.8 mm, the height of the signal receiving module 51 is 2 mm, the height of the circuit board on which the signal receiving module 51 is provided is 0.8 mm, and the distance between the circuit board on which the signal receiving module 51 is provided and the rotating light shield 31 is 2.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 3, the annular light-transmitting body 32 is composed of an arc-shaped structure 321, and both ends of the arc-shaped structure 321 have an end 322 and a wide end 323, respectively, and the first width 33 on the arc-shaped structure 321 is set to be gradually wider from the end 322 to the wide end 323. The structure of the rotating light-blocking body 31 is a disk, but is not limited thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the end 322 and the wide end 323 of the arc-shaped structure 321 are connected to each other, and since the end 322 and the wide end 323 are connected, the arc-shaped structure 321 forms a circle based on the rotating centrifuge. That is, the center line 324 of the structure of the annular light-transmitting body 32 is a circle formed by the rotating centrifuge, and the positions of the plurality of first widths 33 are located at the rotation radius of the rotating unit 3. In FIG. 3, four first widths 33 are shown on the annular light-transmitting body 32, but in reality, the first widths 33 may be shown at any positions on the annular light-transmitting body 32.

[0036] It should be noted that, since the end 322 and the wide end 323 are connected, the signal receiving module 51 can continuously receive the optical signal 21 from the signal output module 41 to obtain the continuous rotation state of the scroll wheel. In addition, if the first width 33 of the annular light transmitting body 32 is too narrow, the signal receiving module 51 has difficulty receiving the optical signal 21 transmitted through the annular light transmitting body 32. In addition, in terms of manufacturing technology, it is difficult to make a very narrow light transmitting structure. The present invention connects the end 322 and the wide end 323, and can continuously detect the continuous rotation without the need to make the end 322 very narrow, improving signal reception and making the manufacturing easier.

[0037] The signal receiving module 51 has at least one light receiving surface 52, a second width 53 defined on the light receiving surface 52, and the first width 33 is smaller than the second width 53. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the light receiving surface 52 is a light transmitting part provided on the signal receiving module 51, and the light transmitting part is provided in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and the second width 53 is the width of the light receiving surface 52. If the first width 33 of the annular light transmitting body 32 is too wide, it is difficult for the signal receiving module 51 to receive the change in the optical signal 21 passing through the annular light transmitting body 32, so the first width 33 is made smaller than the second width 53 to ensure that the signal receiving module 51 can obtain the change in the optical signal 21 passing through the annular light transmitting body 32.

[0038] 5, 6 and 7, which are second, third and fourth preferred embodiments of the scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention, and the difference from the first preferred embodiment is that the annular light-transmitting portion 32 is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped structures 321, in FIG. 5, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is two, in FIG. 6, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is three, and in FIG. 7, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is four, both ends of each arc-shaped structure 321 are end portions 322 and wide ends 323, the end portions 322 of each arc-shaped structure 321 and the wide ends 323 of other arc-shaped structures 321 are connected to each other, and the first width 33 on the arc-shaped structures 321 is set to gradually become wider from the end portions 322 to the wide ends 323.

[0039] 8, the fifth preferred embodiment of the scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention is substantially the same as the first preferred embodiment, so the detailed description of the same points will be omitted. The difference is that the end 322 is spaced apart from the side of the wide end 323.

[0040] 9, 10 and 11, which are preferred sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments of the scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention, the difference from the above-mentioned preferred fifth embodiment is that the annular light-transmitting body 32 is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped structures 321, in FIG. 9, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is two, in FIG. 10, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is three, and in FIG. 11, the number of the plurality of arc-shaped structures 321 is four, and the end 322 of each arc-shaped structure 321 is spaced apart from each other on the side of the wide end 323 of the other arc-shaped structures 321.

[0041] It should be noted that when a single arc-shaped structure 321 is used, the entire length of the annular light-transmitting body 32 is long, so the change in the first width 33 is not clear, and the detection sensitivity cannot be improved. The more the number of the arc-shaped structures 321 is, the shorter the length of each arc-shaped structure 321 is, and for shorter arc-shaped structures 321, the change in the first width 33 from the end 322 to the wide end 323 is relatively clear, which is helpful for the signal receiving module 51 to detect the optical signal 21, and the noise of the detection signal can be reduced, and the detection sensitivity can be improved.

[0042] From the above description, it can be seen that the scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention has the following advantages.

[0043] 1. Detection sensitivity can be improved.

[0044] The circular arc-shaped structure 321 of the annular light-transmitting body 32 has a structure in which the plurality of first widths 33 gradually become wider from the end 322 toward the wide end 323, and the end 322 and the wide end 323 are connected to each other, so that the phenomenon of rotation detection being interrupted does not occur. In addition, the present invention can use the plurality of circular arc-shaped structures 321 to further strengthen the change in the first width 33 between the end 322 and the wide end 323, thereby improving the detection sensitivity.

[0045] 2. There are no restrictions on where it can be used.

[0046] The optical signal 21 output from the signal output module 41 is not affected by external magnetic forces, and even if the usage environment is filled with strong magnetic forces, there is no effect on the transmission of the optical signal 21. Moreover, the signal receiving module 51 is not easily affected by optical signals 21 of other wavelengths than the optical signal 21 output from the signal output module 41.

[0047] 3. Prevent shortening of service life.

[0048] The scroll wheel rotation detection device of the present invention mainly receives an optical signal 21 to detect the rotation of the scroll wheel, and does not need to install a contact electrode inside the device. When the rotation unit 3 of the scroll wheel rotation detection device rotates synchronously with the scroll wheel, no electrode contact friction occurs, which prevents the shortening of the service life.

[0049] As described above, the circular arc structure 321 of the annular light-transmitting body 32 gradually widens from the end 322 to the wide end 323, thus improving the shortcomings of the initial lattice-type optical detection. In addition, by using a plurality of circular arc structures 321, the length of each circular arc structure 321 can be reduced, so that the change in the first width 33 can be increased to reduce the noise of the detection signal and improve the detection sensitivity, thereby certainly achieving the object of the present invention.

[0050] The above content is only eight preferred embodiments of the present invention, which do not limit the scope of the present invention. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention are within the patent scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 21 Optical Signal 3 Rotating Unit 31 Rotating light shield 32 Annular transparent body 321 Arc-shaped structure 322 End 323 Wide End 324 Center line 33 1st width 4 Output Unit 41 Signal Output Module 5 Receiving unit 51 Signal Receiving Module 52 Photosensitive surface 53 2nd width

Claims

1. A scroll wheel rotation detection device that is applied to detect the rotation state of a scroll wheel, a rotating unit that rotates in synchronization with the scroll wheel and includes a rotating light blocking body connected to the scroll wheel, an annular light transmitting body provided on the rotating light blocking body, and a first width defined on the annular light transmitting body, the first widths being different from each other; an output unit including a signal output module provided on a side of the rotating light blocking body; a signal receiving module arranged on a side of the rotating light shield, the signal output module and the signal receiving module are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotating light shield, the rotating light shield blocks the light beam output from the signal output module, and the light beam output from the signal output module passes through the annular transparent body to reach the signal receiving module; and a receiving unit.

2. 2. The scroll wheel rotation detection device of claim 1, wherein the annular transparent body is an arc-shaped structure, both ends of the arc-shaped structure are an end and a wide end, and a first width on the arc-shaped structure is set to gradually become wider from the end toward the wide end.

3. The scroll wheel rotation detection device according to claim 2 , wherein the ends are spaced apart from each other on the sides of the wide end.

4. The scroll wheel rotation detection device of claim 2 , wherein the end and the wide end of the arc-shaped structure are connected to each other.

5. 2. The scroll wheel rotation detection device of claim 1, wherein the annular light-transmitting body is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped structures, each of which has an end portion and a wide end portion, and a first width on the arc-shaped structures is set to gradually become wider from the end portion toward the wide end.

6. 6. The scroll wheel rotation detection device according to claim 5, wherein the ends of each arcuate structure are spaced apart from each other on the side of the wider end of the other arcuate structure.

7. 6. The scroll wheel rotation detection device according to claim 5, wherein the end of each arcuate structure and the wide end of each other arcuate structure are connected to each other.

8. The scroll wheel rotation detection device of claim 1 , wherein the signal receiving module has at least one light receiving surface and a second width defined on the light receiving surface, the first width being smaller than the second width.

9. The scroll wheel rotation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal output module is disposed at a position corresponding to a rotation center of the rotation unit.

10. The scroll wheel rotation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal receiving module is disposed at a position corresponding to the rotating light blocking body.

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