U.S. patent application number 15/654264 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for mouse roller module.
The applicant listed for this patent is Primax Electronics Ltd.. Invention is credited to YA-JUN LI, CHUN-CHENG LU.
Application Number | 20180275776 15/654264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62951410 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180275776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LI; YA-JUN ; et al. |
September 27, 2018 |
MOUSE ROLLER MODULE
Abstract
A mouse roller module includes a roller, a swinging arm, a
movable block and an adjusting device. The roller includes a recess
with a toothed surface. The swinging arm includes a contacting
part, a linking part and an adjusting part. The contacting part is
connected with a first elastic element. In response to an elastic
force of the first elastic element, the contacting part provides a
pressing force to the toothed surface. When the adjusting part is
pushed by the movable block, the swinging arm performs a swinging
motion. The movable block is pushed by the piston. While the
position of the piston is adjusted by the adjusting device, the
movable block is moved and the swinging arm performs the swinging
motion. The pressing force of the contacting part provided to the
toothed surface is adjusted in response to the swinging motion.
Inventors: |
LI; YA-JUN; (Taipei, TW)
; LU; CHUN-CHENG; (Taipei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Primax Electronics Ltd. |
Taipei |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
62951410 |
Appl. No.: |
15/654264 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/03543 20130101;
G06F 3/0362 20130101; G06F 3/03541 20130101; G06F 2203/0333
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0354 20060101
G06F003/0354; G06F 3/0362 20060101 G06F003/0362 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2017 |
CN |
201710173604.X |
Claims
1. A mouse roller module, comprising: a roller comprising a recess,
wherein the recess has a toothed surface; a swinging arm comprising
a contacting part, a linking part and an adjusting part, wherein
the contacting part is connected with a first elastic element, and
the first elastic element provides an elastic force to the
contacting part, so that the contacting part provides a pressing
force to the toothed surface; a movable block, wherein when the
adjusting part is pushed by the movable block, the swinging arm
performs a swinging motion by using the linking part as a fulcrum;
and an adjusting device for adjusting a position of a piston,
wherein the movable block is pushed by the piston, wherein while
the position of the piston is adjusted by the adjusting device, the
movable block is moved and the swinging arm performs the swinging
motion, wherein the pressing force of the contacting part provided
to the toothed surface is adjusted in response to the swinging
motion.
2. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the
toothed surface is formed on an inner periphery of the recess, or
the toothed surface is formed on an external periphery of a fixing
shaft within the recess.
3. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the first
elastic element is a torsion spring.
4. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the
movable block is connected with a second elastic element, and the
second elastic element provides an elastic force to the movable
block, wherein the movable block is moved in a direction of the
elastic force of the second elastic element.
5. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the
movable block comprises a first slant surface to push the
piston.
6. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the piston
comprises a second slant surface to push the movable block.
7. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the
movable block comprises a first slant surface, and the piston
comprises a second slant surface corresponding to the first slant
surface.
8. The mouse roller module according to claim 1, wherein the
adjusting device comprises an adjusting gear and a nut.
9. The mouse roller module according to claim 8, wherein the
adjusting gear comprises a screw with an external thread structure,
and the nut comprises a channel with an inner thread structure
corresponding to the external thread structure.
10. The mouse roller module according to claim 8, wherein the nut
comprises an outer toothed structure, and the outer toothed
structure is engaged with the piston, so that the nut is linked
with the piston.
11. The mouse roller module according to claim 10, wherein the
piston comprises a toothed hole, and the toothed hole is engaged
with the outer toothed structure of the nut.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a roller module, and more
particularly to a roller module for an input device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A mouse is used to control a cursor on a computer screen in
order to operate the computer. Since 1968, the United States has
produced the world's first mouse. After then, the mouse is applied
to paper processing operations, video games, industrial drawings,
drawing design or media production. Consequently, the mouse has
become an indispensable part of the computer system. In the early
stage, the mouse uses a trackball to detect the displacement of the
mouse. With increasing development of science and technology, an
optical module or a laser module is used to detect the displacement
of the mouse in order to enhance the working efficiency. Moreover,
for increasing the functionality and convenience of the mouse, the
earliest wired single-button mouse is gradually evolved into the
modern wireless multi-button roller mouse. For complying with
different industrial needs or personal preferences, various
electronic manufacturers have begun to create a variety of mouse
devices with different shapes in order to meet the operation
requirements of different users. Consequently, people pay much
attention to the comfort and sensitivity of pressing or operating
the left button, the right button and the middle button.
[0003] In addition to the left button and the right button, a
roller of the mouse is another kind of button that is frequently
used by the user of the computer. For example, by rotating the
roller, the function of browsing web pages or moving the cursor is
achieved. Alternatively, by pressing the roller, a middle button
signal is generated or the function of switching different
operation mode is achieved. For increasing the convenience and
comfort of operating the roller, a roller module of an input device
is disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. I448928. In the roller module,
a recess or a hollow slot of the roller is equipped with one or two
different toothed surfaces. When a swinging arm is contacted with
one of the toothed surfaces, the rotation of the roller generates
different tactile feels. Moreover, a hyper-fast roller structure of
a mouse is disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. M498914. A tooth part
and a stopping rod are installed in the roller module. In case that
the stopping rod is pushed by a torsion spring, the stopping rod is
in close contact with the tooth part. When a button linked with the
stopping rod is operated by the user, the roller is switched
between a hyper-fast scrolling mode and an ordinary scrolling mode.
However, the conventional technologies still have some drawbacks.
For example, only some default scrolling modes are provided for the
user to switch the operation mode of the roller. Moreover, the
consumers cannot adjust the default scrolling modes according to
their requirements or the preferences. Consequently, the consumer
has to spend more time in searching the suitable mouse. If the
mouse is not suitable, the working efficiency is deteriorated.
[0004] For allowing the mouse roller button to comply with
different users, there is a need of providing a mechanism for
finely tuning the mouse roller.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a mouse roller module. A
pressing force on a roller of the mouse is adjustable according to
the preference or working requirement of the user. Consequently,
the user can adjust the roller to achieve the required tactile feel
or operation mode. That is, the operation mode of the roller is
diversified.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a mouse roller module. The mouse roller module includes
a roller, a swinging arm, a movable block and an adjusting device.
The roller includes a recess. The recess has a toothed surface. The
swinging arm includes a contacting part, a linking part and an
adjusting part. The contacting part is connected with a first
elastic element. The first elastic element provides an elastic
force to the contacting part. Consequently, the contacting part
provides a pressing force to the toothed surface. When the
adjusting part is pushed by the movable block, the swinging arm
performs a swinging motion by using the linking part as a fulcrum.
The adjusting device is used for adjusting a position of a piston.
The movable block is pushed by the piston. While the position of
the piston is adjusted by the adjusting device, the movable block
is moved and the swinging arm performs the swinging motion. The
pressing force of the contacting part provided to the toothed
surface is adjusted in response to the swinging motion.
[0007] In an embodiment, the toothed surface is formed on an inner
periphery of the recess, or the toothed surface is formed on an
external periphery of a fixing shaft within the recess.
[0008] In an embodiment, the first elastic element is a torsion
spring.
[0009] In an embodiment, the movable block is connected with a
second elastic element, and the second elastic element provides an
elastic force to the movable block, wherein the movable block is
moved in a direction of the elastic force of the second elastic
element.
[0010] In an embodiment, the movable block includes a first slant
surface to push the piston.
[0011] In an embodiment, the piston includes a second slant surface
to push the movable block.
[0012] In an embodiment, the movable block includes a first slant
surface, and the piston includes a second slant surface
corresponding to the first slant surface.
[0013] In an embodiment, the adjusting device includes an adjusting
gear and a nut.
[0014] In an embodiment, the adjusting gear includes a screw with
an external thread structure, and the nut includes a channel with
an inner thread structure corresponding to the external thread
structure.
[0015] In an embodiment, the nut includes an outer toothed
structure, and the outer toothed structure is engaged with the
piston, so that the nut is linked with the piston.
[0016] In an embodiment, the piston includes a toothed hole, and
the toothed hole is engaged with the outer toothed structure of the
nut.
[0017] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in
the art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a mouse
roller module according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
relationship between the adjusting device and associated components
of the mouse roller module according to the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic top views illustrating the
relationship between the adjusting device and associated components
of the mouse roller module according to the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side views illustrating
the actions of the swinging arm of the mouse roller module
according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic side views illustrating
the actions of the swinging arm of the mouse roller module
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The present invention will now be described more
specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to
be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments
of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration
and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be
limited to the precise form disclosed.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a mouse
roller module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the mouse roller module comprises a roller 10,
a swinging arm 11, a bracket 18, a movable block 12, an adjusting
device 14, a piston sheath assembly 15, a sensing element 16 and a
bottom cover 20. The roller 10 comprises a recess 101 and a fixing
shaft 102. An inner periphery of the recess 101 has a toothed
surface 1011. The bracket 18 comprises a pivotal shaft 181, a
fixing rod 182, a supporting structure 183, a pivotal hole 184 and
a push post 185. The pivotal shaft 181 is pivotally coupled to a
bracket positioning hole 201 of the bottom cover 20. Consequently,
the bracket 18 is movable upwardly or downwardly by using the
pivotal shaft 181 as a fulcrum. When the bracket 18 is moved
downwardly, the push post 185 is moved downwardly to push the
underlying middle button switch 19. Consequently, a middle button
signal is outputted to an electronic device or a computing device
(not shown) that is in communication with the mouse. For example,
the electronic device or the computing device is a notebook
computer or a personal computer. The pivotal hole 184 is connected
with the fixing shaft 102 of the roller 10. Consequently, the
roller 10 can be freely rotated with respect to the bracket 18.
While the roller 10 is rotated, a rotating distance and a rotating
speed of the roller 10 are sensed by the sensing element 16.
Consequently, a roller signal is outputted to the electronic device
or the computing device that is in communication with the mouse.
For example, the electronic device or the computing device is a
notebook computer or a personal computer. An example of the sensing
element 16 is an infrared sensor.
[0025] Please refer to FIG. 1 again. The swinging arm 11 comprises
a contacting part 111, an adjusting part 112 and a linking part
113. The linking part 113 is pivotally coupled to the supporting
structure 183 of the bracket 18. Consequently, the swinging arm 11
performs a swinging motion by using the linking part 113 as a
fulcrum. The contacting part 111 is inserted into the recess 101 of
the roller 10. A first elastic element 17 is installed on the
fixing rod 182. In response to an elastic force from the first
elastic element 17, the contacting part 111 is engaged with the
toothed surface 1011 of the recess 101. An example of the first
elastic element 17 is a torsion spring. The adjusting part 112 is
contacted with a stopping part 121 of the movable block 12.
Consequently, the swinging arm 11 is linked with the movable block
12. An end of the movable block 12 is connected with a second
elastic element 13. An example of the second elastic element 13 is
a spring. In response to an elastic force of the second elastic
element 13, the movable block 12 is moved. The movable block 12
comprises a first slant surface 122. As the movable block 12 is
moved, the swinging arm 11 performs the swinging motion. In
response to the swinging action of the swinging arm 11, a pressing
force of the contacting part 111 on the toothed surface 1011 is
adjusted or the contacting part 111 is moved away from the toothed
surface 1011. Since the pressing force of the contacting part 111
on the toothed surface 1011 is adjustable, the user can sense
different tactile feels according to the difference of the pressing
force while the roller 10 is used. When the contacting part 111 is
moved away and not contacted with the toothed surface 1011, the
operation mode of the roller 10 is switched to the hyper-fast
scrolling mode. Under this circumstance, the roller 10 can be
rotated quickly. For example, the pages of the computer screen can
be quickly scrolled.
[0026] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating the relationship between the
adjusting device and associated components of the mouse roller
module according to the embodiment of the present invention. The
adjusting device 14 comprises an adjusting gear 141 and a nut 142.
The adjusting gear 141 comprises a screw 1411 and a gear
positioning element 1412. The gear positioning element 1412 is
pivotally coupled to a gear positioning hole 203 of the bottom
cover 20. A portion of a peripheral region of the adjusting gear
141 is exposed to an opening 204 of the bottom cover 20. The nut
142 comprises an outer toothed structure 1421 and a channel 1422.
The channel 1422 comprises an inner thread structure corresponding
to an external thread structure of the screw 1411. The piston
sheath assembly 15 comprises a sleeve 151 and a piston 152. The
piston 152 comprises a push block 1521, a guiding block 1522 and a
toothed hole 1523. The toothed hole 1523 is aligned with the outer
toothed structure 1421 of the nut 142. The push block 1521
comprises a second slant surface 15211 corresponding to the first
slant surface 122 of the movable block 12. As the movable block 12
is pushed by the push block 1521, the movable block 12 is moved in
the direction of the elastic force of the second elastic element
13. The sleeve 151 comprises a first positioning notch 1511, a
second positioning notch 1512, a chamber 1513 and a sleeve
positioning part 1514. The chamber 1513 is used for accommodating
the piston 152. Moreover, the piston 152 can be moved within the
chamber 1513 back and forth. The push block 1521 is linked with
piston 152. Moreover, the push block 1521 is movable within the
first positioning notch 1511. The guiding block 1522 is also linked
with piston 152. Moreover, the guiding block 1522 is movable within
the second positioning notch 1512. The sleeve positioning part 1514
is connected with a sleeve positioning hole 202 of the bottom cover
20. The outer toothed structure 1421 of the nut 142 of the
adjusting device 14 is engaged with the toothed hole 1523 of the
piston 152. Consequently, the nut 142 and the piston 152 are
combined and linked with each other. When the adjusting gear 141 is
rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction by
the user, the screw 1411 drives rotation of the nut 142.
Consequently, the piston 152 is moved within the chamber 1513 of
the sleeve 151 back and forth. In this embodiment, the user can
rotate the adjusting gear 141 through the opening 204 of the bottom
cover 20 or open a top cover (not shown) of the mouse to rotate the
adjusting gear 141. Moreover, the position of the adjusting gear
141 in the mouse is varied according to the shape of the adjusting
gear 141 or the linkage between the adjusting gear 141 and other
components. It is noted that the implementation examples are not
restricted.
[0027] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic top views illustrating the
relationship between the adjusting device and associated components
of the mouse roller module according to the embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the adjusting device 14
comprises the adjusting gear 141 and the nut 142. The adjusting
gear 141 is connected with the piston 152 through the screw 1411
and the nut 142 (see FIG. 1). The guiding block 1522 is located at
a first side of the piston 152. The push block 1521 is located at a
second side of the piston 152. The second slant surface 15211 of
the push block 1521 is contacted with the first slant surface 122
of the movable block 12. The second elastic element 13 is connected
with an end of the movable block 12 so as to provide an elastic
force to the movable block 12. Consequently, the movable block 12
is moved in the direction of the elastic force of the second
elastic element 13. The stopping part 121 of the movable block 12
is contacted with the adjusting part 112 of the swinging arm
11.
[0028] Please refer to FIG. 3B. As the adjusting gear 141 is
rotated in the clockwise direction by the user, the piston 152 is
pushed by the screw 1411 and moved upwardly. Meanwhile, the first
slant surface 122 of the movable block 12 is pushed by the second
slant surface 15211 of the push block 1521. Consequently, the
movable block 12 is moved in the right direction. As the movable
block 12 is moved in the right direction, the adjusting part 112 of
the swinging arm 11 is pushed by the stopping part 121 of the
movable block 12. Consequently, the adjusting part 112 of the
swinging arm 11 is moved in the right direction. Meanwhile, the
second elastic element 13 is compressed in response to the pushing
force.
[0029] Please refer to FIG. 3C. As the adjusting gear 141 is
rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the user, the piston
152 is driven by the screw 1411 and moved downwardly. Meanwhile,
the elastic force of the second elastic element 13 is released.
Consequently, the first slant surface 122 of the movable block 12
is moved along the second slant surface 15211 of the push block
1521 in the left direction. As the movable block 12 is moved in the
left direction, the adjusting part 112 of the swinging arm 11 is
moved in the left direction. Consequently, the movable distance of
the adjusting part 112 is limited by the stopping part 121 of the
movable block 12.
[0030] Moreover, the rotating direction of the adjusting gear 141
may be adjusted according to the external thread structure of the
screw 1411 or the inner thread structure of the channel 1422 of the
nut 142. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations
may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. In the
above embodiment, the movable block 12 comprises the first slant
surface 122, and the push block 1521 of the piston 152 comprises
the second slant surface 15211. In another embodiment, any of the
movable block 12 and piston 152 is equipped with the slant surface
to be pushed.
[0031] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side views illustrating
the actions of the swinging arm of the mouse roller module
according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer
to FIG. 4A. The adjusting gear 141 is used for adjusting the
position of the push block 1521. Consequently, the second slant
surface 15211 of the push block 1521 is contacted with the first
slant surface 122 of the movable block 12. Moreover, the second
elastic element 13 is connected with the movable block 12 so as to
provide the elastic force to the movable block 12. Consequently,
the movable block 12 is moved in the direction of the elastic force
of the second elastic element 13. The stopping part 121 of the
movable block 12 is contacted with the adjusting part 112 of the
swinging arm 11. Moreover, the contacting part 111 is located at an
opposite end of the adjusting part 112 and disposed within the
recess 101 of the roller 10. In response to the elastic force from
the first elastic element 17, the contacting part 111 is engaged
with the toothed surface 1011 of the recess 101. Moreover, the
swinging arm 11 may perform a swinging motion by using the linking
part 113 as a fulcrum.
[0032] Please refer to FIG. 4B. As the adjusting gear 141 is
rotated in the clockwise direction by the user, the movable block
12 is pushed by the push block 1521. Consequently, the movable
block 12 is moved in the right direction (see also FIG. 3B). As the
adjusting part 112 of the swinging arm 11 is pushed by the stopping
part 121 of the movable block 12, the swinging arm 11 performs the
swinging motion by using the linking part 113 as the fulcrum.
Consequently, the contacting part 111 of the swinging arm 11 is
moved away from the toothed surface 1011 of the roller 10, or the
pressing force of the contacting part 111 on the toothed surface
1011 is decreased. In case that the pressing force of the
contacting part 111 is decreased, the tactile feel of operating the
roller 10 is decreased when the roller 10 is used by the user. In
case that the contacting part 111 is moved away from the toothed
surface 1011 and separated from the toothed surface 1011, the
operation mode of the roller 10 is switched to the hyper-fast
scrolling mode. Under this circumstance, the roller 10 can be
rotated quickly. Moreover, the tactile feel of operating the roller
10 is not generated when the roller 10 is used by the user.
[0033] Please refer to FIG. 4C. As the adjusting gear 141 is
rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the user, the elastic
force of the second elastic element 13 is released to push the
movable block 12. Consequently, the first slant surface 122 of the
movable block 12 is moved along the second slant surface 15211 of
the push block 1521 in the left direction (see also FIG. 3C). As
the elastic force of the first elastic force 13 is released, the
swinging arm 11 performs the swinging motion by using the linking
part 113 as the fulcrum. Moreover, the adjusting part 112 of the
swinging arm 11 is stopped by the stopping part 121 of the movable
block 12. Since the elastic force of the first elastic force 13 is
released, the pressing force of the contacting part 111 on the
toothed surface 1011 is increased. In case that the pressing force
of the contacting part 111 is increased, the tactile feel of
operating the roller 10 is increased when the roller 10 is used by
the user.
[0034] From the above descriptions, the pressing force of the
contacting part 111 on the toothed surface 1011 of the swinging arm
11 can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting gear 141 according to
the preference or working requirement of the user. Consequently,
the user can adjust the roller 10 to achieve the required tactile
feel or operation mode.
[0035] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic side views illustrating
the actions of the swinging arm of the mouse roller module
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the mouse roller module
also comprises the adjusting gear 141, the push block 1521, the
second slant surface 15211, the movable block 12, the first slant
surface 122, the second elastic element 13, the stopping part 121,
the swinging arm 11, the adjusting part 112, the contacting part
111, the roller 10, the recess 101, the first elastic element 17,
the linking part 113, the roller 10 and the fixing shaft 102. The
functions of these components are similar to those of FIGS. 4A, 4B
and 4C, and are not redundantly described herein. In comparison
with the above embodiment, the toothed surface 1011' of this
embodiment is formed on an outer periphery of the fixing shaft 102.
In response to the elastic force of the first elastic element 17,
the contacting part 111 is engaged with the toothed surface 1011'.
Please refer to FIG. 5B. In response to the swinging motion, the
contacting part 111 of the swinging arm 11 is moved away from the
toothed surface 1011' of the roller 10, or the pressing force of
the contacting part 111 on the toothed surface 1011' is decreased.
Please refer to FIG. 5C. In response to the swinging motion, the
elastic force of the first elastic force 13 is released, and the
pressing force of the contacting part 111 on the toothed surface
1011' is increased.
[0036] As previously described, the conventional mouse roller can
only provide several fixed tactile feel modes. From the above
descriptions, the present invention provides a novel mouse roller
module. Since the pressing force of the swinging arm on the surface
of the roller is adjustable through the adjusting device and the
piston sheath assembly, the desired pressing force is obtained
according to the preference or working requirement of the user.
Consequently, the roller is operated in a suitable tactile feel
mode. Since the operation mode of the roller is diversified, the
technology of the present invention is industrially valuable.
[0037] While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *