Patent ID: 12260031

Several of the figures are included as schematics. It is to be understood that the figures are for illustrative purposes, and are not to be considered of scale unless specifically stated to be of scale. Additionally, as schematics, the figures are provided to aid comprehension and may not include all aspects or information compared to realistic representations, and may include exaggerated material for illustrative purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to hubless scroll wheels for peripheral devices that may be used with personal computers, tablets, smart phones, e-readers, and/or other computing devices. Peripheral devices that include such scroll wheels may include, without limitation, keyboards, computer mice, web cameras, and/or other devices that may be used to provide inputs for one or more computing devices. The hubless scroll wheels described herein may include components that provide a ratchet feel to provide haptic feedback to a user, as well as to enable the scroll wheel to be held in a given angular position when no rotational force is applied by a user. In some embodiments, the ratchet feel (or other mechanical feel) may be provided by contactless ratchet mechanisms, which may use magnetic forces to simulate mechanical ratchet mechanisms. The hubless scroll wheels described herein may include one or more sensors that may detect the direction, magnitude, and/or speed of rotation of the scroll wheels, which may enable the scroll wheels to be used as input devices for peripheral devices. For example, the hubless scroll wheels described herein may enable a user to scroll up or down on a display of a connected computing device.

Hubless scroll wheels may reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical actuators and/or other mechanical interactions that may result in mechanical wear of the peripheral device. Additionally, hubless scroll wheels may provide room to accommodate additional components within some of the space typically occupied by a hub. For example, lights may be inserted within the open interior of the hubless scroll wheel to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the peripheral device.

While referred to as a scroll wheel, it will be appreciated that the scroll wheels of the present invention may be used to provide other inputs in which a direction and degree of rotation may provide an input to a computer device. For example, the scroll wheels described herein may be used as dials to control various functions, such as volume, brightness, zoom, color adjustments (such as for a red, green, blue (RGB) peripheral device), and/or other adjustable properties.

Turning now toFIG.1, an embodiment of a peripheral device100having a hubless scroll wheel102is illustrated. As illustrated, peripheral device100is a computer mouse, however hubless scroll wheel102may be incorporated into other types of peripheral devices such as, but not limited to, keyboards, web cameras, and the like. The peripheral device100may include a housing104, which may form an exterior of the peripheral device100. Hubless scroll wheel102may define an open interior106. Hubless scroll wheel102may be coupled with the housing104such that at least a portion of the open interior106extends beyond an outer surface of the housing104. This may enable a user to see through the open interior106of the hubless scroll wheel102when viewing the peripheral device100from a side of the peripheral device100. In some embodiments, the housing104may be designed to expose a greater amount of the open interior106. For example, the housing104may include cutouts, dimples, and/or other tapered regions proximate the hubless scroll wheel102that may enable a greater portion of the open interior106to be visible from an outside of the housing104.

FIGS.2and2Aillustrate one embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel200. Hubless scroll wheel200may be used in a peripheral device, such as hubless scroll wheel102in peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel200may include a wheel202that defines an open interior204. For example, the wheel202may be annular and may include an outer surface206and an inner surface208, with the inner surface208defining a periphery of the open interior204. In some embodiments, a diameter of the inner surface208may be at least 50% of a diameter of the outer surface206, at least 60% of the diameter of the outer surface206, at least 70% of the diameter of the outer surface206, at least 80% of the diameter of the outer surface206, at least 90% of the diameter of the outer surface206, or more, with larger percentages resulting in a thinner wheel202having a larger open interior204. Outer surface206may include a texture, such as radially aligned ridges, knurling, and/or other texture in some embodiments. In some embodiments, wheel202may be formed from multiple layers of material. For example, the wheel202may have at least one rigid structural layer, which may be formed from plastic, metal, ceramic, and/or other rigid material. Outer surface206, for example, may be formed from an elastomeric material, which provides a softer and/or grippier surface for the user to manipulate the hubless scroll wheel200. Additional layers may be provided in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface208is generally smooth, however in other embodiments, the inner surface208may include one or more teeth, protrusions, and/or other roughened textures.

Hubless scroll wheel200may include a number of indexing features210, as best shown inFIG.2A. Indexing features210may be used to provide haptic feedback to the user as the wheel202is rotated. For example, as will be discussed in greater detail below, interactions between the indexing features210and additional components of the hubless scroll wheel200may generate forces that may mimic the clicking or ratcheting of a conventional scroll wheel. Indexing features210may also be used by the hubless scroll wheel200and/or an associated peripheral device to track a direction, speed, and/or magnitude of rotation of the hubless scroll wheel200, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel200to be used to provide inputs to a connected computing device. Each indexing feature210may be positioned at a different angular position about the wheel202. The indexing features210may be disposed at regular or irregular intervals about the wheel202. To provide uniform haptic feedback, the indexing features210are provided at regular angular intervals in the illustrated embodiment. Any number of indexing features210may be utilized, with greater numbers of indexing features210providing greater number of ratchet locations. For example, the wheel202may include at least 10 indexing features, at least 12 indexing features, at least 14 indexing features, at least 16 indexing features, at least 18 indexing features, at least 20 indexing features, at least 22 indexing features, at least 24 indexing features, at least 26 indexing features, at least 28 indexing features, at least 30 indexing features, or more.

In the present embodiment, each indexing feature210is a contactless indexing feature. As used herein, the term “contactless” may refer to the force interaction that generates haptic feedback during rotation of the hubless scroll wheel20. Thus, in some instances contactless features of the hubless scroll wheels described herein may slide against or otherwise contact other components of the hubless scroll wheel, but the ratcheting feel or other haptic feedback is generated as a result of non-contact forces, such as magnetic forces. The indexing features210may form a portion of the inner surface208, outer surface206, and/or embedded within wheel202between the inner surface208and outer surface206. In the illustrated embodiment, each indexing feature210may be or include a magnet212. Each magnet212may have the same size in some embodiments, however variations are possible. The magnets212may be positioned about the annulus of wheel202with adjacent magnets212being separated from one another via a gap214. As illustrated, the magnets212are wider than the gaps214, although the gaps may be as wide or wider than magnets212in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, poles of each magnet212are oriented in a same radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel. For example, the north pole of each magnet212may face the axis of rotation of the wheel202while the south pole of each magnet212may face away from the axis of rotation of the wheel202. In other embodiments, the north pole of each magnet212may face away from the axis of rotation of the wheel202while the south pole of each magnet212may face the axis of rotation of the wheel202. Other arrangements of the poles of the magnets212may be possible in various embodiments. For example, poles of circumferentially adjacent magnets212may alternate in orientation (e.g., every other magnet212has a north pole facing the axis of rotation or facing away from the axis of rotation) such that poles of circumferentially adjacent magnets212are oriented in opposite radial directions relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel202.

Hubless scroll wheel200may include one or more ratchet members216. The ratchet members216may be disposed proximate the wheel202, such as within the wheel202and/or outside of the wheel202(e.g., radially beyond an outer surface of the wheel202and/or alongside a lateral side of the wheel202). For example, in the illustrated embodiment the ratchet members216are disposed within the open interior204of the wheel202and may be positioned to interact with the indexing features210to provide haptic feedback as the wheel202is rotated and/or to hold the wheel202at a given rotational position when no rotational force is applied by a user. In some embodiments, the ratchet members216may be contactless. For example, the interactions between the ratchet members216and the indexing features210that produce the haptic feedback may be the result of non-contact forces (such as magnetic forces) rather than physical or mechanical forces, although there may be contact (such as sliding contact) between the ratchet members216and the indexing features210. In the present embodiment, the ratchet members216include ferromagnet elements, such as ferromagnetic pins218that are positioned at different angular locations about the inner surface208of wheel202. The pins218may be positioned at regular or irregular intervals about the wheel202. Hubless scroll wheel200may include two or more pins, three or more pins, four or more pins, five or more pins, or six or more pins. In some embodiments, the pins218may be arranged about the open interior204such that at any given angular position of the wheel202, either all pins218are radially aligned with a magnet212or no pins218are aligned with a magnet212. Such a design may enhance the ratchet feel and ability to hold the wheel202in a given rotational position as will be discussed in greater detail below. The pins218may be formed from a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to the magnets212. The pins218may contact inner surface208to help support wheel202in a given position relative to the housing of a peripheral device, while still permitting rotation of the wheel202. For example, two or more pins218may be positioned against the inner surface208to prevent the wheel from moving laterally relative to a rotational axis of the wheel202. In some embodiments, each pin218is rotatable about a pin axis, while in other embodiments each pin218is rotationally fixed.

As the wheel202is rotated relative to the ratchet members216, the pins218may be attracted to the magnets212as the magnets212pass in close proximity to the pins218. The presence of gaps214between adjacent magnets212may enable the hubless scroll wheel200to deliver haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel202is rotated, each pin218is alternatingly aligned with one of the magnets212followed by a respective gap214. As noted above, the pins218may be arranged such that either all pins218or no pins218are aligned with respective magnets212at a given rotational position of the wheel202, which may enable the attractive forces between magnets212and pins218to be synchronized such that a greatest attractive force occurs when each pin218is aligned with one of the magnets212and a lowest attractive force occurs when each pin218is aligned with one of the gaps214. When the attractive force is lowest, a user may feel little to no resistance to rotational motion of the wheel202, while a greater resistance will be felt when the attractive force is greatest. The alternating forces generated by the magnets212and gaps214may therefore provide a repeating ratchet feel as the wheel202is rotated relative to the ratchet members216.

The presence of gaps214may also enable the interaction between the magnets212and the pins218to hold the wheel202in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational force applied by a user. For example, when no user force is applied to the wheel202, magnetic force from a magnet212nearest to each pin218may rotate and/or hold the wheel202at a position in which the magnet212nearest to each pin218is radially aligned with the respective pin218. In the absence of additional user force, the magnetic force between the magnets212and pins218may hold the wheel202at such a rotational position.

The ratchet members216may be fixed in position relative to the wheel202, enabling the wheel202to rotate about the ratchet members216. For example, each ratchet member216may be coupled with one or more supports220. In some embodiments, each ratchet member216may have a dedicated support220, while in other embodiments (such as illustrated here) some or all of the ratchet members216share a single support220or set of supports220. For example, as illustrated, hubless scroll wheel200includes two supports220, with one support220on either side of the wheel202. Ends of each pin may be coupled with the supports220. As illustrated, the two supports220maintain three pins218are substantially regular angular intervals (e.g., the pins are between about 100 and 140 degrees from one another). The supports220may be spaced apart from lateral sides of the wheel202in some embodiments, while in other embodiments lateral sides of the wheel202may be in contact with one or both supports220. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the supports220that contact the wheel202may be formed from or include a low-friction and/or wear resistant material, such as (but not limited to) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the supports220may not only support pins218or other ratchet members216, but may also constrain lateral movement of the wheel202. Supports220may be positioned entirely outward of the open interior204, or a portion of one or more of the supports220may extend into the open interior204.

Each support220may be coupled with the housing of a peripheral device and/or a component disposed within the housing. When inner surface208of wheel202is positioned about the pins218, the supports220effectively fix the wheel202at a given position relative to the housing. In some embodiments, a top end of each support220may terminate below a top end of the wheel202. For example, the top of tend of the supports220may be disposed below a housing of a peripheral device, such as illustrated in the peripheral device100ofFIG.1. Such a design may enable the supports220to be hidden within an interior of the housing and may provide a cleaner aesthetic look.

Hubless scroll wheel200may include one or more sensors222that may be configured to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel202relative to the ratchet members216and housing of the peripheral device. The sensors222may take various forms, such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or inductive sensors, although other sensor types may be used in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, hubless scroll wheel200includes two or more Hall sensors that may detect changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnets212as wheel202is rotated. As illustrated, the Hall sensors are positioned radially outward of the outer surface206of wheel202, such as being positioned on the supports220, another support member, and/or a portion of the housing of the peripheral device. In other embodiments, the Hall sensors may be positioned alongside the lateral sides of the wheel202and/or within the open interior204of the wheel202. By using multiple Hall sensors at different locations, magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel202may be determined based on measured changes of the magnetic field generated by the magnets212as the wheel202rotates.

While shown with the magnets212being mounted on and/or embedded within the wheel202and the ratchet members216being fixed on the housing and/or otherwise fixed relative to the wheel202, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments such positioning may be switched such that the ratchet members216are disposed on the wheel202and the magnets212may be fixed on the housing and/or otherwise fixed relative to the wheel202. In such embodiments, as the magnetic field generated by the magnets212is fixed (rather than rotating), rotation of the wheel202may be detected using other indexing features210that are detectable using one or more sensors. For example, the indexing features210may include teeth and/or other protrusions disposed on one or more surfaces (e.g., inner/outer circumferential surface, lateral surfaces, etc.) of the wheel202that are detectable using resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, inductive sensors, and the like as will be described in greater detail below. In other embodiments, the sensors may include encoders that are coupled for rotation with the wheel202. It will be appreciated that other forms of indexing features210may be utilized to track the movement of the wheel202in various embodiments.

FIGS.3and3Aillustrate another embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel300in accordance with the present invention. Hubless scroll wheel300may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel300may be similar to hubless scroll wheel200and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheel200. For example, Hubless scroll wheel300may include a wheel302that defines an open interior304. A number of indexing features310, such as magnets312, may be disposed about the wheel302at different angular positions. As illustrated, the magnets312are disposed about the wheel302at regular angular intervals, with adjacent magnets312being separated from one another via gaps314. In the illustrated embodiment, poles of each magnet312aon a first half of the wheel302are oriented in a first radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel302and poles of each magnet312on a second half of the wheel302are oriented in a second radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel302. For example, the north pole of each magnet312amay face the axis of rotation of the wheel302while the north pole of each magnet312bmay face away from the axis of rotation of the wheel302. Such an arrangement of the magnets312may generate a centered magnetic field that includes a north pole half and a south pole half that are split across the axis of rotation of the wheel302. This may enable a single Hall sensor to be used as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Hubless scroll wheel300may include one or more ratchet members316, which may be ferromagnetic pins318that are positioned at different angular locations about an inner surface308of wheel302. The pins318may contact inner surface308to help support wheel302in a given position relative to the housing of a peripheral device, while still permitting rotation of the wheel302. As discussed above with respect toFIG.2, as the wheel302is rotated relative to the ratchet members316, the pins318may be attracted to the magnets312as the magnets312pass in close proximity to the pins318. The presence of gaps314between adjacent magnets312may enable the hubless scroll wheel300to deliver haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel302is rotated, each pin318is alternatingly aligned with one of the magnets312followed by a respective gap314to produce alternating periods of strong magnetic force and lesser/no magnetic force to provide a repeating ratchet feel as the wheel302is rotated relative to the ratchet members316. The presence of gaps314may also enable the interaction between the magnets312and the pins318to hold the wheel302in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational force applied by a user as described above.

The ratchet members316may be fixed in position relative to the wheel302via one or more supports320. Hubless scroll wheel300may include one or more sensors322that may be configured to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel302relative to the ratchet members316and housing of the peripheral device. In the illustrated embodiment, hubless scroll wheel300includes a single Hall sensor (although greater numbers may be used in some embodiments) that may detect changes in the collective magnetic field generated by the magnets312as wheel302is rotated. In particular, one or more Hall sensors may be positioned in alignment with the rotational axis of the wheel302. Due to the arrangement of the poles of the magnets312, such positioning may enable one or more Hall sensors to monitor the collective centered magnetic field (e.g., having a north pole half and a south pole half that are split across the axis of rotation of the wheel302) of the magnets312. More specifically, the Hall sensor(s) may detect the detect the orientation of the north pole and/or south pole of the collective magnetic field as the wheel302rotates, which enables the hubless scroll wheel300to determine the magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel302.

FIG.4illustrates a portion of another embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel400in accordance with the present invention. Hubless scroll wheel400may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel400may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200and300and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200and300. For example, hubless scroll wheel400may include a wheel402that defines an open interior404. A number of indexing features410, such as magnets412, may be disposed about the wheel402at different angular positions. As illustrated, the magnets412are disposed about the wheel402at regular angular intervals, with adjacent magnets412being separated from one another via gaps414. Poles of each magnet412may be oriented in different arrangements, including those arrangements described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200and300. Hubless scroll wheel400may include one or more ratchet members416, which may be ferromagnetic pins418that are positioned at different angular locations about an inner surface408of wheel402. The pins418may contact inner surface408to help support wheel402in a given position relative to the housing of a peripheral device, while still permitting rotation of the wheel402. As discussed above with respect toFIG.2, as the wheel402is rotated relative to the ratchet members416, the pins418may be attracted to the magnets412as the magnets412pass in close proximity to the pins418. The presence of gaps414between adjacent magnets412may enable the hubless scroll wheel400to deliver haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel402is rotated, each pin418is alternately aligned with one of the magnets412followed by a respective gap414to produce alternating periods of strong magnetic force and lesser/no magnetic force to provide a repeating ratchet feel as the wheel402is rotated relative to the ratchet members416. The presence of gaps414may also enable the interaction between the magnets412and the pins418to hold the wheel402in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational force applied by a user as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet members416are fixed in position relative to the wheel402via one or more holders or supports420. In particular, hubless scroll wheel400includes a central support420, which may be disposed within the open interior404of wheel402. The central support420may hold a number of the pins418. The central support420may extend only to a height of the pins418or slightly above the height of the pins418, thereby leaving a gap between an upper surface of the central support420and the top end of the wheel402. For example, a top end of the central support420may extend upward beyond a rotational axis of the wheel by less than 75% of a radius of the wheel402, by less than 50% of the radius, by less than 25% of the radius, or less. Such a design of the central support420may enable the open interior404to appear as an air gap when viewed from an exterior of the housing of the peripheral device, such as shown inFIG.1. In some embodiments, the central support420may hold three or more pins418. However, as illustrated, central support420holds two pins418. Each pin418is disposed within an upper half of the open interior404and sits against an upper portion of the inner surface408. The inner support420may itself be supported within the housing of a peripheral device by one or more additional supports that are coupled with the housing and/or a component that is disposed within the housing. The inner support420may be positioned within the open interior404such that the periphery of the inner support420is spaced apart from the inner surface408of the wheel402by a small gap, which may prevent the wheel402from rubbing against the inner support420as the wheel402rotates.

The use of central support420may enable only two pins418to be used as ratcheting members416, with the pins418being disposed within or about 180 degrees of one another within an upper half of the open interior404. For example, the magnetic attraction between the magnets412and pins418, along with gravitational force, may pull the wheel402downward, with the contact between the inner surface408and pins418limiting downward movement of the wheel402relative to the housing. The wheel402is prevented from moving upward by the presence of the central support420within open interior404, as the wheel402may only be lifted a short distance before contacting the central support420. While shown with only two pins418, central support420may include any number of pins in other embodiments. One or more sensors, such as magnetic field sensors, may be used to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel402as described elsewhere herein.

FIG.5illustrates a partial view of a hubless scroll wheel500that includes a floating wheel502. Hubless scroll wheel500may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel500may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200,300, and400and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200,300, and400. For example, Hubless scroll wheel500may include a wheel502that defines an open interior504. A number of indexing features510, such as magnets512, may be disposed about the wheel502at different angular positions. As illustrated, the magnets512are disposed about the wheel502at regular angular intervals, with adjacent magnets512being separated from one another via gaps514. In the illustrated embodiment, poles of each magnet512are oriented in a same radial direction (e.g., all north poles facing the rotational axis of the wheel502or all north poles facing away from the rotational axis of the wheel502).

Hubless scroll wheel500may include one or more ratchet members516, which may be additional magnets530that are positioned at different angular locations about an inner surface508of wheel502. For example, as illustrated, three magnets530are disposed within the open interior504at regular intervals (e.g., 120 degrees), although other numbers of magnets530may be used in some embodiments. For example, hubless scroll wheel500may include four or more magnets530, five or more magnets530, six or more magnets530, eight or more magnets530, ten or more magnets530, or more. The magnets530may be arranged at regular angular intervals about the open interior504, with surfaces of the magnets530being spaced apart from the inner surface508of the wheel502. Poles of each magnet530may be oriented opposite the poles of magnets512. For example, when north poles of magnets512face the rotational axis of the wheel502, north poles of the magnets530face away from the rotational axis of the wheel502. Similarly, when north poles of magnets512face away from the rotational axis of the wheel502, north poles of the magnets530face the rotational axis of the wheel502. Such orientations of the various magnets ensures that magnets530repel magnets512, which may enable the wheel502to levitate about the magnets530. In some embodiments, magnets530may be larger than magnets512, which may enable fewer magnets530to be utilized while still providing sufficient magnetic force to levitate the wheel502. In other embodiments, greater numbers of smaller magnets530may be utilized. The size and/or number of magnets530and/or magnets512may be selected to provide a desired amount of haptic feedback as the wheel502rotates (e.g., as gaps514pass by magnets530), as well as to enable a desired amount (possibly none) of freewheeling, which may enable a user to quickly scroll the wheel502with one or more fast applications of force.

The magnets530may be fixed in position relative to the wheel502via one or more supports520that enable the wheel502to rotate about the magnets530. In some embodiments, each magnet530may have a dedicated support520, while in other embodiments (such as illustrated here) some or all of the magnets530share a single support520or set of supports520. For example, as illustrated, the hubless scroll wheel500includes two supports520, with one support520on either side of the wheel502. Ends of each magnet530are coupled with the supports520. The supports520may be spaced apart from lateral sides of the wheel502in some embodiments, while in other embodiments lateral sides of the wheel502may be in contact with one or both supports520. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the supports520that contact the wheel502may be formed from or include a low-friction and/or wear resistant material, such as (but not limited to) PTFE. In some embodiments, the supports520may not only support magnets530or other ratchet members516, but may also constrain lateral movement of the wheel502. As illustrated, the two supports520maintain three magnets530are substantially regular angular intervals (e.g., the magnets530are approximately 120 degrees apart). Supports520may be positioned entirely outward of the open interior504, or a portion of one or more of the supports520may extend into the open interior506. One or more sensors, such as magnetic field sensors, may be used to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel502as described elsewhere herein.

FIGS.6-6Billustrate one embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel600. Hubless scroll wheel600may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel600may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400, and500and may include any of the features described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400, and500. Hubless scroll wheel600may include a wheel602that defines an open interior604. For example, the wheel602may be annular and may include an outer surface606and an inner surface608, with the inner surface608defining a periphery of the open interior204. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface608defines a number of teeth612or other protrusions that are arranged at regular intervals and that may operate as indexing features610. Adjacent teeth612may be separated by gaps614, which may have a same width or different width than the teeth612. While shown with teeth612being generally rectangular, it will be appreciated that teeth612may have other shapes in various embodiments. Teeth612may be used to provide haptic feedback to the user as the wheel602is rotated and/or that may be used by the hubless scroll wheel600and/or an associated peripheral device to track a direction, speed, and/or magnitude of rotation of the hubless scroll wheel600, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel600to be used to provide inputs to a connected computing device. Any number of teeth612may be utilized, with greater numbers of teeth612providing greater number of ratchet locations. For example, the wheel602may include at least 10 teeth, at least 12 teeth, at least 14 teeth, at least 16 teeth, at least 18 teeth, at least 20 teeth, at least 22 teeth, at least 24 teeth, at least 26 teeth, at least 28 teeth, at least 30 teeth, or more.

In the present embodiment, each tooth612operates as a contactless indexing feature610. For example, the teeth612may interact with one or more contactless ratchet members616disposed within the open interior604to provide haptic feedback to a user as the wheel602rotates. In such embodiments, the teeth612(and possibly other portions or all of wheel602) may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. In the present embodiment, the ratchet members616include one or more magnets630that are positioned within the open interior604. As illustrated, a single magnet630is disposed within the bottom half of the open interior604. The magnet630may include a first ferromagnetic member632adisposed at an end of a first pole of the magnet630and a second ferromagnetic member632bdisposed at an end of a second pole of the magnet630. The ferromagnetic members632may concentrate or otherwise tune the magnetic field generated by the magnet630to largely attract only those teeth612aligned with a distal end634of each ferromagnetic member632. In some embodiments, the distal ends634of each ferromagnetic member632may have widths that substantially match a width of each tooth612, which may help ensure that the distal ends634may be fully aligned with a given tooth612as the wheel602is rotated. The distal ends634may include several prongs636, with each prong636having a width that substantially matches a width of each tooth612. The prongs636may be separated from one another by gaps638, which may be sized to space the prongs636apart by a same or substantially same width as each gap614separating adjacent teeth612. In the illustrated embodiments, the prongs636have different lengths, which may enable ends of each prong636to be spaced apart from a nearest tooth612by a same lateral distance. For example, prongs636closer to the center of the open interior604may be longer than prongs636closer to a bottom of the open interior604. In some embodiments, the ends of each prong636may be tapered, which may enable a distance between the end of the prong636and a nearest tooth612may be substantially constant across a width of the prong636and/or tooth612. While shown here having two prongs636, it will be appreciated that any number of prongs636may be used. For example, each distal end634may include one or more prongs, two or more prongs, three or more prongs, four or more prongs, or more.

In some embodiments, the prongs636may be arranged about the open interior604such that at any given angular position of the wheel602, either all prongs636are radially aligned with a tooth612or no prongs636are aligned with a tooth612. Such a design may enhance the ratchet feel and ability to hold the wheel602in a given rotational position as will be discussed in greater detail below. The teeth612may be formed from a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to the magnet630. As the wheel602is rotated relative to the magnet630, the teeth612may be attracted to the magnet630(and prongs636) as the teeth612pass in close proximity and/or are radially aligned with the prongs636. The presence of gaps614between adjacent teeth612may enable the hubless scroll wheel600to deliver haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel602is rotated, each prong636is alternatingly aligned with one of the teeth612followed by a respective gap614. As noted above, the prongs636may be arranged such that either all prongs636or no prongs636are aligned with respective teeth612at a given rotational position of the wheel602, which may enable the attractive forces between teeth612and prongs636to be synchronized such that a greatest attractive force occurs when each prong636is aligned with one of the teeth612and a lowest attractive force occurs when each prong636is aligned with one of the gaps614. When the attractive force is lowest, a user may feel little to no resistance to rotational motion of the wheel602, while a greater resistance will be felt when the attractive force is greatest. The alternating nature of the teeth612and gaps614may therefore provide an undulating force profile that creates a ratchet feel as the wheel602is rotated relative to the magnet630.

The presence of gaps614may also enable the interaction between the teeth612and the prongs636to hold the wheel602in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational force applied by a user. For example, when no user force is applied to the wheel602, magnetic force from a prong636nearest to each tooth612may rotate and/or hold the wheel602at a position in which the tooth612nearest to each prong636is radially aligned with the respective prong636. In the absence of additional user force, the magnetic force between the teeth612and prongs636may hold the wheel602at such a rotational position.

The magnet630may be fixed in position relative to the wheel602, enabling the wheel602to rotate about the magnet630. For example, magnet630may be coupled with one or more supports620. As illustrated, the hubless scroll wheel600includes two lateral supports620, with one lateral support620aon either side of the wheel602. Lateral supports620may couple with a central support620b(which may be similar to central support420) that may hold the magnet630within the open interior604without contacting the inner surface608. The lateral supports620amay be coupled with the housing of a peripheral device and/or a component disposed within the housing and may support and suspend the central support620bwithin the open interior604. In some embodiments, a top end of each support620may terminate below a top end of the wheel602. For example, the top end of the supports620may be disposed below a housing of a peripheral device, such as illustrated in the peripheral device100ofFIG.1. Such a design may enable the supports620to be hidden within an interior of the housing and may provide a cleaner aesthetic look. In particular, when the peripehral device is a computer mouse, the top end of one or more of the supports620may be tapered to generally follow a contour of the primary mouse buttons. For example, a rear end of the supports620may be higher than a front end of the supports620, which may enable the supports620to support the magnet630and wheel602as high as possible without protruding out of the housing.

Hubless scroll wheel600may include one or more sensors622that may be configured to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel602relative to the magnet630and housing of the peripheral device. The sensors622may take various forms, such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or inductive sensors, although other sensor types may be used in various embodiments. For example, sensors622may include optical sensors (such as, but not limited to through-beam sensors, diffuse reflection sensors, retro-reflective sensors, cameras, and the like) that may detect movement of the wheel602. For example, the optical sensors may be aligned with the inner surface608of the wheel such that as the wheel602rotates, the sensors622are able to detect when a tooth612or a gap614is positioned in front of each sensor622. For example, a light source (such as a light-emitting diode (LED) using visible and/or infrared (IR) light, laser, and/or other light source) may be oriented to emit light to a lateral side of the wheel602. The hubless scroll wheel600and/or peripheral device may determine a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel602is rotating based on detecting a timing and pattern of when the light passes through a gap614or is obstructed by a tooth612. In some embodiments, a single optical sensor may be utilized to monitor a single position on the wheel602, while in other embodiments, multiple optical sensors may be disposed about various angular positions of the wheel602.

In some embodiments, the sensors622may include inductive sensors that may detect movement of the wheel602. The inductive sensors may be aligned with the inner surface608of the wheel such that as the wheel602rotates, the sensors622are able to detect when a tooth612or a gap614is positioned in front of each sensor622. For example, each inductive sensor may emit a magnetic field that is directed at a lateral side of the wheel602. When a tooth612is aligned with the magnetic field, the tooth612will cause a change in the magnetic field, such as by affecting an oscillation amplitude of the magnetic field. When a gap614is aligned with the magnetic field, the gap may cause no change or a different change in the magnetic field. Thus, as the wheel rotates, the magnetic field emitted by the inductive sensor oscillates in a repeating pattern. The hubless scroll wheel600and/or peripheral device may monitor the changes in the magnetic field to determine a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel602. In some embodiments, a single inductive sensor may be utilized to monitor a single position on the wheel602, while in other embodiments, multiple inductive sensors may be disposed about various angular positions of the wheel602.

FIGS.7and7Aillustrate one embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel700. Hubless scroll wheel700may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel700may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400,500, and600and may include any of the features described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400,500, and600. Hubless scroll wheel700may include a wheel702that defines an open interior704. For example, the wheel702may be annular and may include an outer surface706and an inner surface708, with the inner surface708defining a periphery of the open interior704. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface708defines a number of gear teeth712that are arranged at regular intervals and that may operate as indexing features710. Gear teeth712may be used to provide haptic feedback to the user as the wheel702is rotated and/or may be used by the hubless scroll wheel700and/or an associated peripheral device to track a direction, speed, and/or magnitude of rotation of the hubless scroll wheel700, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel700to be used to provide inputs to a connected computing device. Any number of gear teeth712may be utilized, with greater numbers of gear teeth712providing greater number of ratchet locations. For example, the wheel702may include at least 10 gear teeth, at least 12 gear teeth, at least 14 gear teeth, at least 16 gear teeth, at least 18 gear teeth, at least 20 gear teeth, at least 22 gear teeth, at least 24 gear teeth, at least 26 gear teeth, at least 28 gear teeth, at least 30 gear teeth, or more.

Hubless scroll wheel700may include one or more gears716that may be disposed within the open interior704, with teeth of the gear716being engaged with the gear teeth712. As illustrated, three gears716are disposed within the open interior704although any number of gears may be used in various embodiments. For example, hubless scroll wheel700may include one or more gears, two or more gears, three or more gears, four or more gears, five or more gears, or more. The gears716may be disposed at regular or irregular intervals about the open interior704. Engagement of the gear teeth712with gears716may provide a mechanical ratcheting feel as the wheel702is rotated. Additionally, engagement of the gear teeth712with gears716may hold the wheel702at a given rotational position when no user force is applied.

The gears716may be fixed in position relative to the wheel702, enabling the wheel702to rotate about the gears716. For example, the gears716may be coupled with one or more supports720. As illustrated, the hubless scroll wheel700includes two lateral supports720, with one lateral support720on either side of the wheel702. Lateral supports720may be coupled with ends of an axle for each gear716. The gears716may each be rotatably mounted on one of the axles, with the gears716being disposed within the open interior704. In some embodiments, a top end of each support720may terminate below a top end of the wheel702. For example, the top end of the supports720may be disposed below a housing of a peripheral device, such as illustrated in the peripheral device100ofFIG.1. Such a design may enable the supports720(and gears716) to be hidden within an interior of the housing and may provide a cleaner aesthetic look.

Hubless scroll wheel700may include one or more sensors722that may be configured to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel702relative to the gears716and housing of the peripheral device. The sensors722may take various forms, such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or inductive sensors, although other sensor types may be used in various embodiments. For example, mechanical encoders may be used as sensors722in some embodiments. As illustrated, a mechanical encoder is rotatably coupled with one of the gear716(here, the lowest gear716), although multiple gears716may be coupled with mechanical encoders in some embodiments. As the gear716rotates during rotation of the wheel702, the gear716turns the mechanical encoder. Rotation of the mechanical encoder may be used by the hubless scroll wheel700and/or an associated peripheral device to determine a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel702. In some embodiments, the mechanical encoder may be configured to generate haptic feedback in addition to or in place of haptic feedback generated by engagement of the gears716and the teeth712.

In some embodiments, rather than or in addition to mechanical encoders, sensors722may include optical sensors that may detect movement of the wheel702. For example, the optical sensors may be aligned with the inner surface708of the wheel such that as the wheel702rotates, the sensors722are able to detect when a gear tooth712or a gap between adjacent gear teeth712is positioned in front of each sensor722. Similarly, the sensors722may include one or more inductive sensors that may detect movement of the wheel702. The inductive sensors may be aligned with the inner surface708of the wheel such that as the wheel702rotates, the sensors722are able to detect when a gear tooth712or a gap between adjacent gear teeth712is positioned in front of each sensor722. In such embodiments, gear teeth712may be formed from an electrically conductive material.

FIGS.8A and8Billustrate portions of additional embodiments of hubless scroll wheels800in accordance with the present invention. Each hubless scroll wheel800may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel800may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200,300, and400and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200,300, and400. For example, each hubless scroll wheel800may include a wheel802that defines an open interior804. A number of indexing features810, such as magnets812, may be disposed about the wheel802at different angular positions. As illustrated, the magnets812are disposed about the wheel802at regular angular intervals, with adjacent magnets812being separated from one another via gaps814. Poles of each magnet812may be oriented in different arrangements, including those arrangements described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200and300.

Hubless scroll wheel800may include one or more ratchet members816, which may be ferromagnetic elements, such as arcuate members818that are positioned at different angular locations about an inner, outer, and/or lateral surface of wheel802. The arcuate members818may each include one or more teeth820, with adjacent teeth820being separated by gaps822. The teeth820may provide stable positions for the wheel802. For example, as the wheel802is rotated relative to the ratchet members816, the teeth820of the arcuate members818may be attracted to the magnets812as the magnets812pass in close proximity to the teeth820. The presence of gaps814between adjacent magnets812may enable the hubless scroll wheel800to deliver haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel. For example, as the wheel802is rotated, each tooth820is alternately aligned with one of the magnets812followed by a respective gap814to produce alternating periods of strong magnetic force and lesser/no magnetic force to provide a repeating ratchet feel as the wheel802is rotated relative to the ratchet members816. The presence of gaps814may also enable the interaction between the magnets812and the teeth820to hold the wheel802in a given rotational position in the absence of rotational force applied by a user as described above. The use of arcuate members818having teeth820may enable fewer magnets812to be used, while providing a greater number of ratchet positions than a number of magnets812. For example, eight magnets812and arcuate members818with three teeth820may result in 24 ratchet positions (e.g., 8×3).

The number of arcuate members818and teeth820on each arcuate member818may vary in different embodiments. For example, the hubless scroll wheel800may include one or more arcuate members, two or more arcuate members, three or more arcuate members, four or more acuate members, or more. In some embodiments in which a single arcuate member is included, the arcuate member may extend 360 degrees (e.g., is annular), while in other embodiments, the arcuate member may extend less than 360 degrees. In embodiments in which two or more arcuate members are included, each arcuate member may have a same or different size and/or number of teeth. A number of magnets812and a number of teeth820may be selected to produce a desired magnitude of haptic feedback. For example, a number and arrangement of magnets812and teeth820may be selected such that at all times, at least one magnet812is aligned with a respective tooth820(with the remaining magnets812being aligned with a gap822or positioned angularly outward of any arcuate members818), at least two magnets812are aligned with teeth820(of one or more arcuate members818), at least three magnets812are aligned with teeth820, at least four magnets812are aligned with teeth820, at least five magnets812are aligned with teeth820, at least six magnets812are aligned with teeth820, or more, with greater numbers of magnets812being in alignment with teeth820resulting in greater haptic forces. As just one example, a scroll wheel800amay include eight magnets812and two arcuate members818aat different angular positions about the wheel802as shown inFIG.8A. Each arcuate member818amay include three teeth820a. The arcuate members818aand magnets812may be arranged about the wheel802such that two magnets812are aligned with teeth820a(e.g., one on each arcuate member818a) at any given point in time. In another example, a scroll wheel800bmay include eight magnets812and two arcuate members818bat different angular positions about the wheel802as shown inFIG.8B. Each arcuate member818bmay include six teeth820b. The arcuate members818band magnets812may be arranged about the wheel802such that four magnets812are aligned with teeth820b(e.g., two on each arcuate member818b) at any given point in time. Such an arrangement may produce twice the ratchet force as the embodiment ofFIG.8A, as there are double the number of magnets812in alignment with teeth820. It will be appreciated that other numbers of magnets812and teeth820may be used to create other numbers of ratchet positions and/or other magnitudes of ratchet forces.

In some hubless scroll wheels, wheel guides (such as pins, rollers, or other contact members) may be positioned against (or proximate to) one or more surfaces of the wheel to help maintain the wheel in place on a peripheral device while permitting rotation of the wheel relative to the peripheral device.FIGS.9A-9Iillustrate different arrangements of using three wheel guides904to constrain vertical and/or lateral movement of a wheel902of a hubless scroll wheel900. While shown with three wheel guides904, it will be appreciated that more or fewer wheel guides904may be utilized in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the wheel902may be a solid wheel in which the wheel guides904are disposed on an inner and/or outer circumferential surface of the wheel902. For example, inFIG.9A, hubless scroll wheel900aincludes two wheel guides904athat are disposed against an outer circumferential surface of the wheel902aand one wheel guide904athat is disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902a. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904ais disposed proximate a bottom of the wheel902a. For example, the inner wheel guide904amay be positioned at approximately a bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902a(although other locations are possible), while the outer wheel guides904amay be positioned on opposing sides of a bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel902a, such as at equal distances from the bottom point.

InFIG.9B, hubless scroll wheel900bincludes one wheel guide904bthat is disposed against an outer circumferential surface of the wheel902band two wheel guides904bthat are disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902b. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904bis disposed proximate a bottom of the wheel902b. For example, the inner wheel guides904bmay be positioned on opposing sides of a bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902b, such as at equal distances from the bottom point, while the outer wheel guide904bmay be positioned at approximately a bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel902b(although other locations are possible). InFIG.9C, hubless scroll wheel900cincludes two wheel guides904cthat are disposed against an outer circumferential surface of the wheel902cand one wheel guide904cthat is disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902c. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904cis disposed proximate a lateral side of the wheel902c. For example, the inner wheel guide904cmay be positioned at approximately an extreme lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902c(although other locations are possible), while the outer wheel guides904cmay be positioned on opposing sides of an extreme lateral point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel902c, such as at equal distances from the extreme lateral point. InFIG.9D, hubless scroll wheel900dincludes one wheel guide904dthat is disposed against an outer circumferential surface of the wheel902dand two wheel guides904dthat are disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902d. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904dis disposed proximate an extreme lateral point of the wheel902d. For example, the inner wheel guides904dmay be positioned on opposing sides of an extreme lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902d, such as at equal distances from the extreme lateral point, while the outer wheel guide904dmay be positioned at approximately an extreme lateral point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel902d(although other locations are possible).

In some embodiments, the wheel902may include an annular track908or slot along one or both lateral surfaces of the wheel902. The track908may enable some or all of the wheel guides904to be disposed within the track908, although in some embodiments a track908may be included in a wheel902without any wheel guides904being disposed within the track908. For example, the wheel guides904may be disposed against an inner and/or outer circumferential surface of the wheel902such as described in relation toFIGS.9A-9D. InFIG.9E, hubless scroll wheel900eincludes two wheel guides904ethat are disposed within the annular track908eof the wheel902eand one wheel guide904ethat is disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902e. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904eis disposed proximate a bottom of the wheel902e. For example, the inner wheel guide904emay be positioned at approximately a bottom point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902e(although other locations are possible), while the remaining wheel guides904emay be positioned within the annular track908eon opposing sides of a bottom point of the annular track908e, such as at equal distances from the bottom point.

InFIG.9F, hubless scroll wheel900fincludes one wheel guide904fthat is disposed against an outer circumferential surface of the wheel902fand two wheel guides904fthat are disposed within the annular track908fof the wheel902f. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904fis disposed proximate a bottom of the wheel902f. For example, the wheel guides904fwithin the annular track908fmay be positioned on opposing sides of a bottom point of the annular track908f, such as at equal distances from the bottom point, while the outer wheel guide904fmay be positioned at approximately a bottom point of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel902f(although other locations are possible). InFIG.9G, hubless scroll wheel900gincludes two wheel guides904gthat are disposed within the annular track908gof the wheel902gand one wheel guide904gthat is disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902g. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904gis disposed proximate a lateral side of the wheel902g. For example, the inner wheel guide904gmay be positioned at approximately an extreme lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902g(although other locations are possible), while the remaining wheel guides904gmay be positioned within the annular track908gon opposing sides of an extreme lateral point of the annular track908g, such as at equal distances from the extreme lateral point. InFIG.9H, hubless scroll wheel900hincludes one wheel guide904hthat is disposed within the annular track908hof the wheel902hand two wheel guides904hthat are disposed against an inner circumferential surface of the wheel902h. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904his disposed proximate an extreme lateral point of the wheel902h. For example, the inner wheel guides904hmay be positioned on opposing sides of an extreme lateral point of the inner circumferential surface of the wheel902h, such as at equal distances from the extreme lateral point, while the remaining wheel guide904hmay be positioned at approximately an extreme lateral point of the annular track908h(although other locations are possible).

InFIG.9I, hubless scroll wheel900iincludes three wheel guides904ithat are disposed within the annular track908iof the wheel902i. As illustrated, each of the wheel guides904iis spaced equidistantly from one another (although other angular intervals are possible), with one of the wheel guides904ibeing disposed proximate a bottom of the wheel902i. It will be appreciated that the above arrangements of wheel guides904are merely provided as examples and that numerous variations exist. For example, any number and arrangement of wheel guides904that are positioned within an annular track908and/or against one of the outer or inner circumferential surface of the wheel902that constrains lateral and vertical movement of the wheel902while permitting rotation of the wheel902may be utilized.

FIGS.10and10Aillustrate portions of an additional embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel1000in accordance with the present invention. The hubless scroll wheel1000may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. The hubless scroll wheel1000may be similar to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400,800, and900and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheels200,300,400,800, and900. For example, the hubless scroll wheel1000may include a wheel1002that defines an open interior1004. The wheel1002may define one or more annular tracks1008or slots along one or both lateral surfaces of the wheel1002. A number of indexing features1010, such as magnets1012, may be disposed about the wheel1002at different angular positions. As illustrated, the magnets1012are disposed about the wheel1002at regular angular intervals, with adjacent magnets1012being separated from one another via gaps1014. Rather than being oriented radially, poles of each magnet1012may be parallel to a rotational axis of the wheel1002, with all of the poles being parallel to one another and arranged in an annular fashion about the wheel1002. In some embodiments, the magnets1012may be aligned with the annular tracks1008.

Hubless scroll wheel1000may include one or more ratchet members1016, which may be ferromagnetic elements (such as fins, pins, or bars) that are positioned at different angular locations about one or both lateral surfaces of wheel1002. For example, as best illustrated inFIG.10A(which is a cross section taken through line A-A onFIG.10), the ratchet members1016include pins that may each extend into one of the annular tracks1008while being disposed laterally outward of the indexing features1010. The ratchet members1016may be contactless in some embodiments, with magnetic interactions between the magnets1012and the ferromagnetic elements of the ratchet members1016to produce haptic feedback that mimics a clicking or ratcheting feel of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel in a manner similar to that described in relation to the hubless scroll wheel200. In some embodiments, in addition to providing the ratchet feel, each ratchet member1016may contact a surface of one of the annular tracks1008to act as a wheel guide (such as described in relation toFIGS.9E-9I) to help support the wheel1002in a given position relative to the housing of a peripheral device, while still permitting rotation of the wheel1002.

FIG.11illustrates a portion of an additional embodiment of a hubless scroll wheel1100in accordance with the present invention. Each hubless scroll wheel1100may be used in a peripheral device, such as peripheral device100described above. Hubless scroll wheel1100may be similar to hubless scroll wheel700and may include any feature described in relation to hubless scroll wheel700. For example, each hubless scroll wheel1100may include a wheel1102that defines an open interior1104. For example, the wheel1102may be annular and may include an outer surface1106and an inner surface1108, with the inner surface1108defining a periphery of the open interior1104. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface1108defines a number of gear teeth1112that are arranged at regular intervals and that may operate as indexing features1110. Gear teeth1112may be used to provide haptic feedback to the user as the wheel1102is rotated and/or may be used by the hubless scroll wheel1100and/or an associated peripheral device to track a direction, speed, and/or magnitude of rotation of the hubless scroll wheel1100, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel1100to be used to provide inputs to a connected computing device. Hubless scroll wheel1100may include one or more gears1116that may be disposed within the open interior1104, with teeth of the gear1116being engaged with the gear teeth1112. As illustrated, a single gear1116is disposed within the open interior1104although any number of gears may be used in various embodiments. The gear1116may be coupled with a sensor, such as a mechanical encoder, that may corotate with the gear1116to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel1102. In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the use of a mechanical encoder, the hubless scroll wheel1100may include one or more other sensors (such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or inductive sensors) that are configured to detect a magnitude, speed, and/or direction of rotation of the wheel1102as described in relation toFIGS.7and7A.

The hubless scroll wheel1100may include one or more ratchet members1115in some embodiments. For example, each ratchet member1115may be in the form of a spring-biased ratchet member that is positioned against a toothed surface of the wheel1102. The toothed surface may be the inner circumferential surface of the wheel1102as shown here, with the toothed surface including the gear teeth1112. In other embodiments, the toothed surface may be a lateral surface of the wheel1102and/or an outer circumferential surface of the wheel1102such that the teeth engaged by the ratchet member1115are different than the gear teeth1112engaged by the gear1116. The ratchet member1115may include a spring1118and an arm1120that are coupled with a housing of a peripheral device (or other fixed component of the peripheral device). A distal end of the arm1120may be positioned proximate the toothed surface of the wheel1102and may include and/or be coupled with a contact member1122. Thee contact member1122may be engaged with the toothed surface, such as by being positioned within a gap formed between two adjacent teeth (as illustrated, gaps between adjacent gear teeth1116) of the toothed surface. For example, the contact member1122may be sized and/or shaped to correspond to the gap between adjacent teeth. As illustrated, the contact member1122is cylindrical. In a particular embodiment, the arm1120may be positioned laterally outward of the wheel1102, with the contact member1122extending at an angle toward and into engagement with the toothed surface. The spring1118may bias the arm1120and the contact member1122toward the toothed surface. As the wheel1102is rotated, rotation of the toothed surface may cause the contact member1122to be forced out of a first gap by the rotating teeth, with the contact member1122being snapped or otherwise forced into a circumferentially adjacent gap by the force of the spring1118and arm1120. As the contact member1122hits each rotating tooth, a ratcheting feel may be generated. A force of the spring1118may be selected to provide a desired magnitude of ratcheting force.

It will be appreciated that features of the various hubless scroll wheels described herein may be combined in different manners. As just one example, magnets may be embedded in a toothed wheel, enabling the use of a contactless ratcheting mechanism through the magnetic fields of the magnets of the wheel and magnets and/or ferromagnetic elements within the open interior, while also enabling the use of optical sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or inductive sensors as described herein.

In some embodiments, additional functionality may be provided to any of the hubless scroll wheels described herein. For example, one or more switches and/or sensors may be positioned on the supports and/or housing to detect lateral forces applied to the hubless scroll wheel. In some embodiments, the supports and hubless scroll wheel may be mounted with a housing of a peripheral device such that the hubless scroll wheel may be depressed relative to the housing. For example, a spring-biased support may enable the wheel to be depressed to actuate a switch, which may enable the hubless scroll wheel to serve as a clickable input device in addition to a rotatable scroll wheel. Numerous other sensors, switches, and/or other functions may be incorporated into the hubless scroll wheels described herein.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Also, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “including”, and “includes”, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of +20% or +10%, +5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of +20% or +10%, +5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the smallest fraction of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Any narrower range between any stated values or unstated intervening values in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of those smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither, or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.