CN219202309U - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides an input device. The input device may include a housing, a roller having a braking surface, and a lever pivotable about a pivot axis between a first lever arm and a second lever arm of the lever for moving a first free end of the first lever arm to engage or disengage the braking surface. The input device may further include a motion converter engaged with the second free end of the second lever arm. The motion converter is configured to convert rotational motion of a rotational member of the motion converter into output motion to move the second free end of the second lever arm to pivot the lever about the pivot axis for engaging or disengaging the first free end of the first lever arm and the braking surface of the roller.

Description

Input device

Technical Field

Embodiments relate generally to an input device, and more particularly, to an input device having a scroll wheel.

Background

Input devices for communicating with the processor-based device typically include a mouse, trackball, joystick, hand-held controller, touch pad, keyboard, and the like. These input devices are typically used to provide input to the processor-based device so that a user may interact with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of an application running on the processor-based device. The input device may include a scroll wheel for a user to scroll through a number of lines of a file or various graphical objects in a page of an application. Conventional rollers typically only allow rolling at a single constant speed and/or resistance of a single lever. However, depending on the type of application used by the user, e.g., from a gaming application to a document processing application, an input device with a single speed of the scroll wheel and/or resistance of a single lever may not be sufficient for the user to optimize the performance of the respective application, as the scroll speed required by the user using different applications may vary from application to application.

Disclosure of Invention

According to various embodiments, an input device for communicating with a processor-based device is provided. The input device may include a housing. The input device may further include a scroll wheel rotatably mounted on the housing in such a manner that a portion of the scroll wheel may be exposed from the housing for a user of the input device to scroll the scroll wheel with the exposed portion of the scroll wheel. The roller may include a ring and a braking surface. The braking surface may extend along an inner circumference of the ring portion of the roller. The input device may further comprise a lever, which may be provided with a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The lever may be mounted on the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis extending between the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The lever may be pivotable to move the first free end of the first lever arm to engage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the resistive wheel mode and disengage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the freewheel mode. The input device may further include a motion converter engageable with the second free end of the second lever arm. The motion converter may comprise a rotary member rotatable about a rotation axis. The motion converter may be configured to convert rotational motion of the rotary member into output motion to move the second free end of the second lever arm to pivot the lever about the pivot axis for engaging or disengaging the first free end of the first lever arm and the braking surface of the roller. The rotating member may include a first gear-like portion and a second gear-like portion arranged side by side along the rotation axis. The first gear-like portion may comprise a plurality of teeth for engaging the second free end of the second lever arm such that the second free end of the second lever arm moves the second free end of the second lever arm following the contour of the plurality of teeth of the first gear-like portion to pivot the lever about the pivot axis. The second gear portion may include a plurality of asymmetric teeth protruding radially along a circumference of the second gear portion for receiving input motion to rotate the rotating member.

Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the utility model. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective front view of an input device in the form of a mouse for communicating with a processor-based device, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged perspective front view of the front of the mouse of FIG. 1A, in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of a wheel and motion converter assembly for the mouse of fig. 1A, according to various embodiments.

Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a rotating member of the motion converter of the assembly of fig. 2A in a freewheel mode in engagement with a lever of the assembly, in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 3B illustrates a side view of the rotating member, lever, and roller of the assembly of fig. 2A in freewheel mode in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a rotating member of the motion converter of the assembly of fig. 2A in a drag wheel mode engaged with a lever of the assembly, in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 4B illustrates a side view of the rotating member, lever, and roller of the assembly of fig. 2A in a drag wheel mode, according to various embodiments.

Fig. 5A illustrates a side view of the assembly of fig. 2A in a freewheel mode with a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force on the lever in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the assembly of FIG. 2A with a biasing mechanism in a drag wheel mode, in accordance with various embodiments.

Detailed Description

The embodiments described below in the context of the apparatus are equally valid for the corresponding method and vice versa. In addition, it is to be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a portion of one embodiment may be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

It should be understood that the terms "on …," "above," "top," "bottom," "down," "side," "back," "left," "right," "front," "side," "up," and the like, as used in the following description, are for convenience and to aid in understanding the relative position or orientation, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any apparatus, or structure or any portion of any apparatus or structure. Furthermore, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Various embodiments of an input device for communicating with a processor-based device, such as a computer, have been provided to address at least some of the problems previously identified.

Various embodiments of an input device for communicating with a processor-based device may include a scroll wheel that allows a user to vary the detent force applied to the scroll wheel from a predetermined maximum detent force (i.e., a resistive wheel mode) to a zero detent force (i.e., a freewheel mode). According to various embodiments, the input device may include a mechanism configured to interact with the wheel such that the wheel may be switched between a resistive wheel mode and a freewheel mode. Thus, the stopping force acting on the roller can be adjusted to the desired force by the user. In other words, the input apparatus of the various embodiments may include a mechanism or tool device for the user to provide input motion (e.g., via an input button, a click or push motion that presses a button) so that the user may switch the scroll wheel between the drag wheel mode and the freewheel mode. Further, in the resistive wheel mode, the mechanism or tool device may allow a user to provide an input motion (e.g., a clicking or pushing motion) to adjust or change the stopping force in order to adjust the resistive force of the roller.

According to various embodiments, a user may adjust the ratchet mechanism to control the stopping force applied to the roller via providing an input motion to rotate a rotating member of the ratchet mechanism. According to various embodiments, a user may adjust the ratchet mechanism to rotate the rotating member via the push button such that the rotating member may adjust the stopping force exerted on the roller.

Accordingly, various embodiments of an input device for communicating with a processor-based device may include a stop mechanism having a rotational member rotatable about an axis of rotation. The stopping mechanism may convert rotational motion of the rotating member into output motion for controlling stopping force applied to the roller or switching between the drag wheel mode and the freewheel mode.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective front view of an input device in the form of a mouse 100 for communicating with a processor-based device, in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged perspective front view of the front of the mouse 100 of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments. In addition to the form of mouse 100 as shown in the various figures, input devices according to various embodiments may also be in the form of a trackball, joystick, hand-held controller, touch pad, keyboard, computer mouse, or the like.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, an input device in the form of a mouse 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may be a shell of the mouse 100. Further, the housing 110 may include a cover 120 and a base 130. The cover 120 and the base 130 may be two separate portions of the housing 110. The cover 120 of the case 110 may be a top cover of the housing of the mouse 100. The base 130 of the housing 110 may be a bottom cover of the outer case of the mouse 100. According to various embodiments, when cover 120 and base 130 are assembled together, housing 110 may define an interior cavity to house or enclose the internal components of mouse 100.

According to various embodiments, the internal components of the mouse 100 may include electronic circuit assemblies, motion detection assemblies, and various mechanical assemblies configured for operating the mouse 100. The electronic circuit assembly may comprise a printed circuit board or any other suitable electronic circuit. The electronic circuit assembly may be connected to a processor-based device, such as a computer, via a cable 102. The motion detection assembly may include an optical sensor, or a laser sensor, or a trackball mechanism, or any other electronic or mechanical component configured to detect movement of the mouse 100. The motion detection assembly may be further configured to communicate with the electronic circuit module such that detected motion of the mouse 100 may be transmitted to a processor-based device to which the mouse 100 may be connected.

Further, the cover 120 of the housing 110 may include one or more buttons 122. The one or more buttons 122 may be configured to interact with the electronic circuitry assembly of the mouse 100 for a user to provide input to a processor-based device to which the mouse 100 may be connected via clicking on the one or more buttons 122. The one or more buttons 122 may include a click button, or a press button, or any combination of suitable buttons. One or more buttons 122 may be located at any desired area of the cover 120 as desired.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the mouse 100 may include a wheel 540. According to various embodiments, the scroll wheel 540 may be configured for a user to perform scrolling of pages of an application running in a processor-based device to which the mouse 100 is connected. For example, a user may use the scroll wheel 540 to scroll through the number of lines of files or various graphical objects in a page of an application. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the roller 540 may be mounted (e.g., rotatably mounted) on the housing 110 in the following manner: so as to be rotatable about a first axis 541 (fig. 2B) and so as to be partially exposed from the housing 110 for access by a user of the mouse 100. In other words, the roller 540 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 110 in the following manner: such that a part or portion of the wheel 540 is exposed from the housing 110 for a user of the mouse 00 (i.e., input device) to scroll the wheel 540 with the exposed portion of the wheel 540. Accordingly, the wheel 540 may be rotatably mounted to the cover 120 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100. In addition, a portion of the wheel 540 may be exposed through the cover surface 124 of the cover 120 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100. In addition, the wheel 540 may be located between the two primary buttons 122 at the front of the cover surface 124 of the cover 120 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100. The wheel 540 may also be at least substantially perpendicular to the cover surface 124 of the cover 120 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100 such that the first axis 541, which is the rotational axis of the wheel 540, may be at least substantially parallel to a portion of the cover surface 124 of the cover 120 to which the wheel 540 may be mounted. Accordingly, the user may rotate the wheel 540 by swiping the finger along the circumference of the wheel 540 along the cover surface 124 of the cover 120 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100.

According to various embodiments, the wheel 540 may also be mounted to other portions or other surfaces of the housing 110 of the mouse 100. For example, the roller 540 may be mounted to a side portion or side surface of the housing 110.

According to various embodiments, the housing 110 of the mouse 100 may include a base surface at the base 130 of the housing 110. The base surface may be configured to face a tracking surface on which the mouse 100 may be placed. Thus, the base surface 134 of the housing 110 may be an outer surface of a substantially flat section of the base 130 of the housing 110. Thus, the mouse 100 may be placed with the base surface 134 of the base 130 of the housing 110 substantially flat or substantially parallel to a mouse pad, desktop, or any other suitable tracking surface upon which the mouse may be used.

In addition, the base 130 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100 may include a window (not shown). The window may be an opening or transparent portion of the base 130. Thus, the window may allow the motion detection assembly of the mouse 100 to detect relative motion between the mouse 100 and a tracking surface upon which the mouse 100 may be placed and moved.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of a wheel 540 and motion converter 970 assembly 901 for a mouse 100 according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the assembly 901 may include a roller 540 mounted on a roller support 945, the roller support 945 may be mounted (e.g., detachably or securely mounted) back to the base 130 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100 of fig. 1A in such a manner that a portion of the roller 540 is exposed from the housing 110, for a user of the mouse 100 to roll the roller 540 with the exposed portion of the roller 540, while the retaining portion of the roller 540 and the roller support 945 may be housed within a cavity enclosed by the housing 110. Accordingly, the roller 540 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 110, for example, via a roller mount 945.

According to various embodiments, the roller bracket 945 may be coupled to the base 130 of the housing 110. Thus, according to various embodiments, the roller support 945 may be a separate entity or component from the base 130 of the housing 110. According to various other embodiments, the roller support 945 may be integrally molded with the base 130 of the housing 110 and the roller support 945 may form an integral part of the base 130 of the housing 110.

As shown, the wheel 540 of the mouse 100 may include a braking surface 542 that extends circumferentially about a first axis 541 (which is the rotational axis of the wheel 540). The wheel 540 of the mouse 100 may include a ring portion 548. The braking surface 542 may be or may be disposed at an inner surface (or inner cylindrical surface) of the ring portion 548 of the roller 540. Accordingly, the wheel 540 of the mouse 100 may include a ring portion 548 and a braking surface 542, wherein the braking surface 542 extends along an inner circumference of the ring portion 548. The braking surface 542 may face (or face) the center of the ring portion 548. The stop surface 542 may extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the ring portion 548, or may be disposed along the inner surface of the ring portion 548, or may form the inner surface of the ring portion 548. As an example, according to various embodiments, the ring portion 548 may comprise a metallic material or may be a metallic ring portion 548 that may be a separate entity or portion from the braking surface 542. Thus, according to various embodiments, the ring portion 548 may be integrated (e.g., joined or assembled) with the braking surface 542, such as by gluing the ring portion 548 and the braking surface 542 together (e.g., using an adhesive), or joining the ring portion 548 and the braking surface 542 together via an interference fit between the two parts or via an insert molding method. According to various other embodiments, the ring portion 548 and the braking surface 542 may be integrally formed. For example, according to various other embodiments, the ring portion 548 and the stop surface 542 may be a single entity or component, which may be made of, or may include, for example, a plastic (e.g., a polymer) or a metallic material.

Further, according to various embodiments, the ring portion 548 of the roller 540 may include an outer surface (or outer cylindrical surface 544). The outer surface may extend along the outer circumference of the ring portion 548 and may be oriented (facing) outwardly away from the center of the ring portion 548. The outer cylindrical surface 544 of the scroll wheel 540 may be textured for gripping to facilitate rotation of the scroll wheel 540 by a user. According to various embodiments, the center of the ring portion 548 may coincide with the first axis 541 (i.e., the rotational axis of the roller 540).

Referring to fig. 2A, the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 may include a plurality of serrations 543. As shown, the plurality of serrations 543 may be pointed or V-shaped or tapered. According to various other embodiments, the plurality of serrations 543 may be rounded or curved (not shown), for example. Between each pair of adjacent serrations 543 may be a notch 546 for engagement with a finger or rod-like extension of lever 960, as described below.

According to various embodiments, the mouse 100 may further include a lever 960, and the lever 960 may be provided with a first lever arm 963 and a second lever arm 965. The lever 960 may be mounted on the housing 110. According to various embodiments, the lever 960 may be integral to or mounted to the roller bracket 945. Thus, the lever 960 may also be mounted to the base 130 of the housing 110 between the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965 via the roller bracket 945. The lever 960 may be pivotally mounted to the roller bracket 945 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 961 extending between the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965.

The lever 960 may be mounted to the housing 110 such that the pivot axis 961 of the lever 960 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960. Thus, the lever 960 may be pivotable about a pivot axis 961 with the first lever arm 963 on one side of the pivot axis 961 and the second lever arm 965 on the other side of the pivot axis 961. As shown, the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 of the assembly 901 may be formed or extend along a substantially straight line. In other words, both the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 may extend along a longitudinal axis of the lever 960. However, the assembly 901 is not limited thereto. For example, according to various other embodiments, the assembly 901 may include or may be compatible with another lever.

Further, the lever 960 may be mounted to the base 130 of the housing 110 in such a manner as to be received within a cavity enclosed by the housing 110. The lever 960 may also be pivotally mounted (e.g., via a roller bracket 945) to the base 130 of the housing 110 between the first lever arm 963 and the second lever arm 965. Thus, the lever 960 may be pivotable about the pivot axis 961 relative to the base 130 of the housing 110 and the roller bracket 945.

According to various embodiments, the pivot axis 961 and the first axis 541 of the lever 960 (the first axis 541 being the rotational axis of the roller 540) may be at least substantially parallel to each other.

According to various embodiments, the lever 960 may be pivotable about the pivot axis 961 to move the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 into engagement with the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 (e.g., via a finger or rod-like extension of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 as previously described) to place the roller 540 in the resistive wheel mode, or out of engagement from the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the freewheel mode. Thus, according to various embodiments, the fingers of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may be configured to fit into respective notches 546 between respective two adjacent ones of the plurality of serrations 543 of the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. Thus, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may engage the roller 540 via interlocking the finger of the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 160 with the notch 546 of the braking surface 542 of the roller 540.

According to various embodiments, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may be configured to engage the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 with an engagement force to brake the rotation of the roller 540 with a corresponding braking force. Thus, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may contact or interact with the roller 540 to slow or retard or resist or press the rotation of the roller 540. Thus, the roller 540 may be in the drag wheel mode when the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 is engaged to the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. On the other hand, with the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 in the disengaged state, wherein the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 does not engage the braking surface 542, the roller 540 is in the freewheel mode. In other words, according to various embodiments, the lever 960 may be pivotable to move the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 to disengage the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the freewheel mode, and may be pivotable to move the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 to engage the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the drag wheel mode. According to various embodiments, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may engage the roller 540 via a ratcheting arrangement or frictional contact.

According to various embodiments, mouse 100 may further include motion converter 970. According to various embodiments, the motion converter 970 may be integrated or mounted to a roller mount 945, which roller mount 945 may be mounted or integrated to the base 130 of the housing 110 of the mouse 100. According to various embodiments, motion converter 970 may be disposed within a cavity enclosed by housing 110. The motion converter 970 may include a rotating member 975, the rotating member 975 being configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis 971 of the rotating member 975. The motion converter 970 may be configured to convert rotational motion of the rotational member 975 into output motion to move the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 for engaging or disengaging the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 and the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. The motion converter and lever 960 may be disposed on the wheel support 945 or relative to the housing 110 of the mouse 100 such that the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975 and the pivot axis 961 of the lever 960 may be substantially parallel to one another. Thus, according to various embodiments, the first axis 541 (which is the rotational axis of the roller 540), the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975, and the pivot axis 961 of the lever 960 may be substantially parallel to one another.

According to various embodiments, the motion converter 970 may be connected to or engaged with the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960. For example, according to various embodiments, the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970 may be connected to or engaged with the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960. Thus, the motion converter 970 can apply an output force at the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 via an output motion of the motion converter 970 (e.g., a rotational motion conversion from the rotational member 975). In other words, the output motion of the motion converter 970 may move the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960.

According to various embodiments, the motion converter 970 may be configured to apply the output motion (e.g., a rotational motion conversion from the rotational member 975) to the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 to correspondingly adjust the engagement force applied by the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 to the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 such that the corresponding braking force applied to the roller 540 may be correspondingly adjusted by rotation of the rotational member 975 of the motion converter 970. Thus, the output motion imparted on the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 may produce or create a moment that pivots the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 such that the engagement force imparted by the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 on the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 may vary within a range that depends on the degree of output motion imparted.

According to various embodiments, an output motion (e.g., a rotational motion translation from the rotational member 975) applied to the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 may pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 such that the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may be completely disengaged from the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. Thus, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 does not apply an engagement force to the braking surface 542 of the roller 540.

Thus, the roller 540 may be in the freewheel mode when the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 is fully disengaged from the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. On the other hand, the roller 540 may be in an adjustable drag wheel mode whenever the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may exert an adjustable or variable engagement force on the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. Thus, according to various embodiments, the roller 540 may be adjusted between different rolling modes by controlling the degree of output motion (e.g., conversion from rotational motion of the rotating member 975) applied at the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 via controlled rotation of the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970. The rolling resistance/braking force of the roller 540 may also be adjusted, e.g., increased or decreased, by controlling the degree of output motion applied to the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 via controlled rotation of the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970.

Thus, the motion converter 970 can be configured to convert rotational motion of the rotational member 975 about the rotational axis 971 into output motion for moving the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 to engage or disengage the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 and the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to exchange the roller 540 between the freewheel mode and the drag wheel mode. In other words, the motion converter 970 can be configured to convert rotational motion about the rotational axis 971 (e.g., rotational motion of the rotational member 975 of the motion converter 970) into output motion to move the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 to engage or disengage the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 and the braking surface 542 of the roller 540.

Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a rotating member 975 of a motion converter 970 engaged with a lever 960 in a freewheel mode in accordance with various embodiments; fig. 3B illustrates a side view of the rotating member 975, lever 960, and roller 540 in a freewheel mode in accordance with various embodiments; FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a rotating member 975 engaged with a lever 960 in a drag wheel mode in accordance with various embodiments; and fig. 4B illustrates a side view of the rotating member 975, lever 960, and roller 540 in a drag wheel mode, in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring to fig. 3A, according to various embodiments, a rotational member 975 of the assembly 901 may include a first gear shaped portion 976. The rotation axis 971 may pass through the center of the first gear portion 976 such that when the rotation member 975 rotates about the rotation axis 971, the first gear portion 976 rotates about the rotation axis 971. As shown, the first gear-like portion 976 may include a plurality of gear-like structures 977. According to various embodiments, the profile of the plurality of tooth structures 977 may form a continuous surface that may act as a cam surface to cause the second lever arm 965 to follow as the rotating member 975 rotates as the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970 engages or contacts (e.g., constant or uninterrupted contacts) the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965. According to various embodiments, the continuous surface of the plurality of tooth structures 977 of the first gear-shaped portion 976 may provide a wave-like profile to function as a cam surface. According to various embodiments, the continuous surface may include an area that serves as an engagement surface configured or adapted to engage with the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965. Furthermore, different engagement surfaces 978 may be provided or arranged at different radial distances away from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975. Referring to fig. 3A, according to various embodiments, the first engagement surface 978a may be at a tip of each of the plurality of teeth 977 of the first gear portion 976 of the rotating member 975, which may be at a first radial distance away from the rotational axis 971. Further, according to various embodiments, the second engagement surface 978b may be at a groove between two tooth structures 977, which may be at a second radial distance away from the rotation axis 971. According to various embodiments, the first radial distance and the second radial distance may be different radial distances from each other.

As shown in fig. 3A, according to various embodiments, the first radial distance may be greater than the second radial distance measured from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975 such that the first engagement surface 978a is farther from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975 than the second engagement surface 978b is from the same rotational axis 971. Thus, when the second free end 966 engages (or contacts) the first engagement surface 978a such that the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 is further from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975, the lever 960 may disengage from the configuration of the braking surface 542 (shown in fig. 3B) of the roller 540 at the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960. In other words, when the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 is engaged with the first engagement surface 978a, the lever 960 may pivot away from the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 and out of the configuration of the braking surface 542 at the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963, thereby being in the freewheel mode. Thus, according to various embodiments, the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 that engages with the first engagement surface 978a of the first gear portion 976 of the rotating member 975 may correspond to a lever pivoted to this configuration. Thus, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 disengages the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the freewheel mode.

Further, as shown in fig. 4A, according to various embodiments, when the second free end 966 is engaged to the second engagement surface 978B such that the second free end 966 is closer to the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975, the lever 960 may be in a configuration in which the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may engage or brake the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 (as shown in fig. 4B). In other words, when the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 is engaged to the second engagement surface 978b of the first gear shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975, the lever 960 may be pivoted at the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 to engage or brake the configuration of the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to be in the drag wheel mode. Thus, according to various embodiments, the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 that engages with the second engagement surface 978b of the first gear portion 976 of the rotating member 975 may correspond to the lever 960 pivoted to this configuration. Thus, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 engages the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the drag wheel mode.

According to various embodiments, as shown in fig. 3A and 4A, the first engagement surface 978a and the second engagement surface 978b of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 may be disposed or arranged in an alternating manner about the rotational axis 971 of the rotating member 975.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of tooth structures 977 of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotational member 975 may additionally include at least one intermediate (or further) engagement surface (not shown) disposed at an intermediate radial distance between a first radial distance of the first engagement surface 978a and a second radial distance of the second engagement surface 978b measured from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975. Thus, according to various embodiments, the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 that engages with the intermediate engagement surface of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 may correspond to a lever pivoted to this configuration, whereby the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 engages with the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to place the roller 540 in the drag wheel mode. However, the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 may engage the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 with a lower resistance (corresponding to a weaker stopping or "braking" force) to the rolling motion of the roller 540 experienced by the user, as compared to the resistance generated by the resistive-wheel mode (corresponding to the engagement of the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 with the second engagement surface 978B of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 (as described with reference to fig. 4A and 4B). Thus, according to various embodiments, a plurality of intermediate engagement surfaces may be provided, which are disposed at different radial distances from each other as measured from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975, the plurality of intermediate engagement surfaces corresponding to different levels of rolling resistance of the roller 540. According to various embodiments, one or more intermediate engagement surfaces may be provided between the respective first engagement surface 978a and the respective second engagement surface 978b of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975. For example, according to various embodiments, the plurality of engagement surfaces 978 may be arranged in the following order along a first rotational direction about the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975: a first engagement surface 978a, an intermediate engagement surface (not shown), a second engagement surface 978b, an intermediate engagement surface, a first engagement surface 978a. According to various other embodiments, one or more intermediate engagement surfaces (i.e., corresponding to different levels of resistance) may be disposed between a pair of adjacent (or closest) first engagement surfaces 978a, or between a pair of adjacent second engagement surfaces 978 b. For example, according to various other embodiments, the plurality of engagement surfaces 978 may be arranged in the following order along a first rotational direction about the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975: a first engagement surface 978a, an intermediate engagement surface, a first engagement surface 978a, a second engagement surface 978b, one or more intermediate engagement surfaces, a second engagement surface 978b, a first engagement surface 978a, one or more intermediate engagement surfaces, a first engagement surface 978a … …, and the like. According to various embodiments, the plurality of engagement surfaces 978 may be arranged in any other order, wherein immediately adjacent engagement surfaces are at different radial distances from each other, measured from the rotation axis 971.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of tooth structures 977 of the first gear-like portion 976 of the rotational member 975 may include a connecting surface 978c that connects or abuts a respective pair or each pair of adjacent engagement surfaces 978 disposed at different radial distances from each other (i.e., relative to the rotational axis 971) that facilitate movement (e.g., sliding movement, or travel) of the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 across the plurality of tooth structures 977 of the first gear-like portion 976 of the rotational member 975 from one engagement surface 978 to another engagement surface 978 disposed at different radial distances from each other as measured from the rotational axis 971. Thus, each connection surface 978c may be sloped or inclined to connect two adjacent engagement surfaces 978 at different radial distances from the rotation axis 971.

Thus, as described above, according to various embodiments, the first gear-like portion 976 of the rotary member 975 of the motion converter 970 may include a plurality of tooth-like structures 977 configured or adapted to engage the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 such that the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 follows the contours or outer edges of the plurality of tooth-like structures 977 of the first gear-like portion 976. Thus, as the rotational member 975 rotates, the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 may be moved to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 between the drag wheel mode and the freewheel mode.

Referring to fig. 3A and 4A, according to various embodiments, the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 may be at a first section of the rotational axis 971 of the rotating member 975. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the rotational member 975 may further include a second gear portion 979, which second gear portion 979 may be at a second segment of the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975. According to various embodiments, the first section of the rotational axis 971 and the second section of the rotational axis 971 may be side-by-side along the rotational axis 971. Thus, the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 and the second gear-shaped portion 979 of the rotating member 975 may be arranged side by side along the rotation axis 971. As shown, according to various embodiments, the second gear portion 979 may abut and be adjacent to the first gear portion 976. Thus, the first and second gear portions 979 may be integral (e.g., integrally molded) with one another. According to various other embodiments, the first and second gear portions 979 may be integrated (e.g., joined or assembled) together, such as via gluing (e.g., using an adhesive) the first and second gear portions 979 together, or joining the first and second gear portions 979 together via an interference fit or snap fit between the first and second gear portions 979.

According to various embodiments, the second gear-shaped portion 979 may be configured to receive an input motion or force to rotate the rotating member 975. For example, as shown in fig. 3A and 4A, according to various embodiments, the second gear-shaped portion 979 may include a plurality of teeth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981 that radially protrude along the circumference of the second gear-shaped portion 979 of the rotating member 975. The teeth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981 may be configured to receive an input motion or force, act on at least one tooth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981, or be used to rotate the rotating member 975. For example, the input motion or force may push the teeth 981 of the rotating member 975 (e.g., along a linear path in a direction tangential to the circumference of the second gear-shaped portion 979) to rotate the rotating member 975. Each tooth (e.g., asymmetric tooth) 981 may include a first sidewall 981a, which first sidewall 981a may be substantially parallel to a radial direction extending from the rotational axis 971. Furthermore, the first sidewall(s) 981a of all teeth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981 may be arranged to face a first (or same) rotational direction about the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975. Further, each tooth (e.g., asymmetric tooth) 981 can include a second sidewall 981b of the tooth opposite the first sidewall 981 a. The second sidewall 981b of each tooth 981 may be inclined or curved relative to the first sidewall 981a of the tooth 981. For example, as shown, the second side wall 981b of each tooth 981 may be provided or disposed at an acute angle relative to the first side wall 981a of the tooth 981. According to various embodiments, the plurality of teeth 981 may be identical (e.g., substantially identical) to one another. Thus, according to various embodiments, the apex of each tooth 981 (i.e., the union between the first and second sidewalls 981a, 981 b) may be at the same radial distance from the rotational axis 971 of the rotational member 975 as the remaining one or more teeth 981. According to various embodiments, the second gear-shaped portion 979 may resemble a ratchet gear.

According to various other embodiments, the second gear-like portion 979 may be integral with the first gear-like portion 976 to form the rotating member 975. Thus, the first gear-shaped portion 976 and the second gear-shaped portion 979 can be rotated as a single rotation member 975 in a synchronized manner. Thus, providing input motion or force to rotate the second gear portion 979 may simultaneously rotate the first gear portion 976.

Referring to fig. 3A and 4A, according to various embodiments, each engagement surface 978 (e.g., first engagement surface(s) 978a, second engagement surface(s) 978b, and/or intermediate engagement surface(s) (not shown)) of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975 and the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 may be configured or shaped to be mutually engageable or engageable with each other, respectively, so as to be able to retain (e.g., releasably retain or releasably secure) the lever 960 in place (e.g., in a desired pattern) when no or insufficient (i.e., less than a predetermined threshold) input motion or input force is applied to the rotating member 975 (e.g., in an attempt to rotate the rotating member 975). Thus, each engagement surface 978 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 to engage one another for holding the lever 960 in place. For example, as shown, according to various embodiments, each engagement surface 978 of the first gear-like portion 976 of the rotational member 975 may include or may define a recessed (or concave-like) surface portion configured to receive and/or interengage with a corresponding convex (or convex) surface portion of the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960.

Referring back to fig. 2A and 2B, according to various embodiments, the assembly 901 may include a user input unit 985, which user input unit 985 may include a linear actuation member 986. The user input unit 985 may be mounted to the roller support 945 or supported by the roller support 945 to provide input motion (e.g., linear motion) of the rotational member 975 to rotate the member 975 via the linear actuation member 986. For example, the linear actuation member 986 may engage or contact a first sidewall 981a of one tooth 981 of the second gear-like portion 979 of the rotating member 975 to urge the tooth 981 of the rotating member 975 to rotate the rotating member 975 as the linear actuation member 986 moves through linear motion. Thus, in accordance with various embodiments, the roller support 945 can include a straight (e.g., substantially straight) channel 947, the channel 947 being configured to support and/or slidably receive and/or guide the linear actuation member 986 therein. In other words, the linear actuation member 986 of the user input unit 985 may be movable along an actuation distance corresponding to the depth or length of the channel 947.

According to various embodiments, the linear actuation member 986 may be biased in or toward an extended (or undepressed) position relative to the channel 947 or the scroll wheel support 945 (or the housing 110 of the mouse 100) by an actuation member-biasing member 983. For example, the user input unit 985 may include an actuation member-biasing member 983, such as a spring (e.g., a compression spring) or any other suitable resilient material (e.g., foam, high resilience foam, memory foam), engaged with the linear actuation member 986 and disposed inside or inboard of the roller frame 945 in a manner that causes the linear actuation member 986 to move from an extended (non-depressed) position to a retracted (e.g., depressed) position such that the actuation member-biasing member 983 may return the linear actuation member 986 to the extended (non-depressed) position when the depressing force is removed. According to various embodiments, the user input unit 985 may further include a locking mechanism (e.g., a push-push mechanism, or any other suitable locking or latching mechanism, etc.) configured to releasably retain the linear actuation member 986 in a retracted (e.g., depressed) position relative to the channel 947 or the roller support 945 (or the housing 110 of the mouse 100) when the linear actuation member 986 is depressed from the extended position to the retracted position.

According to various embodiments, the user input unit 985 may further include an engagement tab member 987, the engagement tab member 987 being configured to move in tandem (in other words, simultaneously) and/or with the linear actuation member 986 (in other words, along and alongside). According to various embodiments, the engagement tab member 987 may be integral to or attached to one or both of the linear actuation member 986 and/or a portion of the biasing member 983 (e.g., a top or upper portion of the biasing member 983, or a portion of the biasing member 983 immediately adjacent or abutting the linear actuation member 986). According to various embodiments, the engagement tab member 987 may protrude or extend from one side of the linear actuation member 986. According to various embodiments, the user input unit 985 may be disposed such that the engagement tab member 987 may be proximate to the second gear-shaped portion 979 of the rotating member 975, e.g., a plurality of teeth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981 proximate to the second gear-shaped portion 979 such that the teeth (e.g., asymmetric teeth) 981 are in (or obstruct) a path (e.g., an actuation path) of the engagement tab member 987. Thus, as the linear actuation member 986 moves (e.g., is depressed) through an actuation distance, the engagement tab member 987 may engage and push (e.g., along an actuation path) the first sidewall 981a of one tooth 981 of the second gear-shaped portion 979 to rotate the rotation member 975 about the rotation axis 971. According to various embodiments, the engagement tab member 987 may be in the form of a post or rod or bar or finger or bar or stick or any other suitable component.

According to various embodiments, each tooth 981 (e.g., an apex of each tooth or vane, etc.) of the second gear-shaped portion 979 of the rotating member 975 may be radially aligned with a corresponding engagement surface 978 of the first gear-shaped portion 976 of the rotating member 975. Further, the plurality of teeth 981 of the second gear-like portion 979, along with corresponding radially aligned respective engagement surfaces 978, may be spaced from one another at regular (or equal) intervals about the rotational axis 971. Thus, each actuation (e.g., depression) of the linear actuation member 986 may correspond to or result in a single change or transition of mode, e.g., from freewheel mode to drag wheel mode, or from drag wheel mode to freewheel mode, or between drag wheel modes of different resistance, etc.

According to various embodiments, the linear actuation member 986 may be actuated by depressing a free end 988 (e.g., a top or upper end) of the linear actuation member 986 using a button mounted on the housing 110 of the mouse 100 (e.g., the push button 129 of the mouse 100 shown in fig. 1). For example, a button (e.g., a push button) 129 of the mouse 100 may be configured to engage with the linear actuation member 986 and actuate the linear actuation member 986 each time the button 129 is depressed.

Fig. 5A illustrates a side view of an assembly 901 in freewheel mode having a biasing mechanism 980 mounted to a roller bracket 945 to apply a biasing force on a first lever arm 963, in accordance with various embodiments; and figure 5B illustrates a side view of an assembly 901 in a drag wheel mode having a biasing mechanism 980 for exerting a biasing force on a first lever arm 963 according to various embodiments.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, the assembly 901 may include a biasing mechanism 980 mounted on or secured to a roller support 945. As shown, according to various embodiments, a first end 982 of the biasing mechanism 980 may be coupled or connected to the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960, and a second end 984 of the biasing mechanism 980 may be mounted or secured to the roller bracket 945. The biasing mechanism 980 may be configured to apply or exercise a biasing force on the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 in a direction toward the braking surface 542 to bias the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 toward the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. Thus, the biasing mechanism 980 engaged with the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960, along with the rotating member 975 engaged with the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960, may be used to prevent the mechanism (e.g., the lever 960, and any intermediate components between the rotating member 975 and the biasing mechanism 980) from loosening when in a particular or desired mode (e.g., freewheel mode or drag wheel mode). Thus, when the assembly 901 is in the resistance wheel mode, the biasing mechanism 980 engaged with the first lever arm 963 may also be used to clamp or secure the first lever arm 963 to the braking surface 542 to prevent the assembly 901 from inadvertently exiting the resistance wheel mode. As shown, according to various embodiments, the biasing mechanism 980 may be or include a spring, such as a torsion spring or lever spring, or the like.

Thus, according to various embodiments, the motion converter 970 may be configured to apply an output motion (i.e., a rotational motion conversion from the rotational member 975 of the motion converter 970) to the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 to correspondingly counteract a biasing force applied by the biasing mechanism 980 on the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 to correspondingly adjust an engagement force applied by the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 on the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to brake rotation of the roller 540. Accordingly, due to the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 980, the rolling resistance/braking force of the roller 540 may be adjusted in a controlled manner by controlling the degree of output motion of the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 applied to the lever 960 via controlled rotation of the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970.

Further, according to various embodiments, the output motion imparted on the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 (i.e., the rotational motion conversion from the rotational member 975 of the motion converter 970) may pivot about the pivot axis 961 such that the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 may completely disengage from the braking surface 542 of the roller 540, whereby the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 980 may no longer cause the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 to impart an engagement force on the braking surface 542 of the roller 540. Thus, the motion converter 970 can move the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 to pivot the lever 960 about the pivot axis 961 to correspondingly counteract the biasing force exerted by the biasing mechanism 980 on the first free end 964 of the first lever arm 963 of the lever 960 to disengage the braking surface 542 of the roller 540 to change the roller 540 to the freewheel mode. Accordingly, the rolling resistance of the roller 540 may be varied between the freewheel mode and the predetermined maximum resistance wheel mode by controlling the degree of output applied to the second free end 966 of the second lever arm 965 of the lever 960 by the motion converter 970 via controlled rotation of the rotating member 975 of the motion converter 970.

According to various embodiments, an input device for communicating with a processor-based device is provided. The input device may include a housing. The input device may further include a scroll wheel rotatably mounted on the housing in such a manner that a portion of the scroll wheel may be exposed from the housing for a user of the input device to scroll the scroll wheel with the exposed portion of the scroll wheel. The roller may include a ring and a braking surface. The braking surface may be an inner surface of the ring portion. The input device may further comprise a lever, which may be provided with a first lever arm and a second lever arm, and which may be mounted on the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis extending between the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The lever may be pivotable to move the first free end of the first lever arm to engage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the resistive wheel mode and disengage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the freewheel mode. The input device may further include a motion converter engaged with the second free end of the second lever arm. The motion converter may comprise a rotary member rotatable about a rotation axis. The motion converter may be configured to convert rotational motion of the rotary member into output motion to move the second free end of the second lever arm to pivot the lever about the pivot axis for engaging or disengaging the first free end of the first lever arm and the braking surface of the roller. The rotating member may include a first gear-like portion and a second gear-like portion arranged side by side along the rotation axis. The first gear-like portion may comprise a plurality of teeth for engaging the second free end of the second lever arm such that the second free end of the second lever arm moves the second free end of the second lever arm following the contour of the plurality of teeth of the first gear-like portion to pivot the lever about the pivot axis. The second gear portion may include a plurality of asymmetric teeth protruding radially along a circumference of the second gear portion for receiving input motion to rotate the rotating member.

According to various embodiments, the pivot axis of the lever and the rotational axis of the rotational member of the motion converter may be at least substantially parallel to each other.

According to various embodiments, the profile of the plurality of tooth structures of the first gear-like portion may define: (i) A first engagement surface at a top end of each tooth disposed at a first radial distance from the rotational axis, wherein a second free end of a second lever arm engaged with the first engagement surface may correspond to the pivoted lever such that the first free end of the first lever arm engages with a braking surface of the roller to place the roller in a drag wheel mode; and (ii) a second engagement surface at a groove disposed between two toothed structures at a second radial distance away from the rotational axis, wherein a second free end of the second lever arm engaged with the second engagement surface may correspond to the pivoting lever such that the first free end of the first lever arm disengages the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in a freewheel mode.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of tooth structures of the first gear-like portion may further define: the other engagement surface is disposed at an intermediate radial distance between the first radial distance and the second radial distance away from the axis of rotation.

According to various embodiments, the connecting surface may connect each pair of adjacent first and second engagement surfaces.

According to various embodiments, each of the first and second engagement surfaces may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the second free end of the second lever arm to interengage with one another for holding the lever in place.

According to various embodiments, the input device may further comprise a biasing element arranged to exert a biasing force on the first free end of the first lever arm in a direction towards the braking surface.

According to various embodiments, the input device may further comprise a user input unit comprising a linear actuation member configured to engage with the rotation member and to transmit an input motion to the rotation member to rotate the rotation member about the rotation axis.

According to various embodiments, the user input unit may further comprise a push button for actuating the linear actuation member.

According to various embodiments, the user input unit may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to releasably retain the linear actuation member in the retracted position relative to the housing.

While the present utility model has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the utility model as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the utility model is thus indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (10)

1. An input device for communicating with a processor-based device, the input device comprising:

a housing;

a roller rotatably mounted on the housing in such a manner that a portion of the roller is exposed from the housing for a user of the input device to scroll the roller with the exposed portion of the roller, and the roller includes a ring and a braking surface, wherein the braking surface extends along an inner circumference of the ring;

a lever provided with a first lever arm and a second lever arm and mounted on the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis extending between the first lever arm and the second lever arm, wherein the lever is pivotable to move a first free end of the first lever arm to engage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in a drag wheel mode and disengage the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in a freewheel mode; and

A motion converter engaged with the second free end of the second lever arm, the motion converter comprising a rotary member rotatable about a rotational axis, the motion converter configured to convert rotational motion of the rotary member into output motion to move the second free end of the second lever arm to pivot the lever about the pivot axis for engaging or disengaging the first free end of the first lever arm and the braking surface of the roller;

wherein the rotating member comprises a first gear-like portion and a second gear-like portion arranged side by side along the rotation axis;

wherein the first gear-like portion comprises a plurality of tooth-like structures for engaging the second free end of the second lever arm such that the second free end of the second lever arm moves the second free end of the second lever arm with a contour of the plurality of tooth-like structures of the first gear-like portion so as to pivot the lever about the pivot axis;

wherein the second gear-like portion comprises a plurality of asymmetric teeth protruding radially along a circumference of the second gear-like portion for receiving input motion to rotate the rotating member.

2. The input device according to claim 1,

characterized in that the pivot axis of the lever and the rotation axis of the rotary member of the motion converter are at least substantially parallel to each other.

3. The input device according to claim 1,

characterized in that the contours of the plurality of tooth structures of the first gear-like portion define:

a first engagement surface at a tip of each of the tooth-like structures disposed at a first radial distance from the rotational axis, wherein the second free end of the second lever arm engaged with the first engagement surface corresponds to the lever being pivoted such that the first free end of the first lever arm engages with the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the drag wheel mode; and

a second engagement surface at a groove disposed between two of the toothed structures at a second radial distance from the rotational axis, wherein the second free end of the second lever arm engaged with the second engagement surface corresponds to the lever being pivoted such that the first free end of the first lever arm disengages the braking surface of the roller to place the roller in the freewheel mode.

4. An input device according to claim 3,

characterized in that the plurality of tooth-like structures of the first gear-like portion further define:

another engagement surface is disposed at an intermediate radial distance between the first radial distance and the second radial distance away from the axis of rotation.

5. An input device according to claim 3,

wherein a connecting surface connects the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

6. An input device according to claim 3,

wherein each of the first and second engagement surfaces is shaped to correspond to the shape of the second free end of the second lever arm to interengage with one another for holding the lever in place.

7. The input device according to claim 1,

wherein the input device further comprises a biasing element arranged to exert a biasing force on the first free end of the first lever arm in a direction towards the braking surface.

8. The input device according to claim 1,

wherein the input device further comprises a user input unit comprising a linear actuation member configured to engage with the rotation member and transfer the input motion to the rotation member to rotate the rotation member about the rotation axis.

9. The input device according to claim 8,

characterized in that the user input unit further comprises:

a push button for actuating the linear actuation member.

10. The input device according to claim 8,

wherein the user input unit further comprises a locking mechanism configured to releasably retain the linear actuation member in a retracted position relative to the housing.

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