EP4104039A1

EP4104039A1 - Computer mouse and method for operating a computer mouse, remote control, smart device

Info

Publication number: EP4104039A1
Application number: EP21710190.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Battlogg
Original assignee: Inventus Engineering GmbH
Current assignee: Inventus Engineering GmbH
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2021-02-15
Publication date: 2022-12-21
Also published as: US20230087434A1; DE102021103526A1; US11775091B2; CN115053207A; WO2021160896A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer mouse (300) for carrying out inputs into a computer unit that can be coupled to the mouse, comprising a mouse body (301) that can be at least partially gripped and a mouse wheel (303) that is rotatably supported on a carrying structure (302) of the mouse body (301), the mouse wheel (303) being able to be rotated by a finger to carry out an input. The mouse wheel (303) comprises at least two actuation zones (304). A movement of the mouse wheel (303) can be damped by means of a controllable brake device (1) in a targeted manner dependent on the actuation zone (304) from which the mouse wheel (303) is actuated and/or dependent on which actuation zone (304) was previous activated.

Description

COMPUTER MOUSE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A COMPUTER MOUSE,

REMOTE CONTROL, SMARTDEVICE

The present invention relates to a computer mouse for making entries in a computer device which can be coupled to the computer mouse. The computer mouse comprises at least one at least partially graspable mouse body and at least one mouse wheel mounted at least rotatably on a support structure of the mouse body. The mouse wheel can be rotated using at least one finger to carry out an input.

Such computer mice are used in many ways. In contrast, it is the object of the present invention to improve the usability of the computer mouse. In particular, the ease of use and / or ergonomics should be improved and the user should be better supported when working with the computer mouse. It should preferably be possible to make the use of the computer mouse and the implementation of inputs more intuitive. Furthermore, it is desirable that the computer mouse is structurally uncomplicated and economical to manufacture.

This object is achieved by a computer mouse with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 17. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

The computer mouse according to the invention is used to carry out inputs into a computer device that can be coupled (or coupled) to the computer mouse. The computer mouse comprises at least one at least partially grippable mouse body and at least one mouse wheel mounted at least rotatably on a support structure of the mouse body. The mouse wheel can be rotated to carry out an input using at least one finger (and thus also a thumb). The mouse wheel includes at least two actuation zones. The mouse wheel can also have three or four or five or more actuation zones. Movement of the mouse wheel, in particular turning the mouse wheel, can be specifically damped by means of at least one controllable (in particular magnetorheological) braking device depending on which actuation zone the mouse wheel is actuated from and in particular rotated and / or which actuation zone of the at least two actuation zones was previously activated (for example, by pressing the actuation zone). In particular, the movement of the mouse wheel can be specifically damped in that a torque for the movement can be specifically changed or set.

The computer mouse according to the invention offers many advantages.

The mouse wheel is particularly advantageous with its (in particular different) actuation zones, which can be specifically damped with the (magnetorheological) braking device.

Depending on which zone is used (e.g. touched), there is a certain damping for the rotary movement. It is also particularly advantageous that only a mouse wheel is required for this.

In this way, diverse and at the same time intuitive operating options can be implemented in a particularly compact and at the same time structurally inexpensive. The invention enables the user to be supported in a targeted manner when working with the mouse. In addition, the use of the mouse is much more comfortable and the execution of inputs is made more intuitive and faster. For example, haptic feedback can improve productivity and reduce the frequency of errors for the user. Another particular advantage is the silent operation, since no mechanical raster or the like is required. In addition, when turning, noises or even tones can also be generated by appropriate activation of the braking device. In all embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the braking device is designed agnetorheologically. In particular, the braking device comprises at least one magnetorheological medium and at least one field generating device for generating a magnetic field and in particular also for controlling a magnetic and / or electrical field strength. In particular, the medium can be influenced by means of the field generating device in order to set the resistance to movement (in particular the torque and / or moment) for the rotatability of the mouse wheel. With a magnetorheological braking device, particularly detailed haptic feedback can be generated.

The actuation zones are preferably connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the actuation zones have a common axis of rotation. In particular, the actuation zones can only be rotated together. In particular, all operating zones of the mouse wheel are rotated when the mouse wheel is rotated. In particular, the actuation zones cannot be moved independently of one another. The actuation zones can be connected to one another in a fixed manner (in particular, they cannot be detached in a non-destructive manner). In particular, the actuation zones are connected to one another in one piece. In particular, the actuation zones are rotatably mounted on a common axis. In particular, the actuation zones are firmly connected to one another. In particular, the actuation zones are arranged axially next to one another. In particular, the actuation zones are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the mouse wheel or along the axis of rotation. In particular, the actuation zones correspond to axial sections of the mouse wheel. In particular, at least one common braking device is provided for the actuation zones. In particular, the actuation zones are only damped by a single (in particular magnetorheological) braking device. In particular, the actuation zones are mounted on a common axis. This offers an implementation of the invention that is particularly inexpensive in terms of construction and can be produced economically. In particular, the braking device and the mouse wheel (in particular also the actuation zones) can be rotated about a common axis of rotation. The mouse wheel and the braking device are particularly preferably mounted on a common axis. The braking device can also be rotatable about an axis of rotation which is arranged parallel or transversely to the axis of rotation of the mouse wheel. In particular, the mouse wheel and the braking device are then each mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis.

The braking device can be coupled to the mouse wheel by means of at least one gear unit. The gear unit can serve to translate or reduce or forward a speed of the mouse wheel in relation to the braking device. For example, the gear unit can achieve higher (braking) torque. The gear unit can serve to connect the axes of rotation of the mouse wheel and the braking device, which are offset in parallel or transversely to one another. So the braking device can be arranged offset to the axis of rotation of the mouse wheel, for. B. to make better use of the installation space.

In particular, the actuation zones are arranged axially directly or indirectly next to one another. The axial arrangement relates in particular to an axis of rotation of the mouse wheel and / or the braking device. For example, the actuation zones are or include axial sections of the mouse wheel.

In all of the configurations it is particularly preferred that the damping (in particular the torque) can be set as a function of at least one angle of rotation of the mouse wheel detected by means of at least one sensor device. In particular, the damping (in particular the torque) is specifically adapted as a function of the angle of rotation. In particular, the damping (in particular the torque) is dynamically adapted as a function of the angle of rotation. The change in the damping or the torque of the rotating mouse wheel leads in particular directly to a change in the tangential force required to rotate the Mouse wheel and thus to the force on the finger (finger force). This change in force on the finger is perceived by the user as force feedback.

In advantageous refinements, it is preferred that the sensor device comprises at least one sensor (e.g. encoder, rotary encoder, Hall sensor ...). The sensor is z. B. an angle sensor and in particular a rotation angle sensor. An absolute position (e.g. absolute encoder) or a relative position can be recorded. The sensor can detect the angle of the mouse wheel directly or indirectly via a position of another component and in particular of the braking device.

For example, an angular position and / or an angle of rotation of the braking device or also of the mouse wheel itself is recorded for this purpose. The detected angle is preferably made available to the control device for controlling the braking device.

The computer mouse preferably comprises at least one monitoring device. The monitoring device preferably comprises at least one near field recognition or is designed as such. Other types of monitoring are also possible. In particular, the monitoring device, preferably the near field detection, is suitable and designed to detect by means of sensors the actuation zone from which actuation takes place. In particular, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to detect by means of sensors in which actuation zone an actuation takes place. In particular, a rotary movement of the mouse wheel is assigned to that actuation zone which was recognized by the monitoring device and in particular the near field recognition as the actuation zone from which the actuation takes place. The monitoring device comprises in particular at least one image recognition sensor and / or proximity sensor and / or near field sensor and / or contact sensor and / or radar sensor and / or at least one camera device and / or at least one capacitive sensor. In particular, at least one sensor is in each of the actuation zones Monitoring device assigned.

In a particularly advantageous and preferred embodiment, the monitoring device is suitable and designed for recording and in particular also for recognizing gestures. In particular, the monitoring device comprises at least one gesture recognition. In particular, for this purpose, at least one gesture recognition zone extends at least around the mouse wheel. In particular, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to recognize at least one gesture carried out in the area of the gesture recognition zone and to carry out at least one input or function as a function of the gesture. In particular, the gesture recognition comprises at least one radar sensor and / or at least one camera device and / or at least one other type of sensor for gesture recognition. It is possible that at least one actuation zone can be activated by means of at least one gesture.

It is also preferred and advantageous that the actuation zones can each be activated and in particular also deactivated by touching and / or pressing. For example, a rotary movement of the mouse wheel is assigned to that actuation zone which was previously touched and / or pressed at least once. It is possible for a detection, in particular a measurement, of a pressure intensity to take place for this purpose. In particular, the actuation zones can be activated as a function of the pressure intensity. In particular, at least one pressure sensor is assigned to each of the actuation zones.

The actuation zones can preferably be distinguished haptically and / or optically (e.g. by means of different lighting). The actuation zones can also be made of glass, plexiglass, transparent or semi-transparent materials and / or can be illuminated from the inside or outside. In particular, a haptic differentiation is possible even without rotating the mouse wheel. In particular, the actuation zones each have a different surface (eg shape: transverse grooves, longitudinal grooves; Knurl ...; e.g. material: plastic, glass, metal, chrome-plated, gold-plated ...) and / or size and / or geometry (e.g. cambered, concave, convex ...) and / or color and / or lighting. For example, the surfaces differ in their roughness or roughness and / or in their diameter and / or in their outer contour. It is possible that one actuation zone protrudes or is set back from the other actuation zone. It is also possible that the actuation zones are at least partially enclosed in the mouse body with different circumferential angles and / or protrude from the mouse body or are exposed.

In particular, the computer mouse comprises at least one control device. The control device is particularly suitable and designed to control the braking device at least as a function of at least one control command and to convert the control command into at least one haptic signal (force feedback) that can be perceived on the mouse wheel. The haptic signal includes, in particular, a defined sequence of deceleration moments or is designed as such a sequence. This is done in particular in such a way that a user can or receives at least one haptic feedback (so-called force feedback) on the mouse wheel as a result of an input made and / or during an input. In particular, a deceleration torque is applied to the rotatability of the mouse wheel in order to provide haptic feedback. The haptic signal includes, in particular, a defined sequence of deceleration moments or is designed as such. In particular, a haptic signal is understood to mean a substantial (and in particular perceptible) change in the rotational resistance.

Appropriate haptic feedback can be assigned to certain inputs, so that the user can draw conclusions purely from the feedback about what he is setting or which function he is performing or adjusting. Another particular advantage of the invention is that not only inputs from the user are used Computer device, but also haptic feedback from the computer device via the mouse wheel to the user. The computer mouse with the mouse wheel that can be felt manually allows a very direct (preferably in real time) feedback that can be felt directly with the finger. This enables very precise control to be carried out. The direct contact with a finger of the hand, which can also be provided with a glove, enables sensitive and intuitive control. If the user confirms z. B. a binding order process with the mouse wheel, the user receives a different, clearly assignable, force feedback than for the previous selection of the order items. This can be a greatly increased torque, but also a torque ripple with a subsequent short high torque and subsequent turning over with a lower torque and a subsequent barrier (blocking or stop or very high torque) as the end of the order confirmation.

The software can assign the individual feedback in the form of artificial intelligence.

In all of the configurations it is possible for the computer mouse to include at least one display. In particular, the display is used to display a (current) function assignment of the actuation zones. This offers comfortable support for haptic feedback.

The control command specifies in particular which deceleration torque is to be set at which angle of rotation and / or at what time. The control command can include at least one function that describes a torque curve over the angle of rotation and / or over time. The control command can contain information on how such a function is to be dynamically adapted.

The control command is provided in particular by the computer device and / or by the control device. the The computer device and / or the control device can in particular generate a large number of different control commands or select a control command in a targeted manner from a large number of stored control commands. The computer mouse can be coupled to the computer device in a wireless and / or wired manner.

In a particularly preferred and advantageous development, a haptic feedback takes place as a function of the actuation zone in which the mouse wheel is actuated and, in particular, touched. For example, when the mouse wheel is rotated in a first actuation zone, a higher frequency is set for the sequence of decelerating moments than when the mouse wheel is rotated in the other actuation zone. This has the advantage that the user can see without visual contact what inputs he is currently making. In particular, such a haptic feedback also takes place as a function of a control command from the computer device.

It is also preferred and advantageous that a specific input is made depending on the actuated and / or active actuation zone. The assignment of the actuation zone and input is preferably programmable and / or dynamically adaptable. The assignment can also take place by means of a control command from the computer device. In particular, the control device of the computer mouse is suitable and designed to transmit at least one separate input to the computer device for each actuation zone. For example, two or more individual mouse wheels or other control buttons can be simulated with just one mouse wheel. In particular, the control device is suitable and designed to provide the computer device with an input signal for each actuation zone.

It is possible that the actuation zones are suitable and designed for operating at least one specific function of the computer device that can be coupled to the computer mouse, so that a different function of the computer device can be controlled depending on the actuation zone actuated. According to the invention, a function is also understood to mean operating a program running on the computing unit or software stored on the computing unit and / or operating via a network.

The rotary movement of the mouse wheel can preferably be acted upon by an adjustable grid when scrolling. The raster is preferably generated by a targeted deceleration (in particular higher torque) and / or blocking (in particular high torque) and a targeted release of the rotary movement (in particular low torque) at certain time intervals and / or at certain angles of rotation. The grid (ripple) is preferably also set as a function of the actuation zone from which the mouse wheel is actuated and, in particular, rotated. In particular, depending on the respective actuation zone, a different frequency is set for the sequence of decelerating torques. Depending on the raster, there is in particular a different implementation of the input on the computer device, for example a faster or slower jump on a scroll or the like. The scrolling takes place in particular by means of a rotary movement of the input element.

In particular, the computer mouse comprises at least one mouse body with an arrangement of the mouse wheel that is optimized for right-handers. In particular, the computer mouse comprises at least one mouse body with an arrangement of the mouse wheel that is optimized for left-handers. For example, a mouse wheel, which is provided for actuation with the thumb, is arranged on the left or left in the arrangement optimized for right-handers. For example, a mouse wheel, which is intended to be operated with the thumb, is arranged on the right or on the right in the arrangement optimized for left-handers. In particular, the invention comprises a computer mouse with a mouse body with the arrangement optimized for right-handers and a computer mouse with a mouse body with the arrangement optimized for left-handers. It is also possible that the mouse wheel can optionally be arranged on the mouse body in the arrangement optimized for right-handers and the arrangement optimized for left-handers. A tool-free relocation of the mouse wheel on the mouse body is preferably provided. The computer mouse preferably recognizes independently whether the user is right-handed or left-handed and switches the arrangement and the haptic behavior accordingly. The detection can preferably take place via the monitoring device and in particular the near field detection. The user can easily and comfortably switch from right-hand operation to left-hand operation, which is advantageous for the muscles, joints and tendons during prolonged use.

The mouse body can comprise at least a first contact section for the index finger. The mouse body can comprise at least one second contact section for the thumb. The mouse wheel can be arranged in the first contact section. It is also possible for the mouse wheel to be arranged in the second contact section. The computer mouse can also comprise at least two mouse wheels. At least one mouse wheel is then preferably arranged in each of the first contact section and the second contact section. Only one of the mouse wheels can be equipped with at least two actuation zones. It is also possible that both the mouse wheel of the first contact section and the mouse wheel of the second contact section are each equipped with at least two actuation zones.

The first contact section is arranged in particular in an upper and preferably front section of the mouse body. The first contact section is arranged in particular on an upper side of the mouse body. The mouse wheel arranged in the first contact section is designed in particular as a finger roller for the index finger and / or a finger other than the thumb. The second contact section is arranged in particular in a lateral section of the mouse body. The second Contact section is arranged in particular on such a side of the mouse body which connects an upper side and an underside with one another. The second contact section is arranged, for example, on a left half of the mouse body (in an arrangement optimized for right-handers) and / or on a right half of the mouse body (in an arrangement optimized for left-handers). The mouse wheel arranged in the second contact section is designed in particular as a thumb roller.

In all configurations, it is particularly preferred that the rotatability of the mouse wheel by means of the braking device from freely rotatable (so-called free-wheeling; free-spinning or low torque) to completely blocked for the manually generated force occurring during operation on the mouse wheel (in particular high torque ) is adjustable. Blocking is understood to mean, in particular, such a high deceleration torque that no movement of the mouse wheel is possible with the finger or hand forces to be expected as intended. In particular, the mouse wheel must first be operated again in order to remove the blockage (e.g. press).

It is possible and preferred that the mouse wheel can be pressed to carry out an input. In particular, the mouse wheel is designed to be pushable and / or pullable. In particular, the mouse wheel can be pushed and / or dragged across the axis of rotation. It is also possible that the mouse wheel can be pressed and / or dragged along the axis of rotation. It is possible here for the pushing movement and / or pulling movement not to be damped by the (in particular magnetorheological) braking device. However, it is also possible that the pushing movement and / or pulling movement can be specifically damped by means of the braking device and / or by means of at least one further (in particular magnetorheological) braking device. When the mouse wheel is pressed, the turning movement of the mouse wheel can automatically be set more difficult or even blocked (high torque), which prevents unwanted scrolling while pressing will. It is possible that in such a configuration a detection, in particular a measurement, of a pressure intensity takes place. In particular, the input is then carried out as a function of the pressure intensity. Depending on the pressure intensity, a different input can be made or a different function can be set.

In an advantageous development, the mouse wheel is designed as a rocker. In particular, the mouse wheel comprises at least one rocker bearing. In particular, the rocker bearing is arranged between at least two actuation zones. In particular, the mouse wheel can be tilted to carry out an input on both sides of the rocker bearing. In particular, depending on the pressed and / or pulled actuation zone, a certain input and / or a certain haptic feedback occurs. In this case, damping by means of the braking device may or may not be provided for pushing and / or pulling. In particular, the rocker bearing has a pivot axis which is arranged transversely to the axis of rotation of the mouse wheel.

It is also possible that the monitoring device is suitable and designed to recognize at which of the actuation zones the mouse wheel is pressed and / or pulled. Then in particular an input and / or haptic feedback takes place depending on which actuation zone the mouse wheel is pressed and / or dragged or has been pulled.

The method according to the invention is used to operate a computer mouse as described above. The method also solves the problem set above in a particularly advantageous manner. In particular, the mouse wheel is moved by means of at least one finger in order to carry out an input. In particular, a resistance to movement for the mobility of the mouse wheel is set as a function of the actuation zone from which the mouse wheel is actuated and / or which actuation zone was previously activated. In particular, the computer mouse is suitable and designed to implement the method steps described in the context of the invention by means of the control device.

A haptic and / or optical and / or acoustic signal is preferably displayed for the actuation zones, so that such a signal can be used to identify which function can be operated with at least one specific actuation zone (in particular currently). The signal is preferably displayed automatically when an occupancy is established and / or changed. For example, when there is an incoming call, an actuation zone is automatically assigned to accept the call. This actuation zone is then z. B. illuminated in green or marked with a call symbol on a display assigned to the actuation zone. The call can then be accepted in a vehicle without the driver having to search and be distracted.

An actuation zone which is currently provided for making an input is preferably indicated by an optical signal. In particular, the resistance to movement for the mobility of the mouse wheel is, in particular, automatically adapted to the currently intended implementation of the input.

In particular, the method is used to (simpler) operate the computer mouse or to simplify operation, in that a specification (input request) not generated by the user / operator can be implemented in a simplified manner in an operator command in that at least one of several actuation zones assigned to the specification lights up ( optical detection) and after the user / operator touches the actuation zone assigned to it, the haptic feedback when actuating the input device (actuation zone) adapts according to this process.

This can take place, for example, as follows: First, a control command or the like comes in from an input receiving device, e.g. B. a phone call. Then an LED (or a symbol in a display) lights up in an actuation zone assigned to the telephone or the call acceptance. This means that the user knows exactly where to reach. Then the user turns the actuation zone and notices based on haptic feedback that he is z. B. accepts the call (increased force) and can change the volume after turning further, as the torque then increases. The distraction is minimal and the operator notices haptically whether he is doing something right or wrong.

In particular, the procedure described above, in particular the optical signal, is supplemented by an acoustic and / or haptic signal.

In a likewise advantageous and preferred embodiment, the computer mouse can be used for gaming (computer games) and is designed as a gaming mouse.

For example in computer games in which virtual weapons are used. The operating zones of the mouse wheel have z. B. different functions. The right zone is z. B. used to select or change the weapon. With the middle zone z. B. the zoom factor (z. B. with a rifle with telescope) is set or the weapon reloaded. When zooming, an end stop can be simulated, i.e. the damping is set to a maximum value. Or the resistance is z. B. higher than the other zones in order to be able to enlarge finer. With the left zone z. B. operated the weapon. The resistance of the mouse wheel can be changed from weapon to weapon in order to reproduce (simulate) the different trigger strengths of different weapons.

This technology can be used for simulators such as flight simulators, but also spaceship simulators, simulators for cars, agricultural and construction machinery. In cars and off-road vehicles, for. B. the transmission gear can be changed with the left actuation zone, for example, with the middle one Operating zone is z. B. changed the chassis (suspension damper), right is z. B. actuates the additional nitrous oxide injection (overboost). The haptic feedback can always be precisely adapted to the process to be adjusted. For example, shifting the transmission is a "high / low torque with barrier (stop or very high torque)" and the stepless adjustment of the chassis is an "increasing or decreasing torque" with a barrier at the end of the adjustment process.

In flight simulators, the three zones can e.g. B. be used for the various elevators, airbrakes, landing flaps. Depending on the flight condition in the game (e.g. low airspeed, high airspeed ...), the adjustment moments (finger forces) can e.g. B. vary or adapt to it. The user receives very realistic feedback.

More than three actuation zones could advantageously be used, which simulate the instrument panel. For helicopters, the various operating zones can e.g. B. adjust the angle of attack of the rotors, the flight direction and the tail rotor.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that inputs can also be made by moving the mouse body over a contact surface. The movement is particularly detected optically and / or mechano-sensorially.

With computer mice for gaming or with gaming mice, it is often desired that the resolution of the optical detection can be adjusted. A higher resolution (mostly in DPI - dots per inch) means greater movement of the mouse pointer with the same movement of the computer mouse than with a lower resolution. With the invention presented here, the adjustment of the resolution can be implemented particularly comfortably. In particular, the resolution assigned to a mouse pointer movement can be set by means of at least one of the at least two actuation zones. So a zone can be used to determine the resolution of the sensor to move. The other zone can meanwhile be available for other functions. This allows the user to change the resolution without interrupting the game.

The computing device can be a computer or a mobile terminal. The computing device can also be part of another device or a machine or a vehicle. In particular, the computer mouse provides a man-machine interface (HID) or is part of one. In particular, the computer device comprises at least one graphic user interface (GUI) and, for example, a monitor or a display or virtual reality device or the like. In particular, information and, for example, an input made or the effects of an input made are graphically displayed on the graphical user interface.

There is preferably a bidirectional communication between the computer device and the computer mouse. In particular, the computer mouse can also be controlled by the computer device and preferably vice versa. In particular, the computer device can control the braking device and preferably specify and / or set a deceleration torque. For this purpose, in particular at least one algorithm and, for example, software or a driver or the like are stored in the computer device.

In the context of the present invention, damping is also understood to mean deceleration (in particular increased braking torque) and possibly also blocking (in particular high braking torque). A release or a release is understood to mean, in particular, an at least partial reduction in the damping (in particular a reduction in the braking torque) and in particular a cancellation of the damping (in particular no braking torque). When the mobility of the mouse wheel is completely released, the braking device is in particular inactive. Preferably a magnetorheological medium is not influenced by a magnetic field actively generated by the braking device. When fully released, the mouse wheel is particularly (very easily) freely rotatable (free-wheeling; free-spinning). In addition to a rotary movement, pressure actuation and / or pull actuation can also be provided for the mouse wheel.

It is possible and preferred that the mobility of the mouse wheel is changed in a targeted manner in order to provide a haptic confirmation of an input (briefly) previously made or during the input. In particular, the confirmation takes place as a function of the actuation zone. Many different confirmations (feedback) can be carried out by adjusting the mobility accordingly. For example, the confirmation takes place through a type of vibration (e.g. torque that changes rapidly over time between low and high) and / or the rattling of the mouse wheel.

According to the invention, rattling is understood to mean, in particular, alternating blocking (in particular high braking torque) and releasing of the movability (in particular low braking torque) of the input element during actuation or input or during movement. The blocking and releasing takes place with a high frequency. A higher frequency can be provided for vibration than for chattering. For example, a frequency of at least 10 Hz or at least 50 Hz or at least 100 Hz or at least 1,000 Hz or more is provided. It can be provided that different types of confirmations are provided depending on the level of the frequency.

The rotatability of the mouse wheel can preferably be deliberately delayed, in particular dampened, and blocked and released by means of the braking device. The mouse wheel preferably also has at least one movability transverse to the axis of rotation. For example, pressing and / or dragging the mouse wheel can be provided. In all of the configurations, it is particularly preferred that the mobility of the mouse wheel can or will be set from freely movable to completely blocked. The mobility or rotatability is completely blocked within the scope of the present invention if a movement or rotation by a force that can be generated manually when the computer mouse is used in an operational manner is not possible. In particular, the braking device is suitable and designed to apply a deceleration torque of at least 0.0.05 Nm and preferably of at least 0.1 Nm or also at least 1 Nm.

It is preferred that the mobility of the input element and in particular the rotatability of the mouse wheel can or will be switched between freely rotatable and blocked with a frequency of at least 10 Hz and preferably at least 50 Hz. A frequency of at least 20 Hz or at least 30 Hz or at least 40 Hz is also possible. A frequency of at least 60 Hz or at least 80 Hz or at least 100 Hz can also be provided. Frequencies of at least 120 Hz or at least 200 Hz or at least 1,000 Hz or more are also possible.

For the rotatability of the mouse wheel, in particular at least 25 stop points and preferably at least 50 stop points can be set for one rotation each time. At least 150 or at least 200 or at least 250 or at least 300 attachment points are also possible. At least 350 or at least 400 attachment points can also be provided. The minimum angle of rotation that can be set between two stop points is in particular a maximum of 20 ° and preferably a maximum of 10 ° and particularly preferably a maximum of 2 °. The minimum adjustable angle of rotation between two stop points can also have a maximum of 1 ° or a maximum of 0.5 ° or a maximum of 0.1 °.

The (in particular magnetorheological) braking device is preferably suitable and designed for this, in particular by means of a sensor, rotary encoder or incremental encoder, at least 30,000 increments, in particular 60,000 increments / revolution, for one rotation of the mouse wheel. Incremental encoders, for example, deliver a certain number of pulses per revolution or a so-called zero pulse per revolution. These can be incremental encoders with UVW signals or absolute encoders. In this way, haptic signals can be implemented particularly effectively. In particular, the increments can be used to provide the feedback and sequences described above. In particular, at least 30,000 increments can be provided per revolution of the braking device. In particular, the sensor means can include at least 60,000 increments per revolution of the braking device.

The number of stop points is preferably set as a function of the actuation zone. The number of attachment points can also be set as a function of selection options, menu options and / or a number of pages or tabs or the like. In this case, a stop point is provided, in particular, in that the rotatability of the mouse wheel is at least temporarily deliberately delayed and in particular blocked and then released again.

It is possible and advantageous for an angle of rotation between the stop points to be adjustable as a function of the actuation zone.

In particular, the angle of rotation of the mouse wheel is monitored by means of a sensor device. The sensor device is particularly suitable and designed to detect the angle of rotation with a resolution of at least 1 ° and preferably at least 0.5 ° and particularly preferably at least 0.2 ° or also preferably at least 0.1 °.

In all of the configurations it is particularly preferred that the mobility of the mouse wheel can or will be adapted in real time. In particular, the braking device is suitable and designed to reduce the deceleration within less than 100 Milliseconds to change by at least 30%. In particular, the delay can be changed within less than 10 milliseconds by at least 10%, preferably by at least 30% and particularly preferably by at least 50%. The delay can also be variable within less than 100 milliseconds by at least 100% or 500% or by ten times or a thousand times. Such a real-time control is of particular great advantage when working with the computer mouse.

In particular, the control device is suitable and designed to adapt a deceleration torque of the braking device in order to dampen the movement in a targeted manner. In particular, the control device is suitable and designed to set the deceleration torque dynamically and preferably adaptively.

The control device can preferably set any desired deceleration torque that can be generated with the braking device for any desired angle of rotation that can be achieved with the mouse wheel and / or for an adjustable duration (in particular torque over angle of rotation and time). In particular, the control device comprises a plurality of adjustable operating modes and is preferably suitable and designed to assign the deceleration torque and angle of rotation and / or duration as a function of the operating mode and / or the control command.

In particular, the computer mouse comprises at least one control device for controlling the braking device. By means of the control device, the damping generated with the braking device can in particular be adapted in a targeted manner. The control device is in particular an electronic control device. The control device comprises in particular at least one control algorithm. In particular, a deceleration torque is set by controlling an electrical coil device of the braking device with a specific current and / or a specific voltage or a suitable signal. Increasing and / or decreasing the The deceleration torque can take place continuously or variably (over time and / or the angle) in all configurations.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the control device is suitable and designed to delay and release the movement of the mouse wheel by means of the braking device in a specific sequence. To implement such a sequence, the control device is particularly suitable and designed to set different high deceleration torques for the deceleration and the release. Such a sequence (ripple) offers a reliably perceptible haptic feedback even under difficult operating conditions and can be implemented particularly well with the invention.

The sequence is composed in particular of a sequence of relative maxima with a higher deceleration torque and relative minima with a lower deceleration torque. In particular, an angular spacing of a period between adjacent relative maxima can be set and is set. In particular, the course of the deceleration torque is set over a period as a function of a set operating mode. Such a sequence with particularly short intervals can also be referred to as ripples / ticks. In particular, such a sequence is made up of a defined combination of

Delay moments formed as a function of time and / or angle. The deceleration moments for the deceleration and / or the release are preferably set as a function of time and / or as a function of the angle and / or as a function of a control command.

The deceleration moments of the sequence are started and / or held and / or ended in particular as a function of the angle and / or time. A change of such dependencies within a sequence can preferably also be provided. For example, the start of the sequence takes place as a function of the angle or time and the length of the sequence is then set as a function of time or angle. The control device is preferably suitable and designed to start the deceleration torques of the sequence as a function of the angle and to maintain them as a function of time. In particular, the control device is suitable and designed to omit a setting of a deceleration torque provided in the sequence if an angular position provided for the start (certain angle of rotation of the mouse wheel) is swiveled over while a deceleration torque is maintained.

The control device is particularly preferably suitable and designed to set the different deceleration moments of the sequence with a specific frequency and preferably to set them with a frequency such that the movement of the mouse wheel is dampened with a specific vibration. In particular, the frequency is at least 20 Hz and preferably at least 50 Hz.

The control device is particularly suitable and designed to dynamically adapt the different deceleration torques of the sequence over time and / or the angle and / or the speed of movement (angular speed) of the mouse wheel and / or the number of deceleration torques that have already been set.

The control device is particularly suitable and designed to set a sequence with deliberately changing deceleration torques. In particular, a sinusoidal or cosinusoidal profile is provided for this purpose. In particular, the curve has a (slight) offset in the negative. The offset is in particular less than 30% and in particular less than 20% and preferably less than 10%. In particular, at least two zero crossings per period are provided for the curve. In particular, the braking device is controlled with a sine or cosine signal, in particular with a predetermined and in particular adjustable (slight) offset from the zero point. The braking device comprises in particular at least one magnetic field-sensitive magnetorheological medium (MR fluid) and at least one (magnetic

) Field generating device assigned to generating and controlling a field strength. In particular, the mobility of the mouse wheel is specifically influenced by the field generating device and the medium.

In all of the configurations it is possible and advantageous for the braking device, in particular the mouse wheel, to be at least partially surrounded by at least one display device. The braking device can be surrounded on one side or on two (opposite) sides or on three sides or on four sides and / or completely by the display device. The braking device can be at least partially spaced apart and / or surrounded by the display device in a touching manner. The display device is in particular a (in particular touch-sensitive) display or comprises at least one such. In particular, the braking device is at least partially integrated into the display device.

In particular, the display device is suitable and designed to display content as a function of the actuation zone from which the mouse wheel is actuated and / or which actuation zone was previously activated. In particular, the display device is suitable and designed to display a respective operating mode and particularly preferably a (current) respective function assignment of the actuation zones.

In particular, an axis of rotation of the braking device is arranged set back with respect to an outer surface of the display device. In particular, the mouse wheel protrudes from the outer surface of the display device by less than half its diameter or circumference.

The applicant reserves the right to use a remote control, in particular a game controller, for making entries in a to claim the remote control couplable receiving device. The remote control comprises at least one at least partially graspable body and at least one remote control wheel at least rotatably mounted on a support structure of the body. The remote control wheel can be rotated to carry out an input using at least one finger. The remote control wheel comprises at least two operating zones. The remote control wheel can also comprise three or four or five or more operating zones. A movement of the remote control wheel can be specifically damped by means of at least one controllable (in particular magnetorheological) braking device depending on the actuation zone from which the remote control wheel is actuated and in particular rotated and / or which actuation zone was previously activated. The remote control can be designed as a TV remote control and / or hi-fi remote control and / or game console remote control and / or as a remote control for other electronic devices, preferably electronic entertainment devices.

Within the scope of the present invention, the terms mouse wheel and mouse body can be consistently replaced by the terms remote control wheel and body, at least in the general description and, where appropriate, also in the exemplary embodiments.

Thus, the description can be used to explain the remote control in order to better understand the invention and its advantages. The method according to the invention can also be designed to operate the smart device.

The remote control according to the invention also offers many advantages. The remote control wheel is preferably designed analogously to the mouse wheel described above, in particular with regard to the actuation zones. In particular, the (in particular magnetorheological) braking device of the remote control is also designed as described above for the computer mouse. The remote control can preferably be used to operate TV sets and / or other types of entertainment devices, e.g. B.

Game consoles, be trained. For example, one activation zone is assigned the setting of the volume and the other activation zone is assigned a station selection. These actuation zones are preferably adjacent to one another. But they can also be spaced apart by at least one further actuation zone. For example, at least one (middle) actuation zone can be provided for menu selection. A preferred or z. B. appropriate volume for a certain film can be communicated haptically to the user as an aid or suggestion by a short stronger torque peak. For example, a torque peak for a preferred transmitter can be haptically output via the remote control wheel when the transmitter is zapped and the preferred transmitter is reached. Sender on which z. B. advertising is sent, can be skipped while scrolling, channels on which preferred films are running, selected or marked by a haptic feedback (z. B. short barrier or high torque). In all of the configurations, it is preferred that preferred menu items (favorites) can be marked haptically (e.g. by means of torque peaks).

A version with three actuation zones is also possible. For example, menus can then be selected with the third actuation zone. Such a remote control can also be used particularly advantageously when selecting applications for a smart TV. Preferred transmitters or applications can e.g. B. be marked haptically with a grid and / or with stop points. Accordingly, analog functions can also be implemented on a game controller.

Even in the embodiment as a remote control, the rotary unit can be surrounded by a display. The display can then e.g. B. show what can be changed at the moment. If the remote control z. B. is used to change the settings of a radio, the display shows accordingly Images, e.g. B. a play symbol, a fast forward and rewind symbol, a mute button etc.

The applicant reserves the right to claim a smart device (also referred to as a mobile terminal), in particular a smartphone, comprising at least one at least partially grippable body and at least one wheel that is at least rotatably mounted on a support structure of the body be rotated by means of at least one finger. The wheel comprises at least two actuation zones. The wheel can also comprise three or four or five or more actuation zones. A movement of the wheel can be specifically damped by means of at least one controllable (in particular magnetorheological) braking device depending on the actuation zone from which the wheel is actuated and in particular rotated and / or which actuation zone was previously activated. In particular, the wheel can be suitable and designed for operating the smartphone itself and / or for operating devices that can be coupled to the smartphone.

Within the scope of the present invention, the terms mouse wheel and mouse body can be consistently replaced by the terms wheel and body at least in the general description and, where appropriate, also in the exemplary embodiments. The description can accordingly be used to explain the smart device in order to better understand the invention and its advantages. The method according to the invention can also be designed to operate the smart device.

In all embodiments of the invention, it is possible that a pressure intensity is also recorded and taken into account for the input. For example, if the button is only pressed lightly, an input begins or a function is selected and / or started. A stronger pressure can be provided, for example, to confirm or to execute a command. In particular, the haptic one is changing Feedback depending on the selected function. This has the advantage that the user can see what he has chosen and what he is setting.

It is possible in all embodiments of the invention that the computer mouse is fixed in a device and z. B. Notebook is integrated. For example, the computer mouse can then be provided by a mouse wheel integrated in a touchpad.

In all embodiments of the invention it is possible that the rotatability of the mouse wheel can be driven by means of at least one drive device. In particular, the mouse wheel can thereby be actively rotated about its axis of rotation. The drive device comprises in particular at least one motor, e.g. an electric motor, pneumatic drive, ultrasonic motor, piezo actuator, linear motor. The drive device is preferably provided in addition to the braking device. This has the advantage that the mouse wheel can both be actively moved and can be braked with the (in particular magnetorheological) braking device to save electricity. It is also possible for the braking device to be replaced by the drive device (in particular its motors).

The drive device can in particular be controlled as a function of at least one control command. In particular, the drive device can convert the control command into at least one haptic signal (force feedback) that can be perceived on the mouse wheel.

In the context of the present invention, actuation with a finger is understood to mean, in particular, actuation with another body part and indirect actuation with an aid and for example with a pen or the like.

Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures become.

In the figures show:

1a-1d purely schematic representations of computer mice according to the invention in a plan view;

Fig. Le is a purely schematic representation of a computer mouse in a sectional side view;

FIGS. 1f-1h are purely schematic representations of mouse wheels of computer mice according to the invention;

2 shows a highly schematic cross section through a rolling element of a magnetorheological braking device;

3 shows a schematic cross section through a braking device;

4 shows a cross section of a further braking device;

FIGS. 5a-5d show schematic cross sections of the braking devices according to FIG. 10 or 11;

6a-6e show another braking device;

1a-1d possible torque curves over the angle of rotation of a braking device;

8 shows a sketch of a current profile of the braking device over time;

9 shows a further sketch of a current profile of the braking device over time;

10 shows a purely schematic representation of a smart device according to the invention in a top view; FIGS. 11a-11c are purely schematic representations of a remote control according to the invention in a top view;

FIG. 12 is a purely schematic detailed illustration of FIG

Computer mouse with a gear unit; and

13 shows a purely schematic detailed illustration of a

Computer mouse with a drive device in a sectional view.

Computer mice 300 according to the invention are shown in FIGS. The computer mice are operated according to the method according to the invention.

The braking devices 1 serve for the targeted damping of a rotary movement of a mouse wheel 303 of the respective computer mouse 300. The mouse wheel 303 is rotatably mounted on a support structure 302 that is not visible inside a mouse body 301.

In FIG. 1 a, the computer mouse 300 is equipped with a roller-like mouse wheel 303 with two actuation zones 304. The actuation zones 304 differ here, for. B. in their surface structure. The actuation zones 304 are here arranged axially next to one another and spaced apart on a common axis of rotation.

The rotary movement (torque) of the mouse wheel 303 can be specifically damped here as a function of the actuation zone 304 from which the mouse wheel 303 is rotated. A monitoring device 305, for example with a proximity sensor or touch sensor, detects which of the actuation zones 304 is used for turning.

The computer mouse 300 shown in FIG. 1b differs from the computer mouse 300 described above in that it has a mouse wheel 303, which here has three actuation zones 304. the middle actuation zone 304 is equipped here with a significantly enlarged diameter. In addition, the actuation zones 304 have different surface structures.

In addition, a gesture recognition zone 315 of the monitoring device 305 is sketched here. The monitoring device 305 thus recognizes where the finger and / or the hand are located and takes this into account for the activation of the actuation zone 304. Additionally or alternatively, an input can also be made by means of a corresponding recognizable gesture. The input then takes place through the gesture itself. For example, pressing the mouse wheel ("push") can be done through a gesture and, for example, wiping with the hand in the air. Such a configuration can also be carried out with the others presented here Versions are advantageously combined.

In the figure lc an embodiment of the computer mouse 300 described in the figure la is shown, in which the mouse wheel

303 has a typical mouse wheel shape and two actuation zones

304 includes. The actuation zones 304 are designed in the form of a ring here and can be beveled in some areas. Thus, when working, a comfortable positioning of the finger and at the same time a good haptic differentiation of the zones 304 is possible.

In the computer mice 300 described above, the mouse wheel 303 is arranged in a first contact section 331 of the mouse body 301, which can be reached with the index finger when the mouse body 301 is grasped as intended.

FIG. 1d shows an embodiment of the computer mouse 300 described in FIG. 1a, in which the mouse wheel 303 is arranged in a second contact section 341 of the mouse body 301. This contact section 341 can be reached with the thumb when the mouse body 301 is properly grasped. The second contact section 341 is here as a depression 351 arranged on the left side of the mouse body educated. Here too, the actuation zones 304 are arranged axially next to one another on a common axis of rotation.

The mouse body 301 of FIG. 1d has a left-hand arrangement 311 of the mouse wheel 303 that is optimized for right-handers. For this purpose, the mouse wheel 303 can be reached particularly easily with the thumb of the right hand. In an arrangement 321 optimized for left-handers, which is only indicated here, the mouse wheel 303 would then be arranged on the right-hand side of the mouse body 301.

In addition, the computer mouse 300 of FIG. 1d can also be equipped with a further mouse wheel 303, only indicated here, in the first contact section 331. This mouse wheel 303 can have at least two or only one actuation zone 304.

Such a mouse wheel 303 for the thumb, as shown in FIG. 1d and which is arranged in the second contact section 341, can also be provided in the computer mice 300 described with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1c. This mouse wheel 303 can have at least two or only one actuation zone 304.

FIG. 1e shows an embodiment of the computer mouse 300 in which the mouse body 301 has a recess 361 running in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the central actuation zone 304 is exposed here over a larger circumferential angle than its axially adjacent actuation zones 304. The central actuation zone 304 is therefore more exposed than the others. It is thus possible to reliably sense where on the mouse wheel 303 or in which actuation zone 304 the finger is currently located. The mouse wheel 303 can have a constant diameter or different diameters.

FIG. 1 f shows a mouse wheel 303 with three spaced apart (cylindrical) actuation zones 304. The actuation zones 304 here have the same diameter.

The axis of rotation is shown in dash-dotted lines. FIG. 1 g shows a mouse wheel 303 with three actuation zones 304 spaced apart from one another. The central actuation zone 304 is cylindrical here. The lateral actuation zones 304 are conical here. The mouse wheels

303 of FIGS. 1f and 1g are particularly advantageously suitable for the computer mouse 300 of FIG. 1e.

FIG. 1h shows a mouse wheel 303 which is beveled on one axial side. The mouse wheel 303 can also be beveled on both axial sides (shown in dashed lines).

This results in a cylindrical actuation zone 304 on which one or both sides conical actuation zones

304 connect. For example, once the slant can

Actuation zone 304 is touched, a scrolling without a grid takes place. If, on the other hand, the cylindrical or central actuation zone 304 is touched, scrolling with a grid can take place.

There are many advantages to operating the computer mice 300 shown here. Depending on the open application, z. B. important functions are placed on the actuation zones 304. In a drawing program z. B. the color can be selected with the left actuation zone 304 and the tool with the right actuation zone 304. The middle actuation zone 304 is used, for. B. for zooming. Depending on the number of colors / tools, the mouse wheel 303 is then given a different ripple or a different grid.

Is z. If, for example, an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is opened, the left section is used to select an element from the toolbox.

For example, when an actuation zone 304 is touched, the task bar can be displayed. The selection of the buttons selected by the user (word processing, browser, calendar, etc.) is facilitated by means of haptic feedback. When working with several programs or windows or browser tabs, the actuation zone 304 of the mouse wheel 303 can be used for navigation can be used. Windows or tabs that are preferred or used more often or that make sense are displayed differently from a haptic point of view (different haptic feedback).

In advantageous embodiments, the occupancy of the actuation zones 304 can be programmed by the user. This function is then retained. For example, the volume can always be adjusted with the left actuation zone 304. The higher the volume, the more difficult it is to turn. The execution of the mouse wheel 303 as a rocker can, for. B. Replace left and right click.

The braking device 1 for damping the mouse wheel 303 is presented in more detail below. The mouse wheels 303 described below for this purpose each have two or more actuation zones 304, which are not shown in more detail for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic cross-sectional view of a magnetorheological braking device 1 of a computer mouse 300 according to the invention. The braking device 1 here comprises two braking components 2, 3. One of the braking components 2, 3 here provides the mouse wheel 303 or carries it. Operation takes place here at least by turning one of the brake components 2, 3, either directly or indirectly.

The magnetorheological braking device 1 is used to influence the power transmission between the brake components 2 and 3. A rolling element or rotating element 11 is provided between the two brake components 2 and 3 in FIG. 2. The rolling element 11 is designed as a ball 14 here. However, it is also possible to design rolling bodies 11 as cylinders or ellipsoids, rollers or other rotatable rotating bodies. Rotary bodies that are not rotationally symmetrical in the actual sense, such as, for example, a gear wheel or rotary body 11 with a specific surface structure, can also be used as rolling bodies become. The rolling elements 11 are not used for mounting opposite one another, but for transmitting torque.

A channel 5, which is filled with a medium 6 here, is provided between the brake components 2 and 3. The medium here is a magnetorheological fluid which, for example, comprises an oil as a carrier fluid in which ferromagnetic particles 19 are present. Glycol, fat, water and viscous substances can also be used as a carrier medium, without being limited to them. The carrier medium can also be gaseous or the carrier medium can be dispensed with (vacuum). In this case, only particles that can be influenced by the magnetic field are filled into the channel.

The ferromagnetic particles 19 are preferably carbonyl iron powder, the size distribution of the particles depending on the specific application. Specifically preferred is a distribution of the particle size between one and ten micrometers, although larger particles of twenty, thirty, forty and fifty micrometers are also possible. Depending on the application, the particle size can also be significantly larger and even penetrate into the millimeter range (particle spheres). The particles can also have a special coating / jacket (titanium coating, ceramic, carbon jacket, etc.) so that they can better withstand the high pressure loads that occur depending on the application. For this application, the magnetorheological particles can not only consist of carbonyl iron powder (pure iron), but also, for. B. can also be made of special iron (harder steel).

The rolling element 11 is preferably set in rotation about its axis of rotation 12 by the relative movement 17 of the two brake components 2 and 3 and practically runs on the surface of the brake component 3. At the same time, the rolling element 11 runs on the surface of the other brake component 2, so that there is a relative speed 18 there. Strictly speaking, the rolling element 11 has no direct contact with the surface of the brake components 2 and / or 3 and therefore does not roll directly on it. The free distance 9 from the rolling element 11 to one of the surfaces of the brake components 2 or 3 is z. B. 60 mpi. In a specific embodiment with

For particle sizes between 1 pm and 10 pm, the free distance is in particular between 10 pm and 300 pm and particularly preferably between 40 pm and 120 pm.

The free distance 9 is in particular at least ten times the diameter of a typical mean particle diameter. The free distance 9 is preferably at least ten times that of a largest typical particle. The lack of direct contact results in a very low basic friction / force / torque when the brake components 2 and 3 move relative to one another.

If a magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological braking device 1, the field lines are formed depending on the distance between the rolling bodies 11 and the braking components 2, 3. The rolling element 11 consists of a ferromagnetic material and z. B. here from ST 37 (S235). The steel type ST 37 has a magnetic permeability pr of about 2000. The field lines (magnetic circuit) pass through the rolling element and are concentrated in the rolling element. At the here radial entry and exit surface of the field lines on the rolling element, there is a high magnetic flux density in the channel 5. The inhomogeneous and strong field there leads to a local and strong cross-linking of the magnetically polarizable particles 19 (magnetic linkage). Due to the rotary movement of the rolling element 11 in the direction of the forming wedge (pile formation) in the magnetorheological fluid, the effect is greatly increased and the possible braking or clutch torque is extremely increased, far beyond the amount that can normally be generated in the magnetorheological fluid is. Rolling bodies 11 and brake components 2, 3 preferably consist at least partially of ferromagnetic material, which is why the magnetic flux density The smaller the distance between the rotating body 11 and the brake components 2, 3, the higher it becomes. As a result, an essentially wedge-shaped area 16 is formed in the medium, in which the gradient of the magnetic field increases sharply towards the acute angle at the contact point or the area of the smallest distance.

Despite the distance between the rolling elements 11 and the braking components 2, 3, the rolling elements 11 can be set in a rotary motion by the relative speed of the surfaces to one another. The rotary movement is possible with and without an active magnetic field 8.

When the magnetorheological braking device 1 is exposed to a magnetic field 8 of an electrical coil 26, not shown here in FIG Represent the area of the field lines relevant for influencing the MRF only roughly schematically. The field lines enter the channel 5 essentially normally on the surfaces of the ferromagnetic components and, above all, do not have to run in a straight line in the acute-angled region 10.

At the same time, some material from the magnetorheological fluid is set in rotation on the circumference of the rolling element 11, so that an acute-angled region 10 is formed between the braking component 3 and the rolling element 11. On the other hand, an identical acute-angled area 10 arises between the rolling element 11 and the braking component 2. The acute-angled areas 10 can have a wedge shape 16, for example in the case of cylindrical rolling elements 11. Due to the wedge shape 16, the further rotation of the rolling element 11 is hindered, so that the effect of the magnetic field on the magnetorheological fluid is intensified, since the acting magnetic field within the acute-angled Area 10 results in a stronger cohesion of the medium 6 there. This increases the effect of the magnetorheological fluid in the accumulated pile (the formation of chains in the fluid and thus the cohesion or viscosity), which makes further rotation or movement of the rotating body 11 more difficult.

Due to the wedge shape 16 (particle accumulation), much greater forces or moments can be transmitted than would be possible with a comparable structure that only uses the shear movement without the wedge effect.

The forces that can be transmitted directly by the applied magnetic field represent only a small part of the forces that can be transmitted by the device. The wedge formation and thus the mechanical force amplification can be controlled by the magnetic field. The mechanical reinforcement of the magnetorheological effect can go so far that a power transmission is possible even after switching off an applied magnetic field if the particles have been wedged.

It has been found that the wedge effect of the acutely angled areas 10 results in a considerably greater effect of a magnetic field 8 of a certain strength. The effect can be increased many times over. In one specific case, the relative speed of two brake components 2 and 3 was influenced by about ten times as much as in the prior art in MRF clutches according to the shear principle, in which a magnetorheological fluid is arranged between two mutually moving surfaces and the shear forces of each other is exposed to mutually moving surfaces. The possible reinforcement here through the wedge effect depends on various factors. If necessary, it can be reinforced by a greater surface roughness of the rolling elements 11. It is also possible for outwardly projecting projections to be provided on the outer surface of the rolling elements 11, which can lead to an even stronger wedge formation. The wedge effect or the wedge effect is distributed over the surface of the rolling element 11 and the components 2 or 3.

FIG. 3 shows a section through a computer mouse 300 in the area of the magnetorheological braking device 1 of the mouse wheel 303. The braking device 1 has two braking components 2 and 3. The first braking component 2 and the second braking component 3 extend essentially in an axial direction 20 The first brake component 2 is arranged here in the interior of the second brake component 3 and is held in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner by a holder 4. The holder 4 is regularly attached to the support structure 302 of the computer mouse 300.

The second brake component 3 is received thereon in a continuously rotatable manner relative to the first brake component 2. The second brake component 3 here forms the rotatable mouse wheel 303 or is non-rotatably connected to it.

The second brake component 3 is elongated and has the rotating part 13 and therein a magnetically conductive sleeve part 13e.

The second brake component 3 is rotatably received at the first bearing point 112 and at the second bearing point 118 on the second brake component 2 and can also be axially displaceable. At the bearing points 112, 118, forces can be supported in a global radial direction 122 by the bearings 30, while the first brake component 2 can be displaced axially relative to the second brake component 3. The diameter 116 of the first bearing point 112 is here approximately twice as large as the diameter 117 of the second bearing point 118.

The second brake component 3 is led out at both ends. A closed chamber 110, which is filled with a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), is formed between the brake components 2 and 3. In the area of the first end 111 of the chamber 110, there is a cylindrical running surface on the holder 4 as the first Bearing point 112 is formed. There is a hardened surface or a surface of corresponding quality. A bearing 30 for the rotatable mounting of the second brake component 3 is attached to this cylindrical running surface 37. In the axial direction 20 further inward, a seal 38 is provided adjacent to the bearing 30. The seal 38 reliably seals the interior.

Another storage option is storage on the outer housing of the MRF brake. As a result, the shaft, on which the torque has to be dissipated, is not loaded. There is no bending of the parts inside the brake (displacement of the axle against the sleeve. The friction radius is increased by this, but you save installation space in the axial length, as no axle stub has to protrude from the sleeve for mounting.

The first brake component 2 has a base body 33. The windings of an electrical coil 26 are wound around the core 21. The individual turns of the electrical coil 26 protrude outward beyond the cylindrical base body 33 (see FIG. 5).

There is a radial gap 5 between the outer wall of the first brake component 2 and the inner wall of the sleeve part 13, which gap is designed here essentially as a hollow cylindrical gap. A plurality of transmission components 11, which are designed here as rolling bodies, are arranged in the gap. The rolling elements 11 are designed here as cylindrical rolling elements and have an outer diameter that is somewhat smaller than the gap width of the gap 5. The gap 5 is furthermore filled here with a magnetorheological medium.

In one area of the gap, for example, an O-ring or the like filled with air or another gas can be arranged, which provides volume compensation in the event of temperature fluctuations. In addition, this creates a reservoir there, if in the course of operation magnetorheological fluid or medium emerges from the inside to the outside. Here the construction is used to provide automatic temperature compensation and a reservoir for MRF due to the differently large diameters 116, 117.

The (usable) gap length of the gap 5 is greater here than the length of the rolling elements 11. Here, the electrical coil is also made longer in the axial direction 20 than the length of the rolling elements 11.

The core 21 can be seen in the interior of the electrical coil 26. The holder 4 has a radially enlarged receptacle 36 (diameter 36a, see FIG. 4) for receiving the first brake component 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. A cable bushing extends down through the holder 4 through the holder 4. There cables 45 for connecting the electrical coil 26 and, if necessary, sensor lines are led out. A control device 27 can be provided or assigned in the foot of the holder 4 or at other suitable locations in order to carry out control as required.

A closed chamber 110 is formed between the first end 111 and the second end 115. The closed chamber 110 comprises the volume 114, which is essentially completely filled with the magnetorheological medium 6.

A change in the volume of the magnetorheological medium 6 here leads to a relative axial displacement of the first brake component 2 to the second brake component 3 due to the different diameters 116, 117 of the two bearing points 112, 118.

In the event that the first brake component 2 is stationary, the second brake component 3 is shifted to the right in the case of an increase in volume in the orientation of FIG. 3. A small part of the first brake component 2 with the diameter 116 at the first bearing point 112 emerges from the closed chamber 110 while part of the first brake component 2 enters the closed chamber 110 at the second end 115 with the significantly smaller diameter. In the end, the volume 114 of the closed chamber 110 is increased in this way. In particular, a change in volume of the magnetorheological medium 6 caused by a temperature increase can be compensated for. A function of the magnetic field generating device 113 is not influenced by this. In the event of a decrease in volume, which can occur due to temperature or also due to a leak, the second brake component 3 is shifted to the left here.

During the displacement, there is practically always ambient pressure within the magnetorheological brake component 1. Above all, additional loading of the seals 38 is prevented in this way. In the case of a compensation device via a gas bubble, however, the interior is always pressurized, which results in higher leakage and higher friction due to the better sealing required or due to the pressure on the sealing lip.

A compensation channel 120 can be provided which connects the areas near the bearing points 112, 118 with one another. Thus, when the magnetorheological medium 6 is displaced, the throttling effect of the gap is reduced if it should be very small.

In addition, the magnetorheological braking device 1 has a sensor device 70 at least for detecting an angular position of the two braking components 2, 3 relative to one another. The detection takes place with a magnetic ring unit 71 and by means of a magnetic field sensor 72. The sensor device 70 is here connected to the second brake component 3 via a decoupling device 78. The decoupling device 78 magnetically decouples the sensor device. the

Sensor device 70 here further comprises a shielding device 75, which here comprises a plurality of shielding bodies 76 and which surrounds the magnetic ring unit 71 on three sides. Between the A separating unit 77 is provided for the magnetic ring unit and the shielding device 75. The separating unit 77 additionally shields the magnetic ring unit 71. As a result, the volume spanned by the magnetic ring unit 71 is largely shielded from magnetic influences of the electrical coil 26 or other magnetic fields.

FIG. 4 shows another computer mouse 300 in section with a similar magnetorheological braking device 1. The mouse wheel 303 is either rotatably mounted on one side of the support structure 302 or a stub axle is formed at the second end in order to mount the mouse wheel 303 so that it can rotate on both sides.

The transverse grooves 32 can be seen in which the electrical coil 26 is wound at the axial ends of the core 21. In the axial direction, sealing compound 28 is provided at each end at both ends. In the area of the cable feed-through 35, a separate seal is provided over, for example, the drawn O-ring or the like.

It is also possible for some of the rolling bodies that are distributed over part of the circumference to be designed as magnetically non-conductive transmission components. Preferably, all rolling elements are made of magnetically conductive material such as. B. steel.

A length or height 13c of the rotating part 13 and of the sleeve part 13e or of the second brake component 3 in the axial direction 20 is preferably between 3 mm and 90 mm and in particular between 5 mm and 30 mm. A coating 49 can be applied to the outside of the second brake component 3, so that the external appearance of the mouse wheel 303 is essentially determined by the surface of the coating 49. Different segments can be distinguished by different surfaces.

The material of the sleeve part 13e or of the rotating part 13 as a whole is magnetically conductive and serves to close the magnetic circuit. A wall thickness 13d of the sleeve part 13e is preferably at least half the size of a diameter of the rolling elements 11.

The diameter 36a of the receptacle 36 is preferably considerably larger than the diameter 37a of the cylindrical running surface 37. This reduces the friction on the seal 38. In addition, standardized bearings can be used.

It is also possible to make the core 21 and also the holder 4 in two parts. The separation preferably runs along the center line drawn in FIG. 11, which results in a left and right (core) half. The two core halves can be separated from one another by a magnetically non-conductive element (e.g. seal). The potting compound volume 28 is then preferably part of the core half (s), which results in a semicircular element with a circumferential groove on the separating surface for the electrical coil. Furthermore, the receptacle 36 is preferably also separated into two halves. A receiving half can also form a part with a core half (be designed in one piece) or a core half can be made in one piece with a complete receiving unit 36.

Here the mouse wheel 303 with the magnetorheological braking device 1 is mounted on one side. The second brake component 3 is only received here at the first end of the closed chamber 110 at an end section 121 of the first brake component 2, ie the second brake component 3 is only supported at the first bearing point 112 by the bearing 30. When the volume inside the closed chamber changes, the second brake component 3 can move back and forth easily. It is assumed here again that the first brake component 2 is stationary. In this case, part of the diameter 116 of the first brake component 2 extends or retracts at the first bearing point 112. The volume 114 of the closed chamber 110 changes. Advantageously, the system is practically always at ambient pressure within the given range of motion. An additional load on the seal 38 is prevented. FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show various schematic cross sections of the agnetorheological braking device 1, which can advantageously be used in the computer mouse 300.

The inner brake component 2 is designed to be stationary and is surrounded by the continuously rotatable brake component 3. The second brake component 3 has a rotary part 13 which is rotatable around the first brake component and which is hollow and internally cylindrical. The gap 5 running around between the first and the second brake components 2, 3 is clearly visible. The gap 5 is here at least partially and in particular completely filled with a magnetorheological medium 6.

The first brake component 2 has the core 21, which extends in the axial direction 20, and is made of a magnetically conductive material, and an electrical coil 26 which is wound around the core 21 in the axial direction 20 and spans a coil plane 26c. The magnetic field 8 of the electrical coil 26 extends transversely to the axial direction 20 through the first braking component 2 or the core 21.

It can be clearly seen that a maximum outer diameter 26a of the electrical coil 26 in a radial direction 26d within the coil plane 26c is greater than a minimum outer diameter 2lb of the core 21 in a radial direction 25 across and z. B. perpendicular to the coil plane 26c.

The rolling elements 11 are only arranged in angular segments 61, 62 and cannot rotate completely around the core 21, since the electrical coil 26 protrudes into the gap 5 or channel and thus prevents complete rotation.

This means that there is less space available for the rolling elements 11. However, this leads to an even higher concentration of the magnetic field 8. In FIG. 5a, three magnetic field lines are shown by way of example. In Figure 5b, the rolling elements 11 are not received on a cylindrical outer surface of the core 21, but on receptacles 63 specially adapted to the contour of the rolling elements 11, on which the rolling elements 11 are preferably received and guided with some play. The transition of the magnetic field 8 into the rolling elements 11 is advantageous, since more transfer area is available between the core 21 or the outer surface 64 at the receptacles 63 and the rolling elements 11.

The electrical coil is arranged outside of the angle segments 61 and 62. There are no rolling elements 11 outside of the angle segments 61 and 62.

FIGS. 5c and 5d show further developments in which rolling elements 11 are completely dispensed with. The cores 21 have outwardly projecting transmission components 11 which extend radially outward from the base body 33 (magnetic field concentrators). In FIG. 5c, the chamber 110 between the core 21 and the rotating part 13 is completely filled with MRF.

The maximum outer diameter 26a of the coil 26 is larger than the minimum core diameter 21b. The radial extension of the gap 5 varies over the circumference. At the outer ends of the transmission components 11 there is only a small gap 65, while a radial distance 66 between the brake component 2 and the brake component 3 is considerably larger at other points.

FIG. 5d shows a variant of FIG. 5c, in which the chamber is filled with potting compound 28 via a cylindrical section in order to reduce the MRF volume. This reduces the required volume of MRF. The radial distance 66 is significantly reduced, but remains considerably (at least a factor of 2 or 3 or 5 or 10) larger than the radial gap dimension 65.

This ensures that the described wedge effect (material accumulation) occurs. The MRF particles chain together and form a kind of wedge, which leads to a considerable braking torque. In FIGS. 5c and 5d, the transmission components 11 form a type of radial arms 11d.

FIGS. 6a to 6d show a further embodiment of a computer mouse 300, which here again has a magnetorheological braking device 1 and comprises braking components 2 and 3. A “lying or axial coil” is used again, in which the electrical coil 26 is wound around the core 21 in the axial direction 20 and again has a maximum radial coil diameter 26a which is greater than a minimum core diameter 2lb of the core 21. Also here the rolling elements or transmission elements are not arranged over the entire circumference.

The second brake component 3 is received at the first end of the closed chamber 110 at the bearing point 112. In addition, the second brake component 3 is received at the second bearing point 118 on the first brake component 2. Here, the bearing is implemented by means of a stub axle 119 with the diameter 117 at the second bearing point 118. The sealing ring 46 prevents the magnetorheological medium from flowing into the area behind the stub axle 119.

The diameter 117 at the second bearing point 118 is made significantly smaller here than the diameter 116 at the first bearing point 112. Here too, a change in volume is made possible in the event of an axial displacement. Volume changes caused by temperature and changes in volume caused by leaks can be compensated. For this purpose, the first brake component 2 is axially displaced relative to the second brake component 3.

In addition, a sensor device 70 for detecting an angular position of the rotor / mouse wheel 303 is also present here. The magnetic field sensor 72 is integrated in the stationary receptacle 4 or the first brake component 2. This is on the receptacle 36 Cable 45 of the magnetic field sensor 72, ie the sensor line 73 passed through the cable bushing 35 to the outside.

The first axle part or the holder of the brake component 2 can, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, preferably be designed in two parts. This primarily simplifies the assembly of the electrical lines and, in particular, of the sensor line 73 within the first brake component 2. The cables can be laid through the open cable bushing 35.

In Figure 6d, the sensor device 70 is shown again in detail. The first brake component 2 and the second brake component 3, designed here as a rotating part, are only indicated (dashed lines). The sensor device 70 is supported by the decoupling device 78 on the rotatable second brake component 3 in a magnetically decoupled manner. the

Shielding device 75 here consists of three shielding bodies 76, which reduce the scattering of the magnetic field 3 of the electrical coil 26. In addition, there is also a separating unit 77 for magnetic separation. The magnetic ring unit 71 is used to measure the orientation or the angle of rotation of the magnetorheological braking device 1. The magnetic field sensor 72 is within the first braking component

2 arranged. Small relative axial displacements can also be used to detect a depression of an operating button 101, for example.

FIG. 6e shows a highly schematic detailed view of a computer mouse 300 in which the inner brake component 2 is designed to be stationary and of the rotatable brake component

3 is surrounded. For this purpose, the brake component 3 can have a pin section and a hollow cylindrical section. The pen section can be grasped and rotated and corresponds to the mouse wheel 303, while the braking function is implemented in the hollow cylindrical section. Such a configuration is possible in all embodiments. FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show possible design variants for controlling a dynamically generated magnetic field or a dynamically generated braking torque as a function of the angle of rotation.

FIG. 7a shows the rotational resistance (torque) over the angle of rotation of the mouse wheel 303. With the control device 27, a left end stop 228 and a right end stop 229 (increased torque) can be generated. When the mouse wheel 303 is rotated further, a high magnetic field or stop torque 238 is generated there, as a result of which the mouse wheel 303 opposes a high resistance to a rotary movement. The user receives the haptic feedback of an end stop.

The rotary movement can be rasterized or generated. For example, this can be used to navigate through a graphical menu and select menu items. Here, directly next to the left end stop 228, a first grid point 226 is provided. B. corresponds to a first menu item. If the next menu item is to be selected, the mouse wheel 303 must be rotated clockwise. To do this, the dynamically generated higher magnetic field or

Detent torque 239 or its frictional torque must be overcome before the next grid point 226 is reached. In FIG. 7a, a constant magnetic field is generated for a certain angular range at the grid points 226 and at the areas in between, which is considerably lower at the grid points than in the areas in between and again significantly less than at the stops 228, 229.

An angular distance 237 between individual grid points can be changed dynamically and is adapted to the number of available grid points or menu items.

FIG. 7b shows a variant in which the magnetic field does not suddenly rise towards the end stops 228, 229, but rather takes a steep course. Furthermore, at the grid points 226 are closed Ramp-like gradients of the magnetic field are provided on both sides of rotation, as a result of which the resistance to rotation increases in the corresponding directions of rotation. Here, with the same mouse wheel 303, only three grid points 226 are made available, the angular spacing 237 of which is greater than in the example according to FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7c shows a variant in which there is a lower resistance to rotation between individual grid points 226 and an increased magnetic field 239 is only generated directly adjacent to the grid points 226 in order to enable locking at the individual grid points 226 and at the same time only a low resistance to rotation between individual ones To provide grid points.

In principle, a mixture of the modes of operation and the magnetic field curves of FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c is also possible. For example, given different inputs and e.g. B. submenus a correspondingly different setting of the magnetic field profile can be made.

FIG. 7d shows the possible use in setting processes with the computer mouse 300 in the form of a course. The mouse wheel 303 can initially with little resistance z. B. minimally - or practically not at all - be rotated. The required torque then rises steeply or suddenly up to threshold 230. After the threshold 230 has been overcome, a function is started, e.g. B. a media playback, volume or a selection menu. The rotational resistance drops to a relative minimum torque 231. Immediately thereafter, the function of the mouse wheel 303 is changed here. When turning further z. B. changes the volume or scrolls through a menu. Here, the required torque is increased linearly in accordance with the gradient 232. It is also possible that the course is not linear. It is also possible that, from a certain volume or at the end of the menu, a steeper gradient is set or the required torque is suddenly increased to a certain extent. This function can For example, it can also be used when picking up the phone (when making calls on the computer with the mouse wheel, or when the rotary wheel is otherwise installed, e.g. in a steering wheel of a car or in a smartphone). First, the user takes the call by turning the rotary knob over a torque threshold. Then the torque takes on a lower value again and the user can increase the volume by turning it further or reduce it by turning it in the opposite direction. When you hang up the phone call, the same thing happens in the opposite direction.

It is also possible in all cases that with z. B. a ripple (grid) is not switched between little and more current with the same polarity as before (e.g. +0.2 to + 0.8A = ripple), but alternately with changed polarity, d. H. from +0.2 to + 0.8A and then the next ripple with -0.2A to - 0.8A and then the next moment peak from +0.2 to + 0.8A etc.

The preferably low-alloy steel can retain a residual magnetic field. The steel is preferably demagnetized regularly or if necessary (e.g. by a special alternating field).

The material FeSiSP (silicon steel or silicon steel) or a related material is preferably used for the components through which the magnetic field flows.

When the mouse wheel 303 is not being rotated, i. H. the angle is constant, the current is preferably continuously reduced over time. The current can also be varied as a function of the speed (angular speed of rotation of the mouse wheel 303).

Any torque values can be assigned to the angle of rotation within the system limits (torque via angle of rotation; Md via alpha).

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment variant for controlling the dynamically generated magnetic field or the dynamically generated braking torque. In addition, here is the current strength over time applied. Here, the braking device 1 with a current and / or voltage signal with a frequency 824 of z. B. 100 Hz or higher driven. Possible and advantageous are, for. B. also frequencies between 200 Hz to 1000 Hz. The sign of the frequency signal varies. A portion of the positive and negative current flow is distributed asymmetrically 823. As a result, a user receives haptic feedback in the form of a clearly noticeable vibration 825 on the mouse wheel 303. The corresponding high-frequency activation of the braking device 1 when the mouse wheel 303 is turned can also generate an audible tone 821 here. So z. B. a warning signal 822 or other information can be output to the user. Depending on the choice of frequency 824, the tone can be adjusted and also changed in time, so that e.g. B. a violin can be simulated.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment variant for controlling the dynamically generated magnetic field or the dynamically generated braking torque. For this purpose, the current strength is plotted against time. Here, the braking device 1 is subjected to a random current signal 820. As a result, a user receives particularly distinctive and unusual haptic feedback. For example, the wear of a bearing or sand in a gear can be displayed.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a smart device 500 according to the invention embodied as a smartphone. The smart device 500 here has a body 501 that can be grasped and a wheel 503 rotatably mounted on a support structure 502 of the body 501, which is not visible here turned. The wheel 503 has three actuation zones 504 here. The movement of the wheel 503 can be specifically damped by means of a controllable magnetorheological braking device 1 as a function of the actuation zone 504 from which the wheel 503 is actuated. The braking device 1 is designed here as described above for the computer mouse 300.

The current function assignment of the actuation zones 504 is shown here faded in by symbols in the display of the Smartdevice 500.

The left actuation zone 504 is currently used to select contacts. The camera function can be activated and operated here with the middle actuation zone 504. The right actuation zone 504 is currently used to operate a calendar function. A specific grid is provided here for each actuation zone 504.

FIGS. 11a to 11c show a remote control 400 according to the invention. To carry out inputs in a receiving device that can be coupled to the remote control 400, a remote control wheel 403 is rotated by means of a finger. For this purpose, the remote control wheel 403 is rotatably mounted on a support structure 402, not visible here, of a body 401 that can be grasped. The remote control wheel 403 here comprises three actuation zones 404. The movement of the remote control wheel 403 can be specifically damped by means of a controllable magnetorheological braking device 1 as a function of the actuation zone 404 from which the remote control wheel 403 is actuated. The braking device 1 is designed here as described above for the computer mouse 300.

The current function assignment of the actuation zones 404 is shown here by symbols in a display of the remote control 400. In Fig. 11a is a function assignment for playing media and z. B. Music or videos shown. A function assignment for telephoning is shown here in FIG. 11b. Calls are accepted here with the left actuation zone 404. The volume can be set here with the middle actuation zone 404. The telephone call is ended here with the right actuation zone 404. A specific grid is provided here for each actuation zone 404.

FIG. 12 shows a detail of a computer mouse 300, as described above, for example. Here, the braking device 1 is connected to the Mouse wheel 303 is coupled. This enables a higher (braking) torque to be achieved. In addition, the gear unit 312 bridges the axes of rotation (shown in dash-dotted lines) of mouse wheel 303 and braking device 1, which are arranged offset in parallel here. The gear unit 312 can also be used advantageously for remote control 400.

13 shows a computer mouse 300 in which the mouse wheel 303 can also be actively rotated with a drive device 313 in addition to manual rotation. Such an active drive can advantageously be used for all of the computer mice 300 and remote controls 400 described here. The drive device 313 is arranged here opposite the braking device 1 and has the same axis of rotation (shown in dash-dotted lines) as the mouse wheel 303 and the braking device 1. This enables particularly compact accommodation.

A switching unit 314, which can be actuated by pressing the mouse wheel 303, can be clearly seen here. The switching unit 314 is equipped here with a pressure sensor. As a result, an input can be made as a function of how hard the mouse wheel 303 is pressed. The switching unit 314 can also be designed as a switch without a pressure sensor.

List of reference symbols:

1 braking device 28 casting compound

2 brake component 30 bearings

3 braking component 32 transverse groove

4 holder 33 base body

5 gap, duct 35 cable entry 5a gap width 36 receptacle

6 medium 36a outer diameter

8 box 37 cylindrical tread

9 free space 37a outer diameter

10 acute angled area 38 seal

11 transmission component, 43 user interface rolling elements, rotating elements 45 cables

11d arm 46 sealing ring

12 axis of rotation 48 sliding guide

13 rotating part, 49 coating

13a inside diameter 50 bracket 13b outside diameter 61 angle segment 13c height 62 angle segment 13d wall thickness 63 receptacle for 11

13e sleeve part (lx drawing) 64 outer surface

14 ball 65 radial gap

15 cylinder 66 radial distance

16 wedge shape 67 inner surface of 13

17 Direction of 68 signal relative movement 69 amplitude

18 direction of the 70 sensor device relative movement 71 magnetic ring unit

19 magnetic particles 72 magnetic field sensor

20 axial direction 73 sensor cable

21 Kern 74 buttons

2lb minimum diameter 75 shielding device 24 outer ring 76 shielding body 25 radial direction 77 separating unit 26 coil 78 decoupling device

26a maximum diameter 110 closed chamber 26c coil plane 111 first end of 110 26d radial direction to 26c 112 first bearing point 27 control device 113 magnetic field generation device 401 body volume of 110 402 support structure second end of 403 remote control wheel closed chamber 404 actuation zone diameter first 406 display bearing point 500 smart device diameter second 501 body bearing point 502 supporting structure second bearing point 503 wheel stub axle 504 actuation zone compensation channel 506 display end section of 2 820 current radial direction (global ) 821 Warning tone raster dot 822 Warning signal end stop 823 Asymmetry end stop 824 Frequency threshold 825 Vibration minimum moment Incline Angular distance Stop torque Catching moment Basic moment Computer mouse Mouse body Support structure Mouse wheel actuation zone Monitoring device arrangement Gear unit Drive device Switching unit Gesture recognition zone Arrangement contact section Contact section Trough recess Remote control

Claims

Expectations :

1. Computer mouse (300) for performing inputs into a computer device that can be coupled to the computer mouse, comprising at least one at least partially grippable mouse body (301) and at least one mouse wheel mounted at least rotatably on a support structure (302) of the mouse body (301)

(303), wherein the mouse wheel (303) can be rotated to carry out an input using at least one finger, characterized in that the mouse wheel (303) comprises at least two actuation zones (304) and that a movement of the mouse wheel (303) by means of at least one controllable magnetorheological braking device (1) can be specifically damped as a function of the actuation zone (304) from which the mouse wheel (303) is actuated and / or which actuation zone (304) was previously activated.

2. Computer mouse (300) according to the preceding claim, wherein the braking device (1) is designed magnetorheologically.

3. Computer mouse (300) according to the preceding claim, wherein the braking device (1) has at least one magnetorheological medium (6) and at least one field generating device

(113) for generating and controlling a magnetic and / or electric field strength and wherein the medium (6) can be influenced by means of the field generating device (113) in order to set the torque for the rotatability of the operating element (903).

4. Computer mouse (300) according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation zones (304) are non-rotatably connected to one another and / or have a common axis of rotation.

5. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping can be set as a function of at least one angle of rotation of the mouse wheel (303) detected by means of at least one sensor device (70) and is in particular adapted in a targeted manner.

6. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by means of at least one monitoring device (305) is detected by sensors, from which actuation zone (304) the actuation takes place and / or wherein the

Actuation zones (304) can be activated by pressing.

7. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation zones (304) are haptically distinguishable and in particular have a different surface and / or surface structure and / or size and / or geometry and / or color and / or material.

3. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control device (27) comprises and is suitable and designed to control the braking device (1) at least as a function of at least one control command and the control command in at least one on the mouse wheel (303 ) to implement a perceptible haptic signal, preferably a defined sequence of delay moments, so that a user can receive haptic feedback on the mouse wheel (303) at least as a result of an input made and / or during an input.

9. Computer mouse (300) according to the preceding claim, wherein a haptic feedback takes place as a function of the actuation zone (304) in which the mouse wheel (303) is actuated and, in particular, touched.

10. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein depending on the actuated actuation zone (304) a certain input is made and wherein the assignment of actuation zone (304) and input is programmable and / or dynamically adaptable.

11. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational movement of the mouse wheel (303) can be acted upon with an adjustable grid when scrolling and wherein the grid is provided by a targeted delay or blocking and a targeted release of the rotary movement at certain time intervals and / or is generated at certain angles of rotation and the grid is also set as a function of the actuation zone (304) from which the mouse wheel (303) is actuated (rotated).

12. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one mouse body (301) with an arrangement (311) of the mouse wheel (303) optimized for right-handers and / or comprising at least one mouse body (301) with an arrangement optimized for left-handers ( 321) of the mouse wheel (303).

13. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouse body (301) comprises at least a first contact portion (331) for the index finger and at least a second contact portion (341) for the thumb and wherein at least one mouse wheel (303) in the first contact section (331) and / or wherein at least one mouse wheel (303) is arranged in the second contact section (341).

14. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatability of the mouse wheel (303) by means of the braking device (1) is adjustable from freely rotatable to completely blocked for the manually generated force occurring during operation on the mouse wheel (303).

15. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouse wheel (303) can also be pressed and / or moved axially to carry out an input.

16. Computer mouse (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouse wheel (303) is designed as a rocker and has at least one rocker bearing between at least two actuation zones (304), so that the mouse wheel (303) to carry out an input on both sides of the Wipplager can be pressed and depending on the pressed actuation zone (304) a certain input is made.

17. A method for operating a computer mouse (300) according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein an actuation zone (304), which is currently provided for performing an input, is displayed by an optical signal and wherein the resistance to movement for the mobility of the mouse wheel (303) is automatically adapted to the currently intended implementation of the input is adjusted.

19. Remote control (400) for performing inputs into a receiving device that can be coupled to the remote control (400), comprising at least one at least partially grippable body (401) and at least one remote control wheel (401) mounted at least rotatably on a support structure (402) of the body (401). 403), wherein the remote control wheel (403) can be rotated to carry out an input using at least one finger and wherein the remote control wheel (403) comprises at least two actuation zones (404) and wherein a movement of the remote control wheel (403) by means of at least one controllable braking device (1) depending on the actuation zone (404) from which the remote control wheel (403) is actuated and in particular rotated and / or which actuation zone (404) was previously activated can be damped.

20. Smart device (500), comprising at least one at least partially grippable body (501) and at least one wheel (503) mounted at least rotatably on a support structure (502) of the body (501), the wheel (503) for performing an input by means of at least one finger is rotatable and wherein the wheel (503) comprises at least two actuation zones (504) and wherein a movement of the wheel (503) can be specifically damped by means of at least one controllable braking device (1) depending on which actuation zone (504) is from the wheel (503) is actuated and in particular rotated and / or which actuation zone (504) was previously activated.