JP2003223269A - Input pen storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input pen storage device that prevents an input pen from being put out unexpectedly and prevents foreign materials from entering the storage part. <P>SOLUTION: When an operator inserts an input pen 21 into a storage space 27 from an inserting slot 21 and pushes another end 21b, a tip 21a pushes a push-push mechanism 29 via a tip holder 28. When the operator releases the hand at the end of the stroke, the input pen is returned a little to stop at a first deep position and is held by a side pressure spring 31. When the operator pushes the other end 21b of the input pen again and releases the hand at the end of the stroke, the push-push mechanism 29 pushes back the input pen 21 to move it to a second shallow position. The operator can take out the input pen 21 at this position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input pen storage device for storing an input pen used for inputting data to a portable information terminal, an information processing device or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 7 and 8 show a conventional pen storage device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2981052 (hereinafter referred to as Reference 1). FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state before the pen P is pushed into the storage hole 2 in the pen storage device of the cited document 1, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the pen P is pushed into the storage hole 2.

In FIG. 7, a storage hole 2 for storing the input pen P is formed in the outer wall 1 of the information processing apparatus body. In a state where the input pen P is not pushed into the storage hole 2, the horizontally slidable holding member 4 has the spring hooking portion 7
It is stopped at the rightmost position by the force of the spring 8 whose one end is locked. When the input pen P is inserted in the arrow Y direction, the hook 6 is engaged with the annular groove 5 of the input pen P. When the input pen P is further pushed in the arrow Y direction, the holding member 4 engaged with the input pen P via the annular groove 5 and the hook 6 advances in the arrow Y direction. The tip A of the engaging portion 13 of the lock member 10 attached to the fixed pin 9 slides on the horizontal surface 14a of the lateral groove 14 and falls into the stepped portion 14b of the lateral groove 14 as shown in FIG. Then, even if the operator removes his / her hand from the input pen P, the tip A of the engaging portion 13 gets stuck in the stepped portion 14b,
The holding member 4 cannot return to the right.

When the stored pen P is pushed in the direction of the arrow Y when using the input pen P, the tip A of the engaging portion 13 of the lock member 10 is pushed up along the slope 14c of the lateral groove 14, An engaging projection (not shown) formed on the side surface of the tip A rides over the horizontal projection 15 and cannot slide down along the slope 14c toward the step 14b even if the operator loosens the force of pushing the input pen P. The input pen P is pushed back toward the outer wall 1 by the biasing force of the spring 8. Along with this, along with the movement of the holding member 4 that moves outward, the tip A of the engaging portion 13 slides along the lower surface of the protrusion 15 in the direction opposite to the outer wall 1 and moves away from the protrusion 15 onto the horizontal surface 14a. . Since the projection 15 and the horizontal surface 14a are smooth surfaces, the holding member 4 is pulled back to the position shown in FIG. 8 together with the input pen P without engaging with the tip A of the engaging portion 13. When the operator pulls the input pen P toward the outer wall 1, the input pen P is released from the engagement with the hook 6.

[0005]

In the conventional input pen storage device, the holding member 4 is biased toward the outer wall 1 by the spring 8 when the input pen P is taken out. When the fingertip is accidentally slipped to the side after being pushed in the Y direction for taking out, the input pen P deviates from the predetermined holding position by the urging force of the spring 8.
The inconvenience of jumping out vigorously from the storage hole 2 occurs.

Since the holding member 4 slides in the left-right direction as the input pen P is inserted and taken out, the large notch 3
Will be required. If a metal piece or the like enters the housing hole 2 from the outside without the input pen P being inserted, the metal piece enters the inside of the housing through the notch 3 and enters an electronic circuit or the like (not shown) to cause a short circuit. , It causes malfunction of internal structure.

An object of the present invention is to provide an input pen storage device which can solve the problems of the conventional example.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an input pen storage device of the present invention is an input pen for inputting to an information processing device, and one end of the input pen for storing the input pen. A storage part having an insertion opening, and a pusher that is arranged at the other end side of the storage part and moves back and forth between a first position and a second position in response to the movement of the tip part of the input pen. A push mechanism and a pressing unit that is provided in the middle of the storage unit and presses the outer peripheral side surface of the input pen are provided.

According to this structure, the input pen can be reliably held in the storage space by the simple structure of the push-push mechanism and the pressing means for pressing the side surface of the input pen, and the fingertip slips due to an erroneous operation when taking out. Since the side surface of the input pen is pressed by the pressing means, there is no fear of the input pen jumping out vigorously, and since there are few gaps such as cutouts that communicate with the inside of the housing, foreign matter such as metal pieces will enter the inside of the housing. The risk of getting in can be eliminated.

In addition to the above basic structure, the present invention further comprises a small diameter portion in the middle of the input pen in the longitudinal direction, and the pressing means has the input pen at the first position of the push-push mechanism. In some cases, it may correspond to the position of the small-diameter portion of the input pen, and no pressing force may be applied to the small-diameter portion, or a pressing force lower than the pressing force applied to the side surface of the portion other than the small-diameter portion may be provided. .

According to this structure, since the stress of the pressing means is small at the position where the input pen is held for a long time, the plastic deformation of the spring is small, and in particular, the pressing means is made of the same material as the member constituting the storage space. It is suitable to be used in the case of being integrally formed with, and thereby, the cost can be further reduced.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned configurations, at least the second position of the push-push mechanism is configured so that an object of a predetermined size or more does not pass through the space surrounded by the storage section and the push-push mechanism. It is easy, and it is possible to prevent a metal piece or the like from entering the inside to cause a short circuit in an electric circuit, and prevent malfunction of the mechanism due to mixing of foreign matter.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An input pen storage device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a state before the input pen is pushed in the input pen storage device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a state in which the input pen storage device is also in the input pen storage device. 3 is a sectional view showing FIG.
Is also an operation explanatory view of the push-push mechanism. FIG. 3 shows the push-push mechanism when it is placed in the second position.
FIG. 4 respectively shows the push-push mechanism when it is placed in the first position.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the input pen 21 has a pen shape made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and its one end 21a (tip end) is curved so as not to damage the surface of the input pad. Further, the outer shape of the input pen slightly widens from one end 21a to the other end 21b in the longitudinal direction, that is, the diameter is increased. This is to increase the surface area of the fingertip when the input pen 21 is pushed into the housing (storage portion) to reduce the force received by the fingertip.
It is designed so that it can be securely held when the user picks up 1 and takes it out of the housing, and that it does not roll out of a certain range when rolling on the table.

The housing (pen storage part) of the present invention is constructed as follows. First, by processing one end of the side panel 24 sandwiched between the upper housing 22 and the lower housing 23 into a substantially L-shape (or a substantially inverted L-shape), the frontage and the position of the insertion opening 24a are determined. The delimiting and inputting pen 21 is easily inserted. Further, the funnel-shaped input pen storage guide 2 extends from the insertion opening 24a toward the inner portions of the upper housing 22 and the lower housing 23.
4b is formed. The input pen storage guide 24b is connected to the other end portion of the input pen storage guide 24b, and the upper storage portion 2 is connected to the upper housing 22 side.
5, the input pen 2 surrounded by the inner surface of each of the input pen storage guide 24b, the upper storage portion 25, and the lower storage portion 26 by disposing the lower storage portion 26 on the lower housing 23 side.
One storage space 27 is formed.

The tip 21a of the input pen 21 and at least a part of its peripheral portion are in contact with the storage space 27 at a position apart from the insertion port 24a in the longitudinal direction of the input pen 21,
In addition, a tip holding portion 28 that supports the side surface of the input pen 21 and a push-push mechanism 29 that is integrally connected to the tip holding portion 28 are arranged. The movement of the input pen 21a may be transmitted to the push-push mechanism 29 by directly contacting the push-push mechanism 29 with the tip 21a of the input pen 21 without disposing the tip-holding portion 28. Upper storage 2
5 and the other end side of the lower storage section 26 are provided with a tip holding section 28.
The enlarged portions 25a and 26a are provided so as to avoid contact with. The push-push mechanism 29 is held by the push-push mechanism holding portion 30 provided on the upper housing 22. Further, an opening 26 is formed in a part of a side wall in the middle of the lower storage part 26.
b and a spring fixing portion 26c, a side pressure spring 31 that presses the side surface of the input pen 21 is attached to the spring fixing portion 26c and protrudes into the storage space 27 from the opening portion 26b.

3 and 4 show details of the push-push mechanism 29. Push Push mechanism 29 is a movable piece 29
1, a fixed piece 292, a slide cam 293, and a spring 294.

The movable piece 291 receives a pressing force from the input pen 21 directly or indirectly via the tip holding portion 28, and the cylinder portion 292a of the fixed piece 292.
A cylindrical piston portion 291b that slides toward the inside of the
The slide cam 2 is provided on the side surface of the piston portion 291b.
It has a flat surface portion 291c for sliding 93 and two guide grooves 291d for guiding the slide cam 293.

The slide cam 293 is flat and has two pins (not shown) protruding from the back surface thereof, which are fitted into the two guide grooves 291d of the flat portion 291c of the movable piece 291 to be in the Y or -Y direction in the figure. It can move freely. The slide cam 293 has two kinds of cams 293a and 293b having a complicated shape protruding from the surface thereof.

The fixed piece 292 has a protrusion 292b toward the inside of the cylinder portion 292a, and the protrusion 292b has two kinds of cams 293a and 293 on the surface of the slide cam 293.
b by engaging with the slide cam 293.
Or slide it in the -Y direction.

The spring 294 is a disk portion 291 of the movable piece 291.
It is hung on a and the flange portion 292c of the fixed piece 292, and urges them in a direction of separating them from each other. Although not shown, a stopper may be provided to prevent the two from separating.

The operation of the above arrangement will be described. The operator inserts the tip 21a of the input pen 21 into the storage space 27 through the insertion opening 24a of the housing, and
When b is pressed, the side pressure of the side pressure spring 31 starts to be applied to the input pen 21 from the middle of the insertion, and the tip 21a moves to the tip holding portion 28.
Abut the bottom of.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the push-push mechanism 29 integrated with the tip holding portion 28, the movable piece 291 is provided.
When a pressing force in the X direction due to the pressing of the input pen 21 is applied to the disk portion 291 a of the movable piece 291, the movable piece 291 moves in the X direction inside the cylinder 292 a of the fixed piece 292 against the elasticity of the spring 294. Pin 292b comes into contact with point a of cam 293a of slide cam 293, and slide cam 293 slides slightly in the Y direction due to the reaction of the inclined surface. Still further, the movable piece 291 advances and the pin 292b moves to b of the cam 293b.
The slide cam 293 slides slightly in the -Y direction due to the reaction of the inclined surface upon contact with the point to prevent the movable portion 291 from moving at the bottom of the valley. Here, when the operator feels that the movement of the input pen 21 has slowed down and stops pressing the input pen 21, the restoring force of the spring 294 causes the movable portion 291 to return in the -X direction, and the pin 292b causes the cam 293a to c. The slide cam 293 abuts on the point and moves slightly in the −Y direction due to the reaction of the inclined surface, and prevents the movable piece 291 from being restored at the valley bottom. That is, this point becomes the deep first position, and the push-push mechanism 29 is placed in the state shown in FIG. The input pen 21 receives the side pressure of the side pressure spring 31 and is held in the storage space 27, and the other end 21b is only slightly outside the housing, and therefore cannot be pulled out by pinching with a finger. Pin 2 in the process so far
The relative movement of 92b with respect to the slide cam 293 is shown by the solid line 295.

Next, when the operator takes out the input pen 21, the end 21 slightly protruding from the insertion opening 24a.
Press b. Then, from the state of FIG. 4, the movable portion 291 once moves in the X direction, the pin 292b of the fixed piece 292 abuts the point d of the cam 293b of the slide cam 293, and the slide cam 293 slightly moves in the -Y direction due to the reaction of the inclined surface. Move and stop. Here, when the operator stops pressing the input pen 21, the movable piece 291 moves in the −X direction due to the restoring force of the spring 294, the pin 292b abuts the point e of the cam 293a, and the slide cam 293 reacts with the inclined surface. The pin 292b slides slightly in the -Y direction, and the pin 292b moves on the slope f during movement of the movable piece.
The slide cam 293 slides in the Y direction due to the reaction of the inclined surface and the push-push mechanism 29 moves to the shallow second position shown in FIG.
Return to the position of. Pin 29 in the process so far
The solid line 296 indicates the relative movement of 2 b with respect to the slide cam 293.

As described above, the push-push mechanism 29 is
When the input pen 21 is inserted and pressed by the operator, the operator moves after being pushed to the left in the figure via the tip holding portion 28 that is pushed by the tip 21a of the input pen 21 to reach the end of the movement. When the input pen 21 is released from the pressure, it stabilizes at the deep first position slightly returned from the end. This is the position where the input pen 21 is held. Next, when the operator tries to take out the input pen 21 from the device and presses the other end 21b, the push-push mechanism 29 slightly enters from the first position and stops, and when the operator stops the pressing there, the first position is reached. It returns to the shallower second position and stabilizes. In this second position, the operator can pick up the input pen 21 and take it out. The push-push mechanism 29 acts so as to complete one cycle of operation by the operation of four cycles of pressing, stopping pressing, pressing and stopping pressing in this way.

According to this embodiment, when the input pen is taken out, for example, a pressed finger is inserted into the insertion opening 24a.
Even if you perform the wrong operation of sliding from side to side,
Since the side pressure spring 31 presses the side surface of the input pen 21, the restoring force of the spring 294 of the push-push mechanism 29 is suppressed, and the inconvenience of the input pen 21 popping out vigorously can be eliminated.

According to this embodiment, at least FIG.
Even if the input pen 21 is removed from the state shown in
The storage guide 24b, the upper storage portion 25, the lower storage portion 26 and the tip holding portion 28 form a substantially closed space,
By minimizing the gaps between the individual pieces or around the side pressure spring 31 and the like, foreign matter of a predetermined size or more cannot enter the inside of the housing through the storage space 27. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit accident or the like, or an abnormal operation of the internal mechanism due to entering the housing even if it enters through the insertion port 24a.

The push-push mechanism shown in this embodiment is not limited to the one shown in this figure, and any publicly known one can be replaced as long as it has a similar function.

Although the input pen is shown as being made of synthetic resin, it may be made of wood or metal, for example.
It does not matter if it can perform its function.

Further, the side pressure spring 31 is made to project inward from the opening 26b, but if the lower storage portion 26 is partially expanded outward instead of the opening 26b and the side pressure spring 31 is attached to the inner surface thereof. The occurrence of foreign matter can be further suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, the storage space 27 is composed of several separate pieces, but the inside of the input pen insertion opening 24a is the input pen storage guide 24.
The b, the upper storage portion 25, the lower storage portion 26 and the like may be integrated, for example, without any problem. In addition, in this embodiment, the push-push mechanism 29 is arranged outside the storage space 27, but if the storage space 27 is a bag-like closed space and the push-push mechanism is arranged at the end of the storage space 27, the inside of the housing will be closed. It is possible to further prevent foreign matter from entering.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state before the input pen is pushed in the input pen housing device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an input pen housing state in the input pen housing device. The difference from the first embodiment is that a small diameter portion 32c is provided at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the input pen 32 having a tip 32a and the other end 32b, and a synthetic resin lower storage portion 33 provided in the lower housing 23. The point is that a side pressure spring 33b, which is made of the same material and has a tip protruding slightly inward, is formed integrally with a part of the above. The tip 3 of this side pressure spring 33b
3c is provided at a position facing at least a part of the small diameter portion 32c of the input pen 32 in the storage position of the input pen 32, and does not apply a pressing force to the small diameter portion 32c or exerts a side pressure on other side surfaces. Abutting with lower lateral pressure.
The other components are the same as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, and the same reference numerals are used and detailed description is omitted.

In the input pen storage device having the above-described structure, the side pressure spring 33 is shown in FIG.
Although the tip 33c of b applies a strong lateral pressure to the side surface of the input pen 32, in FIG. 6 showing the input pen housed state, that is, the deep first position of the push-push mechanism 29, the tip 33c of the side pressure spring 33b receives the input. Small diameter part 32 of pen 32
In this position, no lateral pressure is applied, or only a slight lateral pressure is applied as compared with the state of FIG. 5, so that even if the input pen 32 is held for a long period of time, the lateral pressure spring 33b is plastically deformed. There is no fear that the lateral pressure will drop in the state of.

When the pressing force is not applied to the small diameter portion 32c of the input pen 32 in the state of FIG. 6, the input pen 32 is inserted into the insertion opening 2 when the insertion opening 24a is directed downward.
There is a problem that it appears a little on the 4a side. In order to prevent such a problem, the position of the small diameter portion 32c may be accurately set, and the tip 33c of the spring 33b may be deviated from the small diameter portion 32c when trying to move to the insertion opening 24a side even if only a little.

In this state, the other end 32b of the input pen 32 is pressed to release the hand, and when the push-push mechanism 29 reaches the shallow second position, at that time, the tip 33c of the side pressure spring 33b leaves the small diameter portion 32c and is pushed. As the pressure increases,
Even if the insertion opening 24a is directed downward, the input pen 32 does not come out by itself, and the input pen 32 does not pop out vigorously even if a finger that presses the end 32b of the input pen 32 slides sideways. Absent.

The storage space is the same as in the first embodiment.
Since a gap such as a notch is small, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that foreign matter such as a metal piece enters through the insertion opening even when the input pen is not housed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a small diameter portion is provided in the longitudinal direction of the input pen, and the side pressure spring is not a separate component, but is integrally made of the same material as the individual pieces constituting the storage space such as the lower storage portion. Since it is formed, it can be configured easily and at low cost, and the side pressure does not decrease due to plastic deformation of the synthetic resin material.

[0039]

As described above, the input pen storage device of the present invention can surely hold the input pen with a simple structure in which the pressing means holds the input pen, and the erroneous operation of shifting the fingertip at the time of taking out operation. Even if you do, there is no fear that the input pen will jump out.

Further, since there are few gaps such as notches in the storage space due to the structure, foreign matter such as metal pieces may enter the inside of the input port of the input pen to cause a short circuit of the electric circuit or a malfunction of the mechanism. Less is.

Further, when the input pen is provided with a small diameter portion, the pressing means for holding the input pen and preventing it from popping out can be integrally formed of the same synthetic resin material as the member constituting the holding space of the input pen, and plastic deformation It is also possible to obtain the advantageous effect that it can be prevented and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before an input pen is pushed in the input pen storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state where the input pen is stored in the input pen storage device.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view showing a second position of the push-push mechanism.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram similarly showing the first position.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state before the input pen is pushed in the input pen storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the input pen storage state of the input pen storage device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the pen is pushed in the conventional pen storage device.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the pen is also pushed in.

[Explanation of symbols]

21,32 Input pen 21a, 22a tips 21b, 22b the other end 22 Upper case 23 Lower case 24 side panels 24a insertion slot 24b storage guide 25 Upper storage 26,33 Lower storage 27 storage space 28 Tip holding part 29 push push mechanism 30 Push-push mechanism holding part 31, 33b Side pressure spring

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An input pen for inputting to an information processing device, a storage part having an insertion opening at one end for storing the input pen, and an input pen on the other end side of the storage part. A push-push mechanism that is provided and moves back and forth between a first position and a second position in response to the movement of the tip portion of the input pen; and a peripheral side surface of the input pen that is provided in the middle of the storage portion. An input pen storage device, comprising: a pressing means for pressing. 2. The movement of the input pen is transmitted to the push-push mechanism through a tip holding portion for holding the tip portion of the input pen and at least a part of the periphery of the tip portion. The input pen storage device according to claim 1. 3. A small-diameter portion is provided in the middle of the input pen in the longitudinal direction, and the pressing means faces a part of the small-diameter portion of the input pen when the input pen is in the first position of the push-push mechanism. The input pen storage device according to claim 1, wherein a pressing force is not applied to the small diameter portion, or a pressing force lower than a pressing force applied to a side surface of a portion other than the small diameter portion is applied. 4. The input pen storage device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing means is integrally formed of the same material as a member forming the storage portion. 5. At least a second position of the push-push mechanism is configured so that an object of a predetermined size or more does not pass through a space surrounded by the storage section and the push-push mechanism. Item 1
The input pen storage device according to any one of 1 to 4.