JP2015172984A - optical reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the total length of a handy terminal for further miniaturization without making it thicker.SOLUTION: An optical information reader comprises: a battery part 50 comprising a rechargeable secondary battery cell 51 to supply driving power; and a housing 10. In the housing 10, a displaying portion DA comprising a display part 30 on a front face side of the housing 10 and a grip portion HA disposed under the displaying portion DA and comprising a key arrangement part 40 on the front face side of the housing 10, are arranged in one direction. The grip portion HA is formed to have a narrower external diameter in a direction substantially orthogonal to the one direction in a planar view than that of the displaying portion DA. The battery part 50 comprises the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 with a cylindrical profile, and is received on a back face side of the housing 10 in the grip portion HA of the housing 10. The cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is arranged such that the axis thereof is substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the housing 10 and such that one part thereof partially overlaps the display part 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical information reader such as a handy scanner, a handy terminal, and a business PDA that can read and register data by reading symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes.

  Today, various codes or “symbols” such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes are used in the field of product management and the like. Nowadays when traceability has become widespread, optical information readers called bar code readers or code readers are installed in factories or distribution bases, and symbols or the like are printed or stamped on products and products (codes) Printing), and a system that reads information of this code printing by an optical information reader is used in many industries. A handy terminal is used to read such symbols and register and collate data. The handy terminal is provided with a display portion such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and keys. In addition, a rechargeable secondary battery is incorporated so that it can be used for mobile use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Since such a handy terminal is always carried in a store or a warehouse and used for a long time, it is required to be easy to hold. Therefore, in addition to the reduction in size and weight, there is a demand for thinning that is easy to grip. In order to achieve such a reduction in thickness, the built-in secondary battery cell is favorably used as a square battery that is more space efficient than a cylindrical battery, like a mobile phone.

  Therefore, as a configuration of a thin handy terminal, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 42, a configuration in which an LCD and a square battery are arranged on one straight line in the longitudinal direction is common. The user operates a key provided on the surface of the gripping portion while holding the gripping portion in which the square battery is incorporated and looking at the LCD.

  In such a handy terminal, it is conceivable to shorten the length in the longitudinal direction by reducing the distance between the LCD and the key in order to further improve the ease of holding and key operability. However, when trying to shorten the overall length of the handy terminal, it is necessary to bring the prismatic battery closer to the LCD. However, if the prismatic battery and the LCD are stacked, the thickness of the gripping part increases and the handy terminal becomes thicker. There was a problem that the ease of holding was reduced.

JP 2010-134896 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. A main object of the present invention is to provide an optical reading apparatus capable of avoiding thickening while shortening the overall length of the handy terminal to achieve further miniaturization.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, according to the optical reading device of the first aspect of the present invention, the housing 10, the reading unit 22 for optically reading the symbol to be read, and various information A battery unit 50 including a display unit 30 for displaying, a key arrangement unit 40 on which a plurality of keys for performing various operations are arranged, and a rechargeable secondary battery cell 51 for supplying driving power. The display unit DA provided with the display unit 30 on the surface side of the case 10, and the key arrangement on the surface side of the case 10 below the display part DA. An optical information reading apparatus in which a gripping portion HA provided with a portion 40 is configured to be aligned in one direction, and the gripping portion HA is substantially orthogonal to the one direction in plan view than the display portion DA. The outer diameter in the direction to The battery unit 50 includes a cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 having a cylindrical outer shape, and is housed on the back side of the housing 10 in the gripping portion HA of the housing 10. The cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 may be disposed such that the axial center thereof is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 and a part thereof partially overlaps the display unit 30. it can.
Even if the thickness of this part increases by incorporating the cylindrical secondary battery cell in the holding part, the above-described configuration can prevent the ease of holding. This is because even if the thickness is slightly increased in the thickness direction, it is not difficult to hold, and the grip feeling can be improved. In general, it is thought that the thin type is easier to carry, but the thin plate shape may be difficult to hold. Focusing on this point, it is possible to improve the ease of gripping by making the grip portion somewhat thicker. Further, by arranging the cylindrical secondary battery cell and the display portion so as to overlap each other, the length in the longitudinal direction can be shortened, and as a result, ease of holding and key operability can be improved.

Further, according to the optical information reading apparatus according to the second aspect, the grip portion HA can be made narrower in outer diameter in plan view than the display portion DA.
With the above configuration, the display portion is enlarged to improve the visibility, and the grip portion is narrow and narrow, so that the user can easily grip it. This makes it easy to grasp and easy to see. In particular, even if the gripping portion is somewhat thickened, the grip feeling can be improved by narrowing the plan view, and the advantage of improving the ease of gripping can be obtained. In addition, an advantage that a reduction in volume can be maintained by using a narrow housing is also obtained.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading apparatus according to the third aspect, the casing 10 has a back surface of the grip portion HA partially having a curved surface along the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51. The formed curved protruding portion RP can be formed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10.
With the above configuration, a grip feeling can be improved as compared with a configuration in which the back surface of the grip portion is a flat surface. In particular, by providing a curved surface projecting on the back surface of the housing, it is easy to grip even when it is partially thickened, and the grip feeling can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the curved protruding portion RP can be provided substantially at the center on the back surface of the gripping portion HA.
With the above configuration, by providing the cylindrical secondary battery cell at the center of the grip portion, the center line can be protruded and gripped with a good balance.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the fifth aspect, the concave portion 14 can be formed on the display portion DA side of the rear surface of the housing 10 with respect to the portion where the battery unit 50 is disposed. it can.
With the above configuration, the user can place his / her finger on the recess while holding the grip portion, and the ease of gripping is further improved.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the sixth aspect, the concave portion 14 can be positioned before the center of gravity of the optical reader.
With the above configuration, it is possible to easily operate by placing a finger on the recess. For example, when the user puts his / her index finger in the concave portion, the housing can be held slightly in front of the center of gravity, and since it can be prevented from falling forward and maintain an appropriate posture and balance, it can be easily held stably with one hand.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading device according to the seventh aspect, the back surface side of the display portion DA of the housing 10 is the same as the curved protruding portion RP on the back surface side of the grip portion, or from this It is possible to form the second projecting portion 16 projecting higher than the curved projecting portion RP.
With the above configuration, even when the gripping portion is made thicker and protruded, the second protruding portion is provided on the floor surface by providing the second protruding portion on the display portion side. It can be grounded to be in a horizontal position.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the reading unit 22 is stored in the second projecting portion 16, and the second projecting portion 16 and the reading unit 22 are A gap can be provided.
With the above configuration, even when an impact such as a drop is applied, a situation in which the impact is directly transmitted to an internal member such as the reading unit 22 can be avoided.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the battery unit 50 includes a battery case 52 that houses the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51, and the battery case 52 includes the battery case 52. A battery-side circuit board 54 connected to the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is disposed on the upper surface of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 inside, and the battery-side circuit board 54 has the length thereof A stepped portion 55 is formed on the upper surface of the battery case 52 to accommodate the battery-side circuit board 54, and the battery portion 50 includes the stepped portion 55. The display unit 30 can be formed at a position that does not overlap.
With the above configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the display unit and the battery-side circuit board overlap to further increase the thickness of the housing, and a thin structure that is easy to grip can be realized.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reading device of the tenth aspect, a backup battery is provided between the overlapping region OL with the display unit 30 and the stepped portion 55 on the upper surface of the battery unit 50. 56 can be arranged.
With the above configuration, a backup battery can be arranged by effectively using the space on the upper surface of the battery unit.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the eleventh aspect, the optical information reader further includes a first frame 24 having a frame body 25 surrounding the display unit 30, and the first frame 24 is made of metal. Can be configured.
With the above configuration, even if the cylindrical secondary battery cell and the display unit are arranged in an overlapping manner, the robustness is enhanced by protecting the display unit with the frame of the first frame, and the cylindrical secondary battery is affected by an impact such as dropping. The situation where the overlapping part with the battery cell damages the display part can be avoided.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader of the twelfth aspect, the main circuit board 36 on which a control circuit for controlling the operation of the optical information reader is further mounted, and the main circuit board 36 are fixed. The first frame 24 is fixed to the housing 10, and the second frame 62 has an arm portion 65 for fixing to the first frame 24. Provided, and the rigidity of the arm portion 65 can be made lower than a portion where the main circuit board 36 is fixed.
With the above configuration, a floating structure that does not directly fix the main circuit board to the first frame allows the impact to the internal main circuit board to be applied to the internal main circuit board with a low-rigidity arm even when dropped. It can be absorbed to improve impact resistance.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an optical reading device according to Embodiment 1 as viewed obliquely from above. It is the perspective view which looked at the optical information reader of FIG. 1 from the bottom face side. It is a top view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a bottom view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a side view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which divided | segmented the housing | casing of the optical information reader of FIG. 1 into the upper case and the lower case. FIG. 7 is a detailed exploded perspective view in which the inside of the optical information reading device in FIG. 6 is further disassembled. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the optical reading device of FIG. 5. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the battery cover from the optical information reader of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the battery part from the optical information reader of FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the bottom face side which shows the state which made the lock button of FIG. 2 the lock release position. It is an external appearance perspective view of the battery part of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the battery part of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a state in which a grip portion of the optical reading device in FIG. 5 is gripped. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the state which hold | gripped the holding part of the optical reader of FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal cross-section of the optical reader of FIG. It is a schematic cross section which shows the housing | casing of the optical reader which combined the cylindrical secondary battery and the display part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the housing | casing from FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the center trigger in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8. It is a model side view which shows the state which fixed the belt to the back surface of the conventional handy terminal. It is the perspective view seen from the bottom face which shows the example which provided the belt in the battery cover. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the bottom face which shows the state which removed the battery cover from FIG. FIG. 23A is a perspective view of an optical information reading apparatus including a belt according to a modification, and FIG. 23B is a perspective view of an optical information reading apparatus including a belt according to another modification. It is a perspective view which shows the battery part which integrated the battery cover which concerns on a modification. It is a top view of a chassis aggregate. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the display part from the chassis assembly. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed each member from the 1st flame | frame of FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at FIG. 27 from the back surface. It is a bottom view of the second frame. It is a schematic cross section which shows the state provided with a some flame | frame inside a housing | casing. It is a model cross-sectional view which shows the floating structure of an internal frame. It is a schematic diagram which shows the base part which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic cross section which shows the optical information reader which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic cross section which shows the optical information reader which concerns on another modification. It is a top view of a key top. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at FIG. 26 from the back surface side. It is a schematic plan view of a key arrangement | positioning part. It is a schematic plan view of the key arrangement | positioning part which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic plan view of the key arrangement | positioning part which concerns on another modification. It is a schematic plan view of the key arrangement | positioning part which concerns on another modification. 41A is a plan view of an optical information reading apparatus employing the key arrangement unit of FIG. 35, and FIG. 41B is a plan view of the optical information reading apparatus employing a key arrangement unit according to a modification. 41 (c) is a plan view of an optical information reading apparatus employing a key arrangement unit according to another modification. It is the top view and horizontal sectional view which show the conventional handy terminal.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies an optical information reader for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the optical information reader as follows. Further, the present specification by no means specifies the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, and are merely explanations. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.

The connection between the optical information reader used in the embodiment of the present invention and the computer, printer, external storage device and other peripheral devices for operation, control, display, other processing, etc. connected thereto is, for example, IEEE1394, RS-232x, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, serial connection such as USB, parallel connection, or electrical or magnetic via a network such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T And optically connect to communicate. The connection is not limited to a physical connection using a wire, but may be a wireless connection using a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.1x, radio waves such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared light, optical communication, or the like. Furthermore, a memory card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used as a recording medium for exchanging data or storing settings. In this specification, the optical information reader is used to include not only the optical information reader main body but also a print quality evaluation system in which peripheral devices such as a computer and an external storage device are combined.
Example 1

  Hereinafter, an example in which the optical information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a handy terminal will be described with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the optical reading apparatus according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical information reading apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the bottom side, and FIG. 1 is a plan view of the optical information reader 100 in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the optical information reader 100 in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a side view of the optical information reader 100 in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view in which the housing 10 of the optical information reading apparatus 100 is divided into an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view in which the inside of the optical information reading apparatus 100 in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a vertical sectional view of the optical reader of FIG.

  The optical information reading apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has a plate shape whose outer shape is extended in one direction. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 6, the housing 10 constituting the outer shape of the optical information reader 100 is divided into an upper case 11 and a lower case 12. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are made of an insulating member such as resin. Between these upper case 11 and lower case 12, a chassis assembly 20 in which the respective members are collected is housed. As shown in FIG. 7, the chassis assembly 20 is composed of a plurality of members (details will be described later). As shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the front end portion of the housing 10 is provided with a reading unit 22 for optically reading a symbol to be read. ing. The reading unit 22 includes a scan module that reads a barcode, a camera module that reads a two-dimensional code, and the like.

  A display unit 30 and a key arrangement unit 40 are provided on the upper surface of the upper case 11 side of the housing 10. The display unit 30 is provided above the housing 10, and a key arrangement unit 40 is provided below the display unit 30. The housing 10 includes a display part DA provided with the display unit 30 and a grip part HA provided below the display part DA. The user operates the operation keys 46 of the key arrangement unit 40 disposed on the surface side of the gripping portion HA while gripping the gripping portion HA by hand and referring to the display content of the display provided in the display portion DA. To do.

Further, the housing 10 has a display portion DA provided with the display unit 30 on the surface side thereof, and a holding portion HA provided with the key arrangement portion 40 on the surface side below the display portion DA so as to line up in one direction. It is configured. As will be described later, the housing 10 has a wide display portion DA and a narrow grip portion HA in plan view, while a thick grip portion HA in a side view. In particular, the gripping portion HA is formed so that the outer diameter in a direction substantially orthogonal to one direction in a plan view is narrower than that of the display portion DA. On the other hand, the battery unit 50 is housed on the back side of the housing 10.
(Display unit 30)

The display unit 30 is a member that is provided on one surface of the housing 10 and displays various types of information such as an image obtained by capturing a symbol to be read by the camera unit, information obtained by decoding the symbol, and other setting information. . As such a display unit 30, a liquid crystal display unit (LCD), an organic EL, or the like is used. A touch panel 34 is disposed on the upper surface of the display unit 30.
(Key placement unit 40)

In the key arrangement unit 40, a plurality of operation keys 46 such as a numeric keypad for performing various operations, a power button, and a function button are arranged.
(Battery cover 58)

The optical information reading apparatus 100 includes a battery unit 50 for supplying electric power for driving the optical information reading apparatus 100. The battery unit 50 is detachably attached to the optical information reader 100. For this reason, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery storage unit 13 for storing the battery unit 50 is formed on the back surface of the housing 10. The battery storage unit 13 is provided in the grip portion HA of the housing 10. The battery storage unit 13 is formed in a hollow shape that can store the battery unit 50. The hollow opening portion of the battery storage unit 13 is closed by the battery lid 58. For this reason, the battery cover 58 is detachably attached to the lower case 12 of the housing 10. Further, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 7, a packing 57 can be provided so as to exhibit waterproofness in a state where the battery housing portion 13 is closed with the battery lid 58.
(Lock button 59)

  The battery lid 58 is detachably fixed to the lower case 12. The lower case 12 includes a lock button 59 in order to lock the battery storage unit 13 in a closed state with the battery lid 58. The lock button 59 can be switched between a lock position where the battery lid 58 is locked and a lock release position where the battery lid 58 is unlocked. FIG. 2 shows a state where the lock button 59 is in the locked position, and FIG. 11 shows a state where the lock button 59 is in the unlocked position. Thus, the locked state of the battery cover 58 can be visually confirmed by the position of the lock button 59. In this example, the lock button 59 can be switched between a lock position and a lock release position in a sliding manner, and is provided from a recess 14 described later to a protruding portion 15 in front thereof. That is, the lock button 59 has a pressing surface 59b bent in a direction intersecting the moving direction, and can be moved to the lock position and the release position by pressing the pressing surface 59b. In the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the lock button 59 is formed so as to protrude downward in a convex shape in cross-section. Thus, since the lock button 59 has the pressing surface 59b that intersects the sliding direction, the pressing surface 59b can be easily pressed and slid when moving in either the lock position or the release position. . In particular, the conventional sliding lock button has a form in which only a surface parallel to the sliding direction is exposed. Therefore, it is necessary to press this surface with a finger and slide it by friction, and there is a problem that it is difficult to move. By providing the pressing surface 59b that intersects the moving direction, there is an advantage that the pressing force can be directly slid without depending on friction, and the lock button can be operated reliably even with a weak force.

  In particular, in the optical information reading apparatus 100 described above, the lock button 59 is provided on the protruding portion 15 facing the concave portion 14, so that the pressing surface 59 b through which the lock button 59 can be pushed out using the concave portion of the concave portion 14. Is realized. As described above, the recess 14 can be used not only for ease of gripping the optical information reader 100 by the user but also for the convenience of opening and closing the battery lid 58. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 8, etc., the pressing surface 59b is inclined, and the boundary between the concave portion 14 and the protruding portion 15 is smoothed to smooth the grip when the user grips.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lock button 59 is provided not in the entire region of the protruding portion 15 in the width direction but in the vicinity of the center of the protruding portion 15. In other words, in the protruding portion 15, a part of the protruding portion 15 is left on both sides of the portion where the lock button 59 is disposed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, with the lock button 59 slid to the unlocked position, the inclined surface of the protruding portion 15 is depressed at the central portion by the movement of the pressing surface 59b, and the inclined surfaces remain on both sides thereof. It becomes a state. In this way, the entire protruding portion is not used as the lock button 59 but is formed as a part thereof, and the protruding portions 15 are left on both sides of the lock button 59, so that the lock button 59 is erroneously used when the optical information reader 100 is used. Can be prevented from being moved to the unlock position. That is, as shown in FIG. 14 to be described later, when the user is reading a barcode using the optical information reader 100, the user's index finger or the like is positioned in the above-described concave portion. In this state, even if the user wants to slide the lock button 59 to the unlock position, it is physically difficult. That is, even if the lock button 59 is pushed up with an index finger or the like located in the recess 14, the inclined surface of the protruding portion 15 exists on both sides of the lock button 59. It is difficult to apply a pressing force to 59b. In this way, by adopting a configuration that is physically difficult to perform the operation of releasing the lock mechanism during normal use of the optical information reader 100, for example, when performing a scanning operation or a key operation. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation where the lock mechanism is suddenly released during use and the battery unit is detached. In the example of FIG. 2 and the like, the lock button 59 is provided at substantially the center of the protruding portion 15. However, if the protruding portions remain on both sides of the lock button, the above effect can be exerted. The intermediate part of the protruding part is sufficient. In other words, the lock button 59 may be disposed so that the middle of the projecting portion 15 is depressed in a state where the lock button 59 is positioned from the lock position to the unlock position. For example, even if the lock button is provided at a position eccentric from the center of the projecting portion. Good.
(Battery unit 50)

Next, an external perspective view of the battery unit 50 is shown in FIG. 12, and a vertical sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. The battery unit 50 shown in these drawings includes a rechargeable secondary battery. Here, a cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is used as the secondary battery. In general, since an optical information reader is required to be small and thin, a square battery is often used. In other words, the cylindrical secondary battery whose thickness is increased has been avoided. However, the inventors of the present application have examined the ease of holding the optical information reader when the user holds it, and it has been found that it is important not only to reduce the thickness but also to reduce the lateral width in plan view. . On the contrary, thin and wide plates may be difficult to hold. In this embodiment, therefore, by adopting a cylindrical secondary battery instead of a square battery, the grip portion HA is made closer to a rod shape from a plate shape by reducing the lateral width while slightly increasing the thickness. Yes. By adopting such a gripping portion HA, even if the thickness of the gripping portion HA is slightly increased, the ease of holding is prevented.
(Curved protrusion RP)

  Furthermore, as shown in the side view of FIG. 14 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the back surface of the gripping portion HA has a curved shape that is partially protruded along the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51. Thus, by providing the curved surface which protruded in the back surface of the housing | casing 10, even if the holding part HA becomes thick partially, it can be gripped easily and a grip feeling can be improved further. That is, as compared with the conventional configuration in which the back surface of the gripping portion HA is simply a flat surface, a curved projecting portion RP having a convex projecting center is provided, so that the user can grasp and grip it when gripping it. It can be used and, in combination with the reduced width, can contribute to an improved grip.

As shown in the vertical sectional view of FIG. 8, the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is arranged in a posture in which the axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. For this reason, the curved protruding portion RP is also formed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. Further, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 16, a part of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is arranged so as to overlap a part of the display unit 30. By arranging in this way, the length of the casing 10 of the optical information reading apparatus in the longitudinal direction can be shortened, and as a result, the ease of holding and the key operability can be improved. That is, in the past, from the viewpoint of thinning and display protection, it has been avoided to arrange the display unit and the battery cell in an overlapping manner. By arranging them so as to partially overlap with each other, the length of the housing 10 is shortened, and the operability is improved by bringing the display part DA and the gripping part HA close to each other. As shown in the vertical sectional view of FIG. 8, since the battery unit 50 is arranged so as to partially overlap the display unit 30, the battery unit 50 includes not only the grip portion HA but also the grip portion HA to the display portion DA. It is arranged over a part of.
(Cylindrical secondary battery cell 51)

  The cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 has a cylindrical outer can and houses an electrode plate, a separator, and the like. The cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 having this structure is superior in storage efficiency as compared with the prismatic battery cell, and has an advantage that the capacity density can be improved. In addition, even when gas is generated inside the outer can due to repeated charge and discharge and the pressure becomes high, the pressure is uniformly applied to the inner surface of the cylindrical outer can. It is possible to suppress deformation due to the swelling of the swell, and it can be used stably over a long period of time. Furthermore, for example, the 18650 type lithium ion secondary batteries that are widely used for personal computers and the like are standardized and mass-produced, so that there is an advantage that they are inexpensive and easily available.

  Further, by using the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 for the secondary battery of the battery unit 50, the grip portion is thicker in a side view and narrower in a plan view than in an example using a square battery. it can. As a result, the ease of gripping can be improved as a shape closer to a rod shape than the wide and thin gripping portion. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the display portion 30 can be enlarged by widening the display portion DA, and the visibility can be improved, while the grip portion HA is narrow and narrow, so that the user can easily grip it. . Thereby, it is possible to achieve both easy grasping and easy viewing. In particular, even if the gripping portion HA is somewhat thickened, it is possible to improve the grip feeling by narrowing the plan view and to obtain the advantage of improving ease of gripping. Moreover, the advantage that the volume can be reduced by using the narrow casing 10 is also obtained.

In this example, only one cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is used, but two or more may be used. For example, when a battery unit in which two cylindrical secondary battery cells are arranged and stored in a parallel posture is used, the cross-sectional shape of the curved protruding portion is a track shape. In this example, the battery unit is described as being detachable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the battery unit may be a built-in type that cannot be replaced.
(Concave part 14)

  Further, as shown in the side view of FIG. 5, the concave portion 14 is formed on the display portion DA side on the back side of the housing 10 rather than the portion where the battery unit 50 is disposed. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 4, the recess 14 is formed across the width direction of the curved protruding portion RP on the back surface of the lower case 12. Further, as shown in the side view of FIG. 14, the cross-sectional shape of the concave portion 14 is formed in a curved surface so that the user can easily put a finger in a state where the user holds the grip portion HA. This further improves the ease of gripping the grip portion. For example, when the user's hand is large, the finger to be hung on the concave portion 14 can be a middle finger, and when the hand is small, the finger can be an index finger. The recess 14 is formed on the display part DA side in the vicinity of the boundary between the grip part HA and the display part DA. In other words, it can be said that it is formed on the back side of the display unit 30.

Further, it is preferable that the concave portion 14 is positioned before the center of gravity of the optical reader. As a result, in a state where the user puts his / her finger on the concave portion 14, the user can grip this with a good balance, and can easily control the posture of the optical reading device to facilitate the operation. For example, when the user puts his / her index finger into the recess 14, the housing 10 can be held slightly in front of the center of gravity, and it can be prevented from falling forward, and an appropriate posture and balance can be maintained. .
(Second protrusion 16)

  Further, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 4 and the side view of FIG. 5, a second projecting portion 16 is formed on the tip side on the rear surface of the housing 10. The protruding portion protrudes on the back side of the display portion DA, which is the same as or higher than the curved protruding portion RP on the back side of the grip portion.

  In this embodiment, since the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is used, the gripping portion HA is thicker than that of an optical reading device using a normal prismatic battery. As a result, the portion provided with the display portion DA becomes relatively thin. As a result, the shape of the side view is not flat as shown in FIG. 17, and the optical reader is not leveled when placed on the floor. Problems arise.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the second protruding portion 16 is formed on the upper back surface of the lower case 12, so that when the optical information reader 100 is placed on the floor surface, the second protruding portion 16 is formed. The protruding portion 16 is in contact with each other and is stably held in a horizontal posture without tilting back and forth.

  Moreover, the 2nd protrusion part 16 is formed in the attitude | position which cross | intersects the curved surface protrusion part RP. Here, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 4, the curved protruding portion RP, that is, the posture substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is adopted. By doing in this way, even if the curved protrusion part RP protrudes along the top part of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 in the center of the back surface of the optical reader, the optical reader is placed on the floor surface. Since the second projecting portion 16 is in contact with each other, it can be left in a horizontal posture without tilting left and right. The second protruding portion 16 is formed to have a certain width, but does not necessarily need to extend over the entire width of the lower case 12.

  In addition, the space generated in the housing 10 by providing the second projecting portion 16 is used as a space for arranging the reading unit 22. In this example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the second protruding portion 16 is formed in an inverted triangle shape in a side view, and the reading surface of the reading unit 22 faces the inclined surface on the tip side that constitutes the inverted triangle. It is arranged to do. In this manner, by providing the reading surface obliquely, an optical information reading device that is easy to scan can be obtained. Further, the width of the second protruding portion 16 can be designed according to the width of the reading unit 22.

Furthermore, in this example, the second projecting portion is also used to provide gaps GP1 and GP2 between the reading portion 22 and the lower case 12. That is, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, the reading unit 22 is not brought into close contact with the inner surface of the lower case 12, and a space is intentionally provided, so that when the optical information reading device is accidentally dropped, the housing is removed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which an impact applied to the body 10 is directly transmitted to the reading unit 22 and is damaged. In particular, the scan module is equipped with optical components, and it is necessary to take care that the angle setting and the like does not go wrong due to impact, and the second projecting portion 16 projecting on the back side of the housing 10 is dropped when dropped. It is easy to be shocked by first touching the floor. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which an impact applied to the lower case 12 is directly transmitted to the reading unit 22 by making the reading unit 22 such as a scan module and the lower case 12 float without contacting each other. Furthermore, the reading unit 22 is fixed to a second frame 62 described later, and the impact resistance can be improved by the floating structure of the second frame 62.
(Battery case 52)

Returning to the description of the battery unit 50 again, the battery unit 50 includes a battery case 52 that accommodates the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. As shown in the external perspective view of FIG. 12, the battery case 52 is formed in a bowl shape along the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and is stored in the battery storage portion 13 of the housing 10. The surface opposite to is substantially planar. As shown in the exploded perspective view of the optical information reading device 100 of FIGS. 10 and 18 when viewed from the back, the battery case 52 is in a posture in which a substantially planar surface is opposed to the housing 10. 13 to store.
(Battery side circuit board 54)

Further, a stepped portion 55 is provided on the planar opposing surface as shown in the sectional view of FIG. The stepped portion 55 accommodates a battery side circuit board 54. The battery side circuit board 54 is connected to the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and performs control thereof. For example, the cell voltage, temperature, etc. are detected and it is monitored whether it is in the state where charging / discharging is performed safely.
(Step part 55)

Further, the step portion 55 is provided at a position that does not overlap the display unit 30 in a state where the battery unit 50 is housed in the housing 10. By doing in this way, it can avoid that the thickness of an optical information reader increases by having the battery side circuit board 54 located in the site | part which overlapped the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and the display part 30 further. . In particular, in this example, the battery-side circuit board 54 is not provided over the length direction of the battery on the upper surface of the battery, but the length is shortened so that a part of the longitudinal direction is formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51. I try to cover it. Thus, while adopting a configuration in which the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and the display unit 30 overlap, the optical information reader is unnecessarily moved by shifting the arrangement position of the battery-side circuit board 54 from the overlapping region OL. Can be avoided.
(Backup battery 56)

In the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, an overlap region OL that overlaps the display unit 30 is provided on the front end side of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51, while a step is formed on the rear end side of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51. A portion 55 is provided. As a result, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 19, more space is generated between the overlapping region OL and the stepped portion 55. Therefore, a backup battery 56 is arranged using this space. The backup battery 56 is a battery for retaining setting data when the remaining capacity of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 runs out or at the time of replacement, and a button battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like can be used. In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 18, a disc-shaped lithium ion battery is used, and a circular frame body along the outer shape of the battery is formed between the step portion 55 and the overlapping region OL. . As described above, the backup battery 56 can be arranged by effectively using the space in the housing 10, and the housing 10 can be prevented from being enlarged.
(Belt 60)

  Further, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 21 and the exploded perspective view of FIG. 22, a belt 60 can be provided on the back surface of the housing 10 along the longitudinal direction. The belt 60 holds the user's finger on the rear surface of the housing 10 when the user grips the grip portion HA of the housing 10. This makes it difficult to accidentally drop the housing 10 during work. The belt 60 is preferably fixed to the battery lid 58A. That is, conventionally, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 20, the belt 60 </ b> X is fixed to the lower case 12 </ b> X so as to straddle the upper and lower sides of the battery lid 58 </ b> X. There was a problem that it was difficult to work. On the other hand, by fixing the belt 60 to the battery lid 58A, the belt 60 is also removed together with the battery lid 58A, and the work is not hindered. By integrating the belt 60 with the battery lid 58A in this way, the battery unit 50 can be smoothly exchanged without the belt 60 interfering with the attachment and detachment of the battery lid 58A. In the example of FIGS. 21 and 22, a belt can be added to an existing optical information reader by replacing only the battery lid.

In this example, both ends of the belt 60 are fixed to the battery lid 58A. However, only one end of the belt may be fixed to the battery lid, and the other end may be fixed to the housing. For example, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 23A, by fixing the rear end of the belt 60B to the end of the housing 10B, the battery cover 58B can be released and the battery cover 58B can be removed. . With this configuration, since the battery cover 58B is always connected to the housing 10B, the battery cover 58B can be prevented from being lost. Further, the upper end of the belt 60C is fixed to the casing 10C and the lower end is fixed to the battery lid 58C, as in the modification shown in the perspective view of FIG. However, the same effect can be obtained. In addition, the belt is preferably fixed in a posture separated from the housing so that the user can insert a hand between the belt and the housing. For example, in the example of FIG. 23A, arms are protruded from the battery lid 58B and the housing 10B in order to support both ends of the belt 60B. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 23B, the belt 60C and the housing 10C are separated from each other without providing an arm by fixing the upper end side of the belt 60C to the second protruding portion of the housing 10C.
(Battery unit 50B with integrated battery cover)

In the above example, the battery housing 50 is stored in the optical reader, that is, in a state where the battery 50 is set in the battery housing 13 of the optical reader, the battery cover 13 is attached by the battery lid 58. It is in the form of blocking. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the battery cover may be integrated with the battery unit. Such an example is shown in FIG. The battery unit 50B shown in this figure has a battery lid fixed in advance, and the battery storage unit 13B is closed with the battery unit 50B set in the battery storage unit 13B. With this configuration, it is possible to save the labor of battery replacement by removing the battery lid one by one when replacing the battery unit 50B and eliminating the trouble of remounting. Moreover, the situation which loses a battery cover in the case of replacement | exchange of battery part 50B can also be avoided. The battery unit 50B has a battery lid fixed to the back surface, but the battery case may be formed so that a part of the battery case of the battery unit constitutes a part of the housing of the optical reader. it can. In either case, it goes without saying that the belt can be attached to the battery unit.
(Chassis assembly 20)

  Next, the detailed structure of the chassis assembly 20 housed in the housing 10 will be described based on FIGS. 6 to 7, FIGS. 25 to 29, and the like. 6 is an exploded perspective view in which the housing 10 is divided into an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, FIG. 7 is a detailed exploded perspective view further disassembled from FIG. 6, and FIG. 25 is a plan view of the chassis assembly 20. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the display unit 30 is removed from the chassis assembly 20, FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where each member is removed from the first frame 24 of FIG. 26, and FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the second frame 62 as viewed from the back, and FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the second frame 62.

As described above, when the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and the display unit 30 are stacked, the corners of the battery cell may come into contact with the display unit 30 due to external impact, resulting in a reduction in impact resistance. There is a risk. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first frame 24 is provided with a partition-like frame body 25 that surrounds the periphery of the display, thereby improving the robustness.
(First frame 24)

  As shown in FIGS. 25, 26, 27, and 28, the first frame 24 forms a frame body 25 that covers the periphery of the plate-like display unit 30. The frame 25 is formed in a shape in which the inner shape thereof is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer shape of the display unit 30. In particular, the height of the frame 25 is slightly larger than the thickness of the display unit 30, so that the display unit 30 can be protected from being directly exposed to an impact or the like when dropped. Further, an impact absorbing member such as sponge or rubber is disposed between the display unit 30 and the frame body 25 to fill the gap and improve the impact resistance.

  Further, a key arrangement plate 28 for supporting the key arrangement portion 40 is integrally formed at the rear end of the frame body 25. The first frame 24 is made of a highly rigid material having sufficient strength such as metal. Here, the first frame 24 is made of a magnesium alloy, and while carrying out sufficient strength, it is lightweight to enhance portability. Thus, the effect which improves impact resistance is acquired by forming the 1st flame | frame 24 integrally with a highly rigid member as a flame | frame which forms the whole chassis assembly 20. FIG. In particular, as shown in FIG. 30, a configuration in which the frame 10 is divided into a plurality of frames 24 </ b> E is common inside the housing 10. Therefore, compared to such a split-type configuration, the entire length of the housing 10 is integrated. By providing a frame as a core that is configured and using a highly rigid member, the impact resistance is improved at each stage. In addition, by covering the periphery of the display unit 30 with the frame body 25, the frame body 25 is isolated from other members as a partition, and the display unit 30 is protected from the outside. Further, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 27 and 28, the first frame 24 is also provided with a bottom plate 26 on the bottom side of the frame body 25 along the periphery of the frame shape, and is stored in the frame body 25. The display unit 30 is supported from the bottom. The bottom plate 26 is formed in an octagon shape so as to be wide at the rectangular four corners of the frame body 25, and the center is opened. By setting it as such a shape, the corner | angular part of the frame 25 can be reinforced and it can contribute also to an improvement in intensity | strength.

  The bottom plate 26 is also provided in the overlapping region OL between the display unit 30 and the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51. As a result, when an impact is applied due to dropping or the like, the display unit 30 is protected from the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51, and damage to the display unit 30 can be avoided even in such an overlapping arrangement. In addition, the first frame 24 is a part of the bottom plate 26, and the height of the bottom plate 27 in the overlapping region OL between the display unit 30 and the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 is made deeper than the other bottom plates 26. ing. In the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the bottom plate 27 in the overlapping region OL is in contact with the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 and is separated from the bottom surface of the display unit 30. As a result, a buffer region that weakens the impact force from the cylindrical secondary battery cell 51 toward the display unit 30 is formed, and the impact resistance is further enhanced.

Further, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 27 and 28, the main circuit board 36, the second frame 62, and the reading unit 22 are disposed on the back side of the first frame 24. The second frame 62 is a member for fixing the main circuit board 36 and the reading unit 22. The main circuit board 36 is mounted with a control circuit for controlling the operation of the optical information reader. The main circuit board 36 is electrically connected to the reading unit 22 and a key circuit board 44 described later via a flexible board (FPC), a cable (FFC), and the like.
(Reading unit 22)

  In this example, the reading unit 22 is a scan module for reading a barcode. The scan module includes a laser diode and a galvanometer mirror as a reading light source for scanning a barcode. For reading the two-dimensional code, a camera module including an imaging device such as a CCD image device and illumination means is used. This optical information reader can be used as both a barcode reader and a two-dimensional code reader by selecting either a scan module or a camera module. For this reason, it is preferable that the scan module and the camera module have a common outer shape and can be fixed to the same second frame 62.

The reading unit 22 is fixed obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction of the housing 10 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. By tilting the reading unit 22 in this manner, when the user grips the optical information reading device 100 and performs a reading operation, for example, when reading a two-dimensional symbol, the image captured by the camera module is displayed in real time. The image pickup position is easily checked while being displayed on the screen 30. Similarly, the irradiation position can be easily confirmed in the barcode scanning. Such an inclination angle α is, for example, 30 °.
(Second frame 62)

  The reading unit 22 is fixed to the second frame 62. Therefore, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 29, the second frame 62 is formed with a reading module storage portion 63 that stores the reading portion 22. In the second frame 62, a reading module housing portion 63 is formed in a part (upper left in FIG. 29) of a plate material 64 provided with an opening, a protrusion, and the like. The reading module storage unit 63 is formed in a box shape corresponding to the outer shape of the reading unit 22. Further, the bottom surface of the reading module storage unit 63 is inclined so as to hold the reading unit 22 at a predetermined inclination angle. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 and the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, it is necessary to hold the reading surface on which the reading unit 22 performs reading scanning obliquely while separating the reading unit 22 from the lower case 12. For this reason, the reading module storage unit 63 of the second frame 62 defines the posture and position by its shape so that the reading unit 22 is held in the housing 10 at a predetermined inclination angle and height. In other words, the reading unit 22 is positioned by storing the reading unit 22 in the reading module storage unit 63.

Further, the main circuit board 36 is fixed to the surface of the second frame 62 opposite to the surface on which the reading module storage unit 63 is provided. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 27, the main circuit board 36 is fixed to the second frame 62 by screwing four corners. As described above, the second frame 62 has the reading unit 22 fixed to one surface and the main circuit board 36 fixed to the other surface.
(Arm part 65)

  Further, the second frame 62 is fixed to the first frame 24. Therefore, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 29, an arm portion 65 is provided in a frame shape around the plate material 64 of the second frame 62. The arm portions 65 are protruded from the four corners of the second frame 62, and screw holes are opened in the respective arm portions 65. Then, the second frame 62 is fixed to the first frame 24 by screwing through the screw holes.

The second frame 62 does not have a constant rigidity, and the rigidity of the arm portion 65 is lower than that of other portions. For example, while the second frame 62 and the arm portion 65 are made of the same resin and member, the former has a thick shape (high rigidity) and the latter has a thin shape (low rigidity), or the second frame 62 has high rigidity. For the arm portion 65, a low-rigidity resin (for example, polycarbonate or ABS that does not include glass fiber) is used. In this way, the arm portion 65 which is a connection portion with the first frame 24 is made flexible while protecting the reading portion 22 with the high-rigidity reading module housing portion 63, and the floating which can absorb the impact. Realize the structure. That is, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of FIGS. 16 and 31, the first frame 24 is firmly fixed between the upper case 11 and the lower case 12 of the housing 10, but the second frame 62 is low. Since it is fixed to the first frame 24 with the rigid arm portion 65, it is not firmly fixed to the housing 10. Further, the main circuit board 36 is not directly fixed to the first frame 24 but is fixed to the second frame 62. For this reason, even if an impact such as a drop is applied to the housing 10, the arm 65 absorbs the impact transmitted from the housing 10 to the first frame 24, thereby reducing the impact on the second frame 62. Thus, the main circuit board 36 can be protected. On the other hand, the first frame 24 itself is made of a high-rigidity metal, exhibits sufficient resistance against twisting during use, and can protect the LCD and the touch panel 34 of the display unit 30.
(Display drive circuit 32)

  On the other hand, the display unit 30 includes a drive circuit 32 for driving it. For example, when the display unit 30 is an LCD, the display drive circuit 32 is an LCD drive circuit, and is provided near one side around the display unit 30. Normally, when an LCD is mounted on a device, the drive circuit 32 is often laid out so as to be positioned below the display area. Therefore, the viewing angle setting of the LCD itself is also set for the operator in such a layout. In many cases, the viewing angle is optimized. In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 26, the display drive circuit 32 is included in the display unit 30.

  On the other hand, a first key 70 is disposed on the upper case 11 below the display unit 30. Since the first key 70 is operated while referring to the display content of the display unit 30, the closer to the display area, the better the operability. However, as described above, the display driving circuit 32 is disposed below the display unit 30. In general, the entire surface of the display unit 30 does not become a display region, and a portion of the surface of the display unit 30 that cannot be used as a display region remains in the peripheral portion. In the example shown in the plan view of FIG. 25, an area shown in a frame shape in the display unit 30 is a display area, and a non-display area exists around the area. For this reason, when trying to bring the first key 70 closer to the display area, the display driving circuit 32 provided on the lower side of the display unit 30 and the first key 70 are also brought closer. Since the display drive circuit 32 has electronic components mounted thereon, there is a concern that there is a possibility of damage to the electronic components, cracking of the soldered portion, or contact failure when external stress is applied. For this reason, conventionally, a configuration in which the display area and the first key 70 are separated to some extent has been employed.

However, in such an arrangement, as described above, as the display area and the first key are separated from each other, a part where information is displayed and a part where an operation is performed based on the part are separated from each other. There was a problem. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a pedestal portion 72 is provided on the lower surface side of the first key 70, and the first key 70 is supported by the pedestal portion 72, thereby causing a stress generated by an operation such as pressing the first key 70. The structure is such that it is difficult to transmit to the lower surface side. As a result, the display area and the first key 70 can be arranged close to each other, and the operability is improved.
(Pedestal 72)

  As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 26, the pedestal portion 72 is formed in a plate shape and fixed to the first frame 24. The size of the pedestal 72 is preferably approximately the same as the size of the first key 70. Further, the height of the pedestal portion 72 is set to a position higher than the surface of the display portion 30 as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. As a result, even if the first key 70 is pushed in, it is supported and fastened by the pedestal portion 72, and as a result, reaching the surface of the display portion 30 is avoided. Thus, in order to fix the pedestal 72 to a position separated from the surface of the display unit 30, the pedestal 72 is made of metal having excellent rigidity, and is preferably formed integrally with the first frame 24.

  In particular, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 19, it is formed in an L shape in cross section so as to protrude upward (left side in FIG. 19) in a bowl shape. By setting it as such a shape, when arrange | positioning the display part 30 in the frame 25, it can avoid that the support part 73 of the base part 72 conflicts. In particular, since the display drive circuit 32 is provided at the rear end portion of the display unit 30 as described above, the circuit is protected by preventing the rear end portion from being stressed by the operation of the first key 70. It is done.

  Further, the rear end of the display unit 30 may be partially inserted into the space 74 formed between the pedestal unit 72 and the bottom plate 26. As a result, the display unit 30 and the first key 70 can be made closer to each other, and the first key 70 can be arranged close to the display screen, so that the key operability is further improved.

  In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 26, the vicinity of the portion where the pedestal portion 72 is arranged is partially cut out from the frame 25 of the first frame 24. As a result, a communication port 75 into the frame 25 of the first frame 24 is opened below the pedestal portion 72, so that the touch panel 34 on the upper surface of the display portion 30 and a key circuit to be described later are passed through the FPC, FFC, or the like. The substrate 44 can be connected. In addition, the first frame 24 can be molded with a mold into a shape in which the pedestal portion 72 is integrally provided, and the metal pedestal portion 72 can be formed together with the first frame 24, thereby improving strength and reducing cost. Is done.

The shape of the pedestal portion 72 is not limited to the saddle shape supported by the support portion 74 on the long side rear end side of the pedestal portion 72 described above. For example, as shown in the schematic view of FIG. It is good also as a cross-sectional view U-shape which supported both ends. Even in the U shape, the communication port 75B can be formed below the pedestal portion 72B, and electrical wiring between the touch panel and the key circuit board 44 becomes possible.
(First key 70)

The first key 70 is preferably a frequently used key. The user's operability can be improved by disposing the first key 70 having a high operation frequency close to the display area of the display unit 30 among the plurality of keys. As such a first key 70, a reading execution key (trigger key) for executing the reading operation of the reading unit 22 can be suitably used. Also, other keys with high operation frequency such as a cross key may be arranged in the key arrangement unit 40.
(First key placement unit 71)

  The first key 70 is arranged in the first key arrangement unit 71. The first key arrangement portion 71 is the lower center of the display unit 30. Thus, the first key 70 can be easily pressed with the thumb in a state where the user holds the optical information reader so as to be wrapped in the palm of the hand, and the first key 70 can be arranged in a balanced manner.

In the above example, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 27, the first frame 24 is extended over the entire longitudinal direction of the housing 10 and the pedestal 72 is fixed near the center. did. However, the pedestal portion 72 is not limited to this configuration, and can be applied to a configuration in which the frame is divided into two. For example, in the example shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 33, the frame is divided into two in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10C, and a display frame 66C that holds the display unit 30C and a key frame 67C that holds the key arrangement unit 40C are provided. Provided. In such a configuration, even if the pedestal portion 72C is provided on the lower end side of the display frame 66C, the first key 70C and the display drive circuit are arranged by disposing the first key 70C on the pedestal portion 72C as described above. The state where stress is applied to the circuit can be avoided by separating the 32C. Or, conversely, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 34, the stress generated by the operation of the first key 70 </ b> D can be similarly achieved by providing the base 72 </ b> D on the upper end side of the key frame 67 </ b> D that holds the key arrangement portion 40 </ b> D. Thus, the drive circuit 32D of the display 30D held in the display frame 66D can be protected. In this configuration, it can be said that the key frame 67 </ b> D is a frame interposed between the key top 42 and the battery unit 50. Thus, in the structure which divides | segments a flame | frame into several, the effect which protects the display drive circuit similar to the above is acquired also by providing a base part in the divided | segmented frame and arrange | positioning a 1st key on this. In short, it is possible to protect the display driving circuit by providing a pedestal on a frame for holding at least one (or both) of the display unit 30 or the key arrangement unit 40 and arranging the first key thereon. it can.
(Key placement unit 40)

  On the other hand, below the display unit 30, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, a key arrangement unit 40 in which a plurality of operation keys 46 for performing various operations is arranged. As shown in the detailed exploded perspective view of FIG. 7, the key arrangement portion 40 includes a key top 42, a switch sheet 43, and the like in order from the back surface side of the upper case 11 toward the key arrangement plate 28 of the first frame 24. The key circuit board 44 is disposed. A key insertion hole 18 for exposing each operation key 46 is opened in the gripping portion HA of the upper case 11. The key insertion hole 18 formed in the key arrangement part 40 is sized so that at least two or more keys of a plurality of keys can be inserted. The key is inserted from the inside to the outside of the housing 10.

FIG. 35 shows a plan view of the key top 42. The key top 42 is provided with a plurality of operation keys 46 on a plate-like elastic sheet 45. Each operation key 46 is exposed to the outside through the key insertion hole 18. The switch sheet 43 is disposed on the back side of the key top 42 and is provided with a membrane switch at a position corresponding to each operation key 46. The membrane switch is turned ON / OFF in response to the pressing of each operation key 46, and an electric signal corresponding to the key operation is generated. Further, the key circuit board 44 receives the electrical signal generated by the switch sheet 43 and transmits the operation signal to the main circuit board 36 side. Therefore, the key circuit board 44 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 36 via the FPC or FFC.
(Positioning mechanism of operation key 46)

  The operation key 46 needs to be positioned strictly. That is, when an arbitrary operation key 46 is pressed, a key switch corresponding to this operation key 46 is turned on and transmitted to the key circuit board 44, in other words, other adjacent operation keys do not malfunction. In addition, accurate positioning is performed so that the correspondence between the operation key 46 exposed on the surface of the housing 10 and the key circuit board 44 disposed inside the housing 10 can be properly taken so that the key pressing feeling is good. Desired. Therefore, conventionally, the key top 42, the switch sheet 43, and the key circuit board 44 are designed to be fixed to the upper case side during assembly. However, in this method, the circuit is divided by the chassis assembly to which the upper case and the main circuit board are attached, so that there is a problem that the wiring work of the electronic circuit becomes troublesome. Considering the efficiency of the assembly work, it is desirable that the electronic circuits are assembled and assembled on the chassis assembly 20 side. In this case, the operation keys on the key top assembled on the chassis assembly 20 side Therefore, it is difficult to correctly insert the key into the key insertion hole of the upper case from the viewpoint of manufacturing tolerances and assembly accuracy.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a positioning mechanism for positioning the operation key 46 is provided on the key arrangement plate 28. In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 27 and the exploded perspective view of FIG. 36 viewed from the back side, a plurality of positioning bosses 29 are provided on the key arrangement plate 28 as a positioning mechanism for the operation keys 46. A plurality of boss holes 49 are formed in the key circuit board 44, the switch sheet 43, and the key top 42 at positions corresponding to the positioning bosses 29. The positioning boss 29 and the boss hole 49 are positioned so that the key circuit board 44, the switch sheet 43, and the key top 42 are positioned in a state where the positioning boss 29 is inserted into the boss hole 49 provided in each member. Designed. With this configuration, each member can be easily positioned using the common positioning boss 29. In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 26, the positioning bosses 29 are provided at four locations in the vicinity of the corner of the key arrangement portion 40. Thus, positioning accuracy can be improved by positioning in multiple places.

By providing such a positioning mechanism for the operation key 46, the internal structure of the operation key arrangement portion 40 is assembled on the key arrangement plate 28 while being assembled. That is, as the chassis assembly 20 on the lower case 12 side, the key circuit board 44 and the switch sheet 43 are assembled on the key arrangement plate 28 of the first frame 24 while being positioned by the positioning boss 29 to perform wiring work. Etc. On the other hand, the key top 42 is mounted in advance on the upper case 11 side. And as shown in FIG. 6, the upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are fixed. At this time, since the key top 42 is composed of the elastic sheet 45, the boss hole 49 is inserted into the boss hole 49 using the positioning boss 29 as a guide, that is, in the original position. The deformation or position is fine-tuned. Thereby, it is possible to realize accurate positioning while separating and assembling the operation key arrangement part 40 which has been difficult in the past.
(Operation key 46)

The operation keys 46 include a numeric key, a clear key, an enter key, a power key, a function key, etc., as shown in the plan view of FIG. Among these, ten keys are arranged densely, so that the movement distance of the finger between the keys is reduced and the operability is improved. On the other hand, it is necessary to secure the stroke and pressing feeling (click feeling) of each key in order to enhance the user's feeling of operation. When the keys are placed in close contact with each other, when one desired key is pressed In addition, since the other adjacent keys move along with this, the feeling of pressing the desired key is worsened. Therefore, the corners 48 of each key are chamfered to form a key corner 48 where adjacent keys do not contact each other. As a result, as shown in the schematic plan view of FIG. 37, as a result of the key linear portion 47 and the non-contact key corner 48 being provided between adjacent keys, the contact area between the keys is reduced. The As a result, the reduction of the contact area facilitates independent movement between adjacent keys, and the key pressing feeling is improved.
(Insertion hole protrusion 19)

  In addition, an insertion hole protrusion 19 is formed around the key insertion hole 18 of the upper case 11. The insertion hole protrusion 19 is formed so as to contact a key corner 48 formed at the corner of the operation key 46. As a result, each operation key 46 is stabilized with the key corner 48 held by the insertion hole protrusion 19, can be stably operated by suppressing the wobbling when the key is pressed, and the pressing feeling can be improved.

  The operation key 46 is preferably polygonal. In the example of FIG. 3 and the like, the corners of the numeric keypad are linearly chamfered to form an octagon (the numeric keys located in the upper and lower rows are hexagonal), and the insertion hole protrusion 19 has a triangular shape. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the surface area of the operation keys. That is, normally, in order to prevent the operation keys from wobbling, a grid is inserted between the operation keys. However, in this configuration, the area allocated to the operation key itself is relatively reduced by the amount of the grid. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the shape for preventing wobbling can be suppressed to the minimum, so that the reduction in the surface area of the operation key can be prevented accordingly.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, a key corner portion 48B in which the corner portion of the operation key 46B is chamfered in an arc shape may be formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the planar shape of the operation key 46C may be an ellipse or a curved surface. Even in such a case, a portion facing adjacent operation keys is referred to as a key linear portion 47C for convenience in this specification. Further, like the key top 42 shown in the plan view of FIG. 35, the key linear portions 47 do not necessarily have to be in close contact with each other at the interface between the adjacent operation keys 46, and include a mode in which a gap is formed. This is because even if there is a slight gap, the surrounding key also follows by friction when the key is pressed, resulting in a problem that the click feeling and the stroke described above become poor.

  Further, the insertion hole protrusion 19 is also formed according to the shape of the key corner 48. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 40, the insertion hole protrusion 19 </ b> D can be configured not to match the shape of the key corner 48. In any case, the operation of the operation key 46 can be stabilized by bringing the insertion hole protrusion 19 into contact with the key corner 48.

  The surface of the operation key 46 is preferably formed in a curved surface shape. Thereby, even when the operation key 46 is small, the user can easily distinguish the curved surface on the surface of the operation key 46 and the valley between the operation keys 46 with a finger, and the operational feeling can be improved. In particular, the curved shape of the surface of the operation key 46 is preferably a substantially cylindrical shape having an axis in a direction orthogonal to the contact direction between the keys. In this way, by forming the surfaces of the operation keys 46 in a curved surface shape, the operation keys 46 are closely packed in a narrow area as much as possible, and even when the arrangement density is increased, the feeling of pressing is prevented from being impaired. Can be improved.

  In the above example, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 41A, the configuration in which the key corner portion 48 is provided for the operation key 46 adjacent in the vertical direction has been described. In other words, the crosspiece 17 is disposed between the operation keys 46 closely arranged in the row direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in FIG. 41B, a key corner portion 48E can be provided between the operation keys 46E adjacent in the horizontal direction to reduce the contact area. In this case, the cross 17E is interposed between the operation keys 46E arranged closely in the row direction. Or as shown in FIG.41 (c), the key corner part 48F can also be provided between the adjacent operation keys 46F in both vertical and horizontal. In this case, there is no clear cross.

  In the above example, the case where the planar shape of the operation key 46 is a horizontally long rectangle has been described. That is, a key corner 48 is formed between the operation keys 46 adjacent to each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the operation keys 46. In particular, the operation keys 46 adjacent to each other on the long side have a large contact area as they are, so that the action of the other key follows as the key moves. Therefore, by forming the key corner 48 on this surface, the effect of ensuring the independent movement of the keys and improving the pressing feeling is particularly great. However, it goes without saying that even when the operation key is in a vertically long shape, an effect of improving the pressing feeling can be obtained.

  The optical information reader of the present invention can be suitably used for a handy scanner, a handy terminal, a business PDA, a POS register, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 200, 300 ... Optical information reader 10, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E ... Case 11 ... Upper case 12, 12X ... Lower case 13, 13B ... Battery storage part 14 ... Recessed part 15 ... Projection part 16 ... No. Two projecting portions 17, 17E ... Crosspiece 18 ... Key insertion hole 19, 19D ... Insertion hole projection 20 ... Chassis assembly 22 ... Reading unit 24 ... First frame; 24E ... Frame 25 ... Frame body 26 ... Bottom plate 27 ... Overlap Bottom plate 28 in region ... Key arrangement plate 29 ... Positioning boss 30, 30C, 30D ... Display unit 32, 32C, 32D ... Display drive circuit 34 ... Touch panel 36 ... Main circuit board 40, 40C, 40D ... Key arrangement unit 42 ... Key Top 43 ... Switch sheet 44 ... Key circuit board 45 ... Elastic sheets 46, 46B, 46C, 46E, 46F ... Operation keys 47, 47C: Key straight portions 48, 48B, 48E, 48F ... Key corner portion 49 ... Boss holes 50, 50B ... Battery portion 51 ... Cylindrical secondary battery cell 52 ... Battery case 54 ... Battery side circuit board 55 ... Stepped portion 56 ... Backup battery 57 ... Packing 58, 58A, 58B, 58C, 58X ... Battery cover 59 ... Lock button; 59b ... Inclined surface 60, 60B, 60C, 60X ... Belt 62 ... Second frame 63 ... Reading module storage section 64 ... Plate material 65 ... Arm part 66C, 66D ... Display frame 67C, 67D ... Key frame 70, 70C, 70D ... First key 71 ... First key arrangement part 72, 72B, 72C, 72D ... Base part 73 ... Bearing part 74 ... Space 75, 75B ... Communication port DA ... Display part HA ... Holding part HT ... Handy terminal RP ... Curved projection GP1, GP2 ... gap OL ... overlapping region

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. A main object of the present invention is to provide an optical reading apparatus in which the handy terminal is easily gripped .

To achieve the above object, according to the optical reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a reading unit for performing optical reading of the symbol to be read, optically read by the reading unit housing a display unit for displaying various information including information symbols, and a key arrangement portion in which a plurality of keys for performing various operations is placed in a state where various types of information to the display unit is displayed, was An optical reading apparatus provided in a body , wherein the casing includes a display portion provided with the display unit on a surface side of the casing, and the key arrangement unit provided on a surface side of the casing. A grip portion in which the outer diameter in the width direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the body is formed narrower than the display portion, and the axis on the back side of the housing in the grip portion is the longitudinal direction of the housing One circle so that it is almost parallel And a battery lid that is detachably attached to the back surface of the housing so as to close the opening. A curved projecting portion projecting in a convex shape at substantially the center in the width direction according to the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical secondary battery cell, and a top portion of the curved projecting portion formed on the display portion side of the curved projecting portion To the surface side of the housing .
Even if the thickness of this part increases by incorporating the cylindrical secondary battery cell in the holding part, the above-described configuration can prevent the ease of holding. This is because even if the thickness is slightly increased in the thickness direction, it is not difficult to hold, and the grip feeling can be improved. In general, it is thought that the thin type is easier to carry, but the thin plate shape may be difficult to hold. Focusing on this point, it is possible to improve the ease of gripping by making the grip portion somewhat thicker. In addition, a curved projecting portion projecting in a convex shape at a substantially central position in the width direction according to the cylindrical shape of one cylindrical secondary battery cell, and formed on the display portion side of the curved projecting portion, the user's finger is applied. Therefore, by providing a battery lid having a portion inclined from the top of the curved protruding portion toward the surface side of the housing, it is possible to improve the ease of gripping the optical reader.

Claims (11)

The housing (10),
A reading unit (22) for optically reading a symbol to be read;
A display unit (30) for displaying various information;
A key arrangement unit (40) in which a plurality of keys for performing various operations are arranged;
A battery unit (50) including a rechargeable secondary battery cell (51) for supplying driving power; and
With
The housing (10)
A display portion (DA) provided with the display unit (30) on the surface side of the housing (10);
Under the display part (DA), a grip part (HA) provided with the key arrangement part (40) on the surface side of the housing (10),
Is an optical information reader configured to be arranged in one direction,
The grip portion (HA) is formed such that the outer diameter in a direction substantially orthogonal to the one direction in a plan view is narrower than the display portion (DA),
The battery unit (50)
It is provided with a cylindrical secondary battery cell (51) having a cylindrical outer shape, and is housed on the back side of the casing (10) in the gripping portion (HA) of the casing (10),
The cylindrical secondary battery cell (51) is arranged such that its axial center is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing (10), and a part thereof partially overlaps the display unit (30). An optical reader characterized by comprising: The optical information reader according to claim 1,
The housing (10) has a curved protruding portion (RP) in which a back surface of the grip portion (HA) partially forms a curved surface along the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical secondary battery cell (51), An optical information reading device formed along the longitudinal direction of the housing (10). The optical information reader according to claim 2,
The optical information reading device, wherein the curved protruding portion (RP) is provided substantially in the center on the back surface of the gripping portion (HA). The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An optical information reader comprising a recess (14) on the display portion (DA) side of the rear surface of the housing (10) relative to a portion where the battery portion (50) is disposed. . The optical information reader according to claim 4,
The optical information reading device, wherein the concave portion (14) is positioned before the center of gravity of the optical reading device. An optical information reader according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
On the back side of the display portion (DA) of the housing (10), the second protruding portion (16) protruded to be the same as or higher than the curved protruding portion (RP) on the back side of the gripping portion. Is formed in a posture intersecting with the curved protruding portion (RP). The optical information reader according to claim 6,
The reading part (22) is accommodated in the second protruding part (16), and a gap is provided between the second protruding part (16) and the reading part (22). Optical information reader. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The battery unit (50) includes a battery case (52) that houses the cylindrical secondary battery cell (51),
The battery case (52) has a battery-side circuit board (54) connected to the cylindrical secondary battery cell (51) disposed on the upper surface of the cylindrical secondary battery cell (51) in the battery case (52). And
The battery side circuit board (54) is formed to have a length shorter than the total length of the cylindrical secondary battery cell (51),
On the upper surface of the battery case (52), a step portion (55) for accommodating the battery side circuit board (54) is formed,
The optical information reading device, wherein the battery part (50) is formed such that the step part (55) does not overlap the display part (30). The optical information reader according to claim 8,
On the upper surface of the battery part (50), a backup battery (56) is arranged between the overlapping area (OL) with the display part (30) and the step part (55). An optical information reading device. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
A first frame (61) having a frame (25) surrounding the periphery of the display unit (30),
An optical information reading device in which the first frame (61) is made of metal. The optical information reader according to claim 10, further comprising:
A main circuit board (36) mounted with a control circuit for controlling the operation of the optical information reader;
A second frame (62) for fixing the main circuit board (36);
With
The first frame (61) is fixed to the housing (10),
The second frame (62) includes an arm portion (65) for fixing to the first frame (61),
An optical information reading apparatus characterized in that the rigidity of the arm portion (65) is lower than a portion where the main circuit board (36) is fixed.

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