JP2016095780A - Information code read device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration allows stability upon holding to be improved in a topple-shaped type information code read device of a prescribed structure, and facilitate an operation upon directing a reading port in various directions.SOLUTION: An information code read device 1 is configured in such a way that a storage space in a head part 5 and a storage space in a grip part 6 communicate with each other, is configured to extend from a grip part 6 side to a head part 5 side, and is a topple type device of a specific structure so that at least a circuit substrate 20 mounting at least imaging unit 23 is arranged. Further, a holding target unit 7 provided in the grip part 6 is configured in such a way that an area whose cross section orthogonal to an extension direction (direction where the grip part 6 extends) is shaped into a circular or elliptical form runs, and more particularly, any of a cross section outer edge shape in which a length in a lateral direction and a length in a vertical direction is the same or a cross section outer edge shape in which the length in the lateral direction is smaller than that in the vertical direction is configured to run in the extension direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code reader.

  Conventionally provided information code readers generally have a configuration in which a reading port is formed on one end side of a case and a region opposite to the reading port side is used as a gripping region. Patent Document 1 discloses several examples of such an information code reading device. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a so-called neck-break type barcode scanner.

  The bar code scanner illustrated in FIG. 1 of the cited document 1 is a neck type touch type (contact type) code scanner. In the code scanner 1, as disclosed in FIG. 6 and the like, the accommodation space in the grip portion (the rear side from the trigger switch 4) communicates with the accommodation space in the head portion (the front side from the trigger switch 4). The circuit board 15 is housed in the housing space so as to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. The circuit board 15 is mounted with the imaging sensor 11 and the like.

Japanese Patent No. 4047452

  By the way, in the touch-type reading device as shown in FIG. 1 of the cited document 1 or a similar device, it is assumed that the reading object attached with the information code is read in contact with or close to the reading port. Therefore, it is necessary to configure the imaging unit and other related parts so that the information code arranged in the vicinity of the apparatus falls within the visual field range. For this purpose, the image pickup unit must be arranged at a certain distance from the reading port. From such a situation, a configuration as shown in FIG. 6 of the cited document 1 (that is, a configuration in which the image pickup unit is arranged in the grip unit). It was adopted.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the imaging unit is arranged in the grip unit, the size of the imaging unit and the arrangement of related parts greatly affect the configuration of the grip unit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It had to be a composition. However, such a wide grip portion is forced to be held as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the present application or to be covered as shown in FIG. 15 of the present application. Deterioration of operability and operability.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In a neck-folded information code reader having a predetermined structure, the stability at the time of gripping can be improved and the reading port can be placed in various directions. It aims at providing the structure which is easy to operate favorably when turning.

1st invention is an information code reading device provided with an image pick-up part which can picturize an information code, and a case which stores the image pick-up part,
The case is
A head portion formed with a reading port capable of introducing light from the information code into the case;
A grip portion connected to the head portion and extending in a predetermined extending direction;
With
The accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other, and a circuit board on which at least the imaging portion is mounted is arranged to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. ,
The reading port of the head portion is configured as an opening extending in a predetermined lateral direction intersecting the extending direction,
The grip portion is provided with a gripping target portion including a region in which an outer edge shape of a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction is a circular shape or an elliptical shape.
A second invention is an information code reader comprising an imaging unit capable of imaging an information code, and a case for housing the imaging unit,
The case is
A head portion formed with a reading port capable of introducing light from the information code into the case;
A grip portion connected to the head portion and extending in a predetermined extending direction;
With
The accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other, and a circuit board on which at least the imaging portion is mounted is arranged to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. ,
The reading port of the head portion is configured as an opening extending in a predetermined lateral direction intersecting the extending direction,
In the grip portion, the outer edge shape of the cross section orthogonal to the extending direction is the outer edge shape of the cross section in which the horizontal length and the vertical length are the same, or the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. It is characterized in that there is provided a gripping target portion that is any one of the outer edge shapes of the cross-section that becomes smaller, and that any one of the shapes continues in the extending direction.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other, and the circuit board on which at least the imaging portion is mounted is arranged to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. In such a neck-folded device having a specific structure, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the grip portion can be easily gripped stably and can be operated in various directions while the grip portion is gripped. In particular, the gripping target portion has a configuration in which a region having a circular or elliptical cross section continues, so that it is easy to hold the grip portion firmly without spreading the palm sideways too much. In addition, since it is not necessary to operate the palm with its palms widened too much, the range of motion of the wrist can be easily expanded, and the operation can be easily performed in various directions.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other and extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side, and at least a circuit board for mounting the imaging portion is disposed. In such a neck-folded device having a specific structure, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the grip portion can be easily gripped stably and can be operated in various directions while the grip portion is gripped. In particular, the gripping target portion has a cross-sectional outer edge shape perpendicular to the extending direction (the direction in which the grip portion extends) “cross-sectional outer edge shape in which the horizontal length and the vertical length are the same” or “lateral length. Is one of the cross-sectional outer edge shapes whose length is smaller than the length in the vertical direction, and this “one of the shapes” continues in the extending direction. It becomes easy to hold the grip part firmly without spreading too much. In addition, since it is not necessary to operate the palm with its palms widened too much, the range of motion of the wrist can be easily expanded, and the operation can be easily performed in various directions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the circuit board is arranged in a configuration straddling the accommodation space in the grip part and the accommodation space in the head part, and the imaging part is arranged in the head part.
According to this configuration, in configuring the grip unit, the influence of the size and arrangement of the imaging unit can be reduced as much as possible, and the grip unit has a more desirable shape (a shape in which grip stability and operability are easily improved). Easy to configure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the imaging unit is composed of a line sensor extending in the lateral direction, and the line sensor has a vertical direction in the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the extending direction. In the accommodation space, the grip portion is provided at a position higher than the vertical center position.
If a line sensor extending in the horizontal direction is used as the image pickup unit, the grip part must be widened if it is housed in the grip part, but if it is placed in the head part, the grip part is a horizontally long line sensor. It becomes difficult to be affected, and the grip portion can be easily formed into a more desirable shape (a shape that makes it easier to improve grip stability and operability). Furthermore, if the line sensor is provided at a position higher than the center position in the vertical direction of the grip portion, it becomes easy to secure the distance from the reading port to the line sensor, and it is easy to secure a wide visual field range near the reading port. Become.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the grip target portion is provided over a range closer to the head portion than at least a center position in the extending direction of the grip portion.
If the position close to the head portion has a characteristic configuration in this way, it becomes easier to stably grip the region on the base end side near the head portion in the grip portion, and at least when this position is held, the operation is performed. It becomes easy.

In the invention of claim 6, in the entire region of the grip portion in the extending direction, the lateral width of the grip portion is smaller than the lateral width of the reading port.
Thus, the entire grip portion is easily held by relatively reducing the overall width of the grip portion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the grip portion is provided with a throttle portion having a width in the lateral direction narrower than the central portion at a position closer to the head portion than the central portion of the grip portion in the extending direction. ing.
According to this configuration, a portion with a smaller width can be provided at a position close to the head portion, so that the gripping stability of this portion can be further improved. Moreover, since large depressions can be provided on both sides, contact with the wall can be avoided at the depressions even when the side of the device is arranged close to the wall. In some cases, it is possible to improve the ease of removal.

In the invention of claim 8, the thickness of the gripping target portion is larger than the thickness of the tip portion of the head portion.
By making the gripping target portion thick in this way, the ease of gripping can be further increased.

In the invention of claim 9, the angle formed between the predetermined direction in which the head portion extends and the extending direction in which the grip portion extends is a right angle or an obtuse angle.
With such an angular relationship, it is easier to perform an operation of directing the reading port to various places.

In the invention of claim 10, the length of the grip portion is larger than the length of the head portion.
With such a length relationship, ease of gripping can be further increased.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a trigger button is provided at least at a position near the head portion in the grip portion.
If a gripping target portion characteristic in the grip portion is configured in the configuration in which the trigger button is provided in this way, in addition to the ease of gripping and operability, the ease of pressing the trigger button is also improved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the flexible member is disposed near the tip of the grip portion opposite to the head portion, and the information code reader is placed on a predetermined plane, the head The tip part of the part and the flexible member are arranged so as to contact the predetermined plane.
If the flexible member is arranged in this way, the end portion of the grip portion can be effectively protected from an impact or the like, and when the device is placed on a flat portion, the device can be more stably provided. It can be placed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the grip portion includes a housing portion that houses a part of the cable, and opens and closes a main body portion that is open on one side of the housing portion, and an opening of the housing portion in the main body portion. An opening / closing member, and the cable is sandwiched and held between the main body portion and the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member closes the opening of the housing portion, and the opening / closing member However, when the opening of the housing portion is not closed, the cable is released from being sandwiched by the main body portion and the opening / closing member.
By doing in this way, a cable can be stably fixed to a grip part. In addition, part of the part that holds the cable is configured as an opening / closing member, making it easy to attach and detach the cable. Even if the cable holding part (opening / closing member) is damaged, some parts can be replaced. It will be easier to do.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an information code reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the information code reading device of FIG. 1 as seen from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the information code reader of FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 9A is a rear view of the information code reading device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section AA of FIG. FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a BB cross section of FIG. 6, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a CC cross section of FIG. 6. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a DD cross section of FIG. 6, and FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section EE of FIG. 6. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the region of the grip portion of the information code reader shown in FIG. 1 and the like and the user's hand when gripping the region. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the conventional neck-fold type reading apparatus is gripped. FIG. 14A is an explanatory view showing a state where the gripping handle is viewed from the side, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the grip part region of the neck-folded reading device and the user's gripping time. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship with a hand. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the conventional folding reader is covered. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the conventional neck-fold type reading device. FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an information code reader according to the second embodiment. 18 is a side view of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the information code reader of FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an information code reading apparatus according to another embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Outline of information code reader)
First, the outline of the information code reader 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. An information code reading device (hereinafter also simply referred to as a reading device) 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, etc. has an image pickup unit 23 capable of picking up an information code accommodated in the case 3, and at one end of the case 3. The cable 9 is connected. The case 3 is configured by assembling an upper case 3a and a lower case 3b formed of a synthetic resin material such as ABS resin, and has a bent shape as a whole. Light from the information code is transmitted inside the case 3 And a grip portion 6 that is connected to the head portion 5 and extends in a predetermined extending direction.

  In the present specification, the direction (extending direction) in which the grip portion 6 extends is defined as the front-rear direction. A direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and parallel to the direction in which the opening of the reading port 4 extends is defined as a horizontal direction (left-right direction). Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the horizontal direction is defined as the vertical direction (up-down direction). 3, 5, 6, and the like, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Y-axis direction, and the lateral direction (left-right direction) is the Z-axis direction.

  The information code reading device 1 has a function of reading an information code such as a barcode, for example, reading in a state in which the tip of the head unit 5 is in contact with a reading object (so-called touch reading), or a head Reading is performed in a state where the tip of the unit 5 is close to the reading object (so-called proximity reading) and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the information code reader 1 mainly includes an illumination light source 21, an imaging unit 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and other optical systems, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation unit 42, A microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system such as an LED 43 and a sound generation unit 44 is provided. And some or all of these are mounted on the circuit board 20 shown in FIG.

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, an imaging unit 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as a light source capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In this configuration, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the imaging unit 23, and the illumination light Lf can be emitted toward the reading object R through the reading port 4 (FIG. 3 and the like) formed in the case. It is configured. As the reading object R, for example, various objects such as paper, a resin material, and a metal material are conceivable, and an information code C is formed on the reading object R by printing, direct marking, or the like. As the information code C, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode can be suitably used.

  The imaging unit 23 is configured by a light receiving sensor that can receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R and the information code C. The imaging unit 23 is configured as a line sensor, for example, and has a configuration in which light receiving elements made of a solid-state imaging element such as a C-MOS or CCD are arranged side by side in a straight line. The imaging unit 23 is mounted on the circuit board 20 shown in FIG. 3 so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light that is less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr and blocks passage of light that exceeds the wavelength, and is connected to the reading port 4 formed in the case 3. It is provided between the image lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the imaging unit 23. The imaging lens 27 functions to condense light incident through the reading port 4. When the information code C is disposed within the field of view of the imaging unit 23, the imaging unit 27 The code image of the information code C is formed on the light receiving surface 23a of 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation unit 42, an LED 43, a sound generation unit 44, a communication interface 48, and the like. ing. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code C imaged by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the image pickup unit 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, and the analog signal is converted into a digital signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to be able to generate a synchronization signal for the imaging unit 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is configured by a semiconductor memory device or the like, and for example, RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), etc. correspond to this. In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute reading processing and the like, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the imaging unit 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the information code reader 1 as a whole, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In the example of FIG. 4, the operation unit 42, the LED 43, the sound generation unit 44, and the communication interface 48. Etc. are connected. The communication interface 48 can be connected to a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the information code reader 1 and an external device (such as the host computer HST) are connected via a cable 9 so that power and data are transmitted via the cable 9. It has become.

(Detailed configuration of head and grip)
Next, detailed configurations of the head unit 5, the grip unit 6, and the like will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 3 that forms the outer shell of the information code reader 1 is formed with a reading port 4 (FIG. 3, etc.) through which light from the information code can be introduced into the case 3. And a grip portion 6 connected to the head portion 5 and extending in a predetermined extending direction (front-rear direction). As shown in FIG. 3, the housing space in the head portion 5 and the housing space in the grip portion 6 are in communication with each other, and the imaging portion is configured to extend from the grip portion 6 side to the head portion 5 side. A circuit board 20 on which 23 and the like are mounted is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the circuit board 20 is arranged in a configuration straddling the accommodation space in the grip portion 6 and the accommodation space in the head portion 5, and is predetermined with respect to the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the grip portion 6. The arrangement structure is inclined at an angle. Specifically, in the circuit board 20, one plate surface is obliquely directed upward and rearward, and the other plate surface is obliquely directed downward and forward, and as it becomes the front side. It is inclined to be in the upper position. Then, at the position near the front end of the circuit board 20, the above-described imaging unit 23 (line sensor) is disposed horizontally long. The image pickup unit 23 (line sensor) has a configuration extending in the horizontal direction (the left-right direction and the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 5) in the head unit 5 and a configuration in which the light receiving surface 23a faces the reading port 4 ( That is, it is arranged in a configuration facing downward and forward. The imaging unit 23 (line sensor) is provided at a position higher than the center position in the vertical direction of the grip unit 6 (the position of the alternate long and short dash line L1 shown in FIG. 3) in the accommodating space in the head unit 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, and the like, the head portion 5 is continuously connected to the front end portion of the grip portion 6, and obliquely forward and downward from the front end portion of the grip portion 6. It extends to. The head portion 5 has a tapered shape in which the outer shape when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. In this configuration, the direction perpendicular to the outer edge of the lower surface of the case 3 when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 6 is defined as the thickness direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a reading port 4 configured as a wide opening in the lateral direction is provided at the tip of the head portion 5 extending in this way. As shown in FIG. 3, the head portion 5 has a hollow cylindrical structure in which a housing space is formed, and the space in the head portion 5 is a front side with a boundary position P <b> 1 with the grip portion 6 as a base point. And it is comprised so that it may extend diagonally below. A reading port 4 is formed in the vicinity of the front end position of the accommodation space configured as described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and the like, the head portion 5 has a widening shape in which the width in the lateral direction (Z-axis direction) becomes wider toward the tip side, and in the vicinity of the tip portion, The widest part (maximum width part) is provided. The head portion 5 gradually decreases in width as it approaches the grip portion 6 side from the maximum width portion. In FIG. 5, the width of the maximum width portion is indicated by W1, and the width continuously decreases without increasing from the position of the maximum width portion to the position P1.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7, the grip portion 6 extends linearly from the vicinity of the upper end portion and the vicinity of the rear end portion of the head portion 5 to the rear side. The grip portion 6 also has a hollow cylindrical structure in which a housing space is formed, and most of the circuit board 20 described above is disposed in the housing space in the grip portion 6.

  In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the width of the head portion 5 gradually becomes narrower toward the rear side with the maximum width portion as a base point, and the width of the outer shape of the head portion 5 when viewed in plan as shown in FIG. 5. Is defined as a boundary between the head portion 5 and the grip portion 6 at a position P1 where ½ is the width W1 of the maximum width portion. An alternate long and two short dashes line P1 conceptually indicates the position of a virtual plane (a plane parallel to the ZY plane) that serves as a boundary between the head unit 5 and the grip unit 6, and in FIGS. Each position P1 is conceptually indicated by a two-dot chain line. Furthermore, the front-rear direction center position of the grip portion 6 is conceptually indicated by a two-dot chain line P2. The two-dot chain line P2 is a center position that bisects the region in the front-rear direction between the position P1 and the rear end portion 6c of the grip portion 6 in the front-rear direction, and the two-dot chain line P2 is such a center. A virtual plane (a plane parallel to the ZY plane) serving as a position is conceptually shown. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the vertical center position at the position P1 in the grip portion 6 (vertical center position M3 between the upper end M1 and the lower end M2 at the position P1) and the vertical center at the position P2. A line passing through the position (vertical center position N3 between the upper end portion N1 and the lower end portion N2 at the position P2) is L1, and the direction of L1 is an extending direction (front-rear direction).

  In the grip portion 6 configured in this way, the outer edge shape of the cross section (that is, the cross section parallel to the YZ plane) orthogonal to the extending direction (front-rear direction indicated as the X-axis direction) is either circular or elliptical. A gripping target portion 7 that is followed by a region having the shape of is provided. The gripping target portion 7 is desirably provided at least in a range closer to the head portion 5 than the center position in the extending direction of the grip portion 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the entire region of the grip portion 6 is gripped. It functions as the target unit 7. And in the cross section cut | disconnected in any position of the grip part 6, the outer edge shape is either circular shape or an elliptical shape. For example, in the AA cross section shown in FIG. 9 (B), the outer edge shape of the grip part 6 is circular, and in the BB cross section and CC cross section shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B). The outer edge shape of the grip portion 6 is a vertically long elliptical shape. Moreover, also in the DD cross section and EE cross section shown to FIG. 11 (A) (B), the outer edge shape of the grip part 6 is a vertically long ellipse shape.

  This gripping target portion 7 has an outer edge shape of a cross section (that is, a cross section parallel to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) orthogonal to the extending direction (front-rear direction indicated as the X-axis direction). The cross-sectional outer edge shape is the same as the length ”or the“ cross-sectional outer edge shape whose lateral length is smaller than the vertical length ”. The structure continues over the range. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the cross-sectional outer edge shape of the AA cross section near the boundary P1 in the gripping target portion 7 is substantially the same in the horizontal direction Lz1 and the vertical length Ly1 or in the vertical direction. Has a slightly longer cross-sectional outer edge shape, and the cross-sectional outer edge shape of the BB cross section behind the AA cross section is longer in the vertical length Ly2 than in the horizontal length Lz2. It has a cross-sectional outer edge shape. Further, the cross-sectional outer edge shape of the CC cross section behind the B-B cross section is a vertical cross-sectional outer edge shape in which the vertical length Ly3 is larger than the horizontal length Lz3. The cross-sectional outer edge shape of the DD cross section behind the C-C cross section is a vertical cross-section edge shape in which the vertical length Ly4 is larger than the horizontal length Lz4. The cross-sectional outer edge shape of the EE cross section behind the D cross-section is a vertical cross-sectional outer edge shape in which the vertical length Ly5 is larger than the horizontal length Lz5. In addition, the outer edge shape of the cross section is “the length in the horizontal direction is the same as the length in the vertical direction even at positions other than the AA cross section, the BB cross section, the CC cross section, the DD cross section, and the EE cross section. The cross-sectional outer edge shape becomes “a cross-sectional outer edge shape whose lateral length is smaller than the vertical length”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the grip portion 6 has a central portion at a position closer to the head portion 5 than the central portion of the grip portion 6 in the extending direction (front-rear direction) (that is, the position P2 portion). A diaphragm portion 7a having a narrower width in the lateral direction is provided. In this configuration, the width gradually decreases from the front end position P1 of the grip portion 6 toward the rear side, and the throttle portion 7a is provided behind such a gradually decreasing region. In the gradual decrease region, the width gradually decreases toward the rear. However, when reaching the position of the aperture 7a, no further decrease in the width occurs in the constant region in the front-rear direction. Further, a gradually increasing region that gradually increases in width as it goes rearward is provided further rearward of the throttle portion 7a, and a bulging portion 7b is provided behind such a gradually increasing region. In the gradual increase region, the width gradually increases toward the rear, but when the position of the bulging portion 7b is reached, there is no further increase in the width in the constant region in the front-rear direction. Further, a gradual decreasing region is provided at a further rear side of the bulging portion 7b. In FIG. 5, the width of the narrowed portion 7a is indicated by W2, and the width of the bulging portion 7b is indicated by W3.

  In this configuration, the lateral width of the grip portion 6 is smaller than the lateral width of the reading port 4 in the entire region of the grip portion 6 in the extending direction (front-rear direction). More specifically, the lateral width of the grip portion 6 is 50% or less of the lateral width of the reading port 4 in the entire extending direction (front-rear direction) of the grip portion 6.

  In addition, the thickness (that is, the thickness of the grip portion 6) is larger than the thickness of the tip portion of the head portion 5 in the majority region or the entire region in the front-rear direction of the gripping target portion 7. At least in the majority region on the tip end side of the head portion 5, the thickness of the head portion 5 is smaller than the thickness of the gripping target portion 7 (that is, the thickness of the grip portion 6).

  Further, an angle formed by a predetermined direction in which the head portion 5 extends and an extending direction (front-rear direction) in which the grip portion 6 extends is a right angle or an obtuse angle. The predetermined direction in which the head unit 5 extends may be the direction in which the lower surface of the tip of the head unit 5 extends when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. It is good also as a direction where the upper surface of a tip part extends. In this configuration, when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 6, the angle formed between the direction in which the lower surface of the tip of the head portion 5 extends and the extending direction (front-rear direction) in which the grip portion 6 extends is a right angle or an obtuse angle (for example, 90 ° to 135 °), when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 6, the direction in which the upper surface of the tip of the head portion 5 extends, and the extending direction (front-rear direction) in which the grip portion 6 extends. Is also a right angle or an obtuse angle (for example, within a range of 90 ° to 135 °).

  The length of the grip part 6 is larger than the length of the head part 5. More specifically, the ratio of the length of the head portion 5 to the length of the grip portion 6 is preferably about 2: 3, for example. In addition, the length of the grip portion 6 is desirably longer than the width of the hand (for example, the average value of the width of the hand of a general adult male or a general adult female).

  The grip portion 6 includes a housing portion 6d that houses a part of the cable 9, and an opening / closing member that opens and closes the opening of the housing portion 6d in the body portion 6a. 6b. The main body 6a is constituted by a part of the upper case 3a and the lower case 3b, and the opening / closing member 6b is constituted by a remaining part other than the main body 6a in the lower case 3b. As shown in FIG. 3, when the opening / closing member 6b is in a closed state in which the opening of the housing portion 6d is closed, the cable 9 is sandwiched and held between the main body 6a and the opening / closing member 6b. When the opening 6b does not close the opening of the housing portion (that is, when the opening / closing member 6b is removed from the main body 6a), the cable 9 is not caught by the main body 6a and the opening / closing member 6b. It has a configuration. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the opening / closing member 6b is engaged with a pair of engaging claws provided on the body portion 6a (portion other than the opening / closing member 6b in the grip portion 6). The opening / closing member 6b can be removed from the main body 6a by releasing the engagement of the engaging claws.

(Example of effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, the accommodation space in the head unit 5 and the accommodation space in the grip unit 6 are configured to communicate with each other, and at least the imaging unit 23 is mounted in a configuration extending from the grip unit 6 side to the head unit 5 side. This is a neck-folded device having a specific structure in which the substrate 20 is arranged. And in such a structure, it is the structure which is easy to operate the grip part 6 in various directions in a state where it is easy to grasp the grip part 6 stably. In particular, the gripping target portion 7 has a configuration in which an area having a circular or elliptical cross section continues, and the outer edge shape of the cross section orthogonal to the extending direction (the direction in which the grip portion 6 extends) is “horizontal”. A cross-sectional shape in which the length in the direction and the length in the vertical direction are the same "or a cross-sectional shape in which the length in the horizontal direction is smaller than the length in the vertical direction. The cross-sectional shape continues in the extending direction. Since the width is reduced in this way, the user can firmly hold the grip portion 6 (the gripping target portion 7) without spreading the palm sideways so much as the user's hand H1 shown in FIG. It becomes easy.

  For example, in the conventional broken neck reader 100 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, since the grip portion 107 is wide sideways, it is difficult to grip firmly, and a simple gripping finger (finger F1 and F2 often hold the grip part 107), but such a holding method has a problem that the device is unstable and slips and falls easily. . In this configuration, it is not necessary to force such a holding method, and a more stable operation is possible.

  Further, in the conventional neck-folded reading device 100 as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, when firmly holding it, it must be handled by covering with a palm extended to some extent as shown in FIG. 15. In this case, the range of motion of the wrist was likely to be limited. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, after taking a horizontal reading with a hand spread out, if you turn your hand back like an arrow and rotate it downward or upward, this grip will rotate your wrist so much Because it was difficult to do so, it was necessary to take an unreasonable posture in order to point the reading port upward or downward. In this configuration, since it is not necessary to operate with the palm extended sideways, it is easy to widen the range of motion of the wrist and to operate in various directions.

  Further, the circuit board 20 is arranged in a configuration straddling the accommodation space in the grip part 6 and the accommodation space in the head part 5, and the imaging part 23 is arranged in the head part 5. According to this configuration, the influence of the size and arrangement of the imaging unit 23 can be reduced as much as possible in configuring the grip unit 6, and the grip unit 6 has a more desirable shape (easy to improve grip stability and operability). Shape).

  In addition, the imaging unit 23 includes a line sensor extending in the horizontal direction. This line sensor has the grip unit 6 in the housing space in the head unit 5 when the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the extending direction is the vertical direction. It is provided at a position above the vertical center position. When a line sensor extending in the horizontal direction is used as the imaging unit 23, the grip unit 6 must be widened if it is accommodated in the grip unit 6, but if it is arranged in the head unit 5, the grip unit 6 becomes less susceptible to the influence of the horizontally long line sensor, and the grip portion 6 can be easily formed into a more desirable shape (a shape in which gripping stability and operability are easily improved). Further, if the line sensor is provided at a position higher than the center position in the vertical direction of the grip portion 6, the distance from the reading port 4 to the line sensor can be easily secured, and the visual field range is widened in the vicinity of the reading port 4. It becomes easy to secure.

  Further, the gripping target portion 7 is provided over a range closer to the head portion 5 than at least the center position in the extending direction of the grip portion 6. If the position close to the head portion 5 has a characteristic configuration in this way, the region on the proximal end side near the head portion 5 in the grip portion 6 can be stably gripped, and at least when this position is held Easy to operate.

  In addition, in the entire region of the grip portion 6 in the extending direction, the lateral width of the grip portion 6 is smaller than the lateral width of the reading port 4. Thus, the grip part 6 as a whole can be easily held by relatively reducing the overall width of the grip part 6. More specifically, for example, the width of the narrowest portion of the grip portion 6 is desirably 50% or less of the lateral width of the reading port 4.

  Further, the grip portion 6 is provided with a narrowed portion 7a having a width in the lateral direction narrower than that of the central portion at a position closer to the head portion 5 than the central portion of the grip portion 6 in the extending direction. According to this configuration, a portion with a smaller width can be provided at a position close to the head portion 5, so that the gripping stability of this portion can be further improved. Moreover, since large depressions can be provided on both sides, contact with the wall can be avoided at the depressions even when the side of the device is arranged close to the wall. In some cases, it is possible to improve the ease of removal.

  Further, the thickness of the gripping target part 7 is larger than the thickness of the tip part of the head part 5. By making the gripping target portion 7 thick as described above, the ease of gripping can be further increased.

  Further, the angle formed between the predetermined direction in which the head portion 5 extends and the extending direction in which the grip portion 6 extends is a right angle or an obtuse angle. Such an angular relationship makes it easier to perform an operation of directing the reading port 4 to various places. More specifically, the angle formed between the predetermined direction in which the head portion 5 extends and the extending direction in which the grip portion 6 extends is preferably in the range of 90 ° to 135 °, for example.

  Further, the length of the grip portion 6 is larger than the length of the head portion 5. With such a length relationship, ease of gripping can be further increased. More specifically, the ratio between the length of the head portion and the length of the grip portion is preferably about 2: 3, for example. The length of the grip portion 6 is preferably longer than the width of the hand.

  The grip portion 6 includes a housing portion that houses a part of the cable 9 and has a main body portion 6a that is open on one side of the housing portion, and an opening and closing member 6b that opens and closes the opening of the housing portion in the main body portion 6a. The cable 9 is sandwiched and held between the main body 6a and the opening / closing member 6b when the opening / closing member 6b closes the opening of the receiving portion, and the opening / closing member 6b is opened to the opening of the receiving portion. When the cable 9 is in an open state in which the cable 9 is not closed, the holding of the cable 9 by the main body 6a and the opening / closing member 6b is released. By doing in this way, the cable 9 can be stably fixed to the grip part 6. Furthermore, since a part of the portion that holds the cable 9 is configured as the opening / closing member 6b, the cable 9 can be easily attached and detached, and even if the portion that holds the cable 9 (opening / closing member 6b) is damaged, Easier to replace some parts.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The reading apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is only the point where the trigger button 203 is provided and the point that the part of the case 3 has a notch structure for arranging the trigger button 203 is the reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. Unlike 1, the configuration other than that is the same as that of the reading device 1 of the first embodiment.

  The reading device 200 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is provided with a push button type trigger button 203 at least at a position near the head portion 5 in the grip portion 6. Specifically, it is configured to protrude downward from the lower surface of the case 3 and straddle the boundary between the grip portion 6 and the head portion 5 and can be pressed upward at the position where the above-described throttle portion 7a is provided. The trigger button 203 is provided with a simple configuration. The trigger button 203 is a push button for instructing the start of reading. In this configuration, for example, when the trigger button 203 is pressed, the information code C is imaged and the information code C is read. Is to be done.

  In this configuration, the configuration other than the trigger button 203 has all the features of the first embodiment, and the grip target portion 7 that is characteristic of the grip portion 6 is configured in the configuration in which the trigger button 203 is thus provided. If so, in addition to the ease of grasping and operability, the ease of pressing the trigger button 203 is also improved.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In addition, the configuration as shown in FIG. 20 can be added to the configuration of any of the above-described embodiments. The configuration of FIG. 20 is different from the first embodiment in that the flexible member 8b is provided, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this configuration, a flexible member 8b made of, for example, a rubber material is disposed near the tip of the grip portion 6 opposite to the head portion 5, and the information code reading device 1 is placed on a predetermined plane. In this case, the tip of the head portion 5 and the flexible member 8b are arranged so as to contact a predetermined plane. If the flexible member 8b is arranged in this way, the end portion of the grip portion 6 can be effectively protected from an impact or the like, and the device is more stable when the device is placed on a flat portion. It is possible to keep it. In any of the above-described embodiments, a protective member 8a made of a flexible material (for example, a rubber material) is disposed at the tip of the head unit 5, and the information code reader 1 is placed on a predetermined plane. When placed, the protective member 8a and the flexible member 8b provided on the front end side of the head portion 5 are arranged so as to contact a predetermined plane. FIG. 20 specifically shows an example in which the flexible member 8b is provided in the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the flexible member 8b may be similarly provided in the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

  In the above description, a horizontally long line sensor is exemplified as the imaging unit 23. However, the imaging unit 23 may be configured as a horizontally long area sensor or the like.

  In the above description, a one-dimensional barcode is exemplified as the information code C. However, a known barcode such as a stack barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), a data matrix code, a maxi code, or the like may be used.

  In the above description, in the head portion 5, the position P1 at which the width is ½ of the width W1 of the maximum width portion is defined as the boundary between the head portion 5 and the grip portion 6, but the cross-sectional outline perpendicular to the front-rear direction is horizontally long. The position that changes from vertically to vertically may be the boundary between the head portion 5 and the grip portion 6. Moreover, although an example of the method of defining the extending direction is shown in the above description, the extending direction may be defined using other methods as long as the method of defining the extending direction of the grip portion 6 is used. . For example, the extending direction of the grip portion 6 may be defined as the direction in which the rear half of the entire range of the information code reader 1 extends.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code reading device 3 ... Case 4 ... Reading port 5 ... Head part 6 ... Grip part 6a ... Main body part 6b ... Opening / closing member 7 ... Gripping object part 7a ... Restriction part 8b ... Flexible member 9 ... Cable 20 ... Circuit board 23 ... Imaging unit 203 ... Trigger button

Claims (13)

An information code reader comprising: an imaging unit capable of imaging an information code; and a case for housing the imaging unit,
The case is
A head portion formed with a reading port capable of introducing light from the information code into the case;
A grip portion connected to the head portion and extending in a predetermined extending direction;
With
The accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other, and a circuit board on which at least the imaging portion is mounted is arranged to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. ,
The reading port of the head portion is configured as an opening extending in a predetermined lateral direction intersecting the extending direction,
An information code reading device, wherein the grip portion is provided with a gripping target portion followed by a region in which an outer edge shape of a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction is either a circular shape or an elliptical shape. . An information code reader comprising: an imaging unit capable of imaging an information code; and a case for housing the imaging unit,
The case is
A head portion formed with a reading port capable of introducing light from the information code into the case;
A grip portion connected to the head portion and extending in a predetermined extending direction;
With
The accommodation space in the head portion and the accommodation space in the grip portion are configured to communicate with each other, and a circuit board on which at least the imaging portion is mounted is arranged to extend from the grip portion side to the head portion side. ,
The reading port of the head portion is configured as an opening extending in a predetermined lateral direction intersecting the extending direction,
In the grip portion, the outer edge shape of the cross section orthogonal to the extending direction is the outer edge shape of the cross section in which the horizontal length and the vertical length are the same, or the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. An information code reading device characterized in that a gripping target portion is provided which has any one of the outer edge shapes of the cross-section that is smaller and the shape continues in the extending direction. The circuit board is arranged in a configuration straddling the accommodation space in the grip portion and the accommodation space in the head portion,
The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is disposed in the head unit. The imaging unit is composed of a line sensor extending in the lateral direction,
The line sensor is provided at a position above the center position in the vertical direction of the grip portion in the accommodating space in the head portion, when the horizontal direction and the direction orthogonal to the extending direction are defined as the vertical direction. 4. The information code reading device according to claim 3, wherein   The said holding | grip object part is provided over the range near the said head part rather than the center position of the said extension direction in the said grip part at least, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information code reader.   The width in the horizontal direction of the grip portion is smaller than the width in the horizontal direction of the reading port in the entire region of the grip portion in the extending direction. The information code reading device according to any one of claims 5 to 6.   The grip portion is provided with a narrowed portion having a narrower width in the lateral direction than the central portion at a position closer to the head portion than the central portion of the grip portion in the extending direction. The information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   8. The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the gripping target portion is larger than a thickness of a tip portion of the head portion. 9.   The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an angle formed by a predetermined direction in which the head portion extends and the extending direction in which the grip portion extends is a right angle or an obtuse angle. Reader.   10. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the grip portion is larger than a length of the head portion. 11.   The information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a trigger button is provided at least at a position near the head portion in the grip portion. A flexible member is disposed near the tip of the grip portion opposite to the head portion,
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein when the information code reader is placed on a predetermined plane, the tip of the head unit and the flexible member are arranged so as to contact the predetermined plane. Item 12. The information code reading device according to any one of Items 11. The grip portion includes a main body portion that includes a housing portion that accommodates a part of the cable and is open on one side of the housing portion, and an opening and closing member that opens and closes the opening of the housing portion in the main body portion,
When the opening / closing member closes the opening of the housing portion, the cable is sandwiched and held between the body portion and the opening / closing member, and the opening / closing member opens the opening of the housing portion. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cable is held between the main body and the opening / closing member in an open state that is not closed. Code reader.

Images