Pin

Abstract

Pen, comprehensive: - a pen body (12) elongated in the direction of a pen longitudinal axis (L), - at a first axial end region (18) of the pin body (12), a pin functional unit (20), - at a second axial end region (24) of the pin body (12), a pin connection unit (34) exposed on an axial end face (42) of the pin body (12) for the purpose of making an electrical plug connection, - a clip unit (26) detachably attachable to the second axial end region (24) of the pin body (12) by axial insertion onto the pin body (12), comprising a clip body (46) and at least one fastening clip (52) extending from the clip body (46), wherein, when the clip unit (26) is attached to the pin body (12), the pin connection unit (34) is covered by the clip body (46) and the at least one fastening clip (52) extends substantially in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis (L) along the pin body (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pen with a pen body elongated in the direction of a pen longitudinal axis and a pen functional unit at a first axial end region of the pen body.

[0002] Such pens can be designed to provide various functions. For example, a pen can be designed as a writing or drawing instrument, such as a felt-tip pen, ballpoint pen, or fountain pen, in which a dye is transferred to a surface, such as paper or the like, by means of the pen's functional unit. In another embodiment, such a pen can be designed as a pen-like contact element for touching a touchscreen, with the pen's functional unit providing a tip that is brought into contact with the touchscreen. The tip can be designed to create mechanical contact with the touchscreen in order to generate information about the location of the contact based on this mechanical contact.In an alternative design, the tip of an active digital stylus can be configured to establish electrical contact with the touchscreen. Based on this electrical contact, for example through capacitive interaction, higher-resolution information about the location of the contact can be generated. In another alternative design, such a stylus can, for example, be configured as a laser pointer, which is designed to emit a laser beam by means of a stylus-integrated functional unit.

[0003] EP 2 717 122 A1 discloses a pen with a clip unit that can be positioned covering a pen functional unit. The clip unit comprises a cap-like clip body and one or more mounting clips extending from the clip body. A camera is integrated into one of the mounting clips, which can be connected to an external source, such as a PC or the like, by means of a pin connector unit designed as a USB plug, also provided on this mounting clip.

[0004] US Patent 7,401,992 B1 discloses a pen with a mounting clip attached to a pen body, from which it can also be detached. A pin connector unit designed in the style of a USB plug is provided on the mounting clip.

[0005] From US patent 2007 / 0231053 A1, various types of pins that can also be used as data storage devices are known. In one embodiment, a pin connector unit, designed in the manner of a USB connector, projects from an axial end face of the pin body, away from the pin's functional unit. This pin connector unit can be covered by a cap-like clip unit that is attached to the pin body by turning and thus screwing it on. In an alternative embodiment, the pin connector unit, designed in the manner of a USB connector, is provided on the clip unit to be attached to the pin body.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a pin in which a pin connection unit, which can be easily protected against external influences, is integrated for making an electrical connection.

[0007] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a pen comprising: - a pen body elongated in the direction of a pen's longitudinal axis, - at a first axial end region of the pen body, a pen functional unit, - at a second axial end region of the pin body, a pin connection unit exposed on an axial end face of the pin body for the purpose of creating an electrical plug connection, - a clip unit detachably attachable to the second axial end region of the pin body by axial insertion onto the pin body, comprising a clip body and at least one fastening clip extending from the clip body, wherein, when the clip unit is attached to the pin body, the pin connection unit is covered by the clip body and the at least one fastening clip extends substantially in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis along the pin body.

[0008] By positioning the pin connector on the pin body in such a way that it is generally accessible at an end face formed at the second axial end of the pin body, the clip unit can be used to cover the pin connector at this end face, thus blocking it against access and the ingress of contaminants. The clip unit therefore not only serves to securely lock the pin in place of a jacket pocket or similar, but also protects the pin connector against unauthorized access, damage, and the ingress of foreign objects.

[0009] For example, the pin connector unit can include a plug-in unit for attaching a connector to establish the electrical connection. For greater versatility, the plug-in unit can be a USB connector. In particular, when interacting with a connector, the plug-in unit functions as a socket, so that no external components are required on the pin itself to establish a connection.

[0010] For a compact design of the pin constructed according to the invention, it is proposed that the pin connection unit does not protrude beyond the axial end face of the pin body in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis.

[0011] In order to enable the fastening clip, when the clip unit is attached to the pin body, to extend along the pin body in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis, thus overlapping it axially in some areas, it is proposed that at least one fastening clip extend beyond the clip body in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis.

[0012] The clip body can, for example, be cap-shaped with a base and a wall extending from the base. When the clip unit is attached to the pin body, the base covers the pin connection unit, and the wall surrounds the pin body. This provides comprehensive shielding of the second axial end region of the pin body against any impact on the pin connection unit.

[0013] If the clip unit is attached to the pen body, the clip unit can be held to the pen body by: - the body wall in contact with an outer surface of the pen body, i.e., through a frictional connection generated by axial insertion between the body wall and the outer surface of the pen body, or / and - a holding connection unit provided on the body base, which is in plug-in interaction with the pin connection unit and / or the pin body, i.e. a plug-in friction connection and / or plug-in form connection between the pin connection unit or the pin body and the holding connection unit, or / and - at least one fastening clip resting on the outer surface of the pin body, i.e. a frictional connection or / and positive connection between the fastening clip, which is pre-tensioned against the outer surface of the pin body, for example transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pin, or which can be brought into interaction with it, and the outer surface of the pin body.

[0014] In an alternative, compact design, the clip body can be plate-like with a body base, whereby, in the case of a clip unit attached to the pin body, the body base covers the pin connection unit.

[0015] To emphasize this compact design, it is proposed that an outer circumferential contour of the body base corresponds to an outer circumferential contour of the pin body at the second axial end region, so that, for example, an outer circumferential surface of the body base is essentially flush with an outer circumferential surface of the pin body at the second axial end region of the same.

[0016] Even with this design, if a clip unit is attached to the pen body, the clip unit can be held to the pen body by: - a holding connection unit provided at the bottom of the body, which is in plug-in interaction with the pin connection unit and / or the pin body, or / and - at least one fastening clip located on an outer surface of the pen body.

[0017] To create a friction-fit and / or form-fit connection, the retaining connection unit can include a retaining plug that can be inserted into the pin body and / or attached to the plug-in unit.

[0018] Depending on the design or intended function of the pen, a pen-functional arrangement providing the pen-functional unit can be arranged in the pen body.

[0019] For example, the pen function arrangement can be configured to: - Generation of electrical signals, wherein the pen functional unit is designed to output the electrical signals, so that the pen can be used, for example, as an active digital input pen, or - Storage of dye, wherein the pen functional unit is configured to release the dye onto a surface touched by the pen functional unit, so that the pen can be used as a writing or drawing instrument, or - for generating a light beam, wherein the pen functional unit is designed to emit the light beam, so that the pen can be used as a laser pointer or the like.

[0020] It should be noted that the concept according to the invention for integrating a pen connection unit and covering it by means of a clip unit can also be used in conjunction with other pens, such as cosmetic pens, pens used for skin treatment or pens intended for mechanical interaction with touchscreens.

[0021] The pen body can contain an electronic assembly that can be connected to an external device via the pen connection unit.

[0022] For example, the electronics arrangement may include: - a signal generation unit, for example a unit for generating electrical or optical signals to be output at the pen functional unit, or / and - an energy storage device, for example a rechargeable battery, or / and - a data storage device, so that the pen can also be used like a USB stick.

[0023] For the easy integration of various functions into the pin, the pin body can comprise a first pin body part providing the first axial end region and a second pin body part providing the second axial end region, wherein the axial end face of the pin body is formed on the second pin body part and a through-hole is provided in an end wall of the second pin body part providing the axial end face to provide access to the pin connection unit.

[0024] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a pen; Fig. 2 the pen of Fig. 1 in exploded view; Fig. 3 A detailed side view of a pen functional arrangement with a pen connection unit of the pen. Fig. 1; Fig. 4 the pen of Fig. 1 with clip unit removed from a pen body; Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation of an alternatively designed pen; Fig. 6 the pen of the Fig. 5 with clip unit removed from a pen body; Fig. 7 one of the Fig. 6 corresponding view of the pen of the Fig. 6 in a different perspective view Fig. 8 The interaction of the clip unit with the pen body for covering a pen connection unit in a sectional view of principle.

[0025] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a pin, generally designated 10, in a perspective view or exploded view. The pin 10 comprises a pin body 12 elongated in the direction of a pin longitudinal axis L. The pin body 12 comprises a sleeve-like first pin body part 14, manufactured, for example, by extrusion from plastic material, and a second pin body part 16 connected to it, designed, for example, as a metal or plastic molded part. A pin functional unit 20 of a pin functional arrangement, generally designated 22, projects axially beyond the first pin body part 14 at a first axial end region 18 of the pin body 12. A clip unit 26 is detachably attached to the pin body 12 at a second axial end region 24 of the second pin body part 16 in the manner described in detail below.

[0026] When the pen 10 is configured as an active digital input pen, the pen functional unit 20 is designed to output electrical signals or an electromagnetic field for capacitive interaction with a touchscreen. The electrical signals are transmitted in a manner provided in the pen functional arrangement 22, in Fig. 3 electronic arrangements 28, shown in principle, are generated.

[0027] In section 30 of the pen functional arrangement 22, which is essentially enclosed by the second pen body part 16, a pen connection unit 34 is provided in a lateral recess 32. The pen electronic arrangement 28, which may also include a rechargeable battery, can be connected to an external source, such as a charger, a PC, or the like, via the pen connection unit 34, which is connected to the electronic arrangement 28 by means of an electrical connecting line 36.

[0028] The pin connector unit 34 comprises a plug-in unit 38 with electrical contacts 40 provided thereon. A connector unit 38, which is designed, for example, in the manner of a plug-in unit contained in a USB socket, preferably a USB-C socket, can be attached to the plug-in unit 38 to establish an electrical connection. Fig. 3 The connector shown, 41, can be plugged into, for example, a USB cable 43.

[0029] On the pin body 12 or the second pin body part 16, an end face 42 of the pin body 12, oriented essentially in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis L and designed, for example, essentially planar, is formed in the second axial end region 24 by means of an end wall 45 of the second pin body part 16. The end wall 45, which axially essentially limits the interior of the second pin body part 16, has a slot-like opening 44 through which the pin connection unit 34 or the plug-in unit 38 for connecting the connector 41 is exposed, so that by plugging the connector 41 through the end wall 45 of the pin body 12 to the plug-in unit 38, an electrical connection can be established between the pin 12 or the electronic assembly 28 arranged therein and an external device.

[0030] The clip unit 26 comprises a sleeve-like or cap-like clip body 46 with a body base 48 and a body wall 50 extending from the body base 48. A fastening clip 52 extends from the body wall 50 and, when the clip unit 26 is attached to the pin body 12, extends substantially in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis L along the pin body 12 or the second pin body part 16 thereof, thus axially overlapping the pin body 12. To enable this arrangement, the fastening clip 52 extends from the body wall 50, substantially with its entire axial extent, beyond the clip body 46. A fixing projection 54 is provided on the axial end region of the fastening clip 52, which is remote from the clip body 46, with which the fastening clip 52 rests under preload against an outer surface 56 of the pin body 12, for example in the area of ​​the second pin body part 16.

[0031] The clip unit 26 is pushed onto the second end region 24 of the pin body 12 by axial insertion, i.e., essentially linear axial movement with respect to the pin body 12. For a stable retention of the clip unit 26 on the second axial end region 24 of the pin body 12, or of the second pin body part 16 thereof, the body wall 50 is dimensioned such that it can be slid onto the second axial end region 24 with an interference fit, so that a frictional connection is created between the body wall 50 of the clip unit 26 and the outer surface 56 of the pin body 12, resulting in a stable retention of the clip unit 26 on the pin body 12.

[0032] In addition to this frictional interaction between the body wall 50 and the pin body 12, a frictional interaction between the fastening clip 52, or its fixing projection 54, and the pin body 12 can be used to counteract the detachment of the clip unit 26 from the pin body 12. For example, when the clip unit 26 is attached to the pin body 12, the fastening clip 52 can be biased radially outwards against the outer surface 56 of the pin body 12, so that a frictional interaction between the fastening clip 52, in particular its fixing projection 54, and the pin body 12 counteracts the unintentional detachment of the clip unit 26 from the pin body 12.Alternatively or additionally, a positive locking interaction that prevents the clip unit 26 from detaching from the pin body 12 can be provided between the pin body 12 and the fastening clip 52 by providing, for example, a point-like or rib-like locking projection on the outer surface 56 of the pin body 12. When the clip unit 56 is attached to the pin body 12, this locking projection is engaged axially by the fastening clip 52 and radially by its fixing projection 54 on a side facing away from the second axial end region 24 of the pin body 12. To remove the clip unit 26 from the pin body 12, the fixing projection 54 must first be moved over this locking projection by deforming the fastening clip 52 radially outwards, thus releasing the positive locking action acting in the axial direction.

[0033] With the clip unit 26 attached to the second axial end region of the pin body 12, the axial end face 42 of the pin body 12 is covered by the base 48 of the clip unit 26. This covers the pin connection unit 34 from the outside, preventing unwanted manipulation and preventing foreign bodies from entering the area of ​​the pin connection unit 34 or its plug-in unit 38 through the access opening 44.

[0034] If the pin connection unit 34 is to be released for connecting the connector 41, the clip unit 26 is removed from the pin body 12 by axial pulling, so that the through-opening 44 is released for inserting the connector 41 into it and thus for connecting the connector 41 to the plug-in unit 38.

[0035] An alternative design of the pen 10 or the clip unit 26 is shown in the Fig. Figures 5 to 8 are shown. In this embodiment, the pin body 12, together with the components providing it or arranged within it, can be constructed as described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 described.

[0036] In the Fig. In the pin 10 shown in Figures 5 to 8, the clip body 46 of the clip unit 26 is formed plate-like with the body base 48. An outer circumferential contour of the body base 48 preferably corresponds to an outer circumferential contour of the pin body 12 in the area of ​​the second pin body part 16, so that this and the clip body 46 are substantially flush with each other with their respective outer surfaces.

[0037] A retaining connection unit 58 is provided on the base 48 of the body, extending in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis L in the same direction as the fastening clip 52 extends from the clip body 46. The retaining connection unit 58 comprises a retaining plug 60, the shape and dimensions of which essentially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the connector 41 to be plugged into the plug-in unit 38.

[0038] The retaining plug 60 of the retaining connection unit 58 can be inserted through the through-opening 44 and connected to or attached to the plug-in unit 38, so that the plug-in unit 38, in particular with its section comprising the electrical contacts 40, is received in an opening 62 of the retaining plug 60. A frictional or positive locking connection, such as a latching mechanism, between the plug-in unit 38 and the retaining plug 60 securely holds the clip unit 26 against detachment from the pin body 12.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally to this holding interaction between the plug-in unit 38 and the retaining plug 60 of the clip unit 26, a friction-fit and / or positive-locking connection can be generated between the retaining plug 60 and the second pin body part 16 or the end wall 45 thereof. For this purpose, the through-opening 44 can be adapted to the outer circumferential contour or outer dimension of the retaining plug 60 such that, when the retaining plug 60 is inserted into the through-opening 44, a friction-fit and / or positive-locking connection is created with respect to the second pin body part 16, for example with locking projections extending from the retaining plug 60.

[0040] In this embodiment of the pin 10 as well, the fastening clip 52 extends axially beyond the clip body 46 and, when the clip unit 26 is attached to the pin body 12, rests under preload against the outer surface 56 of the pin body 12. Thus, in this embodiment of the clip unit 26 as well, the interaction generated between the fastening clip 52 and the pin body 12, in addition to the frictional and / or positive locking generated between the retaining connection unit 58 and the pin connection unit 34 or the second pin body part 16, can generate a holding force that counteracts unintentional detachment of the clip unit 26 from the pin body 12.

[0041] In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 5, in which the clip unit 26 is attached to the pin body 12 and therefore the body base 48 covers the front face 42 of the pin body 12, the pin connection unit 34 is covered to the outside by the clip unit 26, so that the ingress of contaminants and also unwanted manipulation of the pin connection unit 34 can be avoided.

[0042] It should be noted that even in the case of the Fig.In the embodiment of the clip unit 26 shown in Figures 1 to 4 on the body base 48, the holding connection unit 58 comprising the holding plug 60 can be provided, so that in addition to the holding force generated by the interaction between the body wall 50 and the pin body 12, a holding force is also generated by means of the holding plug 60 which is inserted through the through-opening 44 onto the pin connection unit 34, which counteracts the unintentional detachment of the cap-like clip unit 26.

[0043] The pen 10, described above as an active digital input pen, can also be configured in a different form or for other functions by utilizing the previously described design aspects for covering or revealing the pen connection unit 34. For example, the pen function assembly 22 can be configured like a nib or a reservoir for a dye, which can be applied to a medium, such as paper or the like, via the pen function unit 20, so that the pen 10 can be used as a conventional writing or drawing instrument. The electronics assembly of such a pen can, for example, include a data storage device, so that such a pen, which does not require any electrical or electronic components to fulfill its basic function, can also be used as a data storage medium, similar to a USB flash drive.

[0044] Furthermore, such a pen 10 can also be configured as a so-called laser pointer, in which optical signals, in particular a laser beam, can be generated by means of the electronic arrangement 28 via the pen's functional unit 20. In this configuration of the pen 10, the electronic arrangement 28 is thus designed to generate the electrical signals to be emitted by the pen's functional unit 20 in the form of optical signals and can also include a rechargeable battery that can be charged via the pen's connection unit 34. Such a pen 10, usable for emitting optical signals, can also be used in the medical or cosmetic field as a skin treatment device.

[0045] In another alternative embodiment, the stylus 10, with its stylus functional unit 20, can be designed to touch a touchscreen in order to establish mechanical contact with the touchscreen. For example, the stylus functional unit 20 can be designed as the tip of the stylus body 12, or as a contact pad to prevent damage to the touchscreen, or the like. The stylus body 12 can, for example, house a data storage device of the electronic assembly 28, so that such a stylus can additionally fulfill the function of a data storage device, i.e., a USB stick. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 717 122 A1

[0003] US 7,401,992 B1

[0004] US 2007 / 0231053 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Pen, encompassing: - a pen body (12) elongated in the direction of a pen longitudinal axis (L), - at a first axial end region (18) of the pin body (12), a pin functional unit (20), - at a second axial end region (24) of the pin body (12), a pin connection unit (34) exposed on an axial end face (42) of the pin body (12) for the purpose of making an electrical plug connection, - a clip unit (26) detachably attachable to the second axial end region (24) of the pin body (12) by axial insertion onto the pin body (12), comprising a clip body (46) and at least one fastening clip (52) extending from the clip body (46), wherein, when the clip unit (26) is attached to the pin body (12), the pin connection unit (34) is covered by the clip body (46) and the at least one fastening clip (52) extends substantially in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis (L) along the pin body (12). [2] Pen according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pin connector unit (34) comprises a plug-in unit (38), preferably a USB plug-in unit, for plugging in a connector plug (41) to establish the electrical connection. [3] Pen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the pin connection unit (34) does not protrude beyond the axial end face (42) of the pin body (12) in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis (L). [4] Pen according to one of claims 1-3, characterized by , that at least one fastening clip (52) extends beyond the clip body (46) in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis (L). [5] Pen according to one of claims 1-4, characterized by , that the clip body (46) is cap-shaped with a body base (48) and a body wall (50) extending from the body base (48), wherein, with the clip unit (26) attached to the pin body (12), the body base (48) covers the pin connection unit (34) and the body wall (50) surrounds the pin body. [6] Pen according to claim 5, characterized by , that when the clip unit (26) is attached to the pen body (12), the clip unit (26) is held to the pen body (12) by: - the body wall (50) adjacent to an outer surface (56) of the pen body (12), and / or - a holding connection unit (58) provided on the body base (48), which is in plug-in interaction with the pin connection unit (34) and / or the pin body (12), and / or - at least one fastening clip (52) located on the outer surface (56) of the pen body (12). [7] Pen according to one of claims 1-4, characterized by , that the clip body (46) is designed as a plate with a body base (48), wherein, when the clip unit (48) is attached to the pin body (12), the body base covers the pin connection unit (34). [8] Pen according to claim 7, characterized by , that an outer circumferential contour of the body base (48) corresponds to an outer circumferential contour of the pin body (12) at the second axial end region (24). [9] Pen according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that when the clip unit (26) is attached to the pen body (12), the clip unit (26) is held to the pen body (12) by: - a holding connection unit (58) provided on the body base (48), which is in plug-in interaction with the pin connection unit (34) and / or the pin body (12), and / or - at least one fastening clip (52) adjacent to an outer surface (56) of the pen body (12). [10] Pen according to claim 6 or 9, if referred back to claim 2, characterized by , that the holding connection unit (58) comprises a holding plug (60) that can be inserted into the pin body (12) and / or plugged into the plug-in unit (38). [11] Pen according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized by , that a pen functional arrangement (22) providing the pen functional unit (20) is arranged in the pen body (12). [12] Pen according to claim 11, characterized by, that the pen functional arrangement (22) is configured to: - Generation of electrical signals, wherein the pen functional unit (20) is configured to output the electrical signals, or - Storage of dye, wherein the pen functional unit (20) is configured to release the dye onto a surface touched by the pen functional unit (20), or - for generating a light beam, wherein the pen functional unit (20) is designed to emit the light beam. [13] Pen according to claim 12, characterized by , that an electronic arrangement (28) which can be connected to an external device by means of the pin connection unit (34) is arranged in the pin body (12). [14] Pen according to claim 13, characterized by , that the electronic arrangement (28) comprises: - a signal generation unit, and / or - an energy storage device, or / and - a data storage device. [15] Pen according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized by , that the pin body (12) comprises a first pin body part (14) providing the first axial end region (18) and a second pin body part (16) providing the second axial end region (24), wherein the axial end face (42) of the pin body (12) is formed on the second pin body part (16) and a through-hole (44) for providing access to the pin connection unit (34) is provided in an end wall (45) of the second pin body part (16) providing the axial end face (42).

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