Handheld devices

Abstract

Provided is a hand-held device capable of further reducing the burden on the body of an operator during operation.　A tablet holder 1 for holding a tablet T in a detachable manner is provided with a holder body 2 that has a base surface 20 on the front side so as to attach the tablet T, a grip portion 3 for an operator to grasp by hand, which is disposed on the rear side of the holder body 2 and provided so as to be rotatable in at least two directions, and a support portion 4 disposed on the rear side of the holder body 2 and supported from below by at least a part of a forearm Fa of the operator P.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld device for removably holding a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-79539 describes a handheld device (1) for outputting a control signal to a controller or control device of an industrial robot. The handheld device (1) includes a holder part (4) for holding a tablet, smartphone, or the like, and a grip part (3) rotatably provided at the bottom of the holder part (4) and held by an operator (H), and the grip part (3) is sized to fit in the palm of the operator (H) (see paragraphs

[0021] to

[0023] ,

[0040] , and Figures 2 and 7 of the publication).

[0003] When using the handheld device, the tablet (2) is held in the holder part (4) (see FIG. 4 of the same publication), and the operator (H) operates the tablet (2) while holding the grip part (3) in his / her hand. At this time, the operator (H) holds the grip part (3) with the palm facing up, so that the operator (H) can stably support the device (1) from below (see paragraphs

[0040] to

[0041] of the same publication).

[0004] In addition, the safety switch device (21) described in JP 2021-11002 A includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the mobile terminal (6), and the fixing mechanism has a grip portion (34) for an operator to hold in his / her hand, and the grip portion (34) has a contact surface (34a) that contacts the palm of the operator's hand (78) (see paragraphs

[0022] and

[0032] and FIG. 4 of the same publication). The contact surface (34a) is provided with belts (61a, 61b) for pressing the operator's hand (78) against the grip portion (34) (see paragraphs

[0040] and FIG. 4 of the same publication).

[0005] When using the safety switch device (21), the worker grasps the grip portion (34) with the hand (78), and then operates the mobile terminal (6) while pressing and fixing the hand against the contact surface (34a) of the grip portion (34) with the belts (61a, 61b). The publication states that the worker can hold the device (21) stably in the hand (78) without releasing the hand (78) from the grip portion (34) (see paragraph

[0041] and Figure 4 of the publication). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-79539 A (see paragraphs

[0021] to

[0023] ,

[0040] to

[0041] and Figures 2 and 7) [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-11002 A (see paragraphs

[0022] ,

[0032] ,

[0040] to

[0041] and FIG. 4) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the conventional device described in JP 2021-79539 A, the weight of the holder part (4) and the tablet (2) can be stably supported from below by the palm of the operator (H) during use, reducing the physical burden on the operator. However, as the tablet (2) becomes larger and heavier, a large moment of force acts on the wrist and forearm of the operator (H). As a result, there is a risk that the physical burden on the operator (H) will increase when using the device for long periods of time.

[0008] In addition, in the conventional device described in JP 2021-11002 A, the weight of the fixing mechanism and the portable terminal (6) is supported by the palm of the worker's hand (78) during use. Similarly, as the portable terminal (6) becomes larger, a large moment of force acts on the worker's wrist and forearm. As a result, the physical strain on the worker increases during long-term use.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a handheld device that can further reduce the physical strain on the operator when operating it. In particular, the present invention is aimed at reducing the strain on the operator's arms when operating a large portable terminal or when using it for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The handheld device according to the present invention is a handheld device that detachably holds a mobile terminal for outputting signals to a machine including a robot, and includes a device main body having a base surface on the front side on which the mobile terminal is placed, and a handheld terminal that is disposed on the back side of the device main body and is configured to be capable of taking at least two orientations. At the same time , operator of Grasping by hand Extends longitudinally as shown A grip portion, an enable switch provided on the grip portion and operable by a hand holding the grip portion, and a push button provided integrally with the grip portion. The grip extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip, and when the grip is held by hand, Abutting at least a part of the operator's forearm By doing Supported from below With contact surface and a support portion.

[0011] In the present invention, in addition to the grip part, the back of the device body is provided with , grip part One with And perpendicular to this Since the support section is arranged, when an operator places a mobile terminal that outputs signals to the machine on the base surface on the front side of the device body and holds the holding section in his / her hand, the weight of the entire device including the mobile terminal is not only supported by the operator's hand via the holding section, but also supported by the operator's hand integrally with the holding section. And perpendicular to thisSince the mobile terminal is supported by at least a part of the operator's forearm via the support portion, the load can be distributed to the operator's hand and forearm, and the moment of force acting on the forearm can be reduced. This further reduces the burden on the operator's body during operation. In particular, when the mobile terminal is large or when the mobile terminal is used for a long time, the burden on the operator's arm can be further reduced. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the grip portion is provided on the back side of the device body so as to be able to take at least two orientations, the operator can stably support the mobile terminal in both horizontal and vertical orientations, and can grip the grip portion with either the left or right hand. This also further reduces the burden on the operator's body.

[0012] In the present invention, an abutment portion is provided on the front side of the device body against which the side of a portable terminal can abut, and the grip portion is arranged so as to be rotatable a predetermined angle to the left and right around a neutral position arranged parallel to the arrangement direction of the abutment portion, and is capable of adopting first and second orientations which intersect diagonally with each other.

[0013] In the present invention, the gripping portion and support is rotatable about the center of the device body or a position in the vicinity thereof.

[0015] In the present invention, the grip portion has a grip main body portion extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be gripped by the second to fourth fingers of the operator's finger, and a fitting recess formed on the side of the grip main body portion into which the first finger of the operator fits.

[0016] In the present invention, the support part Contact surface of is provided so as to come into contact with at least the wrist of the operator.

[0022] In the present invention, the device body has an operation input section that accepts input operations by an operator.

[0023] The handheld device according to the present invention is a handheld device that detachably holds a mobile terminal for outputting signals to a machine including a robot, and includes a device main body having a base surface on the front side on which the mobile terminal is placed, and a handheld terminal that is disposed on the back side of the device main body and is configured to be capable of taking at least two orientations. At the same time , operator of Grasping by hand Extends longitudinally as shown A gripping portion and a gripping portion are integrally provided The grip extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip, and when the grip is held by hand, Abutting at least a part of the operator's forearm By doing Supported from below Has a contact surface the support portion is provided at a position facing the grip portion vertically on the front side of the device body, The machine and a stop switch for outputting a stop signal to the

[0024] In the present invention, the grip part is provided on the back side of the device body so that it can take at least two orientations, so that the operator can stably support the mobile terminal in either horizontal or vertical orientation, and can grip the grip part with either the left or right hand. This can further reduce the physical burden on the operator. In addition, in the present invention, the stop switch is provided at a position that faces the grip part vertically, so that when the operator operates the stop switch arranged on the front side of the operation body with one hand, when a downward pressing load acts on the stop switch, the pressing load is supported from below by the other hand of the operator gripping the grip part arranged on the back side of the operation body. This can prevent the moment load caused by the downward pressing load acting on the stop switch from acting on the handheld device when the stop switch is operated, and as a result, the physical burden on the operator can be further reduced.

[0025] In the present invention, the stop switch is disposed at a position that vertically faces the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand when the operator holds the grip portion with his / her hand.

[0026] In this case, when an operator operates the stop switch with one hand and a downward pressure load acts on the stop switch, the pressure load is supported by the metacarpophalangeal joint of the operator's other hand holding the gripping portion. As a result, when the stop switch is operated, the downward pressure load acting on the stop switch can be supported near the base of the fingers, so that the pressure load can be stably supported, thereby further reducing the burden on the operator's body. Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, the handheld device of the present invention can further reduce the physical strain on the operator when operating the device, and can reduce the strain on the operator's arms, particularly when the portable terminal is large or when the device is used for long periods of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of the front side of a handheld device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front (surface) view of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view (bottom view) of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of the rear side of the handheld device (FIG. 1). [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the front side of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view (surface view) of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 11]2 is a rear view (backside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the rear side of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 17] 1 is a rear view (underside view) showing a state in which a grip unit of the handheld device (FIG. 1) is rotatably provided with respect to the device body and the grip unit is rotated to one side with respect to a neutral position. [Figure 18] 1 is a rear view (underside view) showing a state in which the grip unit of the handheld device (FIG. 1) is rotatably provided with respect to the device body and the grip unit has been rotated to the other side with respect to a neutral position. [Figure 19] 2 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) with the grip unit rotated to one side and held by the operator's left hand. FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in a state where an operator rotates the grip unit of the handheld device to the other side and holds it with his / her right hand. [Figure 21] 1 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) with a mobile terminal held thereon, the handheld device being held by an operator with a grip unit of the handheld device (FIG. 1) held in his / her left hand. [Figure 22] 1 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 1) with a mobile terminal held thereon, the handheld device being held by an operator with a grip unit of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in his / her right hand. FIG. [Diagram 23]FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of use of the handheld device (FIG. 1) placed on a table. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a rear view (backside view) showing the grip unit of the handheld device (FIG. 1) in which the support part is provided separately from the grip part and fixed to the device body, and the grip part is provided rotatably relative to the support part around a neutral position. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of the front side of a handheld device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a front view (surface view) of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a rear view (underside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Figure 28] FIG. 26 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Figure 29] FIG. 26 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Diagram 30] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Diagram 31] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Diagram 32] FIG. 26 is a general perspective view of the back side of the handheld device (FIG. 25). [Diagram 33] FIG. 27 is an overall perspective view of the front side of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Diagram 34] FIG. 27 is a front view (surface view) of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Diagram 35] 26 is a rear view (backside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 27 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 37] FIG. 26 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state where a mobile terminal is held therein. [Figure 38] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 39]FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state where a mobile terminal is held therein. [Diagram 40] FIG. 27 is an overall perspective view of the rear side of the handheld device (FIG. 25) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Diagram 41] FIG. 11 is a front view (surface view) of a handheld device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a rear view (underside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 41). [Diagram 43] FIG. 42 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 41). [Diagram 44] FIG. 42 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 41). [Diagram 45] FIG. 42 is a plan view of the handheld device (FIG. 41). [Figure 46] FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the handheld device (FIG. 41). [Figure 47] FIG. 42 is an overall perspective view of the front side of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 48] FIG. 42 is a front view (surface view) of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 49] 42 is a rear view (backside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. FIG. [Figure 50] FIG. 42 is a left side view of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 51] FIG. 42 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 52] FIG. 42 is an overall perspective view of the rear side of the handheld device (FIG. 41) in a state in which a mobile terminal is held. [Figure 53] FIG. 13 is a front view (surface view) of a handheld device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing an operator's left hand holding a grip unit on the rear side (back side) of the handheld device. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a rear view (underside view) of the handheld device (FIG. 53). [Figure 55]This is a rear view (backside view) showing the state in which the grip unit of the handheld device (Figure 53) is rotatably arranged relative to the device body and the grip unit has been rotated to one side about a neutral position, and also shows a mobile terminal held in the handheld device (Figure 53). [Figure 56] This is a rear view (backside view) showing the state in which the grip unit of the handheld device (Figure 53) is rotatably arranged relative to the device body and the grip unit has been rotated to the other side of the neutral position, and also shows a mobile terminal held in the handheld device (Figure 53). [Figure 57] In the handheld device (Figure 54), the emergency stop switch on the front side (surface side) is also shown. [Figure 58] In the handheld device (Figure 55), an emergency stop switch on the front side (surface side) is also shown. [Figure 59] In the handheld device (Figure 56), the emergency stop switch on the front side (surface side) is also shown. [Figure 60] FIG. 54 is a right side view of the handheld device (FIG. 53) to explain the positional relationship between the downward pressure load acting on the emergency stop switch and the position of the MP joint (metacarpophalangeal joint) of the operator's hand holding the gripping portion of the grip unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, a tablet is taken as an example of a mobile terminal (i.e. a terminal that can be operated mobilely) of the present invention, and the handheld device is referred to as a tablet holder, but the mobile terminal of the present invention includes not only tablets, but also tablet PCs (personal computers), tablet terminals, smartphones, smart devices, mobile terminals, mobile equipment, small notebook computers, etc.

[0030] <First Example> Figures 1 to 24 are diagrams for explaining a tablet holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In these diagrams, Figures 1 to 8, 17, 18, and 24 are external views of the tablet holder alone, Figures 9 to 16 are external views of the tablet holder holding a tablet, and Figures 19 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the tablet holder in use.

[0031] For ease of explanation, in the following description, the "front side" refers to the side of the tablet holder on which the tablet is placed, as shown in Figures 2 and 10, and the "rear side" refers to the side of the tablet holder on which the grip unit is placed, as shown in Figures 3, 11, 17, 18, and 24. Additionally, "upper side" and "above" refer to the "upper side" and "upper" when the tablet holder is viewed from the front or rear, and "lower side" and "lower" refer to the "lower side" and "lower" when the tablet holder is viewed from the front or rear.

[0032] 1 to 16, the tablet holder 1 is for detachably holding a tablet T, and the tablet T is used, for example, to output signals (operation signals, control signals, etc.) to an external device (such as a robot controller or other machine control device). Furthermore, the tablet T is not limited to a dedicated tablet for such an external device, and may be a commercially available tablet on which an app (i.e., application software) is installed.

[0033] The tablet holder 1 comprises a holder body (device body) 2 having a base surface 20 on the front side on which a tablet T is placed, a gripping part 3 arranged on the rear side of the holder body 2 for an operator to hold with his / her hand, and a support part 4 arranged on the rear side of the holder body 2 and supported from below by at least a part of the operator's forearm when the operator holds the gripping part 3 with his / her hand. Here, the support part 4 is provided integrally with the gripping part 3, and as a whole constitutes a grip unit G.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 2 and 10, the front side of the holder body 2 is provided with an abutment portion 21 against which the upper side surface T1 of the tablet T can abut. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the rear side of the holder body 2 is provided with a tapered surface 2C whose height (length in the left-right direction in Figs. 4 and 5) gradually decreases toward the lower end. Also, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the rear side of the holder body 2 is provided with a pair of left and right holders 10 and 11 for detachably holding the left and right corners of the lower side surface T2 of the tablet T. Each holder 10 and 11 is fixed to one end of a belt 10a and 11a, respectively, and the other end of each belt 10a and 11a is attached to the holder body 2. Each belt 10a and 11a may have elasticity, i.e., stretchability, in the longitudinal direction. In other figures, for convenience of illustration, the holders 10 and 11 and the belts 10a and 11a are omitted. In addition, the holder for holding the lower side T2 of the tablet T is not limited to holders 10 and 11, and is also not limited to holders that hold the tablet T from a diagonal direction like holders 10 and 11, but may hold the tablet T from the opposite side direction, or any other appropriate mechanism may be adopted.

[0035] Next, the gripping part 3 and the supporting part 4 will be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the grip portion 3 includes a grip body portion 30 extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Fig. 3). A center line 30C in the longitudinal direction of the grip body portion 30 (i.e., the arrangement direction of the grip body portion 30) is parallel to the contact portion 21 on the front side of the holder body 2. The grip body portion 30 is a portion to be gripped by the second to fifth fingers of the operator's fingers, and has an outer peripheral surface 30a that is generally convex arc-shaped (or circular) in side view. Each of the side portions 31, 31' arranged on both the left and right sides of the grip body portion 30 protrudes upward (upward in Fig. 3) beyond the grip body portion 30, and has a fitting recess 31a, 31'a into which the first finger of the operator's finger fits. The fitting recess 31a corresponds to the first finger of the operator's left hand, and the fitting recess 31'a corresponds to the first finger of the operator's right hand.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, a recess 30b extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the upper part of the grip body 30. An enable switch 32 is provided in the recess 30b. The enable switch 32 is composed of a push button that is pressed by the second to fifth fingers of the operator's fingers. In this example, the enable switch 32 extends in the longitudinal direction and is in contact with all of the second to fifth fingers of the operator's fingers, improving the operability of the enable switch 32. When the push button is not pressed, the enable switch 32 is in a state where the contact is off and no signal is output to an external device. When the push button is lightly pressed from this state, the contact is turned on and a signal is output to the external device, making it possible to perform teaching work, etc., and when the finger is released from the push button, the signal output to the external device is stopped. Furthermore, when the push button is pressed hard from a lightly pressed state, the enable switch 32 is turned off and the signal output to the external device is stopped.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the support part 4 is integrally connected to the grip body part 30 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the center line 30C of the grip body part 30 in the longitudinal direction. The center line 4C of the support part 4 passes through the center O (or a position near the center O) (hereinafter the same) of the holder body 2 and is perpendicular to the center line 30C of the grip body part 3. An arc-shaped surface 4A is formed at the tip of the support part 4, and the outer shape of the support part 4 is approximately triangular. The support part 4 has an abutment surface 40 against which at least a part of the operator's forearm abuts when the operator holds the grip part 3 by hand. The abutment surface 40 is formed from a convex curved surface as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. This convex curved surface bulges most and has a maximum height (length in the left-right direction in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) at the center O of the holder body 2 and its neighboring area, and the height gradually decreases toward the tip of the support part 4. Moreover, the convex curved surface and the substantially convex arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 30 a of the grip body 30 are smoothly connected by a concave curved surface 42 .

[0038] The grip unit G, which is formed by integrally forming the gripping portion 3 and the support portion 4 described above, has a generally pentagonal external shape as shown in FIG. 3. The grip unit G is provided in the back surface 22 of the holder body 2 or in a recess 22a formed in the back surface 22 so as to be rotatable around the center O of the holder body 2. For example, a support shaft (not shown) may be provided in either the holder body 2 or the grip unit G so that its axis coincides with the center O of the holder body 2, and a shaft hole (not shown) through which the support shaft can rotate and slide may be provided in the other of the holder body 2 or the grip unit G. In this case, the support shaft may be configured to rotate via a ratchet mechanism (not shown).

[0039] 3, when the center line 30C in the longitudinal direction of the grip body 30 of the grip part 3 is arranged parallel to the abutment part 21 of the holder body 2, the center line 4C of the support part 4 passes through the center O of the holder body 2 and is perpendicular to the center line 30C of the grip body 3, and at this time, the grip unit G is arranged in a neutral position. The grip unit G is rotatable a predetermined angle left and right (i.e. counterclockwise and clockwise) around this neutral position.

[0040] 17 and 18 show the state in which the grip unit G has rotated around the center O by angles α and β, respectively. The angle α is a counterclockwise rotation angle as viewed from the back side of the holder main body 2, and the angle β is a clockwise rotation angle as viewed from the back side of the holder main body 2. The angles α and β are, for example, α=40±10°, β=40±10° That is, 30°<α<50°, 30°<β<50° Therefore, 60°<α+β<100° is set to. This takes into consideration individual differences such as the height, arm length, and gender of the operator. Here, as a preferred example, α=β=40° (or α≒β≒40°) is set to.

[0041] This allows the gripper 3 to take at least two orientations: a first orientation rotated by an angle α to one side of the neutral position, and a second orientation rotated by an angle β to the other side of the neutral position. The first and second orientations cross each other obliquely. For example, when α=β=40°, the crossing angle is 100°.

[0042] An arc-shaped groove 22b is formed around a center O on the back surface 22 (or the recess 22a) of the holder body 2. An engagement portion Gb that engages with the arc-shaped groove 22b is protruding from the surface of the grip unit G facing the back surface 22 (or the recess 22a) of the holder body 2. When the grip unit G rotates, the grip unit G moves around the center O along the arc-shaped groove 22b. A set screw (or a stopper pin) 48 is attached to the support portion 4 to fix the grip unit G at a desired rotation position. A slightly wider arc-shaped groove 22b' is connected to one end of the arc-shaped groove 22b and is a groove for facilitating attachment and detachment of the engagement portion Gb of the grip unit G to the arc-shaped groove 22b.

[0043] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. 1 and 9 to 11, when using the tablet holder 1 described above, first, the tablet T is placed on the base surface 20 of the holder body 2, and the tablet T is held by the holder body 2 by the abutment portion 21 and each of the holders 10, 11. From this state, when the operator turns the tablet T sideways and operates the tablet T with the right hand while holding the grip portion 3 with the left hand, the grip unit G including the grip portion 3 is rotated by an angle α counterclockwise from the center O when viewed from the back side of the tablet holder 2, as shown in FIG.

[0044] At this time, as shown in Fig. 19, the left forearm Fa of the operator P is positioned in a direction facing the front of the body of the operator P, that is, tilted at an angle α clockwise from the direction of the neutral position of the grip unit G. The tilt angle α of this forearm Fa is equal to the rotation angle α of the grip unit G. Also, as shown in Figs. 19 and 21, the grip body part 30 of the grip part 3 is gripped by the second finger to the fifth finger of the left hand of the operator P, and the first finger of the left hand is in contact with the fitting recess 31 of the side part 31 of the grip body part 30. a 21 is a left side view showing a state in which the grip unit G is placed in the neutral position (i.e., before rotation by angle α) and the operator P is holding the grip part 3 with his left hand, but since the positional relationship between the grip part 3 and the support part 4 and the left forearm Fa of the operator P does not change before and after the rotation of the grip unit G, FIG. 21 is used here for convenience of explanation.

[0045] The wrist Wr of the left hand of the operator P is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 of the grip unit G, as shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 21. Here, the wrist Wr is located at the tip of the forearm Fa, and is a region including the carpal bone Ca connected to each metacarpal bone Me of the first to fifth fingers of the hand, and the heads of the radius Ra and ulna Ul connected thereto. As shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 21, when the operator P grips the grip part 3 with his left hand, the wrist Wr is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 from below, and the convex curved surface of the contact surface 40 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wrist Wr so as to follow the curved shape of the wrist Wr. 21 shows an example in which the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 contacts the wrist Wr of the operator P, and FIG. 19 shows an example in which the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 contacts a wider area including the wrist Wr of the operator P and the area near the elbow, but it is preferable that the contact surface 40 of the support part 40 contacts at least the wrist Wr of the operator P. In this specification, these parts and areas are collectively expressed as "at least a part of the forearm Fa of the operator P." In the example shown in FIG. 21, the forearm area further from the wrist Wr toward the elbow contacts the tapered surface 2C of the holder main body 2.

[0046] Next, when the operator turns the tablet T sideways, holds the holding portion 3 with his / her right hand and operates the tablet T with his / her left hand, the grip unit G including the holding portion 3 is rotated clockwise about the center O by an angle β when viewed from the back side of the tablet holder 2, as shown in Figure 18.

[0047] At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the right forearm Fa of the operator P is disposed inclined at an angle β counterclockwise from the direction facing the body of the operator P toward the front of the body of the operator P, that is, from the direction of the neutral position of the grip unit G. The inclination angle β of the forearm Fa is equal to the rotation angle β of the grip unit G. Also, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22, the grip body part 30 of the grip part 3 is gripped by the second finger to the fifth finger of the right hand of the operator P, and the first finger of the right hand is fitted into the fitting recess 31'a of the side part 31' of the grip body part 30. Note that FIG. 22 is a right side view showing a state in which the operator P grips the grip part 3 with his right hand in a state in which the grip unit G is disposed in the neutral position (i.e., before the rotation of the angle β), but since the positional relationship between the grip part 3 and the support part 4 and the right forearm Fa of the operator P does not change before and after the rotation of the grip unit G, FIG. 22 is used here for convenience of explanation.

[0048] The wrist Wr of the right hand of the operator P is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 of the grip unit G. Here, as described above, the wrist Wr is located at the tip of the forearm Fa, and is an area including the carpal bone Ca and the heads of the radius Ra and ulna Ul. As shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 22, when the operator P grips the grip part 3 with his / her right hand, the wrist Wr is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 from below, and the convex curved surface of the contact surface 40 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wrist Wr so as to follow the curved shape of the wrist Wr. 22 shows an example in which the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 contacts the wrist Wr of the operator P, and FIG 20 shows an example in which the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 contacts a wider area including the wrist Wr of the operator P and the area near the elbow, but it is preferable that the contact surface 40 of the support part 40 contacts at least the wrist Wr of the operator P, and preferably contacts at least a part of the forearm Fa of the operator P. In the example shown in FIG 22, a part of the forearm further from the wrist Wr closer to the elbow contacts the tapered surface 2C of the holder main body 2.

[0049] On the other hand, when the operator P holds the tablet T vertically and operates the tablet T with his / her left hand while holding the gripping portion 3 with his / her right hand, the operator P rotates the grip unit G counterclockwise about the center O by an angle α as viewed from the back surface side of the tablet holder 2, and holds the gripping portion 3 with his / her right hand, as shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19. At this time, the gripping main body portion 30 of the gripping portion 3 is held by the second finger to the fifth finger of the operator P's right hand, and the first finger of the right hand fits into the fitting recess 31' of the side portion 31' of the gripping main body portion 30.

[0050] At this time, although not shown, the right forearm Fa of the operator P is disposed tilted at an angle α clockwise from the direction of the neutral position of the grip unit G, or in other words, tilted at an angle (90-α)° counterclockwise from the direction facing the body toward the front of the body of the operator P. Even in this case, the wrist Wr of the right hand of the operator P is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 of the grip unit G from below, and the convex curved surface of the contact surface 40 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wrist Wr so as to follow the curved shape of the wrist Wr.

[0051] When the operator P holds the tablet T vertically and operates the tablet T with his / her right hand while holding the gripping portion 3 with his / her left hand, the grip unit G is rotated clockwise about the center O by an angle β as viewed from the rear surface side of the tablet holder 2, and the operator P holds the gripping portion 3 with his / her left hand, as shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 20. At this time, the gripping main body 30 of the gripping portion 3 is held by the second finger to the fifth finger of the operator P's left hand, and the first finger of the left hand is inserted into the fitting recess 31 of the side portion 31 of the gripping main body 30. a I'm stuck in it.

[0052] At this time, although not shown, the left forearm Fa of the operator P is disposed tilted at an angle β counterclockwise from the direction of the neutral position of the grip unit G, or in other words, tilted at an angle (90-β)° clockwise from the direction facing the body toward the front of the body of the operator P. Even in this case, the wrist Wr of the left hand of the operator P is in contact with the contact surface 40 of the support part 4 of the grip unit G from below, and the convex curved surface of the contact surface 40 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wrist Wr so as to follow the curved shape of the wrist Wr.

[0053] Thus, according to this embodiment, the support part 4 is provided in addition to the grip part 3 on the back side of the holder body 2, so that when the tablet T is placed on the base surface 20 on the front side of the holder body 2 and the operator P grips the grip part 3 with his / her hand, the weight of the entire tablet holder 2 is not only supported by the hand of the operator P via the grip part 3, but also supported by at least a part of the forearm Fa of the operator P via the support part 4, so that the load can be distributed to the hand and forearm Fa of the operator P and the moment of force acting on the forearm Fa can be reduced. This further reduces the burden on the body of the operator P during operation. In particular, when the tablet T is large or when it is used for a long time, the burden on the operator P's arm can be reduced. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the tapered surface 2C provided on the lower part of the holder main body 2 also functions as a holding portion, and the forearm part that abuts against the tapered surface 2C supports part of the weight of the entire tablet holder 2, thereby further distributing the load and further reducing the moment of force acting on the forearm Fa, thereby further reducing the physical burden on the operator P when operating.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the gripping part 3 is provided on the rear side of the holder body 2 so that it can take at least two orientations, so that the operator P can stably support the tablet T in either the horizontal or vertical orientation, and can hold the gripping part 3 with either the left or right hand. This also reduces the physical burden on the operator P.

[0055] The tablet holder 1 according to this embodiment may be used by placing it on a horizontal surface such as a table. Fig. 23 shows the tablet holder 1 placed on the table surface Ta. At this time, the gripping portion 3 and the support portion 4 on the rear side of the holder body 2 are in contact with the table surface Ta, and the base surface 20 of the holder body 2 is inclined at an angle γ (for example, 30°) with respect to the table surface Ta. This allows the screen Td of the tablet T to be inclined at an angle that is easy for the operator to view.

[0056] 2 and 10, an emergency stop switch 23, a joystick 24, and other switches 25 and 26 are provided on the upper part of the holder body 2 as an operation input unit that accepts various input operations by the operator. By attaching these switches to the holder body 2, an operation function for the tablet T can be added, and input operations such as changing the settings of the tablet T and operating external devices can also be performed via these switches, improving operability.

[0057] In the above-mentioned example, the grip unit G is configured by integrating the grip part 3 and the support part 4 and is provided so as to be rotatable around the center O, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 24 shows an example in which the grip part 3 and the support part 4 constituting the grip unit G are configured as separate bodies, and in this figure, the same reference numerals as in Figures 17 and 18 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 24, the support part 4 has a convex arcuate surface 4B at the upper part, the center of which is the center O. The left and right ends of the upper arcuate surface 4B and the left and right ends of the lower arcuate surface 4A are connected by a pair of linear left and right side surfaces 4D. The support part 4 is fixed to the holder body 2. The abutment surface 40' of the support part 4 includes each extension area of ​​the abutment surface 40 of the support part 4 after rotation, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, respectively. That is, the abutment surface 40' of the support part 4 in FIG. 24 includes the trajectory of the abutment surface 40 when the abutment surface 40 of the support part 4 moves from the rotation position shown in FIG. 17 to the rotation position shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, the abutment surface 40' is formed of a convex curved surface, and the convex curved surface bulges most and has a maximum height at the center O of the holder body 2 and its neighboring area, and the height gradually decreases toward the lower arcuate surface 4A of the support part 4. In addition, the upper arcuate surface 4B of the support portion 4 preferably has a concave curved surface that curves concavely toward the back of the paper in Figure 24 in order to smoothly connect it to the gripping portion 3 (see concave curved surface 42 in the first embodiment).

[0059] As shown in Fig. 24, the gripping part 3 has a concave arcuate surface 3B at the bottom centered on the center O, and the arcuate surface 3B is disposed opposite the arcuate surface 4B of the support part 4 with a predetermined gap therebetween. The gripping part 3 is rotatable around the center O along the arcuate groove 22b, similar to the gripping part 3 shown in Figs. 17 and 18, and can take at least two orientations: a first orientation rotated by an angle α to one side with respect to the neutral position, and a second orientation rotated by an angle β to the other side with respect to the neutral position. When the gripping part 3 rotates, the arcuate surface 3B of the gripping part 3 rotates and slides against the arcuate surface 4B of the support part 4.

[0060] In this case, regardless of whether the grip part 3 is rotated in the direction of the angle α or β, the wrist of the operator abuts against the abutment surface 40' of the support part 4 from below, and the convex curved surface of the abutment surface 40' comes into close contact with the wrist. This further reduces the burden on the operator's body during operation, and reduces the burden on the operator's arms.

[0061] <Second Example> In the first embodiment, an example in which the gripping portion 3 is configured to be rotatable is shown, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. Figures 25 to 40 are diagrams for explaining a tablet holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. Figures 25 to 32 are external views of the tablet holder alone, and Figures 33 to 40 are external views of the tablet holder with a tablet held therein.

[0062] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the gripping portion 3 is fixed to the holder body 2. As shown in Fig. 27 and Fig. 32, the gripping portion 3 is composed of a first gripping portion 301 and a second gripping portion 302 that intersect in an inverted V shape on the back side of the holder body 2, and the first and second gripping portions 301, 302 are disposed at a predetermined distance from the back surface 22 of the holder body 2. The arrangement directions of the first and second gripping portions 301, 302 all extend in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the abutment portion 21 (see Figs. 26, 28, and 29) with which one side surface of the tablet T can abut on the front side of the holder body 2, and the first and second gripping portions 301, 302 intersect obliquely.

[0063] The upper ends of the first and second gripping parts 301, 302 are connected to each other and fixed to the back surface 22 of the holder body 2 via a connecting part 38 extending toward the back surface 22 of the holder body 2. The lower end of the first gripping part 301 is fixed to the back surface 22 of the holder body 2 via a connecting part 391 extending toward the back surface 22 of the holder body 2, and similarly, the lower end of the second gripping part 302 is fixed to the back surface 22 of the holder body 2 via a connecting part 392 extending toward the back surface 22 of the holder body 2. In addition, an enable switch 321 is provided in the first gripping part 301, and an enable switch 322 is provided in the second gripping part 302.

[0064] When operating the tablet T in a landscape orientation, the operator may hold the grip portion 301 with the left hand or the grip portion 302 with the right hand. When operating the tablet T in a portrait orientation, the operator may hold the grip portion 302 with the left hand or the grip portion 301 with the right hand.

[0065] In either case, when the operator grips the gripping parts 301, 302, at least a part of the operator's wrist or forearm is supported by the back surface 22 of the holder body 2. This can further reduce the burden on the operator's body during operation, and can also reduce the burden on the operator's arms. In this example, the back surface 22 of the holder body 2 is formed as a roughly flat surface, but a support part having a convex curved surface that fits at least the curved shape of the operator's wrist may be provided. This can improve the support for the wrist, and can further reduce the burden on the operator's arms.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the holders 10, 11 of the tablet T only hold the lower side surface T2 of the tablet T. In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 34, in addition to the holder 10h' that holds the lower side surface T2 of the tablet T, a holder 10h that holds the upper side surface T1 is provided. The holders 10h, 10h' are disposed not only at the corners of the tablet T but also at the center of the side surfaces. In addition, the holders 10h, 10h' are integrally connected to each other on the rear side of the holder body 2 by a flat area portion 10H that covers most of the area of ​​the rear surface 22, as shown in Fig. 35.

[0067] <Third Example> Figures 41 to 52 show a tablet holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. Figures 41 to 46 show the tablet holder alone, and Figures 47 to 52 show the tablet holder holding a tablet.

[0068] As shown in Figs. 41, 42, 48 and 49, the tablet holder 100 includes a holder body (device body) 200 having a base surface 220 on the front side on which a tablet T is placed, a gripping part 300 arranged on the rear side of the holder body 200 for an operator to hold with his / her hand, and a support part 400 arranged on the rear side of the holder body 200 and supported from below by at least a part of the operator's forearm when the operator holds the gripping part 300 with his / her hand. Here, the support part 400 is provided integrally with the gripping part 300, and as a whole, the grip unit G' is configured. The grip unit G' is provided so as to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the center O (Figs. 42 and 49) of the holder body 200, and is thereby capable of taking at least two orientations.

[0069] As shown in Figures 41, 42, and 46 to 49, the holder body 200 has a pair of slidable holders 221, 221' for diagonally clamping and holding a tablet T. The holders 221, 221' are arranged so that they can move toward and away from each other, which makes it possible to easily accommodate tablets T of various sizes.

[0070] As shown in Figures 42, 43, 49 and 50, the gripping portion 300 is a portion that is gripped mainly by the second to fifth fingers of the operator's fingers, and has a generally convex arc-shaped (or circular) outer periphery in a side view. Fitting recesses 331a formed on both the left and right sides of the gripping portion 300 correspond to the first finger of the operator's finger. An enable switch 332 is provided on the upper portion of the gripping portion 300.

[0071] As shown in Figs. 42, 49, 50 and 52, the support part 400 is integrally connected to the grip part 300 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the grip part 300. The support part 400 has an abutment surface 440 against which at least a part of the operator's forearm abuts when the operator holds the grip part 300 by hand. The abutment surface 440 is formed of a convex curved surface as shown in Figs. 50 and 52. This convex curved surface bulges most and has a maximum height at the upper part of the support part 400, and the height gradually decreases toward the tip (lower end) of the support part 400. In addition, in each figure, reference numeral 335 denotes a cable that extends between the emergency stop switch 23 and the support part 400 and is connected to an external device.

[0072] When using the above-mentioned tablet holder 100, as shown in Fig. 41 and Fig. 47 to Fig. 50, first, the tablet T is placed on the base surface 220 of the holder body 200, and the tablet T is clamped and held in the diagonal direction by each of the holders 221, 221'. From this state, the grip unit G' including the gripping portion 300 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a desired amount about the center O depending on the orientation of the tablet T when the operator operates the tablet T (i.e., whether it is horizontal or vertical) and whether the operator operates the tablet with the left or right hand.

[0073] At this time, although not shown, the second to fifth fingers of the operator's hand grip the grip portion 300, and the first finger fits into the fitting recess 331a of the grip portion 300. At this time, at least a part of the operator's forearm, i.e., the wrist and the part of the forearm near the elbow, is in contact with the contact surface 440 of the support portion 400 of the grip unit G' from below, and the convex curved surface of the contact surface 440 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wrist along the curved shape of the wrist.

[0074] In the third embodiment, the support part 400 is provided in addition to the grip part 300 on the back side of the holder body 200. When the tablet T is placed on the base surface 220 on the front side of the holder body 200 and the operator grips the grip part 300 with his / her hand, the weight of the entire tablet holder 100 is not only supported by the operator's hand via the grip part 300, but also by at least a part of the operator's forearm via the support part 400. This allows the load to be distributed to the operator's hand and forearm, and the moment of force acting on the forearm to be reduced. This further reduces the burden on the operator's body during operation. In particular, when the tablet T is large or when the tablet is used for a long time, the burden on the operator's arm can be reduced. Furthermore, since the grip part 300 is provided on the back side of the holder body 200 so as to be capable of adopting at least two orientations, the operator can stably support the tablet T in both landscape and portrait orientations, and can grip the grip part 300 with either the left or right hand. This also reduces the physical strain on the worker P.

[0075] More preferably, a concave curved surface may be formed on a part of the contact surface 440 of the support portion 400 of the grip unit G'. If the contact surface 440 is formed only with a convex curved surface, support may become unstable due to the weight of the tablet T in addition to the holder body 200 when the tablet holder 100 is supported by the operator's forearm. However, by forming a concave curved surface on a part of the contact surface 440, the contact surface 440 can easily come into close contact with the operator's forearm, and as a result, the tablet holder 100 can be supported more stably.

[0076] <Fourth Example> Figures 53 to 60 are diagrams for explaining a tablet holder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 53, 54, and 57 to 60 being external views of the tablet holder alone, and Figures 55 and 56 being rear views (backside views) of the tablet holder holding a tablet (shown by a dashed line). In these diagrams, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0077] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the tablet T' detachably held by the tablet holder 1' is a relatively large tablet (for example, one having a size (diagonal length) of about 10 to 13 inches).

[0078] 53 to 56, the tablet holder 1' includes a holder body (device body) 2' having a base surface 20' on the front side on which a tablet T' is placed, a gripping part 3' arranged on the rear side of the holder body 2' for an operator to hold with his / her hand, and a support part 4' arranged on the rear side of the holder body 2' and supported from below by at least a part of the operator's forearm when the operator holds the gripping part 3' with his / her hand. Here, the support part 4' is provided integrally with the gripping part 3', and as a whole constitutes a grip unit G'.

[0079] The grip unit G' is provided rotatably on the base surface 22' of the holder body 2', and can take a first rotation position rotated counterclockwise by a maximum angle α' as seen from the back side with respect to the center line L in the front-rear direction of the holder body 2' as shown in Fig. 55, a second rotation position rotated clockwise by a maximum angle β' as seen from the back side as shown in Fig. 56, and intermediate positions between them, that is, an intermediate position between the neutral position in Fig. 54 and the first rotation position in Fig. 55, and an intermediate position between the neutral position in Fig. 54 and the second rotation position in Fig. 56. Thus, the grip unit G' can take at least two orientations (Figs. 55 and 56) rotated left and right around the neutral position (Fig. 54) in which the center line GL in the front-rear direction coincides with the center line L in the front-rear direction of the holder body 2'.

[0080] Here, the angles α' and β' are, for example, α'=β'=60° or α'≒β'≒60° That is, the angles α' and β' are set to 60 degrees or substantially (or approximately) 60 degrees. This is because for the relatively large tablets mentioned above, around 10 to 13 inches, the angle between the short side (shorter side) of the tablet and the diagonal is approximately 60 degrees, and this is to match this.

[0081] As shown in Figures 53 and 60, the tablet holder 1' has a pair of holders 221, 221' for diagonally clamping and holding a tablet T'. Preferably, at least one of these holders, for example, holder 221', is provided slidably so as to be able to approach and move away from holder 221. The functions of these holders 221, 221' are similar to those of the holders 221, 221' in the tablet holder according to the third embodiment.

[0082] 53 and 60, the emergency stop switch 23', which is disposed on the upper part of the holder main body 2' of the tablet holder 1' and serves as a stop switch for outputting a stop signal to an object to be operated, is disposed in a position facing vertically the grip part 3' (particularly the grip main body part 30') on the rear side of the holder main body 2'. This is the same even when the grip part 3' is rotated left and right around the neutral position by the rotation of the grip unit G' (see Figs. 58 and 59).

[0083] As in the first embodiment, the grip main body 30' of the grip portion 3' is the part that is gripped by the fingers of either the left or right hand of the operator (particularly the second finger f2 to the fifth finger f5) while operating the tablet holder 1', and when gripping in this manner, the operator's first finger f1 fits into an engagement recess provided on the side of the grip main body 30' (only the engagement recess 31'a for the right hand is shown in Figure 60).

[0084] 53 and 60, when the grip body 30' is gripped by the fingers of the left hand of an operator, the emergency stop switch 23' is preferably disposed at a position vertically facing the MP (Metacarpophalangeal) joint (i.e., the metacarpophalangeal joint) at the base of the fingers of the left hand. In other words, the emergency stop switch 23' is disposed at a position vertically overlapping the MP joint of the hand.

[0085] This is also true when the grip unit G' rotates to rotate the grip part 3' (and the grip main body 30') left and right around the neutral position. When the grip part 3' is rotated to be disposed in the orientation shown in Fig. 58, when the grip main body 30' is held by the left hand of the operator, the MP joint of the first finger (thumb) of the left hand mainly overlaps the emergency stop switch 23' vertically, and when the grip main body 30' is held by the right hand of the operator, the MP joint of the fifth finger (little finger) of the right hand mainly overlaps the emergency stop switch 23' vertically. Similarly, when the gripping body 3' is rotated to the orientation shown in Figure 59, when the gripping body 30' is held in the operator's left hand, the MP joint of mainly the fifth finger (little finger) of the left hand overlaps vertically with the emergency stop switch 23', and when the gripping body 30' is held in the operator's right hand, the MP joint of mainly the first finger (thumb) of the right hand overlaps vertically with the emergency stop switch 23'.

[0086] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. When using the tablet holder 1' described above, the tablet T' is placed horizontally (i.e., each short side is arranged on the left and right) on the base surface 20' (Fig. 53) of the holder main body 2', and the tablet T' is held by the holder main body 2' by the abutment portion 21' and each holding device 221, 221'. From this state, when an operator holds the grip portion 3' with the left hand and operates the tablet T with the right hand, as shown in Fig. 55, the grip unit G' including the grip portion 3' is rotated counterclockwise by an angle α' (= 60° or ≒ 60°) with respect to the center line L in the front-to-rear direction of the holder main body 2' when viewed from the back side of the tablet holder 2'.

[0087] At this time, as shown in Figure 55, the center line GL of the grip unit G' in the front-rear direction forms an angle α' with the center line L of the holder main body 2' in the front-rear direction, and coincides or approximately coincides with the diagonal direction of the tablet T'. Therefore, the left forearm of the operator holding the gripping portion 3' also forms an angle α' with the center line L of the holder main body 2' in the front-rear direction, and coincides or approximately coincides with the diagonal direction of the tablet T'.

[0088] In addition, when the operator holds the tablet T' in the holder main body 2' and grasps the gripping portion 3' with the right hand and operates the tablet T' with the left hand, as shown in Figure 56, when viewed from the back of the tablet holder 2', the grip unit G' including the gripping portion 3' is rotated clockwise by an angle β' (= 60° or ≒ 60°) relative to the center line L in the front-to-rear direction of the holder main body 2'.

[0089] At this time, as shown in Figure 56, the center line GL of the grip unit G' in the front-rear direction forms an angle β' with the center line L of the holder main body 2' in the front-rear direction, and coincides or approximately coincides with the diagonal direction of the tablet T'. Therefore, the right forearm of the operator holding the gripping portion 3' also forms an angle β' with the center line L of the holder main body 2' in the front-rear direction, and coincides or approximately coincides with the diagonal direction of the tablet T'.

[0090] In this way, by setting the counterclockwise rotatable angle α' of the grip unit G' to 60 degrees (or approximately 60 degrees) and the clockwise rotatable angle β' to 60 degrees (or approximately 60 degrees), the front-to-back center line GL of the grip unit G' can be made to coincide or approximately coincide with the diagonal direction of the tablet T' regardless of whether the grip unit G' is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.This makes it easy to position the tablet T' in an easy-to-view orientation even when a relatively large and heavy tablet T' of approximately 10 to 13 inches is used, and the tablet T' can be supported stably in either the left or right hand, further reducing the burden on the operator's body.

[0091] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a support part 4' is provided on the back side of the holder main body 2' in addition to the grip part 3', so that when an operator places a tablet T' on the base surface 20' on the front side of the holder main body 2' and grips the grip part 3' with his / her hand, the weight of the entire tablet holder 2' is not only supported by the operator's hand via the grip part 3', but also by at least a part of the operator's forearm via the support part 4', which allows the load to be distributed to the operator's hand and forearm, and reduces the moment of force acting on the forearm. As a result, the burden on the operator's body during operation can be reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the emergency stop switch 23' is positioned in a position that is vertically opposed to the gripping portion 3' (particularly the gripping main body portion 30') on the rear side of the holder main body 2' (Figure 57), and more preferably, the emergency stop switch 23' is positioned in a position that is vertically opposed to the MP (Metacarpophalangeal) joint (metacarpophalangeal joint) at the base of the fingers when the gripping main body portion 30' is gripped by the operator's fingers, that is, in a position that vertically overlaps the MP joint (Figure 53).This is also true when the gripping portion 3' rotates left and right around the neutral position due to the rotation of the grip unit G' (Figures 58 and 59).

[0093] As a result, when an operator presses the emergency stop switch 23' with one hand while operating the tablet holder 1', as shown in Fig. 60, the downward pressing load PW applied to the emergency stop switch 23' acts toward the grip body part 30' of the grip part 3' arranged on the back side of the holder body 2', and further toward the MP joint of the operator's other hand. As a result, when the operator operates the emergency stop switch 23', the emergency stop switch 23' is sandwiched between one hand and the other hand of the operator from above and below (Fig. 53), so that the emergency stop switch 23' can be operated stably and reliably, and the support state of the tablet T' can be prevented from becoming unstable due to a moment load generated in the tablet holder 1' when the emergency stop switch 23' is pressed.

[0094] [Other Modifications] The above-described embodiments should be considered in all respects as merely illustrative of the present invention, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may, in light of the teachings set forth above, construct various modifications and further embodiments that incorporate the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention, even if not expressly described herein. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present invention is useful in handheld devices for removably holding mobile terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1, 1': Tablet holder (handheld device) 2, 2': Holder body (device body) 20, 20': Base surface 21, 21': Contact part 22, 22': Back side (support part) 3, 3': Grip part 30, 30': Grip body 31, 31': Side 31a, 31'a: fitting recess 4, 4': Support part 23, 23': Emergency stop switch (stop switch / operation input section) 24: Joystick (operation input section) 25: Other switches (operation input section) G, G': Grip unit O: center T, T': Tablet (mobile device) T1, T2: Lateral α, α', β, β': Rotation angle P: Operator Fa: Forearm f1: 1st finger f2~f5: 2nd~5th finger Wr: Wrist

Claims

1. A handheld device that detachably holds a mobile terminal for outputting a signal to a machine including a robot, a device main body having a base surface on an upper surface thereof on which the mobile terminal is placed; a grip portion disposed on the rear side of the device body, provided so as to be capable of taking at least two orientations, and extending in a longitudinal direction so as to be gripped by an operator's hand; an enable switch provided on the grip portion and operable by a hand holding the grip portion; a support portion that is integral with the grip portion, extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion, and has a contact surface that is supported from below by contacting at least a part of a forearm of an operator holding the grip portion with a hand; A handheld device comprising:

2. In claim 1, a contact portion that can contact a side surface of the mobile terminal is provided on the front side of the device body, and the grip portion is provided so as to be rotatable to the left and right by a predetermined angle with respect to a neutral position that is arranged parallel to the arrangement direction of the contact portion, and is capable of adopting first and second orientations that cross each other obliquely; A handheld device comprising:

3. In claim 2, The gripping portion and the supporting portion are rotatable around a center position of the device body or a position near the center position. A handheld device comprising:

4. In claim 1, The grip portion has a grip body portion extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be gripped by the second finger to the fifth finger of an operator's finger, and a fitting recess formed on a side of the grip body portion and into which the first finger of the operator's finger fits. A handheld device comprising:

5. In claim 1, The contact surface of the support portion is provided to contact at least a wrist of an operator. A handheld device comprising:

6. In claim 1, The device body has an operation input unit that accepts input operations by an operator. A handheld device comprising:

7. A handheld device that detachably holds a mobile terminal for outputting signals to a machine, including a robot, comprising: a device main body having a base surface on an upper surface thereof on which the mobile terminal is placed; a grip portion disposed on the rear side of the device body, provided so as to be capable of taking at least two orientations, and extending in a longitudinal direction so as to be gripped by an operator's hand; a support portion that is integral with the grip portion, extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion, and has a contact surface that is supported from below by contacting at least a part of a forearm of an operator holding the grip portion with a hand; a stop switch that is provided on the front side of the device body at a position vertically opposite to the gripping portion and that outputs a stop signal to the machine; A handheld device comprising:

8. In claim 7, The stop switch is disposed at a position that faces vertically the metacarpophalangeal joint of the hand when the operator holds the grip portion with the hand. A handheld device comprising:

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