Pen

Abstract

The invention relates to a pen, comprising a pen body (12) elongated in the direction of a pen longitudinal axis (L), on a first axial end region (18) of the pen body (12) a pen functional unit (20), on a second axial end region (24) of the pen body (12) a pen connection unit (34) exposed on an axial end face (42) of the pen body (12) for producing an electrical plug-in connection, and a clip unit (52) which can be releasably attached to the second axial end region (24) of the pen body (12) by axially plugging to the pen body (12) and has 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 pen body (12), the pen connection unit (34) is covered by the clip body (26), and the at least one fastening clip (52) extends substantially in the direction of the pen longitudinal axis (L) along the pen body (12).

Description

[0001] 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Pen description

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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. 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0007] - 2 -

[0008] US Patent 7,401,992 B1 discloses a pen with a mounting clip attached to a pen body, which can also be detached from it. A pin connector unit designed in the style of a USB plug is provided on the mounting clip.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a pin comprising: a pin body elongated in the direction of a pin longitudinal axis, a pin functional unit at a first 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 forming an electrical plug connection, and 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 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0012] - 3 -

[0013] The fastening clip extends essentially in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis along the pin body.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The clip body can, for example, be cap-shaped with a base and a wall extending from the base, as shown in 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0019] - 4 - The clip unit attached to the pin body covers the pin connector unit, and the body wall surrounds the pin body. This provides comprehensive shielding of the second axial end region of the pin body against impact on the pin connector unit.

[0020] In the case of a clip unit attached to the pin body, the clip unit can be held to the pin body by: the body wall bearing against an outer surface of the pin body, i.e., by a frictional connection generated by axial insertion between the body wall and the outer surface of the pin body, or / and a retaining 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 frictional connection or / and plug-in positive connection between the pin connection unit or the pin body and the retaining connection unit, or / and at least one fastening clip bearing against 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 can be brought into interaction with it, and the outer surface of the pin body.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 its second axial end region. 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0023] - 5 -

[0024] Even with such a design, if a clip unit is attached to the pin body, the clip unit can be held on the pin body by: a holding connection unit provided on the base 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 pin body.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] For example, the pen function arrangement can be configured to:

[0028] 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

[0029] 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 to generate a light beam, wherein the pen functional unit is configured to release the light beam, so that the pen can be used as a laser pointer or the like.

[0030] 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 also applies in conjunction with other pens, such as cosmetic pens, to 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0031] - 6 -

[0032] It can be used for skin treatment with pens or pens designed for mechanical interaction with touchscreens.

[0033] The pen body can contain an electronic assembly that can be connected to an external device via the pen connection unit.

[0034] For example, the electronic arrangement can include: a signal generation unit, i.e., a unit for generating electrical or optical signals to be output at the pen functional unit, and / or an energy storage device, i.e., a rechargeable battery, and / or a data storage device, so that the pen can also be used in the manner of a USB stick.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:

[0037] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a pen;

[0038] Fig. 2 shows the pen of Fig. 1 in exploded view;

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a detailed side view of a pin functional arrangement with a pin connection unit of the pin of Fig. 1; 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0040] - 7 -

[0041] Fig. 4 shows the pen of Fig. 1 with the clip unit removed from the pen body;

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a representation of an alternatively designed pin corresponding to Fig. 1;

[0043] Fig. 6 shows the pen of Fig. 5 with the clip unit removed from the pen body;

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a view of the pen of Fig. 6 corresponding to Fig. 6, but in a different perspective view.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows the interaction of the clip unit with the pin body for covering a pin connection unit in a schematic sectional view.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 show a pin, generally designated 10, in perspective view and exploded view, respectively. 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, produced, 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 second axial end region 24 of the pin body 12 in the manner described in detail below at a second axial end region 24 of the pin body 12 provided on the second pin body part 16.

[0047] 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 generated in an electronic arrangement 28 provided in the pen functional arrangement 22, which is shown in principle in Fig. 3. 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0048] - 8 -

[0049] 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.

[0050] The pin connector unit 34 comprises a plug-in unit 38 with electrical contacts 40 provided thereon. A connector 41, for example of a USB cable 43, as shown in Fig. 3, can be plugged into the plug-in 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, to establish an electrical connection.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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, which, 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 part 16 thereof, thus axially securing the pin body 12. 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0053] - 9 - overlaps. To enable this arrangement, the fastening clip 52 extends, starting from the body wall 50, essentially over its entire axial extent beyond the clip body 46. A fixing projection 54 is provided at the axial end region of the fastening clip 52 furthest from the clip body 46, with which the fastening clip 52 bears under preload against an outer surface 56 of the pin body 12, for example in the region of the second pin body part 16.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 counteracts the detachment of the clip unit 26 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, which, when the clip unit 56 is attached to the pin body 12, engages axially with the fastening clip 52 and with its fixing projection 54 at one of the two- 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387.

[0056] - 10 - ten axial end region 24 of the pin body 12 radially overlaps. To remove the clip unit 26 from the pin body 12, the fixing projection 54 must first be moved radially outwards by deforming the fastening clip 52 to release the axially acting positive locking over this locking projection.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] An alternative embodiment of the pin 10 or the clip unit 26 is shown in Figures 5 to 8. In this embodiment, the pin body 12 with the components providing it or arranged in it can be constructed as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0060] 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.

[0061] On the body base 48, a [missing information] extends in the direction of the pin longitudinal axis L in the same direction in which the fastening clip 52 extends from the clip body 46, 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0062] - 11 - Extending holding connection unit 58 is provided. The holding connection unit 58 comprises a holding plug 60, the shape and dimensions of which essentially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the connector plug 41 to be plugged into the plugging unit 38.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In this embodiment of the pin 10, 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. 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0066] - 12 -

[0067] In the state shown in Fig. 5, in which the clip unit 26 is attached to the pin body 12 and therefore the body base 48 covers the end face 42 of the pin body 12, the pin connection unit 34 is covered outwards by the clip unit 26, so that the ingress of contaminants and also unwanted manipulation of the pin connection unit 34 can be avoided.

[0068] It should be noted that even in the embodiment of the clip unit 26 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the holding connection unit 58 comprising the retaining plug 60 can be provided on the body base 48, 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 retaining 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Furthermore, such a pen 10 can also be designed 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 functional unit 20. The electronic arrangement 28 is, in such a configuration, 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387

[0071] - 13 - The design of the pen 10 is thus configured to generate the electrical signals to be emitted at the pen functional unit 20 in the form of optical signals and may also include a rechargeable battery that can be charged via the pen 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.

[0072] 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.

Claims

68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387 - 14 - Claims 1. A pin comprising: a pin body (12) elongated in the direction of a pin longitudinal axis (L), a pin functional unit (20) at a first axial end region (18) of the pin body (12), a pin connection unit (34) exposed at an axial end face (42) of the pin body (12) for the purpose of forming an electrical 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) with 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) essentially extends in the direction of the pen longitudinal axis (L) along the pen body (12).

2. Pen according to claim 1, characterized in that the pen connection unit (34) comprises a plug-in unit (38), preferably a USB plug-in unit, for plugging in a connector (41) to establish the electrical plug connection.

3. Pin according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pin connection unit (34) does not project 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, 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387 - 15 - characterized in that the 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 in 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 a clip unit (26) attached to the pen body (12), the body base (48) covers the pen connection unit (34) and the body wall (50) surrounds the pen body.

6. Pen according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the case of a clip unit (26) attached to the pen body (12), the clip unit (26) is held on the pen body (12) by: the body wall (50) abutting an outer surface (56) of the pen body (12), or / and a retaining connection unit (58) provided on the body base (48) and in plug-in interaction with the pen connection unit (34) or / and the pen body (12), or / and at least one fastening clip (52) abutting the outer surface (56) of the pen body (12).

7. Pen according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in 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 pen body (12), the body base covers the pen connection unit (34).

8. Pen according to claim 7, 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387 - 16 - characterized in 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 in that, in the case of a clip unit (26) attached to the pen body (12), the clip unit (26) is held on the pen body (12) by: a holding connection unit (58) provided on the body base (48) which is in plug-in interaction with the pen connection unit (34) and / or the pen body (12), and / or at least one fastening clip (52) which abuts an outer surface (56) of the pen body (12).

10. Pin according to claim 6 or 9, insofar as it refers back to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining connection unit (58) comprises a retaining plug (60) that can be inserted into the pin body (12) and / or plugged into the plug-in unit (38).

11. Pen according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in 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 in 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 68570P DE STAEDTLER SE / TFP P 387 - 17 - 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 to generate a light beam, wherein the pen functional unit (20) is configured to release the light beam.

13. Pen according to claim 12, characterized in that an electronic arrangement (28) which can be connected to an external device by means of the pen connection unit (34) is arranged in the pen body (12).

14. Pen according to claim 13, characterized in that the electronic arrangement (28) comprises: a signal generation unit, and / or an energy storage device, and / or a data storage device.

15. Pin according to one of claims 1-14, characterized in 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-opening (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).

Images