JP4529294B2 - Portable information terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device that performs an information processing operation using a volatile memory as a working area, and more particularly to a portable information terminal device that uses a removable battery as a power source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an example of this type of portable information terminal device, there is a handy type information code reading device for reading information by scanning a bar code or a two-dimensional code (such as a QR code). In such an information code reader, in order to be able to easily remove the packaged power supply battery (battery pack), a release button provided for external operation and a battery at all times are conventionally used. A battery holding mechanism that holds the pack in a predetermined mounting position and performs a discharging operation of sending the battery pack to a detachable take-out position by a spring force when the release button is operated in the holding state. Is provided.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the information code reader having the above-described conventional configuration, when the release button is operated in a state where there is data to be stored in the data stored in the volatile memory, the data to be stored is The battery pack disappears in accordance with the power interruption accompanying the delivery to the battery pack removal position. In order to prevent the occurrence of such a situation, a display function for indicating that the battery discharge operation is prohibited has been conventionally provided. However, in practice, the operator is not aware of the above display. As a result, there was a problem that the reliability of the information processing operation deteriorated because it was not possible to sufficiently handle the situation of inadvertent loss of necessary data. .
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to reliably prevent a situation in which necessary data stored in a volatile memory is accidentally lost due to removal of a battery. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal device that can improve the performance.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the means described in claim 1 can be employed. According to this means, in a state where the battery is held at a predetermined mounting position by the battery holding mechanism, power is supplied from the battery to the internal circuit including the control unit, the volatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory. An information processing operation by the control unit is possible. When the release button is operated from such a state, the battery holding mechanism performs a discharging operation in which the battery is sent out by the urging force of the urging means to the detachable removal position. The restraining means delays the discharging operation of the battery to perform an operation of securing a saving time for saving the data in the volatile memory that needs to be saved to the nonvolatile memory. Therefore, when the control unit is performing information processing while using the non-volatile memory as a working area, the data that needs to be stored in the volatile memory is inadvertent when the power is cut off when the battery is removed. It is possible to prevent a situation where the information disappears in advance, and as a result, the reliability of the information processing operation by the control unit is improved.
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the release restraining means includes a sensor that detects that a release button has been operated, and a delay time corresponding to the retraction time when the sensor enters a detection state. Since the delay means for stopping the function of the power supply means is included, the time necessary for saving the data in the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory can be surely secured.
[0007]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the shape memory material constituting the biasing means is normally in a normal temperature state and maintains a compressed shape, the biasing force is applied to the battery at the mounting position. Will not work. From this state, when the release button is operated and the sensor is in the detection state, the delay control means turns on the switching circuit when the delay time corresponding to the evacuation time has elapsed. The conductive shape memory material is energized. When the shape memory material is heated by such self-heating due to energization, the shape memory material is deformed into an expanded memory shape and urges the battery toward the take-out position. Sent to position. In other words, after the release button is operated, there will be a time delay corresponding to the evacuation time until the urging force in the direction of the removal position starts to act on the battery. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the data that needs to be lost inadvertently when the power is cut off when the battery is removed.
[0008]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the release button is operated and the sensor enters the detection state from the state where the battery is in the mounting position, the delay control unit turns on the switching circuit, and then the retraction is performed. The switching circuit is turned off after a delay time corresponding to the time has elapsed. For this reason, since the shape memory material having reversibility and conductivity is energized simultaneously with the operation of the release button, and the shape memory material is heated by self-heating, it is transformed into a compressed memory shape and the battery is The urging force that urges in the direction of the take-out position disappears, but when the switching circuit is subsequently turned off and energization to the shape memory material is stopped, the shape memory material is stretched in response to a temperature drop Accordingly, a biasing force in the take-out direction is applied to the battery accordingly. Therefore, after the release button is operated, a time delay corresponding to the evacuation time is surely generated until the urging force in the direction of the removal position starts to act on the battery. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the data that needs to be lost inadvertently when the power is cut off when the battery is removed.
[0009]
According to the means of claim 5, when the release button is operated and the sensor enters the detection state from the state where the battery is in the mounting position, the delay control means has passed the delay time corresponding to the evacuation time. At that time, the switching circuit is turned on, and the electromagnet constituting the biasing means is energized accordingly. Then, a repulsive force is generated between the permanent magnet attached to the battery side and the electromagnet, and the battery is biased toward the take-out position, whereby the take-out position where the battery can be removed. Is sent out. In other words, after the release button is operated, a time delay corresponding to the evacuation time is surely generated until the urging force in the direction of the removal position starts to act on the battery. It is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which necessary data is inadvertently lost in response to a power interruption associated with battery removal.
[0010]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the function of the delay control unit is realized by the program of the control unit originally provided, the hardware configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated as much as possible. It will be useful in suppressing the soaring.
[0011]
According to the means of claim 7, when there is data in the volatile memory that needs to be saved to the nonvolatile memory, the time until the saving of the data to the nonvolatile memory is completed is the delay. Since the time is set, the time required for saving the data can be accurately secured.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an information code reader, which will be described below. The information code reader in this embodiment has not only information code reading, but also analysis and storage of the read information code, and a data transmission / reception function with an external device such as a management computer. It is.
[0013]
FIG. 4 shows the appearance of a handy type information code reader 1 for reading data by scanning an information code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code (such as a QR code). In FIG. 4, the information code reading device 1 is configured by incorporating various electrical components into a body case 2 having a size and shape that can be operated by an operator with one hand. In particular, a display panel 3 made of LCD and a key operation unit 4 having a numeric keypad and function keys are provided on the upper surface of the main body case 2, and the side surface of the main body case 2 is operated during code reading. A release button 6 that is operated when removing the trigger switch 5 and the built-in battery (shown with reference numeral 7 in FIGS. 1 and 3) is provided.
[0014]
FIG. 3 schematically shows the structure of the main part of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, a battery 7 is a substantially rectangular shape configured as a so-called battery pack, and is inserted into a battery housing portion 8 formed on the back surface of the main body case 2 in the direction of arrow A in the drawing (see FIG. 3). 3 [a]), and is detachably mounted at the mounting position in a state of being completely contained in the battery housing 8 (see FIG. 3 [b]). In this case, the battery 7 is provided with a pair of output terminals 7a on the side surface on the distal end side (insertion end side), and the battery 7 is located at the mounting position in the battery housing portion 8 on the main body case 2 side. A pair of power supply terminals 8a that are in contact with each of the output terminals 7a at a certain time are provided, and power is supplied to internal electrical components through these power supply terminals 8a. Each power supply terminal 8a is configured as a so-called spring terminal using phosphor bronze or the like in order to secure a contact pressure with the output terminal 7a on the battery 7 side.
[0015]
The release button 6 is formed on one end side of an arm member 9 that is rotatably supported in the main body case 2 via a support shaft 9 a, and this arm member 9 is the innermost part of the battery housing portion 8. Together with the discharge member 10 (corresponding to the urging means) provided in the section, the battery holding mechanism 11 having a catch-and-release function of the battery 7 is provided. In addition, although the discharge member 10 is made into a spring-like shape, it does not exhibit a spring force at the time of compression, but is configured to be deformed into a compressed state.
[0016]
In this case, a hook portion 12 is formed at the end of the arm member 9 opposite to the release button 6, and the hook portion is mounted on the battery 7 side in a state where the battery 7 is mounted at the mounting position. A locking hole 7b into which 12 enters is formed. Although not shown in the figure, the arm member 9 is provided with turning force in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3A by a spring means (for example, a torsion coil spring). As a result, when the battery 7 is inserted into the battery housing portion 8, the hook portion 12 is fitted into the locking hole portion 7 b in a state where the battery 7 is inserted to the mounting position, and the opposite arrow A of the battery 7. In this configuration, the movement in the direction is restricted, that is, the battery 7 is held in the mounting position. Further, when the release button 6 is pressed from this state and the arm member 9 is rotated in the counter arrow B direction, the hook portion 12 is detached from the locking hole portion 7b, and the counter arrow of the battery 7 is reached. In this state, the battery 7 is allowed to move in the direction A. In this state, the battery 7 partially protrudes from the battery housing portion 8 in response to the extension force of the discharge member 10 (battery 7). It is configured to be moved to a position where it can be removed. The rotation range of the arm member 9 is restricted to a range in which the catch and release function of the battery holding mechanism 11 can work. A pair of charging terminals 7 c are provided at predetermined positions of the battery 7.
[0017]
The discharge member 10 retains its compressed shape when compressed at room temperature, and is deformed into a previously memorized expanded shape when heated from this state (for a conductive shape memory material). Equivalent). As a result, when the battery 7 is inserted into the battery housing 8, the discharge member 10 is compressed and deformed by being pressed by the battery 7 as shown in FIG. 3B, and is heated from this compressed state. When this is done, it will be deformed into a memorized shape, and in this extended state, a force that urges the battery 7 in the direction of the take-out position (counter arrow A direction) will be generated.
[0018]
Furthermore, a sensor 13 for detecting that the release button 6 has been pressed is provided in the main body case 2. The sensor 13 can be configured using a mechanical switch (for example, a micro switch), a proximity switch, or a pressure sensor.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, the overall electrical configuration is substantially shown by a combination of functional blocks. In FIG. 1, a scanning head unit 14 is incorporated on the distal end side in the main body case 2, and illuminates a reading target in accordance with the operation of the trigger switch 5 and captures information by imaging the reflected light. The code reading operation is performed. The control unit 15 is composed mainly of a CPU, and is stored in a flash memory 16 (corresponding to a data rewritable non-volatile memory in the present invention) in which stored data can be electrically erased and changed. Based on the program, the operation signal from the key operation unit 4 and the trigger switch 5, the detection output from the sensor 13, etc., the scanning head unit 14 reads while using the RAM 17 (corresponding to a volatile memory) as a working area. In addition to performing information processing such as information code analysis processing and storage and display control of the display panel 3, the operation of the switching circuit 18 is controlled as described below. The control unit 15 is configured to exchange data with an external host computer through the data transmission / reception unit 15a.
[0020]
Here, the discharge member 10 formed of a shape memory alloy has one end connected to one power supply terminal 8 a and the other end connected to the other power supply terminal 8 a via the switching circuit 18.
[0021]
The control unit 15 realizes the function of the delay control means in the present invention by the program, and the function of the delay means in the present invention is realized by the delay control means and the switching circuit 18. Furthermore, this delay means constitutes the release restraint means in the present invention together with the sensor 13. In FIG. 1, input / output interfaces related to the control unit 15 and the like are omitted.
[0022]
The control unit 15 performs the information processing operation as described above, and when the sensor 13 is in the detection state (when the release button 6 is pressed), the content shown in FIG. An interrupt processing routine is executed. That is, in FIG. 2, in this interrupt processing routine, it is first determined whether or not there is data that needs to be held in the RAM 17 (step S1). If the data exists, step S2 for saving (storing) the data in the flash memory 16 is executed, and the process waits until the saving is completed (step S3). When the saving of the necessary data is completed, the switching circuit 18 is turned on (step S4). If there is no data that needs to be stored in the RAM 17, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0023]
In short, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, when the release button 6 is pressed, if there is data that needs to be held in the RAM 17 at the time of the operation, the save time (the save of the data to the flash memory 16 is completed). The switching circuit 18 is turned on when a delay time corresponding to the time required for the switching has elapsed, and when there is no data that needs to be held in the RAM 17 at the time when the release button 6 is pressed, the switching circuit 18 is immediately turned on. It is turned on.
[0024]
When the switching circuit 18 is turned on as described above, the discharging member 10 is energized from the battery 7 and the member 10 self-heats. When the discharge member 10 is heated by such self-heating, it expands and deforms into a memory shape, and accordingly, the battery 7 is urged toward the take-out position and can be removed (the battery 7 is removed). It is sent out to a position partially protruding from the battery housing portion 8. In this case, in a state where there is data that needs to be stored in the RAM 17, the switching circuit 18 is turned on only after the delay time has elapsed. On the other hand, a time delay corresponding to the retreat time is surely generated before the urging force in the direction of the take-out position starts to work. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the data in the RAM 17 that needs to be retained from being inadvertently lost in response to the power interruption associated with the removal of the battery 7. Reliability will be improved.
[0025]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an electromagnet 19 is provided in place of the discharge member 10 provided in the innermost portion of the battery housing portion 8, and the battery 7 side is provided. In this structure, a permanent magnet 20 is attached at a position opposite to the electromagnet 19 in the above, and a repulsive force is generated between the electromagnet 19 and the permanent magnet 20 when the electromagnet 19 is energized to attach the battery 7 toward the take-out position. The urging means 21 for energizing is constituted. In this case, the electromagnet 19 has one end connected to the one power supply terminal 8 a and the other end connected to the other power supply terminal 8 a via the switching circuit 18.
[0026]
The control unit 15 is configured to control the switching circuit 18 in the same manner as in the first embodiment when the sensor 13 enters the detection state. That is, when the release button 6 is pressed, when there is data that needs to be stored in the RAM 17 at the time of the operation, the switching circuit 18 is turned on when a predetermined delay time elapses. When there is no data that needs to be held in the RAM 17 at the time of the pressing operation, the switching circuit 18 is immediately turned on. Since the electromagnet 19 is energized when the switching circuit 18 is turned on, a repulsive force is generated between the electromagnet 19 and the permanent magnet 20 attached on the battery 7 side, and the battery 7 is urged toward the take-out position. As a result, the battery 7 is sent out to a removable removal position.
[0027]
In short, also in this embodiment, when there is data that needs to be stored in the RAM 17, the switching circuit 18 is turned on only after the delay time has elapsed, so the release button 6 has been operated. A time delay corresponding to the evacuation time will surely occur before the urging force toward the take-out position starts to act on the battery 7 later. As a result, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which data that needs to be retained among the data in the RAM 17 is inadvertently lost in response to the power interruption accompanying the removal of the battery 7. The reliability of the information processing operation by the unit 15 is improved.
[0028]
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications or expansions are possible.
The discharge member 10 (biasing means) in the first embodiment is deformed into a memory shape compressed in a heated state while urging the battery 7 in the direction of the take-out position while holding the memory shape expanded at normal temperature. And a reversible and conductive shape memory member (provided by a combination of a shape memory alloy and a shape memory resin is provided) that exhibits a state in which the biasing force is lost. When there is data that needs to be stored, the switching circuit 18 is turned on when the sensor 13 enters the detection state, and then the save time (for saving the required data in the RAM 17 to the flash memory 16) is turned on. The switching circuit 18 may be controlled to be turned off after a delay time corresponding to (time) has elapsed.
[0029]
According to this configuration, when the release button 6 is operated and the sensor 13 is in the detection state from the state where the battery 7 is in the mounting position, the switching circuit 18 is turned on and the delay time has elapsed thereafter. Later, the switching circuit 18 is turned off. For this reason, since the discharge member made of the shape memory member is energized simultaneously with the operation of the release button 6 and the discharge member is heated by self-heating, it is deformed into a compressed shape and the battery 7 is taken out toward the removal position. The energizing force that is energized disappears. However, when the switching circuit 18 is subsequently turned off and the energization is stopped, the discharge member is extended in accordance with the temperature decrease, and accordingly the battery 7 is expanded. On the other hand, a biasing force in the take-out direction is applied. Accordingly, after the release button 6 is operated, a time delay corresponding to the retraction time is surely generated before the urging force in the direction of the take-out position starts to act on the battery. The effect of can be produced.
As an example of the portable information terminal device, the handy type information code reading device 1 has been described. However, the portable information terminal device can be widely applied to all portable information terminal devices that perform information processing operations while using a volatile memory as a working area. It is. Further, in the state where there is data that needs to be saved in the flash memory 16 in the RAM 17, means for performing an alarm display for warning the prohibition of the operation of the release button 6 through the display panel 3 as described in the above embodiments. It is good also as a structure used together with a means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a substantial electrical configuration in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a main part of control contents by a control unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an overall appearance. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of]
1 is an information code reading device, 2 is a body case, 6 is a release button, 7 is a battery, 8 is a battery storage unit, 10 is a discharge member (biasing means), 11 is a battery holding mechanism, 13 is a sensor, and 15 is a control , 16 is a flash memory (nonvolatile memory), 17 is a RAM (volatile memory), 18 is a switching circuit, 19 is an electromagnet, 20 is a permanent magnet, and 21 is an urging means.

Claims (7)

To supply power to a control unit that performs an information processing operation while using a volatile memory as a working area, a data rewritable nonvolatile memory, and an internal circuit including the control unit, the volatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory A battery that is detachably mounted, a release button that is provided so as to be externally operable, and a take-out position where the battery is always held in a predetermined mounting position and the battery can be removed when the release button is operated. In a portable information terminal device comprising a battery holding mechanism that performs a discharging operation of sending out by an urging force by an urging means until
An operation of securing a save time for saving data in the volatile memory that needs to be saved to the nonvolatile memory by delaying the discharge operation by the battery holding mechanism when the release button is operated. A portable information terminal device provided with release restraining means for performing The release restraining means includes a sensor for detecting that the release button has been operated, and a delay means for stopping the function of the biasing means for a delay time according to the retraction time when the sensor enters a detection state. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, comprising: The portable information terminal device according to claim 2,
The urging means retains its compressed shape when compressed at room temperature, and has a conductivity that urges the battery in the direction of the take-out position by being deformed into a memory shape expanded in a heated state. Composed of shape memory material,
The delay means includes a switching circuit for energizing the shape memory material from the battery in an on state to generate heat, and the switching when a delay time corresponding to the retraction time has elapsed when the sensor is in a detection state. A portable information terminal device comprising delay control means for turning on a circuit. The portable information terminal device according to claim 2,
The urging means retains the memory shape expanded at normal temperature and urges the battery toward the take-out position, and at the same time deforms the memory shape compressed in the heated state and loses the urging force. Composed of a reversible and conductive shape memory material presenting,
The delay means turns on the switching circuit when the sensor is in a detection state and then turns on the switching circuit when the sensor is in a detection state, and then responds to the evacuation time. A portable information terminal device comprising delay control means for turning off the switching circuit after a delay time has elapsed. The portable information terminal device according to claim 2,
The biasing means includes a permanent magnet attached to the battery side and an electromagnet that generates a repulsive force between the permanent magnet in an energized state and biases the battery in the direction of the take-out position.
The delay means includes a switching circuit that energizes the electromagnet from the battery in an on state, and a delay that turns on the switching circuit when a delay time corresponding to the retraction time has elapsed when the sensor enters a detection state. A portable information terminal device comprising a control means. The portable information terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The portable information terminal device, wherein the delay control means is realized by a program of the control unit. The portable information terminal device according to claim 6, wherein
The controller determines whether or not there is data in the volatile memory that needs to be saved in the nonvolatile memory when the sensor is in a detection state, and if the data exists, A portable information terminal device, wherein a time until the saving to the nonvolatile memory is completed is set as the delay time.

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