Memory apparatus and writing device having such an apparatus

0001The invention relates to a data storage device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a writing instrument with such a data storage device of claim 9.

0002A generic data storage device is through overt known prior use. There is to protect the interface means then, if this is not connected to the external data processing device is a protective cap provided. Such a protective cap can easily lost. Moreover, the production of the cap requires a not inconsiderable expense. The cap also limits design discretion enjoyed in the data storage device. On Writing device with an interface device is known from DE 202 09 529 U1.

0003The invention is based on the object, a data storage device further develop the initially mentioned type such that the interface device even without additional protective cap if they can not take the are external data processing device is connected, protected can.

0004This object is achieved by a data storage device with those specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 Features.

0005The displaceability of the interface device relative to the housing provides the interface device in the rest position even without additional Cap adequate protection. An additional cap can be dispensed with. This reduces the production cost and results an increased degree of flexibility in the design of the data storage device.

0006A linear displacement capacity of claim 2 can be structurally simple realize.

0007A rotation according to claim 3 reduces the risk of undesired Displacement movement.

0008Holding means according to claim 4 permit a defined conversion of Interface device between the idle and the plug position.

0009A spring according to claim 5 is a particularly cost-executable Holding means.

0010A latching device according to claim 6 is a safe retaining means. When designing the latching device can resort to solutions are known from the field of pen already.

0011A holding means according to claim 7 is an elegant complement to the guide mechanism.

0012Interface devices according to claim 8 ensure compatibility the data storage device with currently common hardware, z. B. a PC, a notebook, a laptop or a digital organizer.

0013Another object of the invention is the further development of a writing instrument with an interface device such that a Protective cover of the interface device can be dispensed with.

0014This object is achieved by a writing instrument according to Claim 9. Such a writing instrument has the advantages, the above- were discussed with reference to the data storage device.

0015Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the Drawing explained. Therein:<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>shows in perspective a first embodiment of a data storage device with an interface device in the insertion position;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the data storage device of FIG. 1 with the interface device in the rest position;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>shows in perspective a further embodiment of a data storage device with an interface device in the insertion position; and</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>the data storage device according to Fig. 3 with the interface device in the rest position.</dd></dl>

0016Figs. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a data storage device 1 in a perspective view. The data storage device 1 has a housing 2 and an interface device 3 for connecting the data storage apparatus 1 to an unillustrated external data processing device on. The interface device 3 is a USB plug executed. Fig. 1 shows the data storage apparatus 1 in a Plug position of the interface means 3 may in the slot position the interface means 3 into a corresponding USB socket of external data processing device can be inserted.

0017Fig. 2 shows the data storage device 1 in a rest position of Interface means 3. In the rest position, the interface device 3 substantially in such inserted linearly to the housing 2 in this, that it is housed in protected housing. 2

0018Between the plug position and the rest position, the interface device 3 displaceably guided via a slotted guide. 4 The link guide 4 has a running in the housing 2 and a gate 5 Guide pin 6.

0019In the insertion of the interface device as illustrated by an arrow 7 3 in the housing 2, the interface device 3 is relatively to the housing 2 is biased by a spring, not shown. These Spring provides a retaining means is that the interface device 3 relative to the housing 2 on the one hand in the rest position and in the other hand holds the plug position. Thus, the holding function of this spring in the Plug position is assured, is the setting 5 on plug side position End designed as holding section 8, in which the guide pin 6 by means of Biasing force of the spring is held.

0020To change the type of interface device 3 of the plug-in position the rest position is opposite to the direction of insertion of the guide pin 6 7 the backdrop 5 Following operated until he left the holding section 8 has and under the influence of the spring in the direction of insertion 7 to in FIG. 2 is displaced end position shown. The with the guide pin 6 associated interface device 3 is in this case in the rest position displaced in FIG. 2. To change the type of interface device 3 from the rest position in the slot position is opposite to the guide pin 6 the biasing force of the spring and against the direction of insertion 7 operated until he, the scenery 5 following, to be in the holding section 8 comes. Here, the interface device 3 is in the slot position displaced.

0021Another embodiment of a data storage apparatus is in the 3 and 4. FIG.. Components which correspond to those above were already discussed with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, bear the same reference numerals and will not again in Specifically explained.

0022The interface device 3 is in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 relative to the housing 2 rotatably. This rotational movement is about one in a broken neck shown screw thread out 9, wherein the interface device 3 has an external thread and the housing 2 having an internal thread complementary thereto. Via the screw thread 9, the rotational movement of the interface device 3 relative led to the housing 2 such that during the rotational movement of a shift the interface device 3 relative to the housing 2 between in Fig. 4 and the rest position shown in Fig. 3 shown Plug position takes place. In this case, a spring, not shown, is provided, biasing the interface device 3 in the rest position. In the area of ​​plug-in position, the screw thread 9 a retaining portion similar to the grip portion 8 of the slide 5 in the execution according to FIGS. 1 and 2, so that under the bias of spring which Interface means 3 is held in the inserted position.

0023For actuating the rotational movement, the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 a rotary handle 10 which is rigidly connected to the interface means 3 is executed and rotatably to the housing second

0024Other mechanisms for changing the interface device between the rest position and the plug-in position are possible. Further, not illustrated embodiment of such a conversion mechanism z can. B. a locking device, particularly a ballpoint pen-latching mechanism be provided.

0025The interface device 3 does not necessarily have a USB connector be executed. It is also an embodiment as a Firewire plug or a another nonstandard design conceivable. The interface device can also be designed as a socket.

0026The data storage apparatus 1 can be used as part of an unillustrated Writing instrument be designed.

0027In a variant not illustrated, the data storage device is designed like a lipstick and case has a mechanism for Change the interface means 3 between the rest position and the plug-in position in particular by FIGS. 3 and 4. The interface device 3, in this embodiment with a lipstick be provided decorative cap to complete the appearance of a lipstick. This decorative cap has a purely aesthetic function, therefore satisfies no protective purpose of the interface device. 3