Electronic pen, electronic pen refill, and electronic pen charging tray

Abstract

This device is compatible with ballpoint pen refills used in stationery, allowing the housing of the stationery item to be used directly as the pen housing. This device houses a capacitive-type electronic pen refill within the cylindrical pen housing of the electronic pen, with at least the pen tip protruding from one opening in the axial direction of the pen housing. The cylindrical refill housing houses an electronic circuit, including a signal transmission circuit that generates a signal for a position detection sensor, and a rechargeable energy storage device that supplies a power supply voltage to the electronic circuit. A coil is provided at the rear end of the refill housing, on the axial side opposite the pen tip, wound around the outer side of the rear end. The energy storage device is charged by an induced current induced in the coil by an externally applied magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capacitive electronic pen and an electronic pen refill that transmit and receive signals with a position detection sensor through electric field coupling. The present invention also relates to a charging tray for the electronic pen. Background Art

[0002] An active electrostatic capacitance electronic pen has a built-in power supply circuit and signal transmission circuit using a rechargeable storage device such as a primary battery or secondary battery, a double-layer capacitor, etc., and the core is composed of a conductor, and the signal from the signal transmission circuit is transmitted from the core of the conductor to the position detection sensor through electrostatic coupling (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5687398)).

[0003] With the recent trend towards miniaturization, there is a growing demand for miniaturization in portable electronic devices as well. Furthermore, electronic pens are used together with position detection sensors mounted on such small electronic devices, leading to a demand for even thinner electronic pens.

[0004] Furthermore, electronic pens are recently being viewed as an extension of stationery, and there's a desire to modularize their internal structure so they can be handled similarly to ballpoint pen refills. Hereinafter, in this specification, a structure where the internal components of an electronic pen are modularized and integrated, allowing for replacement like a ballpoint pen refill, is referred to as an electronic pen refill.

[0005] The applicant has proposed the following structure for an electronic pen refill for an electromagnetic induction electronic pen: since there is no need for a power supply circuit using primary or secondary batteries, the shell of a stationery ballpoint pen can be directly treated in the same way as a refill for the ballpoint pen (for example, refer to Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5959038)).

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5687398

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5959038

[0010] Patent Document 3: WO2014 / 097953A1 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] However, as described above, active capacitance electronic pens require a power supply circuit using a primary battery or a secondary battery, making it difficult to provide an electronic pen refill that can handle the body of a stationery ballpoint pen in the same manner as a refill.

[0013] Specifically, when using a primary battery in an active capacitive electronic pen refill, the refill must be housed in the extremely thin housing of the refill, requiring a dedicated battery. This becomes expensive, and it is difficult to obtain sufficient battery capacity, leading to the need for frequent replacement of the primary battery. Consequently, the primary battery must be installed in the housing of the electronic pen to supply the refill with power, making it difficult to use the housing of a stationery ballpoint pen directly.

[0014] The applicant has proposed an active capacitance electronic pen with a power storage device installed within the housing. Similar to electromagnetic induction electronic pens, a coil wound around a ferrite core is provided on the pen tip. The power storage device is charged using electromagnetic induction current flowing through the coil in response to an external charging magnetic field (see Patent Document 3 (WO2014 / 097953A1)). In the active capacitance electronic pen of Patent Document 3, the conductive core is formed as a through-hole extending through the ferrite core.

[0015] By using the technology of Patent Document 3, the power storage device can be housed in the casing of an extremely thin electronic pen refill, and can be configured with a structure having a ferrite core with a coil wound around the pen tip, similar to an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen refill. Thus, an active electrostatic capacitance type electronic pen refill can be provided.

[0016] However, some active capacitive electronic pens also use bidirectional communication, in which a core serves as a central electrode, and peripheral electrodes are arranged around the core to exchange signals with a position detection sensor using the central and peripheral electrodes. In the case of refills for these bidirectional active capacitive electronic pens, the peripheral electrodes overlap with the ferrite core around which the coil is wound, making it difficult to achieve a thickness compatible with refills for ballpoint pens.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic pen refill that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0018] Means for solving problems

[0019] In order to solve the above problems,

[0020] Provided is a digital pen refill that is housed in a cylindrical pen case of a digital pen so that at least a pen tip can protrude from one opening in the axial direction of the pen case, the refill comprising:

[0021] a cylindrical refill housing;

[0022] an electronic circuit, disposed in the cartridge housing, comprising a signal transmitting circuit that generates a signal to be supplied to the position detection sensor;

[0023] a rechargeable power storage device, disposed in the cartridge housing, for supplying power voltage to the electronic circuit; and

[0024] The coil is provided at the rear end portion of the refill housing on the opposite side of the pen tip in the axial direction thereof, in a state of being wound around the outside of the rear end portion.

[0025] The electronic pen refill is configured to charge the power storage device by an induced current induced in the coil based on a magnetic field supplied from the outside.

[0026] In the electronic pen refill of the above structure, a relatively compact electric storage device can be housed in the refill case, and the electric storage device can be charged by an induced current induced in a coil provided at the rear end of the refill case based on a magnetic field supplied from the outside.

[0027] According to this structure of the electronic pen refill, since the coil for inducing the induced current for charging by the external magnetic field is arranged on the rear end side of the refill housing, even if the electronic pen refill is a type in which the core body is set as the central electrode and the peripheral electrodes are arranged in a manner surrounding the central electrode, the central electrode and the peripheral electrodes are used to transmit and receive signals with the position detection sensor, the pen tip side can be constructed to be easily interchangeable with ballpoint pen refills.

[0028] In addition, a coil for inducing an induced current for charging by an external magnetic field is provided on the rear end side of the refill housing of the electronic pen. However, the coil is arranged in a state wound around the outside of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the refill housing. The position where the coil is provided is a position within the pen housing that has room for storage, so it can be constructed to be easily interchangeable with refills for ballpoint pens.

[0029] Therefore, the electronic pen refill according to the above structure has the following effect: the electronic pen refill as an active electrostatic capacitance electronic pen is interchangeable with the refill of a ballpoint pen used in stationery, and the ballpoint pen shell can be directly used as the pen shell of the active electrostatic capacitance electronic pen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an overview of a first embodiment of a digital pen equipped with a first embodiment of a digital pen refill according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2These are diagrams for explaining a first embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the pen tip side of the first embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of components on the pen tip side of the first embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic circuit in a first embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a charging tray for charging an embodiment of a digital pen equipped with a first embodiment of a digital pen refill according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an outline of a second embodiment of a digital pen equipped with a second embodiment of a digital pen refill according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 These are diagrams for explaining a second embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the pen tip side of a second embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic circuit in a second embodiment of the electronic pen refill according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining tilt detection of the electronic pen in the second embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 These are diagrams for explaining another embodiment of the electronic pen refill of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the electronic pen of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Below, while referring to Figure 1 Embodiments of the electronic pen and the electronic pen refill according to the present invention will be described below.

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] The electronic pen according to the first embodiment includes a structure in which a core-type electronic pen refill is detachably housed in a cylindrical case of the electronic pen.

[0046] Figure 1 This figure shows an example structure of a first embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention. This first embodiment of the electronic pen 1 has a tap-type structure: a digital pen refill 3 is housed within a hollow portion 2a of a cylindrical housing 2 (hereinafter referred to as the pen housing 2). A tap cam mechanism 4 allows the tip of the digital pen refill 3 to be inserted and removed from an opening 2b at one longitudinal end of the pen housing 2.

[0047] Figure 1 (A) shows the state where the entire electronic pen refill 3 is housed in the hollow portion 2a of the pen case 2. Figure 1 (B) shows a state where the pen tip of the electronic pen refill 3 protrudes from the opening 2b of the pen case 2 by tapping the cam mechanism 4. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin and its interior is see-through.

[0048] The electronic pen 1 of this embodiment is configured to be compatible with a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen.

[0049] The pen case 2 and the tapping cam mechanism 4 provided in the pen case 2 have the same structure as that of a well-known commercially available tapping ballpoint pen, and the dimensional relationship is also the same.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the knock cam mechanism 4 is a well-known structure that combines a cam body 41, a knock rod 42, and a rotating member 43. The cam body 41 is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical pen housing 2. The knock rod 42 has an end 42a that protrudes from the opening 2c of the pen housing 2 on the side opposite the pen tip, so that it can receive a knocking operation from the user. The rotating member 43 has a fitting portion 43a that fits into the end of the electronic pen refill 3 on the side opposite the pen tip.

[0051] In the electronic pen 1 having the above structure, Figure 1 In the state (A), if the end 42a of the tapping rod 42 is pressed, the electronic pen refill 3 is locked in the pen case 2 by the tapping cam mechanism 4. Figure 1 In the state (B), the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3 is in a state of protruding from the opening 2b of the pen case 2. Figure 1 (B) When the end 42a of the knock rod 42 is pressed again, the knock cam mechanism 4 releases the locked state, and the position of the electronic pen refill 3 in the pen case 2 returns to the locked position by the return spring 5. Figure 1State (A) The detailed structure and operation of the knock cam mechanism 4 are well known, and therefore, their description is omitted here.

[0052] [Embodiment of the electronic pen refill 3]

[0053] Figure 2 This figure compares the structure of the electronic pen refill 3 with the refill of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen. Figure 2 (A) shows a refill 6 of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen. Figure 2 (B) shows a structural example of the electronic pen refill 3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as described later, the electronic pen refill 3 is configured to be of the same size as the refill 6 of a tap-type ballpoint pen and to be interchangeable.

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 (A) is a diagram showing its appearance, Figure 3 (B) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. Figure 4 Is used to illustrate Figure 3 The figure shows an exploded perspective view of a configuration example of the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3 according to this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), the refill 6 of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen has a well-known structure in which a pen tip 61 with a ball disposed at the front end and a cylindrical ink container 62 with a constant outer diameter are integrated by a cylindrical coupling portion 63 with a constant outer diameter. The pen tip 61 has a cylindrical shape, and its front end side is formed into a tapered shape, and the maximum outer diameter is set to R1 which is smaller than the diameter R0 of the opening 2b of the pen case 2. The coupling portion 63 and the ink container 62 have the same outer diameter R2, which is slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter R1 of the pen tip 61, for example, set to R2 = 2.2 mm. It should be noted that the diameter R0 of the opening 2b of the pen case 2 is set to R1 <R0<R2。

[0056] On the other hand, Figure 2 (B) and Figure 3 As shown in (A) and (B), the housing 30 of the electronic pen refill 3 (hereinafter referred to as the refill housing 30 ) of this embodiment is formed by coupling a front cap 32 made of an insulating material (such as resin) to the pen tip side of the housing cylindrical portion 31 .

[0057] In this example, if Figure 2As shown in Figure (B), the case cylindrical portion 31 is constructed by joining a metal tube portion 31a made of a conductive material (in this example, a conductive metal) to a resin tube portion 31b made of an insulating material (in this example, a resin) at the rear end opposite the pen tip. The outer diameters of the metal tube portion 31a and the resin tube portion 31b of the case cylindrical portion 31 are equal to the outer diameter R2. The end of the case cylindrical portion 31 on the resin tube portion 31b side serves as the mating portion for the electronic pen refill 3 and the mating portion 43a within the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1.

[0058] In this example, if Figure 2 (B) and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front cap 32 is formed into a tapered shape so as to gradually become tapered toward the pen tip side. That is, the front cap 32 has a diameter that gradually becomes smaller as it approaches the pen tip side. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the pen tip side of the middle position in the axial direction of the front cap 32 is configured to be smaller than or equal to the diameter R0 of the opening 2 b on the pen tip side of the pen case 2 .

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), there is a hollow portion 30a inside the refill case 30. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2B , the front cap 32 has an opening 32a having a diameter larger than that of the core 33 (see FIG. 2A ). Figure 3 (B)), the opening 32 a communicates with the hollow portion 30 a of the refill case 30 .

[0060] The core 33 of the electronic pen refill 3 of this embodiment is made of a conductive member (conductive metal in this example). Figure 3 As shown in (B), the core body 33 is inserted into the refill case 30 from the opening 32a of the front cap 32, and the end portion on the opposite side to the pen tip side is detachably attached to the core body holding member 7 described later.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), the core body 33 made of a conductive material and the metal tube portion 31a of the case cylindrical portion 31 of the refill case 30 are electrically separated (insulated) by a front cap 32 made of an insulating material.

[0062] In this case, if Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 As shown in Figure (B), the dimensions of the electronic pen refill 3 on the pen tip side are designed to be approximately equal to those of the ballpoint pen refill 6 on the pen tip side. Specifically, as previously described, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 31 of the refill case 30 is equal to the outer diameter R2 of the ink reservoir 62 and coupling portion 63 of the refill 6 in a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen. Furthermore, the front cap 32 is designed so that the pen tip side of the central portion of its tapered portion in the axial direction is less than or equal to the diameter R0 of the opening 2b on the pen tip side of the pen case 2.

[0063] And, as Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), when the core body 33 is inserted into the electronic pen refill 3 through the opening 32a of the front cap 32, the length from the front end of the core body 33 to the position where the outer diameter of the front cap 32 reaches the diameter R1 is configured to be substantially equal to the axial length L1 of the pen tip 61 of the refill 6 of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen. Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), the length (overall length) of the electronic pen refill 3 in a state where the core body 33 is attached is selected to be equal to the overall length L2 of the ballpoint pen refill 6.

[0064] The electronic pen refill 3 having the above-described structure can be housed in the pen case 2 by fitting the resin tube portion 31 b on the rear end side of the case cylindrical portion 31 into the fitting portion 43 a of the rotor 43 of the tapping cam mechanism 4 .

[0065] Furthermore, in the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, when the user uses the electronic pen 1 together with the position detection device, the user presses the end 42a of the tapping rod 42. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the front end portion 33 a of the core body 33 and a portion of the pen tip side of the tapered portion of the front cap 32 are in a state of protruding to the outside from the opening 2 b of the pen case 2 .

[0066] That is, in this embodiment, it is configured as follows: Figure 1 As shown in (B), not only the front end of the core body 33 mounted on the electronic pen refill 3 but also a portion of the pen tip side of the front cap 32 protrudes outward from the opening 2b of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1. In this state, the user of the electronic pen 1 performs input operations to indicate a position on the position detection sensor of the position detection device.

[0067] When the use of the electronic pen 1 is finished, the end 42a of the knocking stick 42 is pressed again. Figure 1 As shown in (A), the entire electronic pen refill 3 can be housed within the hollow portion 2a of the pen case 2. In this case, the entire electronic pen refill 3 is housed within the hollow portion 2a of the pen case 2, and the tip 33a of the core body 33 of the electronic pen refill 3 is protected by the pen case 2.

[0068] In the hollow portion 30a of the cartridge housing 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 (B) and Figure 3As shown by the dotted line in (A), the core retaining member 7, the pen pressure detection unit 8, a printed circuit board 9 carrying electronic circuitry including a signal transmission circuit, and a capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device for supplying power voltage, are arranged in the axial direction, starting from the pen tip. The electronic circuitry mounted on the printed circuit board 9 includes a charging circuit for supplying charging current to the capacitor 10. In this example, the capacitor 10 is, for example, an electric double-layer capacitor.

[0069] And, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in Figure (B), a coil 11 is provided on the outer periphery of the resin tube 31b at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 31 of the refill case 30. This coil 11 is excited by an induced current when an AC magnetic field is applied from the outside. In this example, the coil 11 is wound directly onto the resin tube 31b, except for the end portion that engages with the engagement portion 43a of the rotating element 43 of the tapping cam mechanism 4 of the pen case 2. It should be noted that a pre-wound air-core coil structure may also be attached to the outer periphery of the resin tube 31b, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0070] In this case, since coil 11 is wound around resin tube 31b, which is an insulating member, eddy currents are not generated in resin tube 31b by the applied magnetic field. Therefore, capacitor 10, an example of an electrical storage device, is efficiently charged by the induced current induced in coil 11.

[0071] One end 11 a of the coil 11 provided in the resin tube portion 31 b is connected to a ground electrode of an electronic circuit provided in the printed circuit board 9 , and the other end 11 b is connected to a charging circuit included in the electronic circuit.

[0072] Figure 2 (C) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the resin tube portion 31b on the rear end side of the refill case 30. Figure 2 As shown in (C), one electrode 10a of the capacitor 10 is connected to the ground electrode of the printed circuit board 9. In this example, the ground electrode of the printed circuit board 9 is electrically connected to the metal tube portion 31a of the refill case 30. Figure 2 As shown in (B) and (C), one end 11a of the coil 11 is soldered to the metal pipe portion 31a, for example, to be electrically connected thereto.

[0073] And, as Figure 2As shown in (C), in this example, an electrode conductor 12 is provided at the end of the resin tube portion 31b of the refill case 30 that is engaged with the engaging portion 43a, extending from the inner wall surface to the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube portion 31b. The other end 11b of the coil 11 is electrically connected to the outer peripheral surface of the electrode conductor 12 by, for example, soldering. In addition, the inner wall surface of the electrode conductor 12 is connected to the other electrode of the capacitor 10 via the rectifier circuit 13, which is an example of a charging circuit. And, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (C), as will be described later, a connection point between the rectifier circuit 13 and the other electrode 10b of the capacitor 10 is electrically connected to a voltage conversion circuit 14 of an electronic circuit.

[0074] And, in this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 (B), a substrate holder 300 on which a printed substrate 9 is placed on a substrate placement table 301 is housed in the hollow portion 30 a of the refill case 30 .

[0075] The substrate holder 300 is made of insulating resin and has a writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 for accommodating and holding the writing pressure detection unit 8 on the side opposite to the substrate placement table portion 301 in the longitudinal direction which is the axial direction of the electronic pen refill 3. Figure 3 As shown in Figure 2 (B), the substrate holder 300 is configured such that, when housed within the hollow portion of the refill case 30, the pressure detector holder 302 and the substrate mounting platform 301 are continuous in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the electronic pen refill 3. The pressure detector holder 302 is cylindrical in shape, housing the multiple components of the pressure detector 8 within its hollow interior. The substrate mounting platform 301 is a boat-like structure that mounts and holds the printed circuit board 9. It is formed by cutting the cylindrical body approximately in half along the axial direction.

[0076] The substrate holder 300 is housed within the refill case 30 so that the pressure detector holder 302 faces the pen tip. Furthermore, the pressure detector 8 held in the pressure detector holder 302 is coupled to the core body 33, which engages with the core body 33 to hold the core body 33. This allows the pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core body 33 to be transmitted to the pressure detector 8.

[0077] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the writing pressure detection portion holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 is selected to be equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the front cap 32. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 5B , a portion of the pressure detection portion holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 is engaged with a portion of the front cap 32 , thereby restricting the substrate holder 300 from moving in the axial direction within the refill case 30 .

[0078] like Figure 3 (B) and Figure 4As shown, the core holding member 7 that engages and holds the core 33 is composed of a conductive elastic member 71, a core holder 72, a coil spring 73, and a conductor terminal member 74. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2B , the core 33 is held in the core holder 72 by being fitted into the core holder 72 made of a conductive material via a conductive elastic member 71. The core holding member 7 also functions as a transmission member for the writing pressure detection unit 8 to the core 33.

[0079] Furthermore, by fitting the core holder 72 into the holding member 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 8 held in the writing pressure detection unit holder 302, the pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core 33 is transmitted to the writing pressure detection unit 8. In this case, the core holder 72 is configured so that a coil spring 73, which is an example of an elastic member made of a conductive material such as a conductive metal, provided between the core holder 72 and the substrate holder 300, constantly biases the core 33 toward the substrate holder 300. The coil spring 73, together with the conductor terminal member 74, constitutes an electrical connection member for transmitting signals from the signal transmission circuit of the electronic circuit disposed on the printed circuit board 9 to the core 33.

[0080] Figure 4 (A) is an exploded perspective view of the core 33 , the conductive elastic member 71 , the core holder 72 , the coil spring 73 , the conductor terminal member 74 , and the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 .

[0081] The conductive elastic member 71 is made of, for example, conductive rubber and has a cylindrical shape having a through-hole 71a into which the end portion of the core 33 opposite the front end portion 33a is fitted. The conductive elastic member 71 has a thinner portion with a smaller outer diameter than the other portions on the core 33 side, and has a slit 712 formed therein, serving as a gripping portion 711 for easily gripping the core 33.

[0082] With this configuration, the core 33 is held by the two thin-walled portions, i.e., the arc-shaped portions, of the gripping portion 711, where the slits 712 are formed. Therefore, the core 33 can be easily inserted and fitted into the gripping portion 711 of the conductive elastic member 71, and can also be easily removed from the conductive elastic member 71 by pulling with a predetermined force.

[0083] The core holder 72 is made of a conductive material (e.g., SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless Steel)) and integrally includes a receiving and fitting portion 721 having a recessed hole 721a for receiving and fitting the conductive elastic member 71 and a rod-shaped portion 722 for fitting into a later-described retaining member 83 of the writing pressure detection portion 8.

[0084] After the conductive coil spring 73 is assembled to the rod-shaped portion 722 of the core holder 72 that accommodates the conductive elastic member 71 as described above, the rod-shaped portion 722 of the core holder 72 is engaged with the retaining member 83 of the pen pressure detection unit 8 held by the pen pressure detection unit retaining portion 302 of the substrate holder 300.

[0085] In this case, in the electronic pen refill 3 of this embodiment, it is necessary to supply the transmission signal from the signal transmission circuit of the electronic circuit formed on the printed circuit board 9 to the core body 33. In this embodiment, the coil spring 73 made of a conductive material provided between the core body holder 72 and the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 and the conductor terminal member 74 provided on the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 (see Figure 4 (B)) An electrical connection member is formed, and the electrical connection for supplying a signal from the signal transmission circuit of the printed circuit board 9 is achieved by the electrical connection member.

[0086] The conductor terminal member 74 is made of a conductive material (such as SUS). Figure 4 As shown in (A) and (B), the contact plate portion 741 has a through hole 741a for inserting the rod-shaped portion 722 of the core holder 72 and covers the opening 302a side of the pen pressure detection portion holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300. In addition, the conductor terminal member 74 has an extension portion 742 that extends across the portion of the pen pressure detection portion holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 and extends to the portion of the substrate placement table portion 301. In addition, when the conductor terminal member 74 is assembled to the pen pressure detection portion holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1B , the terminal portion 742a at the distal end of the extension portion 742 extending from the conductor terminal member 74 abuts against, for example, a conductor on the back side of the printed circuit board 9 placed on the substrate mounting table 301 of the substrate holder 300, thereby electrically connecting the conductor terminal member 74 to the signal transmission circuit provided on the printed circuit board 9.

[0087] The rod-shaped portion 722 of the core holder 72, into which the conductive elastic member 71 is fitted, is inserted into the hollow portion of the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 through the through-hole 741a of the contact plate portion 741 of the conductor terminal member 74, with the coil spring 73 interposed therebetween, and is fitted into the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302. The inner diameter of the coil spring 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped portion 722 of the core holder 72.

[0088] Therefore, the coil spring 73 elastically contacts the core holder 72 and elastically contacts the abutment plate portion 741 of the conductor terminal member 74. Since the coil spring 73 is made of a conductive material and the conductive elastic member 71 and the core holder 72 are conductive, the conductive elastic member 71 fitted into the core holder 72 is electrically connected to the circuit portion of the printed circuit board 9 via the coil spring 73 and the conductor terminal member 74.

[0089] Then, the core 33 is inserted and fitted into the through-hole 71a of the conductive elastic member 71 of the core holder 72 housed in the refill case 30 as described above, and the core 33 is held in the core holder 72 via the conductive elastic member 71. In this state, the core 33 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit of the printed circuit board 9, and signals from the signal transmission circuit are supplied to the core 33.

[0090] Next, the structures of the writing pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 and the writing pressure detection unit 8 , and the fitting between the holding member 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 8 and the core holder 72 will be described.

[0091] By accommodating the writing pressure detection unit 8 in the writing pressure detection unit holding unit 302, Figure 3 (B) is configured to form a writing pressure detection module. Furthermore, by coupling the writing pressure detection module to the core 33 via the core holder 72, the writing pressure applied to the front end 33a of the core 33 is detected by the writing pressure detection unit 8 of the writing pressure detection module. In this case, the writing pressure detection module detects writing pressure by moving a portion of the components constituting the writing pressure detection unit 8 thereof along with the core 33 and the core holder 72 in the axial direction in response to the writing pressure applied to the front end 33a of the core 33.

[0092] The writing pressure detection unit 8 of this example uses a variable capacitor whose electrostatic capacitance changes according to the writing pressure applied to the core 33. Figure 3 As shown in (B), it is composed of a plurality of components including a dielectric 81 , a terminal member 82 , a holding member 83 , a conductive member 84 and an elastic member 85 .

[0093] With the core holder 72 fitted into the pressure detection unit holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 300 as described above, the core 33 is pressed into the through-hole 71a of the conductive elastic member 71 fitted into the core holder 72. As described above, the core 33 is securely held relative to the core holder 72 by the conductive elastic member 71. It should be noted that the core 33 can be removed from the state fitted and held in the core holder 72 toward the front end portion 33a, and can be replaced as described above.

[0094] In this electronic pen refill 3, when pressure is applied to the front end 33a of the core 33, the core 33 displaces axially toward the rear end in response to the pressure. This displacement causes the retaining member 83 within the pressure detection unit retaining portion 302 to displace toward the dielectric 81 against the elastic biasing force of the elastic member 85. As a result, the conductive member 84 engaged with the retaining member 83 displaces toward the dielectric 81. The distance between the conductive member 84 and the dielectric 81, and therefore the contact area between the conductive member 84 and the dielectric 81, changes in accordance with the pressure applied to the core 33.

[0095] Thus, the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor formed between the terminal member 82 constituting the first electrode and the conductive member 84 constituting the second electrode changes according to the pressure applied to the core 33. The change in the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor is detected by the electronic circuit provided in the printed circuit board 9 to detect the writing pressure.

[0096] It should be noted that the pen pressure detection unit 8 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, a structure in which a variable capacitance capacitor is formed using a semiconductor chip composed of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) elements may be used (for example, see patent document (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-161307)).

[0097] The electronic pen 1 of the embodiment is completed by fitting the end of the resin tube portion 31b on the rear end side of the refill case 30 of the electronic pen refill 3 configured as described above into the fitting portion 43a of the rotary member 43 provided in the tapping cam mechanism 4 of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1.

[0098] [Configuration Example of the Electronic Circuit of the Electronic Pen Refill 3]

[0099] The configuration example of the electronic circuit of the electronic pen refill 3 of this embodiment constructed as described above is shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 As shown, the electronic circuit of this example is composed of a coil 11 provided on the outer periphery of the resin tube portion 31 b of the refill case 30 , a rectifier circuit 13 , a capacitor 10 , a voltage conversion circuit 14 , a signal transmission circuit 15 , and a conductive core 33 .

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5(C), the coil 11 provided on the outer periphery of the resin tube portion 31 b of the refill case 30 is connected to the capacitor 10 via the rectifier circuit 13 and is also connected to the voltage conversion circuit 14 .

[0101] When coil 11 is placed in an AC magnetic field (e.g., placed on a charging tray described later), electromagnetic induction induces an induced current in coil 11, which is rectified by rectifier circuit 13. The rectified current from rectifier circuit 13 charges capacitor 10.

[0102] The voltage conversion circuit 14 converts the voltage stored in the capacitor 10 into a constant voltage and supplies it as a power source for the signal transmission circuit 15. The voltage conversion circuit 14 may be a step-down type circuit that is lower than the voltage across the capacitor 10, or a step-up type circuit that is higher than the voltage across the capacitor 10. Furthermore, the voltage conversion circuit 14 may be a step-down circuit that operates as a step-down circuit when the voltage across the capacitor 10 is higher than the constant voltage, and a step-up circuit when the voltage across the capacitor 10 is lower than the constant voltage.

[0103] In this example, the signal transmission circuit 15 includes an oscillation circuit that generates a signal whose frequency varies according to the capacitance of the variable capacitor 8C included in the writing pressure detection unit 8, and supplies the generated signal to the core 33. The oscillation circuit of the signal transmission circuit 15 is formed, for example, of an LC oscillation circuit utilizing the resonance of a coil and a capacitor.

[0104] The signal from the signal transmission circuit 15 is radiated from the core 33 as an electric field based on the signal and detected by the capacitive position detection sensor. A position detection circuit connected to the position detection sensor detects the position coordinates indicated by the core 33 of the electronic pen refill 3 of the electronic pen 1 based on the position of the position detection sensor that has received the detected signal. Furthermore, the position detection circuit detects the writing pressure applied to the core 33 based on the frequency of the detected signal.

[0105] [Example of the structure of a charging tray for a digital pen]

[0106] A description will be given of a digital pen charging tray for charging a capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device built into the digital pen refill 3, housed within the pen case 2 of the digital pen 1 according to the embodiment described above. This example digital pen charging tray is configured so that the capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device built into the digital pen refill 3, can be charged simply by placing the digital pen 1 according to this embodiment on the tray.

[0107] Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a charging tray for an electronic pen. Figure 6The electronic pen charging tray 100 in this example is configured to include a rectangular parallelepiped tray housing 101, which is thicker than the thickness of the pen housing 2 of the electronic pen 1. In this example, the length of the upper surface 101a of the tray housing 101 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the electronic pen 1 in the axial direction, and the length of the shorter side is greater than the thickness of the electronic pen 1.

[0108] Furthermore, in this example, a recess 101b is provided in the center portion of the upper surface 101a of the tray housing 101 in the short-side direction, extending across the entire length of the upper surface 101a of the tray housing 101. This recess 101b is used to place the electronic pen 1, and the width of this recess 101b is greater than the diameter of the pen housing 2 of the electronic pen 1.

[0109] Furthermore, magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are provided inside the tray housing 101 along the direction in which the recess 101b is formed, and in this example, on both sides of the recess 101b. In this case, the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are arranged so that the directions of the flows of the magnetic fluxes Ba and Bb in the magnetic field generated by the alternating current supplied to these magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are as follows: Figure 6 That is, the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are arranged so that the direction of the winding center of each coil 102 and 103 is along the direction of the formation of the recess 101b (the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 101a of the tray housing 101).

[0110] In this example, the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are arranged so that the directions of the magnetic fluxes Ba and Bb in the magnetic fields formed by the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are the same and superimposed, and are configured to be supplied with an AC signal.

[0111] Moreover, the depth of the recess 101b is set to the following depth: when the electronic pen 1 is placed in the recess 101b, the magnetic fluxes Ba and Bb in the magnetic field generated by the alternating current supplied to the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are efficiently linked with the coil 11 provided at the rear end portion of the refill case 30 of the electronic pen refill 3.

[0112] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , an AC signal generating circuit 104 for supplying AC current to the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 is provided inside the tray housing 101. Figure 6Although not shown in the figure, the electronic pen charging tray 100 is connected to an AC plug that plugs into a commercial AC power outlet and includes a power switch. When the power switch is turned on, a power supply voltage is supplied to the AC signal generating circuit 104, causing AC current to flow through the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103, generating an AC magnetic field for charging that generates magnetic fluxes Ba and Bb.

[0113] To charge the electronic pen 1 using the electronic pen charging tray 100 configured as described above, place the electronic pen 1 in the recess 101b of the electronic pen charging tray 100 and turn on the power switch. An AC signal from the AC signal generating circuit 104 then flows through the magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103, generating an AC magnetic field for charging that interlinks magnetic fluxes Ba and Bb with the coil 11 provided on the electronic pen refill 3 of the electronic pen 1 placed in the recess 101b.

[0114] Therefore, an induced current is induced in the coil 11 of the electronic pen refill 3 of the electronic pen 1. This induced current charges the capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device, within the refill case 30 of the electronic pen refill 3. This charging enables the electronic pen refill 3 of the electronic pen 1 to operate in an active capacitive manner.

[0115] It should be noted that, in the above example, two magnetic field generating coils 102 and 103 are provided on the electronic pen charging tray 100, but the magnetic field generating coil may be one. Figure 6 The tray, as in the example, may also be a device in the shape of a pen holder into which the electronic pen is inserted. In this case, the magnetic field generating coil is provided so that, when the electronic pen 1 is inserted into the pen holder and held upright, a magnetic flux is generated that interlinks with the coil 11 provided in the resin tube portion 31b of the refill case 30 of the electronic pen refill 3.

[0116] [Effects of the Digital Pen and Digital Pen Refill According to the First Embodiment]

[0117] As described above, the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment can be configured to maintain compatibility with refills for ballpoint pens. Furthermore, since the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment charges the energy storage device housed within the refill case 30 using the induced current induced by the coil wound around the rear end of the refill case 30, frequent battery replacement, as is required with primary batteries, is unnecessary.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment described above, the energy storage device built into the electronic pen refill 3 can be charged simply by placing it in an environment where an external magnetic field is applied to the coil wound around the rear end of the refill case 30. This allows charging while the electronic pen refill 3 is housed within the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1. Furthermore, the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1 does not require any special features such as charging terminals, allowing the pen case of a stationery ballpoint pen to be used as is.

[0119] [Second embodiment]

[0120] The active capacitance type electronic pen of the second embodiment is an example of a bidirectional communication type electronic pen that receives a signal from a position detection sensor that detects the pointed position of the electronic pen and transmits a signal in a requested format based on the received signal.

[0121] In a bidirectional communication electronic pen, the location of the receiving unit that receives signals from the position detection sensor is crucial. In capacitive electronic pens, the signals transmitted from the position detection sensor are based on an electric field that can be received through capacitive coupling, and their reach is very short. Therefore, the receiving unit of a bidirectional communication electronic pen should be positioned close to the pen tip to ensure that it can receive the signals from the position detection sensor with high intensity.

[0122] Therefore, in this second embodiment, the structure of the electronic pen refill is designed to be optimal for use in the aforementioned bidirectional communication-type electronic pen. Specifically, in the embodiment described below, the electronic pen refill is provided with a receiver for receiving signals from the position detection sensor. However, this receiver comprises a peripheral electrode made of a cylindrical conductor, surrounding the central electrode to the vicinity of its tip, to ensure electrical insulation from the core body, which is a central electrode made of a conductive material.

[0123] Furthermore, a recent proposal has been to use a position detection device to detect the electronic pen's tilt angle relative to the position detection sensor surface (the angle formed by the electronic pen's axial center and the position detection sensor surface, hereinafter referred to as the electronic pen's tilt angle). This detected tilt angle can then be reflected in, for example, the thickness of the electronic pen's pointing trajectory (writing trace). In the electronic pen refill of this second embodiment, the aforementioned peripheral electrodes are configured to also detect the electronic pen's tilt angle.

[0124] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the peripheral electrodes are also configured to function as shield electrodes with respect to the central electrode that transmits the position detection signal.

[0125] Below, refer to Figures 7 to 11The following describes an example structure of an electronic pen and electronic pen refill according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that the electronic pen and electronic pen refill according to the second embodiment described below have the same tap-type ballpoint pen structure as the first embodiment, and the pen case used is the same as the pen case 2 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the electronic pen refill according to the second embodiment differs only in the structure of the pen tip side from the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment; the rest of the structure is the same as the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment. In the following description of the electronic pen and electronic pen refill according to the second embodiment, identical parts to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0126] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic pen 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the configuration example of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In addition, Figure 8 (A) and (B) are diagrams comparing the configuration of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment with a commercially available refill for a tap-type ballpoint pen. Figure 2 The structural examples of (A) and (B) correspond to each other. Figure 2 The structure of the rear end side of the electronic pen refill 3 in (C) is also the same in the second electronic pen refill 3A. Figure 8 The diagram is omitted. Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3A according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 (A) is a diagram showing its appearance, Figure 9 (B) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

[0127] In the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment, Figure 8 (B) and Figure 9 As shown in (A) and (B), a peripheral electrode 36 made of a conductive member (e.g., a conductive metal) is coupled to the pen tip side of the cylindrical portion 31A of the housing via a cylindrical coupling member 35, and a front cap 37 is coupled to the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36 to form a refill housing 30A.

[0128] In this example, if Figure 8 As shown in Figure (B), the cylindrical housing portion 31A is similar to the cylindrical housing portion 31 of the refill housing 30 of the electronic pen refill 3 in the first embodiment. It is formed by joining a resin tube portion 31Ab to the rear end of a metal tube portion 31Aa, opposite the pen tip. Furthermore, a coil 11 is wound around the resin tube portion 31Ab. One end 11a and the other end 11b of this coil 11 are connected to the electronic circuitry within the cylindrical housing portion 31A, similar to the first embodiment.

[0129] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the peripheral electrode 36 is coupled to the metal tube portion 31Aa of the case cylindrical portion 31A via a cylindrical coupling member 35 on the pen tip side. The cylindrical coupling member 35 also serves to insulate the metal tube portion 31Aa of the case cylindrical portion 31A from the peripheral electrode 36. Furthermore, the end of the electronic pen refill 3A on the resin tube portion 31Ab side engages with the engaging portion 43a within the pen case 2.

[0130] In this example, if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, peripheral electrode 36 is formed into a cylindrical portion 36a having a constant outer diameter R2 and a tapered portion 36b tapering toward the pen tip. Metal tube portion 31Aa of housing cylindrical portion 31A has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter equal to outer diameter R2 of cylindrical portion 36a of peripheral electrode 36.

[0131] The cylindrical coupling member 35 is made of an insulating material (resin in this example) and is Figure 9 The cylindrical body shown in (B) has an annular flange portion 35F protruding from the outer peripheral surface formed at the middle position in the axial direction. The annular flange portion 35F has a predetermined width W in the axial direction (see Figure 9 (A) and (B)), if Figure 9 As shown in (A) and (B), its end surface is flush with the case cylindrical portion 31A and the peripheral electrode 36 without any step, and constitutes a part of the refill case 30A.

[0132] The cylindrical coupling member 35 has a first fitting cylindrical portion 35a on the axially oriented side relative to the annular flange portion 35F, i.e., on the pen tip side, that fits with the cylindrical portion 36a of the peripheral electrode 36. Furthermore, the cylindrical coupling member 35 has a second fitting cylindrical portion 35b on the axially oriented rear end relative to the annular flange portion 35F that fits with the metal tube portion 31Aa of the case cylindrical portion 31A.

[0133] In a state where the metal tube portion 31Aa of the housing cylindrical portion 31A and the peripheral electrode 36 are inserted and fitted into the cylindrical coupling member 35 and the front cap 37 is coupled to the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36, Figure 8 (B) and Figure 9 As shown in Figures (A) and (B), a single cylindrical body of the refill case 30A is formed. At this point, as previously described, the outer circumferential surface of the metal tube 31Aa of the case cylindrical portion 31A, the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral electrode 36, and the end face of the annular flange 35F of the cylindrical coupling member 35 are flush with each other. Furthermore, the metal tube 31Aa of the case cylindrical portion 31A and the peripheral electrode 36, both made of a conductive material, are not in contact and are electrically isolated (insulated) from each other due to the presence of the annular flange 35F of the cylindrical coupling member 35.

[0134] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1B , there is a hollow portion 30Aa inside the lead case 30A. The front cap 37 attached to the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36 is made of an insulating material and has an opening 37a (see FIG. 1B ) at its front end having a diameter larger than that of the core 33 serving as the central electrode. Figure 9 (B)), the opening 37a communicates with the hollow portion 30Aa of the refill case 30A.

[0135] And, as Figure 9 As shown in (B), the core body 33 serving as the center electrode is inserted into the refill case 30A from the opening 37a of the front cap 37, and the end portion opposite to the pen tip side is detachably attached to the core body holding member 7.

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2B , the core 33 and the peripheral electrode 36 made of a conductive material are electrically separated (insulated) by a front cap 37 made of an insulating material. In the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment, when the core 33 as the central electrode is assembled, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (B), the peripheral electrode 36 is arranged so as to surround the core 33 at the rear end side relative to the front end portion 33 a serving as the pen tip.

[0137] In the case of this second embodiment as well, Figure 8 As shown in (A) and (B), the size of the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3A is configured to be substantially equal to the size of the pen tip side of the ballpoint pen refill 6. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5B , the outer diameters of the case cylindrical portion 31A of the refill case 30A and the cylindrical portion 36 a of the peripheral electrode 36 are equal to the outer diameter R2 of the ink container 62 and the connecting portion 63 of the refill 6 of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen.

[0138] Furthermore, the tapered portion 36b on the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36 of the refill case 30A has a diameter that gradually decreases as it approaches the pen tip side. In this embodiment, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the pen tip side of the middle position in the axial direction of the tapered portion 36b is configured to be equal to or smaller than the diameter R0 of the opening 2b on the pen tip side of the pen case 2.

[0139] Furthermore, when the electronic pen refill 3A is inserted into the core body 33 through the opening 37a of the front cap 37, the length from the front end of the core body 33 to the position where the outer diameter of the tapered portion 36b of the peripheral electrode 36 becomes the diameter R1 is constructed to be approximately equal to the axial length L1 of the pen tip 61 of the refill 6 of a commercially available tap-type ballpoint pen.

[0140] In addition, if Figure 8As shown in (A) and (B), the length (total length) of the electronic pen refill 3A in a state where the core body 33 is attached is selected to be equal to the total length L2 of the ballpoint pen refill 6.

[0141] The electronic pen refill 3A having the above-described structure can be stored in the pen case 2 by fitting the cylindrical portion 31A of the case into the fitting portion 43a of the rotating member 43 of the tapping cam mechanism 4. Furthermore, in the electronic pen 1A of the second embodiment, the user presses the end 42a of the tapping rod 42 when using the electronic pen with the position detection device. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2B , the front end portion 33 a of the core 33 , a portion of the front cap 37 , and a portion of the tapered portion 36 b of the peripheral electrode 36 on the pen tip side protrude from the opening 2 b of the pen case 2 .

[0142] That is, in the second embodiment, it is configured as follows: Figure 7 As shown in Figure (B), not only the front end of the core 33 mounted on the electronic pen refill 3A but also a portion of the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36 surrounding the core 33 protrudes outward from the opening 2b of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1A. In this state, the user of the electronic pen 1A performs input operations to indicate a position on the position detection sensor of the position detection device. Therefore, because the core 33 (the central electrode) and the peripheral electrode 36 protrude outward from the opening of the pen case 2, strong electric field coupling is established between the core 33 and the peripheral electrode 36 and the position detection sensor.

[0143] When the use of the electronic pen 1A is finished, the end 42a of the knocking stick 42 is pressed again. Figure 7 As shown in (A), the entire electronic pen refill 3A can be housed within the hollow portion 2a of the pen case 2. In this case, the entire electronic pen refill 3A is housed within the hollow portion 2a of the pen case 2, and the tip 33a of the core body 33 of the electronic pen refill 3A is protected by the pen case 2.

[0144] It should be noted that, in the hollow portion 30Aa of the cartridge case 30A, Figure 8 (B) and Figure 9 As shown by the dotted line in (A), in this second embodiment as well, the core holding member 7, the writing pressure detection unit 8, the printed circuit board 9 with electronic circuitry, and the capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device for supplying power voltage, are arranged in the axial direction in this order from the pen tip side. The structures of the core holding member 7, the writing pressure detection unit 8, the printed circuit board 9 with electronic circuitry, and the capacitor 10, an example of a power storage device for supplying power voltage, are the same in this second embodiment as in the first embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0145] It should be noted that if Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1B , the electrical connection between the peripheral electrode 36 and the circuit portion of the printed circuit board 9 is performed using a connecting terminal conductor 16 that passes through the flange portion 35F of the cylindrical coupling member 35 and is disposed in a non-contact state with the metal tube portion 31Aa of the housing cylindrical portion 31A. One end portion 16a of the connecting terminal conductor 16 contacts the inner wall of the peripheral electrode 36 to electrically connect the two. Figure 9 As shown in (B), the other end portion 16 b of the connection terminal conductor 16 is electrically connected to the back surface 9 b side of the printed circuit board 9 .

[0146] [Example of Electronic Circuit Configuration of Digital Pen Refill 3A According to Second Embodiment]

[0147] Next, the electrical configuration of the electronic pen refill 3A according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 In this example, Figure 10 As shown, a control circuit 201 is formed by an IC (Integrated Circuit) mounted on a printed circuit board 9. Furthermore, a signal transmission circuit 202 and a signal reception circuit 203 are connected to the control circuit 201, as well as a variable capacitance capacitor 8C formed by the writing pressure detection unit 8. A resistor 8R is connected in parallel with the variable capacitance capacitor 8C.

[0148] The signal output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 202 is connected to the core 33 via the switch circuit 204. In this case, as described above, the conductor terminal member 74, the core holder 72, and the conductive elastic member 71 are present between the core 33 and the switch circuit 204.

[0149] In this example, the signal output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 202 is connected to the terminal S of the switching circuit 205. The movable terminal M of the switching circuit 205 is connected to the peripheral electrode 36. In this case, the connection terminal conductor 16 is present between the peripheral electrode 36 and the switching circuit 205.

[0150] A terminal R of the switch circuit 205 is connected to the input terminal of the signal receiving circuit 203. In addition, a terminal G of the switch circuit 205 is connected to a ground electrode (earth electrode).

[0151] The control circuit 201 supplies a control signal SW1 to the switch circuit 204 for turning the switch circuit 204 on and off. The control circuit 201 supplies a switching control signal SW2 to the switch circuit 205 for switching between the terminal S, the terminal R, and the terminal G to which the movable terminal M is connected.

[0152] Although Figure 10Although not shown in the figure, in this second embodiment, the capacitor 10 is also configured to be charged by the induced current induced in the coil 11. Furthermore, the voltage of the capacitor 10 is supplied as a power supply voltage to each of the control circuit 201, the signal transmission circuit 202, the signal reception circuit 203, the switch circuit 204, and the selector switch circuit 205.

[0153] The signal receiving circuit 203 receives a signal received via electrostatic capacitance coupling (electric field coupling) with a position detection sensor of the position detection device using the peripheral electrodes 36 , performs processing such as demodulation corresponding to the received signal, and transmits the signal of the processing result to the control circuit 201 .

[0154] The control circuit 201 analyzes the signal from the signal receiving circuit 203 to determine the specifications of the other party's position detection device and determines the timing for signal exchange with the position detection sensor of the other party's position detection device. Furthermore, the control circuit 201 controls the format of the signal output from the signal transmitting circuit 202 to conform to the specifications of the other party's position detection device and exchanges signals with the position detection sensor at the determined timing.

[0155] Under the control of control circuit 201, signal transmission circuit 202 basically outputs a position detection signal (burst signal) of a predetermined frequency used for position detection in the position detection device and a signal containing writing pressure information corresponding to the writing pressure detected by writing pressure detection unit 8. Furthermore, signal transmission circuit 202 also outputs a signal for detecting the tilt angle of electronic pen 1A. Specifically, under the control of control circuit 201, signal transmission circuit 202 transmits burst signals for position detection and for detecting the tilt angle of electronic pen 1A.

[0156] Furthermore, while the burst signal for position detection is being transmitted from the signal transmission circuit 202 , the control circuit 201 executes an operation for detecting the writing pressure based on the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor 8C included in the writing pressure detection unit 8 .

[0157] In this example, control circuit 201 first charges variable capacitor 8C to a fully charged state. Then, by stopping charging, variable capacitor 8C is discharged through resistor 8R. The time from the start of discharge until the voltage across variable capacitor 8C reaches a predetermined voltage is measured, and the static capacitance of variable capacitor 8C at that time is detected based on this time. Since the static capacitance of variable capacitor 8C corresponds to the writing pressure applied to core 33 at that time, writing pressure is detected based on this detected static capacitance.

[0158] Furthermore, the control circuit 201 converts the detected writing pressure into a multi-bit digital signal in this example, and controls the signal transmission circuit 202 so that writing pressure information corresponding to the digital signal is output from the signal transmission circuit 202 .

[0159] In this embodiment, the control circuit 201 executes, by time division, a position detection period Ta for sending a burst signal for position detection and writing pressure detection information to the position detection device and a tilt detection period Tb for detecting the tilt angle of the electronic pen 1A.

[0160] During the position detection period Ta, the switch circuit 204 is turned on by the control signal SW1, and the switching circuit 205 is switched by the control signal SW2 to connect the movable terminal M to the terminal G. Furthermore, during the tilt detection period Tb, the switch circuit 204 is turned off by the control signal SW1, and the switching circuit 205 is switched by the control signal SW2 to connect the movable terminal M to the terminal S. Furthermore, during this tilt detection period Tb, the control circuit 201 controls the signal transmission circuit 202 to generate a burst signal for tilt detection.

[0161] like Figure 11 As shown in the schematic diagram (A), when the core 33 of the electronic pen refill 3A of the electronic pen 1A is perpendicular to the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor, during the position detection period Ta, electrostatic coupling occurs between the front end 33a of the core 33 and the position detection sensor. Figure 11 As shown in (B), the electrostatically coupled region OBa on the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor becomes a true circular region. On the other hand, during the tilt detection period Tb, electrostatic coupling occurs between the peripheral electrode 36 and the position detection sensor, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (C), the electrostatically coupled region OBb on the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor is a ring-shaped region.

[0162] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown in the schematic diagram (D), when the core 33 of the electronic pen refill 3A of the electronic pen 1A is in a tilted state relative to the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (E), the region OBa that is electrostatically coupled with the front end portion 33a of the core 33 in the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor during the position detection period Ta is still a substantially circular region. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 5(F), the region OBb electrostatically coupled with the peripheral electrode 36 on the input surface 210 of the position detection sensor during the tilt detection period Tb is an elliptical region corresponding to the tilt angle and extending long in the tilt direction.

[0163] Therefore, in the position detection device, it is possible to Figure 11 The size of the tilt angle of the electronic pen 1A is detected by measuring the length of the elliptical shape of the area OBb shown in (F) in the long circle direction. Figure 11 The direction of the tilt of the digital pen 1A can be detected in the long circle direction of the elliptical shape of the area OBb whose starting point is the pointed position of the digital pen 1A shown in (E).

[0164] [Effects of the Second Embodiment]

[0165] In the electronic pen 1A of the second embodiment, not only the effects of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment described above but also the following effects can be obtained.

[0166] That is, in the second embodiment, when the electronic pen 1A is used in which the pen tip side of the electronic pen refill 3A protrudes outward from the opening 2b of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1A, not only the front end 33a of the core 33 but also a part of the tapered portion 36b on the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36 protrudes from the opening 2b of the pen case 2.

[0167] Therefore, even when the electronic pen 1A of the second embodiment is slimmed down, it can achieve strong electric field coupling with the position detection sensor, and the position detection device can detect the pointed position of the electronic pen 1A with high sensitivity.

[0168] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the electronic pen refill 3A is designed to be interchangeable with commercially available ballpoint pen refills. This allows the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1A to be used with a commercially available ballpoint pen refill instead of the electronic pen refill 3A.

[0169] [Variations of electronic pen refills]

[0170] Figure 12 (A) shows a first modified example of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment. In the description of the electronic pen refill 3B of this example, the same components as those of the aforementioned electronic pen refill 3A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0171] In the electronic pen refill 3B of this example, a peripheral electrode 36B having a shape different from that of the peripheral electrode 36 of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment described above is used. Figure 12 As shown in (A), the peripheral electrode 36B of the electronic pen refill 3B of this example is formed into a cylindrical shape with a constant outer diameter in the axial direction, and the outer diameter is set to be larger than the diameter of the opening 2b of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen 1B of this example (see Figure 1) Small diameter R1. In this example, a front cap 37B made of an insulating material is attached to the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36B.

[0172] The refill case 30B of the electronic pen refill 3B in this example, like the electronic pen refill 3A in the second embodiment, includes a cylindrical case portion 31A composed of a metal tube portion 31Aa and a resin tube portion 31Ab. Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, a coil 11 is mounted on the outer periphery of the resin tube portion 31Ab. One end 11a and the other end 11b of this coil 11 are connected to the electronic circuitry within the refill case 30B.

[0173] Furthermore, in the electronic pen refill 3B of this example, the structure of the peripheral electrode 36B differs from the peripheral electrode 36 in the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment. Therefore, the cylindrical coupling member 35B, which couples the peripheral electrode 36B to the metal tube 31Aa of the cylindrical housing portion 31A, is configured to match the structure of the peripheral electrode 36B, allowing the peripheral electrode 36B to be coupled to the metal tube 31Aa of the cylindrical housing portion 31A via an annular flange 35BF. Furthermore, the front cap 37B is also modified to match the structure of the peripheral electrode 36B.

[0174] The rest of the structure of the electronic pen refill 3B of this example is the same as that of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment described above.

[0175] Therefore, when using the Figure 12 The electronic pen with the electronic pen refill 3B of the example (A) can also achieve the same effects as the electronic pen 1A of the second embodiment. When in use, the core 33, the front cap 37B, and a portion of the pen tip side of the peripheral electrode 36B are moved from the inner core 33 to the outer core 37B. Figure 12 The opening of the pen case 2, indicated by the dotted line in (A), protrudes outward. In this case, the cylindrical portion of the peripheral electrode 36B, which has a constant outer diameter, is located at the opening of the pen case 2. Therefore, by adjusting the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the peripheral electrode 36B, it is easy to prevent the tip of the electronic pen refill 3B from loosening at the opening of the pen case 2.

[0176] then, Figure 12 Example (B) shows another variation of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment described above. This electronic pen refill 3C differs from the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment described above in that the refill case 30C includes a cylindrical housing portion 31C and a cylindrical coupling member 35C. The remaining components have the same structure.

[0177] The refill case 30C of the electronic pen refill 3C in this example includes a cylindrical case portion 31C having an outer diameter R3 that is larger than the outer diameter R2 of the cylindrical case portion 31A of the electronic pen refill 3A described above. Specifically, in this example, the cylindrical case portion 31C is also constructed by bonding a resin tube portion 31Cb to the rear end of a metal tube portion 31Ca. As in the above example, a coil 11C is mounted on the outer periphery of the resin tube portion 31Cb. One end 11Ca and the other end 11Cb of this coil 11C are connected to the electronic circuitry within the refill case 30C.

[0178] In the electronic pen refill 3C of this example, considering that the diameter of the shell cylindrical portion 31C is different from that of the electronic pen refill 3A, the cylindrical coupling member 35C for coupling the peripheral electrode 36 to the shell cylindrical portion 31C is coordinated with the structure of the shell cylindrical portion 31C and is constructed so as to be able to couple the peripheral electrode 36 to the shell cylindrical portion 31C via the annular flange portion 35CF.

[0179] In the electronic pen refill 3C of this example, as described above, the cylindrical housing portion 31C has a large outer diameter R3. This increases the inner diameter, creating a large hollow portion. The electronic pen refill 3C of this example utilizes the large hollow portion of the cylindrical housing portion 31C to accommodate a capacitor 10C, which is larger and has a higher storage capacity than the previously described capacitor 10, as a power storage device. The remaining structure is similar to that of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment described above.

[0180] The case 2C of the electronic pen that houses the electronic pen refill 3C of this example is made to have a larger diameter than the pen case 2 of the electronic pens 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above. There are also ballpoint pens used in stationery that use a case equipped with such a larger diameter ballpoint pen refill. Figure 12 The electronic pen refill 3C of the example also functions as a shell of a ballpoint pen that can be used directly as a stationery.

[0181] Figure 12 (C) The electronic pen refill 3D shown is Figure 12 (A) is a modified example of the electronic pen refill 3B. Figure 12 The peripheral electrode 36D of the electronic pen refill 3D of the example (C) is different from the example in that the peripheral electrode 36D of the electronic pen refill 3D has a tapered portion 36Db on the pen tip side. Figure 12 The peripheral electrode 36B of the electronic pen refill 3B in the example (A) is different. That is, the peripheral electrode 36D of the electronic pen refill 3D in this example is set to have an outer diameter larger than the diameter R0 of the opening 2b of the pen case 2 of the electronic pen (see Figure 1 ) The pen tip side of the cylindrical portion 36Da with a small diameter R1 is formed with a tapered portion 36Db. In this example, a front cap 37D made of an insulating material is provided at the front end of the tapered portion 36Db of the peripheral electrode 36D. Figure 12 The electronic pen refill 3B in the example (A) has the same configuration.

[0182] It should be noted that in Figure 12 Detailed description is given of a modification of the electronic pen refill 3A of the second embodiment, but the same modification can also be applied to the electronic pen refill 3 of the first embodiment.

[0183] [Third embodiment]

[0184] In the first and second embodiments described above, only one electronic pen refill is housed within the pen case of the electronic pen. Meanwhile, some commercially available ballpoint pens come with multi-colored refills containing different ink colors. This third embodiment provides an electronic pen constructed by housing an electronic pen refill in a pen case having the same structure as the multi-colored ballpoint pen case.

[0185] Specifically, in the third embodiment, one or more electronic pen refills are stored in the pen case of the electronic pen. When using the electronic pen refill in the pen case, the selected electronic pen refill is selected and the tip of the selected electronic pen refill is protruded from an opening on the pen tip side of the pen case using a knocking mechanism.

[0186] Figure 13 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen 1M according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , the pen case 2M of the electronic pen 1M is shown in cross section to easily illustrate its internal structure.

[0187] The pen housing 2M of the electronic pen 1M of the third embodiment has a structure substantially similar to that of a housing and a knocking mechanism of a commercially available knocking-type multi-color ballpoint pen. Figure 13 In the example of FIG, the pen case 2M is set as an example of a two-color ballpoint pen.

[0188] The pen housing 2M is composed of a cylindrical body having an opening 2Ma at one end. Figure 13 As shown, the pen case 2M is formed by integrally joining a first case portion 221 and a second case portion 222, which are divided in the axial direction, via a portion of a refill holder 223. An opening 2Ma of the pen case 2M is formed on the side of the first case portion 221 opposite the side joined to the refill holder 223. The refill holder 223 has through-holes 223a and 223b within the hollow portion of the pen case 2M for inserting two ballpoint pen refills.

[0189] The second housing portion 222 is provided with a tapping operation portion 230 and a tapping operation portion 240 for two ballpoint pens, and is also provided with a stopper 250. The tapping operation portion 230 includes a protrusion 231 protruding outward from the second housing portion 222, a protrusion 232 protruding in the direction of the central axis of the second housing portion 222, and a notch 234 that engages with the stopper 250. Similarly, the tapping operation portion 240 includes a protrusion 241 protruding outward from the second housing portion 222, a protrusion 242 protruding in the direction of the central axis of the second housing portion 222, and a notch 244 that engages with the stopper 250. A recess 251 is formed at the front end of the stopper 250 to engage with either the notch 234 of the tapping operation portion 230 or the notch 244 of the tapping operation portion 240.

[0190] The tip-side ends of the tapping operation parts 230 and 240 are formed as fitting portions 230a and 240a for ballpoint pen refills to fit into. Furthermore, return springs 235 and 245 are provided between the fitting portions 230a and 240a of the tapping operation parts 230 and 240 and the refill holder 223. These return springs 235 and 245 are elastic members for returning the tapping operation parts 230 and 240 to their original positions.

[0191] For the pen housing 2M for the multi-color ballpoint pen of the above structure, Figure 13 In the example, in the pen housing 2M, instead of a refill for the ballpoint pen, the rear end portion of an electronic pen refill 3AES having the same structure as the active electrostatic capacitance type electronic pen refill 3 or 3A of the first or second embodiment described above is embedded in the embedding portion 230a of the tapping operation portion 230, and the rear end portion of an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen refill 3EMR is embedded in the embedding portion 240a of the tapping operation portion 240.

[0192] The electronic pen refill 3AES of this example is constructed similarly to the electronic pen refill 3, 3A of the first embodiment, except that it is configured with a dot of the same size as a multi-color ballpoint pen refill. Furthermore, the electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR of this example is also configured with the same size as a multi-color ballpoint pen refill.

[0193] Figure 13 (B) is a diagram illustrating the electromagnetic induction-based electronic pen refill 3EMR of this example. The refill case 30EMR of this electromagnetic induction-based electronic pen refill 3EMR consists of a resin-made cylindrical housing portion 31EMR with the same outer diameter as the cylindrical housing portion 31 of the electronic pen refill 3AES. Furthermore, a magnetic core (in this example, a ferrite core 39) wound with a coil 38 is attached to the tip side of the cylindrical housing portion 31EMR.

[0194] The outer diameter of the ferrite core 39 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the opening 2Ma of the pen case 2M. In this example, the ferrite core 39 is composed of a tapered portion 39a on the pen tip side and a coil winding portion 39b of a constant diameter, and the coil 38 is wound around the coil winding portion 39b.

[0195] Although not shown, within the hollow portion of the cylindrical housing portion 31EMR, similar to electronic pen refills 3 and 3A, a core retaining member, a writing pressure detection unit, and a printed circuit board with a capacitor connected in parallel with coil 38 are located. In the case of this electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR, a resonant circuit formed by coil 38 and a capacitor receives signals from a position detection sensor through electromagnetic coupling. This received signal is then fed back from the resonant circuit to the position detection sensor, thereby detecting the pointed position of the electronic pen. Therefore, no power supply circuit is required.

[0196] Furthermore, a through-hole is formed in the ferrite core 39 in the axial direction. A core 33EMR, made of a relatively hard yet elastic resin material (e.g., POM (Polyoxymethylene)), is inserted through this through-hole and retained by a core retaining member within the hollow portion of the housing cylindrical portion 31EMR. The core retaining member and the writing pressure detection unit are similar in structure to the core retaining member 7 and writing pressure detection unit 8 of the capacitive electronic pen refill 3 described above.

[0197] Furthermore, in the electronic pen 1M constructed as described above, if either the tapping operation part 230 or the tapping operation part 240 is slid, the cutout groove 234 or 244 of either the sliding tapping operation part 230 or 240 engages with the recess 251 of the stopper 250 and becomes locked at that position.

[0198] In this case, when the tapping operation unit 230 is operated, the tip 33a of the core body 33 and the pen tip side of the front cap 32 of the capacitive electronic pen refill 3AES, or the pen tip side of the front cap 37 and the peripheral electrode 36, protrude from the opening 2Ma of the pen case 2M, and the electronic pen 1M operates as a capacitive electronic pen. This is similar to the first and second embodiments described above.

[0199] When the tapping operation unit 240 is operated, the core body 33EMR of the electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR and the pen tip side of the ferrite core 39 protrude from the opening 2Ma of the pen case 2M, and the electronic pen 1M operates as an electromagnetic induction electronic pen.

[0200] Since the capacitive electronic pen refill 3AES in this embodiment includes a charging coil 11, it is necessary to consider the magnetic relationship with the coil 38 of the electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR. However, in the capacitive electronic pen refill 3AES in this embodiment, the charging coil 11 is located in the resin tube portion 31AESb at the rear end of the refill case 30AES of the electronic pen refill 3AES, placing it at a distance axially from the coil 38 of the electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR. Consequently, it has little effect on the electromagnetic coupling between the coil 38 of the electromagnetic induction electronic pen refill 3EMR and the position detection sensor.

[0201] Furthermore, after an operation (tapping operation) is performed to slide either the tapping operation part 230 or the tapping operation part 240 toward the pen tip side, if an operation is performed in such a way as to slide the tapping operation part of the unoperated side toward the pen tip side, the tapping operation part that has slid to the pen tip side can be restored to its original state.

[0202] As described above, the electronic pen 1M of the third embodiment has the effect of being able to selectively utilize the electrostatic capacitance type electronic pen refill 3AES and the electromagnetic induction type electronic pen refill 3EMR by a tapping operation. Figure 6 The recess 101 b of the electronic pen charging tray 100 shown is convenient because it can charge the capacitor of the electric storage device of the capacitive electronic pen refill 3AES.

[0203] It should be noted that in the electronic pen 1M of the third embodiment, the following electronic pen can be provided: by replacing the electromagnetic induction type electronic pen refill 3EMR and fitting the ballpoint pen refill into the tapping operation part 240, the function of a stationery ballpoint pen and the function of an electrostatic capacitance type electronic pen can be selected.

[0204] It should be noted that the third embodiment is an example in which two knocking operation portions are provided, but the number of knocking operation portions may be three or more.

[0205] [Other embodiments or modifications]

[0206] In the electronic pen refills of the first to third embodiments described above, the portion of the refill case where the coil 11 is provided is a resin tube. However, the material is not limited to resin and any insulating material may be used, such as a ferrite core or ceramics.

[0207] In addition, in the electronic pen refills of the first to third embodiments described above, the refill case 30 may be formed of only the metal tube portion, and the coil 11 may be provided in the metal tube portion.

[0208] Description of Reference Numerals

[0209] 1. 1A. 1M…electronic pen, 2. 2M…pen housing, 3. 3A. 3AES…capacitive electronic pen refill, 11…coil, 30. 30A…refill housing, 30. 31A…housing tubular portion, 31A. 31Aa…metal tube, 31B. 31Ab…resin tube, 33…core, 36…peripheral electrodes, 100…charging tray for the electronic pen.

Claims

1. A refill for an electronic pen, which is housed in a cylindrical pen case of an electronic pen so that at least a pen tip can protrude from one opening in the axial direction of the pen case, characterized in that: have: a cylindrical refill housing; an electronic circuit, disposed in the cartridge housing, comprising a signal transmitting circuit that generates a signal to be supplied to the position detection sensor; a rechargeable power storage device, disposed in the cartridge housing, for supplying power voltage to the electronic circuit; and The coil is provided at the rear end portion of the refill housing on the opposite side of the pen tip in the axial direction thereof, in a state of being wound around the outside of the rear end portion. The electronic pen refill is configured to charge the power storage device by an induced current induced in the coil based on a magnetic field supplied from the outside.

2. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end edge of the refill case on the rear end side is configured to fit into a fitting portion in the pen case of the electronic pen.

3. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: A charging circuit for charging the power storage device is provided in the refill case, and the coil is electrically connected to the charging circuit.

4. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end portion of the refill case is an insulator made of resin.

5. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end portion of the refill case is an insulator and a magnetic body.

6. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the refill case except the rear end portion is made of metal. A ground terminal of the electronic circuit is electrically connected to the metal portion of the cartridge case, and one end of the coil is electrically connected to the metal portion of the cartridge case.

7. The electronic pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: A conductive central electrode, one end of which in the axial direction serves as the pen tip; and The peripheral electrode is disposed around the central electrode except for at least the pen tip and is insulated from the central electrode.

8. The electronic pen refill according to claim 5, characterized in that: The peripheral electrodes are configured to be grounded and function as shield electrodes when the signal is supplied from the signal transmission circuit to the central electrode.

9. The electronic pen refill according to claim 5, characterized in that: The signal is supplied from the signal transmission circuit to the peripheral electrodes, so that the peripheral electrodes function as tilt detection electrodes.

10. An electronic pen comprising a cylindrical pen case having an opening at one end in the axial direction, which is the pen tip side, at least one electronic pen refill being accommodated in the pen case, wherein: The electronic pen refill has: a cylindrical refill housing; an electronic circuit, disposed in the cartridge housing, comprising a signal transmitting circuit that generates a signal to be supplied to the position detection sensor; a rechargeable power storage device, disposed in the cartridge housing, for supplying power voltage to the electronic circuit; and The coil is provided at the rear end portion of the refill housing on the opposite side of the pen tip in the axial direction thereof, in a state of being wound around the outside of the rear end portion. The electronic pen is configured to charge the power storage device by an induced current induced in the coil based on a magnetic field supplied from the outside.

11. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein: The electronic pen refill has: A conductive central electrode, one end of which in the axial direction serves as the pen tip; and The peripheral electrode is arranged around the central electrode except for at least the pen tip and is insulated from the central electrode. When the one end side of the central electrode serving as the pen tip protrudes from the opening of the pen case to the outside, a portion of the peripheral electrode on the pen tip side also protrudes from the opening of the pen case to the outside.

12. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein: The diameter of the portion of the electronic pen refill protruding from the opening of the pen case is set to be smaller than the diameter of the tip of a ballpoint pen refill, and the length of the electronic pen refill is set to be substantially the same as the length of the ballpoint pen refill.

13. The electronic pen according to claim 12, wherein: The pen case accommodates a refill of the ballpoint pen and functions as a ballpoint pen.

14. The electronic pen according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: A mechanism of a knocking ballpoint pen related to the electronic pen core or the refill of the ballpoint pen is arranged in the pen housing.

15. The electronic pen according to claim 12, wherein: A plurality of the electronic pen refills are housed in the pen housing, and a mechanism is provided for selectively allowing one end of the core portion of one of the refills to protrude from the opening to the outside.

16. The electronic pen according to claim 12, wherein: The pen case accommodates refills of the ballpoint pen instead of one or more of the plurality of electronic pen refills, and also functions as a knock-type multi-color ballpoint pen.

17. A charging tray for an electronic pen, the electronic pen comprising a cylindrical pen housing having an opening at one end in the axial direction, which is the pen tip side, and at least one electronic pen refill housed in the pen housing. The electronic pen refill has: a cylindrical refill housing; an electronic circuit, disposed in the cartridge housing, comprising a signal transmitting circuit that generates a signal to be supplied to the position detection sensor; a rechargeable power storage device, disposed in the cartridge housing, for supplying power voltage to the electronic circuit; and The coil is provided at the rear end portion of the refill housing on the opposite side of the pen tip in the axial direction thereof, in a state of being wound around the outside of the rear end portion. The electronic pen is configured to charge the power storage device by an induced current induced in the coil based on a magnetic field supplied from the outside. The electronic pen charging tray is characterized in that: The device includes a recess longer than the axial length of the pen case of the electronic pen, configured to lock the placed electronic pen, and further includes: a magnetic field generating coil disposed so as to generate a magnetic flux in a direction along the axial direction of the electronic pen placed and locked in the recess; and The AC signal generating circuit generates an AC signal to be supplied to the magnetic field generating coil in order to generate an AC magnetic field using the magnetic field generating coil.

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