Electronic pen and electronic pen body

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic pen constructed by installing an electronic pen case on a writing tool housing, and provides an electronic pen having a side switch that can be operated appropriately and reliably. The main body housing (11a) of the electronic pen main body (1) accommodates a core body (12) formed in a rod shape and a circuit board (18) equipped with a side switch (18a) configured as a push button switch, and the pen tip of the core body (12) protrudes from the pen tip opening (11FH). A pressing member (11b) is provided on the side opening (11SH) of the main body housing (11a) in a manner that does not protrude outward from the side of the main body housing via a locking portion (11ba). When an operating member of the outer housing mounted on the electronic pen main body (1) is pressed, the side switch (18a) of the circuit board (18) is operated via the pressing member (11b) of the electronic pen main body (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen and an electronic pen body for inputting information by pointing coordinates to various electronic devices equipped with position detection sensors, such as tablet PCs (Personal Computers), high-performance telephone terminals, and pen tablets. Background Art

[0002] With the advent of various electronic devices equipped with position detection sensors, electronic pens have become widely used. However, rather than using dedicated electronic pens with electronic devices equipped with position detection sensors, there is a demand for using refills (pen cartridges) equipped with electronic pen functions by attaching them to the housing of a conventional writing instrument, such as a ballpoint pen. Therefore, the concept of using an electronic pen in a cartridge-type refill (electronic pen cartridge) equipped with the electronic pen functions by attaching it to the housing of an existing writing instrument has been considered.

[0003] Digital pens are used to input information into electronic devices, and therefore require the ability to be used in the same way as a mouse, a pointing device used in personal computers (PCs). A mouse has click buttons, and pressing them executes various functions on the PC. Therefore, a side switch corresponding to the click button on a mouse is provided on the side of the digital pen.

[0004] However, in the case of an electronic pencil case, the electronic pencil case is housed in the writing instrument housing. Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 described below, it is conceivable to provide, for example, two contacts in the case of the electronic pencil case, and to short-circuit these two contacts by operating an operating portion of the writing instrument housing, thereby functioning as a switch. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a push button switch in the electronic pencil case, which is operated via an operating hole provided in the writing instrument housing.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 043214 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] In the case of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the short circuit between the contacts may become unstable depending on the positional relationship between the writing tool housing and the electronic pencil case, and the method of operating the operating portion provided on the writing tool housing. In addition, when a push button switch is provided in the electronic pencil case, several problems may sometimes arise, which need to be addressed. When a push button switch is provided in the electronic pencil case, an opening for operating the push button switch must also be provided on the box housing, which reduces the strength of the electronic pencil case. Therefore, when a large pressure such as writing pressure is applied to the electronic pencil case, it is necessary to appropriately absorb the pressure so as not to impose a large load on the electronic pencil case itself.

[0010] Furthermore, when a push button switch is included in an electronic pencil case, the switch or its operating unit may protrude from the case housing, hindering installation into the writing instrument housing. Furthermore, an operating hole for operating the push button switch provided in the electronic pencil case must be provided in the writing instrument housing. In this case, it is believed that some users may experience discomfort by catching their fingers in the operating hole.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention relates to an electronic pen having an electronic pen case mounted on a writing instrument housing, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic pen that solves the above problems and includes a side switch that can be operated appropriately and reliably.

[0012] Technical solutions to problems

[0013] In order to solve the above problems,

[0014] Provided is an electronic pen comprising a replaceable cartridge-type electronic pen body mounted on an outer casing of a cylindrical body held by a user, wherein:

[0015] The electronic pen main body comprises:

[0016] a core formed into a rod shape;

[0017] A circuit board equipped with a push button switch;

[0018] The main body housing is a cylindrical body that accommodates the core and the circuit board, and has a pen tip opening on the pen tip side of the main body housing through which the pen tip of the core protrudes, and a side opening is provided on the side surface of the main body housing at a position corresponding to the push button switch of the circuit board; and

[0019] The pressing member is a member provided at the side opening of the main body housing, is arranged on the push button switch, and has a locking portion that prevents the pressing member from protruding outward from the side of the main body housing.

[0020] The outer shell comprises:

[0021] an opening portion provided on the pen tip side for mounting the electronic pen body;

[0022] an operating member opening provided at a position on the side surface of the outer housing corresponding to the pressing member of the electronic pen body when the electronic pen body is mounted in a fixed position; and

[0023] The operating member is provided in the operating member opening in such a manner that the surface thereof facing the pressing member does not protrude inward from the inner wall surface of the outer housing.

[0024] When the operating element of the outer housing is pressed, the push button switch of the electronic pen body is operated via the pressing member of the electronic pen body.

[0025] According to this electronic pen, the electronic pen is constructed by installing a box-type electronic pen main body on an outer shell. The electronic pen main body includes a core, a circuit substrate, a main body shell, and a pressing member. The main body shell accommodates a core formed in a rod shape and a circuit substrate equipped with a button switch. A pen tip opening is provided on the pen tip side for the core tip to protrude, and a side opening is provided on the side at a position corresponding to the button switch of the circuit substrate. A pressing member is provided in the opening used as an operator (for an operating part) of the main body shell. The pressing member is provided on the button switch by a locking portion so as not to protrude from the side of the main body shell.

[0026] The outer housing has an opening on the pen tip side for inserting the electronic pen body. Furthermore, an operating element is provided on the outer housing. When the electronic pen body is fixed in place, the operating element is located on a pressing member of the electronic pen body, and the surface facing the pressing member does not protrude inward from the inner wall of the outer housing. Pressing the operating element operates the pushbutton switch of the electronic pen body via the pressing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main body of an electronic pen according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a circuit board mounted on a main body of the electronic pen according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an electronic pen in which the electronic pen body according to the embodiment is installed.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a cushioning mechanism provided in the electronic pen according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining an equivalent circuit of the electronic pen according to the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining a structural part used for positioning between the outer case and the electronic pen body of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electronic pen and the electronic pen main body of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the position detection methods of the electronic pen and the position detection sensor include, for example, an electromagnetic induction method and an electrostatic capacitance method. In the electromagnetic induction method (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) method), the position detection device includes a sensor unit formed by disposing a plurality of annular coils in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A transmission period in which power is sequentially supplied to the plurality of annular coils of the sensor unit to generate a magnetic field, and a reception period in which power supply is stopped to receive an external magnetic field are alternately provided. The corresponding electronic pen includes a resonant circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor. Based on the magnetic field from the sensor unit, a signal is generated by passing a current through the coil. The signal includes writing pressure information and is sent to the position detection sensor. During the reception period, the position detection device receives the signal and detects the indicated position and writing pressure of the electronic pen.

[0034] In the electrostatic capacitance method, the position detection device includes a sensor unit with multiple linear conductors (wire electrodes) arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. This sensor unit detects the indicated position based on the change in electrostatic capacitance (charge) generated on the linear conductors due to the proximity of a finger or electrostatic pen. In addition, electrostatic pens include conductive pen-shaped position indicators and so-called active electrostatic pens (AES (Active Electrostatic) method) that are battery-driven and send signals. In the case of the active electrostatic coupling method using an active electrostatic pen, the electronic pen includes pen pressure information in the signal from the oscillator circuit installed in the electronic pen and sends it. The position detection device receives this signal and detects the indicated position and pen pressure.

[0035] The electronic pen and electronic pen body of the present invention can be applied to both electromagnetic induction-based electronic pens and active electrostatic coupling-based electronic pens (active electrostatic pens). Specifically, the electronic pen and electronic pen body of the present invention can be applied to various electronic pens and electronic pen bodies equipped with so-called side switches. For simplicity, the following embodiments will be described using an electromagnetic induction-based electronic pen and electronic pen body as an example.

[0036] The electronic pen described below is constructed by attaching a cartridge-type electronic pen body to an outer shell having approximately the same dimensions as a commercially available pencil or ballpoint pen, and having a cylindrical interior. The term "cartridge" refers to the ability to be freely replaced using the device's components. Therefore, the cartridge-type electronic pen body, for example, has the same external shape as a refill for a ballpoint pen and is equivalent to a refill that enables the electronic pen's functionality. Below, the cartridge-type electronic pen body is first described, followed by an explanation of the electronic pen including the outer shell into which the electronic pen case is attached.

[0037] [Configuration Example of the Digital Pen Main Body 1]

[0038] Figure 1 : is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen main body 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the circuit board 18 mounted on the electronic pen body 1 . Figure 1 (A) shows the appearance of the electronic pen main body 1. The electronic pen main body 1 has a cylindrical main body shell 11a. The main body shell 11a has a tapered shape with the tip gradually becoming thinner as it approaches the front end. A pen tip opening 11FH is provided at the front end of the main body shell 11a on the pen tip side. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , the pen tip portion of the core body 12 attached to the interior of the main body case 11 a protrudes from the pen tip opening 11FH.

[0039] A side opening 11SH is provided on the side of the main body housing 11a, at a position corresponding to the side switch (push switch) provided on the circuit board mounted on the main body housing 11a. A side switch button 11b, serving as a pressing member, is located within this opening. The side switch button 11b is the movable portion that acts on the side switch (described later) and functions as a cover that closes the side opening 11SH. Therefore, the side switch button 11b also serves to close (replenish) the fragile portion of the main body housing 11a caused by the presence of the side opening 11SH, thereby preventing the main body housing 11a from weakening. Furthermore, a rear opening 11BH is provided at the rear end of the main body housing 11a for mounting components such as the circuit board (described later). This rear opening 11BH is sealed by a rear cover 11c, forming the electronic pen main body 1 equipped with the electronic pen function.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1As shown in (A), the electronic pen body 1 of this embodiment has a diameter of, for example, 3.8 mm and a total length in the longitudinal direction of, for example, 65.65 mm. Thus, the electronic pen body 1 is constructed with dimensions roughly equivalent to a typical refill for a ballpoint pen. Furthermore, the length from the tip of the refill 12 to the center of the side switch button 11b is, for example, 31.54 mm. Thus, in an electronic pen equipped with this electronic pen body 1, a so-called side switch can be provided in a position that is easily accessible by, for example, the index finger of the user holding the electronic pen.

[0041] Figure 1 (B) is to Figure 1 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen main body 1 cut in half in the longitudinal direction, with the front portion removed. Figure 1 As shown in (B), a ferrite core and coil unit 13 is provided on the pen tip side inside the main body housing 11a, sandwiched between a front core cap 14a and a rear core cap 14b. The ferrite core and coil unit 13 is constructed by winding a conductive wire around a cylindrical ferrite core having through holes, excluding the ends, to form a coil.

[0042] A substrate holder 17 is provided at the rear end of the rear core cap 14b. This holder 17 comprises a front cylindrical portion 17a on the pen tip side, and a plate-like portion 17c extending from the rear end of a bottom portion 17b having the same thickness as the front cylindrical portion 17a. A rear bottom portion 17d is formed at the rear end of the plate-like portion 17c, and a mating protrusion 17e is provided at the center of the rear end of the bottom portion 17d. The bottom portion 17b and the rear bottom portion 17d are circular, flat plates with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the main body housing 11a.

[0043] The front core cap 14a is a cylindrical body with a tapered shape that becomes thinner as it approaches the pen tip, and its front end and side surfaces are in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body shell 11a. The front end side of the ferrite core and the ferrite core of the coil part 13 are embedded in the front core cap 14a from the rear end side. The rear core cap 14b is a cylindrical body in the shape of two cylindrical parts with different diameters connected. The side surface of the cylindrical part with a longer diameter of the rear core cap 14b is in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body shell 11a, and the cylindrical part with a shorter diameter is embedded in the front end cylindrical part 17a of the substrate or other retaining member 17 from the opening on the pen tip side. In addition, the rear end side of the ferrite core and the ferrite core of the coil part 13 are embedded in the rear core cap 14b from the pen tip side.

[0044] A cover-shaped pressing member 15 is provided at the rear section of the rear core cap 14b. As will be described later, the rear end of the core 12 is mounted on the pressing member 15 to hold the core 12 in the main body housing 11. A pen pressure detection unit 16 is provided on the rear end side of the pressing member 15 in a manner that is clamped by the pressing member 15 and the bottom portion 17b of the front end cylindrical portion 17a of the substrate or other retaining member 17. The pen pressure detection unit 16 is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor structure. The pen pressure detection unit 16 is pressed by the core 12 and the pressing member 15, and detects the pen pressure applied to the core 12 as, for example, a change in electrostatic capacitance. In addition, a coil spring 15a is provided around a portion of the outer side surface (outer wall surface) of the pressing member 15, and has the following structure: when the pen pressure applied to the core 12 is released, the core 12 is pushed back to its original position by the restoring force of the coil spring 15a.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In (B), a circuit board 18 is mounted and fixed on the upper surface of a substrate holding member 17. On the circuit board 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the side view of the circuit board 18 in (A), as the main components, various circuit components such as the side switch 18a, the control IC (Integrated Circuit) 18b, and the capacitor 18c are mounted to form the circuit part. As mentioned above, the side switch 18a is a push button switch. Figure 1 As shown in (B), Figure 2 As shown, an electrode 18 d connected to the writing pressure detection unit 16 is provided on the pen tip side of the circuit board 18 , and the electrode 18 d and the circuit unit formed on the circuit board 18 are electrically connected via a conductive portion 18 e.

[0046] Moreover, if Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), the circuit board 18 is provided with a fixing hole 18f that passes through the circuit board 18 in the thickness direction near the side switch 18a and on the pen tip side. Figure 1 As shown in (B), when the circuit board 18 is placed in a fixed position on the substrate holder 17, the fixing protrusion 17f provided on the substrate holder 17 is engaged with the fixing hole 18f. Thus, the position of the circuit board 18 on the substrate holder 17 is fixed. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1B , the entire length of the circuit board 18 excluding the electrodes 18 d and the conductive portion 18 e is 34.25 mm, and the lateral width is 2.6 mm.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown in (B), when the circuit substrate 18 of such a structure is set in a fixed position of a substrate or other holding member 17, a side opening portion 11SH is provided on the side of the main body shell 11a on which they are mounted, at a position opposite to the side switch 18a. In this embodiment, a side switch button 11b is provided on the side switch 18a in a manner pushed up by the side switch 18a relative to the side opening portion 11SH. The side switch button 11b has locking portions 11ba at both ends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the side switch 18a. The locking portions 11ba constitute claws extending in the longitudinal direction. These locking portions 11ba engage with the inner wall surface of the main body shell 11a, so that the side switch button 11b does not fall off to the outside of the main body shell 11a.

[0048] That is, the side switch button 11b is clamped by the side switch 18a provided on the circuit board 18 and the inner wall surface of the main body shell 11a, and is fixed to the side opening portion 11SH. In addition, the outer side surface of the side switch button 11b does not protrude from the side surface of the main body shell 11a. In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the outer side surface (the surface operated by the user) of the side switch button 11 b and the side surface of the main body housing 11 a are on the same plane.

[0049] An annular cushioning member 19 is provided facing the rear end surface of the rear end bottom surface portion 17d of the substrate holder 17. As described above, the rear cover 11c fits into the rear end opening 11BH of the main body housing 11a. The rear cover 11c is cup-shaped, with a cylindrical recessed portion having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the main body housing 11a and a bottom surface diameter equal to the outer diameter of the main body housing 11a.

[0050] As a result, the rear cover 11c fits into the rear opening 11BH of the main body housing 11a, and the engaging protrusion 17e of the substrate holder 17 fits into the recess of the rear cover 11c, securing it against the main body housing 11a. In this configuration, the diameter of the engaging protrusion 17e of the substrate holder 17 is slightly longer than the diameter of the recess of the rear cover 11c. Furthermore, the pen tip-side end surface of the rear cover 11c presses the rear bottom surface 17d of the substrate holder 17 toward the pen tip via the cushioning member 19.

[0051] Therefore, if Figure 1 As shown in (B), the front core cap 14a, the ferrite core and coil part 13, the rear core cap 14b, the pressing member 15, the writing pressure detection part 16, the substrate holder 17, and the circuit board 18 are sealed in the main body shell 11a. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1B , the core body 12 is inserted from the pen tip opening 11FH of the main body case 11 a , passes through the front core cap 14 a , the ferrite core, and the rear core cap 14 b , and fits into the recess of the pusher member 15 .

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in (B), the core 12 is composed of a pen tip 12a and a shaft 12b. The diameter of the shaft 12b is slightly longer than the inner diameter of the cup portion of the pressing member 15. Figure 1 As shown in Figures (A) and (B), the core body 12 can be installed inside the main body housing 11a via the pusher member 15, with the tip 12a of the core body 12 protruding from the main body housing 11a. Furthermore, by pulling the core body 12 out of the pusher member 15, it can be removed from the main body housing 11a. In other words, the core body 12 is attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 11a. This constitutes the electronic pen main body 1.

[0053] [Overall Structure of the Electronic Pen 3]

[0054] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen 3 in which the electronic pen body 1 is attached. Figure 3 (A) shows the appearance of the electronic pen 3. The electronic pen 3 has a cylindrical outer shell 31. The outer shell 31 has a tapered shape with the tip gradually becoming thinner as it approaches the front end. A front end opening 31FH is provided at the front end of the outer shell 31 on the pen tip side. Through this front end opening 31FH, the pen can be used. Figure 1 The plugging and unplugging of the electronic pen main body 1 is described. Figure 3 As shown in (A), when the electronic pen body 1 is installed in the outer shell 31, the conical part of the pen tip side of the main body shell 11a of the electronic pen body 1 protrudes, and the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1 also becomes a protruding state, so that it can be used as an electronic pen.

[0055] Furthermore, on the side of the outer housing 31 of the electronic pen 3, an elongated operating element opening 31SH is provided along the axial direction at a position corresponding to the side switch button 11b provided on the side of the electronic pen main body 1 to which it is mounted. An operating element 32 is mounted in this opening. By pressing this operating element 32, the side switch 18a configured as a push button switch provided on the circuit board 18 of the electronic pen main body 1 can be pressed via the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen main body 1. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the electronic pen 3 has a total length of 150 mm from the front end to the rear end of the core 12, and a diameter of 7 mm. This overall length is approximately 20 mm shorter than a JIS pencil, but is roughly the same size as a JIS pencil and the same size as a typical commercially available mechanical pencil or ballpoint pen.

[0056] Figure 3 (B) is to Figure 3 The state shown in (A) is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing 31 and the operating element 32 of the electronic pen 3, cut in half along the longitudinal direction and removing the front portion. Therefore, the electronic pen main body 1 and the buffer mechanism 2 mounted in the outer housing 31 are not shown in cross-section but in the external appearance of the state mounted in the outer housing 31. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the electronic pen body 1 and the buffer mechanism (shock absorber) 2 are installed in series along the length direction in the hollow portion inside the outer shell 31. The electronic pen body 1 has a Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The structure described above is the part that realizes the function of the electronic pen. The buffer mechanism 2 absorbs and alleviates the load applied along the axial direction from the pen tip of the electronic pen body 1. The details of the buffer mechanism 2 will be described later.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), in the case of the electronic pen 3 of this embodiment, a retaining wall 31HW is provided on the rear end side of the axial direction in the operating element opening 31SH provided in the outer shell 31, and the thickness thereof is reduced in a direction intersecting the axial direction. In addition, a retaining hole 31RH is provided in the retaining wall 31HW. Therefore, the pen tip side of the retaining wall 31HW becomes a larger through hole of the operating element opening 31SH. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the upper surface of the operating member 32 is formed in a shape similar to the shape of the operating member opening 31SH, and is formed to be slightly smaller than the operating member opening 31SH. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A , the operating tool 32 is attached to the outer case 31 so as to entirely close the operating tool opening 31SH including the holding wall 31HW.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown in the cross section of FIG. 3 (B), the operating member 32 has a mounting protrusion 32b and a pressing portion 32c relative to the plate-like body 32a. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the thickness of the plate-like body 32a of the operating member 32 and the mounting protrusion 32b is the same as the thickness of the outer shell 31. In addition, the thickness of the mounting protrusion 32b alone is the same as the thickness of the retaining wall 31HW. Therefore, the thickness of the portion of the plate-like body 32a where the mounting protrusion 32b is not provided is thinner than the thickness of the outer shell 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the thickness thereof is substantially the same as the depth from the side surface of the outer case 31 to the upper surface of the holding wall 31HW.

[0059] like Figure 3As shown in (B), the mounting protrusion 32b on the rear end side of the operating member 32 is embedded in the retaining hole 31RH of the retaining wall 31HW, thereby being mounted on the operating member opening portion 31SH. The mounting protrusion 32b of the operating member 32 has the same shape as the retaining hole 31RH and is slightly larger than the retaining hole 31RH. Thus, by pressing the mounting protrusion 32b into the retaining hole 31RH, the mounting protrusion 32b is firmly fitted relative to the retaining hole 31RH, and the operating member 32 can be firmly fixed to the operating member opening portion 31SH of the outer housing 31. In addition, as described above, since only the thickness of the mounting protrusion 32b (the height of the mounting protrusion 32b) is the same as the thickness of the retaining wall 31HW, the mounting protrusion 32b does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the outer housing 31.

[0060] On the other hand, the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 has a portion that protrudes toward the bottom side of the plate-shaped body 32a (the side opposite the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen body 1) and a portion that protrudes toward the top side (the side operated by the user). The thickness of the downwardly protruding portion of the pressing portion 32c is the same as that of the retaining wall 31HW and does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the outer housing 31. Therefore, when only the operating member 32 is attached to the outer housing 31, the downwardly protruding portion of the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 and the aforementioned mounting protrusion 32b do not protrude from the inner wall surface of the outer housing 31. Therefore, when the electronic pen body 1 is attached to the outer housing 31, the downwardly protruding portion of the pressing portion 32c and the mounting protrusion 32b do not become obstacles.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in (B), the upward-extending portion of the pressing portion 32c slightly protrudes from the side surface of the outer housing 31. This eliminates the need for the user of the electronic pen 3 to visually confirm the position of the operating element 32. By touching the outward-extending portion of the pressing portion 32c of the operating element 32 with their finger, the user can determine the position of the pressing portion 32c of the operating element 32 and operate the operating element 32 appropriately.

[0062] In use Figure 3 In the electronic pen 3 described in (A) and (B), the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 is pressed. In this case, as described above, the side switch 18a mounted on the circuit board of the electronic pen body 1 can be pressed using the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen body 1. Furthermore, when the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 is stopped, the operating member 32 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the operating member 32 ( Figure 3At the same time, the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen body 1 is also pushed back by the restoring force of the side switch 18a, returning to its original position. In other words, it returns to the position in which the side switch 18a is not pressed (the position it assumes when not being pressed).

[0063] [Structure of the buffer mechanism (shock absorber)]

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), a buffer mechanism 2 is disposed within the outer housing 31 at the rear end of the electronic pen body 1. As described above, the buffer mechanism 2 absorbs and mitigates the load applied axially from the tip of the electronic pen body 1. For example, the user of the electronic pen 3 may be pushed by someone nearby, unintentionally applying a sudden and strong pressure to the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1. Alternatively, the electronic pen 3 may fall from its tip onto the floor on a table, inflicting a strong impact from the core 12. In such cases, the buffer mechanism 2 slides the electronic pen body 1 in the axial rear end direction, absorbing the strong external force applied to the electronic pen body 1 and protecting it. Of course, when the electronic pen 3 is in use, the core 12 of the electronic pen 3 reduces the pressure applied to the operating surface of the electronic device, thereby protecting the operating surface of the electronic device.

[0065] Figure 4 This figure is used to illustrate an example of the structure of the buffer mechanism 2 provided in the electronic pen 3. It is a cross-sectional view of the buffer mechanism 2 cut in half along its longitudinal direction and with the front portion removed. The buffer mechanism 2 is composed of a cylinder 21, a piston 22, and a coil spring 23. The cylinder 21 is provided with a Figure 4 The end portion of the cylinder body 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape by forming a hole portion 21a with an open end portion. Figure 4 to the left of the ) is offset by a specified amount and Figure 4 Window portions 21w1 and 21w2 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the piston 21, extending through the hole 21a. These windows 21w1 and 21w2 prevent the movement of the protrusions 22b1 and 22b2 of the piston 22, described later. The rear ends of these windows 21w1 and 21w2 form a cylindrical locking portion 21b.

[0066] The piston portion 22 is a cylindrical member, which is formed from the pen tip side ( Figure 4The left side of the cylinder body 21 is composed of four parts: the fitting part 22a, the protrusions 22b1, 22b2, the spring retaining part 22c, and the rear end protruding part 22d. The fitting part 22a and the spring retaining part 22c are parts whose diameters are slightly shorter than the diameter of the hole part 21a of the cylinder body 21. Between the fitting part 22a and the spring retaining part 22c, and at positions corresponding to the window parts 21w1, 21w2 of the cylinder body 21, there are provided protrusions 22b1, 22b2 that move within the window parts 21w1, 21w2. The protrusions 22b1, 22b2 engage with the end face of the locking part 21b on the rear end side of the cylinder body 21 on the pen tip side. In addition, a rear end protruding part 22d is provided on the rear end side of the spring retaining part 22c. The diameter of the cylinder body 21 is the same as the diameter of the rear end protruding part 22d of the piston part 22.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the fitting portion 22a of the piston portion 22 is inserted into the hole portion 21a of the cylindrical cylinder portion 21. In this case, the protrusions 22b1 and 22b2 of the piston portion 22 are respectively located in the window portions 21w1 and 21w2 of the cylinder portion 21. Figure 4 As shown, the spring holding portion 22c is a portion around which a coil spring 23 is provided. The coil spring 23 is held by being sandwiched between the rear end face of the locking portion 21b of the cylinder portion 21 and the front end face of the rear end extension portion 22d of the piston portion 22. The coil spring 23 acts to separate the cylinder portion 21 and the piston portion 22. However, the protrusions 22b1 and 22b2 of the piston portion 22 engage with the locking portion 21b of the cylinder portion 21, maintaining the cylinder portion 21 and the piston portion 22. Figure 4 The initial state is shown.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), the buffer mechanism portion 2 thus formed is fixed to the rear end side of the outer shell 31. In this embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the inner rear end portion of the outer shell 31 and is bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the rear end side of the outer shell 31. In this embodiment, the coil spring 23 begins to contract (bend) when a load of 450gf (gram weight) or more is applied. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown in (B), when a load less than 450 gf is applied to the core 12 of the front-stage electronic pen body 1 in the axial direction, the coil spring 23 does not contract, and thus the position of the electronic pen body 1 remains unchanged.

[0069] However, when a load of 450 gf or more is applied to the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1 in the axial direction, the coil spring 23 contracts, and the Figure 4The cylinder 21 shown here moves toward the rear end, narrowing the gap indicated by the arrow. Consequently, the electronic pen body 1 also slides toward the rear end within the outer housing 31, absorbing the load applied to the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1. Furthermore, when the load on the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1 is released, the restoring force of the coil spring 23 pushes the cylinder 21 back toward the pen tip, thereby returning the electronic pen body 1 to its original position. This structure of the buffer mechanism 2 acts to reduce excessive pressure applied to the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1.

[0070] [Equivalent Circuit of Electronic Pen 3]

[0071] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the equivalent circuit of the electronic pen 3. The electronic pen function of the electronic pen 3 in this embodiment is realized by the electronic pen body 1. Specifically, the electronic pen 3 in this embodiment has a structure in which a coil (inductor), a capacitor (capacitance) Cf, a variable capacitor Cv, a frequency-changing capacitor C1, and a side switch 18a are connected in parallel. The coil is a ferrite core and the coil of the coil unit 13. The capacitor Cf is, for example, capacitor 18c, provided on the circuit board 18. The variable capacitor Cv corresponds to the pen pressure detection unit 16. Although not shown, the capacitor C1 is mounted on the circuit board 18.

[0072] The push button switch is a push-button side switch 18a provided on the circuit board 18. As described above, this side switch 18a can be pressed via the side switch button 11b provided on the main body housing 11a and the operating member 32 provided on the outer housing 31. When the side switch 18a is not pressed, a resonant circuit formed by the ferrite core, the coil of the coil unit 13, and the capacitor Cf receives a signal from the electromagnetic induction position detection sensor, generates a transmission signal, and transmits it to the position detection sensor to indicate the position.

[0073] Furthermore, by including a variable capacitor Cv as the writing pressure detection unit 16, the transmission signal from the electronic pen 3 can include information indicating the writing pressure, such as changes in the signal's phase. Furthermore, by switching the side switch 18a on and off, the capacitor C1 is connected and disconnected, thereby varying the frequency of the transmission signal. This allows the electromagnetic induction position detection sensor to be notified of the on / off status of the side switch 18a. The electronic pen body 1 incorporated into the electronic pen 3 fulfills the basic functions of this electronic pen.

[0074] [Positioning of the Electronic Pen Body 1 When Mounting on the Outer Case 31]

[0075] As described above, by pressing the operating member 32 provided on the outer housing 31, the side switch 18a of the electronic pen body 1 attached to the outer housing 31 is operated via the side switch button 11b. Therefore, when the electronic pen body 1 is attached to the outer housing 31, it is necessary to ensure that the position of the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen body 1 accurately corresponds to the position of the operating member 32 of the outer housing 31. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 of this embodiment is provided with a structure for positioning the outer housing 31 and the electronic pen body 1.

[0076] Figure 6 3 is a diagram for explaining the structural part for positioning between the outer shell 31 of the electronic pen 3 and the electronic pen main body 1. Specifically, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen 3 taken along a direction intersecting the axis, at the position where the pressing portion 32c of the operating element 32 is provided. For simplicity of description, the contents other than the side switch button 11b housed within the main body housing 11a of the electronic pen body 1 are omitted.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a groove portion 33 is provided on the inner wall surface of the outer shell 31 at a position rotated 180 degrees from the center of the pressing portion 32c, extending from the end on the pen tip side to the front end surface of the buffer mechanism portion 2. In addition, a protrusion 11d is provided on the outer wall surface (side surface) of the main body shell 11a at a position rotated 180 degrees from the center of the side switch button 11b. The protrusion 11d provided on the outer wall surface of the main body shell 11a is fitted with the groove portion 33 provided on the inner wall of the outer shell 31, and can maintain the pen tip side. Figure 6 While maintaining the positional relationship between the outer case 31 and the main body case 11 a as shown, the electronic pen main body 1 is installed in the outer case 31 .

[0078] In this case, the protrusion (convex portion) 11d provided on the outer wall surface of the main body housing 11a may be provided only at the rear end portion of the main body housing 11a, or a plurality of protrusions 11d may be provided intermittently between the rear end portion of the main body housing 11a and the position before the pen tip side tapers. Alternatively, the protrusion 11d provided on the outer wall surface of the main body housing 11a may be provided linearly (continuously) from the rear end portion of the main body housing 11a to the position before the pen tip side tapers.

[0079] Conversely, a protrusion (convex portion) is provided on the inner wall surface of the outer housing 31 at a position rotated 180 degrees from the center of the pressing portion 32c relative to the outer circumference of the outer housing 31. This protrusion may be provided only at the front end of the outer housing 31, or it may be provided intermittently between the front end of the outer housing 31 and the front end of the buffer mechanism 2. Of course, this protrusion may also be provided linearly (continuously) from the front end of the outer housing 31 to the front end of the buffer mechanism 2. On the other hand, a groove is provided on the outer wall surface (side surface) of the main body housing 11a at a position rotated 180 degrees from the center of the side switch button 11b relative to the outer circumference of the main body housing 11a. This groove is provided linearly (continuously) from the rear end of the main body housing 11a to the position before the pen tip becomes tapered.

[0080] Thus, the protrusion provided on the inner wall of the outer shell is fitted into the groove provided on the outer wall of the main body shell 11a. Figure 6 As shown, the electronic pen body 1 can be installed in the outer housing 31 while maintaining the positional relationship between the outer housing 31 and the main housing 11a. To this end, a groove is formed on at least one portion of the inner wall of the outer housing 31 along the axis from the front end, and a protrusion is provided on at least the rear end of the outer wall of the main housing 11a to engage with the groove of the outer housing 31. Alternatively, a protrusion is formed on at least one portion of the inner wall of the outer housing 31 at least at the front end, and a groove is provided on the outer wall of the main housing 11a along the axis from the rear end to engage with the protrusion of the outer housing 31.

[0081] Thus, by fitting the two together, the outer housing 31 and the electronic pen body 1 can be properly positioned. Therefore, when the electronic pen body 1 is attached to the outer housing 31, the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen body 1 can be securely aligned with the operating element 32 attached to the outer housing 31.

[0082] Furthermore, while this description describes the case where the corresponding groove and protrusion (convex portion) are provided in a single location, the present invention is not limited thereto. Of course, corresponding grooves and protrusions (convex portions) may also be provided in multiple locations. For example, grooves and protrusions may be provided on the inner wall of the outer housing 31 and the outer wall of the main housing 11a at positions opposing each other across the central axis of the electronic pen 3. In this case, the grooves may be provided in one location, on the inner wall of the outer housing 31, and the protrusions may be provided on the outer wall of the main housing 11a. Alternatively, the protrusions may be provided in another location, on the inner wall of the outer housing 31, and the grooves may be provided on the outer wall of the main housing 11a.

[0083] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0084] In the electronic pen 3 of the above-described embodiment, the electronic pen 3 can be realized simply by attaching the electronic pen body 1 and the buffer mechanism 2 to the outer housing 31. The electronic pen body 1 is the same size as a refill for a ballpoint pen and includes a side switch 18a on a circuit board mounted within the main housing 11a. A side opening 11SH is provided for pressing this side switch 18a, and a push-operated side switch button 11b is provided in this side opening 11SH to block it. This strengthens the portion of the main housing 11a that would otherwise be weakened by the provision of the side opening 11SH. Furthermore, the upper surface of the side switch button 11b does not protrude from the side of the main housing 11a, thereby posing no obstacle when attaching or detaching the electronic pen body 1 to the outer housing.

[0085] Furthermore, an operating member 32 is provided on the outer housing 31 at a position corresponding to the side switch button 11b provided on the main housing 11a of the mounted electronic pen body 1. By pressing this operating member 32, the side switch 18a on the circuit board 18 can be appropriately operated via the side switch button 11b provided on the main housing 11a of the electronic pen body 1. Furthermore, the operating member 32 provided on the outer housing 31 does not protrude from the inner wall of the outer housing, and therefore does not become an obstacle when installing the electronic pen body 1 or the cushioning mechanism 2.

[0086] Furthermore, the structure is such that the buffer mechanism 2 is attached to the rear end of the outer housing 31, and the electronic pen body 1 is attached to the front end. Thus, even if excessive pressure is applied to the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1, the buffer mechanism 2 can absorb the pressure and protect the electronic pen body 1. In this case, when the electronic pen 3 is positioned on the operating surface above the position detection sensor and in use, the core 12 of the electronic pen body 1 is prevented from applying excessive load to the operating surface, thereby protecting the operating surface. Furthermore, by providing grooves and protrusions, or protrusions and grooves, at positions corresponding to the main body housing 11a on the outer housing 31, the electronic pen body 1 can be consistently mounted in the proper position relative to the outer housing 31. Specifically, the position of the side switch button of the main body housing 11a and the operating element 32 of the outer housing 31 can be maintained.

[0087] [Modification]

[0088] In the above embodiment, the outer housing 31 and the main body housing 11a are both cylindrical, but this is not limiting. For example, the side surface of the outer housing 31 may be hexagonal, like a pencil, and a cylindrical hole may be provided inside. Alternatively, the hole inside the outer housing 31 may be formed into a prism with a polygonal cross-section, with the shape of the main body housing 11a being adapted accordingly. In this case, the mechanism for alignment during installation (protrusions and grooves) may not be provided.

[0089] The shapes of the outer housing 31 and the main body housing 11a are not limited to these and may be various shapes. In this case, it is important that the positions of the side switch button 11b of the electronic pen main body 1 and the operating element 32 of the outer housing 31 are appropriately matched.

[0090] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B), the outer side surface of the side switch button 11b (the surface operated by the user) and the side surface of the main body housing 11a are coplanar. However, this is not limiting. It suffices as long as at least the outer side surface of the side switch button 11b (the surface operated by the user) does not protrude outward from the side surface of the main body housing 11a. This is to prevent it from becoming an obstacle during installation in the outer housing 31.

[0091] Furthermore, the downwardly protruding portions of the mounting protrusion 32b and the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 only need not protrude inward from the inner wall surface of the outer housing. Therefore, when the operating member 32 is mounted on the outer housing 31, the downwardly protruding portions of the mounting protrusion 32b and the pressing portion 32c of the operating member 32 can naturally be slightly retracted from the inner wall surface of the outer housing. Even in this case, as long as the operating member 32 is securely mounted on the outer housing 31 and the pressing portion 32c is pressed, the side switch 18a can be properly pressed via the side switch button 11b.

[0092] The main body housing 11a, substrate holder 17, rear cover 11c, core 12, outer housing 31, cylinder 21, piston 22, and the like can be formed from POM (Polyoxymethylene or Polyacetal) resin or ABS (Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, Styrene) resin, for example. Furthermore, the cushioning member 19 located at the rear end of the rear bottom surface 17d of the substrate holder 17 of the electronic pen main body 1 is formed from an elastomer. These materials are merely examples; any other material can be used as long as they can be formed in the same manner and maintain the same strength.

[0093] The circuit board 18 is formed as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and a rigid circuit board formed by using an inflexible insulating base material or a rigid-flexible circuit board formed by combining a hard material with a thin, flexible material may also be used.

[0094] While the above embodiment illustrates a case where a single side switch (push button switch) 18a is provided on the circuit board 18, this is not limiting. For example, two side switches may be provided on the circuit board 8, one on each side, and the other on each side. Side switch buttons may be provided to operate the two side switches. Alternatively, by providing a seesaw-style operating element, for example, on the outer housing 31, the front and rear side switches can be operated independently.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the side switch is provided as an example for an electromagnetic induction electronic pen, but this is not limiting. For example, an active capacitance electronic pen can also have a three-layer structure, with a side switch button provided on the main body housing corresponding to the side switch, and an operating element provided on the outer housing corresponding thereto. This allows for an active capacitance electronic pen in which the side switch built into the electronic pen body can be operated from the outer housing. Furthermore, in the case of an active capacitance electronic pen, a buffer mechanism can be provided at the rear end of the electronic pen body to protect the electronic pen body.

[0096] Label Description

[0097] 1… Electronic pen body, 11a… Main body casing, 11b… Side switch button, 11ba… Locking portion (claw), 11c… Back cover, 11d… Protrusion, 11FH… Nib opening, 11SH… Side opening, 11BH… Rear opening, 12… Core, 12a… Nib, 12b… Shaft, 13… Ferrite core and coil, 14a… Front core cap, 14b… Rear core cap, 15… Presser member, 15a… Coil spring, 16… Pen pressure detector, 17… Substrate holder, 17a… Front cylindrical portion, 17b… Bottom portion, 17c… Plate-shaped portion, 17d… Rear bottom portion, 17e… Fitting protrusion, 17f… Fixing protrusion, 18… Circuit board, 18a… Side switch, 18b...control IC, 18c...capacitor, 18d...electrode, 18e...conductive portion, 18f...fixing hole, 19...buffer member, 2...buffer mechanism, 21...cylinder, 21a...hole, 21w1, 21w2...window, 21b...locking portion, 22...piston, 22a...fitting portion, 22b1, 22b2...protrusion, 22c...spring retaining portion, 22d...rear extension, 23...coil spring, 3...electronic pen, 31...outer housing, 31FH...front opening, 31SH...operator opening, 31RH...retaining hole, 31HW...retaining wall, 32...operator, 32a...plate, 32b...mounting protrusion, 32c...pressing portion

Claims

1. An electronic pen comprising a replaceable cartridge-type electronic pen body mounted on an outer shell of a cylindrical body held by a user, characterized in that: The electronic pen main body comprises: a core formed into a rod shape; A circuit board equipped with a push button switch; The main body housing is a cylindrical body that accommodates the core and the circuit board, and has a pen tip opening on the pen tip side of the main body housing through which the pen tip of the core protrudes, and a side opening is provided on the side surface of the main body housing at a position corresponding to the push button switch of the circuit board; and The pressing member is a member provided at the side opening of the main body housing, is arranged on the push button switch, and has a locking portion that prevents the pressing member from protruding outward from the side of the main body housing. The outer shell comprises: an opening portion provided on the pen tip side for mounting the electronic pen body; an operating member opening provided at a position on the side surface of the outer housing corresponding to the pressing member of the electronic pen body when the electronic pen body is mounted in a fixed position; and The operating member is provided in the operating member opening in such a manner that the surface thereof facing the pressing member does not protrude inward from the inner wall surface of the outer housing. When the operating element of the outer housing is pressed, the push button switch of the electronic pen body is operated via the pressing member of the electronic pen body.

2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The locking portions of the pressing member of the electronic pen body are claws provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pressing member.

3. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the pressing member of the electronic pen body is flush with the side surface of the body casing. An inner surface of the operating element of the outer housing, which faces the pressing member, is flush with an inner wall surface of the outer housing.

4. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein A buffer mechanism is mounted on the outer housing on the rear end side of the attached digital pen body so as to come into contact with the rear end surface of the digital pen body.

5. The electronic pen according to claim 4, characterized in that: The buffer mechanism is integrally formed with a cylinder, a piston, and an elastic member, wherein the elastic member acts on the cylinder and the piston. When a pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied to the core of the electronic pen body attached to the outer housing, the elastic member contracts, the piston enters the cylinder, and the electronic pen body slides within the outer housing.

6. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: A groove is formed on at least one portion of the inner wall surface of the outer shell along the axis from the front end surface. A convex portion is provided at least at a rear end portion of an outer wall surface of the main body housing, and the convex portion is fitted into the groove portion of the outer housing.

7. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: A convex portion is formed on at least one portion of at least the front end portion of the inner wall surface of the outer shell. A groove is provided on the outer wall surface of the main body housing along the axis from the rear end surface, and the groove is fitted into the protrusion of the outer housing.

8. An electronic pen body, wherein a replaceable cartridge-type electronic pen body is mounted on an outer casing of a cylindrical body held by a user, wherein: The outer shell includes: an opening provided on the pen tip side for mounting the electronic pen body; an operating element opening provided on a side surface of the outer shell at a position corresponding to a pressing member of the electronic pen body when the electronic pen body is mounted in a fixed position; and an operating element provided in the operating element opening in such a manner that a surface facing the pressing member does not protrude inward from an inner wall surface of the outer shell. The electronic pen main body comprises: a core formed into a rod shape; A circuit board equipped with a push button switch; The main body housing is a cylindrical body that accommodates the core and the circuit board, and has a pen tip opening on the pen tip side of the main body housing through which the pen tip of the core protrudes, and a side opening is provided on the side surface of the main body housing at a position corresponding to the push button switch of the circuit board; and The pressing member is a member provided at the side opening of the main body housing, is arranged on the push button switch, and has a locking portion that prevents the pressing member from protruding outward from the side of the main body housing. When the electronic pen body is attached to the outer housing, the push button switch is operated via the pressing member by pressing the operating element of the outer housing.

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