Electronic pen

Abstract

An electronic pen in which a side switch that functions stably and is easy to maintain is realized with excellent portability. By inserting the presser portion (16a) of the electronic pen main body portion (1) into the insertion portion (32) of the push-down operation member (3), the push-down operation member (3) is attached to the presser portion (16a) of the electronic pen main body portion (1) in a state in which it is embedded in the operation member opening portion (22) of the outer housing (2). The operation member opening portion (22) of the outer housing (2) is provided at a position on the side surface corresponding to the button switch (18) of the electronic pen main body portion (1) when the electronic pen main body portion (1) is loaded and fixed to a fixed position. Thus, reliable push-down operation of the button switch (18) by the push-down operation member (3) is enabled, and a side switch in the electronic pen is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates, for example, to an electronic pen that enables information input by indicating coordinates to a position detection device mounted on an electronic device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer). Background Technology

[0002] For example, in electronic devices such as high-performance mobile phone terminals called tablet PCs (Personal Computers) and smartphones, there are devices that enable electronic pen input to allow for finer drawing input via onboard position detection devices. Given the frequent use of tablet PCs and high-performance mobile phone terminals, there are considerations to further refine electronic pens to make them more portable.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1, described later, discloses an invention concerning an electronic pen body with the same shape and size as a refill cartridge of a commercially available ballpoint pen. This electronic pen body can be mounted on the casing of a ballpoint pen, enabling easy portability and use with the same feel as using a ballpoint pen. In electronic pens that incorporate such an electronic pen body on the casing of a ballpoint pen, the use of a so-called side switch is also being considered. A side switch in an electronic pen means a push-button switch located on the side of the electronic pen that can be pressed with a finger while holding the pen.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, two terminals are provided on the side of the electronic pen body, realizing a side switch that is turned on when these terminals are connected by an operating member provided on the side of the housing and turned off when the connection is released. Since the structure switches on / off by connecting / disconnecting the terminals, the side switch can also be realized in a structure where the electronic pen body is pushed out and put back relative to the ballpoint pen housing by tapping, as in a so-called tap-type ballpoint pen.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

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

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the case of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it can be considered that, due to certain reasons, it is sometimes impossible to stably connect the two terminals provided on the main body of the electronic pen using the operating member provided on the shell of the ballpoint pen. For example, it can be considered that the electrical connection between the terminals cannot be properly performed due to misalignment between the positional relationship of the two terminals and the operating member, or due to the presence of small dust particles between the terminals and the operating member. In such cases, the function of a side switch cannot be stably realized.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operating element is mounted on the housing of the ballpoint pen, but once mounted, it is difficult to remove. The operating element provided in the electronic pen needs to be able to remain firmly attached to the pen housing during use. However, it is desirable that the operating element can be easily removed as needed, for example, for maintenance of the electronic pen.

[0011] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to realize an electronic pen that is miniaturized and highly portable, has a side switch that functions stably, and is easy to maintain.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] To solve the above problems,

[0014] An electronic pen is provided, comprising an electronic pen main body with electronic pen functions, a cylindrical outer shell for housing the electronic pen main body, and a pressing operation member, characterized in that...

[0015] The main body of the electronic pen has:

[0016] The push-button switch is pressed; and

[0017] A rod-shaped pressure lever is fixed to the rear end and extends towards the pen tip via the upper part of the button switch.

[0018] The outer shell includes:

[0019] A loading opening is provided on the rear end face for loading the main body of the electronic pen; and

[0020] The opening for the operating element is located on the side corresponding to the button switch when the electronic pen body is filled and fixed in a fixed position.

[0021] The pressing operation member has an insertion part that allows the pressure rod to be inserted when the electronic pen body is inserted into the opening of the operation member.

[0022] By pressing the pressing operation, the button switch on the main body of the electronic pen is pressed.

[0023] According to this electronic pen, the pressing operation member is inserted into the operation member opening of the outer housing, and the electronic pen body is loaded through the loading opening of the outer housing. The insertion part of the pressing operation member passes through the pressure rod part of the electronic pen body. Thus, the pressing operation member is installed on the pressure rod part of the electronic pen body in a state of being inserted into the operation member opening of the outer housing. The operation member opening of the outer housing is provided on the side of the electronic pen body corresponding to the button switch of the electronic pen body when the electronic pen body is loaded and fixed in a fixed position.

[0024] Therefore, a reliable pressing operation of the button switch can be achieved through the pressing operation member embedded in the opening of the operating member on the outer housing, thus realizing a side switch in an electronic pen that can always stably perform the pressing operation. Furthermore, if the electronic pen body is pulled out from the outer housing, the pressure lever of the electronic pen body also disengages from the insertion part of the pressing operation member, making it easy to remove the pressing operation member from the electronic pen. In other words, an electronic pen that is easy to assemble and disassemble and easy to maintain can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of an electronic pen used to explain the implementation method.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion centered on the button switch section when the electronic pen of the embodiment is cut in half along the axis.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen's button switch portion in the embodiment, cut in a direction orthogonal to the axis.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an electronic pen according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of an electronic pen using an electromagnetic induction method according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit when the electronic pen of the embodiment is configured as an active electrostatic capacitive electronic pen. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electronic pen of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic pen of the present invention can be applied to both electromagnetic induction type electronic pens and active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pens. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the electronic pen of the present invention will first be described as an example of an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of an electronic pen used to explain the implementation method. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the electronic pen of this embodiment includes an electronic pen body 1, an outer shell 2, a pressing operation member 3 for operating the button switch provided on the electronic pen body 1 (described later), and an overload absorption part 4.

[0033] The electronic pen body 1, which incorporates electronic pen functions, comprises a core 11, a ferrite core 12, a coil 13, a pen pressure detection unit 14, and an inner housing 15. The core 11 is a rod-shaped component consisting of a pen tip and a shaft extending from the bottom of the pen tip towards the rear end. The ferrite core 12 is a tubular component with a through-hole through a central axis, through which the shaft of the core 11 is inserted. The coil 13 is formed by winding insulated wire around a predetermined portion of the side of the ferrite core 12.

[0034] The pen pressure detection unit 14 has a variable capacitance capacitor inside. The shaft portion of the core 11, which passes through a through hole in the ferrite core 12, abuts against the variable capacitance capacitor, and the pen pressure detection unit 14 can be pressed by the core 11. The core 11 can slide in the axial direction and can be pushed in or returned within the through hole of the ferrite core 12. The pen pressure detection unit 14 detects the pen pressure applied to the core 11 based on the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor, which changes according to the pressing of the core 11.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner housing 15 is a semi-tubular member with an opening at the top. Besides mounting a circuit board on which the push-button switch (described later) is installed, it also includes a lever member 16 for mounting the press-operated member 3. Details will be described later. The lever member 16 consists of a lever portion 16a and a fixing portion 16b. The fixing portion 16b is fixed to the rear end of the inner housing 15. Thus, the lever member 16 is fixed to the electronic pen body 1. The lever portion 16a is a rod-shaped member that extends towards the pen tip without contacting the electronic pen body 1, passing above the push-button switch on the circuit board. In other words, the lever portion 16a extends towards the front end in a rod-like (track-like) shape, as if floating on the circuit board mounted on the inner housing 15.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the outer shell 2 is a hollow cylindrical body that tapers (becomes conical) at the tip side (front end side). The front end face of the outer shell 2 has a front opening 21 for the tip of the core 11 to protrude, and the rear end face has a loading opening 23 for loading the electronic pen body 1. Furthermore, on the side of the outer shell 2, when the electronic pen body 1 is loaded and fixed in the outer shell, an operating opening 22 is provided at a position corresponding to the button switch provided on the electronic pen body 1. In other words, the operating opening 22 is located on the side where the button switch provided on the electronic pen body 1 can be pressed. The operating opening 22 is an opening with the same shape as the upper surface of the pressing operating member 3, but its size is slightly larger than the upper surface of the pressing operating member 3, allowing the pressing operating member 3 to be embedded.

[0037] When viewed from the top surface, the pressing operation member 3 is a rectangular member with its shorter side forming an arc shape (roughly track and field type). Details will be described later. The pressing operation member 3 has thickness due to a wall portion extending in a direction intersecting the axis of the electronic pen when inserted into the operation member opening 22. Furthermore, the pressing operation member 3 has a recessed portion along the axis, with the wall portion on the left and right sides and an opening on the lower side. Therefore, when the pressing operation member 3 is inserted into the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2 and the electronic pen body 1 is loaded through the loading opening 23 of the outer housing 2, the pressure member 16a of the pressure member 16 of the electronic pen body 1 passes through the recessed portion of the pressing operation member 3.

[0038] Therefore, the pressing operation member 3 is installed in the pressure rod portion 16a in the state of being embedded in the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2, and will not fall off the electronic pen. As described above, the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2 is provided on the side of the outer housing 2 corresponding to the button switch of the circuit board when the electronic pen body 1 is filled into the outer housing 2 and fixed in a fixed position. Therefore, by pressing the pressing operation member 3 embedded in the operation member opening 22, the button switch of the circuit board provided on the electronic pen body 1 can be pressed. It should be noted that when the pressing operation member 3 is released, the rod-shaped pressure rod portion 16a acts as a leaf spring with the fixing portion 16b as a fulcrum, so as to return the pressing operation member 3 to its original position (details will be described later).

[0039] The overload absorption section 4 is a component obtained by slidingly mounting the movable section 42 relative to the elastic body storage section 41, which houses an elastic body such as a coil spring. In its normal state, where no pressure is applied to the movable section 42 in the rearward direction indicated by arrow a, as shown... Figure 1As shown, the movable part 42 is extended from the elastic body storage part 41, and the coil spring of the elastic body storage part 41 is in a compressible state. In this embodiment, under normal conditions, if a pressure of less than 300 grams is applied in the direction indicated by arrow a, the coil spring of the elastic body storage part 41 will not compress. However, if a pressure of more than 300 grams is applied relative to the movable part 42 in the rearward direction indicated by arrow a (in this example), the coil spring of the elastic body storage part 41 is gradually compressed according to the pressure, and the movable part 42 is pushed into the elastic body storage part 41.

[0040] In this embodiment of the electronic pen, the main body 1 is loaded into the outer housing 2 such that the tip of the core 11 protrudes from the front opening 21 of the outer housing 2. The overload absorption section 4 is loaded into the outer housing 2 through the loading opening 23 and fixed relative to the outer housing 2 such that the front end face of the movable part contacts the rear end face of the main body 1 loaded into the outer housing 2. Thus, the main body 1 is also positioned within the outer housing 2 in a predetermined position. When the electronic pen is not in use, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the movable part 42 of the overload absorption part 4 is pushed out from the elastic body storage part 41, maintaining the state in which the tip of the core 11 of the electronic pen body part 1 protrudes from the front opening 21. Even when the electronic pen is used, this state is maintained if the pressure (pen pressure) applied to the tip of the core 11 is less than 300g.

[0041] However, if the pressure applied to the tip of the core 11 (pen pressure) exceeds 300g, the coil spring in the elastic body housing 41 is compressed (contracted) by the movable part 42 of the overload absorption part 4 pressing against it, and the movable part 42 is pushed into the elastic body housing 41. Accordingly, the electronic pen body 1 also slides towards the rear end, and the tip of the core 11 is housed in the outer housing 2. That is, the electronic pen of this embodiment can be used without hindrance as long as the pen pressure applied to the tip of the core 11 is less than 300g. However, if the pen pressure exceeds 300g, the tip of the core 11 slides into the outer housing 2 and becomes unusable.

[0042] Thus, in this embodiment of the electronic pen, the main body 1 of the electronic pen can slide within the outer casing 2 according to the pen pressure applied to the pen tip of the core 11. This avoids applying an overload of 300g or more to the operating surface of tablet PCs and high-performance mobile phone terminals. Therefore, this embodiment of the electronic pen is suitable for use in foldable terminals and the like, where protective components such as tempered glass cannot be provided on the operating surface.

[0043] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the portion centered on the button switch, assuming the electronic pen of the embodiment is cut in half along its axis. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen's button switch portion in the embodiment, cut in a direction orthogonal to the axis. Figure 2 middle, Figure 2 (A) shows the state where the tip of the core 11 protrudes from the front opening 21 of the outer casing 2. Additionally, Figure 2 (B) illustrates a state where a pen pressure of 300g or more is applied to the tip of the core 11, causing the main body 1 of the electronic pen to move towards the rear end while the tip of the core 11 is housed within the outer casing 2. It should be noted that, due to... Figure 2 Is Figure 3 The cross-sectional view is shown at the location indicated by the dashed arrow, where the electronic pen is cut along the axis. Therefore, the wall portion 31 of the operation section 3, which will be described later, is not shown.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), a circuit board 17 with a double-sided substrate structure is mounted and fixed in the inner shell 15 of the electronic pen body 1, which is filled in the outer shell 2, which is a cylindrical body. A push-button switch 18, operated by the user, is mounted on the circuit board 17, along with various electronic components such as capacitors and control ICs. In this embodiment, the push-button switch 18 is open when not pressed and is turned on when pressed.

[0045] A lever portion 16a is provided on the upper side of the button switch 18. The lever portion 16a is a rod-shaped portion that extends toward the pen tip side through the upper part of the button switch 18 without contacting the main body 1 of the electronic pen. In the surface of the lever portion 16a facing the circuit board 17, a recess is formed in the portion that may come into contact with electronic components other than the button switch 18 on the circuit board 17 when pressed. Thus, even if the lever portion 16a is pressed and approaches the circuit board 17, it will not come into contact with electronic components. In addition, the protrusion 16t on the pen tip side of the surface of the lever portion 16a facing the circuit board 17 functions as a stop to prevent the lever portion 16a from unnecessarily descending. As described above, a pressing operation member 3 is installed on the lever portion 16a, which is embedded in the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2.

[0046] As described above, the upper surface of the pressing operation member 3 is a shape obtained by making the short side of the rectangle rounded. The pressing operation member 3 has the following shape when it is inserted into the operation member opening 22: Figure 3 The wall portion 31 extends in the direction intersecting the axis of the electronic pen, as shown by arrow b. When the operating member 3 is pressed, it has the following features along the axis: Figure 3As shown, the insertion portion 32 has recesses formed by wall portions 31 on both sides. The insertion portion 32 narrows at the opening side, resulting in a T-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the pressure rod portion 16a of the electronic pen body portion 1 is a T-shape that is slightly smaller than the insertion portion 32 of the press operation member 3.

[0047] Therefore, during the assembly of the electronic pen, firstly, the pressing operation member 3 is inserted into the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2. Next, with the pressure rod portion 16a of the electronic pen body 1 positioned on the side of the pressing operation member 3, the electronic pen body 1 is inserted into the outer housing 2 through the loading opening 23. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown, the lever portion 16a of the electronic pen main body 1 is inserted into the insertion portion 32 of the pressing operation member 3, and the pressing operation member 3 is mounted relative to the lever portion 16a.

[0048] That is, when the insertion part 32 of the operating member 3 is pressed, the insertion cross-section is set to a T-shaped pressure rod part 16a that is slightly smaller than the insertion part 32. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown, the operating member 3 is installed relative to the pressure lever 16a in a way that prevents it from falling off. This is observed from the side view of the electronic pen. Figure 3 The state shown then becomes Figure 2 (A) shows the state. In this state, by pressing the operation member 3, the button switch 18 provided on the circuit board 17 of the electronic pen body 1 can be pressed.

[0049] Additionally, suppose: in the state Figure 2 In the state shown in (A), by applying a pen pressure of 300g or more to the tip of the core 11 of the electronic pen body 1, the entire electronic pen body 1 moves as shown in (A). Figure 2 (B) shows a sliding movement towards the rear end. In this case, the pressing operation member 3 does not move relative to the outer housing 2 because it is embedded in the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2. However, as shown in Figure 3... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed arrows in (A) and (B), the button switch 18 moves to a position offset towards the rear end relative to the center position in the length direction of the pressed operation member 3 by sliding the electronic pen body 1.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown in (B), even if the main body 1 of the electronic pen slides towards the rear end, the lever portion 16a only moves towards the rear end within the insertion portion 32 of the pressing operation member 3, and the pressing operation member 3 does not detach from the lever portion 16a of the main body 1 of the electronic pen. Therefore, the pressing operation member 3 maintains its state of being embedded in the operation member opening 22 of the outer housing 2 while maintaining its state of being mounted on the lever portion 16a. Therefore, even if an overload of 300g or more is applied to the core 11 and the main body 1 of the electronic pen slides towards the rear end, the state of the pressing operation member 3 being mounted relative to the electronic pen can be stably maintained.

[0051] Assume the following state: Figure 3 As shown, press the operating part 3 installed on the pressure rod part 16a, as... Figure 2 As shown in (A), the center of the pressing operation member 3 along its length is located on the button switch 18 mounted on the circuit board 17 of the electronic pen body 1. In this case, if the pressing operation member 3 is pressed, as described above, the button switch 18 can be pressed by the pressing operation member 3 and the lever 16a. Furthermore, if the pressing operation relative to the pressing operation member 3 is released, the lever 16a returns to its original position before being pressed by the action of the lever 16a as a leaf spring. Thus, the lever 16a can lift the pressing operation member 3 and return it to its original position before being pressed.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the electronic pen according to this embodiment. Figure 4 (A) The outer shell 2 and the pressing operation member 3 of the electronic pen of the embodiment are cut in half in the axial direction, and the front side is removed to show the internal condition of the electronic pen. Figure 4 (B) Only the lever member 16 of the electronic pen body 1 is removed and shown. Figure 4 (C) shows the result from Figure 4 (B) The compression member 16 is viewed in the direction indicated by arrow c.

[0053] As mentioned above, in addition, such as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the electronic pen main body 1 and the overload absorption part 4 are installed inside the outer shell 2. The electronic pen main body 1 includes a core 11, a ferrite core 12, a coil 13, a pen pressure detection part 14, an inner shell 15, and a pressure rod member 16. The inner shell 15 houses a circuit board 17 that is equipped with electronic components such as a push-button switch 18, a capacitor, and a control IC.

[0054] like Figure 4As shown in (A) and (B), when viewed from the side, the pressure bar member 16 is an L-shaped member consisting of a pressure bar portion 16a and a fixing portion 16b. That is, it has a shape in which the rear end of the pressure bar portion 16a is connected to the upper end of the fixing portion 16b. If viewed from... Figure 4 If we observe the compression member 16 in the direction indicated by arrow c in (B), then as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (C), the fixing part 16b is a generally rectangular plate-shaped member, which has a structure in which a T-shaped rod-shaped pressure bar part 16a is provided at the upper center of the fixing part 16b.

[0055] The pressure member 16 is fixed to the electronic pen body 1 by being inserted into, for example, a lateral slot on the rear end side of the inner housing 15 via the fixing part 16b. The pressure member 16 is formed of, for example, a hard resin such as plastic, and at least a portion of the pressure member 16a has an elastic force in a direction intersecting the length direction, with the fixing part 16b as a fulcrum. That is, as Figure 4 (B) As shown, if the lever 16a is pressed down as indicated by arrow d, the lever 16a descends in the direction indicated by arrow e with the fixed part 16b as the fulcrum, pressing the button switch 18. If the pressing is released in the direction indicated by arrow d relative to the lever 16a, an elastic force is applied in the direction indicated by arrow f, and the lever 16a returns to its original position.

[0056] Thus, the pressure member 16 functions as a leaf spring, "with the fixed part 16b as a fulcrum, it descends when the pressure member 16a is pressed, and returns to its original position by elastic force when the pressing is released." Therefore, the side switch located on the side of the electronic pen, operated by the user, is realized by the button switch 18 on the circuit board of the electronic pen body 1, the pressure member 16 of the electronic pen body 1, and the pressing operation member 3. In this embodiment, the side switch of the electronic pen is turned on when pressed and turned off when the pressing operation is released.

[0057] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the equivalent circuit of the electronic pen using the electromagnetic induction method of this embodiment. The electronic pen of this embodiment includes a resonant circuit formed by connecting a coil (inductor) 13, a capacitor (capacitor) Cf, a pen pressure detection unit 14 configured as a variable capacitance capacitor, and a frequency-changing capacitor C1 in parallel. The electronic pen of this embodiment also includes a push-button switch 18 for switching whether the frequency-changing capacitor C1 is connected to the resonant circuit. Simply put, the push-button switch 18 is turned on when contacts 18a and 18b are connected, and turned off when contacts 18a and 18b are disconnected.

[0058] Therefore, by pressing the operating element 3 to switch the button switch 18 on / off, the connection / disconnection of capacitor C1 to the resonant circuit can be switched. Thus, the frequency of the signal generated by the resonant circuit can be changed when capacitor C1 is connected to the resonant circuit and when capacitor C1 is not connected to the resonant circuit, and the two states—when capacitor C1 is not connected to the resonant circuit and when capacitor C1 is connected to the resonant circuit—can be notified to the position detection device.

[0059] It should be noted that the electromagnetic induction method indicates position by transmitting and receiving magnetic fields between the position detection device and the electronic pen. Specifically, the position detection device includes a sensor unit with multiple loop coils arranged in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. A transmission period is alternately configured, during which power is sequentially supplied to the multiple loop coils of the sensor unit to generate a magnetic field, and a reception period is configured, during which power supply is stopped and the electronic pen receives the magnetic field from the outside. As described above, the corresponding electronic pen has a resonant circuit composed of coils and capacitors. Based on the magnetic field from the sensor unit, current flows through the coils to generate a magnetic field (signal), and the pen pressure information is included in this magnetic field and transmitted to the position detection sensor. The position detection device receives this during the reception period, enabling it to detect the indicated position and pen pressure of the electronic pen.

[0060] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0061] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic pen can be configured as a side switch consisting of a press-operation member 3, a pressure rod member 16, and a button switch 18, thus achieving a side switch that can be reliably operated and function stably. In this case, it has a structure in which the press-operation member 3 is fitted into the operation member opening 22 provided on the side of the outer housing 2 and the electronic pen body 1 is loaded from the loading opening 23 of the outer housing 2, thereby installing the press-operation member 3 onto the pressure rod 16a of the electronic pen body 1. As a result, the side switch can be realized by simply installing the press-operation member 3 onto the electronic pen body 1. Furthermore, even when the electronic pen body 1 is loaded into the outer housing 2 to form an electronic pen, a side switch that functions stably can be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, if the main body 1 of the electronic pen is pulled out from the outer casing 2, the pressure rod portion 16a of the pressure rod member 16 disengages from the insertion portion 32 of the pressing operation member 3, which is embedded in the operation member opening 22. Therefore, the pressing operation member 3 can be easily detached from the electronic pen. In other words, an electronic pen that is easy to assemble and disassemble and maintain can be realized.

[0063] [Variations, etc.]

[0064] In the above embodiment, the pressing operation member 3 is described as having a T-shaped recess, i.e., an insertion portion 32, with an opening on its lower side, but it is not limited to this. The shape of the insertion portion 32 can be various. Accordingly, the cross-sectional shape of the pressing rod portion 16a of the pressing rod member 16 is also determined. In short, it is sufficient that the pressing rod portion 16a of the pressing rod member 16 will not easily fall off when inserted into the insertion portion 32 of the pressing operation member 3.

[0065] Therefore, the insertion portion 32 of the press-operated member 3 can also be configured as a closed through hole without an opening on the lower side, instead of having a recess. In this case, the pressure rod portion 16a of the pressure rod member 16 can be similar in shape to the insertion portion 32 of the press-operated member 3. Furthermore, in this case, by pressing the button switch 18 using the press-operated member 3, the pressure rod member 16 functions as a leaf spring for resetting the press-operated member 3.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the electronic pen has an overload absorption section 4 at the rear end of the electronic pen body 1. When a pressure of 300 grams or more is applied to the core 11, the electronic pen body 1 slides, retracting the pen tip of the core 11 into the outer housing 2. The reference value for overload in this case is not limited to 300g and can be set to various values. Moreover, the present invention can be applied even when a tap-type ejection mechanism for the electronic pen body 1 is provided instead of the overload absorption section 4. This is because the sliding structure of the electronic pen body 1 remains the same.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was described that the button switch provided on the circuit board 17 of the electronic pen body 1 is turned on when pressed and turned off when not pressed, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a so-called toggle-type button switch, such as "if pressed, it becomes on and maintains this state, and if pressed again, it becomes off and maintains this state".

[0068] In addition, the present invention can also be applied to electronic pens using active electrostatic capacitive methods. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an equivalent circuit when the electronic pen of the present invention is configured as an active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pen. The core 56 is configured as an electrode core made of a hard resin mixed with a conductor (e.g., a conductive metal, conductive powder). In the following description, the core 56 will be referred to as the electrode core 56. The electronic circuit formed on the circuit board has… Figure 6The structure shown is a circuit structure comprising a signal transmitting circuit 51, a double-layer capacitor 52 (as an example of an energy storage element that generates a driving voltage (power supply voltage) for driving the signal transmitting circuit 51), a rectifier diode 53, and a voltage conversion circuit 54. In this example, the signal transmitting circuit 51 is constructed using an oscillation circuit.

[0069] Similar to the electronic pen in the above embodiment, the electrode core 56 is inserted through a through-hole in the ferrite core, allowing pressure detection of the pen pressure unit 57 to be pressed. The electrode core 56 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit 51 of the circuit board via a connecting wire 55. Figure 6 As shown, the pen pressure detection unit 57 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit 51 formed on the circuit board. The oscillation circuit constituting the signal transmission circuit 51 generates a signal whose frequency varies according to the electrostatic capacitance of the pen pressure detection unit 57, which is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor, and supplies the generated signal to the electrode core 56.

[0070] Furthermore, capacitor C2 and push-button switch 58 are connected in parallel with respect to signal transmission circuit 51. Including push-button switch 58, it is configured as a side switch, similar to the case of the electronic pen in the above embodiment. That is, Figure 6 The structure shown is that of an active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pen body that is filled into the outer housing 2. In the case of this active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pen body, a pressure rod member 16 is provided in the same way as in the case of the electronic pen described above. As a result, a pressing operation member embedded in the opening 22 of the outer housing 2 can be installed onto the pressure rod member 16, thus forming an active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pen that can realize the pressing operation of the button switch 58 via the pressing operation member and the pressure rod member 16a.

[0071] It should be noted that in the electrostatic capacitive method, the position detection device includes a sensor section with multiple linear conductors (line electrodes) respectively arranged in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and detects the indicated position based on the change in electrostatic capacitance (charge) generated by the linear conductors. Therefore, in the case of an active electrostatic capacitive electronic pen, the pen pressure information is also included in the signal generation circuit of the active electrostatic capacitive electronic pen and transmitted, which is received by the position detection device to detect the indicated position and pen pressure. Moreover, the frequency of the signal transmitted from the active electrostatic capacitive electronic pen is changed according to the on / off state of the button switch 58, so the on / off state of the button switch 58 can also indicate to the position detection device.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0073] 1…Electronic pen body, 11…Core, 12…Ferrite core, 13…Coil, 14…Pen pressure detection unit, 15…Inner shell, 16…Pressure lever member, 16a…Pressure lever part, 16b…Fixing part, 17…Circuit board, 18…Button switch, 2…Outer shell, 21…Front end opening, 22…Opening for operating part, 23…Filling opening, 3…Pressing operating part, 31…Wall part, 32…Through part, 4…Overload absorption part, 41…Elastomer storage part, 42…Modible part.

Claims

1. An electronic pen comprising an electronic pen main body with electronic pen functions, a cylindrical body (outer shell) for housing the electronic pen main body, and a pressing operation member, characterized in that, The main body of the electronic pen has: The push-button switch is pressed; and A rod-shaped pressure lever is fixed to the rear end and extends towards the pen tip via the upper part of the button switch. The outer shell includes: A loading opening is provided on the rear end face for loading the main body of the electronic pen; and The opening for the operating element is located on the side corresponding to the button switch when the electronic pen body is filled and fixed in a fixed position. The pressing operation member has an insertion part that allows the pressure rod to be inserted when the electronic pen body is inserted into the opening of the operation member. By pressing the pressing operation, the button switch on the main body of the electronic pen is pressed.

2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the pressing of the button switch is released, the lever part functions as a leaf spring, the lever part and the button switch return to their previous state, and the pressing of the button switch is released.

3. The electronic pen according to claim 1, characterized in that, By pressing the pressing operation member, the button switch of the electronic pen body is pressed down by the pressure rod.

4. The electronic pen according to claim 1, characterized in that, By pressing the pressing operation member, the button switch of the electronic pen body is pressed by the pressing operation member installed on the pressure rod.

5. The electronic pen according to claim 1, characterized in that, An overload absorption section is provided on the rear end side of the electronic pen body portion, which is fitted into the outer casing. The pen tip, which is contained in the outer casing, protrudes from the front end of the outer casing. When a specified amount of pen pressure is applied to the pen tip, the overload absorption unit causes the main body of the electronic pen to slide towards the rear end of the outer housing, thereby retracting the pen tip into the outer housing. As the main body of the electronic pen slides, the pressure rod portion of the pressing operation member, which is inserted into the opening of the operation member, slides, and the pressing operation member remains in the state of being inserted into the opening of the operation member in the outer housing while also remaining in the state of being mounted on the pressure rod portion.

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