Electronic erasing appliance

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic erasing tool capable of erasing handwriting information and the like input to an electronic device such as a tablet PC in accordance with the intention of a user. The electronic pen unit (3) is provided with a housing (1) and a corner member (2). The housing (1) is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member, and the corner member (2) is a rectangular pyramid-shaped member having a triangular side surface (2S1) constituting a part of the bottom surface (1BS) of the housing (1), the corner member (2) being a member integrated with the housing but capable of being separated from the housing. A core body (31) of an electronic pen unit (3) is inserted into a central axis portion that coincides with a vertical line drawn from the vertex (2TP) of a corner member (2) to the bottom surface of the corner member (2), the electronic pen unit (3) is disposed obliquely within a housing (1), and the corner member (2) can slide in the central axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic erasing tool that can erase handwriting information written using an electronic pen on a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or the like in the same manner as an eraser of stationery. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices such as tablet PCs and smartphones that have thin display devices such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and position detection devices (devices composed of position detection sensors and position detection circuits) are widely used. For such electronic devices, by using a so-called electronic pen, text, graphics, symbols, etc. can be input as handwriting information of the user. When inputting handwriting information, a handwriting image corresponding to the handwriting information is displayed at a position on the display screen of the display device corresponding to the indicated position of the electronic pen, so that the user can input handwriting information to the electronic device in the same way as recording with a pencil on paper.

[0003] When it is desired to correct handwriting information inputted into an electronic device using an electronic pen, the handwriting information is erased using an eraser function that sends a signal different from that when the handwriting information was inputted. As disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later, the eraser function is provided at the rear end of the electronic pen. That is, similar to the case of a pencil with an eraser at the rear end, an electronic pen with an eraser function is used in which one end of the electronic pen serves as a writing function and the other end serves as an eraser function. Furthermore, while confirming the handwriting image displayed on the display screen of the display device, the user moves the rear end of the electronic pen provided with the eraser function close to the portion to be erased, thereby erasing the handwriting information of the portion to be corrected.

[0004] However, even when using a pencil with an eraser at the rear end, when it is desired to erase the handwriting written on a paper, the eraser disposed at the rear end of the pencil is rarely used, and the eraser of an independent type is often used. One of the reasons for this is that it is more convenient to use an independent eraser, and the handwriting can be erased as cleanly as the user imagines, compared with the eraser disposed at the rear end of the pencil. Therefore, when erasing the handwriting information inputted by the electronic pen to the electronic device, as disclosed in the patent document 2 described later, an independent electronic erasing tool having only the function of erasing the handwriting information is also realized.

[0005] However, in the case of an independent type of electronic eraser that only has the function of erasing handwriting information disclosed in Patent Document 2, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the entire end face on the side that emits the signal becomes the indication position. Therefore, in the case of a conventional independent type of electronic eraser, it is difficult to erase handwriting information in a very narrow range. Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 3 described later, the applicant of the present application has proposed a chalk-shaped and rectangular parallelepiped-shaped electronic eraser that can bring the corner formed by the bottom surface and the side surface into contact with the position detection sensor and easily erase handwriting information in a fine range.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-069350

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2-155020

[0010] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2020 / 095710 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] In recent years, electronic devices such as tablet PCs have also been increasingly used by children and students in educational settings such as elementary and middle schools. Therefore, it is desired not only to input handwriting information to an electronic device using an electronic pen as if leaving handwriting on paper with a pencil, but also to erase the handwriting information input to the electronic device as if erasing the handwriting written on paper with an eraser, according to the user's intention. Figure 1 Therefore, it is conceivable to use the chalk-shaped and rectangular parallelepiped-shaped electronic eraser disclosed in Patent Document 3 above, which can be used in the same way as an eraser of existing stationery.

[0013] However, in the case of an eraser of existing stationery, the size of the erasing area can be changed by the degree of force applied, and also the erasing method such as light erasing or complete erasing can be changed. Therefore, in an electronic eraser, it is also desired to more appropriately detect the pressing force applied to the electronic eraser during erasing and perform erasing processing of handwriting information according to the detected pressing force. In addition, when using the corner formed by the bottom surface and the side surface of the electronic eraser to erase handwriting information, since the area of the corner in contact with the operation surface is small, this corner will wear out, and it may not be possible to always perform the erasing process with the same feeling.

[0014] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to enable the erasure of handwriting information input to an electronic device such as a tablet PC in accordance with the user's intention, in the same manner as when using an eraser for stationery. Figure 1 to be erased in agreement.

[0015] Means for Solving the Problem

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, an object is to provide an electronic erasing tool, characterized by comprising:

[0017] An electronic pen unit, comprising a core and a pressure detection unit for detecting the pressure applied to the core, and sending out an erasing signal containing the pressure information detected by the pressure detection unit;

[0018] A housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and

[0019] A pyramid-shaped corner member, which is a member integrated with the housing and can be separated from the housing, and has a triangular side surface forming a part of the bottom surface of the housing.

[0020] The core of the electronic pen unit is inserted into a central axis portion that coincides with a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex of the corner member to the bottom surface of the corner member. The electronic pen unit is obliquely arranged in the housing, and the corner member can slide and move in the central axis direction.

[0021] According to this electronic erasing tool, it is configured to include an electronic pen unit, a housing, and a corner member. The housing is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the corner member is a member integrated with the housing but can be separated from the housing. It is a pyramid-shaped member having a triangular side surface forming a part of the bottom surface of the housing. The core of the electronic pen unit is inserted into a central axis portion that coincides with a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex of the corner member to the bottom surface of the corner member. The electronic pen unit is obliquely arranged in the housing, and the corner member can slide and move in the central axis direction.

[0022] Thus, if the housing of this electronic erasing tool is held and the vertex of the corner member is brought into contact with and pressed against the part of the operation surface of the electronic device where handwriting information is displayed, the core of the electronic pen unit inserted into the central axis portion of the corner member is pushed in the axial direction of the electronic pen unit. Therefore, an erasing signal containing the pressing information is sent from the electronic erasing tool to the electronic device, and the erasure of the handwriting information is achieved. In this case, the vertex of the corner member can be used to erase the handwriting information according to the user's intention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a view for explaining the appearance of the electronic erasing tool of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2This is a diagram for explaining the corner member of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view for explaining the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the electronic erasing tool (active capacitive electronic erasing tool) according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the electromagnetic induction type electronic erasing tool.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining other examples of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0030] Hereinafter, regarding the embodiment of the electronic erasing tool of the present invention, while referring to Figure 1 it will be described. The electronic erasing tool of the present invention is used for electronic devices such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer) and a smart phone equipped with a thin display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a position detection device. That is, the electronic erasing tool of the present invention is used when erasing handwriting information (handwriting image) such as characters, symbols, and graphics input by using an electronic pen (position indicator for recording) for the electronic device, and can also be called an electronic eraser.

[0031] [Outline of Electromagnetic Induction Method and Active Electrostatic Coupling Method]

[0032] First, the schematic structure of the position detection device and the position indicator (electronic pen) will be described. In the methods of the position detection device and the position indicator (electronic pen), for example, there are an electromagnetic induction method (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance technology) method) and an active electrostatic coupling method (AES (Active Electrostatic) method).

[0033] In the electromagnetic induction method, the position detection device includes a sensor unit in which a plurality of toroidal coils are respectively arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Further, a transmission period for alternately supplying power to the plurality of toroidal coils of the sensor unit to generate a magnetic field and a reception period for stopping the supply of power and receiving a magnetic field from the outside are provided. The corresponding position indicator includes a resonance circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor. According to the magnetic field from the sensor unit, a signal (magnetic field) is generated by current flowing through the coil, and pen pressure information is included in the signal and sent to the position detection sensor. The position detection device receives the signal during the reception period and detects the indication position and pen pressure of the electronic pen.

[0034] In the case of the active electrostatic coupling method, the electronic pen transmits the signal in such a manner that the signal from the oscillation circuit mounted on the electronic pen also includes pen pressure information. The position detection device receives the signal and detects the indication position and pen pressure. The electronic erasing tool of the present invention can be configured for a position detection device of the electromagnetic induction method or a position detection device of the active electrostatic coupling method. In the following embodiments, for simplicity of explanation, an example of an electronic erasing tool configured to be used for a position detection device of the active electrostatic coupling method (AES (Active Electrostatic) method) will be described.

[0035] [Appearance of Electronic Erasing Tool]

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. is for explaining the appearance of the electronic erasing tool of the embodiment. Figure 1 (A) of FIG. is a front view of the electronic erasing tool. Figure 1 (B) of FIG. is a perspective view of the electronic erasing tool. As shown in Figure 1 (A) of FIG., the appearance of the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment is composed of a housing 1 and a corner member 2, and has a shape and size similar to that of an eraser of stationery. That is, as shown in Figure 1 (A) of FIG., the housing 1 is a member in which the depth direction amplitude among the lengths in the long side direction (x-axis direction), the short side direction (y-axis direction), and the depth direction (z-axis direction) is shorter than the lengths in the long side direction and the short side direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1 (A) and (B) of FIG., the housing 1 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but in Figure 1 (A) and (B) of FIG., it has a shape in which the corner at the lower right end is cut off. The corner member 2 is provided at a position corresponding to the cut-off corner of the lower right end of the housing 1. As shown in Figure 1As shown in (A) and (B), the corner member 2 is a member integrated with the housing 1 and can be separated from the housing 1. It is a pyramid-shaped member with a triangular side surface 2S1 that forms a part of the bottom surface 1BS of the housing 1 and has a vertex 2TP.

[0038] [Structure of the corner member 2]

[0039] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the corner member 2 of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment. Figure 2 (A) of shows a diagram of the corner member 2 viewed from the side of the bottom surface 2BS. Figure 2 (B) of shows a diagram of the corner member 2 viewed from the side of the vertex 2TP. As Figure 2 shown in (A) and (B) of, the corner member 2 is a pyramid-shaped member having four triangular side surfaces 2S1, 2S2, 2S3, and 2S4 on a quadrilateral bottom surface 2BS. The base sides of the side surfaces 2S3 and 2S4 are longer than the base sides of the side surfaces 2S1 and 2S2. As Figure 2 shown in (A) of, a cylindrical core holder 2HD for holding the conductive core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3 described later is provided at the central portion of the quadrilateral bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2. A groove portion 2GV is provided around the core holder 2HD for inserting the front end side of the peripheral electrode 32 of the electronic pen unit 3 described later.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown in (A) of, the core holder 2HD has a central axis that is a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex 2TP to the bottom surface 2BS, and this central axis coincides with the central axis of the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3 inserted into the core holder 2HD. In addition, restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 are provided on the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2 with the core holder 2HD interposed therebetween. Details will be described later. The restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 are cylindrical protrusions for restricting (suppressing) the rotation of the corner member 2. In addition, as Figure 2 shown in (B) of, the vertex 2TP of the corner member 2 has an arc, and the hypotenuse of each side surface also has an arc in the same manner.

[0041] Details will be described later. Assume that Figure 2 the corner member 2 shown in constitutes an electronic erasing tool together with the housing 1 by being assembled to the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3. In this case, as Figure 1 shown in (A) and (B) of, a gap (clearance) SP is provided between the corner member 2 and the housing 1, and the corner member 2 can slide in the axial direction of the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3.

[0042] [Constituent members of the electronic erasing tool, etc.]

[0043] Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic erasing tool for explaining an embodiment. As Figure 3 shown, the housing 1 is composed of a first support portion 11A ( Figure 3 (A) of), a second support portion 11B ( Figure 3 (C) of), and a sleeve 11C ( Figure 3 (D) of). The first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B are formed into one support portion having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by facing and adhering the inner surfaces to each other. As Figure 3 (B) of shows, an electronic pen unit 3, a circuit board 4, a USB circuit portion 5, and a storage battery (secondary battery) 6 are mounted inside the support portion formed by the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B.

[0044] Therefore, as Figure 3 (A) of shows, recesses for fitting the respective mounted components are provided on the inner surface of the first support portion 11A. The recess A1 is a portion for fitting the electronic pen unit 3. The recess A2 is a portion for fitting the circuit board 4. The recess A3 is a portion for fitting the USB circuit portion 5. The recess A4 is a portion for fitting the storage battery 6. In Figure 3 (C) of, the inner surface of the second support portion 11B is not visible, but on the inner surface of the second support portion 11B, recesses B1, B2, B3, and B4 for fitting the respective mounted components are also provided at positions corresponding to the recesses A1, A2, A3, and A4 on the inner surface of the first support portion 11A.

[0045] Therefore, if the electronic pen unit 3, the circuit board 4, the USB circuit portion 5, and the storage battery 6 are sandwiched between the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B and the two are brought close to each other, the portions of the inner surfaces of the two where no mounted components are present come into contact with each other. Thus, the mounted components can be mounted in the support portion formed by the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B in a manner that does not loosen or the like. A part of the tip side of the electronic pen unit 3 mounted on the housing 1 protrudes from the lower right corner portion of the support portion. As Figure 3 (B) of shows, the corner member 2 is assembled.

[0046] It should be noted that in an electronic device such as a tablet PC equipped with a position detection device, the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment erases the handwriting information that is input by writing on the operation surface of the display screen using an electronic pen and is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, the electronic pen unit 3 realizes the function of sending an erasing signal, and the erasing signal is a position indication signal indicating the erasing range. In an electronic device such as a tablet PC, it functions to determine the indication position of the erasing signal using the position detection device and erase the handwriting information at the determined position.

[0047] In addition, as will be described later in detail, the circuit board 4 is constituted by mounting electronic components such as a detection circuit for detecting the pressure applied to the core 31, a transmission circuit for forming an erasure signal, a control IC (Integrated Circuit), a power supply circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a switching circuit. With the electronic pen unit 3 and the circuit board 4, functions equivalent to those of an electronic pen can be achieved. In addition, the USB circuit section 5 has a terminal section conforming to the USB standard and realizes the function of receiving power supply from the outside and charging drive power into the storage battery 6. In addition, a power supply circuit is constituted by the storage battery 6 and specified circuit components of the circuit board, and supplies drive power to each part of the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment.

[0048] In the case of the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment, as described using Figure 2 the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3 is inserted into and held by the core holding section 2HD of the corner member 2. The inner diameter of the cylindrically shaped core holding section 2HD of the corner member 2 is slightly shorter than the outer diameter of the core 31, and when the core 31 is inserted into and assembled with the core holding section 2HD, it will not easily fall off. However, if the core is pulled out from the core holding section 2HD of the corner member 2, the corner member 2 can be disassembled from the core 31. In this way, the corner member 2 can be attached to and detached from the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3. It should be noted that, as described using Figure 2 (A), since a groove section 2GV is provided around the core holding section 2HD on the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2, the peripheral electrode 32 of the electronic pen unit 3 will not be an obstacle when the corner member 2 is assembled with the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3.

[0049] In addition, as Figure 3 (A) shows, a fitting hole AFh is provided at the upper left end portion of the inner surface of the first support portion 11A. Although not shown, in the inner surface of the second support portion 11B, a fitting projection BFp is provided at a portion facing the fitting hole AFh of the first support portion 11A. The outer edge of the fitting projection BFp has the same shape as the inner edge of the fitting hole AFh, but is slightly smaller, and the height of the fitting projection BFp is slightly lower than the depth of the fitting hole AFh. Therefore, as Figure 3 (A) shows, when the inner surfaces of the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B are faced and combined, the fitting projection BFp of the second support portion 11B is fitted into the fitting hole AFh of the first support portion 11A. Thereby, the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B will not easily separate.

[0050] In addition, assuming that Figure 3 (A) shows the first support portion 11A and Figure 3The second support portion 11B shown in (B) is combined so that the inner surfaces face each other. In this case, the portion where the circuit board 4, the USB circuit portion 5, and the battery 6 are mounted is one size smaller than the portion where the electronic pen unit 3 is mounted. This is because a sleeve 11C is put on the portion where the circuit board 4, the USB circuit portion 5, and the battery 6 are mounted. As Figure 3 shown in (D), the outer appearance of the sleeve 11C is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the front end face forms an opening 11CF, the rear end face 11CB is closed, and the middle becomes a hollow box-shaped body (housing).

[0051] Therefore, as Figure 3 shown, the electronic pen unit 3, the circuit board 4, the USB circuit portion 5, and the battery 6 are clamped by the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B. After that, if the sleeve 11C is put on the rear end side of the first support portion 11A and the second support portion 11B and the tip angle member 2 of the electronic pen unit 3 is assembled, it becomes Figure 1 the electronic erasing tool with the appearance shown. It should be noted that, as described above, the USB circuit portion 5 is used to charge the battery 6. Thus, as Figure 3 shown in (E), an opening 11HL is provided on the rear end face 11CB of the sleeve 11C in order to connect the connector portion of the USB cable connected to the power supply to the terminal portion of the USB circuit portion 5.

[0052] [Internal Structure of the Electronic Erasing Tool with Each Component Mounted]

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 is a diagram in which the sleeve 11C is cut in the longitudinal direction so as to be divided into Figure 4 the front side and the rear side, the front side portion is removed, and the second support portion 11B located on the front side is disassembled so that the inside is visible. In addition, regarding the electronic pen unit 3 and the angle member 2, a cross section is also shown in the case where the front side portion is cut in the longitudinal direction so as to be divided into Figure 4 the front side and the rear side and the front side portion is removed. It should be noted that the angle member 2 is also a cross section, but in order to clearly distinguish it from the electronic pen unit 3, the slashes indicating the cross section are omitted at the angle member 2. In addition, in Figure 4 , the same parts as the parts shown in Figures 1 - 3 are labeled with the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of this part is omitted.

[0054] As Figure 4As shown, the electronic pen unit 3 is inclined such that the central axis of the electronic pen unit 3 bisects the angle (90-degree angle) formed by the side 1L in the long side direction of the housing 1 and the side 1S in the short side direction of the housing 1. That is, in this embodiment, the angle formed by the central axis of the electronic pen unit 3 and the side 1L in the long side direction of the housing 1 is 45 degrees, and the angle formed by the central axis of the electronic pen unit 3 and the side 1S in the short side direction of the housing 1 is 45 degrees. However, this is an example, and a slight adjustment of the angle during manufacturing can be made.

[0055] Inside the cylindrical electronic pen housing 38 of the electronic pen unit 3, a holding member 37 is provided, and a core 31, a connecting member 33, a pressing member 35, and a pressure detection unit 36 are mounted in a manner arranged in the central axis direction (axial direction) inside the holding member 37. The core 31 is assembled in such a way that it is inserted into an elastic member 34 fixed to the assembly portion of the connecting member 33. A cylindrical peripheral electrode 32 is provided around the rear end side of the core 31. The electronic pen unit 3 of this embodiment is a so-called active electrostatic capacitance method (AES method) electronic pen unit, and an erasing signal (a position indicating signal indicating the erasing position) is sent out from the core 31. In addition, the electronic pen unit 3 sends out a signal for tilt detection from the peripheral electrode 32 and receives a signal from the position detection device through the peripheral electrode 32.

[0056] The pressure detection unit 36 is formed of a plurality of members into a structure of a variable capacitance capacitor. Thus, in Figure 4 the lead wire of the reference numeral 36 is led out from the central portion of the pressure detection unit. Specifically, the pressure detection unit 36 includes a circular dielectric. A first electrode is provided on the rear end face (the face opposite to the core 31) of the dielectric. A ring-shaped spacer is provided on the front end face side (the side of the face of the core 31 side) of the dielectric, and a second electrode formed of conductive rubber or the like is provided in a manner facing the front end face of the dielectric with the ring-shaped spacer interposed therebetween. It has a structure in which the second electrode is pressed by the connecting member 33 and the pressing member 35 that are pushed in or pushed out along with the sliding movement of the core 31. Thereby, as the second electrode approaches or separates from the dielectric, the static capacitance (the amount of charged charge) between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, and the pressure applied to the core 31 can be detected based on the change in this static capacitance.

[0057] In Figure 4In the illustrated solution, the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3 mounted in the housing 1 is inserted into the core holding portion 2HD of the corner member 2 from the tip side. Thereby, the corner member 2 can be assembled to the housing 1. In this case, the front end portion of the cylindrical peripheral electrode 32 provided around the core 31 enters the groove portion 2GV provided around the core holding portion 2HD of the corner member 2. Thus, the peripheral electrode 32 neither obstructs the assembly of the corner member 2 nor hinders the movement of the corner member 2 in the axial direction of the electronic pen unit 3.

[0058] Thus, as Figure 4 shown, the front end of the core 31 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the vertex 2TP of the corner member 2 and slightly away from the vertex 2TP, so that a structure capable of sending an erasing signal from the vertex 2TP portion of the corner member 2 is formed. In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the peripheral electrode 32 of the electronic pen unit 3 is exposed from the gap SP between the corner member 2 and the housing 1, and as will be described later, signals can be transmitted and received well between the peripheral electrode 32 and the position detection device.

[0059] Moreover, as described above, in addition, as Figure 4 shown, restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 are provided on the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2. The restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 are cylindrical protrusions. In addition, as Figure 4 shown, recesses 1P1 and 1P2 are provided on the surface of the housing 1 facing the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2 at portions corresponding to the restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 of the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2. Thereby, the restricting portions 2P1 and 2P2 on the bottom surface 2BS of the corner member 2 are inserted into the recesses 1P1 and 1P2 on the housing 1 side, restricting (suppressing) the rotation of the corner member 2 about the core 31. If the corner member 2 rotates, the erasing operation becomes difficult, but since the rotation is suppressed, it does not become difficult to use.

[0060] [Equivalent Circuit of Electronic Erasing Tool]

[0061] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the electronic erasing tool (active capacitive type) of the embodiment. As Figure 5 shown, the conductive core 31 is connected to the transmission circuit 42 through the core helical spring C1 and can send an erasing signal having a frequency of f0, for example. In addition, the peripheral electrode 32 is connected to the switch circuit SW through the helical spring C2 and is connected to the transmission circuit 42 and the demodulation circuit 45 through the switch circuit SW. The switch circuit SW is switched and controlled by the control IC 43.

[0062] The switch circuit SW is usually switched to the demodulation circuit side, and the signal received from the position detection device through the peripheral electrode 32 is supplied to the demodulation circuit 45. Thus, a transmission request for the tilt detection signal can be received from the position detection circuit side through the peripheral electrode 32, demodulated by the demodulation circuit 45, and the demodulation result is notified to the control IC 43. In this case, the control IC 43 switches the switch circuit SW to the transmission circuit 42 side, controls the transmission circuit 42 to generate a tilt detection signal with a frequency of, for example, f1, and supplies it to the peripheral electrode 32. Thus, the tilt detection signal with a frequency of f1 can be sent to the position detection device through the peripheral electrode 32. After the tilt detection signal is sent for a certain period, the control IC 43 switches the switch circuit SW to the demodulation circuit 45 side and waits for the signal from the position detection device to arrive. In this way, the peripheral electrode 32 can realize the transmission of the tilt detection signal and the reception of the transmission request for the tilt signal from the position detection circuit side.

[0063] In addition, when the switch circuit SW is switched to the demodulation circuit 45 side, the control IC 43 controls the transmission circuit 42 to generate an erasing signal with a frequency of, for example, f0, and supplies it to the core body 31. Thus, the erasing signal is sent from the core body 31 to the position detection device. In this embodiment, the erasing signal sent from the core body 31 includes information indicating the pressure applied to the core body 31. That is, according to the pressure applied to the core body 31, the second electrode of the pressure detection unit 36 is pressed by the connecting member 33 and the pressing member 35, approaching the dielectric of the pressure detection unit 36. In this case, the first electrode of the pressure detection unit 36 is connected to the capacitance detection circuit 41 through the coil spring C3 for the pressure detection unit, and the second electrode of the pressure detection unit 36 is connected to the capacitance detection circuit 41 through the extension line 46 of the second electrode. Thus, in the detection circuit 41, the pressure applied to the core body 31 can be detected according to the change in capacitance.

[0064] The pressure applied to the core body 31 detected by the detection circuit 41 is supplied to the transmission circuit 42, included in the erasing signal, and sent from the core body 31 to the position detection device. In addition, the control of the transmission circuit 42 is performed by the control IC 43, and the supply of the driving power to each circuit unit is performed by the power supply circuit 44. The power supply circuit 44 includes a storage battery 6, and for this storage battery 6, external power can be supplied through the USB circuit unit 5, and the driving power supplied to each part is stored (charged). It should be noted that in the electronic pen unit 3 of this embodiment, the coil springs C1, C2 for the core body, and the coil spring C3 for the pressure detection unit do not function as inductance elements respectively.

[0065] That is, the coil spring C1 for the core body functions to hold the connection member 33 in the holding member 37 in a state where it can move with high freedom without applying force, and to supply the erasing signal from the transmission circuit 42 to the core body 31. In addition, the coil spring C2 functions to effortlessly supply the tilt detection signal from the transmission circuit 42 to the peripheral electrode 32 in a manner that does not affect the surroundings. In addition, the coil spring C2 functions to effortlessly supply the signal received through the peripheral electrode 32 to the demodulation circuit 45 in a manner that does not affect the surroundings. The coil spring C3 for the pressure detection unit functions to be able to apply an appropriate force to the second electrode of the pressure detection unit 36 toward the dielectric side to position it at an appropriate position and to connect the second electrode to the capacitance detection circuit 41.

[0066] Thus, the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment can transmit the erasing signal with a frequency of f0 to the position detection device through the core body 31 of the electronic pen unit 3 equipped with the corner member 2. In addition, the electronic erasing tool can receive the transmission instruction of the tilt detection signal from the position detection device through the peripheral electrode 32 of the electronic pen unit 3 and transmit the tilt detection signal with a frequency of f1 to the position detection device.

[0067] [Effects of the Embodiment]

[0068] Regarding the Figures 1 - 5 electronic erasing tool of the embodiment described above, the user holds the housing 1 with a finger and performs an operation of moving the erasing range by bringing the vertex 2TP of the corner member 2 into contact with the operation surface on the display screen of the electronic device equipped with the position detection device and displaying the handwriting information of the electronic pen. In this case, since the vertex 2TP of the corner member has an arc, it can be smoothly moved in any direction as it is.

[0069] In addition, since the contact range between the vertex 2TP of the corner member 2 and the operation surface is narrow, and the pressure applied to the core body 31 is also included in the erasing signal, the user can erase the handwriting information within the intended range. That is, the erasing range can be enlarged or reduced according to the pressure applied to the core body 31 through the corner member 2. In addition, through the tilt detection signal from the peripheral electrode 32, the tilt state of the electronic erasing tool can also be grasped on the position detection device side. Therefore, the erasing range can also be adjusted according to the tilt state of the electronic erasing tool. For example, the erasing range can be enlarged in the direction in which the electronic erasing tool is tilted, etc.

[0070] Through the above, it is possible to use the electronic erasing tool of this embodiment in the same way as using a stationery eraser to erase the handwriting information input with an electronic pen on an electronic device such as a tablet PC and displayed on the display screen.

[0071] [Electronic erasing tool using electromagnetic induction method]

[0072] It should be noted that although the electronic erasing tool in the above-described embodiment is assumed to be an active capacitive electronic erasing tool and is described, it is not limited thereto. An electronic erasing tool using an electromagnetic induction method (EMR method) can also be configured. Figure 6 FIG. shows an equivalent circuit of an electronic erasing tool using an electromagnetic induction method. Although not shown, in the case of an electronic erasing tool using an electromagnetic induction method, a cylindrical ferrite core is provided on the side of the electronic pen unit so as to cover the side surface of the rod-shaped core, and a coil 3X1 is provided by winding and covering a wire on its side surface. This coil 3X1 is connected to a capacitor Cf on the circuit board to form a resonant circuit.

[0073] Moreover, in the same manner as in the case of the above-described pressure detection unit 36, a pressure detection unit 3X2 having a structure formed as a variable capacitance capacitor is provided, and a structure is formed such that it can be pressed by the core, so that the detection output of the static capacitance can be supplied to this resonant circuit. Thus, an electronic erasing tool using an electromagnetic induction method can be realized. It should be noted that since it is an electromagnetic induction method, it is not necessary to provide a storage battery, a USB circuit unit, etc., and an electronic erasing tool using an electromagnetic induction method that can cooperate with a position detection device using an electromagnetic induction method can be realized.

[0074] [Active capacitive electronic erasing tool using a primary battery]

[0075] Figure 7 FIG. is a diagram for explaining another example of the electronic erasing tool according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a case where the inside of the housing 1X is visible through transparency. The electronic erasing tool of the above-described embodiment uses a storage battery 6 (secondary battery). However, for example, an active capacitive electronic erasing tool using a primary battery such as a button battery can also be configured. It should be noted that in Figure 7 , the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are configured in the same manner as the electronic erasing tool of the embodiment described using Figures 1 - 5 .

[0076] As Figure 7 shown, the electronic erasing tool of this other example mounts an electronic pen unit 3 in the housing 1X in the same manner as the electronic erasing tool of the embodiment described using Figures 1 - 5 , and an angle member 2 is assembled to the core 31 of the electronic pen unit 3. The circuit board 4X is configured in the same manner as the circuit board 4 of the electronic erasing tool of the embodiment described using Figures 1 - 5 by mounting electronic components such as a detection circuit for detecting the pressure applied to the core, a transmission circuit for forming an erasing signal, a control IC, a power supply circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a switching circuit.

[0077] However, in the case of the power supply circuit mounted on the circuit board of the electronic erasing tool in this other example, the power supply voltage is supplied from the button battery 6X to form the driving power supplied to each part. Therefore, there is no need to provide the USB circuit section 5 for charging. In addition, in order to enable the replacement of the button battery, a detachable rear cover 7 is provided at the rear end portion of the housing 1X. By detaching the rear cover 7 from the housing 1X, a part of the button battery 6X assembled inside the housing 1X is exposed, and it can be pulled out, and a new button battery can be assembled. After the replacement of the button battery, if the rear cover 7 is assembled to the rear end portion of the housing 1X, the inside of the housing 1X is sealed, and it is possible to prevent the button battery from accidentally falling off or dust from entering.

[0078] In this Figure 7 In the case of the electronic erasing tool of the other example shown, since there is no need to perform a charging process, it is easy to use. In addition, by preparing a spare button battery, even if the battery runs out, it is immediately possible to use it just by replacing the button battery. Therefore, the electronic erasing tool itself does not become unusable.

[0079] [Modification examples, etc.]

[0080] It should be noted that the corner member 2 can be formed of various materials, but its side surface is coated with resin, and even if it is used in a way of scraping against the operation surface, it will not easily deform such as thinning. However, since the corner member 2 can be detached, it can be easily replaced when the usability deteriorates such as when it becomes slightly thinned and the whole electronic erasing tool becomes difficult to use.

[0081] In addition, the sleeve 11C of the above-described embodiment can be formed of a non-conductive member such as resin, but for example, by forming it of a conductive member such as aluminum or corrosion-resistant aluminum, it is possible to easily form a grounding path for the circuit board.

[0082] In addition, the size of the electronic erasing tool can be set to an appropriate size that is easy for the user to hold with a finger. Therefore, as a user, it can be formed slightly larger, such as 55 mm × 27 mm × 12 mm, for lower grades in elementary school, and slightly smaller, such as 43 mm × 17 mm × 10 mm, for upper grades in elementary school and above. The sizes shown here are just examples, and of course, other various sizes can also be set.

[0083] Explanation of reference numerals

[0084] 1… Housing, 1BS… Bottom surface, 11A… First support portion, A1, A2, A3, A4… Concave portions, B1, B2, B3, B4… Concave portions, AFh… Fitting hole, BFp… Fitting projection, 1P1, 1P2… Concave portions, 11B… Second support portion, 11C… Sleeve, 11CF… Opening, 11CP… Rear end surface, 11HL… Opening, 1S… Side in the short side direction, 1L… Side in the long side direction, 2… Corner member, 2S1, 2S2, 2S3, 2S4… Triangular surfaces, 2TP… Vertex, 2HD… Core holding portion, 2GV… Groove portion, 2BS… Bottom surface, 2P1, 2P2… Restricting portions, 3… Electronic pen unit, 31… Core, 32… Peripheral electrode, 33… Connecting member, 34… Elastic member, 35… Pressing member, 36… Pressure detection portion, 37… Holding member, 38… Electronic pen housing, SP… Gap (clearance), 4… Circuit board, 41… Detection circuit, 42… Transmission circuit, 43… Control IC, 44… Power supply circuit, 45… Demodulation circuit, 46… Extension line of the second electrode, SW… Switch circuit, C1… Helical spring for the core, C2… Helical spring, C3… Helical spring for the pressure detection portion, 5… USB circuit portion, 6… Storage battery, 1X… Housing, 4X… Circuit board, 6X… Button battery, 7… Rear end cover.

Claims

1. An electronic erasing tool, characterized in that: have: The electronic pen unit includes a core body and a pressure detection unit that detects pressure applied to the core body, and sends an erasing signal including pressure information detected by the pressure detection unit; A housing having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape; and The quadrangular pyramid-shaped corner member is a member that is integrated with the housing, can be separated from the housing, and has a triangular side surface that constitutes a part of the bottom surface of the housing. The core of the electronic pen unit is inserted into a portion of the central axis that coincides with a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex of the corner member to the bottom surface of the corner member. The electronic pen unit is arranged obliquely in the housing, and the corner member can slide in the direction of the central axis.

2. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: A restriction portion for restricting rotation of the corner member is provided on the bottom surface of the corner member and on a surface of the housing facing the bottom surface of the corner member.

3. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: Among the length in the long side direction, the length in the short side direction, and the length in the depth direction of the housing, the length in the depth direction is shorter than the length in the long side direction and the length in the short side direction.

4. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The core has conductivity, and the electronic pen unit is a capacitive type electronic pen unit including a transmission circuit for generating the erasing signal and supplying it to the core, and a power supply circuit for supplying driving power to the transmission circuit.

5. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power supply unit is configured to include a secondary power supply element that is charged by receiving power supplied from the outside.

6. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power supply unit is configured to include a button battery.

7. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: A gap is provided between the bottom surface portion of the corner member and a surface of the housing facing the bottom surface of the corner member, A peripheral electrode to which a predetermined signal is supplied is arranged around the core, and a portion of the peripheral electrode is exposed from the gap.

8. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer edge of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shell is composed of a side in the long side direction, a side in the short side direction, and a side in the depth direction. The electronic pen unit is disposed in the housing such that the core bisects an angle formed by the side in the long-side direction and the side in the short-side direction.

9. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side surfaces of the corner members are resin coated.

10. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The corner members are replaceable.

11. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is covered by a sleeve.

12. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing is covered by a sleeve having electrical conductivity.

13. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end portion of the corner member is configured to have a rounded shape.

14. The electronic erasing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: A ferrite core is provided around the core body, a coil is wound around the ferrite core, and a capacitor is connected to the coil to form a resonance circuit, thereby forming an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen unit.

Images