Capacitive electronic pen

Abstract

Provided is a capacitance-type electronic pen that can be made thinner. A core made of a conductive material is disposed so as to protrude from one opening side of a hollow portion of a case having a cylindrical front end. The electronic pen includes a cylindrical coupling member that is made of an insulating material and houses at least a portion of a plurality of members of the electronic pen. The cylindrical housing is provided with a first housing part and a second housing part which are separated from each other in the axial direction. The first case part is made of a conductive material and has an opening for projecting the tip of the core to the outside in a state of being electrically separated from the core. A protruding portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling member, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the outer peripheral side surface in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and the end surface of the protruding portion constitutes a part of the housing. One side of the cylindrical coupling member in the axial direction with respect to the protruding portion is fitted to the first housing portion, and the other side of the cylindrical coupling member in the axial direction with respect to the protruding portion is fitted to the second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are electrically separated by the protruding portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 28, 2021, with application number 201980071447.9 and invention name “Electronic pen with electrostatic capacitance method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a capacitance type electronic pen used together with a position detection device. Background Art

[0003] As a capacitive electronic pen, a so-called active capacitive electronic pen that exchanges signals through electric field coupling with a position detection sensor of a position detection device and detects the position indicated by the electronic pen using the position detection sensor is popular and used.

[0004] This type of electronic pen is constructed by arranging and storing a battery (primary or secondary battery) as a power source, a writing pressure detector, and a circuit board with a signal transmission circuit in the hollow portion of a cylindrical housing in the axial direction of the housing.

[0005] In this case, the circuit board is mounted on a substrate holder, and the pressure detection unit is configured such that the pressure sensing components and pressure transmission member are housed within a housing for the pressure detection unit. Furthermore, the pressure detection unit and substrate holder are often combined in a unitized (modularized) manner along the axis of the electronic pen housing. Alternatively, the substrate holder may be configured as part of the housing housing that includes the pressure detection unit.

[0006] The electronic pen is constructed by arranging the unitized electronic pen components and battery axially within the hollow portion of a cylindrical housing. This unitized structure protects the electronic pen's components from impacts caused by drops, enhancing its strength and enabling fine-tuning of the internal circuitry. Furthermore, the pen offers the advantage of being compatible with various housing shapes simply by replacing the housing.

[0007] In recent years, active capacitive electronic pens have also developed bidirectional communication electronic pens that receive signals from a position detection sensor that detects the indicated position of the electronic pen and transmit signals in a required format based on the received signal (for example, see Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-134168)).

[0008] In a bidirectional communication electronic pen, the location and size of the receiving unit (antenna) for receiving signals from the position detection sensor are crucial. In capacitive electronic pens, the signals transmitted from the position detection sensor are based on an electric field that can be received through capacitive coupling, and their reach is very short. Therefore, the receiving unit (antenna) of a bidirectional communication electronic pen is positioned close to the pen tip to ensure strong reception of the position detection sensor signal. Furthermore, the receiving unit (antenna) of the electronic pen is required to have a structure with the widest possible reception range.

[0009] Therefore, in the electronic pen of the above-mentioned patent document 1, the receiving part (antenna) is composed of a peripheral electrode in consideration of electrical insulation from the core made of conductive material. The peripheral electrode is composed of a cylindrical conductor arranged in a manner covering the periphery of the core to near the front end of the core.

[0010] Furthermore, recently, there have been proposals for using a position detection device to detect the tilt angle of an electronic pen relative to a position detection sensor surface (the angle formed between the electronic pen's axis and the position detection sensor surface) and to reflect the detected tilt angle on, for example, the thickness of the electronic pen's pointing trajectory (writing mark). An example of an electronic pen capable of detecting such a tilt angle is disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-126503).

[0011] As disclosed in patent document 2, in this electronic pen corresponding to detection of tilt angle, etc., like the above-mentioned two-way communication type electronic pen, it is also provided with a structure having a peripheral electrode, which is composed of a tubular conductor arranged in a manner covering the periphery of the core to near the front end of the core.

[0012] Figure 6 An example of the structure of the pen tip side of such a conventional capacitive type electronic pen is shown. Figure 6 (A) shows its appearance, Figure 6 (B) is its longitudinal section view. Figure 6 As shown in Figures (A) and (B), this example of a digital pen 100 has a front cap 102, formed of a tapered cylindrical body, fitted into the opening on the pen tip side of a cylindrical housing 101. Housing 101 is made of a conductive material (e.g., metal) so that it is grounded (earth-connected) through the user's body when the user holds and operates digital pen 100. Front cap 102 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin).

[0013] like Figure 6As shown in (B), the front cap 102 has an opening 102a on the tapered pen tip side through which the core 103 can be inserted, freely moving in the axial direction. The core 103 is made of a conductive material and is inserted into the housing of the electronic pen 100 through the opening 102a in the front cap 102. Its front end 103a protrudes outward and is retained in a core holder 113 (described later). In this case, the core 103, made of a conductive material, and the housing 101, also made of a conductive material, are electrically separated (insulated) by the presence of the front cap 102.

[0014] like Figure 6 As shown in (B), a substrate holder 105 is housed in the hollow portion of the housing 101, which places a printed circuit board 104 equipped with circuit components such as a signal transmission circuit on a placement portion 105a. The substrate holder 105 is made of an insulating material, i.e., a resin, which is elongated in the axial direction. Figure 6 In example (B), a cylindrical portion 105b is provided axially closer to the pen tip than the receiving portion 105a. This cylindrical portion 105b houses the pressure-sensing components and pressure-transmitting elements that comprise the writing pressure detector 106. In this example, the writing pressure detector 106 comprises a variable capacitor whose electrostatic capacitance changes according to the writing pressure applied to the core 103.

[0015] like Figure 6 As shown in (B), the pressure-sensing component in this example is composed of multiple components, including a dielectric 107, a terminal member 108, a retaining member 109, a conductive member 110, and an elastic member 111. Terminal member 108 is made of a conductive material (e.g., SUS) and forms the first electrode of the variable capacitor formed by the pressure-sensing component. Furthermore, conductive member 110 is made of, for example, conductive rubber, and elastic member 111 is a coil spring made of a conductive material (e.g., SUS). Conductive member 110 and elastic member 111 are electrically connected and form the second electrode of the variable capacitor. Conductive member 110 is retained by retaining member 109. Furthermore, elastic member 111 is disposed between dielectric 107 and retaining member 109, so that conductive member 110 is always biased away from dielectric 107.

[0016] The core 103 is held in a core holder 113 made of a conductive material by fitting the side opposite to the front end thereof through a conductive elastic member 112. Furthermore, the core holder 113 is fitted into the pressure-sensitive component holding member 109 within the cylindrical portion 105b of the substrate holder 105, so that pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core 103 is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component.

[0017] In this case, the core holder 113 having the conductive elastic member 112 is configured to function as a pressure transmitting member for transmitting the pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core 103 to the pressure-sensitive component. Figure 6 As shown, the core holder 113 is configured to be housed in a housing 114 for holding the core holder 113 .

[0018] Furthermore, a coil spring 115 is provided in the housing 114 to constantly urge the core holder 113 toward the core 103. The coil spring 115 is made of a conductive material such as a conductive metal, and although not shown, one end thereof is electrically connected to a signal transmission circuit provided on the printed circuit board 104.

[0019] Since the core holder 113 is made of a conductive material, the core 103 made of a conductive material mounted on the core holder 113 via the conductive elastic member 112 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit provided on the printed circuit board 104 via the coil spring 114 .

[0020] In the electronic pen 100 of this example, when pressure (writing pressure) is applied to the tip of the core 103, the core 103 displaces axially inward of the housing 101 of the electronic pen 100. This causes the core holder 113, to which the core 103 is fitted, to displace axially along with the core 103, thereby displacing the conductive member 110 toward the dielectric 107 against the elastic force of the pressure-sensing elastic member 111. Consequently, the contact area between the conductive member 110 and the dielectric 107 changes in response to the applied pressure, and the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor formed by the writing pressure detection unit 106 changes in response to the applied pressure. Therefore, the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor formed by the writing pressure detection unit 106 can be used to detect writing pressure.

[0021] Furthermore, in the electronic pen 100 of this example, as Figure 6 As shown in (B), the peripheral electrode 116 made of a conductive material surrounding the core 103 is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the pen tip side of the cylindrical portion 105b of the substrate holder 105. Figure 6 Although not shown in FIG. 1B , the peripheral electrodes 116 are electrically connected to the circuit components of the printed circuit board 104 .

[0022] In this case, the peripheral electrode 116 is electrically separated (insulated) from the core 103 by the presence of the portion 102c near the opening 102a of the front cap 102. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1B , the front cap 102 is configured to also play a role in electrically isolating (insulating) the peripheral electrode 116 from the housing 101 of the electronic pen 100 .

[0023] Prior art literature

[0024] Patent Literature

[0025] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-134168

[0026] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-126503 Summary of the Invention

[0027] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0028] In recent years, portable devices such as notebook computers and tablets have been equipped with capacitive position detection sensors superimposed on their display screens, enabling them to receive input from capacitive electronic pens. Furthermore, these portable devices are becoming increasingly compact and thinner to further enhance portability. Consequently, the capacitive electronic pens that accompany these portable devices' position detection sensors are also being driven to become smaller and thinner.

[0029] However, in the past, electronic pens such as Figure 6 As shown in (B), the writing pressure detection unit 106 is constructed by housing a pressure-sensing component within the cylindrical portion 105b of the substrate holder 105 and a core holder 113, serving as a pressure transmission member, housed within a housing 114. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 105b of the substrate holder 105, which constitutes the housing of the writing pressure detection unit 106, needs to be thick enough to accommodate the core holder 113, serving as a pressure transmission member, housed within the housing 114. This makes it difficult to achieve a thinner design due to the presence of the housing 114.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned two-way communication type electronic pen, the electronic pen capable of detecting an inclination angle, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1B , the cylindrical peripheral electrode 116 needs to be provided on the pen tip side of the electronic pen 100 in a state of being electrically separated (insulated) from the housing 101 and the core 103 .

[0031] In conventional electronic pens 100, a front cap 102 made of an insulating material is installed on the tip side of the electronic pen 100 to achieve electrical isolation (insulation) between the housing 101 and the peripheral electrode 116. This front cap 102 electrically isolates (insulates) the peripheral electrode 116 from the housing 101 and the core 103. Consequently, the front cap 102 is sandwiched between the housing 101 and the peripheral electrode 116, and between the peripheral electrode 116 and the core 103, perpendicular to the axis of the electronic pen 100. This makes it difficult to achieve a slimmer electronic pen. Furthermore, the front cap 102 must have a complex shape to achieve this insulation.

[0032] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a capacitive electronic pen that can be downsized.

[0033] Means for solving problems

[0034] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a capacitive electronic pen is provided, wherein the tip of a core body made of a conductive material is arranged so as to protrude from one opening side of a hollow portion of a cylindrical shell, and a plurality of components are arranged along the axial direction within the hollow portion, characterized in that:

[0035] A cylindrical coupling member is provided which is made of an insulating material and houses at least a part of the plurality of components, and

[0036] The cylindrical housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion separated in the axial direction.

[0037] The first shell portion is made of a conductive material and has an opening for allowing the front end of the core to protrude to the outside in a state electrically separated from the core.

[0038] An annular flange portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling member and protrudes from the outer peripheral side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The end face of the protruding portion of the annular flange portion constitutes a part of the cylindrical shell, and the cylindrical coupling member is engaged with the first shell portion on the side closer to the axial direction than the annular flange portion, and is engaged with the second shell portion on the other side closer to the axial direction than the annular flange portion. Due to the existence of the annular flange portion, the first shell portion and the second shell portion are separated without contact.

[0039] In the electronic pen structured as described above, the hollow portion of the cylindrical coupling member can house some of the multiple components that make up the electronic pen, such as a portion of the pen pressure detection unit. This allows the cylindrical coupling member to double as the housing of the pen pressure detection unit. The annular flange of the cylindrical coupling member forms part of the housing, enabling a slimmer electronic pen.

[0040] Furthermore, in the electronic pen having the above-described structure, the housing is divided into two parts: a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion, which serves as the pen tip, is formed of a conductive material. The housing is formed by fitting the first and second housing portions to the cylindrical coupling member at one side and another side of the cylindrical coupling member in the axial direction relative to the annular flange. In this case, the presence of the annular flange prevents the first and second housing portions from contacting each other and remaining separated.

[0041] Therefore, in the electronic pen having the above-described structure, the first housing made of a conductive material can be configured as a peripheral electrode of a bidirectional communication electronic pen, or a peripheral electrode capable of detecting tilt angles. In other words, the peripheral electrode can be formed as part of the housing, simplifying the structure and enabling a slimmer electronic pen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main part of an embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining components in an embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining components in an embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a circuit example for explaining the electrical configuration of an embodiment of the electronic pen according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a conventional electronic pen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an embodiment of a capacitive electronic pen according to the present invention. Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing the appearance of a capacitive electronic pen 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pen tip. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the housing 10 of the capacitive electronic pen 1 according to this embodiment.

[0049] The housing 10 of the capacitive electronic pen 1 of this embodiment is composed of a first housing portion 11 on the pen tip side and a second housing portion 12 on the rear end side connected via a cylindrical connecting member 13. The core 21 is configured such that the front end portion 21a of the core 21 extends from the opening 10a on the first housing portion 11 side of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 The core 21 is made of a conductive material (such as a conductive metal) and is formed by Figure 1 The rod-shaped body shown in (B) is composed.

[0050] The first housing portion 11 on the pen tip side and the second housing portion 12 on the rear end side are each made of a conductive material (eg, a conductive metal). Figure 1 (A) and (B) and Figure 2 The cylindrical body shown is composed of.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first housing portion 11 is formed into a cylindrical portion 11a having a constant outer diameter and a tapered portion 11b tapering toward the pen tip. The second housing portion 12 is cylindrical with an outer diameter equal to that of the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11.

[0052] The cylindrical coupling member 13 is made of an insulating material (resin in this example) and is Figure 1 (B) and Figure 2 The cylindrical body shown in the figure has an annular flange portion 13F formed at the middle position of the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface thereof, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The annular flange portion 13F has a predetermined width W in the axial direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ),like Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG, its end surface is flush with the first and second housing portions 11, 12 without creating any steps, thereby forming a portion of the housing 10. Specifically, the outer diameter of the annular flange portion 13F is selected to be equal to the outer diameters of the first and second housing portions 11, 12.

[0053] Furthermore, the cylindrical coupling member 13 has a first fitting cylindrical portion 13a on the axially center side relative to the annular flange portion 13F, i.e., on the pen tip side, that fits with the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11. The outer diameter of the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11, and the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11 is configured to be press-fitted with the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 at the annular flange portion 13F.

[0054] Furthermore, the cylindrical coupling member 13 is provided with a second fitting cylindrical portion 13b that fits with the second housing portion 12 at a position further rearward in the axial direction than the annular flange portion 13F. The outer diameter of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second housing portion 12, and the second housing portion 12 is configured to be coupled to the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 by press-fitting the fitting to the annular flange portion 13F.

[0055] The first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 are connected to the cylindrical coupling member 13 as shown in FIG. Figure 2 In the state of insertion, fitting and combination as shown by the arrow Figure 1 As shown in Figures (A) and (B), a single cylindrical housing 10 is formed. At this point, as previously described, the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11, the outer circumferential surface of the second housing portion 12, and the end face of the annular flange portion 13F are coplanar. Furthermore, the first and second housing portions 11, 12, made of conductive material, are electrically isolated (insulated) from each other by the presence of the annular flange portion 13F of the cylindrical coupling member 13, without contact.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B), the opening 11c on the pen tip side of the first housing portion 11 (see Figure 2 ) is provided with a front cap 14 made of an insulating material (such as resin). The front cap 14 is formed with an opening 10a having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the core 21. The core 21 is inserted into the housing 10 of the electronic pen 1 through the opening 10a of the front cap 14. Figure 1 As shown in (B), the core 21 made of a conductive material and the first housing portion 11 are electrically separated (insulated) by the insulating member, that is, the front cap 14. In the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2(B), the first case portion 11 is arranged to cover the core 21 at the rear end side relative to the front end portion 21 a , and constitutes a peripheral electrode.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B), the substrate holder 30 on which the printed substrate 31 is placed on the substrate placement table 301 and the battery 32 serving as a power source are housed in the hollow portion of the second housing portion 12. The battery 32 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery (rechargeable battery). Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , the rear end side of the second housing portion 12 is closed by a rear cap 15 .

[0058] The substrate holder 30 is made of insulating resin and has a pressure-sensitive component holding portion 302 on the side opposite to the substrate placement table portion 301 in the longitudinal direction that is the axial direction of the electronic pen 1. Figure 1 As shown in (B), the substrate holder 30 is designed so that, when housed within the hollow portion of the housing 10, the pressure-sensing component holder 302 and the substrate mounting platform 301 are continuous in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the electronic pen 1. The pressure-sensing component holder 302 is cylindrical in shape, with a hollow portion within it for housing the pressure-sensing components 5 (multiple components for detecting pen pressure). The substrate mounting platform 301 is a boat-like structure that mounts and holds the printed substrate 31. It is formed by cutting the cylindrical body approximately in half along the axial direction.

[0059] The substrate holder 30 is housed in the housing 10 with the pressure-sensitive component holding portion 302 facing the core 21. Furthermore, the core holder 23, which holds the core 21, is coupled to the pressure-sensitive component holding portion 302. This configuration allows pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core 21 to be transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component 5 in the pressure-sensitive component holding portion 302.

[0060] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 is selected to be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13. Figure 2 As shown, the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 and the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 are fitted into each other to form a connection.

[0061] like Figure 1 (B) and Figure 2 As shown, the substrate holder 30 is positionally restricted in the housing 10 so as not to move in the axial direction by the pressure-sensing member holding portion 302 being fitted and coupled to the second fitting cylindrical portion 13 b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 in the axial direction.

[0062] Furthermore, although not shown, both ends of a battery 32, located on the side of the substrate mounting table 301 of the substrate holder 30 opposite the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302, are electrically connected to the copper foil patterns of the power and ground lines of the printed circuit board 31. This allows the voltage of the battery 32 to be supplied as a power supply voltage to the circuits formed on the printed circuit board 31.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second case portion 12 made of a conductive material is electrically connected to the copper foil pattern of the ground line of the printed circuit board 31 .

[0064] In this embodiment, a signal generating circuit and a peripheral circuit portion are provided on the printed circuit board 31. The signal generating circuit generates a signal sent from the core 21, and the peripheral circuit portion is composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit) 41 (see Figure 1 (A) and Figure 5 ) and its peripheral circuit components. Although not shown in the figure, the peripheral circuit unit includes a push switch (side switch) and a charging circuit for the battery 32.

[0065] In this embodiment, if Figure 1As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the core 21 is engaged with the core holder 23, which is made of a conductive material, via a conductive elastic member 22, thereby being held in connection with the core holder 23. Furthermore, the core holder 23 is engaged with a retaining member 53 (described later) of the pressure-sensing component 5 within the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, thereby transmitting pressure (writing pressure) applied to the core 21 to the pressure-sensing component 5. In this case, the core holder 23 is configured so that a coil spring 34, an example of an elastic member made of a conductive material such as a conductive metal, disposed between the core holder 23 and the substrate holder 30, constantly biases the core 21 toward the substrate holder 30. The coil spring 24, together with the conductor terminal member 25 (described later), constitutes an electrical connection member for transmitting signals from the IC 41 disposed on the printed circuit board 31 to the core 21.

[0066] Figure 3 FIG. 1 (A) is an exploded perspective view of the core 21 , the conductive elastic member 22 , the core holder 23 , the coil spring 24 , and the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 .

[0067] The conductive elastic member 22 is made of, for example, conductive rubber and has a cylindrical shape having a through-hole 22a into which the end portion of the core 21 opposite the front end portion 21a is fitted. The conductive elastic member 22 has a thinner wall portion with a smaller outer diameter than the other portions on the core 21 side, and has a slit 222 formed therein, serving as a gripping portion 221 for easily gripping the core 21.

[0068] With this configuration, the core 21 is held by the two thin-walled portions, i.e., the arc-shaped portions, formed by the slits 222 of the gripping portion 221. Therefore, the core 21 can be easily inserted and fitted into the gripping portion 221 of the conductive elastic member 22, and can be easily removed from the conductive elastic member 22 by pulling with a predetermined force.

[0069] The core holder 23 is made of a conductive material (eg, SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless Steel)) and integrally includes a housing and fitting portion 231 having a recessed hole 231 a for housing and fitting the conductive elastic member 22 and a rod-shaped portion 232 for fitting into a holding member 53 (described later) of the pressure-sensing component 5 .

[0070] After the conductive coil spring 24 is attached to the rod portion 232 of the core holder 23 housing the conductive elastic member 22 as described above, the rod portion 232 of the core holder 23 is fitted into the holding member 53 of the pressure-sensing component 5 in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 .

[0071] In this case, the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment must consider the need to supply the transmission signal generated by the circuit configured on the printed circuit board 31 to the core 21. However, since the substrate holder 30 and the holding member 53 of the pressure-sensing component 5 housed in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 are made of an insulating material, namely resin, no electrical connection can be established between the core holder 23 and the holding member 53.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, a coil spring 24 made of a conductive material and arranged between the core holder 23 and the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 and a conductor terminal member 25 arranged in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 are used to form an electrical connection member, and this electrical connection member is used to realize the electrical connection for signal supply from the signal sending circuit of the printed circuit board 31.

[0073] That is, in this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A , a conductor terminal member 25 made of a conductive material (eg, SUS) is attached to the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 so as to cover the opening 302 a side into which the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23 is inserted.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG, the conductor terminal member 25 includes a contact plate portion 251 covering the opening portion 302a side of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 and having a through hole 251a for inserting the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23, and mounting plate portions 252 and 253 that are orthogonal to the contact plate portion 251 and face each other.

[0075] Furthermore, an extension portion 254 is provided that extends across the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 and reaches the substrate mounting table portion 301. In this example, a terminal portion 254a is formed at the front end of the extension portion 254, for example, soldering to the back surface of the printed substrate 31.

[0076] Furthermore, when the conductor terminal member 25 is mounted on the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2B , the terminal portion 254a at the distal end of the extension portion 254 extending from the conductor terminal member 25 abuts against, for example, a conductor on the back side of the printed circuit board 31 placed on the substrate mounting table 301 of the substrate holder 30, thereby being soldered. This electrically connects the conductor terminal member 25 to the signal generating circuit formed on the surface of the printed circuit board 31.

[0077] As previously described, the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23, into which the conductive elastic member 22 is fitted, is inserted into the hollow portion of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 through the through-hole 251a of the contact plate portion 251 of the conductor terminal member 25, with the coil spring 24 interposed therebetween, and is fitted into the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302. The inner diameter of the coil spring 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23.

[0078] Therefore, the coil spring 24 elastically contacts the core holder 23 and elastically contacts the contact plate portion 251 of the conductor terminal member 25. Since the coil spring 24 is made of a conductive material and the conductive elastic member 22 and the core holder 23 are conductive, the conductive elastic member 22, which is fitted into the core holder 23 via the coil spring 24 and the conductor terminal member 25, is electrically connected to the circuit portion of the printed circuit board 31.

[0079] Then, the core 21 is inserted and fitted into the through hole 22a of the conductive elastic member 22 of the core holder 23 housed in the housing 10 as described above, and the core 21 is held in the core holder 23 via the conductive elastic member 22. In this state, the core 21 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit of the printed circuit board 31, and the signal from the signal transmission circuit is supplied to the core 21.

[0080] Next, the structures of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 and the pressure-sensing component 5 , and the fitting of the holding member 53 of the pressure-sensing component 5 and the core holder 23 will be described.

[0081] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the pressure-sensing component 5 housed in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30. Figure 4 As shown, the pressure sensing member 5 is stored and Figure 1 The device is configured as shown in (B) of FIG. This constitutes a writing pressure detection module. Furthermore, the core 21 is coupled to the writing pressure detection module via the core holder 23, and the pressure applied to the tip 21a of the core 21 is detected by the pressure-sensing component 5 of the writing pressure detection module. In this case, the writing pressure detection module detects writing pressure by causing a portion of the pressure-sensing component 5 constituting the writing pressure detection module to move axially along with the core 21 and the core holder 23 in response to the pressure applied to the tip 21a of the core 21.

[0082] The writing pressure detection unit in this example uses a variable capacitor whose electrostatic capacitance changes according to the writing pressure applied to the core 21 .

[0083] like Figure 4As shown in (A), the pressure-sensing component 5 in this example is composed of multiple components: a dielectric 51, a terminal member 52, a retaining member 53, a conductive member 54, and an elastic member 55. The terminal member 52 is made of a conductive material (e.g., SUS) and constitutes the first electrode of the variable capacitor formed by the pressure-sensing component 5. Furthermore, the conductive member 54 is made of, for example, conductive rubber, and the elastic member is a coil spring made of a conductive material (e.g., SUS). The conductive member 54 and the elastic member 55 are electrically connected to form the second electrode of the variable capacitor.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1A , the pressure-sensing member holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 is formed of a cylindrical body having a hollow portion, and is configured to accommodate the pressure-sensing members 5 arranged in the axial direction in the hollow portion.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), among the pressure-sensing component 5 composed of the above-mentioned multiple components, the components that do not move in the axial direction within the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 composed of the cylindrical body, namely the dielectric 51 and the terminal member 52, are inserted from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the printed circuit board 31 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 through an opening 303 formed in a part of the side circumference of the cylindrical body constituting the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302, which is open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Figure 1 It is stored as shown in (B).

[0086] A wall portion 304 is provided at a boundary between the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 and the substrate mounting table portion 301 of the substrate holder 30 , and the terminal member 52 is disposed so as to be pressed against the wall portion 304 .

[0087] The dielectric 51 is a plate-like structure having a predetermined thickness and is housed in the pressure-sensing component holder 302 in contact with the terminal member 52. Therefore, the dielectric 51 does not move toward the terminal member 52 in the axial direction within the pressure-sensing component holder 302.

[0088] The terminal member 52, which functions as the first electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor, includes a lead portion 52c. When housed in the pressure-sensing component holder 302, the lead portion 52c extends across the wall portion 304 and is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the printed circuit board 31 mounted on the substrate mounting platform 301.

[0089] The terminal member 52 includes an L-shaped protrusion 52 d that presses the side surface of the dielectric 51 on the opening 303 side when the dielectric 51 and the terminal member 52 are housed in the pressure sensing component holding portion 302 .

[0090] The holding member 53 is made of a non-conductive material (resin as an insulating material in this example), such as Figure 4 As shown, on the side of the core 21 in the axial direction thereof, there is a cylindrical shape portion 53a provided with a recessed hole 53b for pressing the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23 into which it is engaged, and on the side opposite to the recessed hole 53b in the axial direction, there is an annular protrusion 53c provided with a recessed hole 53d for engaging the conductive component 54.

[0091] The cylindrical portion 53a of the retaining member 53 is formed with a slit 53e extending along the axis of the recessed hole 53b to facilitate press-fitting of the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23 into the recessed hole 53b. The cylindrical portion 53a of the retaining member 53, by including this slit 53e, forms a gripping portion corresponding to the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23, allowing the retaining member 53 to securely grip and hold the core holder 23. In other words, the cylindrical portion 53a of the retaining member 53 constitutes the core holder holding portion.

[0092] The annular projection 53c of the holding member 53 also includes a slit 53f communicating with the recessed hole 53d.

[0093] Furthermore, openings 53g and 53h communicating with the recessed hole 53b are formed on the side surfaces of the cylindrical portion 53a of the holding member 53 so as to face each other with the cylinder center axis interposed therebetween. Furthermore, engaging protrusions 53i and 53j are formed on the circumferential side surfaces of the cylindrical portion 53a of the holding member 53.

[0094] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2A , the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23 has stepped portions 232b and 232c formed near the front end portion 232a thereof. The stepped portions 232b and 232c engage with the openings 53g and 53h of the holding member 53. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5B , when the rod portion 232 of the core holder 23 is press-fitted into the recessed hole 53 b of the holding member 53 , the stepped portions 232 b and 232 c abut against the walls of the openings 53 g and 53 h , and are engaged so as not to fall off toward the core 21 .

[0095] The conductive member 54 is made of an elastic member that is conductive and elastically deformable, such as silicone conductive rubber or pressurized conductive rubber. The conductive member 54 includes a protrusion 54 a that fits into the recess 53 d of the annular protrusion 53 c of the holding member 53 .

[0096] The elastic member 55 is formed of, for example, a conductive coil spring and includes an elastic winding portion 55a having a terminal piece 55b at one end and a connecting portion 55c at the other end.

[0097] The elastic member 55 is assembled in the axial direction of the retaining member 53 so that the annular protrusion 53c of the retaining member 53 is accommodated within its winding portion 55a. Furthermore, the protrusion 54a of the conductive member 54 is fitted into the recessed hole 53d of the annular protrusion 53c of the retaining member 53. At this time, the connecting portion 55c of the elastic member 55 is inserted from the slit of the annular protrusion 53c of the retaining member 53 into the bottom of the recessed hole 53d formed in the annular protrusion 53c. Therefore, when the small diameter portion 54b of the conductive member 54 is press-fitted into the annular protrusion 53c of the retaining member 53, the end surface of the small diameter portion 54b of the conductive member 54 comes into contact with the connecting portion 55c of the conductive elastic member 55, thereby electrically connecting the conductive member 54 to the conductive member.

[0098] Furthermore, when inserted into the pressure sensing component holding portion 302 , the terminal piece 55 b of the elastic member 55 is configured to be soldered to the conductive pattern on the substrate surface of the printed substrate 31 mounted on the substrate mounting table 301 across the dielectric 51 , the terminal member 52 , and the wall portion 304 .

[0099] Then, the holding member 53, which is formed by combining the conductive member 54 with the elastic member 55 in the axial direction, is inserted into the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 from the opening 302a side. Then, the engaging protrusions 53i and 53j formed on the side circumference of the cylindrical portion 53a of the holding member 53 engage with the engaging step portion (see FIG. Figure 1 (B)) engagement, the retaining member 53 is locked in place, preventing it from falling out of the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 toward the core 21. However, when writing pressure is applied from the core 21, the retaining member 53 can move within the hollow portion of the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 toward the side opposite the core 21 in its axial direction. Furthermore, due to the elastic biasing force of the elastic member 55, when the writing pressure from the core 21 is no longer applied, the engaging protrusions 53i and 53j return to their state of engagement with the engaging step portion of the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302.

[0100] After the pressure-sensing component 5 is housed in the cylindrical body constituting the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 as described above, the end surface of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 on the opening 302a side is Figure 3The conductor terminal member 25 shown in (B) is elastically mounted as described above. Then, as described above, the rod-shaped portion 232 of the core holder 23, with the conductive elastic member 22 fitted therein, is inserted through the through-hole 251a of the contact plate portion 251 of the conductor terminal member 25 into the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 and fitted into the holding member 53. This secures the core holder 23 to the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30.

[0101] Then, with the core holder 23 fitted into the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 as described above, the core 21 is press-fitted into the through-hole 22a of the conductive elastic member 22 fitted into the core holder 23. As described above, the core 21 is thereby firmly held relative to the core holder 23 by the conductive elastic member 22.

[0102] At this time, since the core 21, the conductive elastic member 22, and the core holder 23 are all conductive, the core 21 and the signal transmission circuit of the printed circuit board 31 are electrically connected via the conductive coil spring 24 and the conductor terminal member 25 (see Figure 1 Therefore, the signal from the signal transmission circuit of the printed circuit board 31 is sent out from the core 21 .

[0103] The core body 21 can be pulled out toward the front end portion 21a from the state where it is fitted and held in the core body holder 23. Therefore, as described above, the core body 21 can be replaced.

[0104] In this electronic pen 1, when pressure is applied to the front end 21a of the core 21, the core 21 displaces axially toward the rear end in response to this pressure. This displacement of the core 21 causes the retaining member 53 within the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 to displace toward the dielectric 51, counteracting the elastic biasing force of the elastic member 55. As a result, the conductive member 54, which is engaged with the retaining member 53, displaces toward the dielectric 51. The distance between the conductive member 54 and the dielectric 51, as well as the contact area between the conductive member 54 and the dielectric 51, changes depending on the pressure applied to the core 21.

[0105] Thus, the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor formed between the terminal member 52 constituting the first electrode and the conductive member 54 constituting the second electrode changes according to the pressure applied to the core 21. The change in the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor is detected by the IC 41 provided on the printed circuit board 31, thereby detecting the writing pressure.

[0106] Next, the electrical connection between the first case portion 11 constituting the peripheral electrode and the circuit portion of the printed circuit board 31 will be described.

[0107] Here, Figure 2FIG. 3 shows the first housing portion 11, the second housing portion 12, and the cylindrical coupling member 13 when the substrate holder 30 is viewed from the side opposite to the substrate placement table portion 301. Figure 2 As shown, a groove 13c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling member 13 in a direction along the axial direction of the cylindrical coupling member 13, extending from the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a through the lower portion of the annular flange portion 13F to the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b. In this case, the groove 13c is formed throughout the entire axial direction of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b.

[0108] Furthermore, a groove 3023 is formed on the peripheral side surface of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 that is coupled to the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13. The groove 3023 is continuous with the groove 13c of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b when coupled. The groove 3023 extends along the entire axial direction of the peripheral side surface of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 to the position of the substrate placement table portion 301. Figure 2 As shown, a cutout portion 3011 is formed in the substrate placement table portion 301 of the substrate holder 30 , and the back surface 31 b side of the placed printed substrate 31 is visible from the cutout portion 3011 side.

[0109] And, as Figure 2 As shown, the connection terminal conductor 16 made of a conductive material (conductive metal in this example) is provided in the groove 13c and the groove 3023. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in (B), the end portion 16a of the connecting terminal conductor 16 disposed in the groove 13c on the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a side of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is arranged so that at least a portion thereof slightly protrudes from the outer circumference of the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a. However, the depth of the groove 13c in the portion of the end portion 16a is configured to allow the end portion 16a to be elastically pushed downward when pressed from above.

[0110] Thus, when the first housing portion 11 is fitted into the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13, the end portion 16a of the connecting terminal conductor 16 reliably contacts the inner wall of the first housing portion 11, thereby electrically connecting the first housing portion 11 and the connecting terminal conductor 16.

[0111] On the other hand, the portion of the groove 13c provided on the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b side of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is deeper, and the upper surface of the connecting terminal conductor 16 disposed in the groove 13c is positioned lower than the outer peripheral surface of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b.

[0112] The groove 3023 provided in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 is also deepened. The upper surface of the connection terminal conductor 16 disposed in the groove 3023 is positioned lower than the outer peripheral surface of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 .

[0113] Thus, when the second housing portion 12 is engaged with the second engaging cylindrical portion 13 b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 with the substrate holder 30 accommodated therein, an air layer exists between the upper surface of the connecting terminal conductor 16 in the groove 13 c and the groove 3023 and the inner wall surface of the second housing portion 12 , thereby achieving electrical separation (insulation) between the two.

[0114] Furthermore, the end engaging portion of the connecting terminal conductor 16 extending toward the printed circuit board 31 is bent at the notch 3011 of the board holder 30, thereby electrically connecting to the back surface 31b of the printed circuit board 31. Although not shown, the end 16b of the connecting terminal conductor 16 is electrically connected to the circuit portion on the front surface of the printed circuit board 31 via a through hole.

[0115] It should be noted that, instead of adjusting the depth of the groove 13c and the groove 3023, the thickness of the connecting terminal conductor 16 can be changed so that the end portion 16a slightly bulges out from the outer circumference of the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a. This creates a space between the connecting terminal conductor 16 and the second housing portion 12 in the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b and the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, thereby achieving insulation between the connecting terminal conductor 16 and the second housing portion 12. It should be noted that, in the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b and the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, the upper surface of the connecting terminal conductor 16 in the groove 13c can be covered with an insulating layer to more reliably achieve insulation between the connecting terminal conductor 16 and the second housing portion 12.

[0116] The assembly of the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, constructed as described above, will now be described. First, a printed circuit board 31, pre-mounted with circuit components, is placed and secured on the board mounting platform 301 of the board holder 30. Next, the pressure-sensing component 5, which constitutes the writing pressure detection unit, is housed in the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the board holder 30.

[0117] Next, as described above, the conductor terminal member 25 is attached to the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 so that the contact plate portion 251 closes the opening 302a of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30. The terminal portion 254a at the distal end of the extension portion 254 of the conductor terminal member 25 is then soldered to the rear surface 31b of the printed substrate 31, thereby electrically connecting the terminal portion 254a to the circuit portion on the front surface 31a of the printed substrate 31 through the through-hole.

[0118] Next, the core holder 23 with the coil spring 24 assembled on the rod-shaped portion 232 is inserted into the interior of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 from the opening 302a with the coil spring 24 held between the core holder 23 and the abutting plate portion 251 of the conductor terminal member 25, and is held by the holding member 53.

[0119] Next, the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is coupled to the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, with the core holder 23 housed within the hollow portion of the cylindrical coupling member 13. The connecting terminal conductor 16 is then positioned within the recess 13c of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the recess 3023 of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302, as described above. The end 16b of the connecting terminal conductor 16, located on the substrate mounting table 301 side of the substrate holder 30, is soldered to the back surface 31b of the printed substrate 31, thereby electrically connecting the conductor to the circuit portion on the front surface 31a of the printed substrate 31 via a through-hole.

[0120] Next, the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11 with the front cap 14 mounted on the opening 11c is fitted toward the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13. In this case, the cylindrical portion 11a of the first housing portion 11 is pressed into the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and fitted to the annular flange portion 13F. As a result, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1B , the first housing portion 11 is crimped and electrically connected to the end portion 16a of the connecting terminal conductor 16. Specifically, the first housing portion 11 is mated to the first mating cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13, thereby electrically connecting to the circuit portion of the printed circuit board 31 via the connecting terminal conductor 16.

[0121] Next, the second housing portion 12 is fitted into the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13, with the substrate holder 30 housed within its hollow portion. In this case, the second housing portion 12 is also press-fitted into the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 up to the annular flange portion 13F. It should be noted that, although not shown here, the second housing portion 12, fitted into the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 with the substrate holder 30 housed, is electrically connected to the ground conductor of the printed circuit board 31.

[0122] Then, the battery 32 is inserted and fixed in the hollow portion of the second housing 12 at the rear end of the substrate mounting table 301 of the substrate holder 30 in the axial direction.

[0123] Finally, the core 21 is inserted through the opening 10a of the front cap 14 mounted on the first housing portion 11, and is fitted into and held by the conductive elastic member 22 held by the core holder 23. The electronic pen 1 is completed as described above.

[0124] In this case, the length L1 (see FIG. 1 ) from the front end portion 21 a of the core 21 to the side where the annular flange portion 13F of the cylindrical coupling member 13 is coupled to the first housing portion 11 is set. Figure 1 The axial lengths of the first housing 11, the front cap 14, and the core 21 are selected to ensure a length that prevents the user's fingers from touching the pen when holding it. The length of the front end 21a protruding from the opening of the front cap 14 contributes significantly to length L1, so the length of the core 21 is selected with this in mind. Note that setting length L1 to 10 to 15 mm ensures that the user's fingers do not touch the pen.

[0125] exist Figure 5 An example of the electrical structure of the electronic pen 1 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a control circuit 41 is formed by an IC 40 mounted on a printed circuit board 31. Furthermore, a signal transmission circuit 42 and a reception circuit 43 are connected to the control circuit 41. Furthermore, a variable capacitance capacitor 5C, which is formed by the pressure sensing component 5 of the writing pressure detection unit, is also connected to the control circuit 41. A resistor 5R is connected in parallel with the variable capacitance capacitor 5C.

[0126] The signal output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 42 is connected to the core 21 via the conductor terminal member 25, the core holder 23, and the conductive elastic member 22. Furthermore, the first housing portion 11 (peripheral electrode), which is arranged to cover the periphery of the core 21, is connected to the input terminal of the receiving circuit 43 via the connecting terminal conductor 16.

[0127] Furthermore, the power supply voltage from the battery 32 is supplied to each of the IC 41 , the signal transmission circuit 42 , and the reception circuit 43 .

[0128] The receiving circuit 43 receives a signal received via electrostatic capacitance coupling (electric field coupling) with a position detection sensor of a position detection device using peripheral electrodes formed by the first housing portion 11 , performs processing such as demodulation corresponding to the received signal, and transmits the signal resulting from the processing to the control circuit 41 .

[0129] The control circuit 41 analyzes the signal from the receiving circuit 43 to determine the specifications of the other party's position detection device and, based on the determination result, controls the format of the signal output from the signal transmitting circuit 42 to conform to the specifications of the other party's position detection device.

[0130] The signal transmission circuit 42 basically outputs a signal under the control of the control circuit 41, which includes a position detection signal (burst signal) used for position detection in the position detection device and information about the writing pressure detected by the pressure-sensing component 5 of the writing pressure detection unit. Specifically, the signal transmission circuit 42 transmits the burst signal for position detection under the control of the control circuit 41. Furthermore, while the burst signal is being transmitted from the signal transmission circuit 42, the control circuit 41 detects writing pressure based on the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor 5C formed by the pressure-sensing component 5 of the writing pressure detection unit.

[0131] In this example, the control circuit 41 first charges the variable capacitor 5C to a fully charged state, then stops charging, allowing the variable capacitor 5C to discharge through the resistor 5R. The time from the start of discharge until the voltage across the variable capacitor 5C reaches a predetermined voltage is measured, and the static capacitance of the variable capacitor 5C at that time is detected based on this time. The static capacitance of the variable capacitor 5C corresponds to the writing pressure applied to the core 21 at that time, so the writing pressure is detected based on this detected static capacitance.

[0132] After the burst signal transmission period ends, control circuit 41 controls signal transmission circuit 42 so that pen pressure information corresponding to the detected pen pressure, such as a coded signal, is transmitted from core 21. Furthermore, control circuit 41 controls the generation of a signal corresponding to the specifications of the determined target position detection device, for example, to transmit identification information of electronic pen 1 or information on the remaining capacity of battery 32.

[0133] It should be noted that the circuit configurations of the position detection device and the position detection sensor can use well-known configurations, and therefore, descriptions of configuration examples thereof are omitted here.

[0134] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0135] As described above, in the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, the housing 10 is separated into a first housing portion 11 and a second housing portion 12, which are formed by fitting these first housing portion 11 and second housing portion 12 onto one side and the other side of the cylindrical coupling member 13 in the axial direction, respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical coupling member 13 is coupled to the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 of the substrate holder 30. This configuration allows the pressure-sensing component 5, of the components constituting the writing pressure detection portion (the pressure-sensing component 5 and the core holder 23 serving as the pressure transmission member), to be housed within the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, while the core holder 23 serving as the pressure transmission member is housed within the cylindrical coupling member 13.

[0136] Therefore, with Figure 6Compared with the structure of the pen pressure detection part in the conventional electronic pen 100 shown, in the electronic pen 1 of the embodiment, the shell that accommodates the core holder 23 constituting the pressure transmission member is a structure that is also used by the cylindrical coupling member 13, and does not need to be accommodated in the shell 114 of the electronic pen 100 in the pressure-sensing component retaining portion 302 of the substrate holder 30, so it can be correspondingly slimmed down.

[0137] In addition, Figure 6 In the conventional electronic pen 100 shown, the housing 101 and the peripheral electrode 116 are structured such that a front cap 102 serving as an insulating material is sandwiched between them in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the electronic pen 100. In contrast, in the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment, electrical separation (insulation) between the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 constituting the peripheral electrode is achieved by sandwiching the annular flange portion 13F of the cylindrical coupling member 13 in the axial direction. This allows the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 to be aligned in the axial direction, thereby enabling a slimmer design.

[0138] Furthermore, since the electrical separation (insulation) between the first casing portion 11 and the core 21 as the peripheral electrode is achieved simply by providing the simple cylindrical front cap 14 on the opening 11c side of the first casing portion 11, there is also the problem of not needing Figure 6 The advantage of the special shape of the front cap 102 in the conventional electronic pen 100 shown is shown.

[0139] [Other embodiments or modifications]

[0140] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first interlocking cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the first housing portion 11 and the second interlocking cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the second housing portion 12 are combined by press-fitting to form the housing 10. However, instead of press-fitting, they may be screwed together. In addition, an annular protrusion may be provided on one side of the first interlocking cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the first housing portion 11 or on one side of the second interlocking cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the second housing portion 12, and a corresponding annular recess may be provided on the other side, so that the annular protrusion and the annular recess are snap-fitted together.

[0141] Alternatively, the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 may be threadedly engaged with the first housing portion 11, while the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 may be press-fitted or secured with the aforementioned snap fastener. Conversely, the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 may be threadedly engaged with the second housing portion 12, while the first fitting cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical coupling member 13 may be press-fitted or secured with the aforementioned snap fastener.

[0142] In the above-described embodiment, the outer diameters of the end surface of the annular flange portion 13F of the cylindrical coupling member 13, the outer diameters of the first housing portion 11, and the outer diameters of the second housing portion 12 are all set to be the same, resulting in a shape without any unevenness in the axial direction of the housing 10. However, the outer diameters of the end surface of the annular flange portion 13F of the cylindrical coupling member 13, the outer diameters of the first housing portion 11, and the outer diameters of the second housing portion 12 do not need to be the same. For example, the outer diameters of the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 may be set to be the same, while the outer diameter of the annular flange portion 13F may be larger or smaller. In this case, the larger outer diameter of the annular flange portion 13F forms a protrusion in the housing 10, thus providing a convenient grip when the user holds the electronic pen to prevent their fingers from coming into contact with the first housing portion 11.

[0143] Alternatively, the outer diameters of the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 may be different, and the outer diameter of the annular flange portion 13F may be equal to that of the first housing portion 11 or the second housing portion 12. In this case, the step formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 serves as a convenient grip to prevent the user's fingers from coming into contact with the first housing portion 11 when holding the electronic pen during use.

[0144] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 are configured to be coupled in a partially interlocked state, but it can also be configured to be a structure in which the axial end of the second interlocking cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the axial end of the pressure-sensing component holding portion 302 of the substrate holder 30 only abut against each other.

[0145] Furthermore, the holding portion of the pressure sensing member 5 of the writing pressure detection section may be integrally provided on the second fitting cylindrical portion 13 b side of the cylindrical coupling member 13 instead of being integrally provided on the substrate holder 30 .

[0146] Alternatively, the cylindrical coupling member 13 and the substrate holder 30 may be integrally formed. In this case, the outer diameter of the substrate holder 30 can be made smaller than the outer diameter of the second fitting cylindrical portion 13b of the cylindrical coupling member 13, making it easier to accommodate the substrate holder 30 in the second housing portion 12.

[0147] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, not only the first shell part 11 but also the second shell part 12 is made of conductive material. However, it is not necessary to make the second shell part 12 of conductive material. The second shell part 12 can also be made of insulating materials such as resin.

[0148] Note that, in the above embodiment, the first housing portion 11 constituting the peripheral electrodes is described as an electronic pen dedicated to signal reception. However, the electronic pen may be configured to transmit signals from the first housing portion 11 .

[0149] For example, when the electronic pen is not in contact with the input surface of the position detection sensor but is in a state above it (the so-called hovering state), the approximate position of the electronic pen in the hovering state can be easily detected using the position detection sensor by sending a signal not only from the core 21 or from the first shell part 11 serving as a peripheral electrode instead of the signal from the core 21.

[0150] Furthermore, as in the electronic pen of Patent Document 2 described above, a configuration may be adopted in which a signal is sent from the first casing portion 11 as a peripheral electrode, so that the tilt of the electronic pen can be detected by the position detection device.

[0151] It should be noted that in the electronic pen 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the core 21 is configured to only send signals to the position detection sensor, but it is also possible to configure the core 21 to be a structure of an electronic pen that can send signals to the position detection sensor and receive signals from the position detection sensor by time division.

[0152] In addition, in the electronic pen of the above-mentioned embodiment, the method of sending and receiving signals is described only between the core 21, the first shell part 11 and the position detection sensor of the position detection device, but the electronic pen can also be constructed to send and receive signals with the position detection device through wireless communication by using a wireless communication unit such as the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0153] It should be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiment, the pressure-sensing component of the pen pressure detection unit is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor by clamping the dielectric 51 between the terminal member 52 and the conductive member 54. However, it can also be configured as a variable capacitance capacitor composed of MEMS (Micro Elector Mechanical Systems) elements, such as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-161307, in which the electrostatic capacitance is variable according to the pen pressure, and using semiconductor elements.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first housing portion 11 is configured as a single conductive member. However, the first housing portion 11 may also be configured to include two, three, or other circumferentially divided conductive members, with the configuration allowing signals to be independently supplied to each of the multiple conductive members and transmitted to the position detection sensor. In this case, the position detection device can also detect the rotation angle of the electronic pen.

[0155] Label Description

[0156] 1…electronic pen, 10…housing, 11…first housing portion, 12…second housing portion, 13…cylindrical coupling member, 13a…first fitting cylindrical portion, 13b…second fitting cylindrical portion, 13F…annular flange portion, 14…front cap, 15…rear cap, 16…connecting terminal conductor, 21…core, 22…conductive elastic member, 23…core holder, 24…coil spring, 25…conductor terminal member, 30…substrate holder, 301…substrate mounting platform, 302…pressure-sensing component holder, 31…printed circuit board, 32…battery, 41…control circuit, 42…transmitting circuit, 43…receiving circuit

Claims

1. A capacitive electronic pen, wherein a core body made of a conductive material is arranged so that the distal end thereof protrudes from one opening of a hollow portion of a cylindrical housing, and a plurality of components are arranged along the axial direction within the hollow portion, characterized in that: A cylindrical coupling member is provided which is made of an insulating material and houses at least a part of the plurality of components, and The cylindrical housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion separated in the axial direction. The first shell portion is made of a conductive material and has an opening for allowing the front end of the core to protrude to the outside in a state electrically separated from the core. A protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling member in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the outer peripheral side, and the end surface of the protrusion constitutes a part of the cylindrical shell, and the cylindrical coupling member is engaged with the first shell part at one side closer to the axial direction than the protrusion, and is engaged with the second shell part at the other side closer to the axial direction than the protrusion, and the first shell part and the second shell part are separated by the protrusion. The side surface of the first housing portion, the side surface of the second housing portion, and the end surface of the protruding portion are configured to have no step in the axial direction.

2. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion is an annular flange portion that electrically insulates the first case portion from the second case portion.

3. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The first shell portion has a cylindrical shape on one side coupled to the cylindrical coupling member in the axial direction, and a tapered shape on the opposite side thereof. The tapered front end has an opening for the front end of the core body to protrude.

4. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 3, wherein: An insulating member is disposed between the first case portion and the core.

5. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The second casing portion is made of a conductive material and is set to a fixed potential.

6. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: Among the plurality of components, a writing pressure detection unit for detecting the pressure applied to the core is included. The cylindrical coupling member constitutes a portion of a housing of the writing pressure detection unit.

7. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 6, wherein: The writing pressure detection unit includes a pressure-sensitive member and a pressure transmission member that transmits the pressure applied to the core to the pressure-sensitive member. At least a portion of the pressure transmission component is housed in the cylindrical coupling member.

8. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 7, wherein: A holder having a pressure-sensing component accommodating portion for accommodating the pressure-sensing component of the writing pressure detection portion is disposed in the housing. The cylindrical coupling member is coupled to the pressure-sensing component housing portion of the retainer in the axial direction.

9. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 8, wherein: The cylindrical coupling member is integrally formed with the retainer.

10. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The core sends out a signal for indicating position detection.

11. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The core sends out a signal for indicating position detection and receives a signal from a position detection sensor.

12. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing portion constitutes a receiving electrode that receives a signal from a position detection sensor.

13. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The other end of a connecting conductor having one end connected to an electronic circuit housed in the second housing portion is provided in an exposed state on the peripheral side surface of the fitting portion of the cylindrical coupling member which is closer to the first housing portion than the protruding portion, and the first housing portion and the connecting conductor are electrically connected by fitting together the first housing portion and the cylindrical coupling member.

14. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing portion is provided at a position where a user's finger does not rest when the tip of the core is electrically coupled to the position detection sensor to indicate a position.

15. The capacitive electronic pen according to claim 14, wherein: The length from the front end of the core body to the annular flange portion of the cylindrical coupling member is set to be in the range of 10 to 15 mm.

Images