Refill and electronic pen

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a refill and an electronic pen. The refill comprises a piston having a degree of freedom along a length direction of the refill; a variable capacitance assembly comprising a flexible conductive member and a capacitor, the flexible conductive member being in abutment with the piston, the flexible conductive member being in contact with the capacitor, and an area of contact being changed based on a pressure of the piston on the flexible conductive member, the capacitor changing a capacitance value of itself based on the area of contact; an inner seat for accommodating the capacitor, the inner seat having a first end facing the piston and a second end opposite to the piston, a first laser direct structuring circuit and a second laser direct structuring circuit extending from the first end to the second end respectively, and the first laser direct structuring circuit being in contact with the capacitor at the first end, the first laser direct structuring circuit and the second laser direct structuring circuit being formed on a surface of the inner seat based on a laser direct structuring technology; and a conductive elastic member having one end in abutment with the piston and in contact with the flexible conductive member, and another end in abutment with the inner seat and in contact with the second laser direct structuring circuit at the first end. The refill of the present disclosure can increase a diameter of the capacitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a pen refill and an electronic pen. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic pen is an electronic device used in conjunction with a touchscreen. It interacts with the touchscreen by making contact with it. To be suitable for more applications, an electronic pen also needs to recognize the pressure applied between itself and the touchscreen to determine the user's writing force.

[0003] In related technologies, to recognize the force applied during writing, a variable capacitor component needs to be installed in the pen refill. Changes in touch pressure cause a change in the capacitance value of the variable capacitor component, and the change in touch pressure can be detected by measuring the capacitance value. However, the capacitor needs to be connected to the control components in the pen refill via a dedicated wire. This wire increases the diameter of the pen refill and complicates the conductive structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a pen refill and an electronic pen.

[0005] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a pen refill is provided, comprising:

[0006] The piston has a degree of freedom along the length of the pen refill;

[0007] A variable capacitor assembly includes a flexible conductive element and a capacitor. The flexible conductive element abuts against the piston, and the flexible conductive element is in contact with the capacitor to conduct electricity. The contact area changes based on the pressure of the piston on the flexible conductive element, and the capacitance value of the capacitor changes based on the contact area.

[0008] An inner seat for housing the capacitor has a first end and a second end, the first end facing the piston and the second end opposite to the piston. The inner seat includes a first laser forming circuit and a second laser forming circuit, which extend from the first end to the second end respectively. The first laser forming circuit is connected to the capacitor at the first end. The first laser forming circuit and the second laser forming circuit are formed on the surface of the inner seat based on laser direct forming technology.

[0009] A conductive elastic element has one end sleeved on a portion of the piston and connected to the flexible conductive element, and the other end of the conductive elastic element abuts against the inner seat and is connected to the second laser forming circuit at the first end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first end of the inner seat has a platform and an annular protrusion disposed along the edge of the platform. The platform and the annular protrusion enclose an open receiving space, which is at least used to receive the capacitor. The conductive elastic element abuts against the annular protrusion.

[0011] The first laser forming circuit extends at least to the platform to be in communication with the capacitor, and the second laser forming circuit extends at least to the annular boss to be in communication with the conductive elastic element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the variable capacitor assembly further includes an adhesive having conductive properties, one end of which is adhered to the capacitor and the other end of which is adhered to a first laser-formed circuit extending to the platform.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pen refill further includes an outer seat, which extends partially to form a receiving cavity with an opening. The outer seat extends in the same direction as the pen refill's length. The piston, the variable capacitor assembly, and the conductive elastic element are received in the receiving cavity. The inner seat is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening of the outer seat, such that the outer seat is fitted onto the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cavity sidewall has a hollow structure that overlaps at least with the variable capacitor assembly in the length direction of the pen refill, and the hollow space formed by the hollow structure is used to allow the variable capacitor assembly to partially extend beyond the outer base.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pen refill further includes a refill shell, the outer seat peripheral sidewalls being closed to enclose the piston, the variable capacitor assembly, and a portion of the inner seat, the outer seat being joined with the refill shell to form the outer contour of the pen refill.

[0016] In some embodiments, the capacitor includes a dielectric element and an electrode element, the electrode element being connected to the first laser forming circuit, and the dielectric element being connected to the flexible conductive element;

[0017] The flexible conductive element includes an arc-shaped top surface that is in contact with the dielectric element, and the contact area varies based on the pressure exerted by the piston on the flexible conductive element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the piston has a hollow structure;

[0019] The flexible conductive element also includes a fixing seat, which is an integral part of the arc-shaped top surface to form the flexible conductive element. The fixing seat is located on the side of the arc-shaped top surface opposite to the capacitor, and the fixing seat is inserted into the hollow structure of the piston.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat is provided with a locking block, and the outer seat is provided with a locking slot that engages with the locking block.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic pen is provided, including any of the pen refills disclosed herein.

[0022] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: the current across the two poles of the variable capacitor component is conducted from the first end of the inner base to the control component on the second end through the first laser forming circuit and the second laser forming circuit. To transmit the current from the first end to the second end of the inner base, the first and second laser forming circuits need to occupy radial space within the inner base. This disclosure uses laser direct forming technology to form the first and second laser forming circuits on the surface of the inner base used to house the variable capacitor component. Compared to using wires or other methods for transmission, this disclosure reduces the volume of the first and second laser forming circuits. With a fixed pen refill diameter (i.e., a fixed outer and inner base diameter), the smaller volume of the first and second laser forming circuits leaves more radial space for the variable capacitor component within the inner base, thereby increasing the diameter of the variable capacitor component.

[0023] This disclosure also includes a perforated structure on the side wall of the outer housing cavity. A variable capacitor component extends partially into the perforated space formed by this structure and extends radially outward from the perforated space of the outer housing, increasing the diameter of the inner housing and consequently increasing the diameter of the capacitor in contact with it. A larger diameter capacitor provides a larger maximum contact area with the flexible conductive element, resulting in a more linear relationship between capacitance change and corresponding touch pressure, leading to better control over the writing feel. Furthermore, thanks to the increased maximum contact area, the pen tip and electronic pen can be configured with more pressure sensitivity levels. For example, at pressure sensitivity levels of 2048 or even 8192, the linear relationship between pressure and area is very precise, enabling the electronic pen to simulate a more accurate and delicate writing feel.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2This is a perspective view of an inner seat shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an inner seat from another angle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the inner and outer seats in a separated state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an inner seat and an outer seat in an assembled state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing an assembly state of an inner seat and an outer seat according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along AA.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective sectional view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a partial planar cross-sectional view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective illustrating a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a capacitor structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a pen refill portion structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 17This is a cross-sectional view of a pen refill portion structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 1. Piston; 11. Hollow structure; 12. Abutment ring; 2. Inner seat; 21. First electrode; 22. Second electrode; 23. First circuit; 24. Second circuit; 25. Accommodating space; 251. Platform; 26. Annular boss; 261. Notch; 27. Locking block; 28. First laser forming circuit; 29. ​​Second laser forming circuit; 3. Variable capacitor assembly; 31. Flexible conductive component; 311. Arc-shaped top surface; 312. Fixing base; 32. Capacitor; 321. Dielectric component; 322. Electrode component; 33. Adhesive component; 4. Conductive elastic component; 5. Outer seat; 51. Receiving cavity; 52. Hollow structure; 53. Bayonet; 6. Pen tip; 7. Control component; 8. Magnetic core coil. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must be performed in a particular order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0048] The embodiments described in the following examples of this disclosure are not representative of all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0049] This disclosure provides some embodiments of a pen tip and an electronic pen, which are applied to scenarios such as touch operation on a touch screen.

[0050] In related technologies, to enable pressure-sensitive detection (i.e., to recognize the user's pen pressure), a capacitor is generally required to detect pressure changes by varying the capacitance. The capacitor is typically housed within an inner casing, and is connected to the control components via an additional wire passing through the casing. The need to house both the wire and the inner casing within the pen refill increases its diameter. Furthermore, the wire occupies radial space within the casing, reducing the diameter of the casing (and the capacitor housed within it), which is detrimental to the linear feedback between the capacitor's capacitance and the touch pressure.

[0051] In view of this, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pen refill and an electronic pen.

[0052] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the pen refill includes a piston 1, a variable capacitor assembly 3, an inner seat 2, and a conductive elastic element 4. The piston 1 has a degree of freedom along the length of the pen refill; the variable capacitor assembly 3 includes a flexible conductive element 31 and a capacitor 32. The flexible conductive element 31 abuts against the piston 1 and is in contact with the capacitor 32. The contact area changes based on the pressure of the piston 1 on the flexible conductive element 31, and the capacitance value of the capacitor 32 changes based on the contact area; the inner seat 2 is used to house the capacitor 32 and has a first end and a second end. The first end faces the piston 1, and the second end is opposite to the piston 1. The inner seat 2 includes a first laser forming circuit 28 and a second laser forming circuit 29. The first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 extend from the first end to the second end, respectively. The first laser forming circuit 28 is in contact with the capacitor 32 at the first end. The first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 are formed on the surface of the inner seat 2 based on laser direct forming technology; one end of the conductive elastic element 4 is sleeved on a portion of the piston 1 and is in contact with the flexible conductive element 31. The other end of the conductive elastic element 4 abuts against the inner seat 2 and is in contact with the second laser forming circuit 29 at the first end.

[0053] In some embodiments of this disclosure, by replacing the wires in the related art with a first laser forming circuit 28 and a second laser forming circuit 29 formed on the surface of the inner seat 2 using laser direct forming technology, the structure can be simplified and the space originally occupied by the wires can be saved, which is beneficial for making the pen lead thinner and reducing the pen lead diameter. Furthermore, thanks to laser direct forming technology, the volume of the first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 is reduced, and the radial space occupied by them in the inner seat 2 is also reduced accordingly. With a fixed pen lead diameter (i.e., the diameters of the outer seat and the inner seat 2 are also fixed), the diameter of the variable capacitor assembly 3 can be increased accordingly, thereby increasing the maximum contact area between the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32. With a larger contact area between the capacitor 32 and the flexible conductive element 31, the capacitance value of the capacitor 32 changes more linearly with the touch pressure, which is beneficial for better control of the writing feel.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the laser direct forming (LDS) technology can form conductive structures on the surface of the inner base 2 to serve as the first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29. Compared to traditional wire structures, the first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 formed using LDS technology are directly formed on the surface of the inner base 2, without occupying additional space, and no additional wires need to be assembled during assembly.

[0055] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the inner seat 2 may be made of or contain a suitable material to facilitate the use of laser direct forming technology. For example, the inner seat 2 may be made of a modified plastic containing an organometallic compound to facilitate the formation of a conductive structure in conjunction with the relevant processes in laser direct forming technology.

[0056] Modified plastics refer to materials whose properties have been optimized through physical, chemical, or a combination of both methods. Modified plastics suitable for laser direct forming technology can be formed from organometallic compounds (but not limited to) and a substrate. For example, organometallic compounds can be copper chromium oxides or metal salts, but are not limited to these. The substrate can be polycarbonate, nylon, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0057] In some embodiments of this disclosure, chemical plating and other processes may be used to form a complete circuit structure on the surface of the inner base 2.

[0058] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pen tip may further include a pen tip for contacting the touchscreen. The pen tip abuts against the piston 1. When the user touches the touchscreen with the electronic pen, under touch pressure, the pen tip displaces (or tends to displace) along the length of the pen tip, generating pressure on the piston 1, which in turn generates pressure on the flexible conductive element 31. The contact surface between the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32 is flattened due to the pressure from the piston 1, causing a change in the capacitance value of the capacitor 32. Based on the correlation between the change in capacitance value and the touch pressure, the tactile feedback of the user using the electronic pen can be obtained.

[0059] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first laser forming circuit 28 includes two parts: a first electrode 21 and a first circuit 23. The first electrode 21 and the first circuit 23 can be formed as a whole by laser direct forming technology, or they can be formed separately and then connected. The first electrode 21 is located at the first end, the first circuit 23 is connected to the first electrode 21 at the first end and extends to the second end, and the capacitor 32 is connected to the first electrode 21.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 1As shown, the second laser forming circuit 29 includes two parts: a second electrode 22 and a second circuit 24. The second electrode 22 and the second circuit 24 can be formed as a whole by laser direct forming technology, or they can be formed separately and then connected. The second electrode 22 is located at the first end, the second circuit 24 is connected to the second electrode 22 at the first end and extends to the second end, and the conductive elastic element 4 is connected to the second electrode 22.

[0061] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the conductive elastic element 4 is in a compressed state so that the piston 1 can be promptly reset when the electronic pen is not in a touch-sensitive state.

[0062] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the electronic pen is in a non-touch state (i.e., there is no touch pressure between the pen tip and the touch screen), the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32 may be in contact or detached. When the electronic pen is in a touch state (i.e., there is touch pressure between the pen tip and the touch screen), the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32 are at least in contact.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an inner seat shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an inner seat from another angle, illustrating some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first end of the inner seat 2 has a platform 251 and an annular boss 26 disposed along the edge of the platform 251. The platform 251 and the annular boss 26 enclose an open accommodating space 25, which is used to accommodate at least the capacitor 32. The conductive elastic element 4 abuts against the annular boss 26. The first laser forming circuit extends at least to the platform 251 to be in communication with the capacitor 32, and the second laser forming circuit 29 extends at least to the annular boss 26 to be in communication with the conductive elastic element 4.

[0064] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the platform 251 and the annular boss 26 are provided to provide conductive contacts for the first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 to connect with the capacitor 32 and the conductive elastic element 4, respectively. This makes the contact and conduction between the capacitor 32 and the conductive elastic element 4 more reliable.

[0065] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the conductive elastic element 4 is a conductive spring sleeved on the flexible conductive element 31. The spring makes contact with the second laser forming circuit extending to the annular boss 26, with a large contact surface and stable conduction.

[0066] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 21 is disposed on the platform 251 and is connected to the capacitor 32, and the second electrode 22 is disposed on the annular boss 26 and is connected to the conductive elastic element 4.

[0067] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the annular boss 26 is provided with a notch 261 so that the first laser forming circuit 28 extends from the platform 251 through the notch 261 to the second end of the inner seat 2.

[0068] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the first electrode 21 is disposed on the platform 251, one end of the first circuit 23 is connected to the first electrode 21 and conducts through it, and the other end extends from the platform 251 through the notch 261 to the second end of the inner seat 2.

[0069] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the variable capacitor assembly 3 includes an adhesive 33, which is conductive. One end of the adhesive 33 is bonded to the capacitor 32, and the other end is bonded to the first laser forming circuit 28 extending to the platform 251.

[0070] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a conductive adhesive 33 is used to connect and conduct the capacitor 32 and the first laser forming circuit 28 on the inner seat 2. In addition to its connecting and conducting functions, the adhesive 33 can also act as a buffer to prevent uneven contact force between the capacitor 32 and the table surface 251 from affecting the capacitance value of the capacitor 32.

[0071] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive 33 may be a double-sided adhesive with conductive properties. In addition to its adhesiveness, the double-sided adhesive also possesses a certain degree of elasticity to provide a buffering effect on the capacitor 32, preventing direct contact between the capacitor 32 and the inner seat 2 and thus avoiding damage to the capacitor 32.

[0072] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the tabletop 251, the adhesive 33, and the capacitor 32 are all circular to facilitate installation.

[0073] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the platform 251, the adhesive 33, and the capacitor 32 have the same diameter, so that the platform 251 (and the annular boss 26) can limit and fix the adhesive 33 and the capacitor 32, and prevent the adhesive 33 and the capacitor 32 from shifting or even falling off during use.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the inner and outer seats in a separated state according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an inner and outer seat in an assembled state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a partial perspective sectional view of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a partial planar sectional view of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the pen refill also includes an outer seat 5, which extends partially to form a receiving cavity 51 with an opening. The outer seat 5 extends in the same direction as the pen refill length. The piston 1, the variable capacitor assembly 3, and the conductive elastic element 4 are housed in the receiving cavity 51. The inner seat 2 is inserted into the receiving cavity 51 through the opening of the outer seat 5, so that the outer seat 5 is fitted onto the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat 2.

[0075] In some embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a receiving cavity 51 in the outer seat 5, the piston 1, the variable capacitor assembly 3 and the conductive elastic element 4 are housed in the receiving cavity 51, which encapsulates the pressure sensor formed by the piston 1, the variable capacitor assembly 3 and the conductive elastic element 4, thereby improving the overall integrity of the pen refill component.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating an assembly state of the inner and outer seats according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along AA, Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figures 5 to 9 As shown, the sidewall of the receiving cavity 51 has a hollow structure 52. The hollow structure 52 overlaps with the variable capacitor assembly 3 at least in the pen refill length direction. The hollow space formed by the hollow structure 52 is used to allow the variable capacitor assembly 3 to extend partially beyond the outer seat 5.

[0077] In some embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a hollow structure 52 in the outer seat 5, the inner seat 2 extends beyond the outer seat 5 using the hollow space formed by the hollow structure 52. This increases the diameter of the inner seat 2 without changing the overall diameter of the pen refill, and further increases the diameter of the platform 251 of the inner seat 2 while keeping the thickness of the annular protrusion 26 unchanged. This also increases the diameter of the capacitor 32 housed in the platform 251, overcoming the drawback of the smaller diameter of the inner seat 2 (and capacitor 32) caused by the outer seat 5 enclosing the inner seat 2 in related technologies. By increasing the area of ​​the capacitor 32, the maximum contact area between the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32 increases, resulting in a larger capacitance value output by the capacitor 32. The range of capacitance value variation also increases, allowing for a higher level of pressure sensitivity in the pen refill, thus providing a richer tactile experience. Furthermore, with the increased capacitance 32, the relationship between the capacitance value output by the capacitor 32 and the touch pressure becomes more linear, facilitating better control of the writing feel.

[0078] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the diameter of the pen refill is 4 mm or less, the diameter of the capacitor 32 can reach at least 2 mm or more.

[0079] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure sensitivity levels of the pen tip can reach 2048 or even 8192 levels, improving the pen tip's sensitivity to pressure. At this point, the linear relationship between pressure and area is very precise, allowing the electronic pen to simulate a more accurate and delicate writing feel.

[0080] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cross-section of the outer seat 5 is a rectangle with adjacent side lengths of different lengths. The outer seat 5 includes two sets of opposing sidewalls, wherein the hollow structure 52 is formed on the set of sidewalls that are relatively close to each other.

[0081] In some embodiments of this disclosure, by placing the hollow structure 52 on a set of relatively close sidewalls, the size of the inner seat 2 (and capacitor 32) can be increased by utilizing the rectangular shape of the outer seat 5. At the same time, the set of relatively far sidewalls of the outer seat 5 can serve to connect and fix the inner seat 2. Setting the cross-section of the outer seat 5 to be rectangular allows it to be made flatter in a certain direction, so as to be used with a thinner and lighter electronic pen or touch screen.

[0082] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective illustrating a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figures 10 to 14 As shown, the pen refill also includes a pen refill shell. The peripheral sidewalls of the outer seat 5 are closed to enclose the piston 1, the variable capacitor assembly 3 and a portion of the inner seat 2. The outer seat 5 is assembled with the pen refill shell to form the outer contour of the pen refill.

[0083] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the peripheral sidewall of the outer seat 5 is used as part of the outer contour of the pen refill. This avoids the pen refill shell covering the outer seat 5 and increasing the radial dimension of the pen refill. Under the premise that the radial dimension of the pen refill remains unchanged, the diameter of the outer seat 5 is increased, thereby increasing the diameter of the inner seat 2 and the variable capacitor assembly 3.

[0084] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a capacitor structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a pen refill portion structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a pen refill portion structure shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, capacitor 32 includes a dielectric element 321 and an electrode element 322. The electrode element 322 is connected to the first laser forming circuit 28, and the dielectric element 321 is connected to the flexible conductive element 31. The flexible conductive element 31 includes an arc-shaped top surface 311, which is in contact with the dielectric element 321. The contact area is based on the pressure change of piston 1 on the flexible conductive element 31.

[0085] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the top surface of the flexible conductive element 31 is set as an arc-shaped top surface 311. When the flexible conductive element 31 is subjected to touch pressure from the piston 1, as the touch pressure increases, the contact area between the arc-shaped top surface 311 and the dielectric element 321 of the capacitor 32 will increase accordingly. Moreover, the relationship between this contact area and the change of touch pressure transmitted from the piston 1 to the flexible conductive element 31 is closer to linear, which is beneficial for the accurate differentiation of pressure sensitivity levels.

[0086] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the top surface of the flexible conductive element 31 may not be arc-shaped. As long as the top surface of the flexible conductive element 31 contracts from the piston 1 side to the capacitor 32 side, the contact area between the flexible conductive element 31 and the dielectric element 321 can change positively with the pressure of the piston 1 on the flexible conductive element 31.

[0087] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dielectric element 321 may be a ceramic sheet. The electrode element 322 may be a metal sheet.

[0088] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dielectric element 321 and the electrode element 322 are sintered together to form a capacitor 32.

[0089] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dielectric constant of dielectric element 321 is higher than a preset value.

[0090] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 16 As shown, the piston 1 has a hollow structure 11, and the flexible conductive element 31 also includes a fixing seat 312. The fixing seat 312 and the arc-shaped top surface 311 are integrally formed to form the flexible conductive element 31, and the fixing seat 312 is located on the side of the arc-shaped top surface 311 opposite to the capacitor 32. The fixing seat 312 is inserted into the hollow structure 11 of the piston 1.

[0091] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing seat 312 of the flexible conductive element 31 is inserted into the hollow structure 11 of the piston 1. The piston 1 is used to limit the fixing seat 312, thereby limiting the arc-shaped top surface 311 of the flexible conductive element 31. This makes the posture of the flexible conductive element 31 more stable during deformation, and makes the change of the contact area between the flexible conductive element 31 and the dielectric element 321 more stable and regular, ultimately making the pressure sensitivity detection of the pen refill more accurate.

[0092] In some embodiments of this disclosure, piston 1 may be made of an insulating material, such as plastic, to prevent current leakage in the circuit where capacitor 32 is located, which could affect the detection results of the capacitance value.

[0093] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 4 As shown, the piston 1 includes an abutment ring 12 formed along its circumferential sidewall, which abuts against the conductive elastic element 4. The conductive elastic element 4 can be a spring, which is sleeved on the end of the piston 1 and abuts against the abutment ring 12. The spring applies a spring force to the piston 1 through the abutment ring 12, and applies pressure to the pen tip 6 through the piston 1, so that the pen tip 6 has an automatic reset capability.

[0094] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a horizontal needle is provided at the end of the spring that abuts against the piston 1, which is arranged radially along the spring itself. The horizontal needle is inserted into the hollow structure 11 of the piston 1 and is used to abut against and conduct with the fixing seat 312 of the flexible conductive member 31, thereby realizing the conductive connection between the spring and the flexible conductive member 31.

[0095] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figures 4 to 6 ,as well as Figure 12 As shown, the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat 2 is provided with a locking block 27, and the outer seat 5 is provided with a locking slot 53 that cooperates with the locking block 27.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the inner seat 2 and the outer seat 5 are assembled by the locking block 27 and the locking slot 53, which can not only fix the inner seat 2 and the outer seat 5, but also simplify the assembly process.

[0097] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a pen refill structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another pen refill structure according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the pen tip 6, piston 1, flexible conductive element 31, capacitor 32, inner seat 2, and control component 7 are arranged sequentially along the length of the pen refill. When the pen tip 6 contacts the touchscreen, it generates touch pressure. Under the touch pressure, the pen tip 6 moves (or tends to move) towards the piston 1, applying pressure to the flexible conductive element 31 through the piston 1. The flexible conductive element 31 deforms under pressure, increasing the contact area with the capacitor 32 and thus increasing the capacitance value of the capacitor 32. Alternatively, by reducing the touch pressure when the pen tip 6 contacts the touchscreen, the contact area between the flexible conductive element 31 and the capacitor 32 is changed, and the capacitance value of the capacitor 32 decreases. The capacitor 32 is connected to the control component 7 via the first laser forming circuit 28 and the second laser forming circuit 29 on the inner seat 2. The control component 7 processes the change in capacitance value of the capacitor 32. When the contact area is larger, the change in capacitance value and the corresponding touch pressure are more linearly related, allowing for better control of the writing feel.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the control component 7 includes components such as a printed circuit board and a processor for processing data in the pen refill.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pen refill can be used as the pen refill of an electromagnetic pen or as the pen refill of an active capacitive pen; this disclosure does not limit this to either.

[0100] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 19 As shown, the pen refill may also include a magnetic core coil 8 to apply the pen refill of this disclosure to an electromagnetic pen.

[0101] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the pen refill can be controlled to be 4 mm or less.

[0102] This disclosure also proposes an electronic pen, including the pen refill in any embodiment of this disclosure. Accordingly, the advantages of the aforementioned pen refill are also present in the electronic pen, which will not be repeated here.

[0103] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic pen may be an electromagnetic pen or an active capacitive pen. Those skilled in the art may add or remove corresponding components as needed to configure the electronic pen as an electromagnetic pen or a capacitive pen.

[0104] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility model disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0105] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pen refill, characterized in that, include: Piston (1) has a degree of freedom along the length of the pen refill; A variable capacitor assembly (3) includes a flexible conductive element (31) and a capacitor (32). The flexible conductive element (31) abuts against the piston (1), and the flexible conductive element (31) and the capacitor (32) are in contact and connected. The contact area changes based on the pressure of the piston (1) on the flexible conductive element (31), and the capacitance value of the capacitor (32) changes based on the contact area. The inner seat (2) is used to accommodate the capacitor (32) and has a first end and a second end. The first end faces the piston (1) and the second end is opposite to the piston (1). The inner seat (2) includes a first laser forming circuit (28) and a second laser forming circuit (29). The first laser forming circuit (28) and the second laser forming circuit (29) extend from the first end to the second end, respectively. The first laser forming circuit (28) is connected to the capacitor (32) at the first end. The first laser forming circuit (28) and the second laser forming circuit (29) are formed on the surface of the inner seat (2) based on laser direct forming technology. The conductive elastic element (4) is sleeved on a portion of the piston (1) and connected to the flexible conductive element (31). The other end of the conductive elastic element (4) abuts against the inner seat (2) and is connected to the second laser forming circuit at the first end.

2. The pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the inner seat (2) has a platform (251) and an annular boss (26) provided along the edge of the platform (251). The platform (251) and the annular boss (26) enclose an open accommodating space (25). The accommodating space (25) is at least used to accommodate the capacitor (32). The conductive elastic element (4) abuts against the annular boss (26). The first laser forming circuit (28) extends at least to the platform (251) to be connected to the capacitor (32), and the second laser forming circuit (29) extends at least to the annular boss (26) to be connected to the conductive elastic element (4).

3. The pen refill according to claim 2, characterized in that, The variable capacitor assembly (3) further includes an adhesive (33) having conductive properties. One end of the adhesive (33) is bonded to the capacitor (32), and the other end is bonded to the first laser forming circuit (28) extending to the platform (251).

4. The pen refill according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The pen refill also includes an outer seat (5), which extends partially to form a receiving cavity (51) with an opening. The outer seat (5) extends in the same direction as the pen refill. The piston (1), the variable capacitor assembly (3), and the conductive elastic element (4) are housed in the receiving cavity (51). The inner seat (2) is inserted into the receiving cavity (51) through the opening of the outer seat (5) so that the outer seat (5) is fitted onto the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat (2).

5. The pen refill according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sidewall of the receiving cavity (51) has a hollow structure (52), which overlaps with the variable capacitor assembly (3) at least in the length direction of the pen refill. The hollow space formed by the hollow structure (52) is used to allow the variable capacitor assembly (3) to partially extend beyond the outer seat (5).

6. The pen refill according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pen refill also includes a pen refill shell. The peripheral sidewall of the outer seat (5) is closed to enclose the piston (1), the variable capacitor assembly (3), and a portion of the inner seat (2). The outer seat (5) is assembled with the pen refill shell to form the outer contour of the pen refill.

7. The pen refill according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitor (32) includes a dielectric element (321) and an electrode element (322). The electrode element (322) is connected to the first laser forming circuit (28), and the dielectric element (321) is connected to the flexible conductive element (31). The flexible conductive element (31) includes an arcuate top surface (311) that contacts and conducts to the dielectric element (321), and the contact area varies based on the pressure exerted by the piston (1) on the flexible conductive element (31).

8. The pen refill according to claim 7, characterized in that, The piston (1) has a hollow structure (11); The flexible conductive element (31) also includes a fixing seat (312), the fixing seat (312) and the arc-shaped top surface (311) are integrally formed to form the flexible conductive element (31), and the fixing seat (312) is located on the side of the arc-shaped top surface (311) opposite to the capacitor (32), and the fixing seat (312) is inserted into the hollow structure (11) of the piston (1).

9. The pen refill according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer peripheral sidewall of the inner seat (2) is provided with a locking block (27), and the outer seat (5) is provided with a locking slot (53) that engages with the locking block (27).

10. An electronic pen, characterized in that, Includes the pen refill as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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