Input pen

Abstract

To provide an input pen configured to prevent strong impact due to knock operation from being transmitted to an electronic part.SOLUTION: An input pen includes: a shaft cylinder 1 extending along a central axis C in a forward / backward direction; an electronic part 4 arranged inside the shaft cylinder 1; an electronic part case 6 arranged inside the shaft cylinder 1 to hold the electronic part 4; a pen tip 7 arranged at a front end of the electronic part case 6; a biasing member 21 which biases the electronic part case 6 backward with respect to the shaft cylinder 1; a knock mechanism 8 which moves the pen tip 7 with the electronic part case 6 in the forward / backward direction to switch between a use position in which the pen tip 7 protrudes forward from a front end opening 11b of the shaft cylinder 1 and a storage position in which the pen tip 7 is stored inside he shaft cylinder 1; and impact relaxation means 25 which is arranged on at least one of an outer periphery of the electronic part case 6 and an inner periphery of the shaft cylinder 1, and relaxes impact applied to the electronic part case 6 when the electronic part case 6 is moved by the knock mechanism 8 from the use position to the storage position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input pen. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, coordinate input devices have come to be used as input devices for various electronic devices, and input pens called electronic pens or the like are used as input means for these coordinate input devices (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The electronic pen described in Patent Document 1 has a conductive core body at the pen tip, and by a knocking operation similar to that of commercially available knock-type ballpoint pens, the pen tip moves back and forth between a usage position in which it protrudes forward from the front end opening of the barrel (housing) and a storage position in which it is stored inside the barrel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6789210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This type of input pen has various electronic components inside the barrel, such as a control device, a voltage boosting circuit, a frequency generator, etc. For this reason, it is undesirable for a strong impact caused by a knock operation to be transmitted to the electronic components.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an input pen that can prevent a strong impact caused by a knock operation from being transmitted to an electronic component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[0008] [First aspect of the present invention] an electronic component case disposed inside the barrel and holding the electronic component; a nib disposed at a front end of the electronic component case; a biasing member that biases the electronic component case rearward relative to the barrel; a knock mechanism that moves the nib in the front-rear direction together with the electronic component case, switching between a use position in which the nib protrudes forward from a front-end opening of the barrel and a storage position in which the nib is stored inside the barrel; and an impact absorbing means that is provided on at least one of an outer periphery of the electronic component case and an inner periphery of the barrel, and that absorbs impact transmitted to the electronic component case when the electronic component case is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism.

[0009] When a user performs a knock operation using the knock mechanism, the electronic component case moves from the storage position to the use position against the biasing force of the biasing member, and also moves from the use position to the storage position due to the biasing force of the biasing member. In particular, when the electronic component case is returned from the use position to the storage position, the biasing force of the biasing member (the restoring deformation force after elastic deformation) tends to transmit a strong impact to the electronic component case. Such a strong impact is undesirable for the electronic components held in the electronic component case.

[0010] In the present invention, since the input pen is provided with the shock absorbing means, when the electronic component case is returned from the use position to the storage position, the biasing force of the biasing member is prevented from transmitting a strong shock to the electronic component case. This also prevents a strong shock from being transmitted to the electronic component held in the electronic component case, and the function of the electronic component is maintained well. Therefore, the life of the input pen can be extended.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, the shock absorbing means is provided on at least one of the outer periphery of the electronic component case and the inner periphery of the barrel. For example, unlike the present invention, in which the shock absorbing means is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the electronic component case, the present invention makes it possible to keep the overall length (front-rear dimension) of the input pen small.

[0012] [Aspect 2 of the present invention] The input pen of aspect 1, wherein the impact absorbing means has a hole portion that radially penetrates the peripheral wall of the barrel, an elastically deformable elastic piece that is arranged in the hole portion, and a case protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the electronic component case and is arranged in front of the elastic piece within the hole portion, and when the electronic component case is moved from the usage position to the storage position by the knock mechanism, the case protrusion comes into contact with the elastic piece.

[0013] In this case, when a user performs a knock operation and the electronic component case moves from the use position to the storage position, the case protrusion comes into contact with the elastic piece, which elastically deforms, thereby mitigating the impact transmitted to the electronic component case, thereby stably preventing a strong impact from being transmitted to the electronic components held in the electronic component case.

[0014] [Embodiment 3 of the present invention] An input pen as described in aspect 2, wherein the elastic piece has a contact portion that contacts the case protrusion, and a thin-walled portion that connects the inner periphery of the hole portion and the contact portion and is thinner than the contact portion.

[0015] In this case, when the electronic component case moves from the use position to the storage position and the case protrusion comes into contact with the contact portion, the thin-walled portion is made to be easily elastically deformed. Since the thin-walled portion ensures a large amount of elastic deformation of the elastic piece, it is possible to more stably suppress the impact transmitted to the electronic component case and the electronic component.

[0016] [Embodiment 4 of the present invention] The input pen of aspect 1, wherein the impact absorbing means has a first protrusion protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the barrel, a second protrusion protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the electronic component case, and an elastic body that is elastically deformable and is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the front-to-rear direction, and when the electronic component case is moved from the usage position to the storage position by the knock mechanism, the elastic body is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0017] In this case, when a user performs a knock operation and the electronic component case moves from the use position to the storage position, the elastic body is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and elastic deformation reduces the impact transmitted to the electronic component case, thereby stably preventing a strong impact from being transmitted to the electronic components held in the electronic component case.

[0018] [Embodiment 5 of the present invention] 5. The input pen according to claim 4, wherein the elastic body is annular and extends in a circumferential direction around the central axis.

[0019] The elastic body is, for example, an O-ring. The annular elastic body can stably absorb the impact transmitted to the electronic component case and the electronic component. In this case, the elastic body is easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0020] [Aspect 6 of the present invention] An input pen described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the knock mechanism includes a cam groove provided on the inner surface of the barrel and extending in the front-rear direction, a slide cam that engages with the cam groove and slides in the front-rear direction, and a rotating cam that is biased rearward by the biasing member and rotates circumferentially around the central axis while repeatedly engaging and disengaging with the cam groove each time the slide cam is pushed forward against the biasing force, and the electronic component case is restricted in its relative circumferential rotation with respect to the rotating cam.

[0021] In this case, the pen tip located at the front end of the electronic component case rotates together with the rotating cam of the knock mechanism when the user knocks, which makes it possible to prevent uneven wear of the pen tip of the input pen. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the input pen of the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a strong impact caused by a knock operation from being transmitted to an electronic component. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing an input pen according to a first embodiment, and more specifically shows a storage position where the pen tip is stored inside a barrel. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the input pen of the first embodiment, specifically showing the use position where the pen tip protrudes forward from the front end opening of the barrel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view (side view) of part III in FIG. 1, with the grip portion omitted. [Figure 4] 4(a) to (c) are plan views (side views) showing a part of the knock mechanism, and are diagrams for explaining the operation of the knock mechanism. [Diagram 5] 5(a) to (c) are plan views (side views) showing a part of the knock mechanism, and are diagrams for explaining the operation of the knock mechanism. [Figure 6] 6(a) and (b) are plan views (side views) showing a part of the knock mechanism, and are diagrams for explaining the operation of the knock mechanism. [Figure 7] 7(a) to (c) are plan views (side views) showing a part of the knock mechanism, and are diagrams for explaining the operation of the knock mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing an input pen according to the second embodiment, and more specifically shows a storage position where the pen tip is stored inside the barrel. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing an input pen according to the second embodiment, specifically showing the use position in which the pen tip protrudes forward from the front end opening of the barrel. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing an input pen according to the third embodiment, specifically showing the use position in which the pen tip protrudes forward from the front end opening of the barrel. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) showing a cross section taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10, and the barrel is not shown. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) showing a cross section taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 10, and the barrel is not shown. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing a part of an input pen according to a fourth embodiment, specifically showing the use position in which the pen tip protrudes forward from the front end opening of the barrel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] First Embodiment An input pen 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. The input pen 10 according to this embodiment is, for example, an input pen for a capacitive touch panel, and more specifically, a knock-type input pen in which the power is turned on and off by a knock operation, which will be described later. The input pen 10 may also be referred to as an electronic pen or the like.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the input pen 10 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on a central axis C. The input pen 10 includes a barrel 1 extending along the central axis C, a grip section 2 provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 1, a battery 3 and an electronic component 4 arranged inside the barrel 1, a cylindrical battery case 5 arranged inside the barrel 1 and accommodating the battery 3, an electronic component case 6 arranged inside the barrel 1 and holding the electronic component 4, a pen tip 7 fixed to the electronic component case 6, a first biasing member 21, an insulating ring 26, a second biasing member 22, a knock mechanism 8, a first locking means 23, a second locking means 24, and an impact absorbing means 25. The barrel 1, the grip section 2, the battery 3, the battery case 5, the electronic component case 6, the pen tip 7, the first biasing member 21, the insulating ring 26, the second biasing member 22, and the knock mechanism 8 are arranged coaxially with each other, with the central axis C as a common axis.

[0026] The definitions of the directions used in this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C of the input pen 10 extends, that is, the direction along the central axis C, is referred to as the front-rear direction. In each drawing, the front-rear direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. In the front-rear direction, the pen tip 7 and the knock mechanism 8 are disposed at different positions. In the front-rear direction, the direction from the knock mechanism 8 to the pen tip 7 is referred to as the front side (-Y side), and the direction from the pen tip 7 to the knock mechanism 8 is referred to as the rear side (+Y side). The front-rear direction may also be referred to as the axial direction. In this case, the front side corresponds to one axial side, and the rear side corresponds to the other axial side.

[0027] The direction perpendicular to the central axis C is called the radial direction. Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the central axis C is called the radially inner direction, and the direction away from the central axis C is called the radially outer direction. In addition, the direction going around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction. A predetermined direction in the circumferential direction is called one circumferential side, and a direction opposite to the predetermined direction is called the other circumferential side. In this embodiment, in Figs. 4 to 7, the one circumferential side is the +θ side, and the other circumferential side is the -θ side.

[0028] Each component of the input pen 10 will now be described in detail. 1, the barrel 1 has a tubular shape extending in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the barrel 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on a central axis C. The barrel 1 is made of, for example, resin.

[0029] The axle cylinder 1 has a front axle 11 and a rear axle 12 arranged on the rear side of the front axle 11. The front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are each substantially cylindrical and arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. The front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are detachable from each other. Specifically, the rear end of the front axle 11 and the front end of the rear axle 12 are detachably connected by screwing, fitting, or the like. In this embodiment, a male threaded portion 11a arranged at the rear end of the front axle 11 and a female threaded portion 12a arranged at the front end of the rear axle 12 are screwed together.

[0030] The front end of front shaft 11 is tapered cylindrical and the diameter of the front end decreases toward the front. The front end of front shaft 11 may be referred to as a tapered cylindrical portion. Front shaft 11 has a front end opening 11b that is disposed in the tapered cylindrical portion and opens to the front.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, front shaft 11 further has a hole portion 11c that radially penetrates the peripheral wall of front shaft 11 (shaft cylinder 1), an elastically deformable elastic piece 11d that is arranged in hole portion 11c, and a step portion 11e that is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of front shaft 11 and faces toward the rear.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the hole 11c is a quadrangular hole. Specifically, the hole 11c is a rectangular hole whose dimension in the front-rear direction is greater than its dimension in the circumferential direction. A plurality of holes 11c are provided in the front shaft 11 at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two holes 11c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The elastic piece 11d is plate-shaped and extends in the circumferential direction inside the hole 11c. An end of the elastic piece 11d in the extending direction (circumferential direction) is connected to the inner periphery of the hole 11c. In this embodiment, both ends of the elastic piece 11d in the extending direction are connected to the inner periphery of the hole 11c. The elastic piece 11d is disposed in the rear portion of the hole 11c.

[0034] The elastic piece 11d has a contact portion 11da arranged in the circumferential center of the elastic piece 11d, and a thin portion 11db that connects the inner periphery of the hole 11c and the contact portion 11da and is thinner than the contact portion 11da. The contact portion 11da protrudes forward from the thin portion 11db. A pair of the thin portions 11db are provided on both sides (one circumferential side and the other circumferential side) of the contact portion 11da in the circumferential direction.

[0035] Further, the elastic pieces 11d are provided in the respective holes 11c. That is, the elastic pieces 11d are provided in a plurality of pieces at intervals in the circumferential direction on the front shaft 11, and in this embodiment, two elastic pieces 11d are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0036] 1, the step 11e is disposed rearward of the hole 11c on the inner circumferential surface of the front shaft 11. The step 11e extends in the circumferential direction and includes an end face facing rearward. In this embodiment, the step 11e is annular about the central axis C.

[0037] The rear axle 12 has the above-mentioned female thread portion 12a, a rear end opening 12b that is located at the rear end of the rear axle 12 and opens to the rear, a rear axle protrusion 12c that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the rear axle 12, a cam groove 12d that is located on the inner surface of the rear axle 12 between the rear end opening 12b and the rear axle protrusion 12c in the fore-and-aft direction, and a forward-facing inclined surface 12e that is located on the inner surface of the rear axle 12 and connected to the front end of cam groove 12d.

[0038] The cam groove 12d is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rear axle 12 (axial cylinder 1) and extends in the front-rear direction. The forward inclined surface 12e is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rear axle 12, faces the front side, and has an inclined surface shape that extends in the front-rear direction as it approaches the circumferential direction. The configurations of the cam groove 12d and the forward inclined surface 12e will be described in more detail later.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inner diameter dimension of the portion of the inner surface of the rear axle 12 in which the cam groove 12d and the forward inclined surface 12e are arranged is smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the portion located forward of the cam groove 12d and the forward inclined surface 12e.

[0040] Grip portion 2 is cylindrical about central axis C and extends in the front-to-rear direction. Grip portion 2 fits onto the outer peripheral surface of barrel 1. In this embodiment, grip portion 2 fits onto the outer peripheral surface of front barrel 11. Specifically, grip portion 2 fits onto an intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of front barrel 11 that is located between both ends in the front-to-rear direction (tapered barrel portion and male thread portion 11a). Grip portion 2 covers hole portion 11c and elastic piece 11d of front barrel 11 from the radial outside.

[0041] The grip portion 2 is made of an elastically deformable material (elastic material) such as elastomer, rubber, etc. However, the grip portion 2 is not limited to this and may be made of a resin material other than the elastic material.

[0042] The battery 3 has a cylindrical shape centered on a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The battery 3 serves as a power source (main power source) for circuit operation of the input pen 10. The battery 3 has a first electrode 31 disposed at a front end of the battery 3 and a second electrode 32 disposed at a rear end of the battery 3. In this embodiment, the first electrode 31 is a positive electrode, and the second electrode 32 is a negative electrode. However, this is not limiting, and the first electrode 31 may be a negative electrode, and the second electrode 32 may be a positive electrode.

[0043] The battery case 5 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The battery case 5 is disposed inside the rear body 12. The battery case 5 is made of a conductive material. In this embodiment, the battery case 5 is made of, for example, a metal.

[0044] The battery case 5 has a case peripheral wall 51 , a case top wall 52 , a cam connection portion 53 , an electrode contact portion 54 , and a locking projection 55 . The case peripheral wall 51 is cylindrical about a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the case peripheral wall 51 is an opening end 51a that opens toward the front. That is, the battery case 5 opens toward the front.

[0045] Case top wall 52 has a generally circular plate shape centered on central axis C. An outer periphery of case top wall 52 is connected to the rear end portion of case peripheral wall 51. Case top wall 52 closes the rear end portion of case peripheral wall 51.

[0046] The cam connection part 53 protrudes rearward from a rear surface of the case top wall 52 that faces the rear side. The cam connection part 53 is columnar about a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the cam connection part 53 fits into an interior of a rotating cam 82 (described later) of the knock mechanism 8. Specifically, the cam connection part 53 is connected to the rotating cam 82 in a state in which it is prevented from coming off by undercut fitting or the like.

[0047] The electrode contact portion 54 protrudes forward from the front surface facing the front side of the case top wall 52. The electrode contact portion 54 is columnar about the central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The electrode contact portion 54 faces the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 from the rear side. The electrode contact portion 54 is brought into contact with or separated from the second electrode 32 by a knock operation of the knock mechanism 8 described below. In this embodiment, the electrode contact portion 54 is formed integrally with the case top wall 52 and the cam connection portion 53.

[0048] The locking projection 55 protrudes radially outward from the rear end of the outer circumferential surface of the case peripheral wall 51 or the outer circumferential portion of the case top wall 52. The locking projection 55 has, for example, an annular shape centered on the central axis C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the locking projection 55 may be in the form of a rib extending in the circumferential direction and provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The locking projection 55 is disposed rearward of and spaced apart from the rear axle projection 12c. The locking projection 55 and the rear axle projection 12c are disposed so as to overlap each other when viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the battery case 5 moves forward relative to the rear axle 12 by a predetermined distance or more, the locking projection 55 comes into contact with the rear axle projection 12c from the rear side and is locked.

[0050] The electronic component case 6 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The electronic component case 6 is located in front of the battery 3. In this embodiment, the electronic component case 6 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the battery 3. The electronic component case 6 is disposed inside the front shaft 11.

[0051] A plurality of electronic components 4 are detachably attached or non-detachably fixed to the electronic component case 6. The electronic component case 6 may be referred to as, for example, an electronic component holder or an electronic component mounting frame. Although not particularly shown, the plurality of electronic components 4 include, for example, a control device, a voltage boost circuit, and a frequency generator.

[0052] The control device functions as a control circuit for the operation of each circuit. The control device performs ON-OFF control of each circuit and LED, and monitors discharge voltage and switch input. Note that the input pen 10 of this embodiment does not need to be provided with an LED for checking the power supply because the user can distinguish between the power ON state and the power OFF state by visually checking the position (use position or storage position) of the pen tip 7 described later.

[0053] The voltage boost circuit functions as an analog voltage generating circuit and generates a voltage necessary for the operation of the discharge circuit. The frequency generator functions as an oscillator circuit for generating a discharge waveform. The frequency generator generates an oscillator waveform necessary for discharging at the pen tip 7.

[0054] The electronic component case 6 has a biasing protrusion 61 , a case protrusion 62 , and an insertion portion 63 . The biasing protrusion 61 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case 6. The biasing protrusion 61 has, for example, an annular shape centered on the central axis C. The biasing protrusion 61 is located rearward of the stepped portion 11e of the front shaft 11.

[0055] The case protrusion 62 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case 6. In this embodiment, the case protrusion 62 is disposed forward of the biasing protrusion 61. As shown in Fig. 3, the case protrusion 62 has a quadrangular shape in a plan view (side view) of the electronic component case 6 viewed from the radial direction.

[0056] The case protrusion 62 is housed inside the hole 11c of the front shaft 11. The case protrusion 62 is disposed inside the hole 11c, forward of the elastic piece 11d. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the height (amount of radial protrusion) of the case protrusion 62 protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case 6 increases toward the rear side. The rear surface of the case protrusion 62 facing the rear side faces the elastic piece 11d from the front side. The case protrusion 62 is brought into contact with or separated from the elastic piece 11d by a knock operation of the knock mechanism 8, which will be described later.

[0057] When electronic component case 6 moves rearward relative to front shaft 11, case projection 62 comes into contact with elastic piece 11d from the front side and is locked.

[0058] Further, the case protrusions 62 are provided in each of the holes 11c. That is, a plurality of case protrusions 62 are provided on the electronic component case 6 at intervals in the circumferential direction, and in this embodiment, two case protrusions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The insertion portion 63 is disposed at the rear end of the electronic component case 6. The insertion portion 63 is inserted into the front opening end 51a of the battery case 5. The insertion portion 63 has a first conductive portion 63a disposed on the rear end surface of the insertion portion 63, and a second conductive portion 63b protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 63 and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening end 51a.

[0060] The first conductive portion 63a contacts the first electrode 31 of the battery 3 from the front side. That is, the first electrode 31 is connected to the first conductive portion 63a.

[0061] The second conductive portion 63b is made of a conductive metal spring plate or the like, extends generally in the front-rear direction, and is curved so as to bulge radially outward. The second conductive portion 63b is elastically deformable in the radial direction. A rear end of the second conductive portion 63b is fixed to and supported by the outer periphery of the electronic component case 6.

[0062] 2, when the electrode contact portion 54 of the battery case 5 comes into contact with the second electrode 32 of the battery 3, the second conductive portion 63b is connected to the second electrode 32 via the conductive battery case 5. In other words, the second electrode 32 is connected to the second conductive portion 63b via the battery case 5.

[0063] The pen tip 7 is disposed at the front end of the electronic component case 6. The pen tip 7 is axially or columnarly extending in the front-rear direction about a central axis C. The pen tip 7 is detachably attached to the front end of the electronic component case 6 by fitting or the like. The pen tip 7 is made of, for example, a metal having electrical conductivity, or a resin containing conductive particles. That is, the pen tip 7 is electrically conductive.

[0064] The pen tip 7 is a contact portion for a touch device (coordinate input device) such as a touch panel (not shown). Input to the touch device is performed by discharging between the tip of the pen tip 7 and a shield. The pen tip 7 may also be referred to as a discharge electrode or the like.

[0065] The first biasing member (biasing member) 21 is disposed inside the barrel 1. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 21 is housed inside the front barrel 11. The first biasing member 21 is, for example, a compression coil spring or the like, and is elastically deformable. The first biasing member 21 is spirally shaped about the central axis C, and extends in the front-rear direction. The first biasing member 21 is elastically expandable and contractable in the front-rear direction by elastic deformation. The electronic component case 6 is inserted inside the first biasing member 21. The first biasing member 21 is provided on the outer periphery of the electronic component case 6.

[0066] The first biasing member 21 is disposed between the step 11e of the front shaft 11 and the biasing projection 61 of the electronic component case 6 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the first biasing member 21 contacts the step 11e from the rear side, and the rear end of the first biasing member 21 contacts the biasing projection 61 from the front side. This causes the first biasing member 21 to bias the electronic component case 6 rearward relative to the shaft tube 1. In this embodiment, the rear end of the electronic component case 6 and the front end of the battery 3 are in contact with each other, and therefore the biasing force of the first biasing member 21 biases the electronic component case 6 and the battery 3 rearward.

[0067] The insulating ring 26 is disposed inside the battery case 5. Specifically, the insulating ring 26 is provided on the rear surface facing the rear side of the battery 3. The insulating ring 26 has a circular ring shape centered on the central axis C. The inner diameter of the insulating ring 26 is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode contact portion 54. The insulating ring 26 is made of an insulating resin material or the like.

[0068] The second biasing member 22 is disposed inside the battery case 5. The second biasing member 22 is, for example, a compression coil spring or the like, and is elastically deformable. The second biasing member 22 is spiral-shaped about the central axis C, and extends in the front-rear direction. The second biasing member 22 is elastically deformable and can expand and contract in the front-rear direction. An electrode contact portion 54 is inserted inside the second biasing member 22.

[0069] The second biasing member 22 is disposed between the insulating ring 26 and the case top wall 52 of the battery case 5 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the second biasing member 22 contacts the rear surface of the insulating ring 26 facing the rear side from the rear side, and the rear end of the second biasing member 22 contacts the front surface of the case top wall 52 facing the front side from the front side. As a result, the second biasing member 22 biases the battery case 5 rearward relative to the battery 3 via the insulating ring 26. In other words, the second biasing member 22 biases the electrode contact portion 54 of the battery case 5 in a direction that moves the electrode contact portion 54 of the battery case 5 rearward away from the second electrode 32 of the battery 3.

[0070] The biasing force of the second biasing member 22 is smaller than the biasing force of the first biasing member 21. In other words, the spring force of the second biasing member 22 is smaller than the spring force of the first biasing member 21. For this reason, the second biasing member 22 contracts in the front-rear direction with a force smaller than that of the first biasing member 21.

[0071] The knock mechanism 8 moves the pen tip 7 in the front-rear direction together with the electronic component case 6, switching between a use position in which the pen tip 7 protrudes forward from the front-end opening 11b of the barrel 1 as shown in Fig. 2, and a storage position in which the pen tip 7 is stored inside the barrel 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The use position may be referred to as the forward position, and the storage position may be referred to as the retracted position.

[0072] Specifically, the knock mechanism 8 moves the battery case 5, the battery 3, the electronic component case 6, the electronic component 4, and the pen tip 7 in the front-rear direction to alternately position these components between the use position (advance position) of each component shown in Fig. 2 and the storage position (retracted position) of each component shown in Fig. 1. More specifically, each time the user performs an operation of pushing a slide cam 81 (described later) forward, that is, a knock operation that activates the knock mechanism 8, the battery case 5, the battery 3, the electronic component case 6, the electronic component 4, and the pen tip 7 move in the front-rear direction alternately between the use position and the storage position of each component.

[0073] Here, the movement of the battery case 5 in the front-rear direction will be described in detail. The battery case 5 is connected to a part of the knock mechanism 8. Specifically, a cam connection portion 53 of the battery case 5 is connected to a rotating cam 82 (described later) of the knock mechanism 8 in a state in which movement in the front-rear direction is restricted. Therefore, the battery case 5 can move in the front-rear direction between the use position shown in Fig. 2 and the storage position shown in Fig. 1 as the rotating cam 82 moves in the front-rear direction in response to a knock operation by the user.

[0074] 1, when the battery case 5 is placed in the storage position, the electrode contact portion 54 is placed rearward away from the second electrode 32 due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 22. Therefore, in the storage position, electrical continuity between the second electrode 32 and the second conductive portion 63b via the battery case 5 is cut off. At this time, electrical continuity between the electronic component 4 held in the electronic component case 6 and the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 is also cut off, and the input pen 10 is placed in a power-off state.

[0075] 2, when the battery case 5 is placed in the use position, the electrode contact portion 54 moves forward against the biasing force of the second biasing member 22 and comes into contact with the second electrode 32. Therefore, in the use position, the second electrode 32 and the second conductive portion 63b are electrically connected via the battery case 5. At this time, the electronic component 4 held in the electronic component case 6 and the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 are also electrically connected, and the input pen 10 is in a power-on state.

[0076] Furthermore, when the electronic component case 6 is moved by the knock mechanism 8 from the use position shown in Fig. 2 to the storage position shown in Fig. 1, the case protrusion 62 comes into contact with the elastic piece 11d from the front side. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the contact portion 11da of the elastic piece 11d comes into contact with the rear surface of the case protrusion 62. This restricts the electronic component case 6 from moving further rearward with respect to the barrel 1. Furthermore, when the electronic component case 6 is moved by the knock mechanism 8 from the storage position shown in FIG. 1 to the use position shown in FIG. 2, the case protrusion 62 moves forward away from the elastic piece 11d.

[0077] The configuration of the knock mechanism 8 will now be described in more detail. The knock mechanism 8 has a cam groove 12d and a forward-facing inclined surface 12e provided on the inner surface of the rear axle 12 (axial cylinder 1), a slide cam 81 that engages with the cam groove 12d and slides in the front-to-rear direction, and a rotating cam 82 that is biased rearward by the first biasing member 21 and rotates circumferentially around the central axis C while repeatedly engaging and disengaging with the cam groove 12d each time the slide cam 81 is pushed forward against this biasing force.

[0078] In this embodiment, the rotating cam 82 is biased rearward by the first biasing member 21 and the second biasing member 22. In detail, as shown in Fig. 2, when the electrode contact portion 54 contacts the rear surface of the battery 3 and the case protrusion 62 is separated forward from the elastic piece 11d, the rotating cam 82 is biased rearward by the first biasing member 21 via the electronic component case 6, the battery 3, the electrode contact portion 54 of the battery case 5, and the case top wall 52. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, when the case protrusion 62 contacts the elastic piece 11d from the front side, the rotating cam 82 is biased rearward by the second biasing member 22 via the case top wall 52 of the battery case 5.

[0079] Each of Figs. 4 to 7 shows a plan view (side view) of a part of the knock mechanism 8 from the radial direction. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4(a), the cam groove 12d is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear body 12 and is a groove extending in the front-rear direction. The cam groove 12d opens radially inward and toward the front. A plurality of cam grooves 12d are provided at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the multiple cam grooves 12d include a deep groove 12da and a shallow groove 12db that is shallower in depth from the inner peripheral surface of the rear axle 12 toward the radially outward direction than the deep groove 12da. A plurality of deep grooves 12da and a plurality of shallow grooves 12db are provided. The deep grooves 12da and the shallow grooves 12db are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0081] The forward inclined surface 12e is connected to the front end of the cam groove 12d and faces the front side. The forward inclined surface 12e is inclined so as to extend toward one circumferential side (+θ side) and then toward the rear side (+Y side). A plurality of the forward inclined surfaces 12e are provided at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0082] The forward-facing slopes 12e include a short slope 12ea and a long slope 12eb that is longer than the short slope 12ea. The short slope 12ea is disposed adjacent to one circumferential side of the shallow groove 12db. The short slope 12ea is disposed between the shallow groove 12db and the deep groove 12da adjacent to the shallow groove 12db on one circumferential side.

[0083] The long inclined surface 12eb is disposed adjacent to one circumferential side of the deep groove 12da. The long inclined surface 12eb is disposed circumferentially between the deep groove 12da and the shallow groove 12db adjacent to the deep groove 12da on one circumferential side, and across the front end of the shallow groove 12db. The short inclined surfaces 12ea and the long inclined surfaces 12eb are provided in a plurality of pieces, and are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 1, the slide cam 81 is cylindrical about a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The slide cam 81 is inserted into a rear end opening 12b of the shaft cylinder 1. As shown in Fig. 4(b), the slide cam 81 has a slide protrusion 81a that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the slide cam 81, and a concave-convex slope 81b that is disposed on an end surface of the slide cam 81 facing the front side (-Y side).

[0085] A plurality of slide protrusions 81a are provided at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. Each slide protrusion 81a is inserted into each cam groove 12d (deep groove 12da and shallow groove 12db). As a result, the slide cam 81 engages with the cam groove 12d, restricting rotation in the circumferential direction relative to the cam groove 12d and allowing sliding movement in the front-rear direction.

[0086] The uneven inclined surface 81b has a plurality of first inclined surfaces 81ba and a plurality of second inclined surfaces 81bb. The first inclined surfaces 81ba and the second inclined surfaces 81bb are alternately arranged in succession along the circumferential direction. The first inclined surfaces 81ba face the front side and are inclined surfaces that extend toward the rear side (+Y side) as they approach one circumferential side (+θ side). The second inclined surfaces 81bb face the front side and are inclined surfaces that extend toward the front side (-Y side) as they approach one circumferential side (+θ side).

[0087] In addition, the portion of the uneven inclined surface 81b that is convex toward the front side (the connection portion between the second inclined surface 81bb and the first inclined surface 81ba) is disposed at the same position as the cam groove 12d in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the circumferential position of the portion of the uneven inclined surface 81b that is convex toward the front side is disposed at the center of the cam groove 12d in the circumferential direction.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 1, the rotating cam 82 is cylindrical about a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the rotating cam 82 is inserted into the front opening of the slide cam 81. The cam connection portion 53 of the battery case 5 fits into the front opening of the rotating cam 82. The front end face of the rotating cam 82 contacts the rear face of the case top wall 52. The rotating cam 82 is allowed to move in the front-rear direction and in the circumferential direction relative to the slide cam 81.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the rotating cam 82 has a cam protrusion 82a that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cam 82, and a rearward inclined surface 82b that is disposed on the end surface facing toward the rear of the cam protrusion 82a.

[0090] The cam protrusion 82a is shaped like a rib extending in the front-rear direction. The radial position of the outer surface of the cam protrusion 82a facing radially outward is disposed radially inward from the radial position of the groove bottom of the deep groove 12da, and disposed radially outward from the radial position of the groove bottom of the shallow groove 12db. Therefore, the cam protrusion 82a can enter the deep groove 12da from the front side, but cannot enter the shallow groove 12db from the front side.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 4(a), when the cam protrusion 82a is disposed in the deep groove 12da, the rotating cam 82 and the cam groove 12d are engaged with each other, and the circumferential movement of the rotating cam 82 relative to the cam groove 12d is restricted. Also, as shown in Fig. 4(b), when the cam protrusion 82a is disengaged from the deep groove 12da to the front side, the engagement between the rotating cam 82 and the cam groove 12d is released, and the rotating cam 82 is allowed to move in the circumferential direction relative to the cam groove 12d.

[0092] The rearward inclined surface 82b faces the rear side and has an inclined surface shape that extends toward the rear side (+Y side) as it approaches one circumferential side (+θ side). The rearward inclined surface 82b is capable of contacting the forward inclined surface 12e and the uneven inclined surface 81b from the front side.

[0093] Next, the operation of the knock mechanism 8 will be described. When the pen tip 7 is in the stored position as shown in Fig. 1, the cam protrusion 82a is disposed in the deep groove 12da as shown in Fig. 4(a). When the user pushes the slide cam 81 forward from this state, the uneven inclined surface 81b of the slide cam 81 pushes the rearward inclined surface 82b forward, so that the rotating cam 82 moves forward together with the slide cam 81.

[0094] When the rotating cam 82 moves forward and the cam protrusion 82a escapes from the deep groove 12da to the front, as shown in Figure 4(b), the rotating cam 82 is biased rearward by the biasing force of the first biasing member 21, so that the rearward-facing inclined surface 82b slides on the first inclined surface 81ba toward one circumferential side (+θ side) and toward the rear side (+Y side).

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4(c), when the rear end of the cam projection 82a contacts the second inclined surface 81bb adjacent to one circumferential side of the first inclined surface 81ba, further sliding of the rearward inclined surface 82b against the first inclined surface 81ba is stopped.

[0096] From this state, when the user releases the slide cam 81 from being pressed forward, the rearward biasing force of the first biasing member 21 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "biasing force") moves the rotating cam 82 and the slide cam 81 rearward, and as shown in Figure 5(a), the rearward-facing inclined surface 82b comes into contact with the long inclined surface 12eb from the front.

[0097] When the slide cam 81 further moves rearward, as shown in Figure 5(b), the uneven inclined surface 81b moves away from the rearward inclined surface 82b rearward, and the rearward inclined surface 82b slides on the long inclined surface 12eb toward one circumferential side (+θ side) and toward the rear (+Y side).

[0098] When the rearward inclined surface 82b slides on the long inclined surface 12eb and reaches the end of one circumferential side and the rear end of the long inclined surface 12eb as shown in Fig. 5(c), the cam protrusion 82a faces the shallow groove 12db from the front side. The cam protrusion 82a cannot enter the shallow groove 12db, and the rotating cam 82 does not move any further to one circumferential side or rear side, and the operation of the rotating cam 82 stops. This places the pen tip 7 in the use position shown in Fig. 2.

[0099] When the user pushes the slide cam 81 forward again from the state shown in Figure 5(c) (the position in which the pen tip 7 is used), the uneven inclined surface 81b pushes the rearward-facing inclined surface 82b forward, as shown in Figure 6(a), causing the rotating cam 82 to move forward together with the slide cam 81.

[0100] Since the rotating cam 82 is biased rearward by the biasing force, the rearward inclined surface 82b slides on the first inclined surface 81ba toward one circumferential side (+θ side) and rearward (+Y side), as shown in Fig. 6(b). When the rear end of the cam projection 82a comes into contact with the second inclined surface 81bb adjacent to the first inclined surface 81ba on one circumferential side, further sliding of the rearward inclined surface 82b against the first inclined surface 81ba is stopped.

[0101] From this state, when the user releases the slide cam 81 from being pressed forward, the rotating cam 82 and the slide cam 81 move rearward due to the biasing force, and the rearward inclined surface 82b comes into contact with the short inclined surface 12ea from the front, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0102] When the slide cam 81 further moves rearward, as shown in Figure 7(b), the uneven inclined surface 81b moves away from the rearward inclined surface 82b rearward, and the rearward inclined surface 82b slides on the short inclined surface 12ea toward one circumferential side (+θ side) and toward the rear side (+Y side).

[0103] The rearward inclined surface 82b slides on the short inclined surface 12ea, and the cam protrusion 82a faces the deep groove 12da from the front side, so that the cam protrusion 82a enters the deep groove 12da as shown in Fig. 7(c), thereby bringing the pen tip 7 into the storage position shown in Fig. 1. As described above, each time the user repeats the knocking operation, the pen tip 7 is alternately positioned between the stored position and the use position.

[0104] 1, the first locking means 23 prevents the electronic component case 6 from slipping out rearward from the front axle 11 when the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are separated. In this embodiment, the first locking means 23 has an elastic piece 11d (first locked portion) provided on the front axle 11, and a case protrusion 62 (first locking portion) provided on the electronic component case 6 and capable of being locked to the elastic piece 11d from the front side.

[0105] Additionally, the second locking means 24 prevents the battery case 5 from slipping out forward from the rear axle 12 when the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are separated. In this embodiment, the second locking means 24 has a rear axle protrusion 12c (second locked portion) provided on the rear axle 12, and a locking protrusion 55 (second locking portion) provided on the battery case 5 and capable of locking with the rear axle protrusion 12c from the rear side.

[0106] The impact mitigation means 25 mitigates the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6 when the electronic component case 6 is moved from the use position (advance position) to the storage position (retracted position) by the knock mechanism 8. The impact mitigation means 25 is provided on at least one of the outer periphery of the electronic component case 6 and the inner periphery of the shaft tube 1. In this embodiment, the impact mitigation means 25 has a hole portion 11c and an elastic piece 11d provided in the shaft tube 1, and a case protrusion 62 provided on the electronic component case 6. When the electronic component case 6 is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism 8, the case protrusion 62 comes into contact with the elastically deformable elastic piece 11d, thereby mitigating the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6.

[0107] In the input pen 10 of the present embodiment described above, the battery 3, battery case 5, electronic component 4, and electronic component case 6 are provided inside the barrel 1, and the pen tip 7 is disposed at the front end of the electronic component case 6. When a user performs a knock operation using the knock mechanism 8, the pen tip 7 moves in the front-rear direction between a use position where it protrudes forward from the front-end opening 11b of the barrel 1, and a storage position where it is stored inside the barrel 1.

[0108] Therefore, when the input pen 10 is not in use, the pen tip 7 can be stored inside the barrel 1. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as damage to the pen tip 7 due to an impact, for example, when the input pen 10 is dropped. Furthermore, when the input pen 10 is in use, the pen tip 7 can be easily protruded forward from the front end opening 11b of the barrel 1 by a knock operation, which is convenient to use.

[0109] In this embodiment, when a user separates the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 to disassemble the axle tube 1, the first locking means 23 prevents the electronic component case 6 and the electronic components 4 held in the electronic component case 6 from slipping out rearward from the front axle 11. The second locking means 24 prevents the battery case 5 from slipping out frontward from the rear axle 12. For this reason, with the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 separated, it is possible to remove only the battery 3 from the battery case 5, which opens to the front.

[0110] According to the input pen 10 of this embodiment, only the battery 3 can be easily detached and replaced without detaching the electronic components 4 and the like provided inside the barrel 1. This improves the workability when replacing the battery. In addition, when the barrel 1 is disassembled, problems such as the electronic components 4 and the like unintentionally falling out of the barrel 1 and being lost or damaged are suppressed. Therefore, compared to conventional input pens, the input pen 10 of this embodiment is easier to handle, and the frequency and cost of maintenance such as repairs are reduced.

[0111] In this embodiment, the battery 3 has a first electrode 31 arranged at the front end of the battery 3 and a second electrode 32 arranged at the rear end of the battery 3, the battery case 5 is made of a conductive material, the electronic component case 6 has an insertion portion 63 inserted into the front opening end 51a of the battery case 5, and the insertion portion 63 has a first conductive portion 63a arranged on the rear end surface of the insertion portion 63 and a second conductive portion 63b protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 63 and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening end 51a, and the first electrode 31 is connected to the first conductive portion 63a, and the second electrode 32 is connected to the second conductive portion 63b via the battery case 5.

[0112] In this case, the conductive battery case 5 can be used to connect (conduct) the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 and the second conductive part 63b of the electronic component case 6, without providing a wiring member such as a wire inside the barrel 1. The battery 3 and electronic component case 6 can be electrically connected with each other through a simple structure.

[0113] In this embodiment, when the battery case 5 is disposed in the storage position, the electrode contact portion 54 is disposed rearward and away from the second electrode 32 due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 22. When the battery case 5 is disposed in the usage position, the electrode contact portion 54 moves forward against the biasing force of the second biasing member 22 and comes into contact with the second electrode 32.

[0114] In this case, a knock operation of the knock mechanism 8 can switch between a conductive state (power ON state) and a non-conductive state (power OFF state) between the battery 3 and the electronic component case 6 via the battery case 5. That is, the user can switch the power of the input pen 10 ON / OFF by a knock operation. In addition, the user can easily determine the power state of the input pen 10 by visually checking whether the pen tip 7 is in the use position or the storage position.

[0115] The input pen 10 of this embodiment also includes an impact absorbing means 25 that absorbs the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6 when the electronic component case 6 is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism 8.

[0116] When a user performs a knock operation using the knock mechanism 8, the electronic component case 6 moves from the storage position to the use position against the biasing force of the first biasing member 21, and also moves from the use position to the storage position due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 21. In particular, when the electronic component case 6 is returned from the use position to the storage position, a strong impact tends to be transmitted to the electronic component case 6 due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 21 (restoring deformation force after elastic deformation). Such a strong impact is undesirable for the electronic components 4 held in the electronic component case 6.

[0117] In this embodiment, since the input pen 10 is provided with the shock absorbing means 25, when the electronic component case 6 is returned from the use position to the storage position, the biasing force of the first biasing member 21 is prevented from transmitting a strong shock to the electronic component case 6. This also prevents a strong shock from being transmitted to the electronic component 4 held in the electronic component case 6, and the function of the electronic component 4 is well maintained. Therefore, the device life of the input pen 10 can be extended.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shock absorbing means 25 is provided on at least one of the outer periphery of the electronic component case 6 and the inner periphery of the barrel 1. For example, unlike this embodiment, this embodiment can reduce the overall length (front-rear dimension) of the input pen 10 compared to a configuration in which the shock absorbing means are arranged adjacent to the rear side of the electronic component case. Particularly in a configuration in which the battery 3 and battery case 5 are housed inside the barrel 1, as in this embodiment, it is easy to achieve a compact overall length of the input pen 10 while providing the above-mentioned shock absorbing function.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the impact absorbing means 25 has a hole portion 11c that radially penetrates the peripheral wall of the barrel 1, an elastically deformable elastic piece 11d that is arranged in the hole portion 11c, and a case protrusion 62 that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the electronic component case 6 and is arranged in front of the elastic piece 11d within the hole portion 11c, and when the electronic component case 6 is moved from the usage position to the storage position by the knock mechanism 8, the case protrusion 62 comes into contact with the elastic piece 11d.

[0120] In this case, when the user performs a knock operation and the electronic component case 6 moves from the use position to the storage position, the case protrusion 62 comes into contact with the elastic piece 11d, and the elastic piece 11d elastically deforms, thereby mitigating the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6. This stably prevents a strong impact from being transmitted to the electronic component 4 held in the electronic component case 6.

[0121] In this embodiment, the elastic piece 11d has a contact portion 11da that contacts the case projection 62, and a thin portion 11db that connects the inner periphery of the hole 11c and the contact portion 11da and is thinner than the contact portion 11da.

[0122] In this case, when the electronic component case 6 moves from the use position to the storage position and the case protrusion 62 comes into contact with the contact portion 11da, the thin portion 11db is made to easily elastically deform. Since the thin portion 11db ensures a large amount of elastic deformation of the elastic piece 11d, the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6 and the electronic component 4 can be more stably suppressed.

[0123] <Second embodiment> Next, an input pen 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment may be given the same names and symbols and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the definition of the direction is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0124] The input pen 20 of the second embodiment differs from the input pen 10 of the first embodiment in the configurations of the front shaft 11, the first locking means 23, the shock absorbing means 25, and the like.

[0125] In this embodiment, the front shaft 11 has a front cylinder body 13 and a rear cylinder body 14 disposed on the rear side of the front cylinder body 13. The front cylinder body 13 and the rear cylinder body 14 are detachably fixed to each other by screwing, fitting, or the like.

[0126] Furthermore, front shaft 11 (shaft cylinder 1) has a first protrusion 11f that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of front shaft 11. Furthermore, electronic component case 6 has a second protrusion 64 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of electronic component case 6. Second protrusion 64 is disposed forward of first protrusion 11f.

[0127] In this embodiment, the front end portion of the first biasing member 21 contacts the rear end surface of the front cylinder body 13 from the rear side. Also, the rear end portion of the first biasing member 21 contacts the front end surface of the second projection 64 from the front side.

[0128] The input pen 20 includes an elastic body 15. The elastic body 15 is disposed inside the front shaft 11. The elastic body 15 has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction around the central axis C. The elastic body 15 is, for example, an O-ring, and is elastically deformable. The elastic body 15 is disposed between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64 in the front-rear direction.

[0129] When the pen tip 7 and the electronic component case 6 are moved from the use position shown in FIG. 9 to the storage position shown in FIG. 8 by knocking the knock mechanism 8, the elastic body 15 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first locking means 23 has a first protrusion 11f (first locked portion) provided on the front shaft 11, and a second protrusion 64 (first locking portion) provided on the electronic component case 6 and capable of locking with the first protrusion 11f from the front side via the elastic body 15.

[0131] In this embodiment, the impact mitigation means 25 has the first protrusion 11f, the second protrusion 64, and the elastic body 15. When the electronic component case 6 is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism 8, the elastically deformable elastic body 15 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64, thereby mitigating the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6.

[0132] The input pen 20 of this embodiment described above also provides the same effects as those of the previous embodiments.

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, the impact absorbing means 25 has a first protrusion 11f protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the barrel 1, a second protrusion 64 protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the electronic component case 6, and an elastic body 15 that is arranged between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64 in the front-to-rear direction and is elastically deformable, and when the electronic component case 6 is moved from the usage position to the storage position by the knock mechanism 8, the elastic body 15 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64.

[0134] In this case, when the user performs a knock operation and the electronic component case 6 moves from the use position to the storage position, the elastic body 15 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 11f and the second protrusion 64 and elastically deforms, thereby mitigating the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6. This stably prevents a strong impact from being transmitted to the electronic component 4 held in the electronic component case 6.

[0135] In this embodiment, the elastic body 15 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction around the central axis C. The elastic body 15 is, for example, an O-ring, etc. The annular elastic body 15 can stably reduce the impact transmitted to the electronic component case 6 and the electronic component 4. In this case, the elastic body 15 is easy to manufacture and easy to assemble.

[0136] <Third embodiment> Next, an input pen 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment may be given the same names and symbols and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the definition of directions is the same as in the above-described embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0137] The input pen 30 of the third embodiment differs from the input pens 10 and 20 of the previously described embodiments in that the rotating cam 82 and the battery case 5 are configured to rotate together, and the battery case 5 and the electronic component case 6 are configured to rotate together.

[0138] 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the electronic component case 6 has a case rib 65 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case 6. The case rib 65 is disposed in the insertion portion 63 of the electronic component case 6 and extends in the front-rear direction. A plurality of case ribs 65 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two case ribs 65 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0139] The battery case 5 also has a front slit 56 that penetrates the case peripheral wall 51 in the radial direction. The front slit 56 is disposed at the open end 51a of the case peripheral wall 51 and extends in the front-rear direction. The front slit 56 opens at the front end face of the case peripheral wall 51. A plurality of front slits 56 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two front slits 56 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0140] Each case rib 65 is inserted into each front slit 56. This restricts relative rotation of electronic component case 6 with battery case 5 in the circumferential direction.

[0141] 10 and 12, the rotating cam 82 has a cam rib 82c that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cam 82. The cam rib 82c is shaped like a rib extending in the front-rear direction. A plurality of cam ribs 82c are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two cam ribs 82c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0142] The battery case 5 also has a rear slit 57 that radially penetrates the cam connection portion 53. The rear slit 57 extends in the front-rear direction and opens into the rear end face of the cam connection portion 53.

[0143] The cam ribs 82c are inserted into the rear slits 57. This restricts the battery case 5 from rotating relative to the rotating cam 82 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the relative rotation of electronic component case 6 with respect to rotating cam 82 in the circumferential direction is restricted.

[0144] The input pen 30 of this embodiment described above also provides the same effects as those of the previous embodiments.

[0145] In this embodiment, the pen tip 7 disposed at the front end of the electronic component case 6 rotates together with the rotating cam 82 of the knock mechanism 8 in response to a knock operation by the user. This makes it possible to suppress uneven wear (uneven wear) of the pen tip 7 of the input pen 30.

[0146] <Fourth embodiment> Next, an input pen 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments may be given the same names and symbols and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the definition of directions is the same as in the above-described embodiments unless otherwise specified.

[0147] The input pen 40 of the fourth embodiment differs from the input pens 10, 20, and 30 of the above-described embodiments in the configurations of the cam connection portion 53, the electrode contact portion 54, and the like of the battery case 5.

[0148] 13, in this embodiment, the cam connection part 53 is tubular and opens to the front, and extends in the front-rear direction about the central axis C. Specifically, a hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is provided in the center of the case top wall 52, and the internal space of the cam connection part 53 opens to the front through this hole.

[0149] The electrode contact portion 54 is made of an elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the front-rear direction. The electrode contact portion 54 is a compression coil spring or the like made of a conductive metal. A rear portion of the electrode contact portion 54 fits into the cam connection portion 53. The electrode contact portion 54 and the cam connection portion 53 are fixed to each other by fitting or the like.

[0150] 13 shows the input pen 40 (its pen tip 7) in the usage position. When the input pen 40 is in the usage position, the front end of the electrode contact portion 54 contacts the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 from the rear side. Specifically, the electrode contact portion 54 is pressed against the second electrode 32 in a state contracted in the front-rear direction (elastically deformed state).

[0151] In the input pen 40 of the present embodiment described above, the electrode contact portion 54 is made of an elastic member having electrical conductivity, such as a compression coil spring. The electrode contact portion 54 is pressed against the second electrode 32 of the battery 3 while elastically deforming, so that the contact state between them is stably maintained. This allows the electrical continuity between the battery case 5 and the battery 3 to be well maintained.

[0152] The present invention may be combined with the various configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments, etc., and may include additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, etc., but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0153] According to the input pen of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a strong impact caused by a knock operation from being transmitted to an electronic component, and therefore the input pen has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1... barrel, 4... electronic component, 6... electronic component case, 7... pen tip, 8... knock mechanism, 10, 20, 30, 40... input pen, 11b... front end opening, 11c... hole, 11d... elastic piece, 11da... contact portion, 11db... thin portion, 11f... first projection, 12d... cam groove, 15... elastic body, 21... first biasing member (biasing member), 25... impact mitigation means, 62... case projection, 64... second projection, 81... slide cam, 82... rotating cam, C... central axis

Claims

1. A shaft cylinder extending in the front-rear direction along a central axis; An electronic component disposed inside the barrel; an electronic component case disposed inside the barrel and holding the electronic component; a pen tip disposed at a front end of the electronic component case; a biasing member that biases the electronic component case rearward relative to the shaft cylinder; a knock mechanism that moves the pen tip together with the electronic component case in a forward and backward direction to switch between a use position in which the pen tip protrudes forward from a front end opening of the barrel and a storage position in which the pen tip is stored inside the barrel; and an impact absorbing means provided on at least one of an outer circumferential portion of the electronic component case and an inner circumferential portion of the barrel, absorbing an impact transmitted to the electronic component case when the electronic component case is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism. Input pen.

2. The impact absorbing means is a hole portion that penetrates a peripheral wall of the barrel in a radial direction; An elastic piece that is elastically deformable and is disposed in the hole; a case protrusion protruding radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case and disposed in front of the elastic piece within the hole, When the electronic component case is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism, the case protrusion comes into contact with the elastic piece.

2. The input pen according to claim 1.

3. The elastic piece is a contact portion that contacts the case protrusion; a thin-walled portion that connects an inner periphery of the hole and the contact portion and is thinner than the contact portion, 3. The input pen according to claim 2.

4. The impact absorbing means is A first protrusion protruding radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of the barrel; A second protrusion protruding radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the electronic component case; an elastic body that is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the front-rear direction and is elastically deformable; When the electronic component case is moved from the use position to the storage position by the knock mechanism, the elastic body is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

2. The input pen according to claim 1.

5. The elastic body is annular and extends in a circumferential direction around the central axis.

5. The input pen according to claim 4.

6. The knock mechanism includes: A cam groove is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the barrel and extends in a front-rear direction; a slide cam that engages with the cam groove and slides in the front-rear direction; a rotating cam that is biased rearward by the biasing member and that is rotated in a circumferential direction around the central axis while repeatedly engaging with and disengaging from the cam groove each time the slide cam is pushed forward against the biasing force, The electronic component case is restricted from rotating relative to the rotating cam in a circumferential direction.

6. An input pen according to claim 1.

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