Electronic pen

Abstract

To provide an electronic pen which can be used as both a writing utensil such as a ball-point pen and an input device, in which a writing body such as a ball-point pen refill is allowed to appear and disappear and a power source of the input device can be turned on / off by operation for appearance / disappearance of the writing body such as the ball-point pen refill.SOLUTION: The electronic pen comprises a cylindrical case and a writing body and transmits and / or receives signals through a tip part of the writing body. The writing body is allowed to appear from and disappear to the cylindrical case, and a power source is turned on / off by an operation for appearance / disappearance of the writing body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen that can be used both as a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen and as an input device for touch panels equipped on notebook PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, an electronic pen has been proposed that can be used both as a ballpoint pen and as an input device for electronic devices such as touch panels equipped on notebook PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, etc. (See Patent Document 1). Also, there has been known an electronic pen that can make the pen tip appear and disappear by knocking the knock portion at the rear end, and can transmit a signal including a position detection signal and additional information (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-136002 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5978416 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An electronic pen that can transmit a signal by a knock operation does not turn the power of the electronic pen on and off by a knock operation, and therefore wastes power. Electronic pens that can be used as both ballpoint pens and input devices do not have a tip that protrudes from a cylindrical case, but require a cap. This means that when using the pen, the user must remove and attach the cap and turn the electronic pen on and off, which is inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an electronic pen that can be used as both a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen and an input device, in which a writing element such as a ballpoint pen refill can be extended or retracted, and in which the power of the input device can be turned on / off by operating the extending or retracting of the writing element such as a ballpoint pen refill. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. An electronic pen comprising a cylindrical case and a writing body, the tip of which transmits and / or receives signals, the writing element is retractable from the cylindrical case; The electronic pen is characterized in that the power is turned on / off by operating the writing element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an electronic pen that can be used as both a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen and an input device, in which the tip of a writing element such as a ballpoint pen refill can be extended and retracted from a cylindrical case, and the input device can be turned on and off by operating the extension and retraction, making it easy to turn the input device on and off and preventing unnecessary consumption of power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic pen 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ballpoint pen tip 31 of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first modification of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first modification of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the second modification of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the second modification of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the second modification of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the second modification of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the second modification of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a third modification of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a third modification of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a fourth modification of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a fourth modification of the present invention. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out and inserting the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a rotational operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how a cap is attached to and detached from an electronic pen 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment 1] An electronic pen 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment is an electronic pen that can be used both as a ballpoint pen as a writing implement and as an input device, and can transmit and receive signals to and from other electronic devices such as a touch panel using a ballpoint pen tip 31 at the end of a ballpoint pen refill 3 as a writing implement, which will be described later. Note that the electronic pen 1 may be configured to perform only one of transmission and reception. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts with the same functions, and duplicated descriptions in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic pen 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a ballpoint pen tip 31 of the electronic pen 1. As shown in FIG. The electronic pen 1 has a cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3, a knock button 4, a feeding mechanism 5, a circuit board 6, and a power source 7. The cylindrical case 2 houses a ballpoint pen refill 3, a feeding mechanism 5, a circuit board 6, and a power supply 7. An opening 2a is formed at one axial end to allow the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract. A knock button 4 for performing a knock operation is inserted at the other end on the opposite side, and a clip 2b is provided to fasten the electronic pen 1 to clothing, documents, etc. Furthermore, the cylindrical case 2 may have any configuration, such as a configuration in which it is divided into two members, a front case and a rear case, near the center in the axial direction, or a configuration in which only the tip portion is detachable. Hereinafter, in this specification, the direction in which the center line of the cylindrical case 2 extends will be referred to as the axial direction, the direction around the center line of the cylindrical case 2 will be referred to as the circumferential direction, the direction from the center of the cylindrical case 2 toward the outer periphery of the cylindrical case 2 will be referred to as the radial direction, the end side where the opening 2a is formed will be referred to as the front or anterior, and the other end on the opposite side will be referred to as the posterior.

[0011] [Overall configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment 1, a power supply 7 is stored at the rear of the cylindrical case 2, and an extension mechanism 5 is arranged in front of the power supply 7, near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, and an operating member 8 is attached to the front of the extension mechanism 5. A circuit board 6 is housed in the front side of the cylindrical case 2. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the cylindrical case 2 together with the circuit board 6, in front of the feeding mechanism 5. It is preferable that the ballpoint pen refill 3 is replaceable. The circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are both fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. A knock button 4 (knock member) is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and this knock button 4 and the feeding mechanism 5 are connected by a connecting member not shown, and the feeding mechanism 5 is activated by operation of the knock button 4.

[0012] In the first embodiment, the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 and do not move, so that failures in the electrical system are less likely to occur. Furthermore, by positioning the heavy rechargeable battery in the power source 7 toward the center of the axial direction of the cylindrical case 2, and further by positioning the circuit board 6 in addition to the ballpoint pen refill 3 at the front of the cylindrical case 2, the center of gravity of the electronic pen 1 is closer to the pen grip, and the rotational moment due to gravity around the pen grip is reduced, improving pen tip operability with the fingertips; in other words, the weight balance in the axial direction of the electronic pen 1 is good, resulting in a better writing feel. Furthermore, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are arranged separately on the front and rear sides of the cylindrical case 2, and the extension mechanism 5 is arranged near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, so this arrangement can be left as is and changed into the rotary electronic pen 1 of embodiment 3 described below.

[0013] [Electronic equipment] The electronic pen 1 is equipped with various electronic devices so that it can be used as an input device for other electronic devices such as a touch panel. The electronic device includes a circuit board 6 on which a control circuit for controlling the function of the electronic pen 1 as an input device is mounted, and a power supply 7 for supplying power to the circuit board. In the first embodiment, a circuit board 6 is housed in the front side of the cylindrical case 2, and a power supply 7 is housed in the rear side of the cylindrical case 2. Both the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 2. A conductor is arranged between the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 to supply power from the power source 7 to the circuit board 6, and a conductor is arranged between the circuit board 6 and the ballpoint pen tip 31 to transmit and receive signals between the circuit board 6 and the ballpoint pen tip 31 (neither conductor is shown). A switch member 61 is mounted on the circuit board 6. By pressing this switch member 61, the power of the electronic pen 1 can be turned on / off. The switch member 61 is pressed by the operation member 8, and is mounted so that the pressing direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical case 2, i.e., the movement direction of the operation member 8. By arranging this switch member 61 so that the pressing direction is perpendicular to the movement direction of the operating member 8, the operating load when the ballpoint pen refill 3 is extended or retracted is not directly transmitted to the circuit board 6, thereby preventing the electrical and electronic components mounted on the circuit board 6 from being damaged by the impact caused by the operating load when the ballpoint pen refill 3 is extended or retracted. The power supply 7 has a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit, as well as a terminal for inputting power for charging from an external source. In the first embodiment, a USB terminal is used so that communication with other electronic devices such as PCs, tablets, and smartphones can be performed in addition to charging, but other types of terminals may also be used.

[0014] [Ballpoint pen refills] The ballpoint pen refill 3 has an ink tank that stores ink I, and a ballpoint pen tip 31 provided at the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is moved in the axial direction within the cylindrical case 2 by a feeding mechanism 5 . The feeding mechanism 5 is operated by the knock button 4. Each time the knock button 4 is pressed, the feeding mechanism 5 moves between a rear retracted position and a front advanced position and is fixed at each position. The rear end of the ballpoint pen refill 3 abuts or is connected to the front side of the feeding mechanism 5, and in conjunction with the axial movement of the feeding mechanism 5, the ballpoint pen refill 3 moves axially, causing the ballpoint pen tip 31 at the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract from the opening 21a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2. When the feeding mechanism 5 is in the retracted position, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted from the opening 21a, and conversely, when the feeding mechanism 5 is in the advanced position, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the opening 21a. In this embodiment 1, the feeding mechanism 5 is provided with an operating member 8 that abuts against or moves away from the switch member 61 to operate the switch member 61 as the knock button 4 moves, i.e., as the ballpoint pen refill 3 extends or retracts. In the first embodiment, the operating member 8 is configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially outer side, but conversely, the operating member 8 may be configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially inner side.

[0015] The ballpoint pen tip 31 includes a substantially cylindrical tip body 311, both of which are made of a conductive material such as metal, and a transfer ball 312 rotatably held at the tip of the tip body 311. A portion of the front side of the transfer ball 312 is exposed from the opening at the tip of the tip body 311, and writing is performed by rolling over the first writing surface S1 and transferring the ink I supplied into the tip body 311 onto the first writing surface S1. The ballpoint pen tip 31 of this embodiment 1 is configured such that, by appropriately adjusting the configuration of each part, the transfer ball 312 rolls on the first writing surface S1, making writing possible (see Figure 2(a)), but does not roll but only slides on the second writing surface S2, which has physical properties different from the first writing surface S1, making writing impossible (see Figure 2(b)). The first writing surface S1 and the second writing surface S2 differ, for example, in that the surface roughness of the first writing surface S1 is greater than the surface roughness of the second writing surface S2, and the first writing surface S1 can be made of paper, etc., while the second writing surface S2 can be made of glass, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet, etc.

[0016] As described above, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is connected to a conductor from the circuit board 6, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 can be protruded from the opening 2a of the cylindrical case 2 to send and receive signals to and from other devices such as a touch panel. The conductor connecting the circuit board 6 and the ballpoint pen tip 31 may be configured such that the cylindrical case 2 is made of a conductive material and signals are transmitted from the circuit board 6 through the cylindrical case 2, or the cylindrical case 2 is made of a synthetic resin material and a conductor is provided on the inner or outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 2 and signals are transmitted through this conductor. Note that the conductor is not limited to these configurations and may have any configuration as long as it can connect the circuit board 6 and the ballpoint pen tip 31.

[0017] According to the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment, on a first writing surface S1 such as paper, it can be used as a writing implement and can transfer ink I from the transfer ball 312 to the first writing surface S1. On a second writing surface S2 such as a touch panel, it also functions as an input device, and since the transfer ball 312 cannot roll and the ink I cannot be transferred, it is possible to prevent the touch panel or the like from being soiled with ink I.

[0018] [Knock action] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 4(a) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the amount of protrusion L (see FIG. 3(d)) of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (c) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) shows the state during writing, (e) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the amount of protrusion L of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS. 3 and 4. The amount of operation of the feeding mechanism means the amount of protrusion of the ballpoint pen refill 3, which corresponds to the amount of depression of the knock button 4 required to rotate the rotor (not shown) of the feeding mechanism 5. The ballpoint pen refill 3 can move slightly further toward the tip than the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism.

[0019] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely inserted into the cylindrical case 2, the feeding mechanism 5 is located at the rear side, and therefore the operating member 8 provided on the feeding mechanism 5 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 3(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves forward together with the operating member 8. In this embodiment, when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds: hereinafter referred to as protrusion amount (2 / 3)L) of the protrusion amount L (see FIG. 3(d)) of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch (see FIG. 3(b)). Furthermore, when the knock button 4 is pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. Even in this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, keeping the switch depressed (see FIG. 3(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves slightly backward and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes from the opening 2a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2, and writing becomes possible. Even in this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, maintaining the switch in a depressed state (see FIG. 3(d)).

[0020] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves slightly forward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the feeding mechanism operation. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, keeping the switch depressed (see Figure 4(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5, together with the operating member 8, retracts the ballpoint pen tip 31 to (2 / 3)L. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, keeping the switch pressed down (see FIG. 4(f)). Furthermore, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves further backward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. In this state, the operating member 8 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 4(g)).

[0021] [Power ON / OFF] 5 to 7 are flow diagrams of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 5 being a flow diagram of operation 1, FIG. 6 being a flow diagram of operation 2, and FIG. As described above, in this embodiment 1, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state where the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 is just about to protrude to (2 / 3)L, and the switch member 61 is ON between the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L and the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. As shown in actions 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend / retract (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0022] In this embodiment 1, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, and only then does the operating member 8 come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch; however, this is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 first comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses the switch may be any amount equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L.

[0023] [Operation 1] In operation 1, when the switch member 61 is not pressed (non-pressed state) and is OFF (switch pressed is No), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned OFF, and when the switch member 61 is pressed (pressed state) and is ON (switch pressed is Yes), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON. 5, while the switch press is No in step 11 (S11), the power OFF state of the electronic pen 1 is maintained. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 11 (S11), the process proceeds to step 12 (S12), the power is turned ON, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power ON state. The power-on state is maintained while the switch pressing is Yes in step 13 (S13). When the pressing of the switch member 61 by the operation member 8 is released, the switch pressing becomes No in step 13 (S13), the process proceeds to step 14 (S14), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state.

[0024] As described above, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L of the protrusion amount L, and only then does the operating member 8 come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch. In other words, because the operating member 8 does not come into contact with the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby making it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0025] [Operation 2] Operation 2 is an operation in which the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected to be ON, and the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected to be OFF. 6, while the switch press is No in step 21 (S21), the power OFF state of the electronic pen 1 is maintained. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 21 (S21), and the process proceeds to step 22 (S22). At this time, if the knock button 4 is released before the protrusion amount reaches the operation amount of the feeding mechanism, the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to a state where it is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, and if the knock button 4 is released after the protrusion amount reaches the operation amount of the feeding mechanism, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in a writing state. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to a state where it is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, it is determined in step 22 (S22) whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined to be No, the process returns to step 21 (S21), where it is determined that the switch was not pressed, and the time measurement is reset. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in a writing state, it is determined in step 22 (S22) whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined to be No, the process returns to step 21 (S21). After this, if the switch press continues to be determined as Yes until the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined as Yes in step 22 (S22) and the process proceeds to step 23 (S23). If the switch press is determined as No in step 21 (S21) before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step 21 (S21). At this time, the time measurement is reset. When the process proceeds to step 23 (S23), the power is turned on and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-on state. While the switch press is Yes in step 24 (S24), the power-on state is maintained. When the switch member 61 is released from being pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes No in step 24 (S24), and the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). In step 25 (S25), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if No, the process returns to step 24 (S24). If the determination of whether the predetermined time has elapsed is Yes, the process proceeds to step 26 (S26), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state.

[0026] As in operation 1, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby making it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 2, the power supply of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the ON / OFF of the switch member 61 is detected. Therefore, even if an operation that turns ON / OFF in a short period of time within the predetermined time (such as clicking the knock button 4) is performed, the power supply is not turned ON / OFF. This further reduces unnecessary power consumption and prevents the power supply from being repeatedly turned ON / OFF in a short period of time.

[0027] [Operation 3] Operation 3 is an operation in which, when it is detected that the electronic pen has not been used for a predetermined time while the power is on, the power of the electronic pen 1 is switched off, in addition to the above operation 1. The electronic pen 1 capable of this operation 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor for detecting that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, a pressure sensor for detecting that writing pressure is being applied to the ballpoint pen tip 31 due to writing, and the like. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the acceleration sensor detects that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, and thus detects that the electronic pen 1 is being used. 7, while the switch press is No in step 31 (S31), the power OFF state of the electronic pen 1 is maintained. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 31 (S31), the process proceeds to step 32 (S32), the power is turned ON, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power ON state. When the switch member 61 is released from being pressed by the operating member 8, the switch pressing becomes No in step 33 (S33), the process proceeds to step 36 (S36), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state. If the switch press is Yes in step 33 (S33), it is determined in step 34 (S34) whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is less than a predetermined threshold. If the detected acceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold, the determination of whether the acceleration sensor is less than the threshold becomes No, and the process returns to step 33 (S33). In other words, the power-on state is maintained while the switch member 61 is pressed and it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used for writing and moving. If the switch has been pressed and the electronic pen 1 is not being used for writing or moving, the determination in step 34 (S34) as to whether the acceleration sensor is below the threshold is Yes, time counting begins, and the process proceeds to step 35 (S35). If the counted time is less than the predetermined time, the determination in step 35 (S35) is No, and the process returns to step 33 (S33). If the counted time becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, that is, if it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used and moving before the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 34 (S34) is No, the counted time is reset, and the process returns to step 33 (S33), and the power is kept on. When the counted time exceeds a predetermined value without detecting the electronic pen 1 being used and movement, i.e., when the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 35 (S35) becomes Yes, the counted time is reset, and the process proceeds to step 36 (S36). In step 36 (S36), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state. At this time, the switch member 61 is pressed by the operation member 8, i.e., the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position. If the process returns to step 31 (S31) in this state, the power will be turned on again. Therefore, the state of step 36 (S36) is suspended so that the process does not return to step 31 (S31) until the switch member 61 is released from the operation member 8 and the switch press becomes No. In other words, the power cannot be turned on until the ballpoint pen tip 31 is returned to the fully immersed state. When the switch member 61 is released from being pressed by the operating member 8, the switch pressing becomes No in step 13 (S13), the process proceeds to step 14 (S14), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state.

[0028] As in operation 1, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby making it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 3, when the electronic pen 1 is not used for a predetermined period of time, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption caused by the knock button 4 remaining pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

[0029] The above operations 1 to 3 can be adopted in an electronic pen 1 in which the switch member 61 is ON when the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position.

[0030] In this embodiment 1, a knock button 4 located at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2 is used as a knock member that operates the knock mechanism that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract, but the knock member is not limited to this, and any knock mechanism and knock member that operates this knock mechanism may be used as long as it is a knock mechanism that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract. For example, it is also possible to use a side knock member such as a clip knock member arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. Also, various knock mechanisms can be used, such as a knock mechanism in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes when the knock button 4 arranged on the rear end of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts when a clip or button arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed, or a knock mechanism in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes when a clip knock member arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 moves in the axial direction, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts when the clip knock member or button arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed in the radial direction. All members that operate the knock mechanism are knock members.

[0031] [Variation 1] Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 9A and 9B show a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the amount of protrusion L (see FIG. 8D) of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the amount of protrusion L of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS.

[0032] The difference between this variant example 1 and embodiment 1 is that the switch member 61 is a switch that is OFF when pressed down by the operating member 8 and ON when the operating member 8 is away from it, and since the type of switch member 61 is different, the mounting position of the operating member 8 is also different. The operating member 8 is attached to a mounting member 51 formed on the tip side of the payout mechanism 5 so as to be located on the tip side of the switch member 61 .

[0033] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is located at the rear side, and the operating member 8 provided on the ballpoint pen refill 3 is in contact with the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6, and the switch is depressed (see FIG. 8(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move forward. In this first modification, the operating member 8 is not separated from the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds: hereinafter referred to as protrusion amount (2 / 3)L) of the protrusion amount L (see FIG. 8(d)) of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing (see FIG. 8(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 8(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen refill 3 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes from the opening 2a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2, and writing becomes possible. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 8(d))

[0034] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move slightly forward, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the payout mechanism operation. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61 (see Figure 9(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move backward, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts to the point where the ballpoint pen tip 31 is positioned at (2 / 3)L. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 9(f)). Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move further backward, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. In this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6, returning to a state in which the switch is pressed down (see FIG. 9(g)).

[0035] [Power ON / OFF] The flow diagram of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 in this variant example 1 is a flow diagram of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 in embodiment 1. In the flow diagram of Figure 5, the Yes and No of step 11 (S11) and step 13 (S13) are swapped, in the flow diagram of Figure 6, the Yes and No of step 21 (S21) and step 24 (S24) are swapped, and in the flow diagram of Figure 7, the Yes and No of step 31 (S31) and step 33 (S33) are swapped. In this variant example 1, as in embodiment 1, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state where the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 is just about to protrude to (2 / 3)L, and the switch member 61 is ON between the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L and the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism. As shown in actions 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend / retract (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0036] In this variant example 1, the operating member 8 is configured to separate from the switch member 61 only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, but this is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 first separates from the switch member 61 may be equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L.

[0037] [Operation 1] In operation 1, when the switch member 61 is pressed (pressed state) and is OFF (switch pressed: Yes), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned OFF, and when the switch member 61 is not pressed (non-pressed state) and is ON (switch pressed: No), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON. Operation 1 of this modified example 1 is explained by switching "Yes" and "No" in the explanation of Operation 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, in operation 1 of this modified example 1, as in operation 1 of embodiment 1, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0038] [Operation 2] Operation 2 is an operation in which the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected to be ON, and the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected to be OFF. Operation 2 of this modified example 1 is explained by switching "Yes" and "No" in the explanation of Operation 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, in operation 2 of this modified example 1, as in operation 2 of embodiment 1, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.Furthermore, since the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off when a predetermined time has passed since the ON / OFF of the switch member 61 is detected, even if an operation that turns on / off in a short time within the predetermined time (such as clicking the knock button 4) is performed, the power will not be turned on / off, thereby further reducing unnecessary power consumption and preventing the power from being repeatedly turned on / off in a short time.

[0039] [Operation 3] Operation 3 is an operation in which, when it is detected that the electronic pen has not been used for a predetermined time while the power is on, the power of the electronic pen 1 is switched off, in addition to the above operation 1. The electronic pen 1 capable of this operation 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor for detecting that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, a pressure sensor for detecting that writing pressure is being applied to the ballpoint pen tip 31 due to writing, and the like. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the acceleration sensor detects that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, and thus detects that the electronic pen 1 is being used. Operation 3 of this modified example 1 is explained by switching "Yes" and "No" in the explanation of Operation 3 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, in operation 3 of this modified example 1, as in operation 3 of embodiment 1, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.Furthermore, in operation 3, if the electronic pen 1 is not used for a predetermined period of time, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption that would occur if the knock button 4 remained pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

[0040] The above operations 1 to 3 can be adopted in an electronic pen 1 in which the switch member 61 is ON when the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position.

[0041] [Variation 2] Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant example 2 of embodiment 1 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 10(d) )。

[0044] Furthermore, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) is a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the protrusion amount L of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing (see FIG. 10(d)), (c) is a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) is a state during writing, (e) is a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) is a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted to 2 / 3 (two-thirds) of the protrusion amount L of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) is a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0042] [Overall configuration] The overall arrangement of the components of the electronic pen 1 of the second modification is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The difference between the present modified example 2 and the first embodiment is the amount of protrusion of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the tip of the cylindrical case 2 when the operating member 8 moves from a state where it is separated from the switch member 61 to abut against the switch member 61 and press down the switch. In other words, the position of the operating member 8 is slightly different from that of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes up to (2 / 3)L, whereas in the second modified example, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes up to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism, which is a difference. In other words, the position where the operating member 8 is provided is different.

[0043] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely inserted into the cylindrical case 2, the feeding mechanism 5 is located at the rear side, and therefore the operating member 8 provided on the feeding mechanism 5 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 10(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves forward together with the operating member 8. In the present modified example 2, even when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, the operation member 8 is still in a position separated from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 10(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. Only in this state does the operating member 8 come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch (see FIG. 10(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes from the opening 2a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2, and writing becomes possible. In this state, the operating member 8 moves away from the switch member 61 and returns to its original position again (see FIG. 10(d)).

[0044] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the knock button 4 and the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 move slightly forward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the feeding mechanism operation. In this state, the operating member 8 again abuts against the switch member 61 and presses the switch (see Figure 11(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released from the depressed state, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5, together with the operating member 8, retracts the ballpoint pen tip 31 to (2 / 3)L. In this state, the operating member 8 is separated from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 11(f)). Furthermore, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves further backward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the operating member 8 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 11(g)).

[0045] [Power ON / OFF] 12 to 14 are flow diagrams of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the second modification according to the present invention, with FIG. 12 being a flow diagram of operation 1, FIG. 13 being a flow diagram of operation 2, and FIG. As described above, in this embodiment 1, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state where the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state where the ballpoint pen tip 31 is just about to protrude to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates, and the switch member 61 is ON when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates. As shown in actions 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend / retract (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0046] [Operation 1] In operation 1, the power supply of the electronic pen 1 is switched between ON and OFF each time the switch member 61 is pressed. 12, while the switch press is No in step 11 (S11), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched on / off and remains in the OFF state. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 11 (S11), the process proceeds to step 12 (S12), the power is switched on, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-on state. While the switch press is No in step 13 (S13), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched ON / OFF and the power is maintained in the power ON state. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operation member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 13 (S13), the process proceeds to step 14 (S14), the power is switched OFF, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power OFF state.

[0047] As described above, it is only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates that the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses the switch. In other words, the operating member 8 does not come into contact with the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates. Therefore, even if the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, in this modified example 2, the switch member 61 is not pressed unless the knock button 4 is pressed further than in embodiment 1. Therefore, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, the power is less likely to be turned on than in embodiment 1, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0048] [Operation 2] Operation 2 is an operation in which the power supply of the electronic pen 1 is switched between ON and OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 was detected to be ON. As shown in FIG. 13, while the switch press is No in step 21 (S21), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched on / off, and the power of the electronic pen 1 remains OFF. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 21 (S21), and the process proceeds to step 22 (S22). At this time, the knock button 4 is pressed down to the extension mechanism operating amount and then returns to its original position, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position. In step 22 (S22), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the switch press is No in step 22 (S27) (if the knock button 4 is not pressed again), the process returns to step 22 (S22). If the knock button 4 is pressed again before the predetermined time has elapsed and the switch press becomes Yes, that is, if the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns from the writing position to the fully retracted state, the process returns to step 21 (S21). If the predetermined time elapses without the knock button 4 being pressed again, the result becomes Yes in step 22 (S22), the process proceeds to step 23 (S23), the power is switched on, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-on state. While the switch depression is No in step 24 (S24), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched on / off, and the power is maintained in the ON state. When the knock button 4 is pressed and the switch press becomes Yes in step 24 (S24), the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). At this time, the knock button 4 is pressed down to the extension mechanism operating amount and then returns to its original position, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to its fully retracted state. In step 25 (S25), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if No, the process proceeds to step 28 (S28). In step 28 (S28), if the switch press becomes No (the knock button 4 is not pressed again), the process returns to step 25 (S25). If the knock button 4 is pressed again before the predetermined time has elapsed and the switch press becomes Yes, that is, if the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns from its fully retracted state to the writing position, the process returns to step 24 (S24). If the predetermined time elapses without the knock button 4 being pressed again, the result becomes Yes in step 25 (S25), the process proceeds to step 26 (S26), the power is switched off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state.

[0049] As in operation 1, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates, and only then does the operating member 8 come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch. In other words, because the operating member 8 does not come into contact with the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism operates, even if the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 2, the power supply of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the ON / OFF of the switch member 61 is detected. Therefore, even if an operation that turns ON / OFF in a short period of time within the predetermined time (such as clicking the knock button 4) is performed, the power supply is not turned ON / OFF. This further reduces unnecessary power consumption and prevents the power supply from being repeatedly turned ON / OFF in a short period of time.

[0050] [Operation 3] Operation 3 is an operation in which, when it is detected that the electronic pen has not been used for a predetermined time while the power is on, the power of the electronic pen 1 is switched off, in addition to the above operation 1. The electronic pen 1 capable of this operation 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor for detecting that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, a pressure sensor for detecting that writing pressure is being applied to the ballpoint pen tip 31 due to writing, and the like. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the acceleration sensor detects that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, and thus detects that the electronic pen 1 is being used. 14, while the switch press is No in step 31 (S31), the power OFF state of the electronic pen 1 is maintained. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 31 (S31), the process proceeds to step 32 (S32), the power is turned ON, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power ON state. When the switch member 61 is pressed again by the operating member 8, the switch press becomes Yes in step 33 (S33), the process proceeds to step 36 (S36), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state. If the switch is pressed No in step 33 (S33), it is determined in step 34 (S34) whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is less than a predetermined threshold. If the detected acceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold, the determination of whether the acceleration sensor is less than the threshold becomes No, and the process returns to step 33 (S33). In other words, the power-on state is maintained while the switch member 61 is not pressed and it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used for writing and moving. If the switch is pressed "No" but the electronic pen 1 is not being used for writing and is not moving, the determination in step 34 (S34) of whether the acceleration sensor is below the threshold becomes "Yes," time counting begins, and the process proceeds to step 35 (S35). If the counted time is less than the predetermined time, the determination in step 35 (S35) becomes "No," and the process returns to step 33 (S33). If the counted time becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, that is, if it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used and moving before the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 34 (S34) becomes "No," the counted time is reset, and the process returns to step 33 (S33), and the power is kept on. When the counted time exceeds a predetermined value without detecting the electronic pen 1 being used and movement, i.e., when the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 35 (S35) becomes Yes, the counted time is reset, and the process proceeds to step 36 (S36). In step 36 (S36), the power is turned off and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state. At this time, when returning to step 31 (S31), the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position. When the knock button 4 is subsequently pressed to fully immerse the ballpoint pen tip 31, the power is turned on even though the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fully immersed in step 31 (S31). Therefore, the state of step 36 (S36) is suspended so as not to return to step 31 (S31) until the knock button 4 is pressed again and the switch press becomes Yes. In other words, the power cannot be turned on until the ballpoint pen tip 31 is once returned to the fully immersed state.

[0051] As in operation 1, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is operated by mistake, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby making it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 3, when the electronic pen 1 is not used for a predetermined period of time, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption caused by the knock button 4 remaining pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

[0052] The above operations 1 to 3 can be adopted in an electronic pen 1 in which the switch member 61 is OFF when the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position.

[0053] [Variation 3] Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant example 3 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 15 and 16, (a) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 3)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (c) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) shows a state during writing, (e) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 3)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS.

[0054] [Overall configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of the present modified example 3, the extension mechanism 5 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and a power supply 7 is housed in front of the extension mechanism 5, near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2. A circuit board 6 is fixed to the front side of the power supply 7, and is housed in the front side of the cylindrical case 2. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the cylindrical case 2 together with the circuit board 6 in front of the power source 7. The operating member 8 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the front side of the cylindrical case 2 near the circuit board 6. In the present third modification, the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 are moved in the axial direction together with the ballpoint pen refill 3 by the feeding mechanism 5. In the present modified example 3, the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are arranged adjacent to each other and move together, allowing the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 to be configured as a unit. This unitization increases the degree of freedom in arranging the electronic and electrical components, and allows for effective use of the small space inside the cylindrical case 2. For example, it allows for the use of a large rechargeable battery, and extends the usable time on a single charge. Furthermore, as in embodiment 1, the heavy rechargeable battery in the power source 7 can be positioned near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, and further, by arranging the circuit board 6 in addition to the ballpoint pen refill 3 on the front side of the cylindrical case 2, the center of gravity of the electronic pen 1 is closer to the pen grip, and the rotational moment due to gravity around the pen grip is reduced, improving pen tip operability with the fingertips; in other words, the weight balance in the axial direction of the electronic pen 1 is good, resulting in a better writing feel. Furthermore, when writing, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 move forward, and the center of gravity also moves forward, becoming closer to the pen grip, further improving the writing feel.

[0055] The differences from the first embodiment are the arrangement of the payout mechanism 5 and the power source 7, the circuit board 6 being fixed to the power source 7, and the operating member 8 being provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. In other respects, the first embodiment and the third modified example have the same configuration. The feeding mechanism 5 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and the power source 7 is disposed in front of it. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the front end of the power source 7. The circuit board 6 and the power source 7 move in the front-to-rear direction within the cylindrical case 2 together with the ballpoint pen refill 3.

[0056] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely inserted into the cylindrical case 2, the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 is located at a distance from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 15(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the switch member 61 moves forward. In this modification 3, as in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 contacts the operating member 8 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L. Therefore, even when the switch member 61 protrudes to the protrusion amount (1 / 3)L, it is still spaced apart from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 15(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. In this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8, depressing the switch (see FIG. 15(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the circuit board 6 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in contact with the operating member 8 (see FIG. 15(d)).

[0057] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the extension mechanism. Even in this state, the switch member 61 remains in contact with the operating member 8, maintaining the switch depressed state (see Figure 16(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released from the depressed state, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted to (1 / 3) L. In this state, the switch member 61 returns to a position separated from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 16(f)). Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is located away from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 16(g)).

[0058] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the present modified example 3 is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Also, in this variant example 3, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend / retract (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0059] [Variation 4] Figures 17 and 18 are figures showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant example 4 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 17 and 18. Furthermore, (a) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 2)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (c) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) shows the state during writing, (e) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 2)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS.

[0060] [Overall configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of the fourth modification, the power supply 7 is housed at the rear of the cylindrical case 2, and the circuit board 6 is housed in front of the power supply 7. A feeding mechanism 5 is disposed in front of the circuit board 6 and near the center of the cylindrical case 2 in the axial direction. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is stored in the cylindrical case 2 on the front side of the feeding mechanism 5. In this modified example 4, since only the ballpoint pen refill 3 is stored on the front side of the cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3 that is thicker than the ballpoint pen refills 3 of the first embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3 can be used, allowing for a longer writing distance. In addition, the ballpoint pen refill 3 can be easily replaced. The circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are both fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. The area where the circuit board 6 is placed does not have a ballpoint pen refill 3, so a larger mounting area can be used than the circuit board 6 of embodiment 1 and variants 1 to 3, which reduces the occurrence of electrical problems. A knock button 4 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and this knock button 4 and the feeding mechanism 5 are connected by a connecting member 41, and the feeding mechanism 5 is actuated by the operation of the knock button 4. An operating member 8 is attached to the connecting member 41 near the circuit board 6.

[0061] In the fourth modification, similarly to the first embodiment, the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 and do not move, so that failures in the electrical system are less likely to occur. Furthermore, since the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are arranged adjacent to each other, the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 can be configured as a unit, making it possible to make the power supply 7 smaller and increasing the space inside the cylindrical case 2. By placing the ink tank of the ballpoint pen refill 3 in this space, the ink tank can be made longer, thereby increasing the writing distance. Furthermore, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are arranged together at the rear side of the cylindrical case 2, and the extension mechanism 5 is arranged near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, so this arrangement can be left as is and changed into the rotary electronic pen 1 of embodiment 3 described below.

[0062] The difference from the first embodiment is the arrangement of the circuit board 6 and the operation member 8. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the cylindrical case 2 in front of the power supply 7 which is fixed to the rear end of the cylindrical case 2 . The operating member 8 is fixed to the connecting member 41 between the power source 7 and the payout mechanism 5, and moves in the front-rear direction within the cylindrical case 2 together with the connecting member 41.

[0063] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 fixed to the connecting member 41 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 fixed to the cylindrical case 2 (see FIG. 17(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member 8 moves forward. In this fourth modification, as in the first embodiment, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L. Therefore, even when the operating member 8 protrudes to the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L, the operating member 8 is still spaced apart from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 17(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. In this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, depressing the switch (see Figure 17(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the operating member 8 moves slightly backward and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the operating member 8 is in contact with the switch member 61 (see FIG. 17(d)).

[0064] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the extension mechanism. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, keeping the switch depressed (see Figure 18(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released from the depressed state, the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts to (1 / 2) L. In this state, the operating member 8 returns to a position separated from the switch (see FIG. 18(f)). Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the operating member 8 is spaced apart from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 18(g)).

[0065] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the present modified example 4 is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Also, in this variant example 4, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to appear / retract (ballpoint pen refill appear / retract operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0066] [Variation 5] Figures 19 and 20 are diagrams showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant example 5 of the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it, respectively. 19A and 19B show a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 3)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (c) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (1 / 3)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS.

[0067] [Overall configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of the fifth modified example, the extension mechanism 5 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and a power supply 7 is housed in front of the extension mechanism 5, at the rear of the cylindrical case 2. A circuit board 6 is fixed to the front side of the power supply 7, and is housed near the center of the cylindrical case 2 in the axial direction. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the cylindrical case 2 together with the circuit board 6 in front of the power source 7. In the fifth modification, the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 are moved in the axial direction together with the ballpoint pen refill 3 by the feeding mechanism 5. The operating member 8 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 2 near the center in the axial direction, near the circuit board 6. In this modified example 5, similar to the above-described modified example 3, the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 are disposed adjacent to each other and move together, so that the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 can be configured as a unit. This unitization allows, for example, the power source 7 to be made smaller, and the resulting space can be used to use a ballpoint pen refill 3 that is longer than those in the first embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, thereby increasing the writing distance.

[0068] The differences from the first embodiment are the arrangement of the payout mechanism 5 and the power source 7, the circuit board 6 being fixed to the power source 7, and the operating member 8 being provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. The feeding mechanism 5 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and the power source 7 is disposed in front of it. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the front end of the power source 7. The circuit board 6 and the power source 7 move in the front-to-rear direction within the cylindrical case 2 together with the ballpoint pen refill 3.

[0069] [Protrusion action] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely inserted into the cylindrical case 2, the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 is located at a distance from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 19(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the switch member 61 moves forward. In this modification 5, as in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 contacts the operating member 8 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L. Therefore, even when the switch member 61 protrudes to the protrusion amount (1 / 3)L, it is still spaced apart from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 19(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to a position approximately equal to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. In this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8, depressing the switch (see FIG. 19(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the circuit board 6 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in contact with the operating member 8 (see Figure 19(d)).

[0070] [Immersion Movement] When the knock button 4 is pressed again after writing, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the extension mechanism. Even in this state, the switch member 61 remains in contact with the operating member 8, maintaining the switch depressed state (see Figure 20(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released from the depressed state, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted to (1 / 3) L. In this state, the switch member 61 returns to a position separated from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 20(f)). Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is located away from the operating member 8 (see FIG. 20(g)).

[0071] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the fifth modified example is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Also, in this variant example 5, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend / retract (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0072] [Embodiment 2] An electronic pen 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Like the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment is an electronic pen that can be used both as a ballpoint pen as a writing implement and as an input device, and can transmit and receive signals to and from other electronic devices such as a touch panel using a ballpoint pen tip 31 at the end of a ballpoint pen refill 3 as a writing implement. Note that the electronic pen 1 may be configured to perform only one of transmission and reception.

[0073] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an electronic pen 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the retracted state, (b) is a diagram showing the extended state, and (c) is a diagram showing the retracted state. In the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 2, the cylindrical case 2 has two parts, a front case 21 and a rear case 22, and the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are configured to be extendable and retractable, making it an electronic pen that is an extendable ballpoint pen. The electronic pen 1 has a cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3, a circuit board 6, a feeding mechanism, and a power supply (none of which are shown). The ballpoint pen refill 3, the circuit board 6, and the power supply are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 2 has two parts, a front case 21 and a rear case 22, and the rear part of the front case 21 is inserted from the front end side of the rear case 22 so as to be able to expand and contract. Note that the front part of the rear case 22 may be inserted from the rear end side of the front case 21 so as to be able to expand and contract. The ballpoint pen refill 3 and the circuit board 6 are housed inside the front case 21. An opening 21a is formed at the axial tip to allow the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the front case 21. A power supply is housed inside the rear case 22. In addition, a clip 22b is provided on the rear part of the rear case 22. The front case 21 and the rear case 22 house a feeding mechanism that protrudes the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 is pulled out from the rear case 22, and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22.

[0074] An operating member 8 is provided on the inner surface at the tip end of the rear case 22, which abuts against or moves away from a switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 to operate the switch member 61 as the front case 21 is pulled out or inserted into the rear case 22. In the second embodiment, the operating member 8 is configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially outer side, but conversely, the operating member 8 may be configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially inner side.

[0075] In this embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to a protrusion amount (2 / 3)L from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing. As shown in Figure 21(a), when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22 and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 provided on the rear case 22 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see Figure 21(a)). When the front case 21 is pulled out, the switch member 61 moves forward together with the front case 21. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing by a protrusion amount (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch. Furthermore, the front case 21 is pulled out, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case, entering a writing state. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, keeping the switch depressed (see Figure 21(b)). After writing is completed, when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22, the switch member 61 moves rearward together with the front case 21. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing to a position rearward of the protrusion amount (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 moves away from the switch member 61, and the switch member 61 is released from being pressed. Furthermore, when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22 and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 21(c)).

[0076] In this embodiment 2, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with the pulling out or insertion of the front case 21, which causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend or retract, into the rear case 22 (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1. The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the second embodiment is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. In this embodiment 2, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, but this is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 for the first time and presses down the switch may be equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L. Furthermore, in this embodiment 2, the circuit board 6 is fixed to the front case 21 and the operating member 8 is fixed to the rear case 22, but conversely, the circuit board 6 may be fixed to the rear case 22 and the operating member 8 may be fixed to the front case 21.

[0077] [Embodiment 3] An electronic pen 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Like the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 according to the third embodiment is also an electronic pen that can be used both as a ballpoint pen as a writing implement and as an input device, and can transmit and receive signals to and from other electronic devices such as a touch panel using a ballpoint pen tip 31 at the end of a ballpoint pen refill 3 as a writing implement. Note that the electronic pen 1 may be configured to perform only one of transmission and reception.

[0078] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an electronic pen 1 of embodiment 3 of the present invention, where (a) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows a state during writing, and (c) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. In the electronic pen 1 of the third embodiment, the cylindrical case 2 has two parts, a front case 21 and a rear case 22, and the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are fitted together so as to be rotatable around the axial direction (circumferential direction) of the cylindrical case 2, making it a rotary ballpoint pen made into an electronic pen. In the third embodiment, when one of the front case 21 and the rear case 22 is rotated in one direction, the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes, and when the other of the front case 21 and the rear case 22 is rotated in the other direction, the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts. The electronic pen 1 has a cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3, a circuit board 6, a feeding mechanism, and a power supply (none of which are shown). The ballpoint pen refill 3, the circuit board 6, and the power supply are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 2 has two parts, a front case 21 and a rear case 22, and the rear part of the front case 21 and the tip part of the rear case 22 are rotatably fitted together. An opening 21a is formed at the axial end of the front case 21, allowing the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract. The rear case 22 houses a power supply inside, and also has the ballpoint pen refill 3 attached thereto, with the circuit board 6 attached to the ballpoint pen refill 3. In other words, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the circuit board 6 are provided integrally with the rear case 22. Also, a clip 22b is provided at the rear of the rear case 22. The front case 21 and the rear case 22 house a feeding mechanism that protrudes the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other in a predetermined direction, and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

[0079] An operating member 8 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the front case 21. The operating member 8 contacts or moves away from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 to operate the switch member 61 in response to the relative rotation between the front case 21 and the rear case 22, i.e., the relative rotation between the operating member 8 provided on the front case 21 and the switch member 61 attached to the rear case 22. In the second embodiment, the operating member 8 is configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially outer side, but conversely, the operating member 8 may be configured to abut against the switch member 61 from the radially inner side. Also, the operating member 8 may be attached to the rear case 22, and the switch member 61 may be attached to the front case 21.

[0080] In this embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to a protrusion amount (2 / 3)L from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing. As shown in Figure 22(a), when the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely inserted into the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 provided on the rear case 22 is located at a distance from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See Figure 22(a)) When the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other, the operating member 8 rotates together with the front case 21 relative to the switch member 61 . When the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing by a protrusion amount (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch. Furthermore, the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case, entering a writing state. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, depressing the switch (see Figure 22(b)). After writing is completed, when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated in the opposite direction, the operating member 8 rotates together with the front case 21 relative to the switch member 61. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing to a position rearward of the protrusion amount (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 moves away from the switch member 61, and the switch member 61 is released from being pressed. Furthermore, when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 rotate relative to each other and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 (see FIG. 22(c)).

[0081] In this embodiment 3, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with the relative rotation of the front case 21 and the rear case 22 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to extend and retract (the operation of extending and retracting the ballpoint pen refill), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1. The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the third embodiment is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0082] In this embodiment 3, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, but this is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 for the first time and presses down the switch may be equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L. Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the circuit board 6 is fixed to the rear case 22 and the operating member 8 is fixed to the front case 21, but conversely, the circuit board 6 may be fixed to the front case 21 and the operating member 8 may be fixed to the rear case 22. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when one of the front case 21 and the rear case 22 is rotated in one direction, the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes, and when the other of the front case 21 and the rear case 22 is rotated in the other direction, the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts, but this is not limited to this. The front case 21 and the rear case 22 may be configured to be rotatable 360 degrees relative to each other in one or both directions, so that the ballpoint pen refill 3 repeatedly protrudes and retracts as the case is rotated in one or both directions. In this case, when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other in one or both directions, the operation member 8 repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the switch member 61, and the power of the electronic pen 1 is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0083] [Embodiment 4] An electronic pen 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Like the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 according to the fourth embodiment is an electronic pen that can be used both as a ballpoint pen as a writing implement and as an input device, and can transmit and receive signals to and from other electronic devices such as a touch panel using a ballpoint pen tip 31 at the end of a ballpoint pen refill 3 as a writing implement. Note that the electronic pen 1 may be configured to perform only one of transmission and reception.

[0084] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an electronic pen 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the state in which the cap 9 is completely fitted to the tip of the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows the state in which the cap 9 is slightly removed, (c) shows the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is exposed to a protrusion amount (1 / 4)L from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 when writing, (d) shows the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is completely exposed, and (e) shows the state in which the cap 9 is completely removed. The electronic pen 1 of the fourth embodiment is a ballpoint pen in which a ballpoint pen refill 3 is fixed to a cylindrical case 2, and is configured to be an electronic pen, to which a cap 9 that protects the ballpoint pen tip 31 is detachably attached. In other words, the ballpoint pen refill 3 can be exposed / hidden (retractable) by attaching and detaching the cap 9.

[0085] The electronic pen 1 has a cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3, a cap 9, a circuit board, and a power supply (none of which are shown). The ballpoint pen refill 3, the circuit board, and the power supply are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 2 houses the ballpoint pen refill 3, a circuit board, and a power supply inside. An opening 2a is formed at one axial end thereof, through which the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes. Inside the cap attachment portion 2c of the cylindrical case 2, where the cap 9 is attached, a switch member 61 mounted on a circuit board is provided. The cylindrical case 2 has a hole formed therein through which the pressing portion of the switch member 61 is exposed to the outside of the cylindrical case 2 . An operating member 8 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cap 9 near the opening 9a, which comes into contact with the exposed switch member 61 and presses down the switch member 61 when the cap 9 is completely fitted into the cylindrical case 2. The cap 9 also has a clip 9b.

[0086] As shown in Figure 23(a), when the cap 9 is completely fitted into the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 provided on the cap 9 abuts against the switch member 61 (see Figure 23(a)). When the cap 9 is removed, the operating member 8 moves away from the switch member 61, and the switch member 61 is released from being pressed down (see Figures 23(b) to (e)).

[0087] In this embodiment 4, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the cap that exposes / conceals (retracts) the ballpoint pen refill 3 (ballpoint pen refill extension / retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just to turn the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1. The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment 4 differs from the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7 in that the power is turned OFF when the switch member 61 is pressed to turn ON, and the power is turned ON when the switch member 61 is released to turn OFF. That is, the flow is one in which the Yes and No of step 11 (S11) and step 13 (S13) in FIG. 5, step 21 (S21) and step 24 (S24) in FIG. 6, and step 31 (S31) and step 33 (S33) in FIG. 7 are reversed.

[0088] [Embodiment 5] In embodiment 1 and its respective variations, embodiment 2, embodiment 3 and embodiment 4, the switch member 61 is mounted on the circuit board 6, but the switch member 61 does not have to be mounted on the circuit board 6, and may be located away from the circuit board 6, with the switch member 61 and the circuit board 6 connected by wiring.

[0089] [Embodiment 6] In the first embodiment and its respective modifications, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the fifth embodiment, a single ballpoint pen refill is used as the writing implement, but various writing implements such as mechanical pencils, felt-tip pen refills, marker refills, and cores containing coloring materials such as pigments can also be used. For example, mechanical pencils can be used that have a mechanism in which the tip of the pencil protrudes and retracts from a cylindrical case when the pencil is knocked hard, and the lead protrudes when the pencil is knocked lightly (double knock type). In addition, a multi-color pen that can select one ballpoint pen refill from two or more ballpoint pen refills, a multi-function writing instrument that can select one writing medium from various writing mediums such as one or more ballpoint pen refills, mechanical pencils, felt-tip pen refills, marker refills, and cores containing coloring materials such as pigments, can also be used as an electronic pen. In this case, of the multiple writing elements such as ballpoint pen refills, only one can be configured to be usable as an electronic pen, multiple can be configured to be usable as electronic pens, or all can be configured to be usable as electronic pens.

[0090] The electronic pen 1 according to the embodiment and modified examples of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and modified examples, and the present invention also includes design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined by utilizing the techniques of each other, as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Electronic pen 2 cylindrical cases 2a opening 2b clip 2c Cap attachment part 21 Front case 21a opening 22 Rear case 22b clip 3 ballpoint pen refills 31 Ballpoint pen tip 311 Chip body 312 Transfer ball 4 Knock button 41 Connecting member 5. Feeding mechanism 51 Mounting material 6 Circuit Board 61 Switch parts 7 Power supply 8 Operating member 9 Cap 9a opening 9b Clip I Ink S1 First writing surface S2 Second writing surface

Claims

1. An electronic pen comprising a cylindrical case and a writing body, the electronic pen transmitting and / or receiving signals at a tip of the writing body, the writing element is retractable from the cylindrical case; The electronic pen is characterized in that the power is turned on / off by the operation of extending and retracting the writing element.

2. a switch member for turning the power supply on and off, and an operating member for operating the switch member; The electronic pen described in claim 1, characterized in that the switch member and the operating member are moved relative to each other by operating the writing body to bring the operating member into contact with or away from the switch member, thereby operating the switch member.

3. 3. The electronic pen according to claim 2, wherein the switch member is provided so as not to move relative to the cylindrical case.

4. 3. The electronic pen according to claim 2, wherein the operating member is provided so as not to move relative to the cylindrical case.

5. a knock member that operates the writing element to appear and disappear, and a payout mechanism that operates the writing element to appear and disappear by operating the knock member, 4. The electronic pen according to claim 3, wherein the operating member moves together with the operation of the extension mechanism to operate the switch member.

6. a circuit board; 6. The electronic pen according to claim 5, wherein the circuit board is disposed so as not to move in the axial direction of the cylindrical case, and the switch member is mounted on the circuit board.

7. a knock member that operates the writing element to appear and disappear, and a payout mechanism that operates the writing element to appear and disappear by operating the knock member, 5. The electronic pen according to claim 4, wherein the switch member moves with the operation of the extension mechanism and is operated by the operating member.

8. a circuit board; 8. The electronic pen according to claim 7, wherein the circuit board moves with the operation of the feed mechanism and has the switch member mounted thereon.

9. the cylindrical case has a front case and a rear case, 3. The electronic pen according to claim 2, wherein one of the switch member and the operating member is provided so as not to move relative to the front case, and the other is provided so as not to move relative to the rear case.

10. The electronic pen according to claim 9, wherein the writing element is extended or retracted by inserting or withdrawing the front case into or from the rear case.

11. a circuit board; the circuit board is disposed so as not to move in the axial direction relative to either the front case or the rear case, and the switch member is mounted on the circuit board; 11. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein the operating member moves together with the operation of pulling out or inserting the front case into or into the rear case to operate the switch member.

12. The electronic pen according to claim 9, wherein the writing element is extended and retracted by rotating the front case relative to the rear case in a circumferential direction.

13. a circuit board; the circuit board is disposed in one of the front case and the rear case so as not to move in a circumferential direction, and the switch member is mounted on the circuit board; the operating member is disposed on the other of the front case and the rear case so as not to move in a circumferential direction, 13. The electronic pen according to claim 12, wherein the operating member moves together with the circumferential movement of the front case relative to the rear case to operate the switch member.

14. An electronic pen described in any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the operating member abuts or moves away from the switch member when the writing body protrudes at least approximately half the amount of protrusion of the writing body from the tip of the cylindrical case in a writing state.

15. The electronic pen described in claim 14, characterized in that the operating member abuts against or separates from the switch member when the writing element protrudes more than the amount by which the writing element protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case in a writing state.

16. a cap is detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical case from which the writing element projects, 2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the writing element is extended or retracted by attaching or detaching the cap.

17. A switch member for turning the power supply on and off is disposed in the cylindrical case so as not to move in the axial direction, The electronic pen according to claim 16, wherein an operating member is provided inside the cap to operate the switch member by contacting or separating from the switch member when the cap is attached or detached.

18. The writing body is a ballpoint pen refill, A ballpoint pen tip provided at the tip of the ballpoint pen refill transmits and / or receives signals; The ballpoint pen tip includes a tip body and a transfer ball rotatably held at the tip of the tip body, The transfer ball is rolled on a surface to be written on, and ink supplied into the tip body is transferred from the transfer ball to the surface to be written on, An electronic pen described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 16, and 17, characterized in that the transfer ball is configured to roll on a first writing surface and not roll on a second writing surface having physical properties different from those of the first writing surface.

Images