Input pen with grip

Abstract

This product provides an input pen with a grip that is easy to hold with your fingertips during use and is suitable for operating the input pen. [Solution] The device comprises a barrel 1 extending in the front-rear direction along a central axis C, a pen unit 2 disposed inside the barrel 1 and extending in the front-rear direction, and an elastically deformable cylindrical grip 3 that is externally mounted on the barrel 1. The pen unit 2 includes a circuit containing electronic components and side switches 84 and 85 provided in a part of the circuit and positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2. The grip 3 includes a first circumferential wall portion 31 located on the circumferential wall of the grip 3, excluding the front end, and overlapping with the side switches 84 and 85 when viewed radially, and a second circumferential wall portion 32 located on the front end of the circumferential wall of the grip 3, having a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first circumferential wall portion 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input pen with a grip.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, coordinate input devices have been used as input devices for various electronic devices, and as input means for this coordinate input device, an input pen called an electronic pen or the like is used (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The electronic pen described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the operation portion of the side switch is exposed from the through hole on the side circumferential surface of the cylindrical housing, and a grip is put on this housing so as to cover also the portion of the operation portion of the side switch. The grip is constituted by a cylindrical body made of an elastic material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this type of input pen with a grip, a grip that is easy to hold with a fingertip during use and suitable for operating the input pen is required.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an input pen with a grip having a grip that is easy to hold with a fingertip during use and suitable for operating the input pen.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0008] 〔Aspect 1 of the Present Invention〕 An input pen with a grip, comprising: a barrel extending in the front-rear direction along a central axis; a pen unit disposed inside the barrel and extending in the front-rear direction; and an elastically deformable cylindrical grip externally mounted on the barrel, wherein the pen unit includes a circuit including electronic components and a side switch provided in a part of the circuit and positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit; and the grip has a first circumferential wall portion disposed on the part of the grip's circumferential wall other than the front end and overlapping with the side switch when viewed radially, and a second circumferential wall portion disposed on the front end of the grip's circumferential wall and having a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first circumferential wall portion.

[0009] In the grip-equipped input pen of the present invention, a second peripheral wall portion is provided at the front end of the peripheral wall of the grip, having a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first peripheral wall portion. Therefore, when the user uses this grip-equipped input pen, they can stably grip the thick second peripheral wall portion located at the front end of the grip with their fingertips. Furthermore, because the front end of the grip (second peripheral wall portion) is thick, the user can grip the input pen with little force, and the fingers are less likely to tire, especially when using the input pen for long periods of time, making it effective for children with weak gripping strength.

[0010] Furthermore, the first peripheral wall portion, located on the part of the grip's peripheral wall other than the front end, has a smaller outer diameter and wall thickness compared to the second peripheral wall portion. In other words, because the first peripheral wall portion is thinner than the second peripheral wall portion, it is easier for the user to push the first peripheral wall portion radially inward with their fingertips, and easier to press the side switch through the first peripheral wall portion. In addition, the tactile sensation of the pushing operation is easily transmitted to the fingertips, and the click feeling when the side switch is pressed is good. Thus, the grip of the input pen with a grip according to the present invention is easy to hold with the fingertips during use and is suitable for operating the input pen.

[0011] [Aspect 2 of the present invention] The grip-equipped input pen according to embodiment 1, wherein at least the portion of the first peripheral wall located directly above the side switch is transparent.

[0012] In this case, when the grip is viewed from the radially outer side, the position of the side switch can be visually confirmed through the transparent first peripheral wall. The user can reliably press the side switch through the first peripheral wall of the grip, resulting in good operability of the side switch.

[0013] [Aspect 3 of the present invention] The input pen with a grip according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the barrel has a front pressing portion provided on the circumferential wall of the barrel and in contact with the front end surface of the grip, and a rear pressing portion provided on the circumferential wall of the barrel and in contact with the rear end surface of the grip, and the dimension in the front-rear direction between the front pressing portion and the rear pressing portion is smaller than the overall length dimension of the grip in the front-rear direction.

[0014] In this case, when attaching the grip to the circumferential wall of the barrel, the grip is sandwiched between the front and rear clamping portions from the front and rear directions. This causes the grip to elastically deform, increasing its wall thickness and decreasing its inner diameter. In other words, by attaching the grip to the circumferential wall of the barrel, the inner surface of the grip and the outer surface of the barrel come into close contact, thus preventing the grip from rotating relative to the barrel. To put it another way, simply attaching the grip to the barrel provides an anti-rotation function for the grip.

[0015] Furthermore, if the user repeatedly presses the same spot on the first circumferential wall (a predetermined spot located directly above the side switch), causing the predetermined spot on the first circumferential wall to become dirty or damaged, the circumferential position of the grip can be changed by reattaching the grip to the shaft.

[0016] [Aspect 4 of the present invention] An input pen with a grip according to embodiment 3, wherein at least one of the front pressing portion and the rear pressing portion is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis.

[0017] In this case, for example, when assembling the shaft cylinder using a screwing structure, even if the grip rotates circumferentially together with the constituent members of the shaft cylinder, the front retainer or the rear retainer that contacts the grip rotates, thereby suppressing an unintentional torsional deformation of the grip. Therefore, the above-described functions (effects) of the grip are stably achieved.

[0018] 〔Aspect 5 of the present invention〕 The grip-equipped input pen according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the outer diameter dimension and the wall thickness dimension of the second circumferential wall portion gradually decrease as going toward the rear side, and the outer diameter dimension and the wall thickness dimension of the first circumferential wall portion gradually decrease as going toward the front side.

[0019] In this case, the vicinity of the connection portion between the second circumferential wall portion and the first circumferential wall portion of the circumferential wall of the grip is formed in a constricted shape. Thereby, the ease of gripping the grip is further improved.

[0020] 〔Aspect 6 of the present invention〕 The grip-equipped input pen according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the maximum outer diameter dimension of the grip is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0021] When the maximum outer diameter dimension of the grip is 7 mm or more, a large contact area between the fingertips of the user and the grip is ensured, and the user can stably and easily grip the grip with a light force. Also, since the outer diameter dimension of the grip is large, it becomes easier to ensure large outer diameter dimensions of the shaft cylinder and the pen unit inside the grip. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange a plurality of side switches in the pen unit or to enlarge the operating element of the side switch. It is possible to enhance the functionality of the input pen or to improve the operability of the side switch. Also, when the maximum outer diameter dimension of the grip is 15 mm or less, the operability (ease of input, ease of writing) of the pen tip of the input pen is maintained well.

Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the above aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pen input device with a grip that is easy to hold with a fingertip during use and has a grip suitable for the operation of the input pen.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the pen input device with a grip according to the present embodiment, representing a state in which the pen unit is in the storage position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the pen input device with a grip according to the present embodiment, representing a state in which the pen unit is in the storage position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the pen input device with a grip according to the present embodiment, representing a state in which the pen unit is in the use position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the pen input device with a grip according to the present embodiment, representing a state in which the pen unit is in the use position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) showing the V-V cross-section of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) showing the VI-VI cross-section of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the pen unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view showing the pen unit, representing the view from the VIII arrow in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the front shaft body of the shaft cylinder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the front shaft body of the shaft cylinder, representing the view from the X arrow in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing the front shaft body of the shaft cylinder, representing the view from the XI arrow in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the rear shaft of the shaft cylinder. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the rear shaft of the shaft cylinder, representing the XIII-XIII cross-section of FIG. 12. [Figure 14]Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the ring member of the shaft cylinder. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the pen unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] A retractable input pen 10, which is an example of a retractable input pen according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. The retractable input pen 10 of this embodiment is, for example, an input pen (electronic pen) for a capacitive touch panel. Furthermore, since the retractable input pen 10 is equipped with a grip 3 as will be described later, it may also be referred to as an input pen with a grip 10. In this embodiment, the retractable input pen (input pen with a grip) 10 may be simply referred to as the input pen 10.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the input pen 10 has a roughly cylindrical shape with a central axis C. The input pen 10 comprises a barrel 1 extending along the central axis C, a dislodgement restricting means 70 provided on the barrel 1, a pen unit 2 disposed inside the barrel 1, an elastically deformable cylindrical grip 3 externally mounted on the barrel 1, a first biasing member 4, a knock mechanism (feedback mechanism) 5, a second biasing member 6, a rotation restricting means 71, a holding means 72, and a rotation stop means 73. The barrel 1, pen unit 2, grip 3, first biasing member 4, knock mechanism 5, and second biasing member 6 are arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis C as a common axis.

[0026] The definition of direction used in this embodiment will now be explained. In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C of the input pen 10 extends, that is, the direction along the central axis C, is called the front-back direction. In each figure, the front-back direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. Of the front-back direction, the front side corresponds to the -Y side, and the rear side corresponds to the +Y side. The front-back direction can also be referred to as the axis direction. In this case, the front side (-Y side) corresponds to one side of the axis direction, and the rear side (+Y side) corresponds to the other side of the axis direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the central axis C is called the radial direction. Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the central axis C is called the radially inward direction, and the direction moving away from the central axis C is called the radially outward direction. Furthermore, the direction of rotation around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction. In Figures 5, 6, and 14, the circumferential direction is indicated by the arrow θ. A predetermined direction within the circumferential direction is called the circumferential direction side (+θ side), and the direction opposite to this predetermined direction is called the circumferential direction side (-θ side). In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when viewing the input pen 10 from the rear side (+Y side) to the front side (-Y side), the counterclockwise direction around the central axis C corresponds to the circumferential direction side (+θ side), and the clockwise direction corresponds to the circumferential direction side (-θ side).

[0028] Each component of the input pen 10 will be explained in detail. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shaft cylinder 1 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the shaft cylinder 1 is substantially cylindrical with a central axis C at its center. The shaft cylinder 1 is constructed by combining, for example, resin components and metal components.

[0029] The shaft cylinder 1 includes a front shaft 11, a rear shaft 12 positioned behind the front shaft 11, a ring member 13 fixed to the front end of the rear shaft 12, and a rotating ring 14 positioned adjacent to the rear shaft 12 on the front side of the rear shaft 12. In this embodiment, the front shaft 11, the rear shaft 12, and the rotating ring 14 are made of, for example, resin, and the ring member 13 is made of, for example, metal.

[0030] The front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are each substantially cylindrical in shape and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the axle cylinder 1 is assembled, the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are prevented from coming apart in the front-rear direction by a dislodgement restricting means 70, which will be described later, and are configured to be unable to move relative to each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 are configured to be able to rotate relative to each other within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction (the range of the rotation angle α in Figure 6, which will be described later).

[0031] The front axle 11 is positioned in the front portion of the shaft cylinder 1. The front axle 11 has a cylindrical front axle body 11a extending in the front-rear direction, and a cylindrical front axle cap 11b positioned in front of the front axle body 11a and extending in the front-rear direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the front shaft body 11a has a male screw portion 15, a hole portion 16, a push portion 17, a slit 18, a slit introduction wall 19, a first rotation restricting wall 20, a second rotation restricting wall 21, an elastic projection 22, a retaining projection 23, and a grip anti-slip projection 24. In other words, the shaft cylinder 1 has a male screw portion 15, a hole portion 16, a push portion 17, a slit 18, a slit introduction wall 19, a first rotation restricting wall 20, a second rotation restricting wall 21, an elastic projection 22, a retaining projection 23, and a grip anti-slip projection 24. In this embodiment, the hole portion 16 and the push portion 17 are located on the front shaft 11.

[0033] The male threaded portion 15 is located at the front end of the front shaft body 11a. The outer diameter of the male threaded portion 15 is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the front shaft body 11a located adjacent to the rear side of the male threaded portion 15.

[0034] The hole 16 penetrates the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1) in the radial direction. The hole 16 is located in the intermediate portion of the front shaft body 11a, between the front and rear ends. In this embodiment, the hole 16 is approximately oval or rectangular in shape and extends in the front and rear direction. Multiple holes 16 are provided in the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1) in the front and rear direction. In this embodiment, two holes 16 are provided spaced apart from each other in the front and rear direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the portion of the circumferential wall of the front shaft body 11a located between the holes 16 arranged in the front-rear direction is designated as a beam portion 25. In other words, the front shaft body 11a (shaft cylinder 1) further has a beam portion 25. The beam portion 25 is a curved plate shape extending in the circumferential direction. Although not specifically shown in the figures, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis C, the beam portion 25 extends in an arc shape centered on the central axis C.

[0036] The indentation portion 17 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1). The indentation portion 17 is located within the hole 16, extends in the front-rear direction, and is supported by the beam portion 25. The indentation portion 17 is integrally formed with the portion of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a other than the indentation portion 17. In other words, the indentation portion 17 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1.

[0037] The indentation portion 17 is elastically deformed and can move radially inward when an external force is applied from the radially outward direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the indentation portion 17 is covered from the radially outward direction by the grip 3, and when the portion of the grip 3 located directly above the indentation portion 17 (the portion that overlaps with the indentation portion 17 when viewed from the radial direction) is elastically deformed radially inward, the indentation portion 17 is pushed radially inward by the grip 3.

[0038] Multiple indentation portions 17 are provided in a row in the front-to-back direction on the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1). In this embodiment, two indentation portions 17 are provided spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 10, the two indentation portions 17 have the same shape and are formed to be symmetrical in the front-to-back direction with respect to the beam portion 25.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pressing portion 17 includes a pressing plate 17a positioned inside the hole 16 and an elastically deformable connecting piece 17b that connects the inner circumference of the hole 16 to the pressing plate 17a.

[0040] The pressing plate 17a is disc-shaped. In the top view of the front shaft body 11a shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the center of the pressing plate 17a is positioned offset from the center of the hole 16. More specifically, the center of the pressing plate 17a is positioned offset from the center of the hole 16 in the front-rear direction, on the opposite side from the beam 25. This ensures a large overall length for the connecting piece 17b, which will be described later, and ensures that even with a small pressing force (pressing pressure), the amount of radial inward movement of the pressing plate 17a is greater than a certain amount. Also in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the plate surface (back surface) of the pressing plate 17a facing radially inward is convex, protruding radially inward.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting piece 17b is plate-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction. The plate thickness dimension (radial dimension) of the connecting piece 17b is smaller than the plate thickness dimension of the press plate 17a. The connecting piece 17b connects the outer circumference of the press plate 17a to the portion of the inner circumference of the hole 16 that is located in the beam portion 25. In other words, in this embodiment, the connecting piece 17b connects the press plate 17a and the beam portion 25.

[0042] When the push plate 17a is pressed radially inward by the user's fingertips via the grip 3, the connecting piece 17b elastically deforms, causing the push plate 17a to move radially inward. When the user stops this pushing operation and the radially inward pressing force on the push plate 17a is released, the connecting piece 17b deforms back to its original shape, causing the push plate 17a to move radially outward and return to its original position (the state before it was subjected to the pressing force).

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the slit 18 penetrates the peripheral wall of the front axle body 11a (i.e., the front axle 11) radially and extends in the front-rear direction, opening to the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a. In this embodiment, a stepped portion 26 is provided at the rear end of the front axle body 11a, and this stepped portion 26 causes a part 26a of the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a to protrude further rearward than the other part 26b. Specifically, the rear end of the slit 18 opens to the other part 26b of the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a. In the following description, the part 26a of the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a may be referred to as the rear portion 26a, and the other part 26b may be referred to as the front portion 26b.

[0044] A portion of the rear end of the slit 18 has a smaller opening width (circumferential dimension) than the rest of the slit 18. In this embodiment, the portion of the rear end of the slit 18 is referred to as the minimum width portion of the slit 18. The rear end of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the rear end of the front shaft 11) is elastically deformable to change the opening width of the minimum width portion of the slit 18.

[0045] The slit introduction wall 19 is located at the rear end of the front shaft body 11a. As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the slit introduction wall 19 has a wall surface facing the other side in the circumferential direction (-θ side) and the rear side. The slit introduction wall 19 is connected to the front portion 26b of the rear end surface of the front shaft body 11a and the minimum width portion of the slit 18. The slit introduction wall 19 extends in the other side in the circumferential direction (-θ side) as it moves forward from the front portion 26b of the rear end surface of the front shaft body 11a toward the front side (-Y side). In other words, as the slit introduction wall 19 moves toward the front side, it extends in a direction that approaches the slit 18 in the circumferential direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 and 9 to 11, the first rotation restricting wall 20 is located at the rear end of the front axle body 11a. Specifically, the first rotation restricting wall 20 is located between the rear portion 26a and the front portion 26b of the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a in the longitudinal direction. The first rotation restricting wall 20 has a wall surface facing one side in the circumferential direction (+θ side).

[0047] The second rotation restricting wall 21 is positioned at the rear end of the front axle body 11a. Specifically, the second rotation restricting wall 21 is located between the rear portion 26a and the front portion 26b of the rear end surface of the front axle body 11a in the longitudinal direction. The second rotation restricting wall 21 has a wall surface facing the other side (-θ side) in the circumferential direction. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis C, the angle formed between the first rotation restricting wall 20 and the second rotation restricting wall 21 with respect to the central axis C is, for example, 180° or more and 270° or less (see Figure 6).

[0048] As shown in Figures 5, 9, and 11, the elastic projection 22 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1). The elastic projection 22 is located in the intermediate portion of the front shaft body 11a, between the front and rear ends. The elastic projection 22 is located behind the indentation portion 17. Furthermore, the elastic projection 22 is positioned so as to be 180° rotationally symmetric with respect to the slit 18 with respect to the central axis C. The elastic projection 22 is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

[0049] The elastic projection 22 has an elastically deformable plate-shaped elastic piece 22a and a protrusion 22b provided on the elastic piece 22a. In addition, a pair of slit portions 22c are provided in the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a adjacent to the elastic projection 22 to allow the elastic projection 22 to function. That is, the front shaft body 11a further has a pair of slit portions 22c.

[0050] The pair of slit portions 22c penetrate the circumferential wall of the front shaft body 11a radially and extend in the front-rear direction. The pair of slit portions 22c are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0051] The elastic piece 22a is positioned between a pair of slit portions 22c. The elastic piece 22a is rectangular in shape and extends in the front-rear direction. Both ends of the elastic piece 22a in the front-rear direction are supported by the portion of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a that is adjacent to the elastic piece 22a in the front-rear direction. The thickness dimension (radial dimension) of the elastic piece 22a is smaller than the thickness dimension of the portion of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a that is positioned around the elastic piece 22a.

[0052] The protrusion 22b projects radially outward from the plate surface of the elastic piece 22a facing radially outward. The protrusion 22b is located in the center of the elastic piece 22a in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the surface of the protrusion 22b has a curved shape that is convex radially outward. The apex of the protrusion 22b that is located radially outward (the radially outer end of the protrusion 22b) protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a.

[0053] When the protrusion 22b is pressed from the radially outward direction toward the radially inward direction, the elastic piece 22a is elastically deformed radially inward. As a result, the protrusion 22b also moves radially inward. When the protrusion 22b moves radially inward, the radial position of the top of the protrusion 22b and the circumferential position of the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a are approximately the same. When the radially inward pressing force on the protrusion 22b is released, the elastic piece 22a deforms radially outward. As a result, the protrusion 22b also moves radially outward and returns to its original position (the state before it was subjected to the pressing force).

[0054] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the retaining projection 23 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a. The retaining projection 23 is rib-shaped and extends in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the retaining projection 23 is annular in shape with the central axis C as the center. The retaining projection 23 is located in the intermediate portion of the front shaft body 11a, between the front and rear ends. Specifically, the retaining projection 23 is located between the push-in portion 17 and the elastic projection 22 in the front and rear direction. More specifically, the retaining projection 23 is located behind the push-in portion 17 and the hole portion 16, and in front of the elastic projection 22 and the slit 18.

[0055] The grip anti-slip projections 24 protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a. Multiple grip anti-slip projections 24 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the front shaft body 11a, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, four grip anti-slip projections 24 are provided at equal pitches in the circumferential direction. The grip anti-slip projections 24 are located in the intermediate portion of the front shaft body 11a, between the front and rear ends. Specifically, the grip anti-slip projections 24 are located between the push-in portion 17 and the retaining projection 23 in the front and rear direction. More specifically, the grip anti-slip projections 24 are located behind the push-in portion 17 and the hole portion 16, and in front of the retaining projection 23.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the front shaft cap 11b is detachably attached to the front end of the front shaft body 11a. The front shaft cap 11b has a female threaded cylinder 27, a tapered cylinder 28, and a front retaining portion 29. That is, the shaft cylinder 1 has a front retaining portion 29 provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1.

[0057] The female threaded cylinder 27 is located on the rear portion of the front axle cap 11b. The female threaded cylinder 27 is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-back direction. The female threaded cylinder 27 has a female threaded portion located on its inner circumferential surface. The female threaded portion of the female threaded cylinder 27 is detachably screwed onto the male threaded portion 15 of the front axle body 11a. In other words, in this embodiment, the front axle cap 11b is detachably attached to the front end of the front axle body 11a by screwing it on.

[0058] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the female threaded cylinder 27 and the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the front axle body 11a adjacent to the rear of the male threaded portion 15 have the same diameter. In other words, the rear portion of the front axle cap 11b (female threaded cylinder 27) and the portion of the front axle body 11a adjacent to the rear of the male threaded portion 15 have the same outer diameter. Therefore, when the front axle cap 11b is attached to the front end of the front axle body 11a, the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion of the front axle cap 11b and the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the front axle body 11a adjacent to the rear of the male threaded portion 15 are at the same radial position and are flush with each other, forming a single cylindrical surface.

[0059] The tapered cylinder 28 is positioned on the front portion of the front shaft cap 11b. The rear end of the tapered cylinder 28 is connected to the front end of the female threaded cylinder 27. The tapered cylinder 28 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the front. The tapered cylinder 28 has a front end opening 11c located at the front end of the tapered cylinder 28 that opens to the front. This front end opening 11c is the front end opening 11c of the shaft cylinder 1.

[0060] The front retaining portion 29 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft cap 11b. The front retaining portion 29 has a rib-like shape that extends in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the front retaining portion 29 forms an annular shape with the central axis C as the center. The front retaining portion 29 is located in the intermediate portion of the front shaft cap 11b, between the front and rear ends. Specifically, the front retaining portion 29 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the female screw cylinder 27.

[0061] The front-facing surface of the front-pressing portion 29 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the front. The rear-facing surface of the front-pressing portion 29 has a planar shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C. The rear-facing surface of the front-pressing portion 29 contacts the front end surface of the grip 3. The front-pressing portion 29 presses the front end surface of the grip 3 from the front.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rear shaft 12 is located in the rear portion of the shaft cylinder 1. The diameter of the rear shaft 12 gradually decreases towards the rear. The rear shaft 12 has a rear end opening 11d located at its rear end and opening to the rear. This rear end opening 11d is the rear end opening 11d of the shaft cylinder 1.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, Figure 12 and Figure 13, the rear shaft 12 has a female screw portion 41, a window portion 42, a relief portion 43, a first locking rib 44, a second locking rib 45, a first locking groove 46, a second locking groove 47, a cam groove 51, and a pen holder projection 48. That is, the shaft cylinder 1 has a female screw portion 41, a window portion 42, a relief portion 43, a first locking rib 44, a second locking rib 45, a first locking groove 46, a second locking groove 47, a cam groove 51, and a pen holder projection 48. In this embodiment, the window portion 42 is provided on the rear shaft 12.

[0064] The female screw portion 41 is located at the front end of the rear shaft 12. The window portion 42 penetrates the peripheral wall of the rear axle 12 (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1) in the radial direction. The window portion 42 is located in the intermediate portion of the rear axle 12, between the front and rear ends. In this embodiment, the window portion 42 has an oval shape and extends in the front and rear direction.

[0065] The relief portion 43 is positioned around the window portion 42 on the peripheral wall of the rear axle 12 (i.e., the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1). The relief portion 43 is an annular shape surrounding the window portion 42, and in this embodiment, it is an oval frame shape extending in the front-rear direction. The relief portion 43 is concave, recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the rear axle 12. The relief portion 43 is recessed radially inward from the portion of the peripheral wall of the rear axle 12 other than the relief portion 43.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6, 12, and 13, the first locking rib 44 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's peripheral wall and extends in the front-rear direction. The first locking rib 44 is located in the intermediate portion of the rear shaft 12, between its front-rear ends. The first locking rib 44 has a first locking wall 44a facing the other side in the circumferential direction (-θ side). As shown in Figure 6, in the "open state" of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1), which will be described later, the first locking wall 44a faces or contacts the first rotation restricting wall 20 of the front shaft body 11a with a gap between them from one side in the circumferential direction (+θ side).

[0067] As shown in Figures 6, 12, and 13, the second locking rib 45 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 and extends in the front-rear direction. The second locking rib 45 is positioned so as to overlap with at least the relief portion 43 when viewed from the radial direction. The second locking rib 45 is located in the intermediate portion of the rear shaft 12, between the front-rear ends. The second locking rib 45 has a second locking wall 45a facing one side in the circumferential direction (+θ side). Although not specifically shown, in the "closed state" of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) described later, the second locking wall 45a faces or contacts the second rotation restricting wall 21 of the front shaft body 11a with a gap from the other side in the circumferential direction (-θ side).

[0068] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 13, the first locking groove 46 is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's peripheral wall and extends in the front-rear direction. The first locking groove 46 is located behind the female screw portion 41 and adjacent to the female screw portion 41. The groove width dimension (circumferential dimension) of the first locking groove 46 decreases as it moves radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's peripheral wall. In other words, the groove width dimension of the first locking groove 46 increases as it moves radially inward. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, in the "open state" of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1), which will be described later, the convex portion 22b of the elastic projection 22 engages with the first locking groove 46.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5, 12, and 13, the second locking groove 47 is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's peripheral wall and extends in the front-rear direction. The second locking groove 47 is located behind the female screw portion 41 and adjacent to the female screw portion 41. The groove width dimension (circumferential dimension) of the second locking groove 47 decreases as you move radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's peripheral wall. In other words, the groove width dimension of the second locking groove 47 increases as you move radially inward. Although not specifically shown, in the "closed state" of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1), which will be described later, the convex portion 22b of the elastic projection 22 engages with the second locking groove 47.

[0070] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cam groove 51 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 and extends in the front-rear direction. Multiple cam grooves 51 are provided at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. The cam groove 51 is located behind the window portion 42, the relief portion 43, the first locking rib 44, and the second locking rib 45. The cam groove 51 constitutes part of the knock mechanism 5.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 13, the pen holder projection 48 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12. In this embodiment, the pen holder projection 48 is plate-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction. The pair of plate surfaces of the pen holder projection 48 face in the circumferential direction. The pen holder projection 48 is provided with an insertion hole 48a into which a string-like body, ring-like body, or the like (not shown) for holding the input pen 10 is inserted. The insertion hole 48a penetrates the pen holder projection 48 in the circumferential direction (plate thickness direction). The pen holder projection 48 also functions as a roll suppression part to prevent the input pen 10 from rolling unintentionally on a desk or the like.

[0072] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 14, the ring member 13 is substantially cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The ring member 13 is fixed to the front end of the rear shaft 12 by means of screwing and adhesive, for example. The ring member 13 has a male threaded cylinder 13a and a flange 13b positioned in front of the male threaded cylinder 13a.

[0073] The male threaded cylinder 13a is cylindrical in shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The male threaded cylinder 13a is positioned on the part of the ring member 13 other than the front end. The male threaded cylinder 13a has a male threaded portion positioned on its outer circumferential surface. The male threaded portion of the male threaded cylinder 13a is screwed into the female threaded portion 41 of the rear shaft 12. The male threaded portion of the male threaded cylinder 13a and the female threaded portion 41 of the rear shaft 12 are bonded together with an adhesive.

[0074] The flange 13b is positioned at the front end of the ring member 13. The flange 13b forms an annular shape with the central axis C as its center. The outer circumferential surface of the flange 13b protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the male threaded cylinder 13a. That is, the outer diameter of the flange 13b is larger than the outer diameter of the male threaded cylinder 13a. When the ring member 13 is attached to the front end of the rear shaft 12, the rear end surface of the flange 13b contacts the front end surface of the rear shaft 12.

[0075] The flange 13b has a pair of tool locking surfaces 13c that are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the flange 13b. The pair of tool locking surfaces 13c are each planar and parallel to each other. A working tool such as a box driver or wrench (not shown) is locked onto the pair of tool locking surfaces 13c. With the working tool locked onto the pair of tool locking surfaces 13c, the male threaded cylinder 13a of the ring member 13 can be easily screwed into the female threaded portion 41 of the rear shaft 12 by rotating the working tool around the central axis C.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by applying a predetermined or greater torque to the ring member 13 fixed to the rear shaft 12 and rotating the ring member 13 toward the loosening side relative to the rear shaft 12, it is possible to release the adhesive state between the male threaded portion of the male threaded cylinder 13a and the female threaded portion 41 of the rear shaft 12. After releasing the adhesive state, the ring member 13 can be removed from the rear shaft 12 by releasing the screwed state between the male threaded cylinder 13a and the female threaded portion 41. In other words, the shaft cylinder 1 in this embodiment is configured to be disassembled.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, with the ring member 13 fixed to the front end of the rear shaft 12, the rear end surface of the ring member 13 slidably contacts the surface of the front shaft body 11a facing the retaining projection 23. In addition, the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 13 slidably contacts the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft body 11a.

[0078] The disengagement restricting means 70 of this embodiment includes a ring member 13 fixed to the front end of the rear axle 12 and a retaining projection 23 on the front axle body 11a. The rear end surface of the ring member 13 and the front-facing surface of the retaining projection 23 come into contact with each other, thereby preventing the front axle 11 and the rear axle 12 from disengaging from each other in the front-rear direction. In other words, the disengagement restricting means 70 restricts the rear axle 12 from disengaging from the front axle 11 toward the rear.

[0079] Furthermore, since the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 13 and the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft body 11a are slidable, the rear shaft 12 is rotatable around the central axis C relative to the front shaft 11. More specifically, as will be described later, the relative rotation of the front shaft 11 and the pen unit 2 in the circumferential direction is restricted by the rotation restricting means 71, so the rear shaft 12 is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the front shaft 11 and the pen unit 2.

[0080] Specifically, the rear shaft 12 is circumferentially rotatable relative to the front shaft 11 and the pen unit 2, between an "open state" in which the first rotation restricting wall 20 and the first locking wall 44a are positioned facing each other in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 6, and a "closed state" (not shown) in which the second rotation restricting wall 21 and the second locking wall 45a are positioned facing each other in the circumferential direction. The "open state" and "closed state" of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) described above will be explained in more detail separately when describing the pen unit 2 later.

[0081] The rotation stop means 73 of this embodiment includes a first rotation restricting wall 20 and a second rotation restricting wall 21 of the front shaft body 11a, and a first locking wall 44a and a second locking wall 45a of the rear shaft 12. The rotation stop means 73 restricts rotation of the rear shaft 12 in the circumferential direction other than rotation from an open state to a closed state or rotation from a closed state to an open state. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the rotation stop means 73 restricts the rear shaft 12 from rotating further toward the other side in the circumferential direction (-θ side) relative to the front shaft body 11a from an "open state" in which the first rotation restricting wall 20 and the first locking wall 44a are arranged facing each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the rotation stop means 73 restricts the rear shaft 12 from rotating further toward one side in the circumferential direction (+θ side) relative to the front shaft body 11a from the "closed state" (not shown) in which the second rotation restricting wall 21 and the second locking wall 45a are arranged facing each other in the circumferential direction.

[0082] The rotation stop mechanism 73 defines the rotation angle α (i.e., the range of angles in which the rear shaft 12 can rotate around the central axis C relative to the front shaft 11 and the pen unit 2) between the "open state" and the "closed state". In this embodiment, this rotation angle α is set to, for example, 90°.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the holding means 72 of this embodiment has a first locking groove 46 and a second locking groove 47 on the rear shaft 12 and an elastic projection 22 on the front shaft body 11a. The holding means 72 is configured to hold the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) in an open or closed state. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the holding means 72 holds the rear shaft 12 in an open state by the engagement of the first locking groove 46 with the protrusion 22b of the elastic projection 22. The holding means 72 also holds the rear shaft 12 in a closed state by the engagement of the second locking groove 47 with the protrusion 22b of the elastic projection 22.

[0084] In other words, the retaining means 72 has an engaging recess provided on either the front shaft 11 or the rear shaft 12, and an engaging projection provided on the other of the front shaft 11 or the rear shaft 12, and the engaging recess and the engaging projection are configured to engage with each other in an open or closed state. In this embodiment, the engaging recess corresponds to the first locking groove 46 and the second locking groove 47 provided on the rear shaft 12, and the engaging projection corresponds to the projection 22b of the elastic projection 22 provided on the front shaft body 11a (front shaft 11).

[0085] Although not specifically shown in the figures, when the rear shaft 12 is positioned between an open state and a closed state in the circumferential direction, the protrusion 22b of the elastic projection 22 contacts the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12's circumferential wall that is located between the first locking groove 46 and the second locking groove 47 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the protrusion 22b is pushed radially inward, causing the elastic piece 22a to elastically deform radially inward. Then, when the rear shaft 12 rotates circumferentially from this state to be positioned in the open or closed state, the elastic piece 22a returns to its original shape and the protrusion 22b engages with the first locking groove 46 or the second locking groove 47.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rotating ring 14 is annular in shape with the central axis C as its center. Specifically, the rotating ring 14 is circular in shape and is mounted on the front shaft body 11a. The rotating ring 14 is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The rotating ring 14 is positioned behind the push-in portion 17 and in front of the retaining projection 23. The rotating ring 14 is positioned on the front side of the rear shaft 12, adjacent to the front end surface of the rear shaft 12. The rotating ring 14 covers the flange 13b of the ring member 13 from the radially outer and front side.

[0087] The rotating ring 14 has a cylindrical portion 14a extending in the front-rear direction and an annular plate portion 14b connected to the front end of the cylindrical portion 14a. The cylindrical portion 14a is cylindrical with a central axis C. The annular plate portion 14b is an annular plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C. The outer circumference of the annular plate portion 14b is connected to the front end of the cylindrical portion 14a. The inner circumference of the annular plate portion 14b is slidable with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft body 11a. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 14a is exposed to the outside of the shaft cylinder 1. The front-facing surface of the annular plate portion 14b contacts the rear end surface of the grip 3. In this embodiment, the annular plate portion 14b is a rear pressing portion 14b that presses against the rear end surface of the grip 3 from the rear. That is, the shaft cylinder 1 has a rear pressing portion 14b provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1.

[0088] At least one of the front retaining portion 29 of the front shaft cap 11b and the rear retaining portion 14b (rotating ring 14) is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C. In this embodiment, of the front retaining portion 29 and the rear retaining portion 14b, the rear retaining portion 14b is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C.

[0089] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, and 8, the pen unit 2 extends in the front-rear direction around the central axis C. The external shape of the pen unit 2 is a multi-stage cylindrical shape, with the diameter gradually decreasing from the rear end towards the front. The pen unit 2 may also be referred to as the input pen body unit (electronic pen body unit), etc.

[0090] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 15, the pen unit 2 includes a pen tip 81 located at the front end of the pen unit 2, a projection 82 projecting radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2, a rotating cam support projection 83 located at the rear end of the pen unit 2, a circuit 100 including electronic components and a battery 88, side switches 84 and 85 provided in part of the circuit 100 and located on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2, a charging connection port 86 provided in part of the circuit 100 and located on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2, and a charging indicator 87 provided in part of the circuit 100 and located on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2. Note that the charging indicator 87 is not shown in Figure 15. The battery 88 is also removable from the pen unit 2.

[0091] The pen tip 81 is the contact point for a touch device (coordinate input device) such as a touch panel (not shown). Input to the touch device is performed by a discharge between the front end of the pen tip 81 and the shield. The pen tip 81 may also be referred to as a discharge electrode or the like.

[0092] The pen tip 81 has a conductive core body 81a extending in the front-to-back direction, and an annular peripheral electrode 81b positioned behind the front end of the core body 81a and surrounding the core body 81a from the radially outer side. The core body 81a and the peripheral electrode 81b are electrically connected to a part of the circuit 100 (a signal transmission circuit 103 and a signal reception circuit 104, which will be described later). The core body 81a is detachably attached to the pen tip 81 and is replaceable.

[0093] The peripheral electrode 81b is constructed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive material, such as a conductive metal, and is positioned to surround the core body 81a, which constitutes the conductive central electrode, excluding the tip. In this embodiment, the peripheral electrode 81b acts as a contact for receiving signals from the position detection sensor. The peripheral electrode 81b has a tapered cylindrical shape that narrows (reduces in diameter) towards the front.

[0094] Although not specifically shown in the figures, a pen tip-side cap member, made of an insulating and elastic material, is interposed between the peripheral electrode 81b and the core body 81a, allowing the core body 81a to move in the front-rear direction. An air layer (space), not shown in the figures, is provided between the pen tip-side cap member and the core body 81a, and this air layer allows the core body 81a to move within a predetermined range in the front-rear direction relative to the pen tip-side cap member and the peripheral electrode 81b.

[0095] The projection 82 is located in the intermediate portion between the front and rear ends of the pen unit 2. In this embodiment, the projection 82 is rib-shaped and extends in the front and rear direction. As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 10, the projection 82 is inserted into the slit 18 of the front shaft body 11a (front shaft 11) and is movable in the front and rear direction within the slit 18.

[0096] The rotation restricting means 71 of this embodiment has a slit 18 and a projection 82. The rotation restricting means 71 restricts the relative rotation of the pen unit 2 and the front shaft 11 in the circumferential direction about the central axis C. The rotation restricting means 71 also allows sliding movement of the pen unit 2 and the front shaft 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0097] In Figure 10, when the rear end of the front shaft body 11a (front shaft 11) undergoes elastic deformation, the circumferential dimension of the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes greater than or equal to the circumferential dimension of the projection 82. Specifically, as the rear end of the front shaft body 11a undergoes elastic deformation, the opening width dimension of the minimum width portion located at the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes greater than or equal to the rib width dimension (circumferential dimension) of the projection 82. This allows the projection 82 to be inserted into the slit 18 from the rear end opening of the slit 18 during the assembly of the input pen 10. In this embodiment, since the slit introduction wall 19 described above is provided, the projection 82 is guided by the slit introduction wall 19, making it easier to introduce the projection 82 into the slit 18.

[0098] Furthermore, when the rear end of the front axle body 11a (front axle 11) undergoes restoration deformation, the circumferential dimension of the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes smaller than the circumferential dimension of the projection 82. Specifically, as the rear end of the front axle body 11a undergoes restoration deformation, the opening width dimension of the minimum width portion located at the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes smaller than the rib width dimension (circumferential dimension) of the projection 82. This restricts the projection 82, which is positioned inside the slit 18, from exiting the rear end opening of the slit 18 to the rear.

[0099] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rotating cam support projection 83 is columnar in shape, extending in the front-rear direction with respect to the central axis C. In this embodiment, the rotating cam support projection 83 is substantially X-shaped in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0100] As shown in Figure 15, the circuit 100 includes a charging port 86, such as a USB connector; a battery 88, such as a secondary battery; side switches 84 and 85; a core body 81a; peripheral electrodes 81b; a charging circuit 101; a power supply voltage generation circuit 102; a signal transmission circuit 103; a signal reception circuit 104; a control circuit 105; and a variable capacitance capacitor 106. In other words, the charging port 86, the battery 88, the side switches 84 and 85, the core body 81a, the peripheral electrodes 81b, the charging circuit 101, the power supply voltage generation circuit 102, the signal transmission circuit 103, the signal reception circuit 104, the control circuit 105, and the variable capacitance capacitor 106 each constitute a part (a part that is different from the other) of the circuit 100.

[0101] Here, we will explain the electrical configuration of the pen unit 2 and its circuit 100. The input terminal of the charging circuit 101 is connected to the power receiving terminal that receives the charging voltage from the USB connector (charging port) 86. The output terminal of the charging circuit 101 is connected to the input terminal of the power supply voltage generation circuit 102, as well as to the positive terminal of the secondary battery (battery) 88. The charging circuit 101 charges the secondary battery 88 by supplying a charging current based on the charging voltage input from the USB connector 86 to the secondary battery 88.

[0102] The power supply voltage generation circuit 102 receives the voltage from the secondary battery 88 and generates a power supply voltage +B. The generated power supply voltage +B is supplied to the signal transmission circuit 103, the signal reception circuit 104, and the control circuit 105. In the illustrated example, a variable capacitance capacitor 106, which is part of a pressure detection unit located behind the pen tip 81, is connected to the control circuit 105, and the control circuit 105 detects the pressure value from the capacitance of this variable capacitance capacitor 106.

[0103] The signal transmission circuit 103 is equipped with an oscillation circuit of a predetermined frequency and generates a signal according to the control of the control circuit 105, which is transmitted to the position detection sensor by electrostatic coupling through the core body 81a, which serves as the central electrode. The signal transmitted from the signal transmission circuit 103 includes a position detection signal and a pressure value information signal. The position detection signal is transmitted as a burst signal of a predetermined frequency, and in this embodiment, the pressure value information is converted into a binary digital signal, which is then transmitted as, for example, an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulated signal or an OOK (On Off Keying) modulated signal.

[0104] The peripheral electrode 81b receives a signal from the position detection sensor via electrostatic coupling and supplies it to the control circuit 105. The control circuit 105 controls the timing of the signal output from the signal transmission circuit 103 based on the timing of the signal received from the position detection sensor.

[0105] The side switches 84 and 85 are provided, for example, on a circuit board (not shown). In this embodiment, two side switches 84 and 85 are provided in the circuit 100. Each side switch 84 and 85 is connected to the control circuit 105. The side switches 84 and 85 are self-resetting switches in which, for example, an external pressing force causes the internal contacts to become conductive, and when this pressing force is released, they return to their original position and the conductive state of the contacts is released.

[0106] The user of the input pen 10 can use various input functions from the pen tip 81 to the touch device by appropriately selecting and pressing the respective side switches 84 and 85. Specifically, they can use various functions such as drawing lines and dots, erasing, changing line type and thickness, and changing color as needed.

[0107] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the side switches 84 and 85 are located in the intermediate portion between the front and rear ends of the pen unit 2. Specifically, the side switches 84 and 85 are located behind the pen tip 81 and in front of the projection 82. Multiple side switches 84 and 85 are provided side by side in the front-to-back direction on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2. In this embodiment, two side switches 84 and 85 are provided spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. The circumferential position of each side switch 84 and 85 is the same as the circumferential position of each push-in portion 17 of the front shaft 11.

[0108] The charging port 86 is located on the outer surface of the pen unit 2, behind the projection 82 and in front of the rotating cam support projection 83. The charging port 86 is, for example, a USB connector and extends in the front-to-back direction. The charging port 86 is provided without protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the pen unit 2. That is, the charging port 86 is located radially inward from the outer surface of the pen unit 2. A connector for a charging cord (not shown) used to charge the battery 88 is detachably attached to the charging port 86 from the radially outward side.

[0109] The charging indicator unit 87 is located on the outer surface of the pen unit 2, behind the projection 82 and in front of the charging port 86. The charging indicator unit 87 is, for example, an LED lamp and is exposed on the outer surface of the pen unit 2. The circumferential position of the charging indicator unit 87 is the same as the circumferential position of the charging port 86. The charging indicator unit 87 and the charging port 86 are located adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0110] The charging indicator unit 87 displays the charging status of the battery 88 by the illumination status and color of an LED lamp. Specifically, the charging indicator unit 87 lights up when the battery 88 is charging, blinks when the battery 88 is not charged, and turns off when the battery 88 is fully charged.

[0111] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) is rotatable in the circumferential direction around the central axis C between an "open state" where the window portion 42 and the charging connection port 86 overlap when viewed radially, and a "closed state" (not shown) where the portion of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 other than the window portion 42 overlaps with the charging connection port 86 when viewed radially. In other words, in this embodiment, the "open state" refers to a state in which the charging connection port 86 is exposed to the outside of the shaft cylinder 1 (the charging connection port 86 is open), and the "closed state" refers to a state in which the charging connection port 86 is hidden inside the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1 (the charging connection port 86 is closed).

[0112] In this embodiment, the charging indicator unit 87 overlaps with the window 42 when viewed radially when the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) is in the open state. That is, when the rear shaft 12 is in the open state, both the charging connection port 86 and the charging indicator unit 87 are exposed to the outside of the shaft cylinder 1 through the window 42. Also, when the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) is in the closed state, the charging indicator unit 87 overlaps with the portion of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 other than the window 42 when viewed radially. That is, when the rear shaft 12 is in the closed state, both the charging connection port 86 and the charging indicator unit 87 are covered (hidden) from the radially outside by the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12.

[0113] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first biasing member (biasing member) 4 is located inside the shaft cylinder 1. Specifically, the first biasing member 4 is housed inside the front shaft body 11a (front shaft 11). The first biasing member 4 is, for example, a compression coil spring and is elastically deformable. The first biasing member 4 has a helical shape centered on the central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The first biasing member 4 can expand and contract in the front-rear direction due to elastic deformation. The pen unit 2 is inserted inside the first biasing member 4. The first biasing member 4 is provided on the outer circumference of the pen unit 2.

[0114] The first biasing member 4 is positioned in the front-rear direction between a rearward-facing stepped portion 11e provided on the inner circumferential surface of the front shaft body 11a and facing rearward, and a forward-facing stepped portion 2a provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2 and facing forward. The front end of the first biasing member 4 contacts the rearward-facing stepped portion 11e from the rear, and the rear end of the first biasing member 4 contacts the forward-facing stepped portion 2a from the front. As a result, the first biasing member 4 biases the pen unit 2 towards the rearward side relative to the front shaft 11 (shaft cylinder 1). In this embodiment, a rotating cam 53 of the knock mechanism 5, which will be described later, is fitted to the rear end of the pen unit 2, and the biasing force of the first biasing member 4 biases the rotating cam 53 towards the rearward side along with the pen unit 2.

[0115] The knock mechanism 5 moves the pen unit 2 in the forward and backward directions, switching between a usage position in which the pen tip 81 protrudes forward from the front end opening 11c of the barrel 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a storage position in which the pen tip 81 is housed inside the barrel 1, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The usage position of the pen unit 2 may also be referred to as the forward position, and the storage position of the pen unit 2 may also be referred to as the retracted position.

[0116] Specifically, the knock mechanism 5 moves the pen unit 2 in the forward and backward directions, alternating between the usage position (forward position) and the storage position (retracted position). More specifically, each time the user pushes the slide cam 52 of the knock mechanism 5 forward, that is, performs the knock operation to activate the knock mechanism 5, the pen unit 2 alternately moves in the forward and backward directions between the usage position and the storage position.

[0117] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the knock mechanism 5 includes a cam groove 51 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1), a slide cam 52 that engages with the cam groove 51 and slides in the front-rear direction, and a rotating cam 53 that is biased to the rear by the first biasing member 4 and rotated in the circumferential direction around the central axis C while repeatedly engaging with and disengaging from the cam groove 51 each time it is pushed forward by the slide cam 52 against this biasing force. As this knock mechanism 5, for example, a knock mechanism used in a well-known retractable ballpoint pen can be adopted.

[0118] The slide cam 52 is cylindrical in shape with a central axis C as its center and extends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the slide cam 52 is a topped cylindrical shape with a top wall at its rear end. The slide cam 52 is inserted into the rear end opening 11d of the shaft cylinder 1, and its movement outward (falling out) from the rear end opening 11d is restricted. Furthermore, the slide cam 52 is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the rear shaft 12, but its sliding movement in the front-rear direction is permitted. The rear portion of the slide cam 52 protrudes rearward from the rear end opening 11d.

[0119] The rotating cam 53 is cylindrical with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The rotating cam 53 is multi-stage cylindrical, with the diameter of its front portion being larger than the diameter of its rear portion. The rear portion of the rotating cam 53 is inserted into the front opening of the slide cam 52.

[0120] The rotating cam support projection 83 of the pen unit 2 is fitted into the front opening of the rotating cam 53 so as to be rotatable relative to it in the circumferential direction. In other words, the rotating cam 53 is rotatably fitted to the rear end of the pen unit 2. By fitting the rotating cam 53 and the rotating cam support projection 83 together, the rotating cam 53 and the pen unit 2 are arranged coaxially with respect to their common central axis C. That is, the rotating cam 53 is supported in a state that is centered on the pen unit 2. Furthermore, the rotating cam 53 is permitted to move in the front-rear direction and in the circumferential direction relative to the slide cam 52.

[0121] The rotating cam 53 has cam projections that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the front portion of the rotating cam 53. The cam projections are rib-shaped and extend in the front-rear direction, and multiple projections are provided spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. By the user repeatedly performing a knocking operation to push the slide cam 52 forward, each cam projection of the rotating cam 53 is configured to repeatedly engage with and disengage from each cam groove 51.

[0122] The second biasing member 6 is located inside the slide cam 52. The second biasing member 6 is, for example, a compression coil spring and is elastically deformable. The second biasing member 6 has a helical shape with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The second biasing member 6 can expand and contract in the front-rear direction due to elastic deformation.

[0123] The front end of the second biasing member 6 is in contact with the rear end surface of the rotating cam 53 from the rear. The rear end of the second biasing member 6 is locked to the inner circumference of the slide cam 52. As a result, the second biasing member 6 biases the slide cam 52 toward the rear, regardless of whether the pen unit 2 is in the use position or the storage position. Due to the rearward biasing force of the second biasing member 6, even when the pen unit 2 is in the use position, the slide cam 52 is kept in a state of protruding toward the rear from the rear end opening 11d, and rattling of the slide cam 52 is prevented.

[0124] The biasing force of the second biasing member 6 is smaller than that of the first biasing member 4. In other words, the spring force of the second biasing member 6 is smaller than that of the first biasing member 4. Therefore, the second biasing member 6 contracts in the front-rear direction with less force than the first biasing member 4.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the push-in portion 17 of the front shaft 11 (shaft cylinder 1) overlaps with the side switches 84 and 85 when viewed from the radial direction, when the pen unit 2 is in the usage position. More specifically, the push-in plate 17a of the push-in portion 17 is positioned to overlap with the side switches 84 and 85 when viewed from the radial direction. At this time, the plate surface of the push-in plate 17a facing radially inward (in this embodiment, the convex back surface protruding radially inward) is positioned opposite the side switches 84 and 85 in the radial direction. Also, as shown in Figure 2, when the pen unit 2 is in the storage position, the push-in portion 17 does not overlap with the side switches 84 and 85 when viewed from the radial direction.

[0126] Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple (two) side switches 84 and 85 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2, arranged in the front-to-back direction, and multiple (two) push-in parts 17 are provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1, arranged in the front-to-back direction. When the pen unit 2 is in the usage position shown in Figure 4, the push-in parts 17 and the side switches 84 and 85 overlap when viewed from the radial direction, and when the pen unit 2 is in the storage position shown in Figure 2, the push-in parts 17 and the side switches 84 and 85 do not overlap when viewed from the radial direction.

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, when the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) is open, the charging connection port 86 and the charging indicator 87 are exposed to the outside through the window 42 in both the usage position and the storage position of the pen unit 2. Although not specifically shown, when the rear shaft 12 is closed, the charging connection port 86 and the charging indicator 87 are covered from the radially outer side by the portion of the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 other than the window 42 in both the usage position and the storage position of the pen unit 2.

[0128] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the grip 3 is substantially cylindrical with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The grip 3 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft cylinder 1, and specifically, it fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft 11. More specifically, the grip 3 is externally mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft 11 so as to surround the portion located between the front retaining portion 29 and the rear retaining portion 14b in the front-rear direction, from the radially outside to the entire circumference. The grip 3 covers the hole portion 16 and the push-in portion 17 of the front shaft 11 from the radially outside.

[0129] The material for grip 3 can be appropriately selected from, for example, elastically deformable silicone rubber, natural rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyvinyl chloride resin, butadiene rubber, urethane rubber, polyethylene resin, other synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, at least the portion of the grip 3 located directly above the push-in portion 17 is transparent. In this embodiment, the entire grip 3 is transparent. Note that "transparent" may be, for example, colorless transparent or colored transparent with a predetermined color. In this embodiment, "transparent" is a concept that includes "semi-transparent". More specifically, "transparent" refers to a case where, when a user views the grip 3 from the radially outside, the push-in portion 17 located on the radially inside of the grip 3 is visible through the peripheral wall of the grip 3.

[0131] The maximum outer diameter of grip 3 is specified as, for example, 7 mm to 15 mm. The wall thickness of the periphery of grip 3 is specified as, for example, 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0132] Furthermore, the overall length of the grip 3 in the front-to-back direction is greater than the front-to-back distance between the front clamping portion 29 and the rear clamping portion 14b. In other words, the front-to-back distance between the rear-facing surface of the front clamping portion 29 and the front-facing surface of the rear clamping portion 14b is smaller than the overall length of the grip 3 in the front-to-back direction between the front end surface and the rear end surface. For this reason, the grip 3 is compressed in the front-to-back direction, sandwiched between the front clamping portion 29 and the rear clamping portion 14b, and is mounted on the front shaft 11.

[0133] Specifically, the front end of the grip 3 is externally attached to the female threaded cylinder 27 of the front axle cap 11b. The rear end of the grip 3 is fitted into the portion of the front axle body 11a where the grip anti-slip projection 24 is located in the front-to-back direction.

[0134] The grip 3 has a first circumferential wall portion 31 located on the part of the circumferential wall of the grip 3 other than the front end, and a second circumferential wall portion 32 located on the front end of the circumferential wall of the grip 3.

[0135] The first circumferential wall portion 31 is substantially cylindrical in shape, extending in the front-rear direction with respect to the central axis C. The first circumferential wall portion 31 overlaps with the push-in portion 17 when viewed from the radial direction. Also, as shown in Figure 4, when the pen unit 2 is in the usage position, the first circumferential wall portion 31 overlaps with the side switches 84 and 85 when viewed from the radial direction. At least the portion of the first circumferential wall portion 31 located directly above the push-in portion 17 and the side switches 84 and 85 (the portion located radially outward) is transparent. In this embodiment, the entire first circumferential wall portion 31 is transparent.

[0136] The outer diameter and wall thickness of the first circumferential wall portion 31 gradually decrease as it moves towards the front. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the first circumferential wall portion 31 remains approximately constant along its entire length in the front-to-back direction.

[0137] The second circumferential wall portion 32 is substantially cylindrical in shape, extending in the front-rear direction with respect to the central axis C. The second circumferential wall portion 32 has a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the rest of the grip 3's circumferential wall, excluding the front end. In other words, the second circumferential wall portion 32 has a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first circumferential wall portion 31. The second circumferential wall portion 32 is the part of the grip 3's circumferential wall that has the largest outer diameter and wall thickness.

[0138] Regarding the thickness dimensions of the peripheral walls of the grip 3, the first peripheral wall portion 31 is preferably 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm in thickness, considering the ability to press in, and the second peripheral wall portion 32 is preferably thicker than the first peripheral wall portion 31 and 1 mm to 4 mm in thickness, in order to obtain stable gripping. Furthermore, the Shore A hardness of the grip 3 is preferably 40 degrees to 80 degrees, considering the ability to press in the first peripheral wall portion 31 and the use of the grip for extended periods.

[0139] The outer diameter and wall thickness of the second circumferential wall portion 32 gradually decrease as it approaches the rear. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second circumferential wall portion 32 remains approximately constant along its entire length in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the connection portion of the grip 3's peripheral wall where the rear end of the second peripheral wall portion 32 and the front end of the first peripheral wall portion 31 are connected has the smallest outer diameter and the smallest wall thickness among the peripheral walls of the grip 3.

[0140] In the retractable input pen 10 of this embodiment described above, when the pen unit 2 is moved to the usage position by the retraction mechanism 5, the side switches 84 and 85 of the pen unit 2 and the push-in portion 17 of the barrel 1 are positioned to overlap when viewed from the radial direction. That is, in the usage position, the user can indirectly press the side switches 84 and 85 by pushing the push-in portion 17 radially inward.

[0141] Therefore, unlike conventional products (for example, the electronic pen described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-24073), there is no need to provide an operating opening with a large opening in the peripheral wall of the barrel for inserting a fingertip, and to insert a fingertip all the way into this operating opening to operate the side switch. According to this embodiment, the side switches 84 and 85 can be operated by pressing the push-in part 17 from the peripheral wall of the barrel 1, so the operability of the side switches 84 and 85 is improved.

[0142] Furthermore, since the size of the push-in portion 17 only needs to be roughly the same as the size of the side switches 84 and 85, the push-in portion 17 can be provided without making a large opening in the peripheral wall of the barrel 1. This prevents dust, moisture, etc. from entering the inside of the barrel 1 from around the push-in portion 17, and allows the pen unit 2 to function properly.

[0143] Furthermore, when the pen unit 2 is moved to the retracted position by the knock mechanism 5, the side switches 84 and 85 of the pen unit 2 and the push-in portion 17 of the barrel 1 are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed radially. Therefore, in the retracted position, even if the user accidentally pushes in the push-in portion 17, this portion 17 will not press the side switches 84 and 85. Thus, accidental operation is prevented.

[0144] In this embodiment, the indentation portion 17 is covered from the radially outer side by the grip 3, and when the portion of the grip 3 located directly above the indentation portion 17 is elastically deformed radially inward, the indentation portion 17 is pushed radially inward by the grip 3.

[0145] In this case, since the push-in portion 17 is covered by the grip 3 from the radially outer side, it is possible to further suppress the entry of dirt, moisture, etc., into the shaft cylinder 1 from around the push-in portion 17. Furthermore, in the position of use, the user can indirectly press the side switches 84 and 85 by pushing the push-in portion 17 radially inward through the grip 3. In addition, the grip 3, made of elastically deformable rubber or similar material, provides an anti-slip effect when pressing the side switches.

[0146] In this embodiment, at least the portion of the grip 3 located directly above the push-in portion 17 is transparent.

[0147] In this case, when the grip 3 is viewed from the radially outer side, the push-in portion 17 located inside the grip 3 is visible through the grip 3. The user can reliably press the side switches 84 and 85 through the grip 3 and the push-in portion 17, resulting in good operability of the side switches 84 and 85.

[0148] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 17 includes a pressing plate 17a positioned inside the hole 16 of the shaft cylinder 1, and an elastically deformable connecting piece 17b that connects the inner circumference of the hole 16 to the pressing plate 17a.

[0149] In this case, when the user presses the push plate 17a, the connecting piece 17b elastically deforms, causing the push plate 17a to move radially inward. This allows the user to indirectly press the side switches 84 and 85 via the push plate 17a. Because the structure of the push portion 17 is simple, the push portion 17 can be easily provided on the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1 while reducing the number of parts. In addition, because the operation of the push portion 17 is stable, the operability of the side switches 84 and 85 is maintained well over a long period of time.

[0150] In this embodiment, the plate surface (back surface) of the indentation plate 17a facing radially inward has a convex shape that protrudes radially inward. In this case, the back surface of the push plate 17a allows the operators of the side switches 84 and 85 to be pressed more reliably, thereby improving the stability and operability of the side switches 84 and 85.

[0151] In this embodiment, the push-in portion 17 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1. In this case, the configuration of the push-in part 17 becomes simpler, and it is easier to provide the push-in part 17 on the peripheral wall of the barrel 1 when manufacturing the retractable input pen 10.

[0152] In this embodiment, multiple side switches 84 and 85 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2, arranged in the front-to-back direction, and multiple push-in parts 17 are provided on the outer circumferential wall of the barrel 1, arranged in the front-to-back direction. When the pen unit 2 is in the use position, each push-in part 17 and each side switch 84 and 85 overlap when viewed from the radial direction, and when the pen unit 2 is in the storage position, each push-in part 17 and each side switch 84 and 85 do not overlap when viewed from the radial direction.

[0153] In this case, when the user presses a predetermined press-button 17 among the multiple press-buttons 17 at the usage position, a predetermined side switch 84 or 85 among the multiple side switches 84, 85 is pressed via this press-button 17. By providing multiple side switches 84, 85, the pen unit 2 can be made more functional, and the user can easily use the various input functions of the pen unit 2 by selectively pressing the press-buttons 17.

[0154] Furthermore, the retractable input pen 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotation restricting means 71 that restricts the relative rotation of the pen unit 2 and the front shaft 11 in the circumferential direction around the central axis C.

[0155] In this case, the rotation restricting means 71 restricts the relative rotation in the circumferential direction between the side switches 84 and 85 of the pen unit 2 and the push-in portion 17 of the front shaft 11. Therefore, even if the retractable input pen 10 is used repeatedly, the circumferential positions of the side switches 84 and 85 and the circumferential position of the push-in portion 17 are stably aligned at the usage position, and the above-described effects of this embodiment are stably achieved.

[0156] In this embodiment, the rotation restricting means 71 has a slit 18 that extends radially through the peripheral wall of the front shaft 11 and opens to the rear end face of the front shaft 11, and a projection 82 that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pen unit 2, is inserted into the slit 18, and is movable in the front-rear direction within the slit 18. When the rear end of the front shaft 11 is elastically deformed, the circumferential dimension of the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes greater than or equal to the circumferential dimension of the projection 82, and when the rear end of the front shaft 11 is restored to its original shape, the circumferential dimension of the rear end opening of the slit 18 becomes smaller than the circumferential dimension of the projection 82.

[0157] In this case, the projection 82 of the pen unit 2 is inserted into the slit 18 of the front shaft 11, and as these move relative to each other in the front-rear direction, the knock mechanism 5 allows the pen unit 2 to slide freely between the usage position and the storage position, while the function (effect) of the rotation restricting means 71 described above is stably obtained.

[0158] Furthermore, during the assembly of the retractable input pen 10, the projection 82 can be easily inserted into the slit 18 through the rear end opening of the slit 18 by elastically deforming the rear end of the front shaft 11. Subsequently, as the rear end of the front shaft 11 returns to its original shape, the projection 82 is prevented from unintentionally slipping out of the rear end opening of the slit 18 (outside the slit 18). This makes the assembly of the input pen 10 easy.

[0159] Furthermore, in the input pen 10 of this embodiment, the user can switch between an open state, where the charging port 86 is exposed to the outside through the window 42, and a closed state, where the charging port 86 is covered by the peripheral wall of the barrel 1, by rotating the rear shaft 12 (barrel 1) relative to the pen unit 2 in the circumferential direction around the central axis C. In other words, the charging port 86 can be opened and closed by the rotational movement of the barrel 1. With this configuration, when a knock mechanism 5 is applied to this input pen 10 as in this embodiment, the barrel 1 can be rotated to open and close the charging port 86 without hindering the forward and backward movement of the pen unit 2 relative to the barrel 1. Therefore, it is easy to incorporate a knock mechanism 5 into the input pen 10.

[0160] Furthermore, the input pen 10 of this embodiment includes a knock mechanism 5 that moves the pen unit 2 in the front-rear direction to switch between a usage position in which the pen tip 81, located at the front end of the pen unit 2, protrudes forward from the front end opening 11c of the barrel 1, and a storage position in which the pen tip 81 is housed inside the barrel 1.

[0161] In this case, the input pen 10 is equipped with both an opening / closing mechanism for the charging port 86 and a knocking mechanism 5. This allows for flexible responses to various requests regarding the input pen 10.

[0162] In this embodiment, when the barrel 1 is open, the charging connection port 86 is exposed to the outside through the window 42 in both the usage position and the storage position of the pen unit 2.

[0163] In this case, the knock mechanism 5 can be used while the barrel 1 is in the open position and the battery 88 is being charged using the charging port 86. In other words, charging can be continued regardless of whether the pen unit 2 is in use or stored. For example, since charging can be performed while inputting with the input pen 10, the input pen 10 is highly convenient and improves work efficiency.

[0164] Furthermore, the input pen 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a holding means 72 for holding the barrel 1 in an open or closed state. Specifically, the holding means 72 has an engaging recess (first locking groove 46, second locking groove 47) provided on either the front shaft 11 or the rear shaft 12, and an engaging projection (protrusion 22b of the elastic projection 22) provided on the other of the front shaft 11 or the rear shaft 12, and the engaging recess and the engaging projection engage with each other in the open or closed state.

[0165] In this case, the holding means 72 stably maintains the open or closed position of the shaft cylinder 1. This makes the opening and closing mechanism of the charging connection port 86 easy to use.

[0166] Furthermore, the input pen 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotation stop means 73 that restricts rotation of the rear shaft 12 in the circumferential direction other than rotation from an open state to a closed state or rotation from a closed state to an open state.

[0167] In this case, the rotation stop mechanism 73 restricts unintended rotation of the rear shaft 12, other than rotation from the open state to the closed state and rotation from the closed state to the open state. This improves the operability when opening and closing the charging port 86.

[0168] Furthermore, the input pen 10 of this embodiment is further equipped with a disengagement restricting means 70 that restricts the rear shaft 12 from disengaging from the front shaft 11 toward the rear side.

[0169] In this case, even if the user repeatedly rotates the rear shaft 12 relative to the front shaft 11 to open and close the charging port 86, the detachment prevention means 70 prevents the rear shaft 12 from unintentionally detaching or falling off the front shaft 11. As a result, the above-described functions (effects) of the input pen 10 are stably performed over a long period of time.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ring member 13 can be removed from the rear shaft 12 using, for example, a work tool. Therefore, the barrel 1 can be disassembled and the pen unit 2 can be removed from inside the barrel 1. Furthermore, the battery 88 can be removed from the pen unit 2.

[0171] In this embodiment, the shaft cylinder 1 has a relief portion 43 located around the window portion 42 on the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1, and the relief portion 43 is recessed radially inward from the portion of the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1 other than the relief portion 43.

[0172] In this case, the connector of the charging cord connected to the charging port 86 is less likely to interfere with the relief portion 43 arranged around the window portion 42. As a result, the opening area of ​​the window portion 42 can be kept smaller, and dust, moisture, etc. can be prevented from entering the barrel 1 through the window portion 42. This allows the pen unit 2 to function properly.

[0173] In this embodiment, the pen unit 2 is provided as part of the circuit 100 and has a charging indicator 87 positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit 2. When the barrel 1 is in the open position, the charging indicator 87 overlaps with the window 42 when viewed from the radial direction.

[0174] In this case, with the shaft 1 in the open state, the battery 88 can be charged using the charging connection port 86, and the user can check the charging status by visually observing the charging indicator 87, such as an LED lamp, through the window 42.

[0175] In this embodiment, when the barrel 1 is open, the charging indicator 87 is exposed to the outside through the window 42 in both the usage position and the storage position of the pen unit 2. In this case, the user can visually check the charging indicator 87 regardless of whether the pen unit 2 is in use or stored.

[0176] Furthermore, in the grip-equipped input pen 10 of this embodiment, a second circumferential wall portion 32 is provided at the front end of the circumferential wall of the grip 3, which has a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first circumferential wall portion 31. Therefore, when a user uses this grip-equipped input pen 10, they can firmly grip the thick second circumferential wall portion 32 located at the front end of the grip 3 with their fingertips. In addition, because the front end of the grip 3 (second circumferential wall portion 32) is thick, the user can grip the input pen 10 with little force, and especially when using the input pen 10 for long periods of time, the fingers are less likely to get tired, making it effective for children with weak gripping strength.

[0177] Furthermore, the first peripheral wall portion 31, which is located on the peripheral wall of the grip 3 excluding the front end, has a smaller outer diameter and wall thickness compared to the second peripheral wall portion 32. In other words, because the first peripheral wall portion 31 is thinner than the second peripheral wall portion 32, it is easier for the user to push the first peripheral wall portion 31 radially inward with their fingertips, and easier to press the side switches 84 and 85 through the first peripheral wall portion 31. In addition, the tactile sensation of the pressing operation is easily transmitted to the fingertips, and the click feeling when pressing the side switches 84 and 85 is good. Thus, the grip 3 of the input pen 10 with a grip in this embodiment is easy to hold with the fingertips when in use and is suitable for operating the input pen 10.

[0178] In this embodiment, at least the portion of the first peripheral wall 31 located directly above the side switches 84 and 85 is transparent.

[0179] In this case, when the grip 3 is viewed from the radially outer side, the positions of the side switches 84 and 85 (in this embodiment, the positions of the push-in parts 17 located directly above the side switches 84 and 85) can be visually confirmed through the transparent first peripheral wall portion 31. The user can reliably press the side switches 84 and 85 through the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the grip 3, resulting in good operability of the side switches 84 and 85.

[0180] In this embodiment, the shaft cylinder 1 has a front pressing portion 29 provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1 that contacts the front end surface of the grip 3, and a rear pressing portion 14b provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1 that contacts the rear end surface of the grip 3, and the dimension in the front-rear direction between the front pressing portion 29 and the rear pressing portion 14b is smaller than the overall length dimension of the grip 3 in the front-rear direction.

[0181] In this case, when the grip 3 is attached to the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1, the grip 3 is sandwiched between the front pressing portion 29 and the rear pressing portion 14b from the front and rear directions. As a result, the grip 3 undergoes elastic deformation, increasing its wall thickness and decreasing its inner diameter. In other words, by attaching the grip 3 to the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder 1, the inner surface of the grip 3 and the outer surface of the shaft cylinder 1 come into close contact, thereby suppressing the rotational movement of the grip 3 relative to the shaft cylinder 1. To put it another way, the anti-rotation function of the grip 3 is obtained simply by attaching the grip 3 to the shaft cylinder 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since grip anti-slip projections 24 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the front shaft body 11a, the anti-rotation function of the grip 3 is further enhanced.

[0182] Furthermore, if the user repeatedly presses the same spot on the first circumferential wall 31 (a predetermined part located directly above the side switches 84 and 85), causing the predetermined part of the first circumferential wall 31 to become dirty or damaged, the circumferential position of the grip 3 can be changed by reattaching the grip 3 to the shaft cylinder 1.

[0183] In this embodiment, the front shaft cap 11b is detachably attached to the front end of the front shaft body 11a, and the grip 3 can be removed from the front shaft 11 by removing the front shaft cap 11b. Therefore, the grip 3 can be easily replaced. Furthermore, by loosening the screw connection between the female threaded cylinder 27 of the front shaft cap 11b and the male threaded portion 15 of the front shaft body 11a, the front-to-back dimension between the front retaining portion 29 and the rear retaining portion 14b can be increased, allowing the grip 3 to rotate circumferentially. This allows the circumferential position of the grip 3 to be changed, for example, if the portion of the grip 3's circumferential wall located directly above the side switches 84, 85 and the push-in portion 17 becomes dirty or damaged.

[0184] In this embodiment, at least one of the front pressing portion 29 and the rear pressing portion 14b is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C.

[0185] In this case, for example, when assembling the shaft 1 using the screw structure as described above, even if the grip 3 rotates circumferentially together with the components of the shaft 1 (in this embodiment, the front shaft cap 11b), the front retaining portion 29 or the rear retaining portion 14b (in this embodiment, the rear retaining portion 14b) that contacts the grip 3 rotates, suppressing unintended torsional deformation of the grip 3. As a result, the above-described functions (effects) of the grip 3 are stably achieved.

[0186] In this embodiment, the outer diameter and wall thickness of the second circumferential wall portion 32 gradually decrease as it moves towards the rear, and the outer diameter and wall thickness of the first circumferential wall portion 31 gradually decrease as it moves towards the front.

[0187] In this case, the area near the connection between the second peripheral wall portion 32 and the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the grip 3 is given a constricted shape. This further improves the grip's ease of handling.

[0188] In this embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less. If the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 7 mm or more, a large contact area is secured between the user's fingertips and the grip 3, making it easier for the user to grip the grip 3 stably with light force. In addition, a larger outer diameter of the grip 3 makes it easier to secure larger outer diameters for the barrel 1 and pen unit 2 inside the grip 3. This makes it possible to arrange multiple side switches 84 and 85 on the pen unit 2, or to enlarge the operating elements and press-button parts 17 of the side switches 84 and 85. This allows for enhanced functionality of the input pen 10 and improved operability of the side switches 84 and 85. Furthermore, if the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 15 mm or less, the operability (ease of input, ease of writing) of the pen tip 81 of the input pen 10 is maintained at a good level.

[0189] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications to the configuration, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below, for example.

[0190] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which two sets of holes 16 and push-in portions 17 are provided on the peripheral wall of the front shaft 11, but the invention is not limited to this. The sets may be provided as one or three or more on the peripheral wall of the front shaft 11. Also, an example was given in which two side switches 84 and 85 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pen unit 2, but the invention is not limited to this. The side switches may be provided as one or three or more on the outer peripheral surface of the pen unit 2.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the connecting piece 17b of the pressing portion 17 connects the pressing plate 17a and the beam portion 25, but the invention is not limited to this. The connecting piece 17b may also connect the outer periphery of the pressing plate 17a to the portion of the inner periphery of the hole portion 16 other than the beam portion 25.

[0192] Furthermore, the color of the front shaft body 11a (front shaft 11) including the push-in part 17 and the color of the pen unit 2 arranged inside the front shaft body 11a may be different from each other. In other words, the color of the push-in part 17 and the color of the pen unit 2 may be different. With the above configuration, even when it is necessary to see the push-button 17 through the semi-transparent grip 3, for example, the contrast between the push-button 17 and the pen unit 2 visible around the push-button 17 (visible inside the barrel 1 through the hole 16) can be made clearer, improving the visibility of the push-button 17. As a result, the operability of the side switches 84 and 85 is further improved. Furthermore, since the gap between the push-button 17 and the inner circumference of the hole 16 tends to be shaded (light does not easily enter and it tends to be dark), it is preferable to make the front barrel body 11a, including the push-button 17, a bright color such as white, and the pen unit 2 a dark color such as gray, as this emphasizes the above contrast.

[0193] Furthermore, the color of the indentation plate 17a may be different from the color of the other parts of the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1. To make the color of the indentation plate 17a different, for example, a colored sticker or the like may be attached to the plate surface of the indentation plate 17a facing radially outward, or paint or the like may be applied. According to the above configuration, even when it is necessary to see the push plate 17a through the semi-transparent grip 3, for example, the visibility of the push plate 17a is improved. As a result, the operability of the side switches 84 and 85 is further improved.

[0194] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the rear pressing portion 14b of the front pressing portion 29 is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C, but the invention is not limited to this. Of the front pressing portion 29 and the rear pressing portion 14b, the front pressing portion 29 may be rotatable in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, both the front pressing portion 29 and the rear pressing portion 14b may be rotatable.

[0195] Furthermore, although not specifically shown in the figures, the rear shaft 12 (shaft cylinder 1) may have an inspection window that penetrates the peripheral wall of the rear shaft 12 in the radial direction, and when the rear shaft 12 is in the closed state, the inspection window and the charging indicator unit 87 may be configured to overlap when viewed from the radial direction. In this case, even if the rear axle 12 is in the closed position, the user can check the charging status of the battery 88 by visually inspecting the charging indicator 87 through the inspection window.

[0196] In the embodiments described above, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when viewing the input pen 10 from the rear (+Y side) towards the front (-Y side), the counterclockwise direction around the central axis C corresponds to one side of the circumferential direction (+θ side), and the clockwise direction corresponds to the other side of the circumferential direction (-θ side). However, the embodiments are not limited to this. When viewing the input pen 10 from the rear towards the front, the clockwise direction around the central axis C may correspond to one side of the circumferential direction, and the counterclockwise direction may correspond to the other side of the circumferential direction.

[0197] In the embodiment described above, the extension mechanism that moves the pen unit 2 in the front-to-back direction to switch between the usage position and the storage position was given as an example of a knock mechanism 5, but it is not limited to this. In other words, the extension mechanism is not limited to a rear-end knock type like the knock mechanism 5, but can be any of the various extension mechanisms such as a side-knock type, a rotary extension type, or a side-slide type.

[0198] Furthermore, although the input pen 10 described in the above embodiment is an active capacitive electronic pen, it is not limited to this and may be an electromagnetic induction electronic pen.

[0199] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment used a single-core input pen 10 in which a pen unit 2, which serves as an input pen body unit (electronic pen body unit), is arranged inside the barrel 1 as an example, the invention is not limited to this. Although not specifically shown, the present invention may also be a multi-core input pen in which other writing units (for example, a ballpoint pen, marker, mechanical pencil, etc.) are arranged inside the barrel 1 together with the pen unit 2.

[0200] The present invention may be combined in any way that does not depart from the spirit of the invention, as described in the above embodiments and modifications, and the configurations may be added, omitted, substituted, or otherwise modified. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0201] According to the present invention, an input pen with a grip is provided that is easy to hold with the fingertips during use and has a grip suitable for operating the input pen. Therefore, it has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0202] 1... Shaft cylinder, 2... Pen unit, 3... Grip, 10... Input pen with grip (input pen), 14b... Rear press part, 29... Front press part, 31... First peripheral wall, 32... Second peripheral wall, 84, 85... Side switches, 100... Circuit, C... Central axis

Claims

1. A shaft cylinder extending in the front-to-back direction along the central axis, A pen unit is disposed inside the barrel and extends in the front-to-back direction, The shaft is fitted with an elastically deformable cylindrical grip, The aforementioned pen unit is A circuit including electronic components, The circuit includes a side switch provided in part of the circuit and positioned on the outer surface of the pen unit, The aforementioned grip is A first peripheral wall portion is provided on the peripheral wall of the grip, excluding the front end, and overlaps with the side switch when viewed radially. The grip has a second circumferential wall portion located at the front end of the circumferential wall portion, which has a larger outer diameter and wall thickness than the first circumferential wall portion, Input pen with grip.

2. At least the portion of the first peripheral wall located directly above the side switch is transparent. The input pen with a grip as described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned shaft cylinder is A front pressing portion is provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder and contacts the front end surface of the grip, The shaft has a rear pressing portion provided on the circumferential wall of the shaft cylinder that contacts the rear end surface of the grip, The front-to-rear dimension between the front-to-rear pressing portion and the rear-to-rear pressing portion is smaller than the overall length of the grip in the front-to-rear direction. An input pen with a grip according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the front pressing portion and the rear pressing portion is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis. The input pen with a grip as described in claim 3.

5. The second peripheral wall portion gradually decreases in outer diameter and wall thickness towards the rear. The first peripheral wall portion gradually decreases in outer diameter and wall thickness as it moves towards the front. An input pen with a grip according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The maximum outer diameter of the grip is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less. An input pen with a grip according to claim 1 or 2.

Images