Electronic pen

Abstract

This electronic pen allows users to flexibly change the usage of the side switch function according to their needs. [Solution] The side switch unit 3 has an engaging portion 31FT at one end in the axial direction and a pressed portion 31BK at the other end. The side switch unit 3 is inserted diagonally so that one end abuts against one end of the side opening 11H of the housing 11, and the other end is pushed down toward the side opening 11H. The side switch unit 3 is attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 by the engaging portion 31FT engaging with the housing 11 and the pressed portion 31BK being pressed toward one end by the pressing mechanism 70.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen that enables input of information by indicating coordinates with respect to a position detection device mounted on an electronic device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer).

Background Art

[0002] For example, in an electronic device such as a high - performance mobile phone terminal called a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, in order to perform finer drawing input through a mounted position detection device, there is a device that enables instruction input by an electronic pen. Among such electronic pens, there is also one that enables the use of a so - called side switch. The side switch in an electronic pen means a switch provided on the side surface of the electronic pen so that it can be operated by a finger while holding the electronic pen. The side switch, like the click button of a so - called mouse which is a pointing device of a personal computer, enables functions such as determining an instruction position or selecting a function to open and execute a window.

[0003] For example, when creating an image using CG (Computer Graphics) technology, the side switch is frequently used, such as operating an airbrush function or changing the selected color through the side switch. On the other hand, for example, when performing character input, the side switch is rarely used. Thus, even if there is a side - switch function, depending on the application being executed, the side - switch function may hardly be used. For this reason, Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention related to a position indicator in which a side - switch operation unit is detachable with respect to a position indicator (electronic pen) body as a unit. Thereby, depending on the frequency of use of the side switch, the side - switch operation unit can be attached or detached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-301696 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the side switch operating section (side switch unit) is fixed to the position indicator body with tightening screws, allowing for a secure attachment, but installation and removal are time-consuming and cumbersome. Furthermore, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the side switch unit protrudes significantly from the position indicator body in a direction intersecting the axial direction. While some users prefer this configuration, others would like the side switch to be installed so that it does not protrude too much from the position indicator body. Additionally, it would be more convenient if the side switch operating section could be easily replaced with an appropriate configuration depending on the type of input performed using the electronic pen.

[0006] In view of the above, the objective of this invention is to realize an electronic pen that can flexibly change the manner in which the side switch function is used according to the user's needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, It comprises a housing and an electronic pen function unit including a circuit board, The electronic pen function unit is incorporated into the housing when in use. The housing has a side opening formed on its side, The side opening can be selectively fitted with either a side switch unit having at least one pressing mechanism or a touch sensor unit having a touch sensor. The side switch unit or the touch sensor unit mounted in the side opening is configured such that the output corresponding to the operation input made to them is detected by the circuit board. The present invention provides an electronic pen characterized by the following features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the electronic pen and side-mounted member according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a side-mounted member in an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the touch sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the side switch unit and electronic pen as side-mounted members according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the pressing mechanism of an electronic pen according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of a grip member that can be attached to an electronic pen according to an embodiment, and an example of a side mounting member that can be used when the grip member is attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the electronic pen according to this invention will be described below with reference to the figures. Note that there are various types of electronic pens, such as those using electromagnetic induction (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance)) or active capacitive (AES (Active Electrostatic)) technology. This invention is applicable to any type of electronic pen, as long as it is equipped with a so-called side switch. For simplicity, the following explanation will use the case of application to an electromagnetic induction electronic pen as an example.

[0010] [Appearance of the electronic pen and side mounting component] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the external appearance of the electronic pen 1 and side mounting members 2, 3, and 4 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1(A), the electronic pen 1 comprises a cylindrical housing 11 that tapers towards the pen tip and has an open end. Inside the housing 11, a core body 12 is installed, with the pen tip portion protruding from the opening at the end of the housing 11. In addition, an electronic pen function unit is installed, which will be described in detail later, to realize the electronic pen function, including a ferrite core, coil, pressure detection unit, and circuit board.

[0011] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(A), a side opening 11H is provided on the pen tip side of the housing 11. Originally, a side switch unit (side switch operating part) for pressing a switch provided on the circuit board mounted on the housing 11 is attached to the side opening 11H. However, in the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, multiple types of side mounting members are detachable from the side opening 11H of the housing 11. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(B), (C), and (D), three types of side mounting members 2, 3, and 4 are detachable.

[0012] The side mounting member 2 shown in Figure 1(B) functions as a cover member that closes the side opening 11H of the housing 11. Hereafter, the side mounting member 2 will be referred to as the cover member 2. When the cover member 2 is mounted on the side opening 11H, it becomes impossible to operate the switches provided on the circuit board mounted inside the housing 11, and the side switch function becomes unusable.

[0013] The side mounting member 3 shown in Figure 1(C) is a side switch unit consisting of one or more push knobs (push buttons) and a plate portion to which they are attached. Hereinafter, the side mounting member 3 will be referred to as the side switch unit 3. When the side switch unit 3 is mounted in the side opening 11H, it becomes possible to operate the switches provided on the circuit board mounted inside the housing 11, and the side switch function becomes available.

[0014] The side mounting member 4 shown in FIG. 1(D) is a touch sensor unit (touch sensor operation unit) composed of a capacitance type or pressure sensitive type touch sensor and a plate portion to which the touch sensor is attached. In the following, the side mounting member 4 is referred to as the touch sensor unit 4. When the touch sensor unit 4 is attached to the side opening 11H portion, operations on the switch provided on the circuit board mounted in the housing 11 become impossible, but operation inputs through the touch sensor of the touch sensor unit 4 are possible.

[0015] Thus, three types of side mounting members 2, 3, and 4 can be easily attached to and detached from the side opening 11H portion of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1. Therefore, the user of the electronic pen 1 can select an appropriate one from the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4 in consideration of what kind of input is to be performed using the electronic pen 1, attach it to the electronic pen 1, and use it.

[0016] [Configuration Examples of Side Mounting Members 2, 3, and 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining configuration examples of the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4 as side mounting members of the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2(A), (B), and (C), the sizes (width, length, thickness) and outer edge shapes of the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4 are all the same. However, the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4 differ in the presence or absence of mounted functions, and when functions are mounted, there are differences in the mounted functions. Hereinafter, each of the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4 will be described.

[0017] [Lid Member 2] FIG. 2(A) is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the lid member 2. The lid member 2 is formed, for example, in a single plate shape from a resin material, and is used to close the side opening 11H of the housing 11, and does not have other functions. As the resin material constituting the lid member 2, for example, polyacetal resin (POM), polyamide resin (PA), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), polycarbonate resin (PC), ABS resin, etc. can be used.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the lid member 2 has the same shape as the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1, and its area is slightly smaller than that of the side opening 11H, and it is sized to fit within the side opening 11H. That is, the width (length in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction) and the total length (length in the axial direction) of the lid member 2 are slightly shorter than those of the side opening 11H. The thickness of the lid member 2 is such that when the lid member 2 is attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, the upper surface of the lid member 2 substantially coincides with the side surface of the housing 11.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the lid member 2 includes a semi-cylindrical engaging portion 21FT that protrudes toward the pen tip side near the bottom surface on the pen tip side. Also, the side surface on the rear end side of the lid member 2 is a pressed portion 21BK. The engaging portion 21FT of the lid member 2 is a portion that engages with the inner wall surface of the housing 11, and the pressed portion 21BK of the lid member 2 is a portion that is pressed toward the pen tip side by a pressing mechanism portion provided in the housing 11, which will be described in detail later.

[0020] The lid member 2 is obliquely inserted with the end on the pen tip side (the engaging portion 21FT side) abutting against the end side on the pen tip side of the side opening 11H of the housing 11, and the rear end side (the pressed portion 21BK side) is pushed down toward the side opening 11H and attached to the side opening 11H portion. In this case, the engaging portion 21FT of the lid member 2 engages with the inner wall surface of the housing 11, and the pressed portion 21BK is pressed toward the pen tip portion side (one end side) by the pressing mechanism portion inside the housing 11, and can be attached to the side opening 11H portion of the housing 11.

[0021] Furthermore, the stepped shape of the pressed portion 21BK at the rear end of the lid member 2 allows the entire lid member 2 to slide toward the rear end by pushing the pressed portion 21BK that protrudes toward the rear end toward the rear end of the housing 11. This releases the engagement of the engaging portion 21FT with the inner wall surface of the housing, allowing the lid member 2 to be removed from the side opening 11H of the housing 11. In this way, the lid member 2 can not only be easily attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, but can also be firmly maintained in the attached state and can be removed from the side opening 11H of the housing 11 as needed.

[0022] <Side switch unit 3> Figure 2(B) is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the side switch unit 3. The side switch unit 3 comprises a plate portion 31 and three push knobs (operating buttons) attached thereto: a first push knob 32, a second push knob 33, and a third push knob 34. Each of the first push knob 32, second push knob 33, and third push knob 34 is made of, for example, hard rubber, and has a substantially elliptical operating portion, with a push projection in the center (central portion) on its back surface, and mounting projections on the front and back of the center. Note that the push projection and mounting projections are provided on the back surfaces of the respective push knobs 32, 33, and 34, and are therefore not shown in Figure 2(B).

[0023] Furthermore, the surface (operating surface) of the second push knob 33 is provided with an operating surface projection 33TP. This allows the user to confirm that they are touching the second push knob 33 and that there are push knobs before and after it by touching the operating surface projection 33TP of the second push knob 33 with their finger, without having to look at the side switch unit 3. In other words, the operating surface projection 33TP of the second push knob 33 allows the user to determine the position of each push knob 32, 33, and 34 by touching it with their finger, without having to look at the side switch unit 3.

[0024] The plate portion 31 is formed from a metal material or, as in the case of the lid member 2 described above, from various resin materials. The plate portion 31 includes a first mounting portion 31a to which the first pressing knob 32 is attached, a second mounting portion 31b to which the second pressing knob 33 is attached, and a third mounting portion 31c to which the third pressing knob 34 is attached. As shown in Figure 2(B), each of the first mounting portion 31a, the second mounting portion 31b, and the third mounting portion 31c has a pressing projection hole in the center to which the pressing projection of the corresponding pressing knob fits, and smaller mounting holes are provided on the front and back to which the mounting projections of the corresponding pressing knobs fit. Each of the first mounting portion 31a, the second mounting portion 31b, and the third mounting portion 31c is substantially rectangular in shape. Furthermore, when the first push knob 32, the second push knob 33, and the third push knob 34 are mounted on their corresponding first mounting parts 31a, 2nd mounting parts 31b, and 3rd mounting parts 31c, they do not protrude from the upper surface of the plate part 31.

[0025] The first mounting portion 31a is connected to the plate portion 31 through the first support portion 31ax at its rear end (right side in Figure 2(B)), and the rest of it does not come into contact with the plate portion 31. Similarly, the second mounting portion 31b is connected to the plate portion 31 through the second support portion 31bx at its rear end, and the rest of it does not come into contact with the plate portion 31. Similarly, the third mounting portion 31c is connected to the plate portion 31 through the third support portion 31cx at its rear end, and the rest of it does not come into contact with the plate portion 31. Therefore, when the first mounting portion 31a, the second mounting portion 31b, and the third mounting portion 31c are pressed from above, they can be pushed downwards using the first support portion 31ax, the second support portion 31bx, and the third support portion 31cx as fulcrums.

[0026] The plate portion 31 shown in Figure 2(B) is the same shape as the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1, similar to the lid member 2 shown in Figure 2(A), but its area is slightly smaller than the side opening 11H, so that it fits within the side opening 11H. In other words, the width and overall length of the plate portion 31 are slightly shorter than the side opening 11H. In this embodiment, the thickness of the plate portion 31 is such that when the plate portion 31 is attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, the upper surface of the plate portion 31 is approximately aligned with the side of the housing 11.

[0027] The plate portion 31 shown in Figure 2(B) also has a semi-cylindrical engaging portion 31FT near the bottom surface on the pen tip side, protruding toward the pen tip, similar to the case of the lid member 2 shown in Figure 2(A). The plate portion 31 also has a pressed portion 31BK on the side surface at the rear end. The engaging portion 31FT of the plate portion 31 is the part that engages with the inner wall surface of the housing 11, and the pressed portion 31BK of the plate portion 31 is the part that is pressed toward the pen tip by a pressing mechanism provided inside the housing 11, which will be described in more detail later.

[0028] Therefore, when attaching the side switch unit 3, which is formed by mounting the first push knob 32, the second push knob 33, and the third push knob 34 to the plate portion 31, to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, it can be attached in the same way as when attaching the cover member 2. That is, the pen tip side (engaging portion 31FT side) of the side switch unit 3 is inserted diagonally so as to abut against the end of the pen tip side of the side opening 11H of the housing 11, and the rear end (pressed portion 31BK side) is pushed down toward the side opening 11H. As a result, the side switch unit 3 can be attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, with the engaging portion 31FT engaging with the inner wall surface of the housing 11 and the pressed portion 31BK being pressed toward the pen tip by the pressing mechanism inside the housing 11.

[0029] In addition, in the side switch unit 3, similar to the case of the cover member 2, the pressed portion 31BK that protrudes to the rear end is pushed towards the rear end of the housing 11, thereby sliding the entire side switch unit 3 toward the rear end and releasing the engagement of the engaging portion 31FT. As a result, the side switch unit 3 can not only be easily attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, but can also be easily removed from the side opening 11H of the housing 11 when necessary.

[0030] <Touch sensor unit 4> Figure 2(C) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the touch sensor unit 4. The touch sensor unit 4 is formed, for example, by providing a touch sensor part 42 on a plate part 41 formed in the shape of a single plate from various resins. The touch sensor part 42 is formed by covering a sheet-shaped touch sensor with an elastomer, as will be described in more detail later. The plate part 41 can be formed using various resins, similar to the lid member 2 described above.

[0031] The touch sensor unit 4 is also similar in shape and size to the lid member 2 shown in Figure 2(A). The plate portion 41 of the touch sensor unit 4 is provided with a semi-cylindrical engaging portion 41FT near the bottom surface on the pen tip side, projecting toward the pen tip. The side surface at the rear end of the plate portion 41 is a pressed portion 41BK. The engaging portion 41FT of the touch sensor unit 4 is the part that engages with the inner wall surface of the housing 11, and the pressed portion 41BK of the touch sensor unit 4 is the part that is pressed toward the pen tip by a pressing mechanism provided inside the housing 11, which will be described in more detail later. These points are also the same as those of the lid member 2 described above.

[0032] Therefore, the pen tip side (engaging portion 41FT side) of the touch sensor unit 4 is inserted diagonally so as to abut against the end of the pen tip side of the side opening 11H of the housing 11, and the rear end side (pressed portion 41BK side) is pushed down toward the side opening 11H. As a result, the touch sensor unit 4 can be attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, with the engaging portion 42FT engaging with the inner wall surface of the housing 11 and the pressed portion 42BK being pressed toward the pen tip by the pressing mechanism inside the housing 11.

[0033] In addition, in the touch sensor unit 4, similar to the case of the lid member 2, the press-to-press portion 41BK that protrudes to the rear end is pushed towards the rear end of the housing 11, thereby sliding the entire touch sensor unit 4 toward the rear end and releasing the engagement of the engaging portion 41FT. As a result, the touch sensor unit 4 can not only be easily attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, but can also be easily removed from the side opening 11H of the housing 11 when necessary.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the touch sensor unit 4 of this embodiment. In Figure 3, Figure 3(A) is a cross-sectional view of the touch sensor unit 4, and Figure 3(B) is a cross-sectional view of the touch sensor portion 42 of the touch sensor unit 4. Also in Figure 3, Figures 3(C) and (D) are diagrams illustrating examples of arrangements of touch sensors of different detection methods. In this embodiment, the two types of touch sensors with different detection methods are a pressure-sensitive (resistive) sensor and a capacitive sensor.

[0035] As mentioned above and as shown in Figure 3(A), the touch sensor unit 4 is configured with a touch sensor section 42 provided on a plate section 41. A connection terminal 42T is led out from the touch sensor section 42, and when the touch sensor unit 4 is attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11, it is connected to a connection terminal provided on the circuit board mounted inside the housing 11. This allows the detection output from the touch sensor section 42 to be supplied to the circuit board.

[0036] The touch sensor section 42 is constructed by stacking the following elements from the bottom (plate section 41 side): substrate Bd1 → pressure-sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 → substrate Bd2 → capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4. The capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 are arranged on the same plane substrate Bd2, as shown in Figure 3(B). That is, the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 are arranged in the axial direction of the electronic pen (the direction indicated by the arrow Ar in Figure 3(C)), as shown in Figures 3(B) and (C). The capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 can detect whether or not an operation has been performed by capturing the change in capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film, and can detect this even by simply bringing the fingertip close.

[0037] The pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 are arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the electronic pen (the direction indicated by the arrow Cr in Figure 3(D)). Note that Figure 3(B) is a cross-sectional view taken from the front of Figure 3(A), so the pressure-sensitive sensor CH6 is located behind the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 and is not visible in Figure 3(B).

[0038] As shown in Figure 3(B), the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 is constructed by bonding a first electrode FE1 and a second electrode FE2 together with an adhesive layer Ads. The pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 works by applying a voltage to one of two opposing electrodes (resistive films). When pressed, the two electrodes move closer together, and a voltage is generated on the electrode that does not have a voltage applied to it, allowing detection of whether or not it has been pressed. Therefore, unlike the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4, the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 does not generate a voltage simply by bringing a fingertip close to it; a detection output is not produced unless a certain amount of pressure is applied. The pressure-sensitive sensor CH6 is also constructed in the same way as the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5.

[0039] Thus, the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 can detect when the user's fingertip comes within a certain distance. In contrast, the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 cannot detect operation unless a certain amount of force is applied when pressing them.

[0040] In this embodiment of the touch sensor unit 4, the touch sensor section 42 (Figure 3(B)) is constructed by stacking the substrate Bd1 shown in Figure 3(D) → pressure-sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 on top of the substrate Bd2 shown in Figure 3(C) → capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4. As a result, if the user's finger lightly traces over the touch sensor section 42, only the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 will detect the operation. However, if the user presses down on the touch sensor section 42 with a pressure exceeding a predetermined value, the capacitive sensors at the pressed portion of the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, and the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 located below it, can simultaneously detect that the sensor has been pressed.

[0041] Therefore, the touch sensor unit 4 can accept slide operation inputs in which only the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 of the touch sensor section 42 function. In addition, the touch sensor unit 4 can accept press operation inputs in which both the capacitive sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 and the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 function simultaneously. Furthermore, by also considering the position of the sensors that detect the operation input, it is possible to accept multiple different types of operation inputs.

[0042] For example, by lightly tracing the touch sensor section 42 in the axial direction, it is possible to perform slide operations or scroll operations on the display screen. Furthermore, by utilizing touch sensors of different types stacked above and below the touch sensor section 42, it is possible to realize press operations in four states, such as forward, backward, left, and right. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between cases where capacitive sensors CH1 and CH2 and pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 are operated simultaneously, and cases where capacitive sensors CH3 and CH4 and pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 are operated simultaneously. Moreover, it is possible to distinguish between cases where capacitive sensors CH2 and CH3 and pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 are operated simultaneously, and cases where capacitive sensors CH2 and CH3 and pressure-sensitive sensor CH6 are operated simultaneously.

[0043] The electronic pen 1 of this embodiment can be used by freely attaching and detaching the lid member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4. Therefore, for example, when inputting handwritten characters, the user can attach the lid member 2 to the electronic pen 1 and not use the side switch function. Also, for example, when creating images using CG technology, the user can attach the side switch unit 3 to the electronic pen 1 and make extensive use of the side switch function, such as using the airbrush function or frequently changing line types and colors, to draw freely. Furthermore, for example, when editing text, the user can attach the touch sensor unit 4 to the electronic pen 1 and smoothly perform editing tasks such as cutting, moving, and adding text while freely scrolling the screen.

[0044] [Attaching and detaching the side mounting member to the electronic pen] Next, we will explain the mechanism for attaching and detaching the side mounting members 2, 3, and 4 to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1. Here, we will explain using the case of attaching and detaching the side switch unit 3 as a side mounting member as an example. However, the same method can be used to attach and detach the lid member 2 and the touch sensor unit 4 to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1.

[0045] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the side switch unit 3 and electronic pen 1 as side-mounted members of the embodiment. In Figure 4, Figure 4(A) is a cross-sectional view of the side switch unit 3 when cut in half along the axial direction. As described above and also shown in Figure 4(A), the side switch unit 3 consists of a plate portion 31, a first press knob 32, a second press knob 33, and a third press knob 34. The plate portion 31 includes a first mounting portion 31a, a second mounting portion 31b, and a third mounting portion 31c, as shown in Figure 2(B).

[0046] In the plate portion 31, the first push knob 32 is mounted on the first mounting portion 31a, the second push knob 33 is mounted on the second mounting portion 31b, and the third push knob 34 is mounted on the third mounting portion 31c, thereby forming the side switch unit 3. As shown in Figure 4(A), each of the first to third push knobs 32, 33, and 34 is mounted by fitting the push projection in the central part of the lower surface and the mounting projections in front of and behind it into the corresponding push projection holes and mounting holes in front of and behind the first to third mounting portions 31a, 31b, and 31c.

[0047] As explained using Figure 2(B), the first mounting portion 31a is connected to the plate portion 31 by the first support portion 31ax, and is not connected to the plate portion 31 in any other part. The second mounting portion 31b is connected to the plate portion 31 by the second support portion 31bx, and is not connected to the plate portion 31 in any other part. The third mounting portion 31c is connected to the plate portion 31 by the third support portion 31cx, and is not connected to the plate portion 31 in any other part. As a result, when the first push knob 32 is pressed, the first mounting portion 31a is pressed down together with the first push knob 32, and when the second push knob 33 is pressed, the second mounting portion 31b is pressed down together with the second push knob 33. Also, when the third push knob 34 is pressed, the third mounting portion 31c is pressed down together with the third push knob 34.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of at least the first push knob 32 is thinner than the thickness of the second push knob 33 and the third push knob 34. Also, as mentioned above, an operating surface projection 33TP is provided on the surface of the operating part of the second push knob 33. Due to the thickness of these push knobs 32, 33, and 34, and the operating surface projection 33TP of the second push knob 33, the user can recognize which push knob their finger is touching. As a result, the user can appropriately press the desired push knob 32, 33, or 34 without having to look at the side switch unit 3. Note that the thicknesses of the push knobs 32, 33, and 34 can all be different, or they can all be the same thickness.

[0049] Furthermore, as explained using Figure 2(B) and also shown in Figure 4(A), an engaging portion 31FT is provided at the tip of the plate portion 31 on the pen tip side, and the rear end is a pressed portion 31BK. In addition, a metal plate (metal piece) 35 is fixed between the second mounting portion 31b and the third mounting portion 31c of the plate portion 31. The metal plate 35, together with the magnet provided inside the housing 11 as described later, functions as a positioning portion that allows the side switch unit 3 to be mounted in the correct position relative to the housing 11 when the side switch unit 3 is mounted in the side opening 11H portion of the housing 11. The metal plate 35 also functions as a retaining portion that prevents the side switch unit 3 from easily coming off the side opening 11H portion of the housing 11, together with the magnet provided inside the housing 11 as described later.

[0050] In Figure 4, Figure 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen 1 when the side switch unit 3 is not attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11. It is a cross-sectional view of the portion from the pen tip to near the center of the electronic pen 1 when the electronic pen 1 is cut in half along the axial direction. Therefore, the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4(B) includes the entire portion from the pen tip to the side opening 11H, but the rear end portion is omitted. As mentioned above, the electronic pen function unit is mounted inside the housing 11. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(B), the core body 12 is inserted from the rear end of the core body 12 through the tapered pen tip side opening of the housing 11, and is attached to the pressure detection unit 15 by passing through the pipe-shaped ferrite core 13. A coil 14 is wound around the side of the ferrite core 13, which together with a capacitor mounted on the circuit board 17 (described later) constitutes a resonant circuit.

[0051] The core body 12 protrudes from the opening at the tip of the tapered portion of the housing 11, and the core body 12 slides in the axial direction in response to the writing pressure applied to the pen tip. In other words, when writing pressure is applied, the core body 12 is pushed into the housing 11 and moves towards the writing pressure detection unit 15, and when the writing pressure is released, it is pushed back to its original position. In this embodiment, the writing pressure detection unit 15 is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor and detects writing pressure according to the capacitance which changes in response to the writing pressure applied to the core body 12.

[0052] A circuit board 17 is provided downstream of the pressure sensitivity detection unit 15, and is equipped with various circuit components such as push switches SW1, SW2, SW3, capacitors, and a control IC that realize a side switch function. The circuit board 17 is placed on a half-pipe shaped board holder member 16, which has an opening on the upper side facing the circuit board 17, and its position within the housing 11 is fixed. In other words, the board holder member 16 is fixed within the housing 11. Furthermore, a reverse half-pipe shaped board protection member 18 is provided above the circuit board 17, with an opening on the lower side facing the circuit board 17, so that the circuit board cannot be directly touched from the side opening 11H of the housing 11.

[0053] When the side switch unit 3 is mounted on the side opening 11H portion of the substrate protection member 18, a first pressing portion 18a is provided on the portion of the substrate protection member 18 facing the first mounting portion 31a of the plate portion 31 of the side switch unit 3. In this case, a second pressing portion 18b is provided on the portion of the substrate protection member 18 facing the second mounting portion 31b of the plate portion 31, and a third pressing portion 18c is provided on the portion of the substrate protection member 18 facing the third mounting portion 31c of the plate portion 31.

[0054] A pressing projection is provided on the lower side of the first pressing portion 18a, which is capable of pressing switch SW1 on the circuit board 17. Similarly, a pressing projection is provided on the lower side of the second pressing portion 18b, which is capable of pressing switch SW2 on the circuit board 17. Similarly, a pressing projection is provided on the lower side of the third pressing portion 18c, which is capable of pressing switch SW3 on the circuit board 17.

[0055] Furthermore, the first pressing portion 18a of the substrate protection member 18 is connected to the substrate protection member 18 through the first support portion 18ax, but is not connected to the substrate protection member 18 in any other part. Similarly, the second pressing portion 18b of the substrate protection member 18 is connected to the substrate protection member 18 through the second support portion 18bx, but is not connected to the substrate protection member 18 in any other part. Similarly, the third pressing portion 18c is connected to the substrate protection member 18 through the third support portion 18cx, but is not connected to the substrate protection member 18 in any other part.

[0056] Furthermore, a magnet 19 is fixed to the pen tip side of the third support portion 18cx. The magnet 19 attracts the metal plate 35 of the side switch unit 3 described above, functioning as a positioning part for the side switch unit 3, and also functions as a holding part that holds the side switch unit 3 in the side opening 11H.

[0057] Furthermore, a pressing mechanism 70 is provided on the upper surface of the rear end of the substrate protection member 18. The pressing mechanism 70 is composed of a pressing member 71 and an elastic coil spring 72. The position of the pressing member 71 is restricted so as not to protrude excessively towards the pen tip or be pushed excessively towards the rear end. The pressing member 71 is always biased towards the pen tip by the coil spring 72, but when pushed towards the rear end, the coil spring 72 compresses and allows the pressing member 71 to slide toward the rear end.

[0058] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the pressing mechanism 70 of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. The rear end portion of the substrate protection member 18 is a mounting recess on which the pressing member 71 and the coil spring 72 are placed. The pressing member 71 consists of a pressing plate portion 71a, which is a plate-like body with a tip surface that is concave in an arc shape to match the pressed portion 31BK on the rear end side of the side switch unit 3, and a rod-shaped portion 71b that extends from the center of the rear end surface of the pressing plate portion 71a toward the rear end. The coil spring 72 is provided to be wound around the rod-shaped portion 71b.

[0059] Recesses 71L and 71R are provided on the left and right sides of the pressing plate portion 71a. Furthermore, when the pressing member 71 is placed in the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18, protrusions 18L and 18R are provided that project from the left and right inner surfaces of the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18 at positions corresponding to the left and right recesses 71L and 71R of the pressing plate portion 71a. The pressing member 71 and the coil spring 72 are placed in the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18 as shown in Figure 5.

[0060] In other words, the pressing member 71 is placed in the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18 such that the rear end of the rod-shaped portion 71b around which the coil spring 72 is wound passes under the arch portion 18AH at the rear end of the substrate protection member 18. In this case, the protrusion 18L that protrudes from the left inner surface of the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18 fits into the recess 71L on the left side of the pressing plate portion 71a, and the protrusion 18R that protrudes from the right inner surface of the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18 fits into the recess 71R on the right side of the pressing plate portion 71a. In this way, the pressing member 71 and the coil spring 72 are placed on the mounting recess at the rear end of the substrate protection member 18 so as not to come off or shift.

[0061] The axial lengths of the recesses 71L and 71R of the pressing plate portion 71a are longer than the axial lengths of the protrusions 18L and 18R of the substrate protection member 18. Furthermore, the lengths of the recesses 71L and 71R of the pressing plate portion 71a in the direction intersecting the axial direction (depth of the recesses) are slightly longer (deeper) or approximately the same as the lengths of the protrusions 18L and 18R of the substrate protection member 18 in the direction intersecting the axial direction (length of the protrusions). As a result, the pressing member 71 can slide in the axial direction within the range restricted by the left and right protrusions 18L and 18R of the substrate protection member 18. In other words, the pressing member 71 is prevented from protruding excessively towards the pen tip side or retracting excessively towards the rear end side.

[0062] As mentioned above, a coil spring 72 is provided wound around the rod-shaped portion 71b of the pressing member 71. This spring is compressed by being sandwiched between the rear end surface of the pressing plate portion 71a and the rear end inner wall surface of the mounting recess of the substrate protection member 18, constantly biasing the pressing plate portion 71a toward the pen tip. However, if the pressing plate portion 71a is pushed toward the rear, the coil spring 72 is compressed and can be slid toward the rear end within the range restricted by the protrusions 18L and 18R of the substrate protection member 18.

[0063] Therefore, when the side switch unit 3 is installed, the action of the pressing mechanism 70 firmly attaches the side switch unit 3 to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 and maintains that state. However, it is also possible to slide the pressing member 71 by pushing it toward the rear end, so the side switch unit 3 can also be easily removed.

[0064] In Figure 4, Figure 4(C) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen 1 when the side switch unit 3 is attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11. It is an enlarged view centered on the side opening 11H when the electronic pen 1 is cut in half along the axial direction. The side switch unit 3 shown in Figure 4(A) is tilted diagonally with the pen tip side facing downwards, and the engaging part 31FT is inserted into the gap gp between the substrate protection member 18 and the housing 11 shown in Figure 4(B), and the rear end of the side switch unit 3 is pushed toward the side opening 11H. As a result, the side switch unit 3 can be attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1, as shown in Figure 4(C).

[0065] In this case, the engaging portion 31FT of the side switch unit 3 engages with the inner wall surface of the casing 11 on the pen tip side of the side opening 11H. Also, the pressed portion 31BK at the rear end of the side switch unit 3 is pressed toward the pen tip by the pressing member 71 of the pressing mechanism 70 provided on the rear end side of the substrate protection member 18. Furthermore, the metal plate 35 of the side switch unit 3 is attracted to the magnet 19 of the substrate protection member 18. These three functions work together to ensure that the side switch unit 3 is properly positioned in the side opening 11H of the casing 11 of the electronic pen 1 and does not easily come off.

[0066] In this manner, when the side switch unit 3 is mounted in the side opening 11H, pressing the first push knob 32 of the side switch unit 3 will activate the switch SW1 on the circuit board 17 via the first pressing portion 18a of the circuit board protection member 18. Similarly, pressing the second push knob 33 of the side switch unit 3 will activate the switch SW2 on the circuit board 17 via the second pressing portion 18b of the circuit board protection member 18. Furthermore, pressing the third push knob 34 of the side switch unit 3 will activate the switch SW3 on the circuit board 17 via the third pressing portion 18c of the circuit board protection member 18.

[0067] Furthermore, when removing the side switch unit 3 attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1, the user places their finger on the upper surface of the side switch unit 3 and pushes it upward toward the rear end of the electronic pen 1. This causes the side switch unit 3 to slide toward the rear end of the electronic pen 1. As a result, the side switch unit 3, together with the pressing member 71 of the pressing mechanism 70, slides toward the rear end of the electronic pen 1, and the engagement between the inner wall surface of the housing 11 and the pen-tip side engaging portion 31FT of the side switch unit 3 at the pen-tip end of the side opening 11H is released.

[0068] This allows the pen tip side of the side switch unit 3 to separate from the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1, so the pen tip side of the side switch unit 3 is lifted up. In this case, the metal plate 35 of the side switch unit 3 separates from the magnet 19 of the substrate protection member 18, and the pressure on the pressed part 31BK of the side switch unit 3 by the pressing member 71 of the pressing mechanism 70 is also released. In this way, the side switch unit 3 can be easily removed from the side opening 11H.

[0069] Here, the example of attaching and detaching the side switch unit 3 to and from the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1 has been explained, but the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4, which are side mounting members, can be attached and detached in the same way. That is, when attaching them, the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 are tilted with the pen tip side at an angle, and the engaging parts 21FT and 41FT are inserted into the gap gp between the circuit board protection member 18 and the housing 11 as shown in Figure 4(B). Furthermore, the rear ends of the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 are pushed toward the side opening 11H. In this way, the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 can be easily attached to the side opening 11H of the housing 11.

[0070] To remove them, the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 are slid upward towards the rear end of the electronic pen 1, disengaging them from the inner wall surface of the housing 11 and the engaging parts 21FT and 41FT. After this, lifting the pen tip side of the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 releases the pressure applied by the pressing member 71 of the pressing mechanism 70 to the pressed parts 21BK and 41BK of the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4. This allows the lid member 2 and touch sensor unit 4 to be easily removed from the side opening 11H.

[0071] Furthermore, metal plates (metal pieces) may also be provided on the lid member 2 and the touch sensor unit 4 in the same position as the metal plate 35 of the side switch unit 3. In this case, the metal plates will be attracted to the magnet 19 of the substrate protection member 18, allowing the lid member 2 and the touch sensor unit 4 to be properly mounted and preventing them from easily coming off the side opening 11H of the housing 11.

[0072] [Attaching the grip component] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment has a slender shaft overall. Therefore, some users may wish to thicken the shaft of the electronic pen 1 that they hold in their hand. Thus, we consider attaching an add-on grip member to the electronic pen 1 to thicken the shaft. In this case, the problem is the attachment of side mounting members such as a side switch unit. That is, if an add-on grip member is simply provided with a side opening, the thickness of the grip member will interfere and prevent the side switch function from being used properly. Therefore, we make it possible to use side mounting members such as a side switch unit that are compatible with the add-on grip member.

[0073] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a grip member 5 that can be attached to the electronic pen 1 of the embodiment, and a side mounting member 6 that can be used when the grip member 5 is attached to the electronic pen 1. The side mounting member 6 shown in Figure 6 is an example for a side switch unit. As shown in Figure 6(A), the add-on grip member 5 is a cylindrical body with openings at the front and rear ends, and when it is attached to the electronic pen 1, a side opening 5H is provided so as to match the side opening 11H of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1. The thickness of the grip member 5 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is a thickness h1 as shown in Figure 6(A), and the shaft portion of the electronic pen 1 can be made thicker by this thickness h1.

[0074] The side switch unit 6, used together with the grip member 5, has a basic configuration similar to that of the side switch unit 3 described using Figures 2(B) and 4(A). Thus, as shown in Figure 6(B), the side switch unit 6 consists of a plate portion 61, a first press knob 62, a second press knob 63, and a third press knob 64. Furthermore, the bottom side of the front end of the side switch unit 6 is provided with an engagement portion 61FT corresponding to the engagement portion 31FT of the side switch unit 3, and the bottom side of the rear end is a pressed portion 61BK corresponding to the pressed portion 31BK of the side switch unit 3. However, the thickness of the plate portion 61 (thickness in the direction intersecting the axial direction) is the sum of the thickness of the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1 and the thickness h1 of the grip member 5, resulting in a total thickness h2.

[0075] The plate portion 61 in this example also has the same configuration as the plate portion 31 shown in Figure 2(B). That is, although not shown, it includes a first mounting portion 61a, a second mounting portion 61b, and a third mounting portion 61c. In this example as well, the first mounting portion 61a is connected to the plate portion 61 by a first support portion 61ax, the second mounting portion 61b is connected to the plate portion 61 by a second support portion 61bx, and the third mounting portion 61c is connected to the plate portion 61 by a third support portion 61cx. The first mounting portion 61a, the second mounting portion 61b, and the third mounting portion 61c are not connected to the plate portion 61 except for the portions connected by the first support portion 61ax, the second support portion 61bx, and the third support portion 61cx. Furthermore, the thicknesses of the first mounting portion 61a, the second mounting portion 61b, and the third mounting portion 61c are basically the same as those of the first mounting portion 31a, the second mounting portion 31b, and the third mounting portion 31c shown in Figure 2(B).

[0076] However, the pressing protrusions provided on the lower central portion of at least the first pressing knob 62, the second pressing knob 63, and the third pressing knob 64 have a length corresponding to the thickness h2 of the plate portion 61. As shown in Figure 6(C), the grip member 5 is attached to the electronic pen 1, the side opening 11H of the housing 11 and the side opening 5H of the grip member 5 are aligned, and the side switch unit 6 is attached to the electronic pen 1. In this case, the pressing protrusions provided on the lower central portion of the first pressing knob 62, the second pressing knob 63, and the third pressing knob 64 of the side switch unit 6 contact the central portion of the first pressing portion 18a, the second pressing portion 18b, and the third pressing portion 18c of the substrate protection member in the manner shown in Figure 4(C).

[0077] This allows for the creation of an electronic pen 1 with a thicker shaft and unimpeded side switch functionality by attaching the grip member 5 and then the side switch unit 6 to the electronic pen 1. Note that the grip member 5 is not limited to the one shown in Figure 5; various designs of grip members that can be attached to the shaft of the electronic pen 1 can be used. Furthermore, the grip member 5 can be formed from various elastomers, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, which are elastic polymer materials, or from various materials such as metal, wood, or hard resin.

[0078] In this explanation, the case where the side switch unit 6 is used as the side mounting member was described as an example. However, the lid member and touch sensor unit can also be configured with increased thickness in the direction intersecting the axial direction, similar to the case of the side switch unit 6. In this case, a lid member and touch sensor unit that are compatible with the add-on grip member 5 can be configured. However, if an add-on grip member without a side opening is configured and attached to the electronic pen 1, the side switch function can be disabled, similar to when the lid member 2 is attached.

[0079] [Effects of the embodiment] In the case of the electronic pen 1 of the above-described embodiment, the usage mode of the side switch function can be flexibly changed according to the user's needs. That is, the cover member 2, the side switch unit 3, and the touch sensor unit 4, which are side mounting members, can be freely, easily, and appropriately attached to and removed from the side opening 11H of the housing 11. As a result, even if the side switch function is installed, the side switch function can be disabled by attaching the cover member 2 to the side opening 11H of the housing 11. Also, by attaching the side switch unit 3, the push-down type side switch function can be enabled. Furthermore, by attaching the touch sensor unit 4, instructions can be input through the touch sensor of the touch sensor unit 4.

[0080] Furthermore, even when the grip member 5 is attached to change the thickness of the shaft of the electronic pen 1, the usage mode of the side switch function can be flexibly changed in the same way as when the grip member 5 is not attached.

[0081] [Differentiation] In the embodiments described above, the side switch unit 3 was described as having three push knobs 32, 33, and 34, and the side switch unit was described as having three push knobs 62, 63, and 64. However, it is not limited to this. The number of push knobs on the side switch unit can be any number within the operable range, such as a side switch unit with two push knobs or a side switch unit with one push knob. In this case, the circuit board 17 of the electronic pen 1 should be provided with switches corresponding to the number of push knobs on the side switch unit, or any two or any one of the three switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 may be used.

[0082] Furthermore, the touch sensor unit 4 can also use only capacitive touch sensors or only pressure-sensitive touch sensors. In this case, the arrangement of the touch sensors can be in various configurations. Of course, even when using both capacitive and pressure-sensitive touch sensors, the arrangement and stacking order can be in various configurations.

[0083] Furthermore, the lid member, side switch units 3 and 6, and touch sensor unit 4 can be made of various sizes depending on the size of the side opening 11H provided in the housing 11 of the electronic pen 1.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the side switch unit 3 is provided with an operating surface projection 33TP on the operating surface of the second push knob 33, but it is not limited to this. The operating surface projection 33TP may be omitted, or it may be provided on the operating surface of another push knob.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a metal plate 35 is provided on the side switch unit 3, and a magnet 19 is provided at the corresponding position on the substrate protection member 18. However, this is not the only option. Multiple metal plates may be provided on the side switch unit 3, and magnets may also be provided on the substrate protection member 18 at positions corresponding to each of the multiple metal plates of the side switch unit 3.

[0086] Furthermore, the plate portions 31 and 61 of the side switch units 3 and 6 can be formed from various metal materials, so the weight can be changed depending on the type of metal material. This means that if you want to realize an electronic pen 1 with a low center of gravity, you can use a side switch unit 3 in which the plate portion 31 is made of a heavy metal material. Conversely, if you want to realize an electronic pen that is lighter overall, you can use a side switch unit 3 in which the plate portion 31 is made of a light metal material.

[0087] Furthermore, side-mounted components such as the lid member 2, side switch unit 3, and touch sensor unit 4 can be freely, easily, and appropriately attached and detached, allowing for the addition of new functions. For example, if the electronic pen 1 is of the active capacitive type, power is required to drive the oscillator in order to transmit signals from the pen body. In this case, a charging terminal can be provided that becomes accessible when the side-mounted components are removed to expose the inside of the housing 11, allowing the battery mounted on the electronic pen 1 to be charged through this charging terminal.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, in the case of the side switch unit 3, an engaging portion 31FT is provided at the pen tip end and a pressed portion 31BK is provided at the rear end, but it is not limited to this. Conversely, the pen tip end of the side switch unit 3 may be made the pressed portion and the rear end may be provided with an engaging portion. In this case, a pressing mechanism 70 may be provided on the pen tip side of the substrate protection member 18, and the side mounting member may be pressed from the pen tip side toward the rear end. The lid member 2, touch sensor unit 4, and side switch unit 6 can also be configured in a similar manner. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1...Electronic pen, 11...Housing, 11H...Side opening, 12...Pen body, 13...Ferrite core, 14...Coil, 15...Pressure detection unit, 16...Substrate holding member, 17...Circuit board, SW1, SW2, SW3...Switches, 18...Substrate protection member, 18a...First pressing part, 18b...Second pressing part, 18c...Third pressing part, 18ax...First support part, 18bx...Second support part, 18cx...Third support part, 18L, 18R...Protrusions, 18AH...A -ch part, 19...magnet, 2...lid member, 21FT...engaging part, 21BK...pressed part, 3...side switch unit, 31...plate part, 31FT...engaging part, 31BK...pressed part, 31a...first mounting part, 31b...second mounting part, 31c...third mounting part, 31ax...first support part, 31bx...second support part, 31cx...third support part, 32...first pressing knob, 33...second pressing knob, 33TP...operating surface projection, 34...third pressing knob, 35...metal plate, gp...gap, 4...touch sensor unit, 41...plate part, 41FT...engaging part, 41BK...pressed part, 42...touch sensor part, 42T...connection terminal, CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4...capacitive sensor, CH5, CH6...pressure-sensitive sensor, FE1...first electrode, FE2...second electrode, Ads...adhesive layer, Bd1, Bd2...substrate, 5...grip member, 5H...side opening, 6...side switch Push unit, 61...plate part, 61a...first mounting part, 61b...second mounting part, 61c...third mounting part, 61ax...first support part, 61bx...second support part, 61cx...third support part, 61FT...engaging part, 61BK...pressed part, 62...first pressing knob, 63...second pressing knob, 64...third pressing knob, 70...pressing mechanism part, 71...pressing member, 71a...pressing plate part, 71L, 71R...recess, 71b...rod-shaped part, 72...coil spring

Claims

1. It comprises a housing and an electronic pen function unit including a circuit board, The electronic pen function unit is incorporated into the housing when in use. The housing has a side opening formed on its side, The side opening can be selectively fitted with either a side switch unit having at least one pressing mechanism or a touch sensor unit having a touch sensor. The side switch unit or the touch sensor unit mounted in the side opening is configured such that the output corresponding to the operation input made to them is detected by the circuit board. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, The side switch unit and the touch sensor unit, which are attached to the side opening of the housing, are configured as side mounting members. The first axial end of the side mounting member has an engaging portion that engages with the housing, and the second axial end has a pressed portion. The housing incorporates a pressing mechanism that presses the pressed portion of the side mounting member attached to the side opening toward the first end in the axial direction, The pressing mechanism is provided within the housing and includes a pressing member and an elastic member. The pressing member presses the portion of the side mounting member to be pressed, The elastic member biases the pressing member toward the first end in the axial direction. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

3. The electronic pen according to claim 2, The side mounting member is configured as described above, and further comprises a cap member that covers the side opening of the housing, The cap member can be attached to the side opening in place of the side switch unit or the touch sensor unit. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

4. The electronic pen according to claim 1, The aforementioned side switch unit includes a plurality of side switches, The side switch unit includes a plurality of pressing mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of side switches, An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

5. The electronic pen according to claim 4, The thicknesses of at least two of the pressing mechanisms differ from each other in order to allow for the positional identification of each pressing mechanism. By operating the desired pressing mechanism, the desired side switch provided on the circuit board is operated. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

6. The electronic pen according to claim 1, The housing comprises a core body that protrudes from a tip opening formed at the axial end of the housing and moves slidably in the axial direction of the housing, The electronic pen function unit includes a pressure detection unit that detects the pressure applied to the core body. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

7. The electronic pen according to claim 6, The electronic pen function unit includes a ferrite core and a coil, The coil is wound around the ferrite core, The core body penetrates the ferrite core, An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

8. The electronic pen according to claim 7, The circuit board includes at least one capacitor electrically connected to the coil, An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

9. The electronic pen according to claim 1, The circuit board includes a board protective member, The substrate protection member is connected to at least one pressing portion by at least one support portion, The at least one pressing portion presses the at least one side switch when in use. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

10. The electronic pen according to claim 9, Each of the at least one pressing portion includes a pressing projection, The pressing projection of the at least one pressing portion presses the at least one side switch when in use. An electronic pen characterized by the following features.

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