Electronic pen cartridge

Abstract

Provided is an electronic pen cartridge with which a waterproof measure can be taken properly and the complexity of manufacturing processes is not increased. An electronic pen cartridge (1) is capable of constituting an electronic pen by being attached to an external casing. A circuit board (16) and a pen pressure detection part (14) are installed in an internal casing (11), and a core body (21) is provided in such a manner as to press the pen pressure detection part (14) in the internal casing (11). A coil (23) is disposed closer to the pen head than the internal casing (11), and at least the coil (23) is covered with a resin sealing part (24) so that a waterproof measure can be taken and an electrical characteristic change does not occur.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen cartridge for constructing an electronic pen that enables information input by indicating coordinates to various electronic devices equipped with a position detection sensor such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer).

Background Art

[0002] With the emergence of various electronic devices equipped with a position detection sensor, electronic pens have also been widely used. However, there has been a demand to use a refill equipped with an electronic pen function instead of a dedicated electronic pen for an electronic device equipped with a position detection sensor, but in the housing of a writing instrument such as a used ballpoint pen. Therefore, an electronic pen that uses a cartridge-type refill equipped with an electronic pen function (hereinafter referred to as an electronic pen cartridge) attached to the housing of an existing writing instrument has been considered.

[0003] Electronic devices equipped with a position detection sensor are often carried and used in various places. For example, they may be used outdoors on rainy days or at water edges such as the coast or a river. For this reason, some electronic devices equipped with a position detection sensor are provided with waterproof measures. Correspondingly, waterproof measures are also considered for electronic pens. For example, Patent Document 1 described later discloses a method of taking waterproof measures by storing constituent members and a circuit board for realizing an electronic pen function in a hollow portion of a cylindrical inner housing (cartridge case) and filling the hollow portion of the inner housing with resin.

[0004] In the electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 1, the core body can be attached inside the inner housing so that the pen tip protrudes from the inner housing. Further, the pen pressure detection unit is provided at the rear end of the inner housing, and according to the pen pressure applied to the core body, the inner housing itself slides rearward in the axial direction and is pressed by the convex portion of the housing lid provided at the rear end, enabling the detection of the pen pressure. In the case of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the components and circuit boards for realizing the electronic pen function can be covered with resin, an electronic pen with sufficient waterproof measures can be realized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The electronic pen of the invention disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a pen pressure detection unit is provided at the rear end of the inner housing. For this reason, according to the pen pressure applied to the core body by the inner housing, by sliding rearward in the axial direction inside the outer housing, the convex portion of the housing lid attached to the rear end portion of the outer housing presses the pen pressure detection unit of the inner housing. Thus, when the pen pressure detection unit is provided at the rear end of the inner housing, since the pen pressure detection unit is not directly pressed by the core body, there is a concern that the pen pressure applied to the core body is dispersed on the way, etc., and the responsiveness of the pen pressure detection may slightly decrease. If possible, it is desired to arrange the pen pressure detection unit on the pen tip side so that it can be directly pressed by the core body.

[0007] Also, for example, in the case of an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen cartridge, electronic components such as a pen pressure detection unit and a circuit board are housed in an internal housing, but the coil for forming a resonance circuit is often provided in the front stage of the internal housing. Thus, in the case of a configuration where the coil is provided outside the internal housing, it is necessary to take waterproof measures for the coil portion. When the coil portion gets wet, the characteristics of the coil change, which may affect the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit configured including the coil, and may also affect the detection of the indicated position on the position detection sensor side and the detection of the pen pressure. Also, it is desired to be able to manufacture the electronic pen cartridge with as little labor as possible.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic pen cartridge capable of appropriately taking waterproof measures and preventing the manufacturing process from becoming complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To solve the above problems, An interchangeable electronic pen cartridge that constitutes an electronic pen by being attached to a cylindrical outer housing having a hollow portion inside, A cylindrical inner housing, A circuit board housed in the inner housing, A pen pressure detection unit provided on the pen tip side inside the inner housing, A rod-shaped core body that presses the pen pressure detection unit, A coil provided on the pen tip side of the inner housing and having both ends connected to the circuit board are provided, At least the coil is covered by a resin sealing portion 、 The coil is provided in an intermediate portion excluding a first non-wound portion in a certain range from one longitudinal end to the other end side on a side surface of a ferrite core which is a cylindrical body having a through-hole penetrating the core body, and a second non-wound portion in a certain range from the other end to the one end side. The sealing portion is formed so as to cover at least the coil, a part of the coil side of the first non-wound portion, and a part of the coil side of the second non-wound portion. An electronic pen cartridge is provided, characterized by the above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic pen cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, as a position detection method of the electronic pen and the position detection sensor, for example, there are an electromagnetic induction method and a capacitance method. In the electromagnetic induction method (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) method), a position detection device includes a sensor unit in which a plurality of loop coils are arranged in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A transmission period for sequentially supplying power to the plurality of loop coils of the sensor unit to generate a magnetic field and a reception period for stopping the power supply and receiving an external magnetic field are alternately provided. A corresponding electronic pen includes a resonance circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor, and a current flows through the coil in response to the magnetic field from the sensor unit to generate a signal, and this signal is transmitted to the position detection sensor including pen pressure information. The position detection device receives this during the reception period to detect the indicated position and pen pressure by the electronic pen.

[0013] The capacitance method is provided in a position detection device with a sensor unit in which a plurality of linear conductors (line electrodes) are arranged in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. When a finger or an electrostatic pen approaches the sensor unit, the indicated position is detected according to the change in capacitance (charge) generated in the linear conductors. Note that the electrostatic pen includes a pen-shaped position indicator having conductivity, or a so-called active electrostatic pen (AES (Active Electrostatic) method) that is driven by a battery and transmits a signal. In the case of an active electrostatic coupling method using an active electrostatic pen, the electronic pen transmits a signal from an oscillation circuit mounted on the electronic pen including pen pressure information, and this is received by the position detection device to detect the indicated position and the pen pressure.

[0014] The electronic pen cartridge of the present invention includes a resonance circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor, and is suitable for application to an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen cartridge in which the characteristics of the resonance circuit may change when the coil gets wet. However, even in the case of an electronic pen cartridge of an active electrostatic coupling method, for example, when it includes a coil for non-contact charging of a mounted battery, it is similarly applicable. That is, the electronic pen cartridge of the present invention includes a coil connected to a circuit board and is applicable to those that need to take appropriate waterproof measures for the coil portion. In the embodiments described below, for the sake of simplicity, the case of applying to an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen cartridge will be described as an example.

[0015] Note that the term "cartridge" means a part of a device that can be freely replaced. Therefore, the electronic pen cartridge has, for example, the same outer shape as a refill of a ballpoint pen and corresponds to a refill that realizes an electronic pen function. Therefore, by mounting the electronic pen cartridge of the present invention on an external housing (shaft portion for storing the refill) such as a ballpoint pen, an electronic pen of a used ballpoint pen housing can be realized. The electronic pen cartridge of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0016] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(A) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment when it is cut in half in the longitudinal direction and the front part is removed. FIG. 1(B) is an external view of the electronic pen cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 1(A). As shown in FIG. 1(A), the electronic pen cartridge 1 is mainly composed of two parts: a main body part 1Bd and a tip unit part 1Ut.

[0017] The main body part 1Bd is a part in which various components are mounted inside the internal housing 11. The internal housing 11 is a cylindrical body having a hollow part inside. The internal housing 11 has an opening on the pen tip side (the left end side in FIG. 1(A)), and the rear end side (the right end side in FIG. 1(A)) is closed to form a bottom surface. In the central part on the outside of the bottom surface, a rod-shaped connecting part 11a extending in a rod shape toward the rear end side is formed. The rod-shaped connecting part 11a is for internal attachment to an outer housing such as a ballpoint pen held by the user.

[0018] A tip cap 12 is provided at the opening part on the pen tip side of the internal housing 11, and a substrate folder 15 such as a substrate is provided at the rear stage of the tip cap 12. The substrate folder 15 has a tip cylindrical part 15a on the pen tip side, and a middle bottom surface part 15b having a thickness to form the bottom surface of the tip cylindrical part 15a at the rear stage. The substrate folder 15 is an elongated component having a plate-shaped part 15c extending to the rear end side from the rear end surface of the middle bottom surface part 15b. Further, the substrate folder 15 has a rear end bottom surface part 15d having a thickness at the rear end of the plate-shaped part 15c, and the rear end surface of the rear end bottom surface part 15d abuts on the inner bottom surface of the internal housing. Note that the middle bottom surface part 15b and the rear end bottom surface part 15d are formed in a circular flat plate shape having a diameter slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the internal housing 11.

[0019] The tip cap 12 is a cylindrical body having a shape in which two cylindrical parts with different diameters are connected. The cylindrical part of the tip cap 12 with a longer diameter Outer diameter It is as long as or slightly longer than the inner diameter of the inner housing 11, and a cylindrical portion with a long diameter of the tip cap 12 is fitted into and fixed to the tip opening of the inner housing 11. Also, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion with a short diameter of the tip cap 12 is the same as or slightly longer than the inner diameter of the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the folder 15 such as a substrate, and the cylindrical portion with a short diameter of the tip cap 12 is fitted into the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the folder 15 such as a substrate from the opening on the pen tip side. As a result, the folder 15 such as a substrate is sandwiched between the tip cap 12 and the bottom surface of the inner housing 11 and fixed inside the hollow portion of the inner housing 11. Also, as will be described later, the rear end side of the ferrite core 22 is fitted into the cylindrical portion with a long diameter of this tip cap 12 from the pen tip side.

[0020] A cap-shaped pusher member 13 is provided at the rear stage of the tip cap 12. As will be described later, the rear end portion of the core body 21 is attached to the pusher member 13, and it functions to hold the core body 21 inside the inner housing 11. The core body 21 is composed of a pen tip portion 21a formed with a rounded tip and a shaft portion 21b extending in a rod shape from the pen tip portion 21a toward the rear end side. A pen pressure detection unit 14 is provided at the rear stage of the pusher member 13 so as to be sandwiched between the pusher member 13 and the intermediate bottom surface portion 15b of the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the folder 15 such as a substrate.

[0021] The pen pressure detection unit 14 is configured as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor. When the pen pressure detection unit 14 is pressed by the core body 21 and the pusher member 13, it detects the pen pressure applied to the core body 21 as, for example, a change in capacitance. Incidentally, Pusher member 13 A coil spring 13a is provided around a part of the outer side surface (outer wall surface) of, and when the pen pressure applied to the core body 21 is released, it has a configuration to push back the core body 21 to its original position by the restoring force of the coil spring 13a.

[0022] In FIG. 1(A), a circuit board 16 is placed and fixed on the upper surface of a folder 15 such as a substrate. On the circuit board 16, various circuit components such as a capacitor 16a and a control IC (Integrated Circuit) 16b are mounted as main components to form a circuit section. As shown in FIG. 1(A), an electrode 16c connected to the pen pressure detection unit 14 is provided on the pen tip side of the circuit board 16, and this electrode 16c and the circuit section formed on the circuit board 16 are electrically connected by a conductive section 16d.

[0023] Furthermore, the circuit board 16 is provided with a fixing hole that penetrates the circuit board 16 in the thickness direction at a predetermined position on the pen tip side. As shown in FIG. 1(A), when the circuit board 16 is placed at a fixed position on the folder 15 such as a substrate, a fixing projection 15e provided on the folder 15 such as a substrate fits into the fixing hole. Thereby, the position of the circuit board 16 on the folder 15 such as a substrate is fixed. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1(A), the tip cap 12, the pusher member 13, the pen pressure detection unit 14, the folder 15 such as a substrate, and the circuit board 16 are mounted in the internal housing 11 to form the main body portion 1Bd.

[0024] On the other hand, the tip unit portion 1Ut is provided at the front stage (pen tip side) of the main body portion 1Bd. The tip unit portion 1Ut includes a ferrite core 22 that is a cylindrical body having a through hole for passing a core body 21, and a coil 23 formed by winding a covered conductor around the side surface of the ferrite core 22. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(A), on both ends of the ferrite core 22, that is, in a certain range on the pen tip side and the rear end side, a first non-winding portion 22a and a second non-winding portion 22b where no covered conductor is wound and no coil is formed are provided.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1(A), the tip unit portion 1Ut has a sealing portion 24 formed so as to cover the coil 23, a part of the first non-wound portion 22a on the coil 23 side, and a part of the second non-wound portion 22b on the coil 23 side. The sealing portion 24 imparts a waterproof function to the coil 23 portion by covering the entire coil 23 with a resin such as plastic, for example. Specifically, the coil 23 formed on the side surface of the ferrite core 22 is integrated by being wrapped with a sealing portion 24 formed of a resin material by so-called insert molding.

[0026] That is, insert molding is a molding method in which a resin such as heated and melted plastic is injected around a part inserted into an injection mold, and the inserted part and the injected resin are integrated. In this way, by integrating the part (a part of the ferrite core 22 and the coil 23) and the resin (the sealing portion 24), the part can be shielded from the outside world by the resin, and waterproof measures can be taken. The second non-wound portion 22b of the ferrite core 22 of the tip unit portion 1Ut formed in this way is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion with a long diameter of the tip cap 12 of the main body portion 1Bd.

[0027] The outer diameter of the ferrite core 22 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion with a long diameter of the tip cap 12. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the second non-wound portion 22b of the ferrite core 22 and the cylindrical portion with a long diameter of the tip cap 12 are adhered by an adhesive such as a two-component epoxy adhesive. The conductive wires 23a and 23b extending from both ends of the coil 23 are led out to the circuit board 16 along the inner side surface of the inner housing 11 and connected to the circuit portion formed on the circuit board 16, as shown in Fig. 1(A).

[0028] In this way, the tip unit 1Ut is attached to the main body 1Bd, and the core 21 is inserted and pushed in from the rear end side of the shaft portion 21b through the tip opening of the ferrite core 22. As a result, as shown in Fig. 1(A), the rear end of the shaft portion 21b of the core 21 is attached to the pusher member 13 of the main body 1Bd, and the electronic pen cartridge 1 is configured. As shown in Fig. 1(B), the appearance of the electronic pen cartridge 1 has a configuration in which the main body 1Bd and the tip unit 1Ut are connected, and the pen tip portion 21a of the core 21 protrudes from the first non-wound portion 22a side of the ferrite core 22 of the tip unit 1Ut. Note that the core 21 is detachable and can be replaced as needed.

[0029] In the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment, since the entire coil 23 of the tip unit 1Ut is blocked from the outside by the sealing portion 24, a waterproof function can be provided. Therefore, when the electronic pen cartridge 1 is mounted in an external housing such as a ballpoint pen housing, an electronic pen with a waterproof function can be realized. Note that the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment has, for example, a diameter of 3.8 mm and a total length in the longitudinal direction of 65.65 mm, and is configured to have substantially the same size as a commercially available ballpoint pen refill.

[0030] In Fig. 1, in order to clarify the configuration including the main body 1Bd and the tip unit 1Ut, a gap is provided between the main body 1Bd and the sealing portion 24 when the main body 1Bd and the tip unit 1Ut are connected. However, it is not limited to this. It is of course possible to configure the sealing portion 24 to extend to the rear end side so as to cover the second non-wound portion 22b, so that the rear end surface of the sealing portion 24 and the front end surface of the main body 1Bd are joined.

[0031] [Second Embodiment] The electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described above had a configuration in which the main body portion 1Bd and the tip unit portion 1Ut were adhered by an adhesive. For this reason, an adhesion work process was always necessary, and an adhesion drying and curing time was also required. Therefore, it is considered that the manufacturing efficiency may not be sufficiently increased in some cases. Thus, the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment eliminates the adhesion work process and does not require an adhesion drying and curing time.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is a cross-sectional view when the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment is cut in half in the longitudinal direction and the front side portion is removed. Further, FIG. 2(B) is an external view of the electronic pen cartridge 1A shown in FIG. 2(A). As can be seen by comparing FIG. 2(A) with FIG. 1(A), the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has the same configuration as the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 in the constituent parts for realizing the electronic pen function.

[0033] Therefore, in the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the portions having the same configuration as the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, and the detailed description of those portions is omitted because of duplication. Also in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment, like the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, it has a main body portion 1Bd and a tip unit portion 1Ut.

[0034] The main body part 1Bd is a part configured by mounting a tip cap 12, a plunger member 13, a pen pressure detection part 14, a folder 15 such as a substrate, and a circuit board 16 inside the inner housing 11 as shown in Fig. 2(A). The tip unit part 1Ut is a part provided at the front stage of the main body part 1Bd, and includes a ferrite core 22 which is a cylindrical body having a through hole for penetrating the core body 21, and a coil 23 formed by winding a coated conductor around the side surface of the ferrite core 22. Further, as shown in Fig. 2(A), in a certain range on the pen tip side and the rear end side of the ferrite core 22, a first non-wound part 22a where no coated conductor is wound and no coil is formed, and a second non-wound part 22b are provided. This point is the same as that of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment.

[0035] Also, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1A of this second embodiment, the second non-wound part 22b of the ferrite core 22 of the tip unit part 1Ut is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical part with a longer diameter of the tip cap 12 of the main body part 1Bd. However, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment, it is not necessary to bond the joint part of these two with, for example, a two-component epoxy adhesive or the like. In a state where the main body part 1Bd and the tip unit part 1Ut are joined, the periphery thereof is covered with a resin material such as plastic by insert molding to form a sealing part 24A.

[0036] That is, the sealing part 24A includes a part of the first non-wound part 22a of the ferrite core 22 and covers the whole including up to the rear end surface of the inner housing 11. However, in this second embodiment, the sealing part 24A only covers the outer part of the bottom surface and does not cover the whole of the rod-shaped connection part 11a provided at the outer central part of the bottom surface of the inner housing 11. In other words, except for the part on the pen tip side of the first non-wound part 22a of the ferrite core 22 and the rod-shaped connection part 11a provided on the outer side of the bottom surface of the inner housing 11, the whole is covered with the sealing part 24A.

[0037] As a result, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the entire part including the connection portion between the main body part 1Bd and the tip unit part 1Ut can be covered by the sealing part 24A, so that an electronic pen cartridge 1A in which the connection part is not exposed can be realized. In this case, a waterproof function can be firmly added to almost the entire electronic pen cartridge 1A including the coil 23. Moreover, since it is not necessary to bond the joint portion between the main body part 1Bd and the tip unit part 1Ut with an adhesive, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0038] [Another Example of the Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an electronic pen cartridge 1AX according to another example of the second embodiment. FIG. 3(A) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen cartridge 1AX according to another example of the second embodiment when it is cut in half in the longitudinal direction and the front part is removed. Further, FIG. 3(B) is an external view of the electronic pen cartridge 1AX shown in FIG. 3(A). The electronic pen cartridge 1AX shown in FIG. 3 is configured substantially the same as the electronic pen cartridge 1A of the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2. Explanation However, the configurations of the inner housing 11A and the sealing part 24B are different from those of the inner housing 11 and the sealing part 24A of the electronic pen cartridge 1A in FIG. 2. For this reason, in the electronic pen cartridge 1AX of another example shown in FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration as those of the electronic pen cartridge 1A shown in FIG. 2, and the description of these parts is omitted, and the parts having different configurations will be described in detail.

[0039]

[0040] ​In the electronic pen cartridge 1AX of another example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3(A), in the inner housing 11A of the main body portion 1BdA, the rod-shaped connecting portion 11a is not formed on the outer surface of the bottom surface at the rear end portion. The outer surface of the bottom surface of the inner housing 11A is a flat surface. However, on the outer side of the bottom surface of the sealing portion 24B, a rod-shaped connecting portion 24Ba is formed integrally with the sealing portion 24B. That is, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1AX of another example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, at the central portion of the outer surface of the bottom surface of the sealing portion 24B formed by insert molding, a rod-shaped connecting portion 24Ba extending in a rod shape toward the rear end side is integrally formed.

[0041] Thereby, the shape of the inner housing 11A can be made into a simple configuration without the rod-shaped connecting portion 11a, and as a part of the sealing portion 24B formed by insert molding, a rod-shaped connecting portion 24Ba for mounting to the outer housing can also be formed. In this case, the appearance of the electronic pen cartridge 1AX shown in FIG. 3(B) can be configured to be the same as the appearance of the electronic pen cartridge 1A shown in FIG. 2(B). Therefore, the manufacturing process of the electronic pen cartridge can be simplified.

[0042] [Third Embodiment] In the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the main body portion 1Bd and the tip unit portion 1Ut are adhered by an adhesive, so they cannot be separated after adhesion. Further, in the electronic pen cartridges 1A and 1AX of the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, since the whole is covered with the sealing portions 24A and 24B, after formation, the main body portions 1Bd and 1BdA and the tip unit portion 1Ut cannot be separated.

[0043] However, if the main body part and the tip unit part are formed separately and can be detachably connected in close contact, assembly is easy, and if there is a defect in either the main body part or the tip unit part, the defective part can be replaced. Also, it becomes possible to replace the parts of the main body part. Therefore, the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment described below is configured such that the main body part and the tip unit part are formed separately and can be detachably connected in close contact.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment. FIG. 4(A) is a cross-sectional view when the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment is cut in half in the longitudinal direction and the front part is removed. FIG. 4(B) is an external view of the electronic pen cartridge 1B shown in FIG. 4(A). FIG. 4(C) is an external view of only the tip unit part 1UtB of the electronic pen cartridge 1B shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0045] Also in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment, the configuration of the part that realizes the electronic pen function is the same as that of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment, the electronic pen cartridges 1A and 1AX of the second embodiment described above. For this reason, also in the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the electronic pen cartridges 1, 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, 1AX Parts having the same configuration are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these parts is omitted.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4(A), in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment as well, it includes a main body portion 1BdB and a tip unit portion 1UtB. The tip unit portion 1UtB is a cylindrical body having a through-hole for passing through the core 21, and a coil 23 is provided by winding a covering conductor around the central portion of the side surface of a ferrite core 22. Therefore, a certain range from one end in the longitudinal direction of the ferrite core 22 (the end on the pen tip side) to the other end (the end on the rear end side) is a first non-wound portion 22a where no coil is formed. Similarly, a certain range from the other end (the end on the rear end side) to one end (the end on the pen tip side) is a second non-wound portion 22b where no coil is formed.

[0047] Furthermore, a sealing portion 24C is provided so as to cover the coil 23, a part of the first non-wound portion 22a of the ferrite core 22 on the coil 23 side, and the whole of the second non-wound portion 22b. Different from the sealing portion 24 of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment, the sealing portion 24C is provided with a joint portion 24Ca at the rear stage of the second non-wound portion 22b. The joint portion 24Ca has a through-hole for passing through the core 21 that passes through the through-hole of the ferrite core 22, and is a convex portion with a thread formed on the rear end side for protruding and connecting to the inner housing 11B.

[0048] That is, as shown in Fig. 4(C), the tip unit portion 1UtB covers a part of the first non-wound portion 22a of the ferrite core 22 on the coil 23 side, the coil 23, and the whole of the second non-wound portion 22b, and is provided with a joint portion 24Ca protruding to the rear end side. In this way, the tip unit portion 1UtB is integrally formed by insert molding of the portion covering the coil 23 and the joint portion 24Ca having a thread.

[0049] In contrast, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the inner housing 11B of the third embodiment has a connecting portion 11Ba formed in the opening on the pen tip side, which has a thread corresponding to the thread of the joint portion 24Ca formed in the sealing portion 24C of the tip unit portion 1UtB. A holding ring 12A is fitted into the opening of the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the folder 15 such as a substrate, and the pusher member 13 is placed inside the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the folder 15 such as a substrate. Stop That is, the outer diameter of the holding ring 12A is the same as or slightly longer than the inner diameter of the tip cylindrical portion 15a.

[0050] As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the joint portion 24Ca of the sealing portion 24C can be attached to the connecting portion 11Ba formed by providing a thread in the opening of the inner housing 11B while being rotated in a threaded manner. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(B), a single electronic pen cartridge 1B in which the main body portion 1BdB and the tip unit portion 1UtB are closely connected can be configured. So as to In this case, the coil 23 side of the first non-wound portion 22a of the ferrite core 22, the coil 23, and all of the second non-wound portion 22b are covered by the sealing portion 24C, so a waterproof function can be firmly added to this portion. Moreover, since the tip unit portion 1UtB and the inner housing 11B are connected in a threaded manner, water or the like does not enter the inner housing 11B from the tip opening of the inner housing 11B. Therefore, a waterproof function can be firmly added to the entire electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment.

[0051]

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4(C), conductive wires 23a and 23b extending from both ends of the coil 23 are led out from the tip unit portion 1UtB. These conductive wires 23a and 23b extend to the inside of the inner housing 11B through, for example, groove portions provided in the longitudinal direction on the side surface of the inner housing 11B, and are connected to circuit portions formed on the circuit board 16 inside the inner housing 11B. Actually, conductive wires from the circuit portions formed on the circuit board 16 inside the inner housing 11B may be led out to the groove portions provided in advance on the side surface of the inner housing 11B, and the conductive wires 23a and 23b from the coil 23 of the tip unit portion 1UtB may be connected thereto.

[0053] Various measures can be taken for the connection between the conductive wires from the circuit portions formed on the circuit board 16 and the conductive wires 23a and 23b from the coil 23. For example, if a ring-shaped terminal for connection is provided at the tip of the conductive wire sent to the groove portion on the side surface of the inner housing 11B, and the conductive wires 23a and 23b from the coil 23 are hooked onto this terminal, it is possible to connect them easily. Of course, other connection methods may also be used. In short, various connection methods that can be easily connected without much effort can be adopted.

[0054] As described above, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment, it extends from both ends of the coil 23 Do The connection of the conductive wire to the circuit portion of the circuit board 16 is made on the outer side surface of the inner housing. For this reason, a process for connecting the coil 23 to the circuit portion is required, and in the case of connection on the outer side surface of the inner housing 11B, it is necessary to separately perform a waterproof treatment on the conductive wire in the portion that crawls on the outer side surface. Therefore, a modification of this third embodiment is such that the connection between the coil 23 and the circuit portion of the circuit board 16 is made inside (inside) the inner housing.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic pen cartridge 1BX of another example of the third embodiment cut in half in the longitudinal direction with the front portion removed, and the connection portion between the main body portion 1BdC and the tip unit portion 1UtC is enlarged. Further, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the rear end surface of the joint portion 24Da of the tip unit portion 1UtC and the front end surfaces of the tip cylindrical portion 15a of the main body portion 1BdC and the holding ring 12A.

[0056] Note that the electronic pen cartridge 1BX of another example of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is configured substantially the same as the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the portions having the same configuration as those of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and the detailed description of those portions is omitted.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, in the tip unit portion 1UtC, the conductive wire 23a extending from one end of the coil 23 is connected to the electrode 25a provided on the rear end surface of the joint portion 24Da. Similarly, the conductive wire 23b extending from the other end of the coil 23 is connected to the electrode 25b provided on the rear end surface of the joint portion 24Da. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(A), on the rear end surface (the end surface exposed to the outside) of the joint portion 24Da formed by insert molding as a part of the sealing portion 24D, the electrodes 25a and 25b are provided at positions facing each other with the through hole HN through which the core body penetrates interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the conductive wire 23a extending from one end of the coil 23 is connected to the electrode 25a, and the conductive wire 23b extending from one end of the coil 23 is connected to the electrode 25b.

[0058] In this way, the joint part 24Da is formed as a part of the sealing part 24D, similar to the joint part 24Ca of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, in the case of the joint part 24Da, electrodes 25a and 25b are provided on the rear end surface, and conductive wires 23a and 23b from the coil are connected through the inside of the joint part 24Da, which is different from the tip unit part 1UtB shown in FIG. 4.

[0059] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the conductive wires 16e and 16f extending from the circuit part formed on the circuit board 16 mounted on the inner housing 11B are connected to the electrodes 17a and 17b provided on the front end surfaces of the front end cylindrical part 15a of the main body part 1BdC and the holding ring 12A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(B), on the front end surfaces of the front end cylindrical part 15a and the holding ring 12A, electrodes 17a and 17b are provided at positions facing each other with a hole part HB into which the core is inserted interposed therebetween. Figure 6(B) As shown, the conductive wire 16e extending from the circuit part is connected to the electrode 17a, and the conductive wire 16f extending from the circuit part is connected to the electrode 17b.

[0060] The rear end surface of the joint part 24Da shown in FIG. 6(A) and the front end surfaces of the front end cylindrical part 15a and the holding ring 12A shown in FIG. 6(B) are surfaces that face each other when the tip unit part 1UtC is screwed onto the connection part 11Ba of the main body part 1BdC. Suppose the joint part 24Da is inserted tightly while rotating it on the connection part 11Ba of the main body part 1BdC. In this case, the electrode 25a on the rear end surface of the joint part 24Da and the electrode 17a on the front end surfaces of the front end cylindrical part 15a and the holding ring 12A face each other and come into contact. Similarly, the electrode 25b on the rear end surface of the joint part 24Da and the electrode 17b on the front end surfaces of the front end cylindrical part 15a and the holding ring 12A face each other and come into contact.

[0061] As a result, the coil 23 of the tip unit portion 1UtC and the circuit portion of the circuit board 16 mounted on the inner housing are electrically connected. Thus, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1BX of another example of this third embodiment, by simply attaching the joint portion 24Da to the connection portion 11Ba of the main body portion 1BdC in a screw manner, the coil 23 and the circuit portion on the circuit board 16 can be electrically connected. Therefore, as in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1B of the third embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, it is not necessary to connect the conductive wires extending from both ends of the coil 23 and the circuit portion of the circuit board 16 on the side surface of the inner housing. Therefore, an electronic pen cartridge 1BX with a simple connection operation can be configured.

[0062] [Equivalent Circuit of Electronic Pen Cartridge] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuits of the electronic pen cartridges 1, 1A, 1AX, 1B, 1BX of the first, second, and third embodiments described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic pen cartridges 1, 1A, 1AX, 1B, 1BX have a configuration in which a coil (inductor) 23, a capacitor (capacitor) 16a, and a pen pressure detection unit 14 configured as a variable capacitance capacitor are connected in parallel.

[0063] Thereby, a resonant circuit is formed by the coil 23 and the capacitor 16a, and it becomes possible to receive a signal from an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor, form a transmission signal, and transmit this to the position detection sensor to indicate the position. Further, by providing the pen pressure detection unit 14 configured as a variable capacitance capacitor, information indicating the pen pressure can be included in the transmission signal transmitted from the electronic pen cartridges 1, 1A, 1AX, 1B, 1BX, for example, as a change in the phase of the transmission signal. Thus, each of the electronic pen cartridges 1, 1A, 1AX, 1B, 1BX can realize the function as an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen.

[0064] [Effects of Embodiment] In the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1 of the first embodiment described above, since the coil 23 provided on the pen tip side with respect to the main body portion 1Bd can be covered without a gap by the sealing portion 24 made of resin, a waterproof function can be appropriately added. Therefore, even if the electronic pen cartridge 1 is submerged in water or the like, it does not cause inconveniences such as a change in the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit including the coil 23.

[0065] Also, in the case of the electronic pen cartridges 1A and 1AX of the second embodiment described above, the entire tip unit portion 1Ut including the coil 23 and the main body portion 1Bd Or main body portion 1BdA can be covered by the sealing portions 24A and 24B made of resin. Thereby, a waterproof function can be added to the entire tip unit portion 1Ut and the main body portion 1Bd Or main body portion 1BdA and .

[0066] Moreover, with the configuration of covering the whole with the sealing portions 24A and 24B, it is not necessary to bond the main body portion 1Bd Or main body portion 1BdA and the tip unit portion 1Ut with an adhesive, and it is not necessary to secure a curing time until the adhesive hardens. That is, simplification of the manufacturing process and shortening of the manufacturing time can be achieved. Also, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1AX of another example of the second embodiment, since the rod-shaped connection portion 24Ba for connecting to the external housing can also be formed as a part of the sealing portion 24B, further simplification of the manufacturing process can be achieved.

[0067] Also, in the case of the electronic pen cartridges 1B and 1BX of the third embodiment described above, the main body portion 1BdB Or main body portion 1BdC and the tip unit portions 1UtB and 1UtC can be connected in a screw type. Thereby, the main body portion 1BdB Or main body portion 1BdC and the tip unit portions 1UtB and 1UtC can be separately manufactured and easily connected in a screw type, and simplification of the manufacturing process can be achieved. Moreover, at any time, the main body portion 1BdB Or main body portion 1BdC and the tip unit portions 1UtB and 1UtC can be separated, so that in the case where a problem occurs in either of them, it is possible to replace them.

[0068] Also, in the case of the electronic pen cartridge 1BX of another example of the third embodiment, if the main body 1BdC and the tip unit 1UtC are screwed together, the coil 23 and the circuit unit formed on the circuit board 16 can also be electrically connected. Therefore, further simplification of the manufacturing process can be achieved.

[0069] [Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the size of the electronic pen cartridge 1 has been described as having a diameter of 3.8 mm and an overall length of 65.65 mm, but this is only an example and is not limited thereto. The size of the electronic pen cartridge can be adjusted in various ways.

[0070] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where it is applied to an electromagnetic coupling type electronic pen has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. As described above, for an active capacitance type electronic pen, for example, an electronic pen cartridge having a coil for charging a battery on the pen tip side, when adding a waterproof function to the coil portion Even if this invention can be applied.

[0071] Also, in the other example of the third embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the positions and shapes of the electrodes 25a, 25b and the electrodes 17a, 17b can be various. That is, the tip unit 1UtC and the main body 1BdC when connected, various modes can be adopted as long as the coil 23 and the circuit unit of the circuit board 16 can be surely electrically connected.

[0072] Also, the inner housing may be a so-called pipe shape having a hollow portion, and its appearance may be various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape. Of course, the shape of the outer housing in which the electronic pen cartridge of this invention is mounted may also be a so-called pipe shape having a hollow portion in which the electronic pen cartridge can be mounted inside. Therefore, the appearance of the outer housing may of course be various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape.

Explanation of Symbols

[0073] 1, 1A, 1AX, 1B, 1BX... Electronic pen cartridges, 1Bd, 1BdA, 1BdB, 1BdC... Main body parts, 1Ut, 1UtB, 1UtC... Tip unit parts, 11, 11A, 11B... Inner housings, 11Ba... Connection parts, 11a... Rod-shaped connection parts, 12... Tip caps, 12A... Holding rings, 13... Pusher members, 13a... Coil springs, 14... Pen pressure detection parts, 15... Folder such as a substrate, 15a... Tip cylindrical parts, 15b... Intermediate bottom parts, 15c... Plate-like parts, 15d... Rear end bottom parts, 15e... Fixed protrusions, 16... Circuit boards, 16a... Capacitors, 16b... Control ICs, 16c... Electrodes, 16d... Conductive parts, 16e, 16f... Conductive wires, 17a, 17b... Electrodes, 21... Cores, 21a... Pen tip parts, 21b... Shaft parts, 22... Ferrite cores, 22a... First non-wound parts, 22b... Second non-wound parts, 23... Coils, 23a, 23b... Conductive wires, 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D... Sealing parts, 24Ba... Rod-shaped connection parts, 24Ca, 24Da... Joint parts, 25a, 25b... Electrodes

Claims

1. An interchangeable electronic pen cartridge that forms an electronic pen by being attached to a cylindrical outer housing having a hollow portion inside, comprising: a cylindrical inner housing; a circuit board housed inside the inner housing; a pen pressure detection unit provided on the pen tip side inside the inner housing; a rod-shaped core that presses the pen pressure detection unit; a coil provided on the pen tip side of the inner housing and having both ends connected to the circuit board; and comprising: at least the coil is covered by a resin sealing portion; the coil is provided in an intermediate portion excluding a first non-wound portion in a certain range from one end in the longitudinal direction to the other end on the side surface of a ferrite core that is a cylindrical body having a through hole for passing through the core, and a second non-wound portion in a certain range from the other end to the one end side; the sealing portion is formed so as to cover at least the coil, a part of the coil side of the first non-wound portion, and a part of the coil side of the second non-wound portion; An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

2. The electronic pen cartridge according to Claim 1, wherein: the sealing portion is formed so as to integrally cover the inner housing together with the coil. An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

3. The electronic pen cartridge according to Claim 2, wherein: a rod-shaped connection portion for connection inside the outer housing is provided on the rear end surface of the inner housing; the sealing portion is provided so as not to cover the entire rod-shaped connection portion. An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

4. The electronic pen cartridge according to Claim 2, wherein: the sealing portion is formed on the rear end surface of the inner housing including a rod-shaped connection portion for connection inside the outer housing. An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

5. An interchangeable electronic pen cartridge that forms an electronic pen by being attached to a cylindrical outer housing having a hollow portion inside, comprising: a cylindrical inner housing; a circuit board housed inside the inner housing; a pen pressure detection unit provided on the pen tip side inside the inner housing; a rod-shaped core that presses the pen pressure detection unit; a coil provided on the pen tip side of the inner housing and having both ends connected to the circuit board; and comprising: at least the coil is covered by a resin sealing portion; The coil is provided in an intermediate portion excluding a first non-wound portion in a certain range from one longitudinal end to the other end side on a side surface of a ferrite core which is a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating the core body, and a second non-wound portion in a certain range from the other end to the one end side. The sealing portion covers the coil, a part of the first non-wound portion on the coil side, and the entire second non-wound portion, and has a through hole penetrating the core body penetrating the through hole of the ferrite core at a subsequent stage of the second non-wound portion, and constitutes a tip unit by including a joint portion formed with a thread for connecting to the inner housing. The inner housing has a connection portion having a thread corresponding to the thread of the joint portion in an opening on the pen tip side, and enables connection of the tip unit formed by the sealing portion covering the coil and the ferrite core. An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

6. An electronic pen cartridge according to any one of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the coil constitutes a resonance circuit by being connected in parallel with a capacitor element mounted on the circuit board and the pen pressure detection unit. An electronic pen cartridge characterized by the above.

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