Input pen

Abstract

To provide an input pen including touch pens of different input systems in one shaft and configured to eliminate the need for inversion or knock operation of the shaft even in switching the input systems.SOLUTION: An input pen includes: an electromagnetic induction touch pen including a shaft cylinder and an electromagnetic induction unit having an input tip and stored in the shaft cylinder with the input tip exposed from a tip of the shaft cylinder; and a capacitive touch pen including an outer cylinder into which the electromagnetic touch pen is inserted with the shaft cylinder so that the input tip is located in the tip side, a touch tip attached to the tip of the outer cylinder, deformable by a pressing force, and covering the input tip, and a pressing section which is moved backward by a pressing force into the touch tip and brought into contact with the input tip to press it. The input tip has response load which is twice or more as high as that of the touch tip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, pointing devices that perform input by physical contact with a screen have become widely used. That is, a pen-shaped touch pen detects the contact position when its tip touches the input surface of a plate-shaped input device equipped with a position detection device. Such touch pens come in a variety of input methods. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an input pen that houses touch pens of two different input methods, the so-called capacitance method and the electromagnetic induction method, in a single shaft, allowing the input method to be selected depending on the input device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-77115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The input pen disclosed in Patent Document 1 has touch pens with different input methods attached to both ends of the shaft. Therefore, when switching input methods, the shaft must be turned over, making it unsuitable for frequent switching of input methods. Furthermore, when the input pen is placed on a desk or the like and then used again, it is difficult to tell which of the two touch pens is capacitive and which is electromagnetic induction, which can lead to selecting the wrong input method after use.

[0005] An object of the embodiment of the present application is to provide an input pen that has touch pens of different input methods on one shaft, and does not require shaft reversal or knocking operation when switching the input method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input pen according to a first embodiment of the present application comprises an electromagnetic induction touch pen having a barrel and an electromagnetic induction unit having an input tip and housed in the barrel with the input tip exposed from the tip of the barrel; an outer barrel into which the electromagnetic induction touch pen is inserted together with the barrel so that the input tip is located at the tip side; a capacitive touch pen having a contact tip attached to the tip of the outer barrel, deformable by pressure and covering the input tip; and a pressure portion that retracts into the contact tip by pressure and contacts and presses the input tip, wherein the reaction load of the input tip is at least twice the reaction load of the contact tip.

[0007] With the above configuration, the input pen according to the first embodiment of the present application has both an electromagnetic induction touch pen and a capacitive touch pen at the tip end of the outer tube. When the reaction load on the input surface is relatively small, resulting in deformation of the contact tip only and not reaching the input tip, the input pen can be used as a capacitive touch pen. On the other hand, when the reaction load on the input surface is relatively large, resulting in deformation of the contact tip reaching the input tip, the input pen can be used as an electromagnetic induction touch pen.

[0008] In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the input pen of the second embodiment of the present application further comprises an annular groove formed circumferentially on the outer periphery of the outer tube, a plurality of openings formed in the annular groove and spaced evenly circumferentially, and an elastic ring fitted into the annular groove, and the electromagnetic induction touch pen is held on the outer tube by contracting the elastic ring.

[0009] With the above configuration, the input pen according to the second embodiment of the present application has an elastic ring fitted into the annular groove of the outer tube to hold the electromagnetic induction touch pen, thereby preventing the electromagnetic induction touch pen from falling off towards the tip of the outer tube during use.

[0010] In addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, an input pen according to a third embodiment of the present application has a holding load between the outer tube and the electromagnetic induction touch pen that is at least twice the reaction load of the input tip.

[0011] With the above configuration, the input pen according to the third embodiment of the present application can prevent the electromagnetic induction touch pen from shifting toward the rear end relative to the outer tube, even when a reaction load is applied to the input tip, due to the holding load between the outer tube and the electromagnetic induction touch pen exerted by the elastic ring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] Since the embodiment of the present application is configured as described above, it is possible to provide an input pen that has touch pens of different input methods on one shaft, and does not require shaft reversal or knocking operation when switching input methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an input pen according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input pen according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. [Figure 3C] FIG. [Figure 3D] FIG. [Figure 3E] FIG. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the capacitive touch pen. [Figure 5A] FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. [Figure 5D] FIG. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5F] 5C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5E. [Figure 5G]FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the tip portion of FIG. 5E. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the input pen in use. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the input pen in use. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A taken along line dd. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is an enlarged view of the tip portion of FIG. 6C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that common reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same components even if not specifically mentioned in the description of the drawings.

[0015] 1 is a perspective view of an input pen 1 according to an embodiment. The input pen 1 has a structure in which an electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is inserted into a capacitive touch pen 20, which is composed of an outer tube 30, a locking member 21, and a contact tip 22. The rear end of a shaft tube 13 of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 protrudes from the rear end of the outer tube 30. The outer tube 30 is made of conductive plastic and has a regular hexagonal cross section. An outwardly protruding clip holder 39 is formed near the rear end of the outer tube 30, and a stainless steel clip 41 is attached to this clip holder 39. A plurality of annular grooves 37 (four in the figure) are formed circumferentially on the outer periphery of the outer tube 30, and a stainless steel elastic ring 40 is fitted into each of the annular grooves 37.

[0016] 2 is an exploded perspective view of an input pen 1 according to an embodiment. As in FIG. 1, the capacitive touch pen 20 is composed of an outer tube 30, a locking member 21, and a contact tip 22. As in FIG. 1, a clip 41 is attached near the rear end of the outer tube 30 via a clip holder 39, and elastic rings 40 are fitted into each of a plurality of annular grooves 37 formed on the outer periphery of the outer tube 30. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 has a structure in which an electromagnetic induction unit 11 is housed in a wooden barrel 13 having a regular hexagonal cross section, and the input tip 12 of the electromagnetic induction unit 11 is exposed from the tip of the barrel 13.

[0017] 3A, 3B, and 3C are a perspective view, a front view, and a right side view, respectively, of the outer tube 30. The outer tube 30 is composed of a large-diameter portion 31 having a regular hexagonal cross section and the largest outer diameter; a cylindrical stopped portion 32 located at the tip of the large-diameter portion 31 and having a reduced outer diameter; and a cylindrical mounting portion 33 located at the tip of the stopped portion 32 and having an even smaller outer diameter. A clip holder 39 protruding outward is formed near the rear end of the large-diameter portion 31, and a stainless steel clip 41 is attached to this clip holder 39. Multiple annular grooves 37 (four in the figure) are formed circumferentially on the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 31, and a stainless steel elastic ring 40 is fitted into each of the annular grooves 37. A male thread is formed on the outer periphery of the stopped portion 32. A through-hole 36 penetrates the tip of the mounting portion 33.

[0018] 3D is a bottom view of the outer tube 30 as viewed from the tip side. The clip 41 attached to the rear end of the large diameter portion 31 via the clip holder 39, the stopped portion 32 located on the tip side of the large diameter portion 31, part of the elastic ring 40, the attachment portion 33 located on the tip side of the stopped portion 32, and the through hole 36 penetrating the tip of the attachment portion 33 are visible.

[0019] 3E is a plan view seen from the rear end side of the outer tube 30. The clip 41 attached to the rear end of the large diameter portion 31 via the clip holder 39, the housing portion 34 and the transition portion 35 that form the internal space of the outer tube 30, the through hole 36 that penetrates from the transition portion 35 to the tip side, and part of the elastic ring 40 can be seen.

[0020] 3F is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa in FIG. 3B. The view clearly shows a clip 41 attached to the rear end of the large-diameter portion 31 via a clip holder 39, a retained portion 32 located on the distal end of the large-diameter portion 31, a portion of the elastic ring 40, an attachment portion 33 located on the distal end of the retained portion 32, and a through hole 36 penetrating the distal end of the attachment portion 33. The internal space of the outer tube 30 is composed of a housing portion 34 occupying the internal space of the large-diameter portion 31, a transition portion 35 whose inner diameter narrows toward the distal end of the housing portion 34, and a through hole 36 penetrating from the transition portion 35 toward the distal end. Each annular groove 37 formed on the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 31 has a plurality of openings 38 (three in this embodiment) evenly spaced on every other side of the six sides of the periphery. The elastic ring 40 engages with the portions of the annular groove 37 where no openings 38 are formed, and is fitted into the housing portion 34 at the openings 38.

[0021] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the capacitance touch pen 20. The contact tip 22 is attached to the attachment portion 33 of the outer tube 30, and then the locking member 21 is attached to the locked portion 32, thereby forming the capacitance touch pen 20 shown in FIG.

[0022] 5A and 5B are a front view and a right side view, respectively, of the input pen 1. Because the outer diameter of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 shown in Fig. 2 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the storage compartment 34 shown in Fig. 3F, the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is inserted into the storage compartment 34 from the rear end of the capacitive touch pen 20, with the rear end of the barrel 13 exposed from the rear end of the large diameter portion 31. The contact tip 22 is exposed from the tip of the locking member 21 attached to the tip of the large diameter portion 31. An elastic ring 40 is fitted into an annular groove 37 formed on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 31.

[0023] 5C is a bottom view of the input pen 1 as seen from the tip side. The clip 41 attached to the rear end of the large diameter portion 31 via the clip holder 39, the locking member 21 attached to the tip of the large diameter portion 31, part of the elastic ring 40, and the contact tip 22 exposed from the tip of the locking member 21 are visible in this view.

[0024] 5D is a plan view seen from the rear end side of the input pen 1. The clip 41 attached to the rear end of the large diameter portion 31 via the clip holder 39, the barrel 13 housed in the outer tube 30, the through-hole 14 which is the internal space of the barrel 13, and part of the elastic ring 40 are visible.

[0025] FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line bb in FIG. 5A. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is inserted into the housing 34 from the rear end of the large-diameter portion 31 of the outer tube 30. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 has a structure in which the electromagnetic induction unit 11 is inserted into the front half of the through-hole 14 of the wooden barrel 13. The input tip 12 of the electromagnetic induction unit 11 is exposed from the tip of the barrel 13. Although not shown, the electromagnetic induction unit 11 includes a circuit board, an electromagnetic induction coil, a ferrite core, a pen pressure detection unit, and other components necessary for the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 housed in the housing 34 is held in the outer tube 30 by an elastic ring 40 fitted into the annular groove 37. The input tip 12 of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 and the contact tip 22 of the capacitive touch pen 20 are arranged on the same axis and facing the same direction.

[0026] 5F is a cross-sectional view taken along the line cc in FIG. 5E. The barrel 13, which houses the electromagnetic induction unit 11 at its axis, is held in the outer barrel 30 by an elastic ring 40 fitted into the annular groove 37. The elastic ring 40 is formed in a hexagonal shape with long sides 40a and short sides 40b arranged alternately. The short sides 40b of the elastic ring 40 engage with the part of the annular groove 37 where the opening 38 is not formed, and the long sides 40a fit into the housing section 34 at the opening 38 and come into contact with the outer surface of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is held in the outer barrel 30 by the tension of the elastic ring 40 attached in this manner.

[0027] Fig. 5G is an enlarged view of the tip portion of Fig. 5E. The electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is inserted into the outer tube 30 so that the input tip 12 is located on the tip side of the capacitive touch pen 20. The input tip 12 of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 is located at a transition section 35 inside the outer tube 30. A cylindrical stopped portion 32 with a reduced outer diameter is formed on the tip side of the large diameter section 31 of the outer tube 30, and a male thread is formed on the outer periphery of the stopped portion 32. In addition, a cylindrical mounting portion 33 with an even reduced outer diameter is formed on the tip side of the stopped portion 32. A conductive hole 36 passes through the tip of the mounting portion 33.

[0028] On the other hand, the contact tip 22 of the capacitive touch pen 20 is formed from conductive rubber and is composed of a cylindrical exterior portion 22a, a dome-shaped contact portion 22b that closes the tip of the exterior portion 22a, a support portion 22c that protrudes outward in a flange-like manner from the rear edge of the exterior portion 22a, and a cylindrical pressing portion 22d that protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the contact portion 22b.

[0029] The locking member 21 is made of synthetic resin and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape whose outer shape narrows slightly toward the tip. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the rear end of the locking member 21 to mesh with the male thread on the outer periphery of the locked portion 32.

[0030] The contact tip 22 is attached to the tip of the outer tube 30 by inserting the pressing portion 22d into the conductive hole 36 and having the exterior portion 22a cover the mounting portion 33 until the support portion 22c abuts against the step between the stopped portion 32 and the mounting portion 33. In this state, the locking member 21 is screwed into the stopped portion 32 to prevent the contact tip 22 from falling off. In this state, input as the capacitive touch pen 20 is possible by touching the terminal with a relatively light reaction load of about 98 to 245 mN. Note that although the contact tip 22 can be deformed by pressure, when the load generated by contact with the terminal is less than the reaction load of the contact tip 22 (294 to 490 mN), the input tip 12 and the pressing portion 22d remain separated, and no input is made by the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10.

[0031] Figures 6A and 6B are respectively a front view and a right side view of the input pen in use, and Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in Figure 6A, which are the same as Figures 5A, 5B, and 5E, respectively, except that the contact tip 22 has been deformed by contact with the terminal.

[0032] Fig. 6D is an enlarged view of the tip portion of Fig. 6C. When the load generated by contact with the terminal is equal to or greater than the reaction load of contact tip 22, contact tip 22 deforms, causing pressing portion 22d to move relatively backward and come into contact with input tip 12. As a result, electromagnetic induction occurs in electromagnetic induction unit 11 due to pressure on input tip 12, enabling input as electromagnetic induction touch pen 10. Note that even in this state, input is possible with capacitive touch pen 20.

[0033] Here, the holding load of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 by the elastic ring 40 is set to be at least twice (980 mN or more) the reaction load (294 to 490 mN) of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10. As a result, as long as input work is performed within the range of the reaction load of the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10, the electromagnetic induction touch pen 10 will not shift backward relative to the outer tube 30.

[0034] The shapes of the outer tube 30 and the barrel tube 13 are not limited to the above-described regular hexagonal cross section, but may be any shape such as a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, etc. Furthermore, the location where the annular groove 37 is provided in the outer tube 30 is not limited to the tip side as in the above-described embodiment, but may be on the rear side or in an intermediate position. [Industrial Applicability]

[0035] The present invention can be used in an input pen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 Input pen 10 electromagnetic induction touch pen 11 electromagnetic induction unit 12 input tip 13 Shaft tube 14 Through hole 20 Capacitive touch pen 21 Locking member 22 Contact tip 22a Exterior part 22b Contact part 22c Support part 22d Pressing part 30 outer cylinder 31 large diameter portion 32 diameter-retained portion 33 Mounting section 34 Storage section 35 Transition section 36 Through hole 37 Annular groove 38 Opening 39 Clip holder 40 Elastic ring 41 Clip

Claims

1. An electromagnetic induction touch pen comprising: a barrel; and an electromagnetic induction unit having an input tip and housed in the barrel with the input tip exposed from the tip of the barrel; The present invention has a capacitance touch pen including: an outer tube into which the electromagnetic induction touch pen is inserted together with the barrel so that the input tip is located at the tip side; a contact tip that is attached to the tip of the outer tube and can be deformed by pressure and covers the input tip; and a pressing part that retreats into the contact tip by pressure and comes into contact with and presses the input tip; The holding load between the outer cylinder and the electromagnetic induction touch pen is at least twice the reaction load of the input tip.

2. An annular groove formed circumferentially on the outer periphery of the outer cylinder; a plurality of openings formed in the annular groove and spaced equally in a circumferential direction; an elastic ring fitted into the annular groove; The input pen according to claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic induction touch pen is held on the outer barrel by contraction of the elastic ring.

3. An input pen as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact tip is composed of a cylindrical exterior portion, a dome-shaped contact portion that closes the tip of the exterior portion, a support portion that protrudes outward in a flange-like manner from the rear edge of the exterior portion, and a cylindrical pressing portion that protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the contact portion.

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