Electronic pen

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an electronic pen which can be used for both an input device and a writing instrument such as a ball-point pen, and which allows a writing body such as a ball-point pen refill to project and retract and allows a power supply of the input device to be turned on / off through a projecting / retracting operation of the writing body such as a ball-point pen refill.　This electronic pen comprises a cylindrical case and a writing body, and transmits and / or receives a signal by a tip part of the writing body. The electronic pen is characterized in that the writing body is projectable and retractable from and into the cylindrical case, and the power supply is turned on / off through a projecting / retracting operation of the writing body.

Description

Electronic pen

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen that can be used as both a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen and an input device for a touch panel equipped on a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like.

[0002] Recently, electronic pens have been proposed that can be used both as ballpoint pens and as input devices for electronic devices such as touch panels equipped on notebook PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, etc. (See Patent Document 1.) Also, electronic pens have been known in the past that, when a knocking operation is performed on a knocking portion at the rear end, the pen tip appears and disappears, and a signal including a position detection signal and additional information can be transmitted (Patent Document 2).

[0003] JP 2023-136002 A Patent No. 5978416 A

[0004] Electronic pens that can transmit signals by knocking do not turn the power on / off by knocking, and waste power. Electronic pens that can be used as both ballpoint pens and input devices do not have a tip that protrudes from a cylindrical case, but require a cap, and when using them, the cap must be removed and the power to the electronic pen must be turned on / off, which is inconvenient.

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

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration: An electronic pen comprising a cylindrical case and a writing body, the writing body transmitting and / or receiving signals at a tip of the writing body, the writing body being retractable from the cylindrical case, and the power supply of the electronic pen being turned on / off by the operation of retracting or extending the writing body.

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

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic pen 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a ballpoint pen tip 31 of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a first modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 according to a third modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of modified example 3 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of modified example 4 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of modified example 4 according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of modified example 5 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of modified example 5 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pull-out / insertion operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a rotation operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 3 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of the cap of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 4 according to the present invention.

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

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

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

[0012] In the first embodiment, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 and do not move, making electrical system failure less likely. Furthermore, the heavy rechargeable battery in the power supply 7 can be positioned toward the axial center of the cylindrical case 2. Furthermore, by positioning the circuit board 6 in addition to the ballpoint pen refill 3 at the front of the cylindrical case 2, the center of gravity of the electronic pen 1 is closer to the pen grip, reducing the rotational moment due to gravity around the pen grip, improving pen tip operability with the fingertip. In other words, the weight balance of the electronic pen 1 in the axial direction is good, resulting in a better writing feel. Furthermore, because the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are separately positioned at the front and rear of the cylindrical case 2 and the extension mechanism 5 is positioned near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, this arrangement can be used to modify the electronic pen 1 into the rotary type electronic pen 1 of the third embodiment described below.

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

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

[0015] The ballpoint pen tip 31 includes a generally cylindrical tip body 311, both made of a conductive material such as metal, and a transfer ball 312 rotatably held at the tip of the tip body 311. A portion of the front side of the transfer ball 312 is exposed from an opening at the tip of the tip body 311, and writing is performed by rolling over the first writing surface S1 and transferring ink I supplied into the tip body 311 onto the first writing surface S1. By appropriately adjusting the configuration of each part, the ballpoint pen tip 31 of this embodiment 1 is configured so that the transfer ball 312 rolls on the first writing surface S1, enabling writing (see FIG. 2(a)), but only slides without rolling on the second writing surface S2, which has physical properties different from the first writing surface S1, making writing impossible (see FIG. 2(b)). The first writing surface S1 and the second writing surface S2 differ, for example, in that the surface roughness of the first writing surface S1 is greater than the surface roughness of the second writing surface S2, and the first writing surface S1 may be paper, etc., while the second writing surface S2 may be glass, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet, etc.

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

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

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

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

[0020] [Retraction Operation] After finishing writing, when the knock button 4 is pressed again, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves slightly forward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the feeding mechanism operation. Even in this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, maintaining the switch depressed. (See FIG. 4(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 retracts together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts to (2 / 3) L. Even in this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, maintaining the switch depressed. (See FIG. 4(f)). Furthermore, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 returns further backward together with the operating member 8, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted into the cylindrical case 2. In this state, the operating member 8 is spaced apart from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 4(g))

[0021] 5 to 7 are flow diagrams of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 5 being a flow diagram of operation 1, Fig. 6 being a flow diagram of operation 2, and Fig. 7 being a flow diagram of operation 3. As described above, in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state immediately before the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L, and the switch member 61 is ON between the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3)L and the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the operating amount of the feeding mechanism. As in operations 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract (ballpoint pen refill protrusion and retraction operation). This eliminates the need for an operation solely for power ON / OFF, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

[0022] In this embodiment 1, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L, but this is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 for the first time and presses down the switch may be any amount equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L.

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

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

[0025] [Operation 2] In Operation 2, the electronic pen 1 is powered on when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected as being ON, and is powered off when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected as being OFF. As shown in FIG. 6 , the electronic pen 1 remains powered off while the switch is pressed No in step 21 (S21). When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch is pressed Yes in step 21 (S21), and the process proceeds to step 22 (S22). At this time, if the knock button 4 is released before the protrusion amount reaches the extension mechanism operation amount, the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to a state completely retracted within the cylindrical case 2. If the knock button 4 is released after the protrusion amount reaches the extension mechanism operation amount, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in a writing state. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to a state where it is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, it is determined in step 22 (S22) whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the determination is No, the process returns to step 21 (S21), where it is determined that the switch has been pressed. At this time, the time measurement is reset. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in a writing state, it is determined in step 22 (S22) whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the determination is No, the process returns to step 21 (S21). After this, if the determination of Yes for the switch press continues until the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined Yes in step 22 (S22), and the process proceeds to step 23 (S23). If the determination of No for the switch press is made in step 21 (S21) before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step 21 (S21). At this time, the time measurement is reset. When the process proceeds to step 23 (S23), the power is turned ON, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-on state. While the switch depression is Yes in step 24 (S24), the power-on state is maintained. When the depression of the switch member 61 by the operating member 8 is released, the switch depression becomes No in step 24 (S24), and the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). In step 25 (S25), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if No, the process returns to step 24 (S24). If the determination of whether the predetermined time has elapsed is Yes, the process proceeds to step 26 (S26), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state.

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

[0027] [Operation 3] Operation 3 adds to Operation 1 the operation of turning off the power of the electronic pen 1 when it is detected that the electronic pen has not been used for a predetermined period of time while the power is on. An electronic pen 1 capable of this Operation 3 includes an acceleration sensor for detecting the movement of the electronic pen 1 due to writing, a pressure sensor for detecting the application of writing pressure to the ballpoint pen tip 31 due to writing, and the like. Below, we will explain the case where the acceleration sensor detects the movement of the electronic pen 1 due to writing and detects that the electronic pen 1 is being used. As shown in FIG. 7 , while the switch press is No in step 31 (S31), the power of the electronic pen 1 is maintained in the OFF state. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press is Yes in step 31 (S31), and the process proceeds to step 32 (S32), where the power is turned on and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-on state. When the switch member 61 is released from the operation member 8, the switch press is determined as No in step 33 (S33), the process proceeds to step 36 (S36), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state. If the switch press is determined as Yes in step 33 (S33), the process proceeds to step 34 (S34) to determine whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is less than a predetermined threshold. If the detected acceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold, the determination as to whether the acceleration sensor is less than the threshold is No, and the process returns to step 33 (S33). That is, the power-on state is maintained while the switch member 61 is pressed and it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used for writing and moving. If the switch press is Yes but the electronic pen 1 is not being used for writing and is not moving, the determination as to whether the acceleration sensor is less than the threshold is Yes in step 34 (S34), time counting begins, and the process proceeds to step 35 (S35). If the counted time is less than the predetermined time, the result in step 35 (S35) is No, and the process returns to step 33 (S33). If the counted time becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, that is, if it is detected that the electronic pen 1 is being used and moving before the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 34 (S34) becomes No, the counted time is reset, and the process returns to step 33 (S33), and the power is kept on.When the counted time exceeds a predetermined value without detecting the electronic pen 1 being used and movement, i.e., when the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 35 (S35) becomes Yes, the counted time is reset, and the process proceeds to step 36 (S36). In step 36 (S36), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-off state. At this time, the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, i.e., the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position. If the process returns to step 31 (S31), the power would be turned on again. Therefore, the switch member 61 is released from the operating member 8, and the process is suspended in step 36 (S36) to prevent a return to step 31 (S31) until the switch press becomes No. In other words, the power cannot be turned on until the ballpoint pen tip 31 is returned to its fully immersed state. When the switch member 61 is released from being pressed by the operating member 8, the switch pressing becomes No in step 13 (S13), the process proceeds to step 14 (S14), the power is turned off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state.

[0028] As with operation 1, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power is not turned on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally pressed, the power will not be turned on if the amount of operation is small, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 3, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off after a predetermined time has passed since the electronic pen 1 was not used, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption caused by the knock button 4 remaining pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

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

[0030] In the first embodiment, the knock button 4 located at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2 is used as the knock member that operates the knock mechanism that protrudes and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3. However, the knock member is not limited to this, and any knock mechanism and knock member that operates this knock mechanism may be used as long as it protrudes and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3. For example, a side knock member such as a clip knock member located on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 may be used. Various knock mechanisms may be used, such as a knock mechanism in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes when the knock button 4 located at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts when a clip or button located on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed, or a knock mechanism in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 protrudes when a clip knock member located on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 moves axially and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts when the clip knock member or button located on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 is pressed radially. All members that operate the knock mechanism are knock members.

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

[0032] The difference between this modified example 1 and the first embodiment is that the switch member 61 is a switch that is OFF when pressed by the operating member 8 and ON when the operating member 8 is separated from the operating member 8, and the mounting position of the operating member 8 is also different due to the different type of switch member 61. The operating member 8 is mounted on a mounting member 51 formed on the tip side of the feeding mechanism 5 so as to be closer to the tip than the switch member 61.

[0033] [Protrusion Operation] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is positioned at the rear, and the operating member 8 provided on the ballpoint pen refill 3 abuts against the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6, depressing the switch (see FIG. 8(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move forward. In this modified example 1, the operating member 8 does not separate from the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to 2 / 3 (two-thirds: hereinafter referred to as protrusion amount (2 / 3)L) of the protrusion amount L (see FIG. 8(d)) of the ballpoint pen tip 31 from the front end of the cylindrical case during writing (see FIG. 8(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the front end of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount required for the feeding mechanism to operate. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 8(c)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen refill 3 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes from the opening 2a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2, and writing becomes possible. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 8(d))

[0034] [Retraction Operation] After finishing writing, when the knock button 4 is pressed again, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move slightly forward, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the feeding mechanism operation. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 9(e)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move rearward, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 retracts to a position where the ballpoint pen tip 31 is located at (2 / 3)L. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 9(f)). Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 and the operating member 8 move further rearward, and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted into the cylindrical case 2. In this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6, returning to a state in which the switch is pressed down. (See FIG. 9(g))

[0035] [Power ON / OFF] The flow diagram of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of this modified example 1 is a flow diagram of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 1. In the flow diagram of Figure 5, the Yes and No of step 11 (S11) and step 13 (S13) are swapped, in the flow diagram of Figure 6, the Yes and No of step 21 (S21) and step 24 (S24) are swapped, and in the flow diagram of Figure 7, the Yes and No of step 31 (S31) and step 33 (S33) are swapped. In this modified example 1, as in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is just about to protrude to (2 / 3) L, and the switch member 61 is ON between the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (2 / 3) L and the state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the operating amount of the payout mechanism. As in operations 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract (ballpoint pen refill protrusion and retraction operation), so that an operation just for turning the power ON / OFF is not required, and the operability of the electronic pen 1 is improved.

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

[0037] [Operation 1] In Operation 1, when the switch member 61 is pressed (pressed state) and is OFF (switch press is Yes), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned OFF, and when the switch member 61 is not pressed (non-pressed state) and is ON (switch press is No), the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON. Operation 1 of this modified example 1 is an explanation in which Yes and No are swapped in the explanation of Operation 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Also, in Operation 1 of this modified example 1, as in Operation 1 of embodiment 1, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, the power will not be turned ON if the amount of operation is small, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0038] [Operation 2] In Operation 2, the electronic pen 1 is powered on when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected as being turned on, and the electronic pen 1 is powered off when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected as being turned off. Operation 2 of this Modification 1 is an explanation in which "Yes" and "No" are interchanged in the explanation of Operation 2 of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1. Also, in Operation 2 of this Modification 1, as in Operation 2 of the first embodiment, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, since the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 is detected as being turned on / off, even if an operation that turns on / off within a short period of time (such as clicking the knock button 4) is performed, the power will not be turned on / off. This further reduces unnecessary power consumption and prevents the power from being repeatedly turned on / off within a short period of time.

[0039] [Operation 3] Operation 3 is an operation that adds to Operation 1 above an operation of switching off the power of the electronic pen 1 when it is detected that the electronic pen has not been used for a predetermined time while the power is on. An electronic pen 1 that can perform Operation 3 includes an acceleration sensor for detecting that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing, and a pressure sensor for detecting that writing pressure is being applied to the ballpoint pen tip 31 due to writing. Below, we will explain a case where the acceleration sensor detects that the electronic pen 1 is moving due to writing and detects that the electronic pen 1 is being used. Operation 3 of this modified example 1 is an explanation in which Yes and No are interchanged in the explanation of Operation 3 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, in operation 3 of this modified example 1, as in operation 3 of embodiment 1, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, if the amount of operation is small, the power will not be turned on, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.Furthermore, in operation 3, if the electronic pen 1 is not used for a predetermined period of time, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption that would occur if the knock button 4 remained pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

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

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

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

[0042] [Overall Configuration] The overall arrangement of the components of the electronic pen 1 of this Modification 2 is the same as that of the above-described Embodiment 1. The difference between this Modification 2 and Embodiment 1 is the amount by which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case 2 when the operating member 8 moves from a state in which it is separated from the switch member 61 to abut against the switch member 61 and press the switch. That is, the position of the operating member 8 is slightly different from that of Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to (⅔)L. In contrast, this Modification 2 differs in that the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extension mechanism operating amount. That is, the position at which the operating member 8 is provided is different.

[0043] [Protrusion Operation] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the feeding mechanism 5 is located at the rear side, and therefore the operating member 8 provided on the feeding mechanism 5 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 10(a)) When the knock button 4 is pressed, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves forward together with the operating member 8. In this modified example 2, even when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (⅔) L, the operating member 8 is still located at a position separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 10(b)) When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism. Only in this state does the operating member 8 come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch. (See FIG. 10(c)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the moving member of the feeding mechanism 5 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes from the opening 2a at the tip of the cylindrical case 2, and writing becomes possible. In this state, the operating member 8 moves away from the switch member 61 again and returns to its position (See FIG. 10(d)).

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

[0045] 12 to 14 are flow diagrams of the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of Modification 2 according to the present invention, with Fig. 12 being a flow diagram of Operation 1, Fig. 13 being a flow diagram of Operation 2, and Fig. 14 being a flow diagram of Operation 3. As described above, in this embodiment 1, the switch member 61 is OFF between the state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2 and the state immediately before the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent required for the feeding mechanism operation, and the switch member 61 is ON when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent required for the feeding mechanism operation. As in Operations 1 to 3 described below, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that causes the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract (ballpoint pen refill protrusion and retraction operation). This eliminates the need for an operation solely for turning the power ON / OFF, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1.

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

[0047] As described above, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism is operated. In other words, due to the configuration in which the operating member 8 does not contact the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the extent that the feeding mechanism is operated, even if the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member does not contact the switch member 61 and the power does not turn on. With this configuration, in this modified example 2, the knock button 4 must be pressed further than in embodiment 1 to press the switch member 61. Therefore, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, the power is less likely to be turned on than in embodiment 1, and unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0048] [Operation 2] In Operation 2, the power of the electronic pen 1 is switched ON and OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch member 61 was detected as ON. As shown in FIG. 13 , while the switch press is No in Step 21 (S21), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched ON / OFF, and the power of the electronic pen 1 remains OFF. When the switch member 61 is pressed by the operating member 8, the switch press is Yes in Step 21 (S21), and the process proceeds to Step 22 (S22). At this time, the knock button 4 is pressed down to the extension mechanism operating amount and then returns to its original position, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing position. In Step 22 (S22), it is determined whether the predetermined time has elapsed. If the answer is No, the process proceeds to Step 27 (S27). If the switch press is No in Step 27 (S27) (the knock button 4 has not been pressed again), the process returns to Step 22 (S22). If the knock button 4 is pressed again before the predetermined time has elapsed and the switch press becomes Yes, that is, the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns from the writing position to a fully retracted state, the process returns to step 21 (S21). If the knock button 4 is not pressed again and a predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step 22 (S22) and the process proceeds to step 23 (S23), where the power is switched ON and the electronic pen 1 enters a power-on state. While the switch press becomes No in step 24 (S24), the power of the electronic pen 1 is not switched ON / OFF and the power-on state is maintained. If the knock button 4 is pressed and the switch press becomes Yes in step 24 (S24), the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). At this time, the knock button 4 is pressed down to the extension mechanism operation amount, then returns to its original state, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns to a fully retracted state. In step 25 (S25), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step 28 (S28). If the answer to the switch press is No in step 28 (S28) (the knock button 4 is not pressed again), the process returns to step 25 (S25). If the knock button 4 is pressed again before the predetermined time has elapsed, and the switch press becomes Yes, that is, if the ballpoint pen tip 31 returns from the fully immersed state to the writing position, the process returns to step 24 (S24).If the knock button 4 is not pressed again and a predetermined time has elapsed, the answer becomes Yes in step 25 (S25), the process proceeds to step 26 (S26), the power is switched off, and the electronic pen 1 enters the power-off state.

[0049] As in operation 1, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only after the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the extent of the extension mechanism operation. In other words, the operating member 8 does not contact the switch member 61 until the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the extent of the extension mechanism operation. Therefore, even if the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member does not contact the switch member 61 and the power is not turned on. This configuration prevents the power from being turned on even if the knock button 4 is accidentally operated, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 2, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off when a predetermined time has elapsed since the ON / OFF state of the switch member 61 was detected. Therefore, even if an ON / OFF operation (e.g., clicking the knock button 4) is performed within a short time period within the predetermined time period, the power is not turned on / off. This further reduces unnecessary power consumption and prevents the power from being repeatedly turned on / off in a short period of time.

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

[0051] As with operation 1, even if the knock button 4 is pressed slightly, the operating member does not come into contact with the switch member 61, and the power is not turned on. With this configuration, even if the knock button 4 is accidentally pressed, the power will not be turned on if the amount of operation is small, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, in operation 3, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned off after a predetermined time has passed since the electronic pen 1 was not used, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption caused by the knock button 4 remaining pressed when the electronic pen 1 is not being used.

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

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

[0054] [Overall Configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of the third modified example, a feeding mechanism 5 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and a power source 7 is housed in front of the feeding mechanism 5, near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2. A circuit board 6 is fixed to the front side of the power source 7 and housed in the front side of the cylindrical case 2. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the cylindrical case 2 together with the circuit board 6, in front of the power source 7. An operating member 8 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the front side of the cylindrical case 2, near the circuit board 6. In the third modified example, the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 move axially together with the ballpoint pen refill 3 by the feeding mechanism 5. In the third modified example, the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 are disposed adjacent to each other and move integrally, allowing the circuit board 6 and the power source 7 to be configured as a unit. This unitization increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of electronic and electrical components, enabling the effective use of the limited space inside the cylindrical case 2, and, for example, allows the use of a larger rechargeable battery and extends the usable time on a single charge. As in the first embodiment, the heavy rechargeable battery in the power source 7 can be positioned near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, and furthermore, by arranging the circuit board 6 in addition to the ballpoint pen refill 3 on the front side of the cylindrical case 2, the center of gravity of the electronic pen 1 is closer to the pen grip, and the rotational moment due to gravity around the pen grip is reduced, improving pen tip operability with the fingertip; that is, the weight balance in the axial direction of the electronic pen 1 is good, and the writing feel is improved. Furthermore, when writing, the circuit board 6 and power source 7 move forward, and the center of gravity also moves forward, becoming closer to the pen grip, further improving the writing feel.

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

[0056] [Protrusion Operation] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 is located at a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 15(a)) When the knock button 4 is pressed, the switch member 61 moves forward. In this modified example 3, as in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 only comes into contact with the operating member 8 and presses the switch when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (⅔) L. Therefore, even when the switch member 61 protrudes to the protrusion amount (⅓) L, the switch member 61 is still located at a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 15(b)) When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the payout mechanism. In this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8 and presses the switch. (See FIG. 15(c)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the circuit board 6 moves back a little and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in contact with the operating member 8 (See FIG. 15(d)).

[0057] [Retraction Operation] After finishing writing, when the knock button 4 is pressed again, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism. Even in this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8, maintaining the switch depressed state. (See FIG. 16(e)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts to (1 / 3) L. In this state, the switch member 61 returns to a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 16(f)) Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted into the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 16(g))

[0058] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of this modified example 3 is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7. Also, in this modified example 3, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that extends and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 (ballpoint pen refill extension and retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just for turning the power ON / OFF, and the operability of the electronic pen 1 is improved.

[0059] [Variant 4] Figures 17 and 18 are figures showing the knocking operation of the electronic pen 1 of variant 4 according to the present invention, where (a) to (d) show the process of protruding the ballpoint pen refill, and (e) to (g) show the process of retracting it. 17 and 18, (a) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, (b) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (½)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (c) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (d) shows the state during writing, (e) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism, (f) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case by the amount (½)L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, and (g) shows a state in which the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2. Note that the clip 2b is omitted in each of FIGS.

[0060] [Overall Configuration] In the electronic pen 1 of Modification 4, the power supply 7 is housed at the rear of the cylindrical case 2, and the circuit board 6 is housed in front of the power supply 7. The feeding mechanism 5 is located in front of the circuit board 6, near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2. The ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the cylindrical case 2, in front of the feeding mechanism 5. In Modification 4, since only the ballpoint pen refill 3 is housed in the front of the cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3 that is thicker than the ballpoint pen refills 3 of Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 3 can be used, thereby increasing the writing distance. Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is easily replaced. Both the circuit board 6 and the power supply 7 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2. The area where the circuit board 6 is located is not where the ballpoint pen refill 3 is located, and a circuit board with a larger mounting area can be used than the circuit board 6 of Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 3, thereby reducing the occurrence of electrical problems. A knock button 4 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical case 2, and this knock button 4 and the feeding mechanism 5 are connected by a connecting member 41, and the feeding mechanism 5 is actuated by the operation of the knock button 4. An operating member 8 is attached to this connecting member 41 near the circuit board 6.

[0061] In this fourth modification, as in the first embodiment, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 2 and do not move, making electrical system failure less likely. Furthermore, because the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are arranged adjacent to each other, the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 can be configured as a unit, making the power supply 7 smaller and increasing the space inside the cylindrical case 2. By locating the ink tank of the ballpoint pen refill 3 in this space, the ink tank can be made longer, thereby increasing the writing distance. Furthermore, because the circuit board 6 and power supply 7 are arranged together on the rear side of the cylindrical case 2 and the feeding mechanism 5 is located near the axial center of the cylindrical case 2, this arrangement can be used to modify the rotary electronic pen 1 of the third embodiment, which will be described later.

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

[0063] [Protrusion Operation] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 fixed to the connecting member 41 is positioned away from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 fixed to the cylindrical case 2 (see FIG. 17(a)). When the knock button 4 is pressed, the operating member 8 moves forward. In this modified example 4, as in the first embodiment, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (⅔) L. Therefore, even when the operating member 8 protrudes to the protrusion amount (½) L, the operating member 8 is still positioned away from the switch member 61 (see FIG. 17(b)). When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism. In this state, the operating member 8 contacts the switch member 61 and presses the switch. (See FIG. 17(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released from the depressed state, the operating member 8 moves slightly backward and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the operating member 8 is in contact with the switch member 61. (See FIG. 17(d)).

[0064] [Retraction Operation] After finishing writing, when the knock button 4 is pressed again, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the extent of the payout mechanism operation. Even in this state, the operating member 8 abuts against the switch member 61, keeping the switch pressed down. (See FIG. 18(e)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts to (1 / 2) L. In this state, the operating member 8 returns to a position separated from the switch. (See FIG. 18(f)) Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted into the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the operating member 8 is separated from the switch member 61. (See FIG. 18(g))

[0065] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 in this modified example 4 is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 in embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7. Also in this modified example 4, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that extends and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 (ballpoint pen refill extension and retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just for turning the power ON / OFF, and the operability of the electronic pen 1 is improved.

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

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

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

[0069] [Protrusion Operation] When the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 is located at a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 19(a)) When the knock button 4 is pressed, the switch member 61 moves forward. In this modified example 5, as in the first embodiment, the switch member 61 only comes into contact with the operating member 8 and presses the switch when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes to the protrusion amount (2 / 3) L. Therefore, even when the switch member 61 protrudes to the protrusion amount (1 / 3) L, the switch member 61 is still located at a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 19(b)) When the knock button 4 is further pressed, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the payout mechanism. In this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8 and presses the switch. (See FIG. 19(c)). After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the circuit board 6 moves slightly backward and stops. At this time, the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in the writing state. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in contact with the operating member 8. (See FIG. 19(d)).

[0070] [Retraction Operation] After finishing writing, when the knock button 4 is pressed again, the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case to approximately the amount of operation of the feeding mechanism. Even in this state, the switch member 61 abuts against the operating member 8, maintaining the switch depressed state. (See FIG. 20(e)) After this, when the knock button 4 is released, the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts to (1 / 3) L. In this state, the switch member 61 returns to a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 20(f)) Furthermore, the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted into the cylindrical case 2. Even in this state, the switch member 61 is in a position separated from the operating member 8. (See FIG. 20(g))

[0071] [Power ON / OFF] The power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of this modified example 5 is the same as the power ON / OFF operation of the electronic pen 1 of embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7. Also, in this modified example 5, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with pressing the knock button 4 that extends and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 (ballpoint pen refill extension and retraction operation), so there is no need for an operation just for turning the power ON / OFF, and the operability of the electronic pen 1 is improved.

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

[0073] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an electronic pen 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the electronic pen 1 in a retracted state, (b) shows the electronic pen 1 in an extended state, and (c) shows the electronic pen 1 in a retracted state. In the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment, the cylindrical case 2 has two parts, a front case 21 and a rear case 22, which are configured to be extendable and scalable and fitted together. The electronic pen 1 includes the cylindrical case 2, the ballpoint pen refill 3, the circuit board 6, as well as a feeding mechanism and a power supply (none of which are shown). The ballpoint pen refill 3, the circuit board 6, and the power supply are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 2 has two parts, the front case 21 and the rear case 22, and the rear portion of the front case 21 is inserted extendably from the tip end of the rear case 22. Alternatively, the front portion of the rear case 22 may be inserted extendably from the rear end of the front case 21. The front case 21 houses a ballpoint pen refill 3 and a circuit board 6. An opening 21a is formed at the axial tip, allowing the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude and retract. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the front case 21. A power supply is housed inside the rear case 22. A clip 22b is provided at the rear of the rear case 22. The front case 21 and the rear case 22 house a feeding mechanism that protrudes the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 is pulled out from the rear case 22, and retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3 from the opening 21a when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22.

[0074] An operating member 8 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the tip end of the rear case 22. As the front case 21 is pulled out or inserted into the rear case 22, the operating member 8 comes into contact with or separates from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6 to operate the switch member 61. In the second embodiment, the operating member 8 is configured to come into contact with the switch member 61 from the radially outer side, but conversely, the operating member 8 may be configured to come into contact with the switch member 61 from the radially inner side.

[0075] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes by (⅔) L from the front end of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing. As shown in FIG. 21( a), when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22 and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 provided on the rear case 22 is located away from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 21( a)) As the front case 21 is pulled out, the switch member 61 moves forward together with the front case 21. The operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes by (⅔) L from the front end of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing. Furthermore, the front case 21 is pulled out, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 enters a writing state protruding from the front end of the cylindrical case. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, keeping the switch depressed. (See FIG. 21(b)). After writing is finished, as the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22, the switch member 61 moves rearward along with the front case 21. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 retracts from the front end of the cylindrical case by a distance (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 separates from the switch member 61, and the switch member 61 is released from being pressed. Furthermore, when the front case 21 is inserted into the rear case 22 and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted within the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 is positioned away from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 21(c)).

[0076] In the second embodiment, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with the withdrawal or insertion of the front case 21, which extends or retracts the ballpoint pen refill 3, into or into the rear case 22 (the operation of extending or retracting the ballpoint pen refill). This eliminates the need for an operation solely for turning the power on / off, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1. The power on / off operation of the electronic pen 1 in the second embodiment is the same as the power on / off operation of the electronic pen 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7. Note that, in the second embodiment, the operating member 8 does not come into contact with the switch member 61 and press the switch until the ballpoint pen tip 31 has protruded to the protrusion amount (2 / 3)L. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the protrusion amount when the operating member 8 first comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses the switch may be equal to or greater than the protrusion amount (1 / 2)L. Furthermore, in this embodiment 2, the circuit board 6 is fixed to the front case 21 and the operating member 8 is fixed to the rear case 22, but conversely, the circuit board 6 may be fixed to the rear case 22 and the operating member 8 may be fixed to the front case 21.

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

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

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

[0080] In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only when the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes by (⅔) L from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing. As shown in FIG. 22( a), when the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely immersed in the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 provided on the rear case 22 is located at a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 22( a)) When the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other, the operating member 8 rotates together with the front case 21 with respect to the switch member 61. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes by (⅔) L from the tip of the cylindrical case of the ballpoint pen tip 31 during writing, the operating member 8 comes into contact with the switch member 61 and presses down the switch only. Furthermore, the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other, and the ballpoint pen tip 31 is in a writing state protruding from the front end of the cylindrical case. Even in this state, the operating member 8 remains in contact with the switch member 61, depressing the switch. (See FIG. 22(b)). After writing is finished, when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated in the opposite direction, the operating member 8 rotates relative to the switch member 61 together with the front case 21. When the ballpoint pen tip 31 is retracted from the front end of the cylindrical case by a distance (2 / 3) L, the operating member 8 separates from the switch member 61, and the switch member 61 is released from being pressed. Furthermore, when the front case 21 and the rear case 22 are rotated relative to each other and the ballpoint pen refill 3 is completely retracted within the cylindrical case 2, the operating member 8 is in a position separated from the switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board 6. (See FIG. 22(c))

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

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

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

[0084] 23 is a diagram illustrating an electronic pen 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) a state in which the cap 9 is completely fitted to the tip of the cylindrical case 2, (b) a state in which the cap 9 is slightly removed, (c) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is exposed to an extent (¼) L that the ballpoint pen tip 31 protrudes from the tip of the cylindrical case during writing, (d) a state in which the ballpoint pen tip 31 is completely exposed, and (e) a state in which the cap 9 is completely removed. The electronic pen 1 according to the fourth embodiment is a ballpoint pen in which a ballpoint pen refill 3 is fixed to the cylindrical case 2, and a cap 9 that protects the ballpoint pen tip 31 is detachably attached. In other words, the ballpoint pen refill 3 can be exposed or hidden (retractable) by attaching or detaching the cap 9.

[0085] The electronic pen 1 includes a cylindrical case 2, a ballpoint pen refill 3, a cap 9, a circuit board, and a power supply (none of which are shown). The ballpoint pen refill 3, circuit board, and power supply are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 2 houses the ballpoint pen refill 3, circuit board, and power supply therein. An opening 2a is formed at one axial end of the cylindrical case 2, allowing the tip of the ballpoint pen refill 3 to protrude. A switch member 61 mounted on the circuit board is provided inside the cap mounting portion 2c, where the cap 9 of the cylindrical case 2 is mounted. A hole is formed in the cylindrical case 2, exposing the pressing portion of the switch member 61 to the outside of the cylindrical case 2. An operating member 8 is provided on the inner surface of the cap 9 near the opening 9a, which abuts against the exposed switch member 61 and presses down the switch member 61 when the cap 9 is fully fitted into the cylindrical case 2. A clip 9b is also provided on the cap 9.

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

[0087] In the fourth embodiment, the power of the electronic pen 1 is turned on / off in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the cap that exposes / conceals (retracts) the ballpoint pen refill 3 (the operation of extending / retracting the ballpoint pen refill), so that an operation just for turning the power on / off is not required, improving the operability of the electronic pen 1. The power on / off operation of the electronic pen 1 in the fourth embodiment differs from the power on / off operation of the electronic pen 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7 in that the power is turned off when the switch member 61 is pressed to turn on, and the power is turned on when the switch member 61 is released to turn off. That is, the Yes and No in steps 11 (S11) and 13 (S13) in Figure 5, steps 21 (S21) and 24 (S24) in Figure 6, and steps 31 (S31) and 33 (S33) in Figure 7 are reversed.

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

[0089] [Embodiment 6] In Embodiment 1 and its respective modifications, Embodiments 2, 3, 4, and 5, a single ballpoint pen refill is used as the writing body. However, various writing bodies, such as mechanical pencils, felt-tip pen refills, marker refills, and cores containing coloring materials such as pigments, can also be used. For example, mechanical pencils can be used with a mechanism in which the tip of the pencil protrudes from the cylindrical case when the pencil is knocked hard, and the core protrudes when the pencil is knocked lightly (double knock mechanism). Furthermore, a multi-color pen that can select one of two or more ballpoint pen refills, or a multi-function writing instrument that can select one of various writing bodies, such as one or more ballpoint pen refills, mechanical pencils, felt-tip pen refills, marker refills, and cores containing coloring materials such as pigments, can also be used as an electronic pen. In this case, only one of the writing bodies, such as ballpoint pen refills, can be configured to be usable as an electronic pen, or multiple of them, or all of them can be configured to be usable as electronic pens.

[0090] While the electronic pen 1 according to the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and the present invention also includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined by utilizing each other's technology as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose, configuration, etc.

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electronic pen 2 Cylindrical case 2a Opening 2b Clip 2c Cap attachment portion 21 Front case 21a Opening 22 Rear case 22b Clip 3 Ballpoint pen refill 31 Ballpoint pen tip 311 Tip body 312 Transfer ball 4 Knock button 41 Connecting member 5 Feeding mechanism 51 Mounting member 6 Circuit board 61 Switch member 7 Power source 8 Operating member 9 Cap 9a Opening 9b Clip I Ink S1 First writing surface S2 Second writing surface

Claims

1. An electronic pen comprising a cylindrical case and a writing element, the tip of which transmits and / or receives signals, wherein the writing element can be extended and retracted from the cylindrical case, and wherein the power is turned on and off by extending and retracting the writing element.

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

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

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

5. An electronic pen as described in claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a knock member that operates to extend and retract the writing element, and a retraction mechanism that operates the writing element by operating the knock member, and the operating member moves together with the operation of the retraction mechanism to operate the switch member.

6. An electronic pen according to claim 5, further comprising a circuit board, the circuit board being arranged so as not to move in the axial direction of the cylindrical case, and the switch member being mounted on the circuit board.

7. An electronic pen as described in claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a knock member that operates to extend or retract the writing element, and a retraction mechanism that extends or retracts the writing element by operating the knock member, and the switch member moves with the operation of the retraction mechanism and is operated by the operating member.

8. The electronic pen according to claim 7, further comprising a circuit board, the circuit board moving with the operation of the extension mechanism and having the switch member mounted thereon.

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

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

11. An electronic pen as described in claim 10, comprising a circuit board, the circuit board being positioned so as not to move axially relative to either the front case or the rear case, the switch member being mounted on the circuit board, and the operating member moving together with the pulling out or inserting operation of the front case relative to the rear case to operate the switch member.

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

13. An electronic pen as described in claim 12, further comprising a circuit board, the circuit board being arranged on one of the front case and the rear case so as not to move in the circumferential direction, the switch member being mounted thereon, the operating member being arranged on the other of the front case and the rear case so as not to move in the circumferential direction, the operating member moving together with the circumferential movement of the front case relative to the rear case to operate the switch member.

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

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

16. An electronic pen as described in claim 1, characterized in that a cap is removably attached to the end of the cylindrical case from which the writing body protrudes, and the writing body can be extended or retracted by attaching or detaching the cap.

17. An electronic pen as described in claim 16, characterized in that a switch member for turning the power on and off is arranged in the cylindrical case so as not to move in the axial direction, and an operating member is provided inside the cap that abuts against or moves away from the switch member when the cap is attached or detached, thereby operating the switch member.

18. An electronic pen as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 16 and 17, characterized in that the writing body is a ballpoint pen refill, and signals are sent and / or received by a ballpoint pen tip provided at the tip of the ballpoint pen refill, and the ballpoint pen tip comprises a tip body and a transfer ball rotatably held at the tip of the tip body, and the transfer ball is rolled on a writing surface so that ink supplied into the tip body is transferred from the transfer ball to the writing surface, and the transfer ball is arranged to roll on a first writing surface but not on a second writing surface having physical properties different from those of the first writing surface.

Images