Input pen with grip

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a shaft cylinder (1) that extends in the front-rear direction along the central axis (C); a pen unit (2) that is disposed inside the shaft cylinder (1) and extends in the front-rear direction; and an elastically deformable cylindrical grip (3) that is externally mounted to the shaft cylinder (1). The pen unit (2) has: a circuit that includes an electronic component; and side switches (84, 85) that are provided to a part of the circuit and are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the pen unit (2). The grip (3) has: a first circumferential wall part (31) that is disposed in a portion of the circumferential wall of the grip (3) other than the front end and overlaps the side switches (84, 85) when viewed in the radial direction; and a second circumferential wall part (32) that is disposed at the front end of the circumferential wall of the grip (3), has an outer diameter dimension larger than that of the first circumferential wall part (31), and has a wall thickness dimension larger than that of the first circumferential wall part (31).

Description

Input pen with grip

[0001] The present invention relates to an input pen with a grip. This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-199152 filed in Japan on November 14, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In recent years, coordinate input devices have been used as input devices for various electronic devices, and input pens called electronic pens, etc. are used as input means for this coordinate input device (for example, Patent Document 1).

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

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 120124

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

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

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

[0008] [Aspect 1 of the present invention] An input pen with a grip, comprising: a shaft cylinder extending in the front-rear direction along a central axis; a pen unit disposed inside the shaft cylinder and extending in the front-rear direction; and an elastically deformable cylindrical grip externally mounted on the shaft cylinder, wherein the pen unit includes a circuit including electronic components and a side switch provided on a part of the circuit and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pen unit, and the grip has a first peripheral wall portion disposed on a portion of the peripheral wall of the grip other than the front end portion and overlapping the side switch when viewed in the radial direction, and a second peripheral wall portion disposed on the front end portion of the peripheral wall of the grip, having an outer diameter dimension larger than that of the first peripheral wall portion and a wall thickness dimension larger than that of the first peripheral wall portion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] Furthermore, repeated pressing of the same spot on the first circumferential wall (a predetermined area located directly above the side switch) by the user may cause that area to become dirty or damaged. In such cases, the circumferential position of the grip can be changed by reattaching the grip to the barrel.

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

[0017] In this case, for example, when assembling the barrel using a screw-type structure, even if the grip rotates circumferentially together with the barrel's components, the rotation of the front or rear retaining part that contacts the grip suppresses unintended torsional deformation of the grip. As a result, the aforementioned functions (effects) of the grip are reliably achieved.

[0018] [Aspect 5 of the present invention] The grip-equipped input pen according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the second peripheral wall portion gradually decreases in outer diameter and wall thickness towards the rear, and the first peripheral wall portion gradually decreases in outer diameter and wall thickness towards the front.

[0019] In this case, the area near the connection point between the second and first peripheral walls of the grip is given a constricted shape. This further improves the grip's ease of handling.

[0020] [Aspect 6 of the present invention] An input pen with a grip according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the maximum outer diameter of the grip is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0021] When the maximum outer diameter of the grip is 7 mm or more, a large contact area is ensured between the user's fingertips and the grip, making it easier for the user to hold the grip stably with light force. In addition, a larger outer diameter of the grip makes it easier to ensure larger outer diameters for the barrel and pen unit inside the grip. This makes it possible to place multiple side switches on the pen unit or to make the side switch controls larger. This allows for higher functionality of the input pen and improved operability of the side switches. On the other hand, when the maximum outer diameter of the grip is 15 mm or less, the operability of the input pen tip (ease of input and ease of writing) is maintained well.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned aspect of the present invention, an input pen with a grip is provided that is easy to hold with the fingertips during use and has a grip suitable for operating the input pen.

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view showing the input pen with grip according to this embodiment, showing the pen unit in its retracted position. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal section) showing the input pen with grip according to this embodiment, showing the pen unit in its retracted position. Figure 3 is a side view showing the input pen with grip according to this embodiment, showing the pen unit in its usage position. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal section) showing the input pen with grip according to this embodiment, showing the pen unit in its usage position. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view (horizontal section) showing the VV section of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (horizontal section) showing the VI-VI section of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a side view showing the pen unit. Figure 8 is a top view showing the pen unit, representing the view from arrow VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a side view showing the front shaft body of the barrel. Figure 10 is a top view showing the front shaft body of the barrel, representing the view from arrow X in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a bottom view showing the front shaft body of the barrel, representing the view from arrow XI in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal section) showing the rear axis of the barrel. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal section) showing the rear axis of the barrel, representing the XIII-XIII section of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the ring member of the barrel. Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the pen unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the connecting piece 17b is in the shape of a plate extending in the front-rear direction. The plate thickness dimension (radial dimension) of the connecting piece 17b is smaller than the plate thickness dimension of the pushing-in plate 17a. The connecting piece 17b connects the outer peripheral portion of the pushing-in plate 17a and the portion of the inner peripheral portion of the hole 16 located in the beam portion 25. That is, in the present embodiment, the connecting piece 17b connects the pushing-in plate 17a and the beam portion 25.

[0042] When the pushing-in plate 17a is pressed radially inward by the fingertips of the user via the grip 3, the connecting piece 17b elastically deforms, and thereby the pushing-in plate 17a moves radially inward. Further, when the user stops this pushing-in operation and the pressing force radially inward on the pushing-in plate 17a is released, the connecting piece 17b restores its deformation, and thereby the pushing-in plate 17a moves radially outward and returns to its original position (the state before receiving the pressing force).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 10, the slit 18 penetrates the peripheral wall of the front shaft main body 11a (that is, the front shaft 11) in the radial direction and extends in the front-rear direction, and opens at the rear end surface of the front shaft main body 11a. In the present embodiment, a stepped portion 26 is provided at the rear end portion of the front shaft main body 11a, and by this stepped portion 26, a part 26a of the rear end surface of the front shaft main body 11a protrudes to the rear side more than the other part 26b. Specifically, the rear end portion of the slit 18 opens at the other part 26b of the rear end surface of the front shaft main body 11a. In the following description, the part 26a of the rear end surface of the front shaft main body 11a may be referred to as the rear side portion 26a, and the other part 26b may be referred to as the front side portion 26b.

[0044] A part of the rear end portion of the slit 18 has a smaller opening width dimension (circumferential dimension) than the portion other than the rear end portion of the slit 18. In the present embodiment, a part of the rear end portion of the slit 18 is referred to as the minimum width portion of the slit 18. The rear end portion of the front shaft main body 11a (that is, the rear end portion of the front shaft 11) is elastically deformable so as to change the opening width dimension of the minimum width portion of the slit 18.

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

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

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

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 11, the elastic protrusion 22 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front shaft main body 11a (that is, the peripheral wall of the shaft cylinder 1). The elastic protrusion 22 is disposed at an intermediate portion located between both end portions in the front-rear direction of the front shaft main body 11a. The elastic protrusion 22 is disposed on the rear side of the pushing portion 17. Further, the elastic protrusion 22 is disposed at a position that is rotationally symmetric by 180° with respect to the slit 18 around the central axis C. The elastic protrusion 22 is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0131] The maximum outer diameter of grip 3 is, for example, set to 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The wall thickness of the circumferential wall of grip 3 is, for example, set to 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

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

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

[0134] The grip 3 has a first peripheral wall portion 31 located on the peripheral wall of the grip 3, excluding the front end portion, and a second peripheral wall portion 32 located on the front end portion of the peripheral wall of the grip 3.

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

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

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

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

[0139] The outer diameter and wall thickness of the second circumferential wall portion 32 gradually decrease as it moves towards the rear. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second circumferential wall portion 32 is kept approximately constant along its entire length in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the connection portion of the grip 3's circumferential wall where the rear end of the second circumferential wall portion 32 connects to the front end of the first circumferential wall portion 31 has the smallest outer diameter and the smallest wall thickness among the circumferential walls of the grip 3.

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

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

[0142] Furthermore, since the size of the push-in portion 17 only needs to be about the same as the size of the operating elements of the side switches 84 and 85, the push-in portion 17 can be provided without making a large opening in the peripheral wall of the barrel 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust, moisture, etc. from entering the inside of the barrel 1 from around the push-in portion 17, and the function of the pen unit 2 can be maintained in good condition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plate surface (back surface) of the push plate 17a facing radially inward has a convex shape that protrudes radially inward. In this case, the back surface of the push plate 17a can more reliably press the operators of the side switches 84 and 85, and the operability of the side switches 84 and 85 is more stable and improved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0188] In this embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less. When the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 7 mm or more, a large contact area is secured between the user's fingertips and the grip 3, making it easy for the user to grip the grip 3 stably with light force. Also, the large outer diameter of the grip 3 makes it easier to secure large outer diameters for the shaft 1 and pen unit 2 inside the grip 3. This makes it possible to arrange multiple side switches 84 and 85 on the pen unit 2, or to enlarge the operators and push-buttons 17 of the side switches 84 and 85. This makes it possible to enhance the functionality of the input pen 10 and improve the operability of the side switches 84 and 85. Furthermore, when the maximum outer diameter of the grip 3 is 15 mm or less, the operability (ease of input, ease of writing) of the pen tip 81 of the input pen 10 is maintained well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

2. The input pen with grip according to claim 1, wherein at least the portion of the first peripheral wall located directly above the side switch is transparent.

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

4. The input pen with a grip according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the front pressing portion and the rear pressing portion is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis.

5. The input pen with a grip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer diameter and wall thickness of the second peripheral wall portion gradually decrease towards the rear, and the outer diameter and wall thickness of the first peripheral wall portion gradually decrease towards the front.

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

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