Patent Description:
Input pens that carry out input by physically contacting a screen have been widely used in recent years. Namely, an input surface of an input device, which is plate-shaped and at which a position detecting device is provided, is contacted by a position indicator that is formed in the form of a pen, and the position of contact is detected.

There are various types of such an input pen, such as a pressure sensitive type, an electrostatic capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type and the like, in accordance with the mode of the physical changes that the input surface undergoes. Further, as classifications of input pens, there are an active type that has an electronic circuit built therein and that itself is involved in the generation of signals, and a passive type that does not have an electronic circuit built therein and that carries out only a physical action on the input surface. The electromagnetic induction type belongs to the former, and the pressure sensitive type belongs to the latter. Note that the electrostatic capacitance type includes both an active type, which has an electronic circuit built therein and which actively generates static electricity at the distal end, and a passive type that does not have an electronic circuit built therein, and that ensures a conductive path between the distal end and a finger, and that varies the electrostatic capacitance of the input surface as a so-called extension of the fingertip.

Among the above-described various types of input pens, at an electromagnetic induction type, an electromagnetic induction coil, which resonates with respect to electromagnetic waves of a specific frequency that are generated by the position detecting device that is set beneath the input surface of the input device, is provided within the input pen, and the position at which this resonance arises is recognized as the input position.

Further, there are many cases in which structures for realizing these various types are formed in the shape of a rod and used as the input body, and a structure in which this input body is mounted in a shaft tube is made to be the input pen.

For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (<CIT>, by making the substance of the shaft tube, in which the input body is mounted, be a wood material, in a case in which the input body is accommodated in the shaft tube and an electromagnetic induction touch pen is formed, the material of the shaft tube can be prevented from being affected by the electromagnetic induction and becoming unable to input. <CIT> relates to an electronic blackboard for processing image information which corresponds to the image or the like displayed on the writing surface and its accessories such as writing tools. <CIT> relates to a position pointer of the electromagnetic induction type and an electronic ink cartridge accommodated in the position pointer of the electromagnetic induction type.

In an input pen that uses a wood material as the shaft tube, it must be made such that the mounted input body does not, during usage, fall-out from the wood shaft that is the shaft tube that is made of a wood material. In the invention disclosed in aforementioned <CIT>, the input body is inserted in the wood shaft by using the slight clearance (e.g., less than <NUM>) between the input body and the wood shaft at the time of mounting the input body to the wood shaft. However, there is the concern that, due to the wobbling that arises due to the wood shaft and the input body rubbing against one another at this time, the input body will break and will not be able to be used as an input pen. In particular, in a case in which the input body is used as an active type input pen, at the time of mounting the input body to the wood shaft, it is absolutely necessary to avoid damaging the electronic circuit that is built-in. Moreover, there is also the concern that the wood shaft will be damaged due to the wobbling that arises due to the wood shaft and the input body rubbing against one another at the time of mounting the input body.

Thus, embodied aspects of the present invention have, as the topic thereof, the provision of an input pen in which the input body is mounted so as to never fall-out during use, while avoiding damage to the input body due to the wobbling that arises due to the shaft and the input body rubbing against one another at the time when the input body is mounted to the wood shaft.

An input pen relating to a first embodied aspect of the present invention comprising: a wood shaft, a mounting hole that is formed at an axial center of the wood shaft, and an input body that is rod-shaped and is mounted in the mounting hole, wherein an inner side surface of the mounting hole and an outer side surface of the input body are fixed.

In an input pen relating to a second embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the first embodied aspect, at the input body, a ferrite core that is positioned at an axial center, an electromagnetic induction coil that is disposed at an outer periphery of the ferrite core, a contacting distal end that is mounted to a distal end of the ferrite core, and a writing pressure sensing portion that senses pressing force applied to the contacting distal end, are structured as a refill. Namely, in the present embodied aspect, the input body is an electromagnetic induction type.

In an input pen relating to a third embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the second embodied aspect, the input pen has a binding agent that is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole and the outer side surface of the input body, and that binds the input body to the mounting hole.

In an input pen relating to a fourth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the second embodied aspect, the wood shaft is formed by two members being affixed together by an affixing agent.

In an input pen relating to a fifth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the third embodied aspect, the wood shaft is formed by two members being affixed together by an affixing agent.

In an input pen relating to a sixth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the second embodied aspect, a reinforcing resin is made to seep into the mounting hole.

In an input pen relating to a seventh embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the third embodied aspect, a reinforcing resin is made to seep into the mounting hole.

In an input pen relating to an eighth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the second embodied aspect, the mounting hole passes through the axial center of the wood shaft from a distal end to a rear end, the input body is mounted to one end side of the mounting hole, and a second input body is further mounted to another end side of the mounting hole.

In an input pen relating to a ninth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the third embodied aspect, the mounting hole passes through the axial center of the wood shaft from a distal end to a rear end, the input body is mounted to one end side of the mounting hole, and a second input body is further mounted to another end side of the mounting hole.

In an input pen relating to a tenth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the second embodied aspect, the input body is accommodated in the mounting hole, an insertion restricting portion, which demarcates an insertion limit of the input body in the mounting hole, is provided at a midway portion of the wood shaft, and a rear end of the input body is formed as a press-contact portion that press-contacts the insertion restricting portion.

In an input pen relating to an eleventh embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the tenth embodied aspect, the mounting hole is a hole with a bottom that is from one end of the wood shaft to the midway portion, a bottom surface, which faces a distal end side, of the hole with a bottom is the insertion restricting portion, and a fit-together concave portion is formed at the bottom surface at the insertion restricting portion, a fit-together convex portion that serves as the press-contact portion is formed at the rear end of the input body, and the input body engages with the wood shaft due to the fit-together convex portion fitting together with the fit-together concave portion.

In an input pen relating to a twelfth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the tenth embodied aspect, the mounting hole is a hole with a bottom that is from one end of the wood shaft to the midway portion, a bottom surface, which faces a distal end side, of the hole with a bottom is the insertion restricting portion, and magnetic force attracting portions that attract one another by magnetic forces are provided at the bottom surface at the insertion restricting portion and at the rear end of the input body, and the input body engages with the wood shaft due to the magnetic force attracting portion of the insertion restricting portion and the magnetic force attracting portion of the input body that serves as the press-contact portion attracting one another.

In an input pen relating to a thirteenth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the tenth embodied aspect, the mounting hole is a hole with a bottom that is from one end of the wood shaft to the midway portion, a bottom surface, which faces a distal end side, of the hole with a bottom is the insertion restricting portion, and a puncturing portion, which projects out rearward and serves as the press-contact portion, is provided at the rear end of the input body, and the input body engages with the wood shaft due to the insertion restricting portion being punctured by the puncturing portion.

In an input pen relating to a fourteenth embodied aspect of the present invention, in addition to the feature of the tenth embodied aspect, the mounting hole that serves as a through-hole is formed in the axial center of the wood shaft, an inserted member, which reaches the midway portion of the wood shaft, is inserted in from a rear end of the mounting hole, and a distal end of the inserted member is the insertion restricting portion.

A fifteenth embodied aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing an input pen of an embodied aspect having the feature of the above-described fifth embodied aspect, and comprises: a step of, at one wood shaft member among the two members that has a groove that is semicircular in cross-section, placing, in the groove, a synthetic resin rod that is in a state in which the binding agenthas been applied to a surface thereof, or placing, in the groove, a synthetic resin rod in a state in which the binding agenthas been applied to the groove; a step of affixing, to the one wood member and by the affixing agent, another wood shaft member among the two members that has a groove of a same shape as the groove; a step of forming the wood shaft from the two members that have been affixed together; a step of pulling the synthetic resin rod out from the wood shaft and forming the mounting hole; and a step of inserting the input body into the mounting hole with the binding agent interposed therebetween.

Because the embodied aspects of the present invention are structured as described above, there can be provided an input pen in which an input body is mounted so as to never fall out during use, while avoiding damage to the input body that is due to the wobbling that arises due to a shaft and the input body rubbing against one another at the time when the input body is mounted to the wood shaft.

Embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following explanation, the side at which a contacting distal end <NUM> of an input pen <NUM> is positioned is called the "distal end", and the side opposite thereto is called the "rear end". Further, for any given structure, the direction facing the distal end is called "frontward", and the direction opposite thereto is called "rearward".

As shown in the front view of <FIG>, the plan view of <FIG> and the bottom view of <FIG>, the input pen <NUM> relating to the first embodiment of the present invention presents an external appearance in which the contacting distal end <NUM> of an input body <NUM> projects out from the distal end of a pencil-like wood shaft <NUM> that is hexagonal in cross-section. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is a taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form. Further, a tail cap <NUM>, which is cylindrical tube shaped and whose rear end is formed as a spherical surface, is mounted to the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>. The side surfaces of the wood material that is the material of the wood shaft <NUM> are coated for the purposes of protecting the surfaces, and reinforcement and decoration.

<FIG> is a front view of the wood shaft <NUM> at the input pen of <FIG>. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form as described above. The rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> is formed in the shape of a cylindrical tube whose outer diameter is reduced, and this portion is reduced diameter portion <NUM> to which the above-described tail cap <NUM> is mounted.

<FIG> shows the wood shaft <NUM> of <FIG> in an A-A cross-section. A mounting hole <NUM>, which is a hole that is bored-out along the axial center, is provided in the front half portion of the wood shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> that is the B-B cross-section of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents a hexagonal cross-section like a pencil, and the mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the axial center thereof.

<FIG> shows, in a front view, the external appearance of the input body <NUM> at the input pen <NUM> of <FIG>. At the input body <NUM>, a digitizer unit <NUM> that is described later is built-into the interior of an outer tube <NUM> that is tubular, and the aforementioned contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end. Further, a supporting cap <NUM> is mounted to the rear end. The outer tube <NUM> is formed of a polycarbonate ABS (PC/ABS) polymer alloy resin.

<FIG> shows the input body <NUM> of <FIG> in a C-C cross-section. The digitizer unit <NUM> that is built in the outer tube <NUM> has a structure in which a rod-shaped ferrite core <NUM> around which an electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> is wound is mounted via a distal end coupling <NUM> to the distal end of an accommodating tube <NUM> in which is built a circuit board <NUM> on which a capacitor <NUM> is packaged, and further, a writing pressure sensing section <NUM> in accordance with a variable capacitance capacitor 46a is mounted to the rear end of this accommodating tube <NUM>. The contacting distal end <NUM> that is made of a synthetic resin is fixed to the distal end of the ferrite core <NUM>. Two legs 47a, 47b of the capacitor <NUM> are connected respectively to two distal end side terminals 48a, 48b by wiring of the circuit board <NUM>, and are also connected respectively to two rear end side terminals 48c, 48d. The distal end side terminals 48a, 48b are connected respectively to extension wires 45a, 45b of both ends of the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>. The rear end side terminals 48c, 48d are connected respectively to two legs 46c, 46d of the variable capacitance capacitor 46a (see <FIG>) that is within the writing pressure sensing section <NUM>. This variable capacitance capacitor 46a detects, as variations in the electrostatic amount, the pressure that is applied by the writing pressure that is applied to the contacting distal end <NUM>. The above-described ferrite core <NUM>, electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, variable capacitance capacitor 46a and capacitor <NUM> are electronic parts that are built-in within the input body <NUM>, and form the parallel resonance circuit shown in <FIG> by the wiring of the circuit board <NUM>. Further, the supporting cap <NUM> that supports the rear end of the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> is mounted to the rear end of the outer tube <NUM>.

The input body <NUM> shown in <FIG> is inserted in the mounting hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the wood shaft <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and this becomes the electromagnetic induction type input pen <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A drawing showing this input pen <NUM> in the D-D cross-section of <FIG>, <FIG> is <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>. The majority of the input body <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>, and only the distal end portion that includes the contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the tail cap <NUM> is mounted so as to cover the reduced diameter portion <NUM> of the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the E-E cross-section of <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted. A binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The binding agent <NUM> is a structure for binding the input body <NUM> to the mounting hole <NUM>. An adhesive that is suited to the adhering of a wood material and a plastic (in particular, PC/ABS polymer alloy resins) can be used as the binding agent <NUM>. For example, synthetic rubber latex adhesives that are aqueous adhesives, rubber solvent adhesives that are solvent adhesives, and epoxy resin adhesives that are reactive adhesives can be used as this adhesive.

Here, because electronic parts are built into the input body <NUM> as described above, there is the concern that, if the input body <NUM> is mounted into the mounting hole <NUM> by being press-fit therein, this will damage the electronic parts, and there is the possibility of bringing about problems in usage of the input pen <NUM>. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the mounting hole <NUM> is a length of an extent such that the input body <NUM> can be inserted therein without being press-fit, or, in other words, is a length of an extent such that the input body <NUM> is fit-in with play.

Further, by fitting the input body <NUM> in with play after the binding agent <NUM> has been applied to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, it is possible to mount the input body <NUM> to the wood shaft <NUM> without excessive force being applied to the input body <NUM>, and, at the same time, the wood shaft <NUM> is not damaged at the time of mounting. If the binding agent <NUM> solidifies after the input body <NUM> is mounted, the input body <NUM> is completely bonded to the mounting hole <NUM>, and will not fall-out during use. Further, it is desirable to fill the binding agent <NUM> in between the mounting hole <NUM> and the input body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a state of usage of the input pen <NUM> of the present embodiment. An unillustrated position detecting device, which periodically generates electromagnetic waves of a specific frequency, is provided at the lower surface of an input surface <NUM> of an input device <NUM>. Further, when the top of the input surface <NUM> is traced like drawn line <NUM> by the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input pen <NUM>, the contacting distal end <NUM> is pressed. At this time, the parallel resonance circuit shown in <FIG> resonates due to the electromagnetic waves, and electricity that is generated at the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> accumulates in the capacitor <NUM>. Due to the input pen <NUM> transmitting the electromagnetic waves, which are generated by this electricity flowing through the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, and the aforementioned position detecting device receiving these, the input device <NUM> recognizes the position at which this electromagnetic induction arises as coordinate information, and the drawn line <NUM> is thereby recorded as electronic data. Here, at the variable capacitance capacitor 46a, because the electric capacitance varies due to the pressing force of the contacting distal end <NUM>, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted by the input pen <NUM> can be varied due thereto. Due to these variations in frequency being sensed by the aforementioned position detecting device, they can be recognized as various attributes relating to the drawn line <NUM>. These various attributes are, for example, the thickness and color of the drawn line <NUM>, or the switching of the drawing mode (writing mode and erasing mode).

Here, a wood material whose air-dried specific gravity is less than <NUM>, for example, is the type that is used as the material of the wood shaft <NUM>, and examples thereof are Japanese cypress (hinoki), hinoki leaf, paulownia, teak, mahogany, Japanese cedar, pine, cherry, bamboo, Japanese ash, white ash, white fir, hard maple, incense cedar, linden, balsa, and the like. Further, not only pure wood materials, but also wood-based materials such as compression-formed materials in which lumber from thinning, chips of waste wood, wood articles or the like are collected and solidified, can also be used. Further, the moisture content at this time is less than <NUM>%. Note that the moisture content can be measured by using the electric moisture meter MR-200II (Sanko Electronic Laboratory).

Here, the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> as the shaft tube of the input pen <NUM> is as follows.

Organic materials such as natural wood materials are better for the environment than inorganic materials such as synthetic rubbers or synthetic resins, and are produced of natural materials, and, further, even for persons who are operating computers, can provide a sense of calm due to the fragrance of the wood. Further, there are also the other effects that, by using a wood material, because the wood material is tough and is also highly resistant to impact, it is difficult for the wood shaft <NUM> to break, and further, the sound at the time of being dropped or the like is absorbed. Moreover, there is also the advantage that, when the wood material is coated, the color of the vessels of the wood material is stained richly, the grain stands-out, and the finish is beautiful.

Further, because wood materials absorb moisture, even if fingers sweat, the wood material absorbs the sweat of the fingertips, and the fingers do not slip due to the sweat. Moreover, because the hands of the user directly touch the bark of the wood shaft <NUM>, the warmth of the wood is transmitted, and an improvement in work efficiency is anticipated.

Further, the more that wood materials are used, the more that a particular elegant simplicity arises thereat, and they can provide a unique, refined sensation.

Therefore, in a work environment in which daily life is surrounded by inorganic, insipid, electronic members, the psychological effects of de-stressing and soothing by the unique feel and warmth that the wood shaft <NUM> has can be anticipated. Further, due to the individually-specific characteristics such as the unique fluctuations and textures and the like of respectively different wood grain patterns, an awareness specific thereto awakens proportionately to the frequency of use over a long period of time, and the mentally relaxing effects of enjoying daily care and the like can also be expected.

Further, in an environment in which it is easy for both digital equipment and non-digital, analog products to exist such as in academic settings, by using a material that approximates those of pencils and the like that are used as writing instruments, the input pen <NUM> can be used without a sense of incongruity.

Moreover, the input body <NUM> that is more dense as compared with the wood shaft <NUM> that is relatively light is mounted in the front half portion. Therefore, because the center of gravity of the input pen <NUM> is further toward the front side, the sense of stability at the time when the input pen <NUM> is grasped by fingers increases, and the feel of usage also can be improved.

<FIG> shows the input pen <NUM> relating to the second embodiment in a front sectional view. The external appearance of the input pen <NUM> relating to the present embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment (see <FIG>), but the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment with regard to the point that a reinforcing resin <NUM> is made to seep into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. For example, a two-liquid epoxy resin can be used as this reinforcing resin <NUM>. By applying such a reinforcing resin <NUM> to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> and leaving it for a predetermined period of time, the reinforcing resin solidifies in a state of having seeped into the wood material that is in the vicinity of the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and, due thereto, the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> is reinforced. Therefore, the strength of the thin-walled portions such as the taper portion <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> increases, and the possibility of damage at the time of mounting the input body <NUM> or during use can be reduced.

Note that, in the present embodiment as well, as shown in <FIG> that is the F-F cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The significance of this binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, because a layer into which the reinforcing resin <NUM> has seeped exists at the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the strength of the wood shaft <NUM> increases more so than in the above-described first embodiment.

The structure of the input body <NUM>, the state of usage of the input pen <NUM>, and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> also are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment.

As shown in the front view of <FIG>, the plan view of <FIG> and the bottom view of <FIG>, the input pen <NUM> relating to the third embodiment of the present invention presents an external appearance in which the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input body <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the pencil-like wood shaft <NUM> that is hexagonal in cross-section. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form. Further, the tail cap <NUM>, which is cylindrical tube shaped and whose rear end is formed as a spherical surface, is mounted to the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>. The side surfaces of the wood material that is the material of the wood shaft <NUM> are coated for the purposes of protecting the surfaces, and reinforcement and decoration.

<FIG> is a front view of the wood shaft <NUM> at the input pen of <FIG>. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form as described above. The rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> is formed in the shape of a cylindrical tube whose outer diameter is reduced, and this portion is the reduced diameter portion <NUM> to which the above-described tail cap <NUM> is mounted.

<FIG> shows the wood shaft <NUM> of <FIG> in a G-G cross-section. In the present embodiment, the wood shaft <NUM> is formed by two members, i.e., wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>, being affixed together by an affixing agent <NUM>. These wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> are usually formed of the same tree species, but wood materials of different tree species may be used. An adhesive that can be used in adhering wood materials together, e.g., wood glue, can be used as this affixing agent <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM>, which is a hole that is bored-out along the axial center, is provided in the front half portion of the wood shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> that is the H-H cross-section of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents a hexagonal cross-section like a pencil, and the mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the axial center thereof.

The input body <NUM> of the input pen <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. This input body <NUM> is inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the wood shaft <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and this becomes the electromagnetic induction type input pen <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A drawing showing this input pen <NUM> in the I-I cross-section of <FIG>, <FIG> is <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>. The majority of the input body <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>, and only the distal end portion that includes the contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the tail cap <NUM> is mounted so as to cover the reduced diameter portion <NUM> of the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the J-J cross-section of <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted. As described above, the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> that structure the wood shaft <NUM> present a hexagonal cross-section on the whole, via the affixing agent <NUM> that affixes them together. Further, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment.

Further, by fitting the input body <NUM> in with play after the binding agent <NUM> has been applied to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, it is possible to mount the input body <NUM> to the wood shaft <NUM> without excessive force being applied to the input body <NUM>, and, at the same time, the wood shaft <NUM> is not damaged at the time of mounting. If the binding agent <NUM> solidifies after the input body <NUM> is mounted, the input body <NUM> is completely bonded to the mounting hole <NUM>, and will not fall-out during use.

<FIG> shows the input pen <NUM> relating to the fourth embodiment in a front sectional view. The external appearance of the input pen <NUM> relating to the present embodiment is similar to that of the third embodiment (see <FIG>), but the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment with regard to the point that the reinforcing resin <NUM> is made to seep into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. This reinforcing resin <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described second embodiment. By applying such a reinforcing resin <NUM> to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> and leaving it for a predetermined period of time, the reinforcing resin <NUM> solidifies in a state of having seeped into the wood material in the vicinity of the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and, due thereto, the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> is reinforced. Therefore, the strength of the thin-walled portions such as the taper portion <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> increases, and the possibility of damage at the time of mounting the input body <NUM> or during use can be reduced.

Note that, in the present embodiment as well, as shown in <FIG> that is the K-K cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The significance of this binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. In the present embodiment, because a layer in which the reinforcing resin <NUM> has seeped exists at the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the strength of the wood shaft <NUM> increases more so than in the above-described third embodiment.

The structure of the input body <NUM>, the state of usage of the input pen <NUM>, and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment.

As shown in the front view of <FIG>, the plan view of <FIG> and the bottom view of <FIG>, the input pen <NUM> relating to the fifth embodiment of the present invention presents an external appearance in which the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input body <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the pencil-like wood shaft <NUM> that is equilateral triangular in cross-section. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form. Further, the tail cap <NUM>, which is cylindrical tube shaped and whose rear end is formed as a spherical surface, is mounted to the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>. The side surfaces of the wood material that is the material of the wood shaft <NUM> are coated for the purposes of protecting the surfaces, and reinforcement and decoration.

<FIG> shows the wood shaft <NUM> of <FIG> in an L-L cross-section. In the present embodiment, the wood shaft <NUM> is formed by two members, i.e., the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>, being affixed together by the affixing agent <NUM>. These wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> are usually formed of the same tree species, but wood materials of different tree species may be used. This affixing agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described third embodiment. The mounting hole <NUM>, which is a hole that is bored-out along the axial center, is provided in the front half portion of the wood shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> that is the M-M cross-section of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents an equilateral triangular cross-section, and the mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the axial center thereof.

The input body <NUM> of the input pen <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. This input body <NUM> is inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the wood shaft <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and this becomes the electromagnetic induction type input pen <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A drawing showing this input pen <NUM> in the N-N cross-section of <FIG>, <FIG> is <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>. The majority of the input body <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>, and only the distal end portion that includes the contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the tail cap <NUM> is mounted so as to cover the reduced diameter portion <NUM> of the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the O-O cross-section of <FIG>. Note that the internal structure of the input body <NUM> is omitted. As described above, the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> that structure the wood shaft <NUM> present an equilateral triangular cross-section on the whole, via the affixing agent <NUM> that affixes them together. Further, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment.

<FIG> shows the input pen <NUM> relating to the sixth embodiment in a front sectional view. The external appearance of the input pen <NUM> relating to the present embodiment is similar to that of the fifth embodiment (see <FIG>), but the sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment with regard to the point that the reinforcing resin <NUM> is made to seep into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. This reinforcing resin <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described second embodiment. By applying such a reinforcing resin <NUM> to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> and leaving it for a predetermined period of time, the reinforcing resin <NUM> solidifies in a state of having seeped into the wood material that is in the vicinity of the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and, due thereto, the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> is reinforced. Therefore, the strength of the thin-walled portions such as the taper portion <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> increases, and the possibility of damage at the time of mounting the input body <NUM> or during use can be reduced.

Note that, in the present embodiment as well, as shown in <FIG> that is the P-P cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the outer side surface of the input body <NUM>. The significance of this binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. In the present embodiment, because a layer in which the reinforcing resin <NUM> has seeped exists at the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the strength of the wood shaft <NUM> increases more so than in the above-described fifth embodiment.

<FIG> shows the input pen <NUM> relating to the seventh embodiment in a front sectional view. In the present embodiment, the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>, which is formed by the two wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> being affixed together, passes through from the distal end to the rear end. Therefore, a so-called slat on a production line of usual pencils can be applied to the manufacturing of this wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the affixing agent <NUM> that is involved in the affixing of the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described third embodiment.

A rear end spacer <NUM> that is solid cylindrical is inserted in the rear half portion of this mounting hole <NUM>. A rod of a material that is easy to adhere is desirably used as the material of this rear end spacer <NUM>. Examples of easily adhered materials are, for example, resins such as ABS, polystyrene and the like, metals such as stainless steel and the like, ceramics, carbon cores, concrete and the like. Further, in the same way as in the above-described respective embodiments, the input body <NUM> is mounted in the front half portion of the mounting hole <NUM>.

Note that the structure of the input body <NUM>, the state of usage of the input pen <NUM>, and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment. Further, the binding of the input body <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM> by the binding agent <NUM> also is similar to the above-described first embodiment. Moreover, the seeping of the reinforcing resin <NUM> into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> is similar to the above-described second embodiment.

<FIG> shows the input pen <NUM> relating to the eighth embodiment in a front sectional view. In the present embodiment, in the same way as in the above-described seventh embodiment, the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>, which is formed by the two wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> being affixed together, passes through from the distal end to the rear end. Therefore, a so-called slat on a production line of usual pencils can be applied to the manufacturing of this wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the affixing agent <NUM> that is involved in the affixing of the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described third embodiment.

An end plug <NUM> is inserted in the rear half portion of this mounting hole <NUM>. The end plug <NUM> is formed from a rear end inserted portion <NUM> that is inserted in the mounting hole <NUM>, and a rear end covering portion <NUM> that abuts the rear end edge of the wood shaft <NUM> and covers it. The material of the end plug <NUM> is not particularly limited, but it is desirable to use a molded body that is made of a synthetic resin. Further, in the same way as in the above-described respective embodiments, the input body <NUM> is mounted in the front half portion of the mounting hole <NUM>.

The structure of the input body <NUM>, the state of usage of the input pen <NUM>, and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment. Further, the binding of the input body <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM> by the binding agent <NUM> also is similar to the above-described first embodiment. Moreover, the seeping of the reinforcing resin <NUM> into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> is similar to the above-described second embodiment.

As shown in the front view of <FIG> and the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the input pen <NUM> relating to the ninth embodiment of the present invention presents an external appearance in which the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input body <NUM> projects out from one end side, i.e., the distal end, of the pencil-like wood shaft <NUM> that has a circular cross-section. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form. Further, the tail cap <NUM> that is substantially cylindrical tube shaped is mounted to the another end side, i.e., the rear end, of the wood shaft <NUM>, and, moreover, a contacting rear end <NUM> of a second input body <NUM> projects out from the rear end of the tail cap <NUM>. The side surfaces of the wood material that is the material of the wood shaft <NUM> are coated for the purposes of protecting the surfaces, and reinforcement and decoration.

<FIG> is a front view of the wood shaft <NUM> at the input pen of <FIG>. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form as described above.

<FIG> shows the wood shaft <NUM> of <FIG> in a Q-Q cross-section. In the present embodiment, the wood shaft <NUM> is formed by two members, i.e., the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>, being affixed together by the affixing agent <NUM> (see <FIG>). These wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> are usually formed of the same tree species, but wood materials of different tree species may be used. An adhesive that can be used in adhering wood materials together, e.g., wood glue, can be used as this affixing agent <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM>, which is a hole that passes through along the axial center from the distal end to the rear end, is provided in the wood shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> that is the R-R cross-section of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents a circular cross-section like a pencil, and the mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the axial center thereof.

The input body <NUM> that is mounted to the input pen <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. This input body <NUM> is inserted in the front half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the wood shaft <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The majority of the input body <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>, and only the distal end portion that includes the contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>.

Note that the tail cap <NUM> is mounted so as to cover the reduced diameter portion <NUM> of the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>. The contacting rear end <NUM> of the second input body <NUM>, which passes through this tail cap <NUM> and is inserted in the rear half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>, projects out rearwardly. At the second input body <NUM>, a second digitizer unit <NUM> that is described later is built into the interior of a second outer tube <NUM> that is tubular, and the aforementioned contacting rear end <NUM> projects out from the rear end. Further, a second supporting cap <NUM> is mounted to the distal end. The second outer tube <NUM> is formed of a polycarbonate ABS (PC/ABS) polymer alloy resin.

The second digitizer unit <NUM> that is built in the second outer tube <NUM> has a structure in which a second ferrite core <NUM>, which is rod-shaped and around which a second electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> is wound, is mounted via a rear end coupling <NUM> to the rear end of a second accommodating tube <NUM> in which is built a second circuit board <NUM> on which a second capacitor <NUM> is packaged, and further, a second writing pressure sensing section <NUM> in accordance with a second variable capacitance capacitor 96a is mounted to the distal end of this second accommodating tube <NUM>. The contacting rear end <NUM> that is made of a synthetic resin is fixed to the rear end of the second ferrite core <NUM>. The contacting rear end <NUM> has a contacting portion 92a that is shaped as a substantially cylindrical tube whose rear end is closed, and a connecting portion 92b that projects out from the inner surface of the rear end toward the distal end and is connected to the second ferrite core <NUM>. Legs 97a, 97b of the second capacitor <NUM> are connected respectively to two rear end side terminals 98a, 98b by wiring of the second circuit board <NUM>, and are also connected respectively to two distal end side terminals 98c, 98d. The rear end side terminals 98a, 98b are connected respectively to extension wires 95a, 95b of the both ends of the second electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>. The distal end side terminals 98c, 98d are connected respectively to two legs 96c, 96d of a variable capacitance capacitor 96a (see <FIG>) that is within the second writing pressure sensing section <NUM>. This variable capacitance capacitor 96a detects, as variations in the electrostatic amount, the pressure that is applied by the writing pressure that is applied to the contacting rear end <NUM>. The above-described second ferrite core <NUM>, second electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, second variable capacitance capacitor 96a and second capacitor <NUM> are electronic parts that are built-in within the second input body <NUM>, and form a parallel resonance circuit shown in <FIG> by the wiring of the second circuit board <NUM>. Further, the second supporting cap <NUM> that supports the distal end of the second writing pressure sensing section <NUM> is mounted to the distal end of the second outer tube <NUM>.

An internal coupling <NUM> that connects the supporting cap <NUM> of the input body <NUM> and the supporting cap <NUM> of the second input body <NUM> is built-in in the substantially intermediate portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. Further, in the same way as in the above-described first embodiment, the binding agent <NUM> is interposed (see <FIG>) between the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> and the respective outer side surfaces of the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM>. The binding agent <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment.

Here, because electronic parts are built into the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> as described above, there is the concern that, if the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> are mounted into the mounting hole <NUM> by being press-fit therein, this will damage the electronic parts, and there is the possibility of bringing about problems in usage of the input pen <NUM>. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the mounting hole <NUM> is a length of an extent such that the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> can be inserted therein without being press-fit, or, in other words, is a length of an extent such that the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> are fit-in with play.

Further, by fitting the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> in with play after the binding agent <NUM> has been applied to the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> can be mounted to the wood shaft <NUM> without excessive force being applied thereto, and, at the same time, the wood shaft <NUM> is not damaged at the time of mounting. If the binding agent <NUM> solidifies after the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> are mounted, the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM> are completely bonded to the mounting hole <NUM>, and will not fall-out during use. Further, it is desirable to fill the binding agent <NUM> in between the mounting hole <NUM>, and the input body <NUM> and the second input body <NUM>.

At the input pen <NUM> of the present embodiment, the state of usage by the input body <NUM> is similar to that of the first embodiment, and is in accordance with <FIG>. An unillustrated position detecting device, which periodically generates electromagnetic waves of a specific frequency, is provided at the lower surface of the input surface <NUM> of the input device <NUM>. Further, when the top of the input surface <NUM> is traced like the drawn line <NUM> by the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input pen <NUM>, the contacting distal end <NUM> is pressed. At this time, the parallel resonance circuit shown in <FIG> resonates due to the electromagnetic waves, and electricity that is generated at the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> accumulates in the capacitor <NUM>. Due to the input pen <NUM> transmitting the electromagnetic waves, which are generated by this electricity flowing through the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, and the aforementioned position detecting device receiving these, the input device <NUM> recognizes the position at which this electromagnetic induction arises as coordinate information, and the drawn line <NUM> is thereby recorded as electronic data. Here, at the variable capacitance capacitor 46a, because the electric capacitance varies due to the pressing force of the contacting distal end <NUM>, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted by the input pen <NUM> can be varied due thereto. Due to these variations in frequency being sensed by the aforementioned position detecting device, they can be recognized as various attributes relating to the drawn line <NUM>. These various attributes can be, for example, the thickness and color of the drawn line <NUM>.

On the other hand, the second input body <NUM> is used as an erasing unit for erasing information inputted by the input body <NUM>. At this time, the rear end of the input pen <NUM> of the present embodiment is turned face down and is used in substantially the same way as in <FIG>. Namely, when the top of the drawn line <NUM> that has already been inputted on the input surface <NUM> is traced by the contacting rear end <NUM> of the input pen <NUM>, the contacting rear end <NUM> is pressed. At this time, the parallel resonance circuit shown in <FIG> resonates due to the electromagnetic waves, and electricity that is generated at the second electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> accumulates in the second capacitor <NUM>. Due to the input pen <NUM> transmitting the electromagnetic waves that are generated due to this electricity flowing through the second electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, and the aforementioned position detecting device receiving these, the input device <NUM> recognizes the position at which this electromagnetic induction arises as coordinate information, and records it as electronic data expressing that the drawn line <NUM> has been erased.

Here, the contacting surface area of the contacting rear end <NUM> with the input surface <NUM> is formed to be larger than that of the contacting distal end <NUM>, in consideration of the purpose of usage thereof that is the erasing of the drawn line <NUM>. Note that, by the settings of the electronic parts at the interior of the second input body <NUM>, the second input body <NUM> can also be made to handle, for example, the inputting of a thicker drawn line, or the inputting of a drawn line of a color that is different than the input body <NUM>. At this time, in the same way as the case of the input body <NUM>, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves that the input pen <NUM> transmits can be varied by the second variable capacitance capacitor 96a whose electric capacitance varies due to the pressing force of the contacting rear end <NUM>. Due to the aforementioned position detecting device sensing these variations in frequency, they can be recognized as various attributes relating to the drawn line <NUM> (e.g., the thickness and color of the drawn line <NUM>).

The significance of using of the wood shaft <NUM> at the input pen <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. Further, in the same way as in the above-described second embodiment, the reinforcing resin <NUM> may be made to seep into the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>.

As shown in the front sectional view of <FIG>, at the input pen <NUM> relating to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the input body <NUM> is mounted in the front half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> that is formed by the two wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> being affixed together, and, on the other hand, a pencil lead <NUM> that serves as a rear end spacer is mounted in the rear half portion. Further, a convex portion <NUM>, at which a coating is mounded-up so as to be convex rearwardly, is formed at the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> in order to prevent dirtying due to the pencil lead <NUM> being exposed at the outer surface.

For example, the function of an electrostatic capacitance type input pen can be imparted to the rear end side by using an electrically conductive coating as the coating for forming the convex portion <NUM>. The distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form.

A method of manufacturing the input pen <NUM> relating to the present embodiment is described with reference to the front sectional views of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. First, in the step shown in <FIG>, a groove 23a that is semicircular in cross-section is formed along the entire length in the length direction in the one wood shaft member <NUM> of the two members that structure the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that, although not illustrated, the groove 23a that is semicircular in cross-section and is the same shape is formed in the another wood shaft member <NUM> as well. Therefore, a so-called slat on a production line of usual pencils can be applied as these wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>. Note that, in this state, thereafter, the reinforcing resin <NUM> such as described in the second embodiment may be made to seep into the inner peripheral surfaces of the grooves 23a that become the inner side surface of the mounting hole <NUM>.

Then, in the step shown in <FIG>, in a state in which an unillustrated binding agent is coated on the surfaces of a synthetic resin rod <NUM> that is hollow and the pencil lead <NUM>, the synthetic resin rod <NUM> is placed in the front half portion of the groove 23a, and the pencil lead <NUM> is placed in the rear half portion of the groove 23a. Note that, in the state in which the binding agent has been applied in advance to the groove 23a, the synthetic resin rod <NUM> that is made of polypropylene may be placed in the front half portion of the groove 23a, and the pencil lead <NUM> may be placed in the rear half portion of the groove 23a. Note that a rod that is solid, and not a rod that is hollow, may be used as the synthetic resin rod <NUM>. Here, the binding agent is similar to the binding agent <NUM> described in the above-described first embodiment.

Next, in the step shown in <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> is formed by the another wood shaft member <NUM> being affixed to the one wood shaft member <NUM> such that the synthetic resin rod <NUM> and the pencil lead <NUM> are fit in the groove 23a of the another wood shaft member <NUM>. Note that the affixing agent <NUM> that is involved in the affixing of these wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described third embodiment.

From this state, in the step shown in <FIG>, the convex portion <NUM>, at which a coating is mounded-up as described above, is formed at the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>, and, in the step shown in <FIG>, the distal end portion of the wood shaft <NUM> is, together with the synthetic resin rod <NUM> built therein, cut-off so as to become a predetermined length. Moreover, in the step shown in <FIG>, the distal end portion of the wood shaft <NUM> is cut in a tapered form, and the taper portion <NUM> is formed.

Further, from this state, in the step shown in <FIG>, the synthetic resin rod <NUM> is pulled-out forward from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>. As the method of pulling-out the synthetic resin rod <NUM>, for example, after a tool at which a male screw such as a lug screw is formed is press-fit into the space of the distal end of the synthetic resin rod <NUM>, the tool is pulled-out forward. However, an appropriate method other than this can be utilized.

After the synthetic resin rod <NUM> that is made of polypropylene is pulled-out, the mounting hole <NUM> is formed as shown in <FIG>. Then, in the step shown in <FIG>, in the same way as in the above-described first embodiment, an unillustrated binding agent is interposed between the input body <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM>, and due to the input body <NUM> being inserted in toward the rear side from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>, the input pen <NUM> shown in <FIG> is completed. This input body <NUM> is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment.

Here, the material of the synthetic resin rod <NUM> is not limited to polypropylene, and a hard-to-adhere synthetic resin, which cannot be adhered by or is difficult to be adhered by a binding agent, is preferable. Examples of such a material are, for example, polyacetal, fluorine resins, silicone rubber, polyethylene, and the like.

Note that the above-described manufacturing method can be adapted to and used in the above-described other embodiments as well by omitting steps or changing parts or the like.

The digitizer unit <NUM>, which is accommodated in the wood shaft <NUM> of the input pen <NUM> relating to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, is structured as a refill that presents the outer appearance shown by the front view of <FIG> and the side view of <FIG>, and further, has the internal structure shown by the side sectional view of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the distal end coupling <NUM>, which is made of a synthetic resin and has built therein the ferrite core <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is rod-shaped and positioned at the axial center, is mounted to the distal end of the accommodating tube <NUM> that is made of metal, and the contacting distal end <NUM> that is made of a synthetic resin is mounted to the distal end thereof. Further, the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> is disposed in a state of being wound around the outer periphery of the ferrite core <NUM> with the distal end coupling <NUM> nipped therebetween. The writing pressure sensing section <NUM> and the capacitor <NUM> that are electrically connected to the electromagnetic induction coil <NUM> are accommodated within the accommodating tube <NUM> (see <FIG>). The writing pressure sensing section <NUM> is structured by a pressure-sensitive sensor. Further, the rear end of the accommodating tube <NUM> is a press-contact portion <NUM> that press-contacts an insertion restricting portion <NUM> that is described later. Moreover, a return spring <NUM> that urges the accommodating tube <NUM> in the distal end direction also is mounted. This return spring <NUM> is compressed at the time when the accommodating tube <NUM> moves rearward due to the pressing force of the distal end coupling <NUM>. Further, when the contacting distal end <NUM> is pressed, the ferrite core <NUM> of the digitizer unit <NUM> also is pressed rearward. Due thereto, the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> enters into a contacting state. Namely, the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> senses the pressing force that is applied to the contacting distal end <NUM>.

The electromagnetic induction coil <NUM>, the capacitor <NUM> and the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> form the circuit shown in <FIG>, by unillustrated wiring. Here, when the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> contacts, the circuit of <FIG> is in a closed state.

<FIG> shows the state of usage of the input pen <NUM> of the respective embodiments. At the input pen <NUM>, the digitizer unit <NUM> is accommodated in the wood shaft <NUM> that is described later, and the contacting distal end <NUM> projects out from the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM>.

An unillustrated position detecting device, which generates electromagnetic waves of a specific frequency, is provided at the lower surface of the input surface <NUM> of the input device <NUM>. Further, when the top of the input surface <NUM> is traced like the drawn line <NUM> by the contacting distal end <NUM> of the input pen <NUM>, the contacting distal end <NUM> is pressed. When, due thereto, the circuit shown in <FIG> enters into a closed state, current flows to the circuit due to electromagnetic induction. Due to the input device <NUM> sensing the position, at which the electromagnetic induction arises, as coordinate information, the drawn line <NUM> is recorded as electronic data.

Note that, when the pressing force toward the contacting distal end <NUM> is released, due to the restoring force of the return spring <NUM>, the ferrite core <NUM> also returns forward, and the contact of the writing pressure sensing section <NUM> is cancelled, and the circuit of <FIG> enters into an open state.

The structure of the wood shaft <NUM> that is used in the eleventh embodiment is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown in the plan view of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents a pillar-shaped structure of a hexagonal cross-section, and is formed by the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>, which are divided in two along the length direction, being affixed together as shown in the assembly drawing of <FIG>. A through-hole, which has a circular cross-section due to grooves which are semicircular in cross-section and are bored in the respective wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> being superposed on one another, is formed in the interior of the wood shaft <NUM>, and this is the mounting hole <NUM> that accommodates the digitizer unit <NUM> at the axial center of the wood shaft <NUM>. The wood shaft <NUM> is formed to be a size that is similar to that of the wood shaft of an ordinary pencil.

Note that the material of the wood shaft <NUM> and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment.

Various types of inserted members <NUM> are inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> from the rear end. Several examples thereof are given hereinafter.

<FIG> shows a first example of the input pen <NUM> relating to eleventh embodiment in a partial sectional side view. The end plug <NUM> that serves as the inserted member <NUM> is inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> from the rear end. The end plug <NUM> is structured by the rear end inserted portion <NUM> that is solid cylindrical and is inserted in the mounting hole <NUM>, and the rear end covering portion <NUM> that is formed integrally with the rear end of the rear end inserted portion <NUM> and that press-contacts and is anchored on the rear end edge of the wood shaft <NUM>. The distal end of the rear end inserted portion <NUM> reaches a portion midway along the wood shaft <NUM>, and the distal end edge thereof is the insertion restricting portion <NUM>. On the other hand, the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>. Note that, in the respective drawings that are described from hereon including the present drawing, at the digitizer unit <NUM>, the structures of the respective portions that were described in detail in <FIG> are illustrated in a simplified manner.

The press-contact portion <NUM> that is provided at the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> press-contacts the insertion restricting portion <NUM> of the distal end edge of the rear end inserted portion <NUM>. Namely, the insertion restricting portion <NUM> demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>. Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>.

In the present example, even if the length of the wood shaft <NUM> is not machined precisely, positioning of the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the interior of the wood shaft <NUM> is possible by appropriately cutting and shortening the distal end of the rear end inserted portion <NUM> of the end plug <NUM>.

In the state shown in <FIG>, between the outer peripheral surface of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the digitizer unit <NUM> can be taken-out and put-in, and frictional force of an extent such that the digitizer unit <NUM> does not fall out naturally even if the digitizer unit <NUM> is turned face down in a state of being inserted in the wood shaft <NUM>, is applied. This can be realized by adjusting the respective diameters of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM>. Or, this may be realized by adjusting the respective surface roughnesses of the outer peripheral surface of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the eleventh embodiment in a partial sectional side view. The pencil lead <NUM>, which is a writing member having a writing function, is accommodated as the inserted member <NUM> in the rear half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. The distal end of the pencil lead <NUM> reaches a portion midway along the wood shaft <NUM>, and the distal end edge thereof is the insertion restricting portion <NUM>. On the other hand, the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>. The press-contact portion <NUM> that is provided at the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> press-contacts the insertion restricting portion <NUM> of the distal end edge of the pencil lead <NUM>. Namely, the insertion restricting portion <NUM> demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>.

Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>. Further, the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> as well can be cut by a sharpener in the same way as a usual pencil, and the rear end of the input pen <NUM> can be used as a pencil.

<FIG> shows a third example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the eleventh embodiment in a partial sectional side view. In the present example, in the same way as in the above-described second example, the pencil lead <NUM> that serves as the inserted member <NUM> is accommodated in the rear half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>, and an adjusting member <NUM> that serves as a spacer is interposed between the distal end of the pencil lead <NUM> and the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM>. The adjusting member <NUM> can be formed of an appropriate material such as a wood material, plastic or the like. Positioning of the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the interior of the wood shaft <NUM> is possible by the adjusting member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fourth example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the eleventh embodiment in a partial sectional side view. A ballpoint pen refill <NUM>, which is a writing member having a writing function, is accommodated as the inserted member <NUM> in the rear half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. The distal end (note that this is opposite the side where the writing tip is positioned) of the ballpoint pen refill <NUM> reaches a portion midway along the wood shaft <NUM>, and the distal end edge thereof is the insertion restricting portion <NUM>. On the other hand, the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>. The press-contact portion <NUM> that is provided at the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> press-contacts the insertion restricting portion <NUM> of the distal end edge of the ballpoint pen refill <NUM>. Namely, the insertion restricting portion <NUM> demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>.

Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>. Further, because the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> also is cut as the taper portion <NUM> in the same way, the writing tip is, after all, easy to see at the time when the rear end of the input pen <NUM> is used as a ballpoint pen. Note that, in the present example as well, as in the above-described third example, by interposing the adjusting member <NUM> that serves as a spacer between the distal end of the ballpoint pen refill <NUM> and the digitizer unit <NUM>, positioning of the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> within the wood shaft <NUM> can be carried out.

<FIG> shows a fifth example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the eleventh embodiment in a partial sectional side view. An input pen unit <NUM> that serves as the inserted member <NUM> is accommodated in the rear half portion of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. The input pen unit <NUM> is desirably a unit that enables a form of inputting (e.g., a pressure sensitive type, an electrostatic capacitance type, or the like) that is different than that of the digitizer unit <NUM>, but may be an electromagnetic induction type that is the same as the digitizer unit <NUM>. The distal end (note that this is opposite the side where the writing tip is positioned) of the input pen unit <NUM> reaches a portion midway along the wood shaft <NUM>, and the distal end edge thereof is the insertion restricting portion <NUM>. On the other hand, the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>. The press-contact portion <NUM> that is provided at the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> press-contacts the insertion restricting portion <NUM> of the distal end edge of the input pen unit <NUM>. Namely, the insertion restricting portion <NUM> demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>.

Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>. Further, because the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM> also is cut as the taper portion <NUM> in the same way, the inputting tip is, after all, easy to see at the time when the rear end of the input pen <NUM> is used as another input pen. Note that, in the present example as well, as in the above-described third example, by interposing the adjusting member <NUM> that serves as a spacer between the distal end of the input pen unit <NUM> and the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM>, positioning of the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> within the wood shaft <NUM> can be carried out.

The structure of the wood shaft <NUM> that is used in the twelfth embodiment is described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As shown in the plan view of <FIG> and the bottom view of <FIG>, the wood shaft <NUM> presents a pillar-shaped structure of a hexagonal cross-section, and is formed by the wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM>, which are divided in two along the length direction, being affixed together as shown in the assembly drawing of <FIG>. A space, which has a circular cross-section due to grooves which are semicircular in cross-section and are bored in the front half portions of the respective wood shaft members <NUM>, <NUM> being superposed on one another, is formed in the front half portion at the interior of the wood shaft <NUM>. This is the mounting hole <NUM> that accommodates the digitizer unit <NUM> at the axial center of the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the digitizer unit <NUM> is the same as that used in the above-described eleventh embodiment. On the other hand, the rear half portion of the wood shaft <NUM> is solid, and the mounting hole <NUM> is formed as a hole with a bottom, from one end (here, the distal end) of the wood shaft <NUM> to a portion midway therealong. Further, a bottom surface <NUM> of this hole with a bottom faces toward the distal end side, and this functions as the insertion restricting portion <NUM> that demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>. The wood shaft <NUM> is formed to be a size that is similar to that of the wood shaft of an ordinary pencil.

The material of the wood shaft <NUM> and the significance of using the wood shaft <NUM> are similar to those of the above-described eleventh embodiment.

<FIG> shows a first example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. The bottom surface <NUM> of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM> is the above-described insertion restricting portion <NUM>, and press-contacts the press-contact portion <NUM> of the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM> that is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>. Namely, the insertion restricting portion <NUM> demarcates the insertion limit of the digitizer unit <NUM>. Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>.

In the state shown in <FIG>, between the outer peripheral surface of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole <NUM>, the digitizer unit <NUM> can be taken-out and put-in, and frictional force of an extent such that the digitizer unit <NUM> does not naturally fall out even if the digitizer unit <NUM> is turned face down in a state of being inserted in the wood shaft <NUM>, is applied. The digitizer unit <NUM> engages with the wood shaft <NUM> due to this frictional force. This can be realized by adjusting the respective diameters of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM>. Or, this may be realized by adjusting the respective surface roughnesses of the outer peripheral surface of the digitizer unit <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. A fit-together concave portion <NUM> that serves as the insertion restricting portion <NUM> is fixed to the bottom surface <NUM> of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. On the other hand, a fit-together convex portion <NUM>, which is a projection of a shape that can fit-together with this fit-together concave portion <NUM>, is formed as the press-contact portion <NUM> at the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM>. When the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>, the fit-together convex portion <NUM> fits-together with the fit-together concave portion <NUM>, and due to this fitting together, the digitizer unit <NUM> engages with the wood shaft <NUM>, and use of the input pen <NUM> is possible.

If, from this state, the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> is pinched and pulled in the distal end direction, the fitting together of the fit-together convex portion <NUM> and the fit-together concave portion <NUM> is cancelled and they separate, and the digitizer unit <NUM> can be removed from the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a third example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. A magnetic force attracting portion <NUM>, at which one pole (e.g., the S pole) of a magnet faces in the distal end direction, is fixed as the insertion restricting portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM> of the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>. On the other hand, a magnetic force attracting portion <NUM>, at which the pole (e.g., the N pole) that is the reverse of that of the magnetic force attracting portion <NUM> faces in the rear end direction, is fixed as the press-contact portion <NUM> to the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM>. When the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>, the both magnetic force attracting portions <NUM>, <NUM> attract one another due to the magnetic forces thereof, and, due to this attraction, the digitizer unit <NUM> engages with the wood shaft <NUM>, and use of the input pen <NUM> is possible.

If, from this state, the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> is pinched and pulled in the distal end direction, the mutual attraction of the magnetic force attracting portions <NUM>, <NUM> is cancelled and they separate, and the digitizer unit <NUM> can be removed from the wood shaft <NUM>. Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fourth example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. A puncturing portion <NUM> such as the pin of a thumbtack is fixed as the press-contact portion <NUM> to the rear end of the digitizer unit <NUM>. When the digitizer unit <NUM> is inserted in from the distal end of the mounting hole <NUM>, the puncturing portion <NUM> punctures the bottom surface <NUM> that serves as the insertion restricting portion <NUM> at the mounting hole <NUM> of the wood shaft <NUM>, and, due to this puncturing, the digitizer unit <NUM> engages with the wood shaft <NUM>, and use as the input pen <NUM> is possible. Note that the distal end of the wood shaft <NUM> is the taper portion <NUM> that is cut in a tapered form, and it is easy to see the distal end of the digitizer unit <NUM> at the time of using the input pen <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fifth example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. In the present example, in the above-described second example, a grip portion <NUM>, which is formed of a material that is softer than a wood material, e.g., rubber or the like, is provided at the outer periphery of the distal end side portion of the wood shaft <NUM>. The outer diameter of the portion at which this grip portion <NUM> is provided is a length of an extent that cannot be inserted into an ordinary sharpener. Due thereto, the distal end side at which the digitizer unit <NUM> is provided being mistakenly cut by a sharpener can be prevented. Note that this grip portion <NUM> is not limited to the above-described second example of the present embodiment, and can be provided at other examples as well, and further, can be provided also at the respective examples of the above-described eleventh embodiment.

<FIG> shows a sixth example of the input pen <NUM> relating to the twelfth embodiment in a partial sectional side view. In the present example, in the above-described second example, a decorative portion <NUM> is mounted to the rear end of the wood shaft <NUM>. This decorative portion <NUM> can be used by being formed in the shape of an animal or comic book character or the like, or by having a name written thereon, or by having various types of illustrations, advertisements, company names or the like printed thereon. Note that this decorative portion <NUM> is not limited to the above-described second example of the present embodiment, and can be provided at the other examples as well.

In the above-described eleventh embodiment or twelfth embodiment, the cross-section of the wood shaft <NUM> is formed in a hexagonal shape as shown in the schematic plan view of <FIG>, and therefore can be manufactured by applying an existing production line for pencils. However, the wood shaft <NUM> is not limited to this hexagonal cross-section, and can be formed as a shaft that has an equilateral triangular (<FIG>) or circular (<FIG>) cross-sectional shape, which are employed as cross-sectional shapes of pencils, or can be made to be another arbitrary shape.

Claim 1:
An input pen (<NUM>) comprising:
a wood shaft (<NUM>),
a mounting hole (<NUM>) that is formed at an axial center of the wood shaft (<NUM>), and
an input body (<NUM>) that is rod-shaped and is mounted in the mounting hole (<NUM>), wherein an inner side surface of the mounting hole (<NUM>) and an outer side surface of the input body (<NUM>) are removably fixed,
wherein the input body (<NUM>) comprises
an outer tube (<NUM>),
a digitizer unit (<NUM>) built-into the interior of the outer tube (<NUM>),
a rod-shaped ferrite core (<NUM>) that is positioned at an axial center,
an electromagnetic induction coil (<NUM>) that is disposed at an outer periphery of the ferrite core (<NUM>), wherein the digitizer unit (<NUM>) has a structure in which the rod-shaped ferrite core (<NUM>) is mounted via a distal end coupling (<NUM>) to the distal end of an accommodating tube (<NUM>),
a contacting distal tip (<NUM>) that is fixed to a distal end of the ferrite core (<NUM>), and
a writing pressure sensing portion (<NUM>) in accordance with a variable capacitance capacitor (46a) that senses pressing force applied to the contacting distal tip (<NUM>), wherein the writing pressure sensing portion (<NUM>) is mounted to the rear end of the accommodating tube (<NUM>),
wherein the input body (<NUM>) is configured as a refill and further comprises a second capacitor (<NUM>),
wherein the ferrite core (<NUM>), the electromagnetic induction coil (<NUM>), the writing pressure sensing section (<NUM>) and the second capacitor (<NUM>) are electronic parts that are built-in within the input body (<NUM>), and form a parallel resonance circuit, wherein:
the input body (<NUM>) is accommodated in the mounting hole (<NUM>),
an insertion restricting portion (<NUM>), which demarcates an insertion limit of the input body (<NUM>) in the mounting hole (<NUM>), is provided at a midway portion of the wood shaft (<NUM>), and
a rear end of the input body (<NUM>) is formed as a press-contact portion that press-contacts the insertion restricting portion (<NUM>).