Patent ID: 12229350

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of an electronic pen according to the present disclosure will be described below, referring to the drawings. First, an embodiment in a case where the present disclosure is applied to an electronic pen of an electromagnetic induction system will be described.

[Configuration of Electronic Pen]

FIG.1is a figure for explaining a configuration example of an electronic pen of an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is for explaining an outline of the whole of an electronic pen10in the present embodiment. InFIG.1, a casing (case)11of the electronic pen10in the present embodiment is cut, and the inside of the same is depicted.

The electronic pen10in the present embodiment has a configuration wherein an electronic pen main body section8is accommodated in the casing11. As illustrated inFIG.1, the electronic pen main body section8is a section configured to include a core body1, a coil section2, a connection section (connection member)3, and a circuit board4, in which a board protecting pipe (rigid tubular member)6is provided around the circuit board4, and, further, an end of the board protecting pipe6on the side opposite to the core body1side is closed with a pipe cap7.

FIG.2Ais an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the electronic pen main body section8. The coil section2is formed by winding an insulated wire (coated wire) around a hollow cylindrical ferrite21. As depicted inFIG.2A, ferrite portions around which the coated wire is not wound are provided on both sides in the axial direction of the coil section2.

As depicted inFIG.1andFIG.2A, the connection section3includes, in rough classification, a pen pressure detector31, a fitting section32, and a connection terminal section33. The pen pressure detector31is configured in a cylindrical shape from a resin or the like, and the outer periphery and shape of its end face on the coil section2side are substantially coincident with the outer periphery and shape of that portion of the coil section2around which the coil is wound. Besides, on the side of that end face of the pen pressure detector31which faces the coil section2, there is provided a recess for fitting to that ferrite section of the coil section2around which the coated wire is not wound. In addition, as will also be described later, a member for holding the core body1and a pressure-sensing part for detecting a pen pressure exerted on the core body1are provided inside the pen pressure detector31.

The fitting section32is a section for fitting to the board protecting pipe6which will be described later. The fitting section32is formed, for example, in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape from a resin, a rigid rubber or the like, and is firmly fitted to and united with the pen pressure detector31. Though not illustrated, a recess for fitting to a projected portion4aof the circuit board4which will be described later is provided inside the fitting section32. Note that the outside diameter of the fitting section32is slightly longer than the inside diameter of the board protecting pipe6, such as to permit firm fitting of the fitting section32to the board protecting pipe6. It is ensured that when the board protecting pipe6is fitted to the fitting section32, the outer periphery of the board protecting pipe6coincides with the outer periphery of the pen pressure detector31. In other words, the outside diameter of the coil section2, the outside diameter of the pen pressure detector31, and the outside diameter of the board protecting pipe6are substantially the same. Note that an end of the fitting section32on the side opposite to the core body1is provided with an inclined portion where the outer periphery of the fitting section32is shorter than the inner periphery of the board protecting pipe6, in order to permit easy insertion of the board protecting pipe6.

As depicted inFIG.2A, the connection terminal section33is provided with upper and lower two plate portions for coupling to the fitting section32. The plate portions are to be disposed such that the circuit board4, which will be described later, is sandwiched therebetween. In this case, the spacing between the upper and lower two plate portions is slightly narrower than the thickness of the circuit board4, such that the circuit board4can be clamped therebetween. As depicted inFIG.1andFIG.2A, one of these two plate portions is provided with terminals33aand33bto which signal wires extended from terminal members of the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31are connected.

The circuit board4is formed in a configuration wherein terminals41aand41band various circuit parts are mounted on a rectangular insulating substrate provided with projected portions4aand4bat both ends in the axial direction, and wiring for connecting them is provided on the insulating substrate. The various circuit parts include an integrated circuit (IC)42functioning as a control circuit, a side switch43, and capacitors44to49. As depicted inFIGS.1and2A, the circuit board4is accommodated inside the board protecting pipe6and is thereby protected.

Ideally, the circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6in such a manner that an axis O of the board protecting pipe6and the axis of the circuit board4substantially coincide with each other, as depicted inFIG.2B. In this case, it is ideal for the circuit board4to be formed in such a manner that, exclusive of the parts of the projected portions4aand4bprovided at both ends in the axial direction thereof, the diagonal of a section in a direction orthogonal to the axis thereof is equal to the inside diameter of the board protecting pipe6. However, in order that the circuit board4can be easily accommodated in the board protecting pipe6, the diagonal of the section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, indicated by dotted line inFIG.2B, is set to be slightly shorter than the inside diameter of the board protecting pipe6.

The board protective pipe6is a rigid tubular member which is formed by use of a metal, a carbon material, a synthetic resin or the like and is not liable to be broken or bent. As depicted inFIG.2A, the board protecting pipe6has a core body side opening61and a rear end side opening62at both ends thereof. The core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62are openings in directions that intersect the axial direction. A part in a predetermined range inside the board protecting pipe6from the core body side opening61is a core body side fitting section61ainto which the fitting section32of the connection section3is inserted and fitted. Similarly, a part in a predetermined range inside the board protecting pipe6from the rear end side opening62is a rear end side fitting section61ainto which the pipe cap7, to be described later, is inserted.

Note that in the present embodiment, as depicted inFIG.2A, the part of the rear end side fitting section62ais provided with a projected portion62bfor fitting to a recess7bof the pipe cap7which will be described later. Besides, similarly to the case of the rear end side fitting section62a, the core body side fitting section61amay also be provided with a projected portion, and a recess conforming to the projected portion may be provided in the fitting section32of the connection section3. With such a configuration, the fitting section32of the connection section3and the board protecting pipe6can be fitted to each other more firmly.

Further, the board protecting pipe6has an opening (a side opening in a direction along the axial direction)63formed in the manner of cutting away a part of a side wall of the board protecting pipe6such as to interconnect the core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62. In this case, the board protecting pipe6has a side wall in an angular range of not less than 180 degrees with its axis as a center, notwithstanding it is provided with the opening63. More specifically, as depicted inFIG.2B, the side wall of the board protecting pipe6is left in such a manner that when the circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6, both long sides of that surface of the circuit board4which faces the opening63make contact with an inner wall of the board protecting pipe6. In other words, the width in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the opening63is set to be narrower than the width in a direction intersecting the axial direction of other portion of the circuit board4than the projected portions4aand4b.

In addition, as depicted inFIG.2A, the board protecting pipe6is provided with a cutout61bin a part of the core body side fitting section61a. Though not illustrated, a projected portion provided in the fitting section32of the connection section3is fitted to the cutout61b, whereby it is ensured that where the board protecting pipe6is fitted to the fitting section32, their positions are restricted such as to prevent both of them from rotating. Besides, as depicted inFIG.2A, the board protecting pipe6is provided with board receiving base attaching holes64aand64bas board fixing portions for fixing the board.

A trapezoidal board receiving base5is attached to the board receiving base attaching holes64aand64bof the board protecting pipe6, as depicted inFIG.2A. That surface of the board receiving base5which is attached to the board protecting pipe6is curved correspondingly to the shape of the inner wall of the board protecting pipe6, as depicted in FIG., and is provided with fixing projections51aand51bto be fitted to the board receiving base attaching holes64aand64b, as depicted inFIG.2A. With the fixing projections51aand51bof the board receiving base fitted into the board receiving base attaching holes64aand64bof the board protecting pipe6, the board receiving base5is fixed to the board protecting pipe6. The board receiving base5is provided between the board protecting pipe6and the circuit board4, as illustrated inFIG.2B.

Note that the board fixing portions can be used not only for attaching the board receiving base5but also for fixing the board protecting pipe to a workbench or the like. In addition, the board fixing portions are not limited to the attaching holes. For example, in the case where the board receiving base5is provided with a recess or recesses, the board fixing portions may be in the shape of a projection or projections to be fitted to the recess or recesses; alternatively, the board fixing portions may be in the shape of hooks for clamping the board receiving base on front and rear sides of the board receiving base; thus, various modes for fixing the board receiving base5to the board protecting pipe6can be adopted.

Further, as depicted inFIG.2A, the pipe cap7is provided which is fitted to the rear end side fitting section62aof the board protecting pipe6. The pipe cap7has a fitting section7acoinciding with the inside diameter of the rear end side fitting section62aof the board protecting pipe6, and the fitting section7ais provided with the recess7bconforming to the projected portion62bprovided in the rear end side fitting section62aof the board protecting pipe6. In addition, the fitting section7aof the pipe cap7is provided on the inside thereof with a recess7cto which the projected portion4bof the circuit board4is fitted. Besides, an end, on the side opposite to the board protecting pipe6, of the fitting section7aof the pipe cap7is a flange portion which has a diameter equal to the outside diameter of the board protecting pipe6and has a certain extent of thickness.

The core body1penetrates the ferrite21of the coil section2, reaches the pen pressure detector31of the connection section3fitted to the ferrite21, and is held at the pen pressure detector31. Besides, the circuit board4is inserted in between the two plate portions of the connection terminal section33of the connection section3. By this, the projected portion4aon the core body side of the circuit board4is fitted into the recess of the fitting section32, and the circuit board4is clamped between the two plate portions of the connection terminal section33. In addition, the terminal33aof the connection terminal section33and the terminal41aof the circuit board4are connected to each other, and the terminal33bof the connection terminal section33and the terminal41bof the circuit board4are connected to each other.

The terminals41aand41bof the circuit board4are connected to an electronic circuit formed on the circuit board4that includes the IC42, the side switch43, the capacitors44to49and the like. By this, a pen pressure can be detected at the IC42and can be utilized. In addition, though not illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, extension wires23aand23bextending from both coil ends of the coil section2are also connected to the electronic circuit formed on the circuit board4. By this, the coil22constitutes a resonance circuit together with the IC42and the capacitors44,45, . . . on the circuit board4, and, though details will be described later, signals can be transferred between the position detecting device and the electronic pen10in the present embodiment.

FIG.3is a sectional view of a connection site in the case where the core body1, the coil section2, the connection section3, the circuit board4, and the board protecting pipe6are connected. InFIG.3, the pen pressure detector31of the connection section3is formed by providing the pressure-sensing parts in a resin mold31x, for example. Besides, as depicted inFIG.3, that ferrite21part of the coil section2around which the coil22is not wound is fitted into and connected to the recess in the pen pressure detector31of the connection section3.

As depicted inFIG.3, the pressure-sensing parts of the pen pressure detector31consist of a plurality of parts, namely, a dielectric31a, a terminal member31b, a holding member31c, a conductive member31d, and an elastic member31e. The terminal member31bis formed of a conductive material, and constitutes a first electrode of a variable capacitor composed of the pressure-sensing parts. In addition, the conductive member31dis composed, for example, of a conductive rubber, and the elastic member31eis composed of a coil spring formed of a conductive material. The conductive member31dand the elastic member31eare electrically connected, and constitute a second electrode of the variable capacitor.

As depicted inFIG.3, the core body1penetrates the hollow cylindrical ferrite21of the coil section2, and reaches, and is held by, the holding member31cof the pen pressure detector31. By this, the capacitance of the variable capacitor (pressure-sensing member) formed between the terminal member31bconstituting the first electrode and the conductive member31dconstituting the second electrode is varied according to a pressure exerted on the core body1. Variation in the capacitance of the variable capacitor is connected to the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33through the signal wires.

Further, as depicted inFIG.3, the core body side projected portion4aof the circuit board4is fitted into the fitting section32, and the circuit board4is connected to the two plate portions of the connection terminal section33in the manner of being clamped between the two plate portions. By this, as depicted inFIG.3, the connection terminal33aof the connection terminal section33and the terminal41aof the circuit board4are connected. In addition, the connection terminal33bof the connection terminal section33and the terminal41bof the circuit board4are connected. By this, as aforementioned, the signal wires extending from the terminal members of the pressure-sensing parts of the pen pressure detector31are connected to the circuit board4. In addition, as depicted inFIG.3, the extension wires23aand23bextending from both ends of the coil section2and the circuit board4are connected, and constitute the resonance circuit together with the capacitors44and the like on the circuit board4, as also aforementioned.

The circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6. In this case, the fitting section32of the connection section3and the core body side fitting section61aof the board protecting pipe6are fitted to each other, such that the connection section3and the board protecting pipe6are not separated from each other. By this, the circuit board4is protected by the board protecting pipe6, and is prevented from being bent or broken.

FIG.4Ais a figure for explaining a state in which the circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6. As depicted inFIG.4A, the overall length of the board protecting pipe6and that of the circuit board4are substantially the same. In other words, the whole of the circuit board4can be accommodated in the board protecting pipe6. In addition, in the state in which the circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6, the side switch43can be operated through the opening63which is provided in an upper portion of the board protecting pipe6inFIG.4A.

Besides, as also aforementioned, the coil22of the coil section2and the plurality of capacitors44to49on the circuit board4are connected to constitute the resonance circuit, so that signals can be transferred between the electronic pen10and the position detecting device. However, in view of the capacitance in the resonance circuit, all the capacitors may not necessarily be connected. In such a case, an operation of cutting the connection of the unrequired capacitors by laser or the like can be performed on the circuit board4through the opening63.

In addition, when the circuit board4is accommodated into the board protecting pipe6through, for example, the core body side opening61of the board protecting pipe6, the lower side of a tip of the circuit board4comes into contact with an inclined surface of the trapezoidal board receiving base, as depicted inFIG.4B, and is pushed up in the direction of arrow. As also aforementioned, the diagonal of the section as viewed in the axial direction of the circuit board4is slightly shorter than the inside diameter of the board protecting pipe6. Therefore, with the circuit board4slightly lifted up by the board receiving base5, both long sides of that surface of the circuit board4which faces the opening63of the board protecting pipe6are pressed against the inner wall of the board protecting pipe6.

By this, the circuit board4is clamped between the board receiving base5and the board protecting pipe6, and is thereby fixed in the board protecting pipe6. Note that also in the case of accommodating the circuit board4through the rear end side opening62, the circuit board4can be similarly clamped between the board receiving base5and the board protecting pipe6. Further, the pipe cap7is fitted into the rear end side opening62of the board protecting pipe6, and the recess7cin the pipe cap7is fitted to the rear end side projected portion4bof the circuit board4.

In this way, the coil section2is fixed by being fitted to the recess provided in the pen pressure detector31of the connection section3. Then, the core body1penetrating the ferrite of the coil section2reaches the holding member31cof the pen pressure detector31and is thereby held. In addition, the circuit board4is fitted to the recess in the fitting section32of the connection section3, and, further, is clamped between the two plate portions of the connection terminal section33, to be thereby fixed. Besides, the circuit board4is fixed in the board protecting pipe6, by the action of the board receiving base5fixed in the board protecting pipe6, and is thereby protected from external pressures. In addition, the board protecting pipe6is fixed by being fitted to the fitting section32of the connection section3.

Further, the pipe cap7is fitted into the rear end side opening62of the board protecting pipe6, and the recess7cin the pipe cap7is fitted to the rear end side projected portion4bof the circuit board4, whereby the circuit board4is fixed within the board protecting pipe6. By this, the electronic pen main body section8is formed wherein the core body1, the coil section2, the connection section3, the circuit board4, the board receiving base5and the board protecting pipe6, and the pipe cap7are united together. The electronic pen main body section8formed in this way is accommodated in the casing11, and a casing cap12is attached thereto, as depicted inFIG.1, whereby the electronic pen10to be used by a user is configured. Note that the pipe cap7and the casing cap12may be integral with each other. In other words, the pipe cap7and the casing cap12may be configured as an integral body.

[Outline of Coordinate Detection Sensor of Electromagnetic Resonance System]

A circuit configuration example in a specific embodiment of a position detecting device200of an electromagnetic resonance system for detection of an indicated position and detection (sensing) of a pen pressure by use of the electronic pen10of the electromagnetic resonance system described usingFIGS.1to4will be described below, referring toFIG.5.FIG.5is a block diagram depicting a circuit configuration example of the electronic pen10and the position detecting device200. The electronic pen10and the position detecting device200constitute an input device.

The electronic pen10is represented, in terms of circuit configuration, by a resonance circuit which includes a position indication coil22, a pen pressure detector (inclusive of a variable capacitor as a pressure-sensing part)31connected to the position indication coil22, and a resonance capacitor44and the like connected in parallel to the pen pressure detector31.

On the other hand, the position detecting device200includes an X-axis direction loop coil group204aand a Y-axis direction loop coil group204bprovided in a stacked form, whereby a coordinate detection sensor201of an electromagnetic induction system is formed. Each of the loop coil groups204aand204bis composed of 40 rectangular loop coils, for example. The loop coils constituting each of the loop coil groups204aand204bare disposed in the state of sequentially overlapping while being aligned at regular intervals.

In addition, the position detecting device200is provided with a selection circuit206to which the X-axis direction loop coil group204aand the Y-axis direction loop coil group204bare connected. The selection circuit206sequentially selects one loop coil from among the two loop coil groups204aand204b.

Further, the position detecting device200is provided with an oscillator203, a current driver205, a change-over connection circuit207, a reception amplifier208, a detector209, a low-pass filter210, a sample hold circuit212, an analog to digital (A/D) conversion circuit213, a synchronous detector216, a low-pass filter217, a sample hold circuit218, an A/D conversion circuit219, and a processor214.

The oscillator203is an oscillator that generates an alternate current (AC) signal of a frequency f0 and supplies it to the current driver205and the synchronous detector216. The current driver205converts the AC signal supplied from the oscillator203into a current, and outputs it to the change-over connection circuit207. The change-over connection circuit207changes over a connection destination (a transmission-side terminal T, a reception-side terminal S) to which the loop coil selected by the selection circuit206is connected, according to a control from the processor214which will be described later. Of these connection destinations, the transmission-side terminal T is connected with the current driver205, whereas the reception-side terminal R is connected with the reception amplifier208.

An induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit206is sent to the reception amplifier208through the selection circuit206and the change-over connection circuit207. The reception amplifier208amplifies the induced voltage supplied from the loop coil, and outputs the amplified voltage to the detector209and the synchronous detector216.

The detector209detects the induced voltage generated in the loop coil, namely, the received signal, and outputs it to the low-pass filter210. The low-pass filter210has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the aforementioned frequency f0, converts the output signal of the detector209into a direct current (DC) signal, and outputs it to the sample hold circuit212. The sample hold circuit212holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter210at a predetermined timing, specifically, at a predetermined timing during a reception period, and outputs it to the A/D conversion circuit213. The A/D conversion circuit213converts the analog output of the sample hold circuit212into a digital signal, and outputs it to the processor214.

On the other hand, the synchronous detector216synchronously detects the output signal of the reception amplifier208by using the AC signal from the oscillator203, and outputs to the low-pass filter217a signal at a level according to a phase difference between these signals. The low-pass filter217has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency f0, converts the output signal of the synchronous detector216into a DC signal, and outputs it to the sample hold circuit218. The sample hold circuit218holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter217at a predetermined timing, and outputs it to the A/D conversion circuit219. The A/D conversion circuit219converts the analog output of the sample hold circuit218into a digital signal, and outputs it to the processor214.

The processor214controls each part of the position detecting device200. Specifically, the processor214controls selection of the loop coil in the selection circuit206, change-over in the change-over connection circuit207, and the timings in the sample hold circuits212and218. The processor214causes electromagnetic waves to be transmitted from the X-axis direction loop coil group204aand the Y-axis direction loop coil group204bat predetermined transmission continuation periods, based on the signals inputted from the A/D conversion circuits213and219.

In each loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group204aand the Y-axis direction loop coil group204b, an induced voltage is generated by an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electronic pen10. Based on the level of the voltage value of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil, the processor214calculates coordinate values of the indicated position in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction of the electronic pen10. In addition, the processor214detects a pen pressure, based on a phase difference between the transmitted electromagnetic wave and the received electromagnetic wave. In this way, the input device can be configured by the electronic pen10of the electromagnetic resonance system in the present embodiment and the position detecting device200of the electromagnetic resonance system depicted inFIG.5.

[Electronic Pen Main Body Section of Cartridge Type]

Utilizing the electronic pen main body section8in the present embodiment, an electronic pen cartridge of the same shape as that of a refill of a ball-point pen, for example, can be configured, and by attaching it to the inside of a ball-point pen casing, for example, an electronic pen can be configured.FIGS.6A and6Bare figures for explaining an electronic pen cartridge configured by use of the electronic pen main body section8in the present embodiment.

FIG.6Ais the electronic pen main body section8configured as described usingFIGS.1to4.FIG.6Adepicts a tubular cartridge casing8CT in which to accommodate the electronic pen main body section8. Of the cartridge casing8CT, a left-side end (core body side end) inFIG.6Ahas a small opening such that a tip portion of the core body of the electronic pen main body section8is protruded therethrough. In addition, of the cartridge casing8CT, a right-side end (rear end side end) inFIG.6Ahas an opening through which to insert the electronic pen main body section8.

As indicated by dotted-line arrow inFIG.6A, the electronic pen main body section8is accommodated into the cartridge casing8CT through the opening at the rear end side end.FIG.6Bdepicts an external appearance of an electronic pen cartridge9configured by accommodating the electronic pen main body section8in the cartridge casing8CT. Note that inFIG.6B, there is depicted a case where the cartridge casing8CT is composed of a transparent synthetic resin, so that the inside thereof can be visually checked.

In the case of this example, as depicted inFIG.6B, only a tip portion of the core body1of the electronic pen main body section8is protruding from the opening at the core body side end of the cartridge casing8CT, and the other portion of the electronic pen main body section8is located inside the cartridge casing8CT. The opening at the rear end side end of the cartridge casing8CT is closed by fitting a cartridge casing cap8BK thereto. As depicted inFIG.6B, the cartridge casing cap8BK in this example is provided with a recess for mounting into a ball-point pen casing, similarly to a refill of a ball-point pen. Note that the pipe cap7and the cartridge casing cap8BK may be integral with each other. In other words, the pipe cap7and the cartridge casing cap8BK may be configured as an integral body.

As illustrated inFIG.6B, of the electronic pen cartridge9in this example, a length R1in the longitudinal direction and a width R2in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction are coincident with the length and the width of a refill of a ball-point pen to which this cartridge is attached.

By this, it is ensured that where the electronic pen cartridge9in this example formed by accommodating the electronic pen main body section8in the cartridge casing8CT is mounted into a predetermined ball-point pen casing, an electronic pen to be used by a user can be thereby configured. In other words, an electronic pen can be configured by using an existing ball-point pen casing and the electronic pen cartridge9. By this, an electronic pen with good utility can be handily configured by utilizing a casing of a ball-point pen which the user is accustomed to use.

In addition, as described usingFIGS.6A and6B, in the case where the electronic pen cartridge9is formed, it can be utilized in place of a refill to be mounted into a casing of a multi-color ball-point pen.FIGS.7A,7B, and7Care figures for explaining an example in a case where the electronic pen cartridge is utilized for a casing of a multi-color ball-point pen.

FIG.7Ais a configuration view depicting an external appearance of an electronic pen10X in this example. In the example ofFIG.7A, also, a casing11M of the electronic pen10X is composed of a transparent synthetic resin, so that the inside thereof is seen through.

The casing11M of the electronic pen10X has the same configuration as that of a casing and a knock cam mechanism of a commercialized knock-type multi-color ball-point pen. The casing and the knock cam mechanism of a commercialized knock-type multi-color ball-point pen may be used as they are. In this example, three electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are accommodated in the casing11M.

The casing11M is formed with an opening11Ma on one end side in the axial direction thereof, so that when one of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E is moved sliding in the axial direction by the knocking mechanism, a tip portion of the core body1thereof is protruded to the outside through the opening11Ma.

In a state in which none of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E is moved sliding in the axial direction by the knocking mechanism, as depicted inFIG.7A, the whole body of the cartridges inclusive of the tips of the respective core bodies1is accommodated in a hollow part of the casing11M and is thereby protected. Then, as aforementioned, the tip of the core body1of that one of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E which is moved sliding in the axial direction by the knocking mechanism is protruded to the exterior through the opening11Ma. Therefore, the electronic pen cartridge of which the tip of the core body1is protruded to the outside through the opening11Ma by the knocking mechanism is released from protection.

The electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are configured, on an external shape basis, similarly to the electronic pen cartridge9described usingFIGS.6A and6B, except that they are configured in the same size as a refill of a multi-color ball-point pen. It is to be noted that in the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E in the case of this example, cartridge casings91B,91R, and91E (corresponding to the cartridge casing8CT in the drawing) are each provided with a switch member which is turned ON and OFF according to the movement in the axial direction by the knocking mechanism, as will be described later.

In the electronic pen10X in this example, as will be described later, whether the respective electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are protected in the electronic pen10X by the knocking mechanism is detected, based on the states of the switches provided in the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E. The other configurations of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are similarly to those of the electronic pen cartridge9described usingFIGS.1to4B,6A and6B.

The knocking mechanism of the electronic pen10X includes knock rods19B,19R, and19E provided with fitting sections19Ba,19Ra, and19Ea to which the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are fitted individually, and coil springs18B,18R, and18E disposed between the respective fitting sections19Ba,19Ra, and19Ea of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E and a spring receiving member17.

The spring receiving member17is attached in the state of being fixed at a predetermined position in the axial direction in the hollow part of the casing11M. The spring receiving member17is formed therein with through-holes17B,17R, and17E in and through which the cartridge casings91B,91R, and91E of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are inserted and passed. The electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are passed through the through-holes17B,17R, and17E of the spring receiving member17and through the coil springs18B,18R, and18E and fitted to the fitting sections19Ba,19Ra, and19Ea of the knock rods19B,19R, and19E, thereby being attached to the electronic pen10X.

Those parts of the casing11M in which the knock rods19B,19R, and19E are accommodated are provide with through-slits (omitted from illustration inFIG.7A) through which parts of the knock rods19B,19R, and19E are exposed to the exterior and in which the knock rods19B,19R, and19E can be moved in the axial direction.

Like a known multi-color ball-point pen, the electronic pen10X is configured as follows. When one of the knock rods19B,19R, and19E is slid toward the opening11Ma side, resulting in a state in which the tip of the core body1of one of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E that is fitted to the knock rod thus slid is protruded to the outside through the opening11Ma, a locking portion (omitted from illustration) of the knock rod19B,19R, or19E is engaged with an engaging portion formed in the hollow part of the casing11M, resulting in a locked state in which this engaged state is locked.

In the locked state, when another knock rod is moved sliding toward the opening11Ma side, the locking of the knock rod in the locked state is released, and this knock rod is returned into its original state depicted inFIG.7Aby one of the coil springs18B,18R, and18E. Then, the knock rod moved sliding later can be put into a locked state in a state wherein the tip of the core body1of that one of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E which is fitted to the knock rod is protruded to the outside through the opening11Ma.

Subsequently, in the same manner, by putting the knock rod into sliding movement, the electronic pen cartridge of which the tip is protruded through the opening11Ma can be changed. When the sliding movement of one of the knock rods19B,19R, and19E is stopped in the course of reaching a locked state, locking of another knock rod which is in a locked state is released, and this knock rod is returned into the protected state ofFIG.7Aby one of the coil springs18B,18R, and18E.

FIGS.7Band C are figures for explaining the switch provided in the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E.FIGS.7Band C depict the switch provided in the electronic pen cartridge9B, and similar configuration is applied also to the other electronic pen cartridges9R and9E.

Specifically, a through-hole91Ba is provided in a peripheral surface of that part of the cartridge casing91B which is just accommodated in the through-hole17B of the spring receiving member17when the electronic pen cartridge9B is fitted to the fitting section19Ba of the knock rod19B being in a non-locked state; in addition, a switch member50B is provided inside the cartridge casing91B in such a manner that part thereof is exposed through the through-hole91Ba in this instance.

The switch member50B includes a material which has elasticity and conductivity, for example, a conductive metal having elasticity. As depicted inFIGS.7Band C, the switch member50B includes a fixed terminal piece51fixed to an inner wall surface in the vicinity of the through-hole91Ba of the cartridge casing91B, and a movable terminal piece52capable of making elastic contact with the fixed terminal piece51. The movable terminal piece52has a bent portion52aconfigured to be able to assume a state of elastic contact with the fixed terminal piece51and a non-contact state, and is mounted in the cartridge casing91B in such a manner that part of the bent portion52acan protrude through the through-hole91Ba.

When the electronic pen cartridge9B is fitted to the fitting section19Ba of the knock rod19B being in a non-locked state and is in a protected state in which the electronic pen cartridge9B is entirely present in the hollow part of the casing11M, the switch member50B is just located in the through-hole17B of the spring receiving member17, as illustrated inFIG.7B. Therefore, the bent portion52aof the movable terminal piece52is elastically displaced to the inside of the cartridge casing91B by the inner wall of the through-hole17B, so that the fixed terminal piece51and the movable terminal piece52come into a separate state of not making contact with each other. In other words, the switch member50B comes into an OFF state.

When the knock rod19B is moved sliding into a locked state to result in a non-protected state in which the tip of the core body1of the electronic pen cartridge9B is protruded through the opening11Ma of the casing11M, the switch member50B comes into a state of being released from the through-hole17B of the spring receiving member17, as illustrated inFIG.7C. Then, part of the bent portion52aof the movable terminal piece52is elastically displaced to protrude through the through-hole91Ba, whereby the movable terminal piece52and the fixed terminal piece51are put into a state of making contact with each other. In other words, the switch member50B comes into an ON state.

The fixed terminal piece51and the movable terminal piece52of the switch member50B are electrically connected to the IC42on the circuit board4accommodated in the cartridge casing91B. The IC42has a function as a control circuit, and monitors the ON/OFF state of the switch member50B, thereby to detect whether the current state is the protected state in which the electronic pen cartridge9B is wholly present in the hollow part of the casing11M, or the non-protected state in which the tip of the core body1of the electronic pen cartridge9B is protruded from the opening11Ma of the casing11M by the knock rod19B.

In the electronic pen cartridges9R and9E, also, switch members50R and50E (omitted from illustration) are provided in the cartridge casings91R and91E, and are connected to the ICs42on the circuit boards4accommodated in the cartridge casings91R and91E, similarly. In the case of this example, when the switch member50B,50R, or50E of the electronic pen cartridge9B,9R, or9E is put into the ON state to result in the non-protected state, the connection between the electronic parts mounted on the circuit board4is turned ON, whereby a function is performed. By this, transfer of signals between the electronic pen10X and the position detecting device side is enabled.

In the case of the present embodiment, the position detecting device used together with the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E has a function of receiving identification information transmitted individually from the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E and discriminating them. Specifically, the position detecting device in the case of the present embodiment discriminates the differences among the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E, and causes functions assigned individually to the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E to be realized.

For instance, the electronic pen cartridge9B is assigned a function of expressing in black a calligraphy (character or figure) displayed according to an indicated position thereof, while the electronic pen cartridge9R is assigned a function of expressing in red a calligraphy displayed according to an indicated position thereof, and the electronic pen cartridge9E is assigned a function of erasing a calligraphy previously inputted for indication according to an indicated position thereof.

Therefore, identification (ID) memories for storing the identification information of the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E, data for informing the character colors, and data for informing the erasing function are mounted on the circuit boards4mounted individually in the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E. Besides, the ICs42on the circuit boards4mounted individually in the electronic pen cartridges9B,9R, and9E are capable of transmitting signals to the position detecting device according to these data.

Note that the functions assigned to the electronic pen cartridges may not be limited to display colors of the calligraphy according to the indicated position as in this example, but may be the thickness of the calligraphy, the kind of line such as a solid line, a dotted line, an alternate long and short dash line and the like.

Meanwhile, while the pen pressure detector is provided in the core body side member in the aforementioned embodiment, this is not restrictive, and the pen pressure detector may be provided on the side opposite to the core body1.FIGS.8A,8B, and8Care figures for explaining an example in a case where the pen pressure detector is provided on the side opposite to the core body1.FIG.8Adepicts a general configuration of an electronic pen main body section8A in this example.

As illustrated inFIG.8A, the electronic pen main body section8A in this example has a core body1, a cylindrical coil section2A, and a cylindrical connection section34. The connection section34has a fitting section34afor fitting to a board protecting pipe6, and can be connected also to a circuit board4through the fitting section34a. Note that the circuit board4and the board protecting pipe6are configured similarly to those in the electronic pen main body section8described usingFIGS.1to5.

FIG.8Bis a sectional view of a connection part between members of the electronic pen main body section8A in this example. As depicted inFIG.8B, the coil section2A is configured by winding a coated wire22B around a ferrite21A provided with recesses on the sides of both ends in the axial direction thereof. Of the recesses provided in the ferrite21A, the recess on one side is for holding the core body1, and the recess on the other side is for fitting to a projected portion of the connection section34.

The connection section34is formed from a resin, a rigid rubber or the like, is provided on one side in the axial direction with the projected portion for fitting to the recess on the other side of the ferrite21A, and is provided on the other side with a fitting section34afor fitting to the board protecting pipe6. The fitting section34ahas an outside diameter which is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the board protecting pipe6but is smaller than the outside diameter of the board protecting pipe6, like in the case of the electronic pen main body section8described above.

When the board protecting pipe6is fitted to the fitting section34a, a tip-side end face of the board protecting pipe6is joined to an end face of the connection section34formed on the fitting section34aside of the connection section34. In addition, the fitting section34aof the connection section34is provided therein with a recess into which a projected portion4aof the circuit board4is fitted. As depicted inFIG.8B, this recess has a depth comparable to the length in the axial direction of the projected portion4aof the circuit board4.

Therefore, as depicted inFIG.8B, the core body1is fixed by being fitted into the recess on one side of the ferrite21A, whereas the projected portion of the connection section34is fixed by being fitted into the recess on the other side of the ferrite21A. Further, the projected portion4aof the circuit board4is fixed by being fitted into the recess provided in the fitting section34aof the connection section34. The circuit board4is accommodated in the board protecting pipe6, and the fitting section34aof the connection section34is fixed by being fitted into a core body side opening61of the board protecting pipe6. Note that both end terminals23A and23B of a coil wound around the ferrite21A are connected to the circuit board4, and a capacitor44and the like on the circuit board4are connected thereto, to constitute a resonance circuit. In addition, a board receiving base5is also provided in the board protecting pipe6, like in the case of the electronic pen main body section8described above.

Besides, in the case of the electronic pen main body section8A in this example, a pen pressure detector14is provided at a rear end on the side opposite to the core body1side.FIG.8Cis a sectional view of the part of the pen pressure detector14. As depicted inFIG.8C, the electronic pen main body section8A in this example is separated into a part (first part) on which the circuit board4is mounted, and a stationary part13(second part) to which a coupling rod member141is fixed. A pressure-sensing part15for pen pressure detection is provided at an end, on the side opposite to the core body1side, of the circuit board4. The pressure-sensing part15is pressed by the coupling rod member141fixed to the stationary part13.

In addition, a coil spring142is provided between the part (first part) on which the circuit board4is mounted and the stationary part13(second part) to which the coupling rod member141is fixed. By this, the first part and the second part are elastically displaced so as to be spaced away from each other in the axial direction. However, as depicted inFIG.8C, the coupling rod member141is provided with a stopper141binside a part on which the circuit board4is mounted, such that the first part and the second part are locked at a predetermined position, whereby they are prevented from being displaced further in the axial direction.

The electronic pen main body section8A configured in this way is, for example, accommodated in the casing11as depicted inFIG.1, to be used as an electronic pen; in this instance, a surface of the stationary part13on the side opposite to a surface to which the coupling rod member141is fixed is fixed by making contact with a locking wall provided inside a rear end of the casing11. When a pen pressure is exerted on the core body1of the electronic pen main body section8A accommodated in the casing11, the whole of the interconnected core body1, the coil section2A, the connection section34, and the circuit board4and the board protecting pipe6is pushed up, and the tip141aof the coupling rod member141presses the pressure-sensing part15. By this, the pen pressure can be detected at the pressure-sensing part15, and a signal according to the thus detected pen pressure can be supplied to the IC42provided on the circuit board4.

[Application to Electronic Pen of Capacitive Coupling System]

While the electronic pen main body sections8and8A in the embodiments described above have been of the electromagnetic resonance system, the present disclosure is applicable also to the case where an electronic pen main body section of a capacitive coupling system is configured.FIG.9is a sectional view for explaining an example in a case where the present disclosure is applied to an electronic pen main body section of a capacitive coupling system, and depicts a connected state of component members on the core body side.

As illustrated inFIG.9, an electronic pen main body section8B in this example includes a core body1A, a core body holding section35, a connection section3, a circuit board4, and a board protecting pipe6. The connection section3is a section including a pen pressure detector31, a fitting section32, and a connection terminal section33, like in the case of the electronic pen main body section8described above. The pen pressure detector31, the fitting section32, and the connection terminal section33, as well as the circuit board4and the board protecting pipe6are configured similarly to the case of the electronic pen main body section8described above, and, therefore, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

In the case of the electronic pen main body section8B in this example, the core body holding section35is provided in place of the coil section2. The core body holding section35includes a core body holder35a, a conductive elastic member35b, and a coil spring35cas an elastic member. The core body1A is fitted to the core body holder35aformed of a conductive material through the conductive elastic member35b, whereby the core body1A is coupled to and held by the core body holder35a. As depicted inFIG.9, the core body holder35ais fitted to a holding member31cof the pen pressure detector31, whereby a pressure (pen pressure) exerted on the core body1A is transmitted to a pressure-sensing part configured in the pen pressure detector31.

In this case, the core body holder35ais configured to be constantly biased toward the core body1A side relative to the pen pressure detector31by a coil spring35c, which is an example of an elastic member formed of a conductive material such as a conductive metal and which is provided between the core body holder35aand the pen pressure detector31. Note that the coil spring35cis connected to an electronic circuit including an IC42, a side switch43, capacitors44to49and the like disposed on the circuit board4via a conductor terminal member102. By this, a signal from the IC42can be transmitted to the core body1A, and can be transmitted from the core body1A to a position detecting device.

In addition, signal wires extending from terminal members of the pressure-sensing part configured in the pen pressure detector31are connected to connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33. The connection terminals33aand33bare connected to terminals41aand41bof the circuit board4, in the case where the circuit board4is inserted into the fitting section32and the connection terminal section33, as also aforementioned. The terminals41aand41bof the circuit board4are connected to the electronic circuit including the IC42, the side switch43, the capacitors44to49and the like on the circuit board4, and a detection output from the pressure-sensing part is supplied to the IC42on the circuit board4through the terminals33aand33band the terminals41aand41b. By this, the pen pressure can be detected at the IC42, and a signal according to the pen pressure can be transmitted through the core body1A to the position detecting device.

In the case of the electronic pen main body section8B depicted inFIG.9, also, connection of the connection section3with the circuit board4and the board protecting pipe6is conducted similarly to the case of the electronic pen main body section8described above. By this, in the case of the electronic pen main body section8B of the capacitive connection system, also, the circuit board4can be protected by the board protecting pipe6. Moreover, since the circuit board4can be firmly connected in series with the core body1A, the core body holding section35, and the connection section3, it is possible to configure an electronic pen main body section8B of the capacitive system that is high in strength against external pressures.

[Outline of Position Detecting Device of Capacitive Coupling System]

FIG.10is a block diagram for explaining a position detecting device300in which is used a coordinate detection sensor of a capacitive coupling system for receiving a signal from an electronic pen10Y configured by use of the electronic pen main body section8B depicted inFIG.9, for detecting a position on the sensor, and for detecting a pen pressure and the state of a side switch.

As depicted inFIG.10, the position detecting device300in this example includes a coordinate sensor (hereinafter referred to simply as sensor)310of the capacitive coupling system, and a pen detection circuit320connected to the sensor310. In this example, though a sectional view is omitted, the sensor310is formed by stacking a first conductor group311, an insulating layer (omitted from illustration), and a second conductor group312in this order from the lower layer side. The first conductor group311has a configuration wherein, for example, a plurality of first conductors311Y1,311Y2, . . . ,311Ym (m is a positive integer) extending in a horizontal direction (X-axis direction) are disposed in parallel at a predetermined interval in a Y-axis direction. In addition, the second conductor group312extends in a vertical direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first conductor group311and are disposed in parallel at a predetermined interval in the X-axis direction.

Thus, in the sensor310of the position detecting device300, a configuration is provided wherein a position indicated by an electronic pen is detected using a sensor pattern formed by arranging the first conductor group311and the second conductor group312in an intersecting manner. Note that in the following description, where it is unnecessary to discriminate respective ones of the first conductors311Y1,311Y2, . . . ,311Ym from one another, the conductors will be referred to as first conductor311Y. Similarly, where it is unnecessary to discriminate respective ones of the second conductors312X1,312X2, . . . ,312Xn from one another, the conductors will be referred to as second conductor312X.

The pen detection circuit320includes a selection circuit321used as an input/output interface for the sensor310, an amplification circuit322, a band-pass filter323, a detection circuit324, a sample hold circuit325, an AD conversion circuit326, and a control circuit327.

The selection circuit321selects one conductor311Y or312X from among the first conductor group311and the second conductor group312, based on a control signal from the control circuit327. The conductor selected by the selection circuit321is connected to the amplification circuit322, a signal from the electronic pen10Y is detected by the selected conductor, and it is amplified by the amplification circuit322. An output of the amplification circuit322is supplied to the band-pass filter323, where only a component of the frequency of the signal transmitted from the electronic pen10Y is extracted.

An output signal of the band-pass filter323is detected by the detection circuit324. An output signal from the detection circuit324is supplied to the sample hold circuit325, where it is sample-held at a predetermined timing by a sampling signal from the control circuit327, and is thereafter converted into a digital value by the AD conversion circuit326. Digital data from the AD conversion circuit326is read and processed by the control circuit327.

The control circuit327operates to output control signals to the sample hold circuit325, the AD conversion circuit326, and the selection circuit321, based on a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) provided therein. Besides, the control circuit327calculates coordinates of a position on the sensor310indicated by the electronic pen10Y, from the digital data sent from the AD conversion circuit326. Furthermore, the control circuit327detects a pen pressure detected by the pen pressure detector31including a pressure-sensing part and the like of the electronic pen10Y, and the state of the side switch43of the electronic pen10Y.

Note that in the electronic pen10Y in this example, a signal generation circuit42X of an IC42on a circuit board4is composed only of an oscillation circuit, and the pen pressure and ON/OFF of the side switch are transmitted to the position detecting device as variations in oscillation frequency. However, this is not restrictive. The signal generation circuit may include an oscillation circuit and a circuit for applying a predetermined modulation to an oscillation signal from the oscillation circuit, and pen pressure information and information indicative of the ON/OFF of the side switch may be transmitted to the position detecting device as, for example, an amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal or the like.

[Modifications of Board Protecting Pipe]

Note that in the electronic pen main body sections8,8A, and8B in the embodiments described above, the board protecting pipe6has been provided with the opening63formed in the manner of cutting away a part of a side wall of the board protecting pipe6in such a manner as to connect the core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62, as described usingFIGS.2A and2B. The opening63is a side opening in a direction along the axial direction, and can be called a window or cutout provided in the side surface of the board protecting pipe6. However, this is not restrictive.

FIGS.11A,11B, and11Care figures for explaining modifications of the board protecting pipe6. For example, a board protecting pipe6A in Modification 1 depicted inFIG.11Ahas an opening63A formed in the manner of cutting away a part of a side wall of the board protecting pipe6in such a manner as to connect the core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62. However, as depicted inFIG.11A, at the parts of the core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62, portions where the width of the opening is narrowed may be provided. By such a configuration, fitting to the fitting section32of the connection section3and fitting to the pipe cap7can be made to be firmer.

In addition, a board protecting pipe6B in Modification 2 depicted inFIG.11Bis provided with a required minimum opening63B at such a position that an operation on the side switch43on the circuit board4and a work of, for example, cutting the connection of capacitors constituting the resonance circuit together with a coil by laser can be performed. The opening63B is a so-called window wherein the opening range is a closed range surrounded by the side surface of the board protecting pipe6B. In addition, at the parts of the core body side opening61and the rear end side opening62, there are provided cutouts6Ba and6Bb which are openings wherein a part of the opening range is an open range not surrounded by the side surface of the board protecting pipe6B. The cutouts6Ba and6Bb are for ensuring that fitting to the fitting section32of the connection section3and fitting to the pipe cap7can be carried out easily, without lowering the degree of fitting.

In the case of Modification 2 depicted inFIG.11B, the parts of the opening63B and the cutouts6Ba and6Bb are narrower than the opening63of the board protecting pipe6depicted inFIGS.2A and2B, and the opening63A of the board protecting pipe6A depicted inFIG.11A. Therefore, the board protecting pipe6B is high in strength, and can protect the circuit board4firmly, as compared to the board protecting pipe6depicted inFIGS.2A and2B, and the board protecting pipe6A depicted inFIG.11A.

Besides, a board protecting pipe6C in Modification 3 depicted inFIG.11Cis of a type wherein an opening63C as a window is only provided, without providing the cutouts6Ba and6Bb possessed by the board protecting pipe6B of Modification 2 depicted inFIG.11B. In the case of the board protecting pipe6C, the strength of the board protecting pipe6C itself can be enhanced as compared to the board protecting pipe6B depicted inFIG.11B, by an extent according to the absence of the cutouts6Ba and6Bb.

[Electronic Pen Provided with Other Switch than Side Switch]

In addition, in the case of the electronic pen main body section8in the embodiment described above, the side switch43has been provided. The side switch43realizes a function similarly to that of a click button possessed by a so-called mouse. For example, when the side switch43is depressed once (when one click is made), an operation of moving a cursor to the depression position may be performed, and, when the side switch43is depressed twice successively (when double click is made), an operation of opening a predetermined window may be performed.

Other than this, there may be a case where it is desired to use one electronic pen by changing over its function, for example, between use of the electronic pen for drawing and use of the electronic pen as a so-called eraser for erasing information that has been drawn. In view of this, in the case of the electronic pen in the present embodiment, a function changing-over switch, for example, can be easily configured.

FIG.12is a figure for explaining an example in a case where a circuit board4A is formed with a switch terminal. The circuit board4A in this example is also configured basically in similar manner to the circuit board4depicted inFIGS.2A and2B; function changing-over switch terminals41cand41dare provided at the part of an end on the side opposite to the core body1side, in similar manner to the terminals41aand41bhave been provided at the part of an end on the core body1side. These switch terminals41cand41dare connected to an IC42that functions as a control circuit.

In this condition, however, it is difficult to provide a mechanism for turning ON/OFF the switch terminals41cand41d. In this example, therefore, a so-called socket-type switch terminal member70is provided, as depicted inFIG.12. The switch terminal member70has a shape as if obtained by flattening the pipe cap7depicted inFIG.2A, and is thicker than the circuit board4A. Besides, the switch terminal member70is provided on one end side thereof with a recess for fitting to the circuit board4A, and is provided on the other end side thereof with terminals72aand72bwhich are formed of a conductive material and constitute switch terminals.

In addition, the side of the circuit board4A on which the terminals41cand41dare provided is inserted and fitted into the recess of the switch terminal member70. In this case, the terminal41cof the circuit board4A and the terminal72aof the switch terminal member are connected to each other through a conductive connection member70a, whereas the terminal41dof the circuit board4A and the terminal72bof the switch terminal member are connected to each other through a conductive connection member70b. Such a configuration is a configuration similarly to the configuration of connection between the connection terminal section33and the side of the circuit board4on which the terminals41aand41bfor the core body1are provided, as described usingFIG.2A. Besides, the switch terminal member70is fitted also to an end of the board protecting pipe6, and, together with the board protecting pipe6, can hold the circuit board4A in the board protecting pipe6.

Thus, an electronic pen main body section8with switch terminals can be configured so as to have a similar configuration to the electronic pen main body section8described usingFIGS.1to4, except that the circuit board4A is provided with the terminals4cand4dand that the switch terminal member70is provided. In addition, the switch terminals41cand41dprovided on the circuit board4A are led to the terminals72aand72bprovided at an end surface of the switch terminal member70, whereby a switch can be configured easily. Specifically, a switch can be configured which is put into an ON state when the terminal72aand the terminal72bare connected to each other, and which is put into an OFF state when the terminal72aand the terminal72bare not connected.

For this reason, a knock type mechanism of a ball-point pen is utilized, such that connection/non-connection between the terminal72aand the terminal72bcan be changed over every time a knock is made.FIGS.13A and13Bare figures for explaining the configuration of a sliding member114for changing over the connection/non-connection between the terminal72aand the terminal72bby utilizing the knock type mechanism of a ball-point pen. As depicted inFIG.13A, the sliding member114includes a rod-shaped body114A connected to the knock type mechanism, and a pusher member114B for pushing the terminals72aand72b. The pusher member114B includes a main body section401aformed of an elastic material such as rubber, and a metal member401badhered to that surface of the main body section401awhich faces the terminals72aand72b.

The sliding member114configured in this way is moved upwardly and downwardly within the electronic pen casing in the manner of interlocking with a knock-type cam mechanism, whereby the connection/non-connection between the terminal72aand the terminal72bcan be changed over.FIGS.14A and14Bare figures for explaining a knock-type mechanism part provided on a rear case section104side of an electronic pen100in this example, whereinFIG.14Ais a figure depicting a state in which a knock rod110is not depressed, whereasFIG.14Bis a figure depicting a state in which the knock rod110is depressed. The electronic pen100in this example has a configuration wherein switch terminals are formed by the circuit board4A provided with the switch terminals41cand41dand the switch terminal member70, as described usingFIG.12, and has the sliding member114described usingFIGS.13A and13B.

The knock type mechanism of the electronic pen100in the present embodiment is configured similarly to a knock cam mechanism of a knock-type ball-point pen used as a writing utensil, has a configuration wherein a knock rod110, a rotor111, a cam main body112, and a return coil spring113are combined together, and includes a locking mechanism. A detailed configuration of the knock cam mechanism of a knock-type ball-point pen and the operation thereof are known, and, therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

In the electronic pen100in the present embodiment, the knock rod110includes a first rod-shaped part110bwhich has a circular cross section (the cross section is a section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, here and hereafter) according to the cross section of a hollow part of the rear case section104and has a cross section slightly smaller than the cross section of the hollow part, a second rod-shaped part110awhich is formed integral with the first rod-shaped part110band which constitutes a part for linking with the rotor111, and a flange part110cformed at that end face of the first rod-shaped part110bwhich is on the side opposite to the side of coupling with the second rod-shaped part110a. In addition, the knock rod110is accommodated in the rear case section104in a state in which part of the first rod-shaped part110bconstituting a part of the knock rod110and the flange part110cprotrude to the outside from an opening104bof the rear case section104, in such a manner as to be able to slidingly move in the axial direction within the hollow part of the rear case section104, in response to a user's knocking operation (depressing operation). The knock rod110constitutes a protruding part.

The flange part110cis formed in such a manner that a step is generated between itself and the first rod-shaped part110b, and, in this example, the shape and size of the cross section of the flange part110care the same as the outer peripheral shape and size of the cross section of the rear case section104.

The cam main body112is formed at an inner wall surface of the rear case section104, and is so configured as to mesh with the rotor111. As the knock rod110slidingly moves in the axial direction, the rotor111moves in the axial direction within the hollow part of the rear case section104and rotates, whereby the state of meshing thereof with the cam main body112is changed. As a result, a knocking action is performed according to a knocking operation on the knock rod110.

In the present embodiment, the sliding member114is coupled to the rotor111. The sliding member114includes a rod-shaped body114A and a pusher member114B, with the pusher member114B attached to one end side of the sliding member114, and with the other end side of the sliding member114fitted and attached to a fitting section (omitted from illustration) provided in the rotor111.

In this case, the rod-shaped body114A and the pusher member114B are configured to have such lengths as to ensure the following. When the knock rod110is not depressed, as depicted inFIG.14A, no force in the axial direction is exerted, so that the metal member401bof the pusher member114B does not connect the terminals72aand72bof the switch terminal member70. However, when the knock rod110is depressed as depicted inFIG.14B, a force in the axial direction is exerted, and the metal member401bof the pusher member114B makes contact with the terminals72aand72bof the switch terminal member70, so as thereby to connect both the terminals72aand72b.

The return coil spring113of the knock cam mechanism is mounted in the state of being fitted over the rod-shaped body114A of the sliding member114, and can be contracted and expanded between an end face in the axial direction of the rotor111and a return coil spring locking section115provided in the rear case section104.

Specifically, when the flange part110cside of the knock rod110is depressed in the state ofFIG.14A, a locked state is established wherein the knock rod110is locked in a state ofFIG.14Bin which the flange part110cof the knock rod110is located in the vicinity of an end of the opening104bof the rear case section104, by an operation of the knock cam mechanism including the rotor111and the cam main body112according to a sliding movement in the axial direction of the knock rod110.

In this instance, the metal member401bof the pusher member114B connects the terminals72aand72bof the switch terminal member70, whereby the switch is put into an ON state. Note that in this instance a fitting hole110dformed in the first rod-shaped part110aof the knock rod110is engaged with an engaging projection (omitted from illustration) formed at an inner wall of the hollow part of the rear case section104, whereby the knock rod110is locked in the state ofFIG.14B.

When the flange part110cside of the knock rod110is again depressed from the state ofFIG.14B, the locked state is released by the knock cam mechanism including the rotor111and the cam main body112, and the knock rod110and the rotor111are moved sliding in the axial direction such as to return into the state ofFIG.14A, by the return coil spring113, and are locked in the state ofFIG.14A. In this instance, a fitting hole110eformed in the second rod-shaped body110aof the knock rod110is engaged with an engaging projection (omitted from illustration) formed at the inner wall of the hollow part of the rear case section104, and the knock rod110is locked in the state ofFIG.14A.

According to the return of the knock rod110and the rotor111into the state ofFIG.14A, the rod-shaped body114A and the pusher member114B are returned into a state in which the metal member401bof the pusher member114B does not make contact with the terminals72aand72bof the switch terminal member70, as depicted inFIG.14A, whereby the switch is put into an OFF state.

Note that a pusher member114C may be formed in which as depicted inFIG.13B, a spring-shaped metal member401cis used in place of the metal member401bof the pusher member114B depicted inFIG.13A. The spring-shaped metal member401cin this example is formed by processing a linear metal member into a circular helical shape such as to have an elastic force. By this, it is ensured that by bringing the spring-shaped metal member401cinto simultaneous contact with the terminals72aand72bof the switch terminal member70, both the terminals can be short-circuited. Further, the spring-shaped metal member401cplays the role of absorbing an excessive force, which may be exerted on the knock rod110, in such a manner that an unrequired force is not exerted on the switch terminal member70. Other than the above, various members having a conductive property and an elastic force may be used in place of the metal members401band401c.

In the above-mentioned manner, a switch for changing over of functions, for example, can be easily configured by utilizing the switch terminal member70connected to the switch terminals41cand41dof the circuit board4A and the knocking mechanism of a writing utensil. In this case, by using a so-called socket-type switch terminal member70, the desired switch function can be mounted on the circuit board4A with a comparatively simple configuration and without configuring a switch function of a complicated configuration.

[Simplification of Electrical Connection Between Coil Section and Pressure-Sensing Member and Circuit Board]

In the case of the electronic pen main body section8of the electromagnetic induction coupling system in the embodiment described usingFIGS.1to4B, the electrical connection between the coil22of the coil section2and the circuit board4and the electrical connection between the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the circuit board4have been conducted through separate routes. Specifically, the electrical connection between the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the circuit board4has been conducted by a method wherein the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33to which the signal wires from the terminal members of the pressure-sensing part are connected and the terminals41aand41bof the circuit board4are connected. On the other hand, the electrical connection between the coil22of the coil section2and the circuit board4has been described to be conducted by directly connecting the extension wires23aand23bfrom both ends of the coil22to the circuit board4.

The electrical connection between the coil22of the coil section2and the circuit board4and the electrical connection between the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the circuit board4can be performed through the same route.FIG.15is a figure for explaining the configuration of a connection section (connection member)3A in this example, for performing the electrical connection between the coil22of the coil section2and the circuit board4and the electrical connection between the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the circuit board4through the same route. The connection section3A is a section including the pen pressure detector31A, the fitting section32A, and the connection terminal section33A.

The pen pressure detector31A, the fitting section32A, and the connection terminal section33A of the connection section3A are basically configured similarly to the pen pressure detector31A, the fitting section32A, and the connection terminal section33A of the connection section3of the electronic pen main body section8in the embodiment described usingFIGS.1to4. A difference lies in the mode of electrical connection with the coil22.

As depicted inFIG.15, the connection terminal section33A includes upper and lower two plate portions, and the upper plate portion is provided with connection terminals33aand33b. These connection terminals33aand33bare extended toward the pen pressure detector31side, and are connected to terminal members of the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31. Note that the connection terminals33aand33bare configured such that they can be automatically connected to the terminals41aand41bof the circuit board4when they are drawn around to the back side of the plate portion where they are provided and the circuit board4is connected to the connection terminal section33A in a clamping manner. Thus, the configuration wherein the connection terminal section33A is provided with the connection terminals33aand33bto be connected to the terminal members of the pressure-sensing part is similar to the connection section3of the electronic pen main body section8described above.

Further, the connection terminal section33A of the connection section3in this example is provided with a coil connection section33c, as depicted inFIG.15. As depicted inFIG.15, connection ends C1and C2formed of a conductor are provided, the connection end C1is connected to the connection terminal33a, whereas the connection end C2is connected to the connection terminal33b. Besides, both ends of the coil22of the coil section2are connected to the coil connection section33c. Specifically, as depicted inFIG.15, coating-deprived lead wire parts of extension wires (coated wires)23aand23bfrom both ends of the coil22of the coil section2are connected to the coil connection section33c.

Note that the coil connection section33cmay have a configuration wherein two terminals each having a V-shaped locking groove (cut) are aligned. In this case, the V-shaped locking groove provided in the terminal is, for example, a groove formed in a tapered shape which is tapered from an upper portion toward a lower portion. Therefore, when the extension wire22aor the extension wire22bof the coil is pushed into the V-shaped locking groove of the terminal from an opening at an upper portion toward a lower portion, the extension wire22aor the extension wire22bcan be fixed to the V-shaped locking groove of the terminal. Naturally, a configuration may be adopted wherein a terminal is provided with a cut whose inlet is cut in a V shape, and the extension wire22aor the extension wire22bof the coil22is clamped in the cut of the terminal.

By this, the lead wire of the extension wire23aon one side of the coil22is connected to the connection end C1of the coil connection section33c, and the lead wire of the extension wire23bon other side of the coil22is connected to the connection end C2of the coil connection section33c. Since the connection end C1is connected to the connection terminal33aand the connection end C2is connected to the connection terminal33bas aforementioned, the extension wire23aon one side of the coil22is connected to the connection terminal33a, and the extension wire23bon the other side of the coil22is connected to the connection terminal33b. In other words, output terminals of the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and both ends of the coil22are connected to the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33A.

By this, in the case where the circuit board4is mounted in the manner of clamping between the two plate portions of the connection terminal section33A, the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33A and the terminals41aand41bcan be automatically connected. Since not only the output terminals of the pressure-sensing part but also both ends of the coil22are connected to the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33A, the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the coil22of the coil section2can be simultaneously connected to the electronic circuit formed on the circuit board4.

FIG.16is a figure depicting an example of an equivalent circuit in the case where an electronic pen main body section is configured using the connection section3A depicted inFIG.15. As depicted inFIG.16, the extension wire23afrom one end of the coil22is connected to the connection end C1of the coil connection section33c, whereas the extension wire23bfrom the other end of the coil22is connected to the connection end C2of the coil connection section33c.

The connection ends C1and C2are connected to the connection terminals33aand33bof the connection terminal section33A to which the output terminals of the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31are connected. By this, when the circuit board4indicated by a dotted line is connected to the connection terminal section33A, the connection terminal33aand the terminal41aof the circuit board4are connected, and the connection terminal33band the terminal41bof the circuit board4are connected, as indicated by arrows. As a result, the coil22of the coil section2and the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31A can be electrically connected, simultaneously and reliably, to the electronic circuit formed on the circuit board4.

Note that in regard of the fitting section32A and the connection terminals33aand33bprovided in the connection terminal section33A, of the connection section3A, the fitting section32A and the connection terminal section33A are formed with the conductor patterns of a conductive material depicted inFIG.15, for example, by use of various methods such as pressure joining, fusing, adhesion, or coating. In this case, on the pen pressure detector31side, the connection terminals33aand33bare formed in such a manner that they can be connected to the output terminals of the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31by only fitting the fitting section32A and the connection terminal section33A to the pen pressure detector31. Besides, as depicted inFIG.15, the coil connection section33cprovided with the connection ends C1and C2which are electrically connected to the connection terminals33aand33bis provided.

As a result, it is possible to form the connection section3A for constituting the electronic pen main body section8such that the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31and the coil22of the coil section2can be connected to the circuit on the circuit board4easily and reliably, without involving an adhering operation such as soldering. By use of the connection section3A, it is possible to realize an electronic pen main body section8which is extremely easy to assemble.

Note that an electronic circuit including an IC42, capacitors44,45, . . . is depicted to be formed on the circuit board4inFIG.16, the electronic circuit formed on the circuit board4can naturally take various configurations, such as providing a side switch or providing other capacitors.

[Others]

Note that the board protecting pipe6has been assumed to have a cylindrical shape in the aforementioned embodiment, this is not restrictive. A tubular body having a side wall which is polygonal in section may be used.FIGS.17A and17Bare figures for explaining an example of a board protecting pipe which is polygonal in section in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction thereof. A board protecting pipe6D depicted inFIG.17Ahas a shape which is not cylindrical but substantially prismatic. The board protecting pipe6D is provided with a core body side opening61on the core body side thereof, is provided with a rear end side opening62on the rear end side thereof, and is provided with a large opening63D in a side surface (on an upper surface side) thereof.

As depicted inFIG.17B, a section in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the board protecting pipe6D has a flat bottom surface, and side walls which are somewhat rounded to outside. In the case of the board protecting pipe6D having such a shape, there is a merit that, for example, the circuit board can be stably embraced and held by the board protecting pipe6D. In addition, as a window (a side opening in a direction along the axial direction) provided in the board protecting pipe, a required number of windows having a required size can be provided at appropriate positions. Thus, the opening on the upper surface side is not limited to the large opening63D depicted inFIG.17A, and the opening can be provided in various modes, as described usingFIGS.11A,11B, and11C, for example.

It is to be noted, however, that in order that the circuit board accommodated in the board protecting pipe can be held, it is preferable that a part is present which has a side wall over an angular range of not less than 180 degrees with the axis as a center. More preferably, it is sufficient to adopt a configuration wherein both long sides of that surface of the circuit board accommodated in the board protecting pipe which faces the side opening make contact with the inner wall of the board protecting pipe and do not come out to the exterior. In other words, it is sufficient to adopt a configuration wherein the side opening provided in the board protecting pipe is smaller than that surface of the circuit board which faces the side opening. Note that for maintaining the strength of the board protecting pipe6, it is preferable to adopt a configuration wherein a part is absent which has a side wall over an angular range of less than 180 degrees with the axis as a center.

In addition, naturally, various electronic parts other than the aforementioned electronic parts can be mounted on the circuit board4.

Besides, as each of component parts constituting the electronic pen main body8or the like, those of appropriate sizes can be used, whereby an electronic pen main body section of an appropriate size can be configured.

Note that a variable capacitor whose capacitance is varied according to the pen pressure by a mechanical movable part has been used for the pressure-sensing part of the pen pressure detector31in the embodiment described above, this is not restrictive. A variable capacitor configured as a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) chip including a semiconductor device may also be used. In addition, naturally, the pressure-sensing part may not be one that detects variation in capacitance but be one wherein inductance value or resistance value is variable.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1. . . Core body,2. . . Coil section,3. . . Connection section,31. . . Pen pressure detector,32. . . Fitting section,33. . . Connection terminal section,33a,33b. . . Connection terminal,4. . . Circuit board,41a,41b. . . Terminal,42. . . IC (control circuit),43. . . Side switch,44to49. . . Capacitor,5. . . Board receiving base,6,6A,6B,6C,6D . . . Board protecting pipe,61. . . Core body side opening,61a. . . Core body side fitting section,62. . . Rear end side opening,62a. . . Rear end side fitting section,63,63A,63B,63C,63D . . . Opening,7. . . Pipe cap,8. . . Electronic pen main body section,9. . . Electronic pen cartridge,10. . . Electronic pen,11. . . Case,12. . . Casing cap,70. . . Switch terminal member,70a,70b. . . Connection member,41c,41d. . . Terminal,114,114′ . . . Sliding member,114A . . . Rod-shaped body,114B,114C . . . Pusher member,401a. . . Main body section,401b,401c. . . Metal member,3A . . . Connection section,31A . . . Pen pressure detector,32A . . . Fitting section,33A . . . Connection terminal section,33c. . . Coil connection section, C1, C2. . . Connection end