JP2020113337A - Electronic pen - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic pen which ensures water- and dust-proofness even if an opening of a housing for a core to be inserted is exposed to outside.SOLUTION: An electronic pen is provided, comprising: a housing; a core provided to protrude outside from an opening of the housing; a pen pressure detection unit for detecting pen pressure applied to the core; and a core insertion unit having a space for the core to be inserted. The space of the core insertion unit is in communication with a first space outside the housing through the opening of the housing, and is isolated from a second space having the pen pressure detection unit therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic pen used with a position detection device and having a pen pressure detection function.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic pen (stylus pen) that constitutes a position indicator, and a position detection device having an input surface for receiving pointing operations and character and graphic input by the electronic pen as an input device for a portable tablet, a personal computer, and the like. The one that consists of is prized.

There are various types of electronic pens, such as an electromagnetic induction type and an electrostatic coupling type, but they are generally configured to have a writing pressure detection function. In this type of electronic pen, an opening is provided on one side in the axial direction of the housing of the electronic pen, the tip of the rod-shaped core body is made to project from this opening, and A structure having a space that allows the core body to move in the axial direction so that the writing pressure applied to the core body can be transmitted to the disposed pen pressure detection unit. To have.

By the way, recently, scenes of outdoor use of tablets and the like are increasing. However, as described above, the electronic pen is provided with an opening in the housing for projecting the tip of the core body to the outside, and if the pen has a writing pressure detection function, the core body is moved in the axial direction. In order to be movable to the inside, it has a structure having a space communicating with the opening. For this reason, water, dust, etc. may enter the housing through the opening and the space and affect the electric parts and connection parts housed in the housing of the electronic pen, which may cause the electronic pen to malfunction. was there.

Therefore, recently, waterproofness and dustproofness of electronic pens have been demanded, and various proposals have been made conventionally. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-198193), for example, a cone-shaped rubber cap having a through hole formed at the top so as to be closely fitted to a core is provided with an opening of a housing of an electronic pen. A configuration for covering is disclosed. In this structure, the core body is attached through the through hole of the rubber cap and with the tip protruding.

According to this configuration, the opening of the housing is covered with the rubber cap and is not exposed to the outside, and a gap is formed between the core body and the rubber cap due to the close contact between the through hole and the side peripheral surface portion of the core body. Since it does not occur, it is possible to ensure waterproofness and dustproofness.

JP, 2010-198193, A

However, in the case of Patent Document 1, since the rubber cap is covered on the opening side of the electronic pen so as not to expose the opening of the housing of the electronic pen to the outside, the rubber cap itself is exposed to the outside. May come off. Further, since the rubber cap of Patent Document 1 has a through hole at the top, if the adhesion between the through hole portion and the core is lowered, the waterproof and dustproof effects may be reduced. .. In particular, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the contact portion between the through hole of the top and the core elastically changes according to the movement of the core in the axial direction according to the application of the writing pressure, so that the top changes due to aging. The through-hole may be deformed, the adhesion to the core may be weakened, and the waterproof and dustproof effects may be reduced.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and provide an electronic pen capable of ensuring waterproofness and dustproofness.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A housing,
An opening formed on one side in the axial direction of the housing,
A core body provided outside the housing so as to protrude from the opening to the outside,
A writing pressure detection unit that detects the writing pressure applied to the core body,
A core body insertion part having a space into which the core body is inserted;
Equipped with
The electronic pen is characterized in that the space section communicates with a first space outside the housing through the opening section and is separated from a second space where the writing pressure detection section exists.

It is a figure for explaining the example of the electronic equipment in which the embodiment of the electronic pen by this invention is used. It is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of composition of a writing pressure detection module in an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the components group of the pressure sensitive part used with the writing pressure detection module in embodiment of the electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for explaining a principal part in an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for explaining a principal part in an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for explaining a principal part in an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for explaining a principal part in an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for explaining a principal part in an example of internal composition of an embodiment of an electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure which shows the circuit structural example of the position detection apparatus used with embodiment of the electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of other embodiment of the electronic pen by this invention. It is a figure which shows the circuit structural example of the position detection apparatus used with other embodiment of the electronic pen by this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic pen according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The electronic pen according to the embodiment described below is of a type that transmits a designated position to the position detection device by an electromagnetic induction method.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an electronic device 200 using the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment. In this example, the electronic device 200 is a high-performance mobile phone terminal including a display screen 200D of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and electromagnetic induction type position detection is performed on the lower portion (back side) of the display screen 200D. The device 202 is provided.

The housing of the electronic device 200 of this example includes a storage recess 201 for storing the electronic pen 1. The user takes out the electronic pen 1 housed in the housing recess 201 from the electronic device 200 as necessary, and performs a position pointing operation using the display screen 200D as an input surface.

In the electronic device 200, when a position pointing operation is performed by the electronic pen 1 on the display screen 200D, the position detection device 202 provided on the back side of the display screen 200D causes the position and the writing pressure operated by the electronic pen 1 to be detected. The microcomputer included in the position detection device 202 of the electronic device 200 performs display processing according to the operation position on the display screen 200D and the writing pressure.

In the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of components of the electronic pen 1 are arranged side by side in the axial direction in a hollow portion of a cylindrical case (housing) 2 made of resin, for example. One end of the cylindrical case is tapered, and an opening (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided at the end of the cylindrical case. It is exposed as a destination. The case 2 is closed on the side opposite to the pen tip side of the case 2 in a state where a case cap 21 is fitted and a sealing in consideration of waterproofness and dustproofness is secured.

Then, in this example, the electronic pen 1 is configured to include a side switch. That is, a printed circuit board is provided in the hollow portion inside the case 2 as will be described later, and the side switch is mounted on the printed circuit board. Then, a through hole (not shown in FIG. 2) is formed in the side peripheral surface of the case 2 of the electronic pen 1 at a position corresponding to the side switch, and a pressing operation for the side switch is made in this through hole portion. The child 22 is exposed so that the side switch mounted on the printed circuit board can be pressed through the through hole. In this case, a predetermined function is assigned and set on the electronic device 200 side including the position detection device 202 with respect to the side switch pressing operation by the pressing operator 22. For example, in the electronic device 200 of this example, the side switch pressing operation by the pressing operator 22 can be assigned and set as an operation similar to a clicking operation on a pointing device such as a mouse.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view in which a group of components housed in the case 2 of the electronic pen 1 are arranged for each component. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the case 2 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis (equal to the contour shape of the cross section of the case 2) is a flat shape. The hollow portion inside the case 2 also has a flat cross-sectional shape according to the outer shape of the case 2, and the components housed in the case 2 also have a shape corresponding to the flat shape of the hollow portion. It is said that.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the hollow portion of the case 2, a cap member 4 forming a first sealing member, a coil member 5, and a coil member holder are arranged in this order from the pen tip side in the axial direction of the case 2. 6, the pressing member 7, the writing pressure detection module 8, and the substrate holder 9 are arranged. The printed board 10 is housed and locked in the board housing portion 91 of the board holder 9. The printed board 10 is an example of a circuit board.

The core body 3 is composed of a core body main body 31 and a tip portion 32 serving as a pen tip, and in a state where all of the above components are housed in the hollow portion of the case 2, the pen tip side opening of the case 2 is formed. The core body main body 31 is inserted from and is attached by engaging with the pressing member 7 provided in the writing pressure detection module 8 as described later. The core body 3 is made of a resin as an example of a hard non-conductive material so that the pressure (writing pressure) applied to the tip portion 32 can be transmitted to the pressure sensitive portion 83 of the writing pressure detecting portion 81. For example, it is made of polycarbonate, synthetic resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, or the like. The core body 3 can be inserted into and removed from the electronic pen 1.

The coil member 5 includes a coil 51, a magnetic core around which the coil 51 is wound, and a ferrite core 52 in this example. In this example, the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the core body 31 in order to insert the core body 31 of the rod-shaped core 3 at the central axis position. It has a columnar shape having holes 52a. In this embodiment, the ferrite core 52 has a flat cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the hollow portion of the case 2, and the pen tip side is formed with a tapered taper portion 52b. In this example, the tip 32 of the core 3 is configured to have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the core body 31.

The cap member 4 is provided on the taper portion 52b side of the ferrite core 52, which is the pen tip side of the electronic pen. The cap member 4 is made of an elastic material such as elastic rubber, has a cap shape that covers the pen tip side of the ferrite core 52, and inserts the core body 31 of the core body 3 therethrough. Has an opening (through hole) 4a. In this example, the diameter of the opening 4a is larger than the diameter of the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52. Further, in this example, the outer appearance of the cap member 4 has a skirt shape with a widened hem as shown in the drawing.

The coil member holder 6 is provided on the end side of the ferrite core 52 opposite to the tapered portion 52b on the pen tip side of the electronic pen. The coil member holder 6 is made of an elastic material such as elastic rubber. An end of the ferrite core 52 opposite to the tapered portion 52b on the pen tip side of the electronic pen is a coil non-wound portion 52c in which the coil 51 is not wound. The coil member holder 6 includes a fitting portion 61 for fitting and housing the coil non-wound portion 52c of the ferrite core 52, and is press-fitted into a hollow portion 821a of a writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 described later. The protrusion 62 is fitted.

The fitting portion 61 of the coil member holder 6 is provided with a concave hole 61a corresponding to the outer shape of the coil non-wound portion 52c. The protrusion 62 has a through hole 62a (see FIGS. 5A and 5B described later) through which the core body 31 of the core 3 is inserted. The through hole 62 a of the protrusion 62 communicates with the concave hole 61 a of the fitting portion 61. Therefore, the coil member holder 6 is formed with a hollow space through which the core body main body 31 of the core 3 is inserted through the fitting portion 61 and the protrusion 62.

Then, in a state where the coil non-wound portion 52 c of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 is fitted in the fitting portion 61 of the coil member holder 6, the core body main body portion 31 of the core body 3 is attached to the ferrite core 52. Since the through hole 52a to be inserted is formed, a hollow space through which the core body main body portion 31 of the core body 3 is inserted is formed by communicating with the coil member 5 and the coil member holder 6.

The pressing member 7 provided on the protrusion 62 side of the coil member holder 6 has a fitting recessed hole 7a into which the end 31a of the core body 31 of the core 3 is press-fitted (see FIG. 5A described later). ) Is provided. The outer diameter of the pressing member 7 is selected to be larger than that of the through hole 62a of the protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6. Therefore, the core body portion 31 of the core body 3 is inserted through the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5, the concave hole 61a of the fitting portion 61 of the coil member holder 6 and the through hole 62a of the protrusion 62. When the end portion 31a is fitted to the pressing member 7 in a state where the end portion 31a is projected to the pressing member 7 side, the core body 3 does not fall out due to the presence of the pressing member 7. Becomes However, if the core body 3 is strongly pulled toward the tip portion 32 side, the fitting between the end portion 31a of the core body main body 31 and the fitting recess hole 7a of the pressing member 7 is released, and the core body 3 is pulled out. be able to. That is, the core body 3 is replaceable.

In this embodiment, the writing pressure detection module 8 is configured by engaging the writing pressure detection unit 81 and the writing pressure transmission member 82 and coupling them.

In this embodiment, the writing pressure detection unit 81 includes a pressure-sensitive portion 83 including a plurality of pressure-sensitive components, and a holder 84 that holds the pressure-sensitive portion 83 and has a function of making an electrical connection. .. The holder 84 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and a holding portion 841 for holding the pressure sensitive portion 83 and two electrodes provided in the pressure sensitive portion 83 held by the holding portion 841 are housed in the substrate holder 9. The printed circuit board 10 is provided integrally with a connecting portion 842 for electrical connection.

The writing pressure transmission member 82 engages with the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detecting portion 81 so that the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 holds the plurality of pressure-sensitive components of the pressure sensing portion 83. To do. The writing pressure transmission member 82 also includes the hollow portion 821a into which the protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6 is press-fitted, as described above. The protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6 is press-fitted into the hollow portion 821a of the writing pressure transmission member 82 that is engaged and coupled with the writing pressure detection unit 81, so that the writing pressure detection module 8 and the coil member 5 are inserted. And are combined.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration example of the writing pressure detection module 8 in more detail. In addition, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a pressure-sensitive component group forming the pressure-sensitive portion 83. Further, FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the writing pressure detection module 8 in the state of being housed in the case 2. 5B is an external perspective view of the coil member holder 6 as viewed from the protruding portion 62 side, and FIG. 5C shows the writing pressure transmission member 82 and the writing pressure detection unit 81. It is an external appearance perspective view when it sees from the coupling part side with.

In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive section 83 of the writing pressure detection section 81 is composed of a dielectric 831, a spacer 832, and a conductive elastic body 833, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the dielectric 831 has, for example, a substantially disk shape, has one circular surface 831a and the other circular surface 831b facing each other, and has one surface of the dielectric 831. A circular conductor layer 834 is formed on 831a. The conductor layer 834 constitutes the first electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor as the pressure sensitive portion 83 of this example.

The spacer 832 is made of an insulating material and, as shown in FIG. 4B, has a ring-shaped thin plate-shaped body whose outer diameter is the same as the diameter of the dielectric 831.

In this example, the conductive elastic body 833 is made of elastic rubber having conductivity. As shown in FIG. 4C, the conductive elastic body 833 of this example has a disk-shaped thin plate-shaped body 833a whose outer diameter is the same as the diameter of the dielectric 831 and is separated from each other by 180 degrees. It has a shape in which two projecting portions 833b and 833c are formed from the peripheral edge. The spacer 832 is, for example, adhered to the disc-shaped plate member 833a of the conductive elastic member 833.

Then, the conductive elastic body 833 is overlapped on the other surface 831b side of the dielectric body 831 with the spacer 832 interposed therebetween, thereby forming a variable capacitance capacitor as the pressure sensitive portion 83 in this example. The variable capacitance capacitor as the pressure-sensitive portion 83 of this example has a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic body 833 and a first electrode formed of a conductor layer 834 formed on one surface 831a of the dielectric body 831. And electrodes.

The holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 is configured to integrally include a holding unit 841 and a connecting unit 842, for example, as an injection molded product using resin. The connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 is a plate-like protrusion that is parallel to the substrate surface 10a of the printed circuit board 10 and protrudes in the axial direction (the same direction as the writing pressure application direction). A portion 8421 is provided. The protrusion 8421 includes a flat surface that is parallel to the board surface 10 a of the printed board 10. The flat surface of the protruding portion 8421 is provided so as to be in direct contact with the board surface 10a when the writing pressure detection module 8 is fitted into the board holder 9 and engaged with the printed board 10.

In this embodiment, the holder 84 has two terminal members 843 and 844 (for easy understanding, as a conductive three-dimensional fine pattern) extending from the holding portion 841 to the connecting portion 842. 3 and FIG. 3) are formed along the direction in which the writing pressure is applied, that is, in the axial direction of the electronic pen 1. As a result, the terminal members 843 and 844 are in a state of being integrally formed with the holder 84.

Here, as a method of forming the two terminal members 843 and 844 as a three-dimensional fine pattern on the surface of the holder 84, for example, MIPTEC (Microscopic Integrated Processing Technology) developed by Panasonic Corporation can be used. A nickel plating layer is formed on the surfaces of the terminal members 843 and 844 formed as a three-dimensional fine pattern in order to facilitate electrical connection by contact, and further, a gold plating layer is formed thereon.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the two terminal members 843 and 844 have a length in the direction in which the writing pressure is applied to both end edges of the protrusion 8421 in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the writing pressure is applied. They are formed so as to be separated from each other along the sides. Then, the two terminal members 843 and 844 are formed so as to be exposed at least at both end edges of the protruding portion 8421.

The holder 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detector 81 is provided with a recess 841a for accommodating the pressure sensitive portion 83 in which the dielectric 831, the spacer 832, and the conductive elastic body 833 are combined. The engaging protrusions 841b, 841c, 841d, and 841e that protrude toward the writing pressure transmission member 82 side (core body 3 side) in the axial direction are provided. One end 844a of the terminal member 844 is exposed and formed on the bottom of the recess 841a (see the hatched portion in FIG. 3). The dielectric 831 is housed so that the conductor layer 834 formed on the one surface 831a abuts on one end 844a of the terminal member 844 at the bottom of the recess 841a. Therefore, when the dielectric 831 is housed and held in the recess 841a, the conductor layer 834 as the first electrode of the pressure-sensitive portion 83 and one end 844a of the terminal member 844 are in contact with each other and electrically. It will be connected.

Further, between the engaging protrusions 841b and 841c of the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detecting unit 81 and between the engaging protrusions 841d and 841e, the protruding portion 833b of the conductive elastic body 833 and An end face with which the 833c abuts is formed. In this embodiment, one end 843a of the terminal member 843 is exposed and formed on the end face between the engaging protrusions 841b and 841c (see the hatched portion in FIG. 3). Therefore, in a state where the conductive elastic body 833 is housed and held in the recessed portion 841a of the holder 84 together with the dielectric body 831 and the spacer 832, the protruding portion 833b of the conductive elastic body 833 has one end portion of the terminal member 843. By colliding with 843a, the conductive elastic body 833 and the terminal member 843 are brought into contact with each other and electrically connected.

Thus, in this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive portion 83 is housed and held in the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection portion 81, so that the first electrode and the second electrode of the pressure-sensitive portion 83 are connected to the connecting portion 842. The two terminal members 843 and 844 are automatically electrically connected.

Further, in this embodiment, the two terminal members 843 and 844 of the connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 have a conductive pattern formed on the printed circuit board 10 housed in the substrate holder 9, It is configured to be electrically connected.

The board holder 9 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and includes a board housing section 91 and a fitting section 92 for fitting the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection section 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8.

The board storage portion 91 of the board holder 9 is formed in a box shape without a lid, and the long side direction of the elongated rectangular printed board 10 is placed in the recess 91a of the board storage portion 91 in the electronic pen 1 Be sure to store it in the axial direction of. In the case of this example, the depth of the concave portion 91a of the substrate housing portion 91 is made substantially equal to the thickness of the printed circuit board 10.

Further, in this embodiment, the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 has a tubular shape having a hollow portion into which the connecting portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is inserted. The printed circuit board 10 is electrically connected to the two terminal members 843 and 844 of the connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection portion 81, which are connected to the two electrodes of the pressure sensitive portion 83. Conductor patterns 101 and 102 are formed by being aligned with each other (see FIG. 2).

When the connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is inserted into the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9, the connection portion 842 is stored in the substrate storage portion 91 of the substrate holder 9 as shown in FIG. The printed circuit board 10 is engaged with the upper surface (board surface) 10a of the printed circuit board 10. As a result, the two electrodes of the pressure sensitive portion 83 held by the writing pressure detection portion 81 and the conductor patterns 101 and 102 formed on the substrate surface 10 a of the printed circuit board 10 are the two of the connection portions 842. Are electrically connected through the terminal members 843 and 844. The two terminal members 843 and 844 of the connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 and the conductor patterns 101 and 102 of the printed circuit board 10 detect the writing pressure of the writing pressure detection module 8. The part 81 is brought into contact with and electrically connected to the board holder 9 and the printed circuit board 10 by the fitting coupling, but in this embodiment, it is soldered in order to make the electrical connection stronger. ..

The substrate holder 9 is immovable in the application direction of the writing pressure applied to the core body 3 by the case cap 21. Therefore, when the writing pressure detection module 8 is fitted in the substrate holder 9, the writing pressure detection module 8 is prevented from moving in the axial direction in the case 2 of the electronic pen 1. Therefore, the writing pressure detection unit 81 can reliably detect the writing pressure applied to the core body.

Further, in this embodiment, the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 has a gap between the fitting portion 92 and the inner wall of the hollow portion of the case 2 when housed in the case 2, as shown in FIG. 5(A). A sealing member 93 for closing is provided. That is, FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the sealing member 93, which is composed of an elastic body, for example, a ring-shaped member made of rubber. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 is formed with a ring-shaped groove 92a on the peripheral side thereof, and the sealing member 93 is formed in the ring-shaped groove 92a. Is fixedly stored. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the sealing member 93 from rotating in the circumferential direction of the fitting portion 92, the sealing member 93 is formed with the projection 93a and the ring-shaped recess of the fitting portion 92 is formed. A notch 92b (see FIG. 5A) for accommodating the protrusion 93a of the sealing member 93 is formed in a part of the groove.

By this sealing member 93, the space in which the printed circuit board 10 in the hollow portion of the case 2 is arranged is separated from the space on the side of the opening 2a through which the core body 3 in which the writing pressure detection module 8 is present is projected. Therefore, the sealing member 93 corresponds to the second sealing member.

The electronic pen 1 of this embodiment uses a resonance circuit including a coil 51 wound around a ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 and a capacitor in order to transmit the indicated position to the position detecting device. As shown in FIG. 2, the capacitors 103 that form the circuit are formed on the board surface 10 a of the printed board 10. A side switch 104, which is a push switch that is turned on and off when pressed, is provided on the board surface 10a of the printed board 10. Further, on the board surface 10 a of the printed board 10, capacitors 105 and other electronic components connected in series with the side switch 104 are provided.

The series circuit of the side switch and the capacitor 105 is connected in parallel to the resonance circuit including the coil 51 and the capacitor 103, and the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is changed according to ON/OFF of the side switch 104. Then, it is transmitted to the position detection device 202 whether the side switch 104 is turned on or remains off.

Then, as described above, the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 of this embodiment uses, as the pressure sensing unit 83, a variable capacitance capacitor that exhibits an electrostatic capacitance according to the writing pressure. The electronic pen 1 connects the variable capacitance capacitor of the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 to the resonance circuit so that the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit corresponds to the writing pressure. To do so.

The position detecting device 202 corresponding to the electronic pen 1 has a function of detecting the writing pressure applied to the pen tip of the electronic pen 1 by detecting a change in the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic coupling signal from the electronic pen 1. .. The above-described conductor patterns 101 and 102 serve as terminal portions for connecting the variable capacitance capacitor configured by the pressure sensitive portion 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 to the resonance circuit.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 includes a tubular body portion 821 having a hollow portion 821a therein, and a hollow portion 821a of the tubular body portion 821. And a barrier 822 that closes the hollow space.

In this example, the barrier 822 is composed of a thin plate-shaped body, but as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the thin plate-shaped body is formed with recesses 822a and 822b. The recesses 822a and 822b are made thin so that the thickness of the recesses 822a and 822b can be elastically displaced in the plate thickness direction. Further, in this embodiment, the barrier 822 is made of an elastic member, for example, an elastomer, and combined with the thin portion of the recesses 822a and 822b, the barrier 822 is elastically displaced in the plate thickness direction. It is configured.

The tubular body portion 821 may be made of a material having no elasticity, for example, a resin, or, like the barrier 822, may be made of an elastomer. When the tubular portion 821 is made of a material having no elasticity and the barrier 822 is made of an elastomer having elasticity, the writing pressure transmission member 82 may be manufactured by a two-color molding method.

The side of the hollow portion 821a of the tubular body portion 821 where the barrier 822 is not provided is an opening, and the projection 62 of the coil member holder 6 is press-fitted into the hollow portion 821a from this opening side. It In the case of this example, two ring-shaped protrusions 621 and 622 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are provided on the side peripheral surface of the protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6. The coil member holder 6 is fitted into the writing pressure transmission member 82 without a gap being formed between the ring-shaped protrusions 621 and 622 and the inner wall of the writing pressure transmission member 82. In this example, the two ring-shaped protrusions 621 and 622 are formed on the protrusion 62, but the number of the ring-shaped protrusions may be one.

Prior to press-fitting and fitting the coil member holder 6, the pressing member 7 has a fitting recessed hole 7 a facing the opening side of the tubular body 821 in the hollow portion 821 a of the writing pressure transmission member 82. The side opposite to the fitting concave hole 7a is housed so as to abut against the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmission member 82. Since the outer diameter of the pressing member 7 is larger than the through hole 62a of the protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6, when the coil member holder 6 is press-fitted into the hollow portion 821a of the writing pressure transmission member 82, the pressing member 7 is The pen pressure transmitting member 82 is housed in the hollow portion 821a without dropping from the hollow portion 821a.

Then, the core body portion 31 of the core body 3 is inserted through the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5, the concave hole 61a of the fitting portion 61 of the coil member holder 6, and the through hole 62a of the protrusion 62. When pushed in, the end portion 31a of the core body portion 31 of the core body 3 is press-fitted into the fitting recess hole 7a of the pressing member 7 of the hollow portion 821a of the writing pressure transmission member 82, as shown in FIG. 5(A). Mated.

Therefore, when the writing pressure is applied to the core body 3, the writing pressure is transmitted to the pressing member 7, the pressing member 7 pushes the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmitting member 82, and the barrier 822 is applied. It changes elastically in the axial direction according to the writing pressure.

As described above, when the coil member 5 is fitted into the writing pressure transmission member 82 via the coil member holder 6, the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 and the coil member holder 6 are fitted together. A hollow space is created in which the recessed hole 61a of the joint portion 61 and the through hole 62a of the protrusion 62 communicate with each other, and the core body main body portion 31 of the core body 3 is inserted therethrough. The hollow space is closed by the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmission member 82. That is, in this example, the core member insertion member is configured by fitting and coupling the coil member 5, the coil member holder 6, and the writing pressure transmission member 82.

An engagement protrusion 823a that engages with the engagement protrusion 841b and the engagement protrusion 841c of the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 is provided on the cylindrical body portion 821 of the writing pressure transmission member 82. Engagement protrusions 841d and engagement protrusions 823b that engage with the engagement protrusions 841e are formed. Engagement claws 841bt and engagement claws 841ct that engage with the engagement projections 823a are formed at the tips of the engagement protrusions 841b and the engagement claws 841c of the holder 841 of the holder 84. Engaging claws 841dt and engaging claws 841et that engage with the engaging protrusions 823b are formed at the tips of the mating protrusions 841d and the engaging claws 841e.

Then, when the writing pressure transmission member 82 is coupled to the holder 84 in the axial direction while the pressure sensitive portion 83 is housed in the holding portion 841 of the holder 84, as shown in FIG. As a result, the pressure-sensitive portion 83 is held by the holding portion 841 of the holder 84. At this time, the engaging projections 841b of the holder 841 of the holder 84 and the engaging claws 841bt and the engaging projections 841ct at the tips of the engaging projections 841c engage with the engaging projections 823a of the writing pressure transmission member 82. At the same time, the engaging claws 841dt and the engaging protrusions 841et at the tips of the engaging protrusions 841d and the engaging protrusions 841e engage with the engaging protrusions 823b, and the writing pressure transmitting member is transmitted to the holding portion 841 of the holder 84. 82 engages. As a result, the writing pressure transmission member 82 is locked to the holder 84, and the two are connected.

In this way, in the state where the writing pressure transmission member 82 is engaged with and coupled to the holder 84, as shown in FIG. 3, in the holding portion 841 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection portion 81, as described above, The conductor layer 834 (first electrode) on one end surface of the dielectric body 831 of the pressure portion 83 is electrically connected to one end portion 844a of the terminal member 844, and the conductive elastic body 833 (second electrode) is formed. The protrusion 833b of the electrode) is electrically connected to one end 843a of the terminal member 843.

Then, in the state in which the writing pressure transmission member 82 is engaged with and coupled to the holder 84, as shown in FIG. 5A, the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmission member 82 has the conductive elastic body of the pressure sensitive portion 83. 833 can be pressed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the tip 823at of the engagement projection 823a of the writing pressure transmission member 82 on the barrier 822 side and the tip 823bt of the engagement projection 823b on the barrier 822 side are the axial centers. In the direction, it is formed obliquely so as to slightly project from the surface of the barrier 822. Therefore, due to the presence of the tip 823at of the engagement protrusion 823a on the barrier 822 side of the writing pressure transmission member 82 and the tip 823bt of the engagement protrusion 823b on the barrier 822 side, when the writing pressure is not applied, the state shown in FIG. ), the barrier 822 faces the conductive elastic body 833 of the pressure-sensitive portion 83 via a slight space.

Then, as described above, when the writing pressure is applied to the core body 3, the pressing member 7 presses the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmitting member 82 in accordance with the applied writing pressure, and the barrier 822 applies the applied pressure. The conductive elastic body 833 of the pressure-sensitive portion 83 is pressed by the elastic displacement of the barrier 822 in the axial direction according to the applied writing pressure. Therefore, the conductive elastic body 833 and the dielectric body 831 separated by the spacer 832 come into contact with each other, and the contact area changes according to the writing pressure. An electrostatic capacitance according to the contact area between the conductive elastic body 833 and the dielectric body 831 is obtained between the first electrode and the second electrode of the pressure sensitive portion 83. That is, the writing pressure can be detected from the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor as the pressure sensitive portion 83.

As described above, the coil member 5 is fitted and coupled to the writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 via the coil member holder 6, and the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is then inserted. The connecting portion 842 of the holder 84 is coupled to the printed circuit board 10 via the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9. As a result, the coil member 5 including the ferrite core 52 around which the coil 51 is wound, the writing pressure detection module 8, and the substrate holder 9 holding the printed circuit board 10 are coupled to each other to form one module ( Pen module parts).

Then, after the writing pressure detection module 8 and the board holder 9 accommodating the printed board 10 are fitted and coupled, as shown in FIG. 7, one and the other ends of the coil 51 of the coil member 5 are connected. The parts 51a and 51b are connected to the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844, for example, by soldering at the part of the connection part 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection part 81 that fits with the fitting part 92 of the substrate holder 9. Has been done. The blackened portion in FIG. 7 indicates the soldered portion.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 includes one and the other end portions 51a and 51b of the coil 51, a terminal member 843, and a terminal member 844. The notch 92a and the notch 92b are formed in order to prevent the connection portion (soldered portion) of 1 from interfering with the fitting with the writing pressure detection module 8.

Further, in this embodiment, the writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is provided with the grooves 824a and 824b in the axial direction, and the peripheral side surface of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81. Also, an axial groove 845a and an axial groove 845b are formed so as to be continuous with the groove 824a and the groove 824b of the writing pressure transmission member 82. As shown in FIG. 7, one and the other end portions 51a and 51b of the coil 51 of the coil member 5 pass through the concave groove 824a, the concave groove 824b, the concave groove 845a, and the concave groove 845b, and the writing pressure detection unit. The connection member 842 and the terminal member 844 of the connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of 81 are soldered and connected.

As a result, one and the other ends 51a and 51b of the coil 51 of the coil member 5 are prevented from protruding in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction in the pen module component. Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 5(B), one and the other ends 51 a and 51 b of the coil are eclipsed from the pen module part on the outer peripheral part of the fitting part 61 of the coil member holder 6. A step portion 61b and a step portion 61c are formed so as not to project.

In the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844, one end and the other end portion 51a and 51b of the coil 51 are not simply soldered, but a V-shaped metal terminal is provided at the position of the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844. Etc. may be formed, and one and the other end portions 51a and 51b of the coil 51 may be engaged with the V-shaped metal terminal. Even in that case, soldering may be performed in order to ensure more reliable electrical connection.

By electrically connecting the one and the other ends 51a and 51b of the coil 51 to the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844 in this manner, the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844 are connected to the capacitor 103 of the printed circuit board 10. Therefore, the resonance circuit is configured, and the capacitance variable capacitor configured by the pressure sensing unit 83 is connected in parallel with the resonance circuit. As a result, it is not necessary to extend the one and the other ends 51a and 51b of the coil 51 to the printed circuit board 10 and solder the printed circuit board 10 on the circuit board surface 10a.

After the writing pressure detection module 8 and the substrate holder 9 holding the printed circuit board 10 are coupled to each other as described above, the terminal member 843 and the terminal member 844 of the connection portion 842 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 are connected to each other. The connection portion of the printed board 10 on the board surface 10a with the conductor pattern 101 and the conductor pattern 102 is soldered if necessary. After that, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 9A, the side switch 104 can be pressed on the board surface 10a of the printed board 10 housed in the board housing portion 91 of the board holder 9. For this reason, the side switch 104 is covered by the resin mold member 110 except the portion.

The pen module component in which the coil member 5, the writing pressure detection module 8 and the substrate holder 9 holding the printed circuit board 10 are coupled to each other to form one module is the case of the electronic pen 1. It is housed in the hollow part of 2. When the pen module component is housed in the hollow portion of the case 2, the push-down operator 22 for pushing down the side switch 104 is attached.

FIG. 9A is a sectional view of a portion where the substrate holder 9 is housed in the case 2. Further, FIG. 9B is a view of the mounting member 23 of the side switch 104 as viewed from the surface side facing the printed circuit board 10. Further, FIG. 9C is a view of the pressing operation element 22 for the side switch 104 as seen from the surface side facing the printed circuit board 10.

As shown in FIG. 9(A), the case 2 is formed with a through hole 2b for disposing the pressing operation element 22. The push-down operator 22 is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a shape that fits exactly into the through hole 2b of the case 2, as shown in FIG. 9(C). As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, cylindrical protrusions 221 and 222 that engage with the mounting member 23 are formed on the surface of the push-down operator 22 that faces the printed circuit board 10. ..

The attachment member 23 is made of a material having elasticity, that is, a resin in this example, and the attachment member 23 has through holes 231 and 232 with which the projections 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22 are engaged, A protrusion 233 for pressing the side switch 104 is formed. The through holes 231 and 232 of the attachment member 23 are circular portions 231a and 232a having the same diameter as the diameters of the protrusions 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22, and linear holes having a width shorter than the diameters of the protrusions 221 and 222. 231b and 232b.

At the base positions of the cylindrical projections 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22, the push-down operator 22 engages with the linear holes 231b and 232b of the through holes 231 and 232 of the attachment member 23, and the push-down operator 22 is attached. Cutouts 221a and 222a (see the dotted line in FIG. 9C) are formed so as not to come off from 23. The linear holes 231b and 232b of the through holes 231 and 232 of the attachment member 23 are the attachment members according to the cutouts 221a and 222b at the base positions of the cylindrical protrusions 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22. It is formed to be slightly thinner than the other portions of 23.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 2, a concave hole 91b for locking the attachment member 23 is provided at the end portion of the substrate holder 9 on the case cap 21 side. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), a bending protrusion 234 that fits into the recessed hole 91b is formed at the end of the attachment member 23 in the longitudinal direction.

Prior to storing the pen module component in the case 2, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the protrusion 233 of the mounting member 23 allows the side switch 104 to be pushed down so that the board holder 9 The bent protrusion 234 of the mounting member 23 is fitted into the recessed hole 91b, and the mounting member 23 is mounted on the printed circuit board 10 covered with the resin mold member 110 of the substrate holder 9.

Next, the pen module component to which the mounting member 23 is attached is housed in the case 2 from the side opposite to the pen tip side opening 2a. Then, when the through holes 231 and 232 of the attachment member 23 attached to the pen module component are in a state of being exposed from the through hole 2b of the case 2, the pressing operation element 22 is inserted into the through hole 2b of the case 2. Then, the protrusions 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22 are inserted into and engaged with the circular portions 231a and 232a of the through holes 231 and 232 of the attachment member 23, respectively.

Then, the pen module component is further pushed into the case 2. Then, the protrusions 221 and 222 of the push-down operator 22 inserted into the circular portions 231a and 232a of the through holes 231 and 232 of the mounting member 23 are the linear holes 231b of the through holes 231 and 232 of the mounting member 23. And 232b, the push-down operator 22 is engaged with the attachment member 23 and cannot be removed. As described above, the push-down operator 22 is attached by engaging the attachment member 23 when the pen module component is stored in the case 2.

In this case, as described above, the cap member 4 is arranged near the opening of the pen module component on the pen tip side of the hollow portion of the case 2 so as to cover the tapered portion 52b of the ferrite core 52. As described above, the cap member 4 is made of elastic rubber, and seals so as to eliminate a gap between the front end side of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 and the inner wall surface of the hollow portion of the case 2. It becomes the first sealing member.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen 1 on the side of the opening 2a of the case 2 when the pen module component is housed in the hollow portion of the case 2. In this case, the pen module component is in a state of being pressed by the case cap 21 toward the opening 2a side of the case 2 when the case cap 21 is fitted into the case 2. Therefore, the taper portion 52b of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 presses the cap member 4 toward the inner wall side of the case 2, whereby sealing is performed so as to eliminate a gap from the inner wall of the case 2. In this example, as described above, the cap member 4 has the skirt shape that widens the hem, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the cap member 4 and the inner wall surface of the case 2 are in close contact with each other at two places, The dustproof effect and waterproof effect due to the sealing are improved.

By the sealing of the cap member 4 on the side of the opening 2a of the case 2, the space of the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 is separated from the space of the hollow portion inside the case 2 in which the pen module component is housed. It

That is, as described above, in this example, the coil member 5, the coil member holder 6, and the writing pressure transmission member 82 are fitted and coupled to each other to form a core body insertion member. The hollow space of the core body insertion member is composed of the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5, the concave hole 61a and the through hole 62a of the coil member holder 6, and the hollow portion 821a of the writing pressure transmission member 82. The pressure transmission member 82 is closed by the barrier 822.

In this case, at the fitting portion between the protrusion 62 of the coil member holder 6 and the writing pressure transmission member 82, the ring-shaped protrusions 621 and 622 of the coil member holder 6 are formed between the coil member holder 6 and the writing pressure transmission member 82. Sealing is secured by closely contacting the inner wall of the hollow portion 821a with no gap. As a result, the hollow space of the core body insertion member is an independent space that is isolated from the others except the opening side of the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52. And, since there are no electrical parts and no electrical connection parts in the hollow space of this core body insertion member, the hollow space of this core body insertion member is waterproof and dustproof. Is not necessary.

Then, on the taper portion 52b side of the ferrite core 52, which is the end portion of the core body insertion member on the core body 3 side, as described with reference to FIG. 8 above, between the inner wall of the case 2 by the cap member 4. By the sealing, the hollow space of the core body insertion member and the space of the hollow portion inside the case 2 in which the pen module component is housed are separated.

Therefore, even if dust or water enters the hollow space of the core body insertion member, the dust or water does not enter the space of the hollow portion of the case 2 in which the pen module component is stored. Therefore, it is not necessary to seal the space between the core body 3 and the hollow space of the core body insertion member, and even if the core body 3 is freely moved in the axial direction, the electronic pen 1 is waterproof and dustproof. Can be secured.

Then, in a state where the pen module component is housed in the case 2, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 9A, the pen module component is provided at the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 with the writing pressure detection module 8. The sealing member 93 is closely attached to the inner wall surface of the case 2, and seals the hollow part of the case 2 so as to separate the pen tip side of the fitting part 92 and the case cap 21 side.

As described above, on the pen tip side, the space of the hollow portion of the case 2 is sealed by the cap member 4 with respect to the external space. Therefore, the space inside the hollow portion of the case 2 closer to the pen tip than the fitting portion 92 is waterproof by the first sealing by the cap member 4 and the second sealing by the sealing member 93 of the fitting portion 92. And it becomes a sealed space where dustproofness is secured.

Therefore, the space on the pen tip side of the hollow fitting portion 92 in the case 2 prevents moisture and dust from entering from the external space on the pen tip side opening 2a side of the electronic pen 1. At the same time, moisture and dust are prevented from entering through the through hole 2b in the portion of the side switch 104 where the push-down operator 22 is provided. As described above, the pressure sensitive portion 83 is arranged in the space on the pen tip side of the hollow fitting portion 92 in the case 2, and the connecting portion between the coil 51 and the pressure sensitive portion 53 and Although the connection portion of the printed circuit board 10 to the capacitor 103, the side switch 104, and the capacitor 105 is arranged, it is possible to secure waterproofness and dustproofness for these.

Since the board surface 10a of the printed board 10 is covered with the resin mold member 110 on the case cap 21 side of the fitting portion 92 of the hollow portion in the case 2, the pressing operation element 22 of the side switch 104 is Even if moisture or dust penetrates through the provided through-hole 2b, the waterproofness and dustproofness of the electronic components on the board surface 10a of the printed board 10 are ensured.

In this embodiment, the writing pressure transmitting member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is fitted with the coil member 5 via the coil member holder 6, whereby the center line of the writing pressure detection module 8 in the axial direction. The position and the center line position of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 in the axial direction of the coil member 5 coincide with each other. Then, the writing pressure detection module 8 is fitted into the fitting portion 92 of the substrate holder 9 and the writing pressure detection module 8 is joined to the printed circuit board 10. And, the printed circuit board 10 is coupled at a predetermined position. Further, in a state where the pen module component is housed in the hollow portion of the case 2, the axial center line position of the writing pressure detection module 8 and the axial center line position of the ferrite core 52 are hollow in the case 2. The substrate holder 9 is coupled to the case cap 21 so as to coincide with the axial centerline position of the portion.

Then, the core body portion 31 of the core body 3 is inserted through the opening 2a of the case 2 (see FIG. 8), the opening 4a of the cap member 4, and the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52, and the writing pressure detection module. 8 is fitted to the pressing member 7 in the writing pressure transmission member 82.

As described above, according to this embodiment, only by housing the pen module component in the case 2, the first sealing and the second sealing for waterproofing and dustproofing the electronic pen 1 can be performed. Further, according to this embodiment, the hollow space of the core body insertion member configured by the coil member 5, the coil member holder 6, and the writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8 is sealed to the outside. Since there is not, the core body 3 can freely move in the axial direction.

Then, according to the above-described embodiment, by simply fitting the writing pressure detection module 8 into the board holder 9 to which the printed circuit board 10 is locked, the two terminal members 843 and 843 of the writing pressure detection module 8 are 844 contacts the conductor patterns 101 and 102 formed on the substrate surface 10a of the printed circuit board 10 to be electrically connected. That is, the alignment of the two terminal members 843 and 844 of the writing pressure detection module 8 and the conductor patterns 101 and 102 of the printed board 10 is performed by aligning the writing pressure detection module 8 with the board holder 9. It is automatically performed only by fitting the joint portion 92.

[Circuit Configuration for Position Detection and Writing Pressure Detection of Electronic Pen 1 in Position Detection Device 202]
Next, a circuit configuration example in the position detection device 202 that detects the pointing position and the writing pressure using the electronic pen 1 of the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the position detection device 202 of this example.

The electronic pen 1 includes a coil 51, a capacitor 103, a variable capacitor 83C including a pressure sensing unit 83 of a writing pressure detection unit 81 of a writing pressure detection module 8, a side switch 104, and a series circuit of a capacitor 105. A resonance circuit 1R including a parallel circuit is provided. In this case, since the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor 83C configured by the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 changes according to the writing pressure applied, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 1R changes according to the writing pressure. Change. Further, whether the capacitor 105 is connected to the resonance circuit 1R is controlled depending on whether the side switch 104 is on or off, and the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 1R changes.

In the position detection device 202, the position on the sensor indicated by the electronic pen 1 is detected from the position on the sensor where the signal received from the resonance circuit 1R of the electronic pen 1 by electromagnetic coupling is detected, and the position of the electronic pen 1 is detected. A change in the resonance frequency is detected by detecting a phase change of a signal received from the resonance circuit 1R by electromagnetic coupling, and the writing pressure applied to the core body 3 of the electronic pen 1 is detected.

In the position detection device 202, a position detection coil 240 is formed by stacking an X-axis direction loop coil group 241 and a Y-axis direction loop coil group 242. Further, the position detection device 202 is provided with a selection circuit 243 to which the X-axis direction loop coil group 241 and the Y-axis direction loop coil group 242 are connected. The selection circuit 243 sequentially selects one loop coil of the two loop coil groups 241 and 242.

Further, the position detection device 202 includes an oscillator 251, a current driver 252, a switching connection circuit 253, a reception amplifier 254, a detector 255, a low pass filter 256, a sample hold circuit 257, and an A/D conversion circuit. 258, a synchronous detector 259, a low-pass filter 260, a sample hold circuit 261, an A/D conversion circuit 262, and a processing control unit 263 are provided. The processing control unit 263 is composed of a microcomputer.

The oscillator 251 generates an AC signal having a frequency f0. Then, the oscillator 251 supplies the generated AC signal to the current driver 252 and the synchronous detector 259. The current driver 252 converts the AC signal supplied from the oscillator 251 into a current and sends it to the switching connection circuit 253. The switching connection circuit 253 switches the connection destination (transmission side terminal T, reception side terminal R) to which the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 213 is connected under the control of the processing control unit 243. Among the connection destinations, a current driver 252 is connected to the transmission side terminal T, and a reception amplifier 254 is connected to the reception side terminal R.

The induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 243 is sent to the reception amplifier 254 via the selection circuit 243 and the switching connection circuit 253. The reception amplifier 254 amplifies the induced voltage supplied from the loop coil and sends it to the detector 255 and the synchronous detector 259.

The detector 255 detects the induced voltage generated in the loop coil, that is, the received signal, and sends it to the low-pass filter 256. The low-pass filter 256 has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the above-mentioned frequency f0, converts the output signal of the detector 255 into a DC signal, and sends it to the sample hold circuit 257. The sample hold circuit 257 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter 256 at a predetermined timing, specifically, a predetermined timing during the reception period, and sends it to the A/D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit 258. The A/D conversion circuit 258 converts the analog output of the sample hold circuit 257 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the processing control unit 263.

On the other hand, the synchronous detector 259 synchronously detects the output signal of the receiving amplifier 254 with the AC signal from the oscillator 251, and sends a signal having a level corresponding to the phase difference between them to the low-pass filter 260. The low-pass filter 260 has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency f0, converts the output signal of the synchronous detector 259 into a DC signal, and sends it to the sample hold circuit 241. The sample hold circuit 261 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter 260 at a predetermined timing and sends it to the A/D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit 262. The A/D conversion circuit 262 converts the analog output of the sample hold circuit 261 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the processing control unit 263.

The processing control unit 263 controls each unit of the position detection device 202. That is, the processing control unit 263 controls the selection of the loop coil in the selection circuit 243, the switching of the switching connection circuit 253, and the timing of the sample hold circuits 257 and 261. The processing control unit 263 causes the X-axis direction loop coil group 241 and the Y-axis direction loop coil group 242 to transmit radio waves based on the input signals from the A/D conversion circuits 258 and 262 with a constant transmission duration.

An induction voltage is generated in each loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 241 and the Y-axis direction loop coil group 242 by the radio wave transmitted from the electronic pen 1. The processing control unit 263 calculates the coordinate value of the designated position of the electronic pen 1 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction based on the level of the voltage value of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil. The processing control unit 263 also detects the writing pressure based on the level of the signal corresponding to the phase difference (frequency shift) between the transmitted radio wave and the received radio wave. Further, the processing control unit 263 detects whether the side switch 104 is in the on state or the off state based on the level of the signal corresponding to the phase difference (frequency difference) between the transmitted radio wave and the received radio wave. ..

[Other Embodiments]
The above is the case where the present invention is applied to the case of the electromagnetic induction type electronic pen. However, the present invention can also be applied to an active electrostatic pen, which is an example of a capacitive electronic pen. In the electronic pen as an example of the active electrostatic pen described below, the coil wound around the ferrite core is a part of the charging circuit that charges the power supply of the signal transmission circuit included in the active electrostatic pen.

FIG. 11 shows a circuit configuration example of the electronic pen 1B having the configuration of the active electrostatic pen of this example. In the electronic pen 1B having the configuration of this active electrostatic pen, the core body 3B has a configuration of an electrode core made of a conductor, for example, a hard resin mixed with a conductive metal or conductive powder. In the following description, the core body 3B will be referred to as the electrode core 3B.

Although not shown, in the electronic pen 1B, the barrier 822 of the writing pressure transmission member 82 is made of a conductive member, and the pressing member 7 is also made of a conductive member. An insulating film for insulating the writing pressure transmission member 82 is formed on the surface of the pressure-sensitive portion 83 corresponding to the barrier 822 of the conductive elastic body 833. Then, a terminal member configured as a three-dimensional fine pattern is formed on the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 so as to be electrically connected to the barrier 822, similarly to the terminal members 843 and 844. The barrier 822 is configured to electrically connect to the terminal member when the writing pressure transmission member 82 and the writing pressure detection unit 81 are engaged.

A signal transmitting circuit (IC) for supplying to the electrode core 3B is provided on the substrate surface 10a of the printed circuit board 10, and the terminal member electrically connected to the barrier 822 serves as the signal transmitting circuit. The connection portion 842 of the holder 84 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 is formed so as to be electrically connected.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 11, the electronic circuit formed on the printed circuit board 10 generates the above-mentioned signal transmission circuit 301 and a drive voltage (power supply voltage) for driving the signal transmission circuit 301. It has a circuit configuration including an electric double layer capacitor 302 as an example of a power storage element, a rectifying diode 303, and a voltage conversion circuit 304. The signal transmission circuit 301 is composed of an oscillation circuit in this example.

The electrode core 3B is inserted through the through hole 52a of the ferrite core 52 of the coil member 5 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and has a conductive pressure inside the writing pressure transmission member 82 of the writing pressure detection module 8. It is fitted to the member 7 and presses the conductive barrier 822 through the conductive pressing member 7. The electrode core 3B is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit 301 on the printed circuit board as described above.

The two terminal members 843 and 844 of the writing pressure detection module 8 are electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit 301 formed on the printed board, as shown in FIG. The oscillation circuit that constitutes the signal transmission circuit 301 generates a signal whose frequency changes according to the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor 83BC of the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81, and supplies the generated signal to the electrode core 3B. To do. Further, the signal transmission circuit 301 generates a signal whose frequency changes according to ON/OFF of the side switch 104, and supplies the generated signal to the electrode core 3B.

When the electronic pen 1B of this example is attached to a charger (not shown), an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil 51 due to the alternating magnetic field generated by the charger, and the electric double layer capacitor 302 is charged via the diode 303. To do. The voltage conversion circuit 304 converts the voltage stored in the electric double layer capacitor 302 into a constant voltage and supplies it as a power source of the signal transmission circuit 301.

When the electronic pen 1B as the electrostatic stylus pen of this example normally operates (when the charging operation is not performed), the coil 51 has a fixed potential (ground potential (GND) in this example), and thus the electrode core 3B. Acts as a shield electrode provided around the. The fixed potential of the coil 51 when the electrostatic stylus pen normally operates is not limited to the ground potential, but may be the positive side potential of the power source, or may be the intermediate potential between the positive side potential of the power source and the ground potential. It may be a potential.

The signal transmission circuit (oscillation circuit) 301 is a signal whose frequency changes according to the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor 83BC configured by the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 and a frequency depending on whether the side switch 104 is turned on or off. Is generated, and the generated signal is supplied to the electrode core 3B. The signal from the signal transmission circuit 301 is radiated from the electrode core 3B as an electric field based on the signal. The oscillating circuit that constitutes the signal transmitting circuit 301 is, for example, an LC oscillating circuit that utilizes resonance due to a coil and a capacitor. In the position detecting device that detects the coordinate position of the electrostatic stylus pen of the example of the electronic pen 1B of this embodiment, the writing pressure applied to the electrode core 3B can be obtained from the frequency of this signal.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a position detecting device 400 that receives a signal from the electronic pen 1B, which is a configuration of an electrostatic stylus pen, detects the position on the sensor, and detects the writing pressure. Is.

As shown in FIG. 12, the position detection device 400 of this embodiment includes a sensor 410 and a pen detection circuit 420 connected to the sensor 410. Although a cross-sectional view is omitted in this example, the sensor 410 is formed by laminating a first conductor group 411, an insulating layer (not shown), and a second conductor group 412 in order from the lower layer side. is there. The first conductor group 411, for example, isolates a plurality of first conductors 411Y ₁ , 411Y ₂ ,..., 411Y _m (m is an integer of 1 or more) extending in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) from each other by a predetermined distance. Are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction.

The second conductor group 412, first conductor 411Y _1, 411Y _2, ..., a direction crossing the extending direction of 411Y _m, extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal in this example The plurality of second conductors 412X ₁ , 412X ₂ ,..., 412X _n (n is an integer of 1 or more) are arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction while being separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

As described above, in the sensor 410 of the position detection device 400, the sensor pattern formed by intersecting the first conductor group 411 and the second conductor group 412 is used to detect the position indicated by the electronic pen 1B. I have it.

In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first conductors 411Y ₁ , 411Y ₂ ,..., 411Y _m , the conductors are referred to as the first conductor 411Y. Similarly, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the second conductors 412X ₁ , 412X ₂ ,..., 412X _n , the conductors will be referred to as second conductors 412X.

The pen detection circuit 420 includes a selection circuit 421 serving as an input/output interface with the sensor 410, an amplification circuit 422, a bandpass filter 423, a detection circuit 424, a sample hold circuit 425, and AD (Analog to Digital) conversion. It is composed of a circuit 426 and a control circuit 427.

The selection circuit 421 selects one conductor 411Y or 412X from the first conductor group 411 and the second conductor group 412 based on the control signal from the control circuit 427. The conductor selected by the selection circuit 421 is connected to the amplification circuit 422, and the signal from the electronic pen 1B is detected by the selected conductor and amplified by the amplification circuit 422. The output of the amplifier circuit 422 is supplied to the bandpass filter 423, and only the frequency component of the signal transmitted from the electronic pen 1B is extracted.

The output signal of the bandpass filter 423 is detected by the detection circuit 424. The output signal of the detection circuit 424 is supplied to the sample hold circuit 425, sampled and held at a predetermined timing by the sampling signal from the control circuit 427, and then converted into a digital value by the AD conversion circuit 426. The digital data from the AD conversion circuit 426 is read and processed by the control circuit 427.

The control circuit 427 operates so as to send control signals to the sample hold circuit 425, the AD conversion circuit 426, and the selection circuit 421, respectively, according to the program stored in the internal ROM. Then, the control circuit 427 calculates the position coordinates on the sensor 410 designated by the electronic pen 1B from the digital data from the AD conversion circuit 426, and at the same time, the writing pressure detected by the writing pressure detection module of the electronic pen 1B. Try to detect.

As a flow of operation, the control circuit 427 supplies a selection signal to the selection circuit 421, selects each of the second conductors 412X, and reads the data output from the AD conversion circuit 426 as a signal level.

When a signal of a level equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected from any of the second conductors 412X, the control circuit 427 controls the number of the second conductor 412X in which the highest signal level is detected and a plurality of peripheral parts. The second conductor 412X of. Similarly, the control circuit 427 controls the selection circuit 421 to detect the highest signal level of the first conductors 411Y and the plurality of first conductors 411Y around the first conductor 411Y. Remember the number of.

Then, the control circuit 427 detects the position on the sensor 410 designated by the electronic pen 1B from the number of the second conductor 412X and the number of the first conductor 411Y stored as described above.

The control circuit 427 also detects the frequency of the signal from the AD conversion circuit 426, and detects the writing pressure value detected by the writing pressure detection unit 81 of the electronic pen 1B from the detected frequency. That is, as described above, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit that constitutes the signal transmission circuit 301 of the electronic pen 1B depends on the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor 83BC that is configured by the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81. Frequency. The control circuit 427 includes, for example, information on a correspondence table between the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit forming the signal transmission circuit 301 of the electronic pen 1B and the writing pressure value, and detects the writing pressure value from the information on the correspondence table. To do.

In the above-described example, the electronic pen 1B converts the writing pressure detected by the pressure sensing unit 83 of the writing pressure detection unit 81 into a frequency and supplies the frequency to the electrode core 3B. The attribute is not limited to the frequency, and the writing pressure may be associated with the phase of the signal, the number of times the signal is interrupted, and the like.

Further, in the electronic pen 1B having the configuration of the active electrostatic pen of the above-described example, the coil 51 wound around the ferrite core is used as the charging coil, but the battery is used as the power supply voltage source of the signal transmission circuit 301. (Battery) may be built in. In that case, the ferrite core around which the coil is wound is unnecessary. In that case, instead of the coil member, a hollow cylindrical body that constitutes the shield electrode for the electrode core 3B is provided, and this cylindrical body transmits the writing pressure via the holding member for the cylindrical body. It may be configured to be fitted with the member 82.

In addition, in the electronic pen 1B having the configuration of the active electrostatic pen of the above-described example, the signal transmission circuit 301 has only the oscillation circuit, and the writing pressure is transmitted to the position detection device as a change in the oscillation frequency. However, the signal transmission circuit may be configured by an oscillation circuit and a circuit that performs a predetermined modulation on the oscillation signal, and the writing pressure information may be transmitted to the position detection device as, for example, the above-described ASK signal. Good.

[Other Embodiments or Modifications]
In the above-described embodiment, the case 2 is the external housing of the electronic pen, but the case 2 may be used as the case (housing) of the electronic pen cartridge housed in the external housing of the electronic pen. Good. In that case, the electronic pen cartridge is ensured to be waterproof and dustproof, and the external casing of the electronic pen does not require a sealing structure relating to waterproofness and dustproofness. When the electronic pen cartridge is configured, the electronic pen cartridge can be configured as a knock-type refill. In that case, the electronic pen cartridge is connected to the pen tip side of the case (housing) of the electronic pen cartridge. The end portion on the opposite side is configured as a fitting portion that fits into the knock mechanism.

In the above-described embodiment, the variable capacitance capacitor configured by the pressure-sensitive unit of the writing pressure detection unit is not limited to the one having a mechanical structure in which a plurality of components as in the above-described example are combined. It is also possible to have a one-part configuration using a semiconductor element whose capacitance is variable according to the writing pressure as disclosed in JP-A-2013-161307.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensitive portion of the writing pressure detection portion uses the capacitance variable capacitor that changes the electrostatic capacitance according to the writing pressure, but as a change element that changes the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit. It goes without saying that the inductance value and the resistance value of can be changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Electronic pen, 2... Case (housing), 21... Case cap, 3... Core body, 4... Cap member, 5... Coil member, 51... Coil 51... Ferrite core, 6... Coil member holder, 7... Pressing Member, 8... Writing pressure detection module, 9... Substrate holder, 10... Printed circuit board, 81... Writing pressure detection part, 82... Writing pressure transmission member, 83... Pressure sensitive part, 84... Holder, 822... Barrier, 93... Sealing Member, 110... Resin mold member

Claims (15)

A housing,
An opening formed on one side in the axial direction of the housing,
A core body provided outside the housing so as to protrude from the opening to the outside,
A writing pressure detection unit that detects the writing pressure applied to the core body,
A core body insertion part having a space into which the core body is inserted;
Equipped with
The electronic pen, wherein the space part communicates with a first space outside the housing through the opening part and is separated from a second space where the writing pressure detection part exists. The core body insertion portion has a barrier,
The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the barrier separates the space part of the core body insertion part from the second space where the writing pressure detection part exists. The writing pressure is transmitted to the writing pressure detection unit by elastically displacing the barrier as the core moves according to the writing pressure applied to the writing body. The electronic pen according to 1. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the barrier is an elastic member. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the writing pressure detection unit is coupled to the core body insertion unit. The electronic pen according to claim 1, further comprising a first sealing member that separates the space portion of the core body insertion portion from the second space. The electronic pen according to claim 1, further comprising a first sealing member that separates the first space and the second space. A magnetic core that houses the core,
A first sealing member provided on the magnetic core located on the opening side of the housing;
The electronic pen according to claim 1, further comprising: The magnetic core has a second opening for inserting the core,
The electronic pen according to claim 8, wherein the first sealing member is configured by a cap-shaped elastic member that is covered without blocking the second opening of the magnetic core. Further comprising a pressing member fitted to the core body on the side opposite to the side of the core body protruding to the outside,
The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the core body presses the barrier through the pressing member according to the applied writing pressure. A circuit board is disposed on the side of the writing pressure detection section opposite to the core body insertion section, and the coupling section and the casing are provided at the coupling section between the circuit board and the writing pressure detection section. The electronic pen according to claim 1, further comprising a second sealing member that closes a gap between the electronic pen and the inner wall of the body. The circuit board is provided on a board holder, and the board holder is provided with a fitting section that fits with the writing pressure detection section. The second sealing member is provided on the board holder. The electronic pen according to claim 11, wherein the electronic pen is formed in a fitting portion with the writing pressure detection portion. A switch member, which is pressed by a pressing member provided so as to be exposed to the outside from an opening provided in the housing, is provided on the opposite side of the writing pressure detection section from the core body insertion section. The circuit board is installed,
The sealing member that closes a gap between the connection portion and the inner wall of the housing is provided at a connection portion between the circuit board and the writing pressure detection unit. Electronic pen. A circuit board is arranged on the side of the writing pressure detection section opposite to the core body insertion section, and a mounting surface of the electronic component of the circuit board is covered with a molding member. The electronic pen according to claim 1. A circuit board arranged on the side opposite to the core body insertion part of the writing pressure detection part,
A coupling portion that couples the circuit board and the writing pressure detection portion,
A first sealing member for separating the space portion of the core body insertion portion and the second space;
A second sealing member that closes a gap between the coupling portion and the inner wall of the housing,
A seal is provided between the first sealing member and the second sealing member,
The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein:

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