JP7424829B2 - Electronic pen core and electronic pen - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic pen core used in an electronic pen that realizes a function as a position indicator for an electronic device equipped with a position detection device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer), and the electronic pen core. This invention relates to an electronic pen configured using.

In recent years, electronic pens and tablet PCs have come into use in the educational field as well. For example, each child or student is lent an electronic pen and a tablet PC, and the students are taught the order of strokes of kanji by inputting characters, or inputting answers to questions. When inputting information to a tablet PC using an electronic pen, it is convenient because input can be repeated many times without using paper media. Electronic pens are hard to break because they use a core made of POM resin, for example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional example of an electronic pen. For example, the electronic pens 100 and 200 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are both electromagnetic induction type. Inside the casings 101 and 201, a component is mounted in which coils 104 and 204 are wound around the outer surfaces of ferrite cores 103 and 203. A capacitor (not shown) is connected to the coils 104 and 204 to form a resonant circuit. The core bodies 102, 202 are inserted into the through holes of the ferrite cores 103, 203 from the openings of the housings 101, 201, and come into contact with the pen pressure detection units 105, 205, thereby detecting the pen pressure applied to the core bodies 102, 202. is now possible.

Unlike writing on a paper medium, drawing input to a tablet PC using an electronic pen can be easily rewritten over and over again, but it is also easy to change the display screen, and the display screen can be changed in an instant. You can delete the input information. Therefore, in order to retain the input information, an operation must be performed to save the input information in the built-in storage medium. There is also a demand for using not only electronic pens and tablet PCs, but also paper media such as notebooks for learning purposes. Therefore, there is a need to be able to record on a paper medium without changing hands with an electronic pen, and to also be able to input drawings to a tablet PC.

Patent Document 1, which will be described later, discloses an electronic pen incorporating a mechanical pencil unit, and by using the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform a writing function on a paper medium and an input function to a tablet PC. It is possible to create an electronic pen with both functions. By using the electronic pen, necessary information can be recorded on a paper medium, and answers to questions can be entered into a tablet PC and answered immediately.

JP2007-219723A

In the case of an electronic pen incorporating the mechanical pencil unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lead of the mechanical pencil is usually thin with a diameter of about 0.5 mm, and the nib of the electronic pen itself is also thin. Become. For this reason, when children in the lower grades of elementary school try to use a mechanical pencil, it is difficult to apply enough force, and the lead of the mechanical pencil breaks easily, making it impossible to write on paper as expected, or when using a tablet PC. There is a possibility that the operation screen of the device may be damaged.

When considering its use in the educational field, especially considering that it will be used by children in the lower grades of elementary school, it can be used in the same way as a conventional electronic pen configured as shown in Figure 5, and it can also be used on paper media. It is hoped that an electronic pen that can also record data will be developed. It is also thought that electronic pens may be frequently dropped or hit. Therefore, it is required to be resistant to shocks applied from the outside and hard to break.

Therefore, the applicant of this application got the idea of configuring an electronic pen core using a material containing pigment, and developed an electronic pen using an electronic pen core formed by mixing a pigment with a material such as a resin. An application has been filed for an invention related to this (Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-055046). However, when a pigment and a resin are mixed to form an electronic pen core, there is a trade-off between softness (easiness to crumble) and density of handwriting. That is, if the amount of resin mixed is increased in order to make the electronic pen core harder and stronger, the density of the handwriting written on the paper medium will become lighter. On the other hand, if the amount of pigment mixed is increased in order to increase the density of handwriting written on a paper medium, the electronic pen core becomes soft and easily crumbles.

For example, there are pencils with different densities such as 2B, B, HB, F, H, and 2H. We would like to create a core for an electronic pen that allows the density of handwriting recorded on paper media to be at least a B pencil, assuming that it will be used by children in the lower grades of elementary school and kindergarteners. However, if the density of the handwriting is greater than the density of pencil B, the electronic pen core becomes soft. In this case, if the electronic pen is dropped on the floor, there is a high possibility that the electronic pen core will be damaged, and it may not be able to withstand hard use by children and kindergarteners.

In view of the above, the present invention relates to a core for an electronic pen, which makes it possible to make handwriting sufficiently dark when writing on a paper medium, etc., and also to have sufficient strength. The purpose is to

In order to solve the above issues,
A core for an electronic pen comprising a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen tip provided at one tip of the main body and in contact with an operation surface during use,
The main body portion is formed of a hard material,
The pen tip portion is formed of a material containing pigment ,
The tip of the main body has a hemispherical shape,
The outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip protrudes beyond the outer edge of a surface other than the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body.
To provide a core for an electronic pen characterized by the following.

According to this electronic pen core, the electronic pen core includes a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen nib provided at one tip of the main body, which contacts the operation surface during use. It consists of. The main body is formed of a hard material, and thus functions to maintain high strength of the entire electronic pen core. The pen tip is made of a material containing pigment, so that the handwriting has a desired density when writing on a paper medium or the like. Further, the tip of the main body has a hemispherical shape, and the outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip protrudes beyond the outer edge of a surface other than the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body. As a result, it is possible to realize a core for an electronic pen that has sufficient strength and provides sufficient density of handwriting when written on a paper medium or the like. That is, a core for an electronic pen that satisfies both strength and density of handwriting, which have conventionally been in a trade-off relationship, is realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an electronic pen according to the present invention using the electronic pen core according to the present invention. It is a figure for explaining the variation of the core for electronic pens of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a usage mode of the electronic pen core of the present invention. It is a figure for explaining other examples of the core for electronic pens of this invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional electronic pen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic pen core and an electronic pen of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that methods for electronic pens (position pointing devices) and position detection devices include an electromagnetic induction method (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance technology) method) and an active electrostatic coupling method (AES (Active Electrostatic) method).

In the electromagnetic induction method, a position detection device includes a sensor section in which a plurality of loop coils are arranged in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A transmission period in which power is sequentially supplied to the plurality of loop coils of the sensor unit to generate a magnetic field, and a reception period in which power supply is stopped and a magnetic field from the outside is received are provided alternately. The corresponding electronic pen is equipped with a resonant circuit consisting of a coil and a capacitor, and in response to the magnetic field from the sensor part, a current flows through the coil to generate a signal, and this signal includes pen pressure information to determine the position. Send to detection sensor. The position detection device receives this during the reception period and detects the position indicated by the electronic pen and the writing pressure.

In the case of the active capacitive coupling method, the electronic pen transmits a signal from an oscillator circuit installed in the electronic pen including pen pressure information, and receives this information with a position detection device to determine the indicated position and the pen pressure. Detect pressure. The electronic pen of the present invention can be used for both electromagnetic induction type and active capacitive coupling type. However, in the embodiments described below, in order to simplify the explanation, a case where the present invention is applied to an electromagnetic induction type (EMR type) electronic pen will be described as an example.

[Example of configuration of electronic pen]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an electronic pen core and an electronic pen according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the pen tip side portion of the electronic pen of this embodiment, which is divided into two in the axial direction and the front portion is removed. However, in FIG. 1(A), the electronic pen core 2 is shown not in cross section but in its entirety. FIG. 1(B) is an enlarged view of the electronic pen core 2, and FIG. 1(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the pen tip side portion of FIG. 1(A) in a more enlarged manner. be.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the electronic pen housing 1 of this embodiment has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(C), the pen tip side of the housing 1 is tapered, and the tip thereof is an opening 1h. An electronic pen core 2, which will be described later, is inserted and removed through this opening 1h. A ferrite core 3 formed in a cylindrical shape is housed in a portion of the interior of the housing 1 on the pen tip side. The end portion of the ferrite core 3 on the pen tip side (front end side) is fixed to the housing 1 . Further, a cylindrical buffer member 5 made of, for example, elastomer is provided on the side opposite to the pen tip side (rear end side) of the ferrite core 3. , the rear end portion of the ferrite core 3 is fixed to the housing 1.

In this way, the ferrite core 3 is fixed to the housing 1 at both its front end and rear end. Note that in FIG. 1A, the buffer member 5 is provided only on the rear end side of the ferrite core 3, but a buffer member may also be provided on the front end side of the ferrite core 3. In short, the ferrite core 3 is fixed to the casing 1 either directly or through an intervening material such as a buffer member, and is prevented from moving or rattling within the casing 1. That's fine. Note that the buffer member 5 can be made of various elastic materials such as rubber, sponge, and felt.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, a coil 4 is wound around the outer surface of the ferrite core 3. The coil 4 is connected in parallel with a pen pressure detection section 7 configured as a variable capacitor (described later) and a capacitor (not shown) mounted on a circuit board 9 to form a resonant circuit. A pressing member 6 that connects the electronic pen core 2 and the pen pressure detection section 7 is provided on the rear end side of the buffer member 5. The end portion of the pressing member 6 on the pen tip side is a recessed portion into which the rear end side of the electronic pen core 2 fits, and the end portion on the opposite side to the pen tip side is a recessed portion into which the pen pressure detection unit 7 is fitted. It has a convex part for pressing.

As shown in FIG. 1(B), the electronic pen core 2 includes a pen tip portion 2X and a main body portion 2Y. The main body part 2Y is formed into a rod shape and consists of four parts: a tip part 2a, a pull-out part 2b, a central part 2c, and a rear end part (hold part) 2d. The tip 2a has a dome-like shape with a rounded end on the pen tip side. The pull-out portion 2b is a recess (groove) provided between the tip portion 2a and the center portion 2c. When removing the electronic pen core 2 installed in the housing 1, the user hooks a fingernail or the like on the pull-out part 2b and pulls out the electronic pen core 2 from the housing. It can be easily removed from the body 1. The central portion 2c is a portion located between the pull-out portion 2b and the rear end portion 2d. The rear end portion 2d is located on the rear end side of the center portion 2c, and has a diameter shorter than the diameter of the center portion 2c.

The main body portion 2Y, which includes the tip portion 2a, the pull-out portion 2b, the center portion 2c, and the rear end portion 2d, is formed of, for example, a cyclic olefin resin. As a result, even if the electronic pen core 2 falls onto the floor and collides with the floor while the electronic pen core 2 is attached to the electronic pen, the electronic pen core 2 itself will not be damaged. Such things will be avoided. That is, the main body portion 2Y itself has high strength and has impact resistance that will not cause damage even if an impact is applied from the outside. Note that the main body portion 2Y may also be configured to have a hollow interior. However, in this embodiment, the main body portion 2Y is not hollow in order to ensure strength.

Further, a pen tip portion 2X is provided so as to cover the entire outer surface of the tip portion 2a of the main body portion 2Y. The pen tip portion 2X is formed in a so-called cap shape from a material containing pigment. Pigment means a powder used for coloring that is insoluble in water or oil. Pigments include inorganic pigments such as graphite (black), titanium (white), chrome vermilion (vermilion), yellow lead (yellow), and iron oxide (red), and organic pigments such as permanent red (red), There are phthalocyanine green (green) and fast yellow (yellow). Various other pigments also exist. By mixing pigments with media such as resin, clay, wax, etc., electronic pen cores of various colors can be constructed. Therefore, depending on the pigment used, it is possible to configure the pen tip portion 2X that can leave handwriting in a desired color on a paper medium or the like.

In this embodiment, the pen nib portion 2X is constructed by using graphite (graphite, graphite) as a pigment and mixing it with a predetermined resin such as polyethylene. The pen tip portion 2X can leave black handwriting similar to that of a pencil on paper media, etc., and is less susceptible to abrasion. Note that even if the pen tip portion 2X is worn out and the tip portion 2a of the main body portion 2Y is exposed, the end portion of the tip portion 2a has a rounded shape, so the operation surface will not be damaged. In this embodiment, the pen tip portion 2X and the main body portion 2Y are integrally formed by two-color molding (double molding).

Two-color molding is a technology that combines different materials to form a single piece. In the electronic pen core 2 of this embodiment, the pen point 2X is made of graphite and polyethylene, and the main body 2Y is made of cyclic olefin resin. In this way, the pen tip part 2X and the main body part 2Y are made of different materials, but they are both made of resin and have a high affinity, so they can be integrated into an electronic pen without being easily separated. A core body 2 can be formed.

The electronic pen of this embodiment using the electronic pen core 2 of this embodiment, which is composed of a pen tip portion 2X and a main body portion 2Y, has a writing function on a paper medium, etc., and a position indication function for a tablet PC, etc. It has two functions: By changing the ratio of graphite and resin, the pen tip 2X can adjust the density of handwriting in various ways, such as 2B, B, HB, F, H, It is possible to achieve a density such as 2H.

In this way, the electronic pen core 2 of this embodiment has strong strength because the main body 2Y is formed of the cyclic olefin resin. Furthermore, since the pen tip portion 2X made of graphite and polyethylene is provided so as to cover the outside of the tip portion 2a of the main body portion 2Y, it is also possible to realize a writing function on a paper medium or the like. Furthermore, by providing the pen tip portion 2X so as to cover the tip portion 2a, the strength of the pen tip portion 2X itself can be increased. In other words, the strength of the pen tip 2X itself is increased by providing the pen tip 2X made of graphite and polyethylene with the tip 2a made of a material having high strength as a core.

The electronic pen core 2 of this embodiment configured in this way is inserted into the ferrite core 3 through the opening 1h of the housing 1, as shown in FIG. The rear end portion (hold portion) 2 d of the press member 2 fits into the recess of the pressing member 6 and is attached to the housing 1 . In this case, a portion of the electronic pen core 2 including the pull-out portion 2b and on the tip 2a side where the pen tip portion 2X is provided protrudes from the opening 1h of the housing 1. The pen pressure detection unit 7 includes a holding member 71 that holds the convex portion of the pressing member, a first electrode 72, a ring-shaped spacer 73, a dielectric body 74 that is a circular plate-shaped body, and a first electrode 72. It consists of two electrodes 75. The second electrode 75 is provided in contact with one surface of the dielectric. The first electrode 72 is positioned apart from the other surface of the dielectric 74 via a spacer 73 when no pressing force (load) is applied thereto. Note that the holding member 71 is made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, and the spacer 73 is made of a hard resin or the like.

An electronic pen core 2 attached to the housing 1 is movable in the axial direction. When writing pressure is applied to the pen tip 2X of the electronic pen core 2, the electronic pen core 2 is pushed into the housing 1 according to the writing pressure, and the pressing member 6 is pushed into the holding member accordingly. The first electrode 72 is brought close to the dielectric 74 via the electrode 71, and the first electrode is brought into contact with the dielectric 74. Therefore, the distance and contact area between the first electrode 72 and the dielectric 74 change depending on the pressing force applied to the pen tip 2X, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode changes accordingly. Capacitance changes. According to the change in capacitance between the first electrode 72 and the second electrode 75, the writing pressure applied to the pen tip portion 2X of the electronic pen core 2 can be detected. When the writing pressure applied to the pen tip 2X of the electronic pen core 2 is released, the electronic pen core 2 is pushed back by the first electrode 72 and the holding member 71 and returns to its original position. .

A substrate holding member 8 is provided downstream of the second electrode of the pen pressure detection unit 7, and a circuit board 9 is fitted and held in a recessed portion of the substrate holding member. Various circuit components such as a control IC (Integrated Circuit) and a capacitor are mounted on the circuit board 9. The circuit board 9 is connected to both ends of the coil 4 described above and conductive wires from the first and second electrodes of the pen pressure detection section 7 . As a result, the function of the circuit section mounted on the circuit board 9 detects the pen pressure, and a signal including information indicating the pen pressure is generated as a change in the phase of the signal (magnetic field) generated in the coil 4 by the resonance effect. It is possible to include it and send it.

Further, the buffer member 5 and substrate holding member 8 described above are held by a cylindrical holding member 10 provided inside the housing 1. As a result, the ferrite core 3 and the coil 4, the buffer member 5, the pressing member 6, the pen pressure detection section 7, and the board holding member 8 are held within the housing 1. Further, although not shown, the rear end side of the circuit board 9 is fixed to the rear end portion of the casing 1. Thereby, the circuit board 9 is also held within the housing 1. In this way, the electronic pen of this embodiment is configured.

In the electronic pen of this embodiment, the diameter of the housing 1 is 9.0 mm as shown on the rear end side of FIG. 1(A). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1(C), the inner diameter of the ferrite core 3 is 3.0 mm, and the outer diameter is 5.0 mm. Further, the diameter of the opening 1h of the housing 1 is 2.95 mm. Further, the diameter of the central portion 2c of the electronic pen core 2 is 2.85 mm. In the case of conventional electronic pens, as shown in Figure 5, the core is made of a strong material such as POM resin, and in order to maintain the strength of the ferrite core, both diametrical ends of the ferrite core are The total thickness of the core is larger than the diameter of the core.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the case of the conventional electronic pen 100, the diameter of the opening 101h of the housing 101 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 103h of the ferrite core 103 (inner diameter of the ferrite core 103). It is larger. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the case of the conventional electronic pen 200, the diameter of the through hole 203h of the ferrite core 203 (the inner diameter of the ferrite core 203) is is larger in diameter.

This is for the purpose of not interfering with the movement of the core bodies 102, 202 in the axial direction. In this case, since the thickness of the ferrite cores 103, 203 is thick, even if the core bodies 102, 202 come into contact with the ferrite cores 103, 203, neither will be damaged, allowing for greater flexibility in design. is high. Therefore, the diameters of the openings 101h and 201h of the casings 101 and 201 could be designed to be large.

In the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, the total thickness of both diametrical ends of the ferrite core 3 is 2.0 mm, and the diameter of the central portion 2c of the electronic pen core 2 is 2.0 mm. It is 85mm. That is, in the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, the diameter of the electronic pen core 2 is made thicker than before, and the thickness of the ferrite core 3 is made thinner than before. Therefore, in the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, the diameter of the central portion 2c of the electronic pen core 2 is longer than the length obtained by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameter of the ferrite core 3.

In this way, by increasing the diameter of the central portion 2c of the electronic pen core 2, the strength of the electronic pen core 2 can be increased. On the contrary, the thickness of the ferrite core 3 is considerably thinner than in the case of a conventional electronic pen. However, the ferrite core 3 is fixed to the housing 1. Therefore, the ferrite core 3 does not move or wobble within the housing 1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the diameter of the opening 1h of the housing 1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the ferrite core 3. Therefore, even when the electronic pen of this embodiment is used for writing, the position of the electronic pen core 2 is restricted by the inner wall portion of the opening 1h of the housing 1, and the electronic pen core 2 However, there is no case where it comes into contact with the ferrite core 3.

In addition, when the electronic pen of this embodiment is dropped, etc., a large load (force) is applied to the pen tip portion 2X of the electronic pen core 2 protruding from the housing 1 in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Suppose that it takes Even in this case, the position of the electronic pen core 2 is restricted by the inner wall portion of the opening 1h of the housing 1, and there is no case where the electronic pen core 2 comes into contact with the ferrite core 3. Therefore, in the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, the ferrite core 3 will not come into contact with the electronic pen core 2 and be damaged, and the ferrite core 3 will not move or wobble within the housing 1. Therefore, the ferrite core 3 will not be damaged by external impact.

In this embodiment, the main body 2Y of the electronic pen core 2 is made of a cyclic olefin resin, and therefore has very high strength. Since the pen tip section 2X is provided across the front surface of the outer side of the tip section 2a of the main body section 2Y, the strength of the pen tip section 2X itself can be increased, and the strength of the electronic pen core 2 can be increased. Improves overall impact resistance. As a result, the electronic pen of this embodiment is an electronic pen that will not break even if it is handled somewhat roughly by children in the lower grades of elementary school or kindergarten children, and that can be used to actually write handwriting on paper media. A pen can be realized.

[Other examples of electronic pen core 2]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining variations of the electronic pen core of the present invention, and is a sectional view of the electronic pen core. The basic structure of the electronic pen cores 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E described below consists of a pen nib and a main body, similar to the electronic pen core 2 described above. is made of a material containing pigment, and the main body is made of a hard material. Specifically, the pen point is made of pigment and polyethylene resin, and the main body is made of cyclic olefin resin.

FIG. 2(A) is a sectional view of the electronic pen core 2 described using FIG. 1. As mentioned above, the electronic pen core 2 consists of the pen tip part 2X and the main body part 2Y, and the main body part 2Y has four parts: the tip part 2a, the pull-out part 2b, the central part 2c, and the rear end part 2d. It consists of parts. The end of the tip 2a of the electronic pen core 2 on the pen tip side is rounded, which is suitable when it is desired to increase the bonding area between the tip of the tip 2a and the pen tip 2X. Further, since the end of the tip 2a on the pen tip side is rounded, even if the tip 2X is worn out and the tip 2a is exposed, there is no risk of damaging the operating surface of the electronic device.

Like the electronic pen core 2 shown in FIG. 2(A), the electronic pen core 2A shown in FIG. 2(B) consists of a pen tip 2AX and a main body 2AY, and the main body 2AY is It consists of four parts: a tip part 2Aa, a pull-out part 2Ab, a central part 2Ac, and a rear end part 2Ad. The tip 2Aa of the electronic pen core 2B has a conical shape, and the end thereof is a flat surface (plane). When the end of the tip portion 2Aa is made flat in this way, the thickness of the pen tip portion 2AX is made thin as a whole, but the thickness of the portion from the apex portion of the pen tip portion 2AX to the tip portion 2Aa is ensured. At the same time, by forming the thickness of the pen tip portion 2AX on the side surface portion of the tip portion 2Aa to be thin, it is suitable in cases where it is desired to ensure a contact area between the pen tip portion 2AX and the tip portion 2Aa. In addition, in the electronic pen cores 2 and 2A shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the central axes of the pen tips 2X and 2AX and the main bodies 2Y and 2AY are aligned.

The electronic pen cores 2B to 2E shown in FIGS. 2(C) to 2(F) are composed of pen nib portions 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, and 2EX, and main body portions 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, and 2EY. The central axes of the tip and main body are aligned. However, unlike the electronic pen cores 2 and 2A shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the pull-out portions 2b and 2Ab are not provided. An overhanging portion is formed by the tip portions 2Ba, 2Ca, and 2Ea and the pen tip portions 2BX, 2CX, and 2EX, or by the pen tip portion 2DX. Details of the projecting portion will be described in detail using FIGS. 2 and 3.

The electronic pen core 2B shown in FIG. 2(C) consists of a pen tip part 2BX and a main body part 2BY, and the main body part 2BY consists of three parts: a tip part 2Ba, a central part 2Bc, and a rear end part 2Bd. . As shown in FIG. 2(C), the tip part 2Ba of the electronic pen core 2B has a hemispherical shape, and the diameter of the bottom part (interface part with the center part 2Bc) is the same as that of the center part 2Bc. It is longer than the diameter. Therefore, the bottom surface portion of the tip portion 2Ba overhangs from the side surface of the central portion 2Bc, forming an overhang portion 2Be. In this case, if the pen tip portion 2BX is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the tip portion 2Ba except for the bottom surface portion, an overhang portion 2BXt is formed so that the overhang portion 2Be of the tip portion 2Ba further overhangs from the side surface of the center portion 2Bc. be done. In the case of the electronic pen core 2B shown in FIG. 2(C), when it is desired to configure the thickness of the pen tip 2BX from the apex of the pen tip 2BX to the pen tip side end of the tip 2Ba to be thick. It is suitable for such applications.

Like the electronic pen core 2B shown in FIG. 2(C), the electronic pen core 2C shown in FIG. 2(D) consists of a pen tip 2CX and a main body 2CY, and the main body 2CY is It consists of three parts: a leading end 2Ca, a central part 2Cc, and a rear end 2Cd. As shown in FIG. 2(D), the tip 2Ca of the electronic pen core 2C has a conical shape, and the tip has a rounded dome shape. The diameter of the interface portion (interface with the central portion 2Cc) is longer than the diameter of the central portion 2Cc. Therefore, the bottom surface portion of the tip portion 2Ca overhangs from the side surface of the central portion 2Cc, forming an overhang portion 2Ce. In this case, if the pen tip portion 2CX is provided to cover the entire surface of the tip portion 2Ca other than the bottom surface, an overhang portion 2CXt is formed so that the overhang portion 2Ce of the tip portion 2Ca further overhangs from the side surface of the center portion 2Cc. Ru. In the case of the electronic pen core body 2C shown in FIG. 2(D), it is suitable when it is desired to increase the contact area between the pen tip portion 2CX and the tip portion 2Ca.

Like the electronic pen core 2B shown in FIG. 2(C), the electronic pen core 2D shown in FIG. It consists of three parts: a leading end 2Da, a central part 2Dc, and a rear end 2Dd. As shown in FIG. 2E, the tip 2Da of the electronic pen core 2D has a bell-like shape, and the tip has a rounded dome shape. On the other hand, the side surface of the tip portion 2Da has a shape that draws a gentle curve outward from the central axis from the tip side toward the rear end side so as to match the inner side surface of the pen tip portion 2DX. In this case, the diameter of the bottom portion of the tip portion 2Da (the interface portion with the center portion 2Dc) is the same as the diameter of the center portion 2Dc. Therefore, if the pen tip portion 2DX is provided to cover the entire surface exposed to the outside of the tip portion 2Da, as shown in FIG. A projecting portion 2DXt is formed. In the case of the electronic pen core 2D shown in FIG. 2(E), when it is desired to form the side surface portion of the pen nib 2DX thicker and to ensure the contact area between the pen nib 2DX and the tip 2Da. It is suitable for such applications.

Like the electronic pen core 2B shown in FIG. 2(C), the electronic pen core 2E shown in FIG. It consists of three parts: a leading end 2Ea, a central part 2Ec, and a rear end 2Ed. As shown in FIG. 2(F), the tip 2Ea of the electronic pen core 2E has a conical shape, the tip is a flat surface (plane), and the bottom portion (center portion 2Ec The diameter of the interface portion (interface with the center portion 2Ec) is longer than the diameter of the central portion 2Ec. Therefore, the bottom surface portion of the tip portion 2Ea overhangs from the outer edge of the central portion 2Ec, forming an overhang portion 2Ee. In this case, if the pen tip portion 2EX is provided to cover the entire surface of the tip portion 2Ea other than the bottom surface, an overhang portion 2EXt is formed so that the overhang portion 2Ee of the tip portion 2Ea further overhangs from the side surface of the center portion 2Ec. Ru. In the case of the electronic pen core 2E shown in FIG. 2(F), the thickness from the apex of the pen tip 2EX to the tip 2Ea is increased, and the thickness of the pen tip 2EX at the side surface of the tip 2Ea is increased. By forming it thinly, it is suitable in cases where it is desired to secure a contact area between the pen tip portion 2EX and the tip portion 2Ea.

Note that in the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, and 2D shown in FIGS. 2(C) to 2(E), the ends of the tip portions 2Ba, 2Ca, and 2Da on the pen tip side are rounded. Therefore, even if the pen tip portions 2BX, 2CX, and 2DX are worn out and the tip portions 2Ba, 2Ca, and 2Da are exposed, there is no fear of damaging the operating surface of the electronic device. In addition, when it is only necessary to leave a thin handwriting, the pen tip can be configured to suppress the amount of pigment mixed so that it is difficult to wear off. In this case, the end portions of the tip portions 2Aa, 2Ea on the pen tip side may be made flat like the electronic pen cores 2A, 2E shown in FIGS. 2(B) and 2(F). , the nib portions 2AX and 2EX are less likely to be worn out and the tip portions 2Aa and 2Ea to be exposed. Therefore, there is no need to worry about damaging the operating surface.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, and 2E of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2(C), (D), and (F) are used. As described above with reference to FIGS. 2(C), (D), and (F), the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, and 2E are not provided with the pull-out portions 2b and 2Ab, but are provided with the protruding portion 2Be. and 2BXt, 2Ce and 2CXt, 2Ee and 2EXt. Here, the manner of use of the electronic pen core 2B will be described as an example, but the manner of use of the electronic pen cores 2C and 2E is also similar.

As described above, in the electronic pen core 2B, the diameter of the bottom surface of the tip portion 2Ba (interface with the center portion 2Bc) is longer than the diameter of the center portion 2Bc. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, which is an enlarged view of the part indicated by the dotted circle in FIG. form. Since the pen tip portion 2BX covers the portion of the tip portion 2Ba other than the bottom surface, a projecting portion 2BXt is formed, and further a projecting portion projecting from the side surface of the central portion 2Bc is formed.

In this way, the projecting parts 2Be and 2BXt are convex parts projecting outward from the side surface of the central part 2Bc of the electronic pen core 2B. In the case of the electronic pen core 2B in which the protruding parts 2Be and 2BXt are configured as convex parts, when this is attached to the housing 1, as shown in FIG. 2(C), the end of the housing 1 and the electronic pen A gap is created between the overhanging portions 2Be and 2BXt of the core body 2B. As a result, when removing the electronic pen core 2B installed in the housing 1, the user can hook the finger nails on the protruding parts 2Be and 2BXt and pull it out. The core body 2B can be easily removed from the housing 1.

Note that the protruding portion 2DXt of the electronic pen core 2D shown in FIG. 2(E) is formed only by the pen tip portion 2DX, as described using FIG. 2(E). However, the overhanging portion 2DXt functions similarly to the overhanging portions 2Be and 2BXt, 2Ce and 2CXt, 2Ee and 2EXt of the electronic pens 2B, 2C, and 2E shown in FIGS. 2(C), (D), and (F). becomes. Therefore, the electronic pen core 2D shown in FIG. 2(E) can also be used in the same manner as the electronic pens 2B, 2C, and 2E described using FIG. 3. Therefore, in the case of electronic pens 2B, 2C, and 2E, the diameters of the bottoms of the tip portions 2Ba, 2Ca, and 2Da are the same as those of the center portions 2Bc, 2Dc, and 2Ec, and only the pen tip portions 2BX, 2CX, and 2EX are used. , a projecting portion may be formed.

Moreover, instead of the electronic pen cores 2 and 2A of the electronic pen explained using FIGS. 1, 2(A), and 2(B), FIGS. 2(C), (D), (E), An electronic pen can be constructed as shown in FIG. 3 by simply using the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E shown in FIG. 3(F). That is, the sizes of the central parts 2Bc, 2Cc, 2Dc, 2Ec and the rear end parts 2Bd, 2Cd, 2Dd, 2Ed of the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E are the same as those of the electronic pen cores 2 and 2A. Do the same. Thereby, an electronic pen can be constructed using the electronic pen cores 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E instead of the electronic pen cores 2 and 2A.

[Other examples of cores for electronic pens]
In the case of the electronic pen cores 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E explained using FIGS. 1 to 3, the pen tips 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, and 2EX are all tapered. It had a so-called tapered shape. Therefore, the electronic pen cores 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E described above are suitable for drawing thin lines such as writing characters. However, there are cases where it is desired to draw in pastel on the operation surface of an electronic device such as a tablet PC, and also on a paper medium. Therefore, we have created a core for an electronic pen that can draw similar to pastel. Pastels are stick-shaped art materials similar to chalk that are used for painting and drawing, and are made of hardened powder pigments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the electronic pen core of the present invention. In FIG. 4, parts that are configured similarly to the electronic pen shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will be omitted since it will be redundant. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 1, the electronic pen shown in FIG. 4 is different from the electronic pen described using FIGS. 1 to 3 in the shapes of the housing 1A and the electronic pen core 2F. ing. Other than that, the configuration remains the same between the two. In the case of the electronic pen shown in Fig. 4, the housing 1A has a cylindrical shape, but the pen tip side is not tapered and the outer diameter from the tip to the rear end is the same length. ing. Furthermore, an opening is provided on the pen tip side so that the electronic pen core 2F can be inserted and removed, and a groove 1m is provided around the opening.

The electronic pen core 2F used in the electronic pen shown in FIG. 4 includes a pen tip portion 2FX and a main body portion 2FY. The main body portion 2FY includes a distal end portion 2Fa, a central portion 2Fc, and a rear end portion 2Fd. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 1, the central portion 2Fc and rear end portion 2Fd of the main body portion 2FY are similar to the electronic pen cores 2, 2A to 2E described using FIGS. 1 to 3. It is composed of However, the shapes of the pen tip portion 2FX and the tip portion 2Fa of the main body portion 2FY are different from those of the electronic pen cores 2, 2A to 2E described using FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip 2Fa of the electronic pen core 2F in this example has a cup shape consisting of a bottom surface FaT and a side wall FaS surrounding the bottom surface FaT. The side wall FaS has a shape that projects toward both the leading end and the rear end with respect to the bottom surface FaT. The outer surface of the side wall FaS faces the inner surface on the tip side of the housing 1A. Further, a portion of the side wall FaS that protrudes toward the rear end side fits into a groove 1m provided at the tip portion of the housing 1A. This restricts the position of the tip 2Fa of the electronic pen core, and prevents the tip 2Fa from moving significantly in the direction intersecting the axis due to external force. However, it is possible to slide in the axial direction depending on the pen pressure.

Further, the pen nib portion 2FX is formed by mixing pigment and resin, and its shape is cylindrical in this example. As a result, it is possible to draw extremely thick lines using the entire pen tip portion 2FX, or to draw in a manner similar to pastels. In the case of this example, the pen nib part 2FX is provided so that the pen nib part 2X covers the tip part 2a of the main body part 2Y, for example, like the electronic pen core 2 described using FIG. The tip portion 2a does not exist inside the tip portion 2X.

The pen tip portion 2FX is simply placed and fixed on the bottom surface FaT of the cup-shaped tip portion 2Fa of the main body portion 2Y. That is, the tip portion 2Fa does not exist inside the pen nib portion 2FX. As a result, it is possible to draw very thick lines or draw with a blurred touch by rubbing the pen tip 2FX on the operating surface or paper medium like pastel. becomes possible.

In this example, the pen tip portion 2FX is described as having a cylindrical shape, but the pen tip portion 2FX is not limited to this. The pen tip portion 2FX can also be formed into a prismatic shape. Therefore, the bottom surface of the tip part 2Fa of the main body part 2FY can also be made into a rectangular shape facing the pen tip part 2FX, and the housing 1A can also be made into a cylindrical body (prismatic tube shape) with a rectangular opening. That is, the pen nib portion 2FX is not limited to one made of pigment and polyethylene, but may be made of pastel itself, which is made by solidifying powdered pigment.

[Application to eraser]
The pen nibs 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX of the electronic pen cores 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F of the embodiments described above are all made of a mixture of pigment and resin. The explanation has been made assuming that it is made of a material. Here, the pen tips 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX are made of erasers, and an electronic pen having an eraser function and an electronic pen function can be configured. As is well known, an eraser is made mainly of rubber or plastic, and can erase handwriting drawn with a pencil by rubbing it on the handwritten area.

In this case, the handwriting recorded on the paper medium can be erased using the pen tips 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX made of erasers. On the other hand, handwriting (electronic data) input via the operation surface of a tablet PC can be electronically erased using an electronic pen function (electronic eraser function). Furthermore, whether the electronic pen is used for recording handwriting (pen) or erasing handwriting (eraser) is determined on the electronic device side, such as a tablet PC, based on the frequency of the signal output from the electronic pen. can.

In addition, by using the pen tip 2FX of the electronic pen core 2F as an eraser, which is explained using FIG. It is possible to construct a core for an electronic pen that achieves this. In addition, one end of one electronic pen is equipped with an electronic pen function, which will be explained using Figures 1 to 3, and the other end is equipped with an electronic pen function, which will be explained using Figure 4. It is possible to construct an electronic pen using 2FX as an eraser. In this case, an electronic pen equipped with both a writing function and an eraser function can be constructed from a pencil with an eraser or a mechanical pencil with an eraser.

[Effects of embodiment]
According to the electronic pen core 2 of the embodiment described above, the pen nib 2X is made of a resin containing a pigment such as graphite, and the main body 2Y is made of a resin containing a pigment such as graphite. It is constructed using a cyclic olefin resin. By adjusting the content of pigment in the pen tip portion 2X, the density of handwriting when writing on a medium etc. can be made sufficiently dark. Moreover, since the pen tip portion 2X is provided on the outer front surface of the tip portion 2a of the main body portion 2Y, which has high strength, the strength of the pen tip portion 2X can also be increased. As a result, an electronic pen core suitable for use by children in the lower grades of elementary school and kindergarten children can be realized, and an electronic pen using this core can be realized. Although the case of the electronic pen core 2 has been described here as an example, the same effect can be obtained with the electronic pen cores 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E.

Further, in the case of the electronic pen core 2F, the pen tip portion 2FX has a columnar structure similar to pastels for paintings, so that strength equal to or higher than that of pastels can be obtained. As a result, even in the case of the electronic pen core 2F described using FIG. 4, it is possible to make the handwriting density sufficiently dark when writing on a paper medium, etc., and also to have sufficient strength. can.

In addition, by replacing the pen tips 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX with erasers, an electronic pen (electronic eraser) equipped with an eraser function and an electronic pen function (electronic eraser function) is realized. You can also do that.

[Modified example]
As described above, when the diameter of the central part 2c of the main body part 2Y is longer than the sum of the thicknesses of both ends of the ferrite core 3 in the diametrical direction, the electronic pen is thicker than the conventional electronic pen. A pen core 2 can be constructed. However, since the electronic pen core 2 of the present invention has high strength as described above, it can be made into various sizes depending on the size of the housing 1 and the like. The same can be said of the other electronic pen cores 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F.

Furthermore, although the diameters of the rear end portions 2d, 2Ad, 2Bd, 2Cd, 2Dd, 2Ed, and 2Fd are shorter than the diameters of the central portions 2c, 2Ac, 2Bc, 2Cc, 2Dc, 2Ec, and 2Fc, this is not the case. They may have the same diameter. Further, the diameters of the rear end portions 2d, 2Ad, 2Bd, 2Cd, 2Dd, 2Ed, and 2Fd may be longer than the diameters of the central portions 2c, 2Ac, 2Bc, 2Cc, 2Dc, 2Ec, and 2Fc.

Moreover, although the main body portions 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, 2EY, and 2FY of the embodiments described above are formed of a cyclic olefin resin, they are not limited to this. It can be constructed from various materials that provide the desired strength, such as other resins, metals, wood, hard rubber, etc.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the pen nib portions 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX are made of resin containing graphite. In this case, by adjusting the graphite content, it is possible to configure electronic pens that produce different densities of handwriting when writing on a paper medium. In other words, there are pencils with different densities, such as 2B, B, HB, F, H, and 2H, but as mentioned above, it is also possible to realize electronic pens with different densities of handwriting. It is.

Furthermore, by changing the type of resin containing graphite, it is also possible to adjust the darkness of the handwriting and change the writing feel. In the embodiment described above, polyethylene was used as the resin, but other examples include polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, etc. Of course, the pen nibs 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX can also be formed by mixing graphite and a certain clay and firing the mixture.

In addition, by changing the pigments used in the composition of the pen nibs 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, and 2FX, we have created pen nibs that can leave handwriting in various colors. Can form a core for a pen. Even when the electronic pen core is used in an electronic pen, it is possible to construct an electronic pen that can leave handwriting in a desired color.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case where the present invention is applied to an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an active capacitive coupling type electronic pen. That is, the present invention can also be applied to the case of realizing an active capacitive coupling type electronic pen that has a writing function on a paper medium and a function as a position indicator for an electronic device. Specifically, at least the main body parts 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, 2EY, 2FY of the electronic pen cores 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F are made of metal, or Mixing conductive materials such as powder. As a result, the electronic pen cores 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F can be made conductive, and signals from the oscillator mounted on the electronic pen can be transmitted through the electronic pen core. It can be carried out.

Pigments may also be mixed into the main body portions 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, and 2EY as long as desired strength is obtained. In this way, for example, even if the pen tips 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, and 2EX are worn out and the tips 2a, 2Aa, 2Ba, 2Ca, 2DXa, and 2Ea are exposed, the darkness of the handwriting will be reduced. However, writing on paper media etc. can be continued. In this case, in order to ensure strength, the amount of pigment mixed in the main body portions 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, and 2EY is greater than the amount of pigment mixed in the nib portions 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, and 2EX. will also decrease. In other words, the mixing amounts of pigments in the pen nibs 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, and 2EX are the same as in the main body parts 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, and in order to achieve the desired density of handwriting. The amount will be greater than the amount of pigment mixed in 2EY.

1... Housing, 1h... Opening, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F... Electronic pen core, 2X, 2AX, 2BX, 2CX, 2DX, 2EX, 2FX... Pen tip, 2Y, 2AY, 2BY, 2CY, 2DY, 2EY, 2FY...Body part, 2a, 2Aa, 2Ba, 2Ca, 2Da, 2Ea, 2Fa...Tip part, 2b, 2Ab...Pull-out part, 2c, 2Ac, 2Bc, 2Cc, 2Dc, 2Ec , 2Fc...center, 2d, 2Ad, 2Bd, 2Cd, 2Dd, 2Ed, 2Fd...rear end, 2Be, 2Ce, 2De, 2Ee...overhang, 2BXt, 2CXt, 2DXt, 2EXt, 2FXt...overhang, FaT... Tip bottom surface, FaS... Tip side wall, 3... Ferrite core, 4... Coil, 5... Buffer member, 6... Pressing member, 7... Pen pressure detection unit, 71... Holding member, 72... First electrode, 73... Spacer, 74... Dielectric, 75... Second electrode, 8... Substrate holding member, 9... Circuit board, 10... Cylindrical holding member

Claims (13)

A core for an electronic pen comprising a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen tip provided at one tip of the main body and in contact with an operation surface during use,
The main body portion is formed of a hard material,
The pen tip portion is formed of a material containing pigment ,
The tip of the main body has a hemispherical shape,
The outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip protrudes beyond the outer edge of a surface other than the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body.
A core body for an electronic pen characterized by the following. A core for an electronic pen comprising a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen tip provided at one tip of the main body and in contact with an operation surface during use,
The main body portion is formed of a hard material,
The pen tip portion is formed of a material containing pigment ,
The tip of the main body has a conical shape,
The outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip protrudes beyond the outer edge of a surface other than the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body.
A core body for an electronic pen characterized by the following. A core for an electronic pen comprising a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen tip provided at one tip of the main body and in contact with an operation surface during use,
The main body portion is formed of a hard material,
The pen tip portion is formed of a material containing pigment ,
The tip of the main body has a bell shape,
The outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip protrudes beyond the outer edge of a surface other than the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body.
A core body for an electronic pen characterized by the following. The electronic pen core according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 ,
The main body portion is formed of resin,
The pen tip portion is formed of a mixed material of pigment and resin,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein the main body and the nib are integrally formed by two-color molding. The electronic pen core according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 ,
The main body portion and the pen tip portion are formed of a mixed material of pigment and resin,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein the main body and the nib are integrally formed by two-color molding. The electronic pen core according to claim 5 ,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein the amount of the pigment mixed in the nib portion is larger than the amount of the pigment mixed in the main body portion. The electronic pen core according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 ,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein an end of the tip of the main body on the pen tip side is rounded. The electronic pen core according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 ,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein a tip side of the tip of the main body is formed into a tapered shape. The electronic pen core according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3, wherein at least the main body portion is configured to have conductivity. . The electronic pen core according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 ,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein an end of the tip of the main body on the pen tip side is a flat surface having a predetermined area. The electronic pen core according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 ,
A core for an electronic pen, wherein the pigment is graphite. The electronic pen core according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 ,
A core for an electronic pen, characterized in that the pen tip is made of an eraser instead of the material containing the pigment. a cylindrical housing having an opening at the end on the pen tip side;
a core body inserted into and attached to the housing through the opening of the housing;
a pen pressure detection unit for detecting pen pressure applied to the core;
a pressing member for pressing the pen pressure detection section;
The core consists of a main body formed in a rod shape and a pen tip that is provided at one end of the main body and comes into contact with the operating surface during use, and the main body is made of a hard material. The pen point is formed of a material containing pigment , the tip of the main body has a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, or a bell shape, and the outer edge of the bottom surface of the tip It protrudes beyond the outer edge of the surface perpendicular to the axis of the main body other than the tip ,
An end of the core opposite to the pen tip side serves as a hold portion having a diameter shorter than other portions, and the hold portion is fitted and fixed to the pressing member. An electronic pen featuring

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