JP7283948B2 - stylus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a stylus having a function of detecting writing pressure applied to a core body, inclination of a stylus housing, and the like by detecting a force applied to the core body using a pressure sensing device. .

Many styluses (electronic pens) have a writing pressure detection unit for detecting contact with the input surface of the position detection sensor and the pressure (writing pressure) at the time of contact, and the use of a strain gauge has also been proposed. (See Patent Documents 1 and 2).

As a force detection member using a strain gauge, a so-called three-axis force detection member that detects the force components of the applied force in three mutually orthogonal directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) is also proposed. It is When this three-axis force detection member is used in a stylus, not only the pressure (writing pressure) in the axial direction of the stylus orthogonal to the input surface of the position detection sensor, but also the stylus is applied to the input surface of the position detection sensor. The force applied to the pen tip of the stylus can be detected even in the tilted state of , and the tilt angle of the stylus with respect to the input surface of the position detection sensor and the friction between the input surface of the position detection sensor and the pen tip of the stylus It is convenient because it can also detect force.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,092 U.S. Pat. No. 9,322,732 Japanese Patent No. 6084393

By the way, when mounting a pressure sensing device using a strain-sensitive material on a stylus, especially in recent years, it is important to take into consideration the fact that styluses are becoming thinner and to have a structure suitable for mass production. be.

Conventionally, generally, a force detection member including a pressure sensing device using a strain sensitive material and configured to be able to detect the force applied to the core body is prepared, and this force detection member is It was fixed and supported inside the housing of the stylus.

In this case, in a pressure sensing device using a conventional strain sensitive material, it is difficult to obtain an applied force with high sensitivity and high output when the size is reduced in accordance with the miniaturization of the stylus. Therefore, it has been proposed to form a strain-generating body with a special three-dimensional structure by cutting or the like, which is likely to be distorted according to the force applied to the core, and to fix and support it in the housing of the stylus.

However, the use of the force detection member using the above-mentioned special strain-generating body is not suitable for mass production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a stylus capable of solving the above problems.

In order to solve the above problems,
A stylus having a pen shape and including a tip protruding from one end of a housing and a pressure sensing device for detecting a force applied to the tip,
The pressure sensing device includes a plate-shaped member having a surface portion, to which the force applied to the tip portion is transmitted, and the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, which is generated in the plate-shaped member. Equipped with a strain sensitive material that senses strain,
The strain sensitive material has a first ring-shaped region centered on the force application portion transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, and a distance from the force application portion to the first ring-shaped region. is arranged corresponding to each of the second ring-shaped regions with a large diameter, and configured to sense the strain generated in the plate-shaped member according to the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member,
The plate-shaped member on which the strain sensitive material is arranged is housed in the housing such that the surface portion is orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing, and the plate-like member is arranged around the applying section. 2, by engaging with the housing at a position farther than the ring-shaped region 2, rotation around the applying portion within the housing is restricted,
A through hole is formed in the plate-shaped member at a position corresponding to the application section, and pressure transmission is performed to transmit a force applied to a tip portion projecting from one end of the housing to the application section. A hole is formed in the axial direction of the housing at an end of the pressure transmission member facing the plate-shaped member, and the pressure transmission member transmits the pressure of the plate-shaped member. To provide a stylus characterized in that a transmission member is screwed and locked from a surface different from the opposite surface .

In the stylus having the above configuration, a pressure sensing device is used in which a strain sensitive material is arranged on at least one surface of a plate-shaped member that is strained according to an applied force. Then, the pressure sensing device is mounted on the housing at a position farther than the second ring-shaped region centered on the applying section in a state in which the surface direction of the surface portion of the plate-shaped member is orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing of the stylus. A stylus is formed by being disposed so as to restrict rotation about the application portion within the housing by engaging with the body. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a stylus that is suitable for mass production and that can be easily made thin.

1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a configuration example of main parts of a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main part of a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main part of a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a main part of a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a pressure sensing device used in a first embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit formed in a pressure sensing device used in a stylus according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing the pressure sensing device used in the first embodiment of the stylus according to the invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main part of a stylus according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method of assembling the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method of assembling the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method of assembling the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of a pressure sensing device used in an embodiment of the stylus according to the invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of a ring-shaped washer member provided between a pressure sensing device and a clamping and holding member used in an embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method of assembling the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example for restricting rotation of the plate member of the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example for restricting rotation of the plate member of the pressure sensing device in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a method of connecting the plate-shaped member of the pressure sensing device and the core or the pressure transmission member in the embodiment of the stylus according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a pressure sensing device used in another embodiment of the stylus according to the invention; FIG. 20 shows an example of assembly for the example pressure sensing device of FIG. 19; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a strain detection circuit using the pressure sensing device of the example of FIG. 19; FIG. 20 shows another example of assembly for the pressure sensing device of the example of FIG. 19; FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an assembly procedure in another example of assembly of the pressure sensing device of the example of FIG. 19;

An embodiment of a stylus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The stylus used in the embodiments described below is of the electromagnetic induction type, and the position detection device detects the position indicated by the stylus by transmitting and receiving signals with the position detection sensor of the position detection device by the electromagnetic induction method. do.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structural example of a stylus 2 of an embodiment having a pressure sensing device for pen pressure detection, tilt detection, and the like. FIG. 1A is a view showing the appearance of the stylus 2, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the part of the stylus 2 on the pen tip side.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in the stylus 2 of this embodiment, one opening side in the axial direction of an elongated cylindrical housing 201 is the pen tip side, and the other opening side is the rear end side. be done. In this example, the housing 201 is divided into a pen tip side case 2011 and a rear end side case 2012 in the axial direction. For example, the pen tip side case 2011 and the rear end side case 2012 are screwed together. Thus, the housing 201 is configured. The pen tip side case 2011 and the rear end side case 2012 may be configured to be connected by pressing one end into the other end. A rear end cap member 202 closes the rear end side of the rear end case 2012 in the axial direction. The housing 201 is made of SUS in this example. The housing 201 may be made of resin.

On the pen tip side of the pen tip side case 2011 of the cylindrical housing 201 of the stylus 2 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. A magnetic core around which a coil 21 is wound, which is a ferrite core 22 in this example, is arranged, and the pressure sensing device 1 is fixedly arranged in a hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. .

In the stylus of this embodiment, a coil storage member 203 is attached to the opening on the pen tip side of the pen tip side case 2011 of the housing 201 . In this example, the coil housing member 203 is composed of a cylindrical coil case 203A and a tapered tubular front cap 203B. The coil case 203A and the front cap 203B are made of a non-magnetic material, in this example, resin, and are axially screwed together as shown in FIG. A storage space is formed for the ferrite core 22 that has been formed.

In the storage space of the coil storage portion 203, a ferrite core 22 around which a coil 21 is wound is provided with a first buffer member 23 and a second buffer member 23 made of an elastic member such as elastic rubber at both ends in the axial direction. is stored with the buffer member 24 attached. The coil housing member 203 is attached to the housing 201 by screwing the coil case 203A into the pen tip side case 2011 .

The lead wires at both ends of the coil 21 pass through, for example, grooves (not shown) provided in the second cushioning member 23 and lead out from the hollow portion of the coil case 203A to the rear end side.

The ferrite core 22 has an axial through-hole 22a through which the rod-shaped core 31 is inserted.

The core body 31 is made of a hard material such as SUS in this example, and its one axial end 31a protrudes from the opening 203Ba of the front cap 203B. In the example, a pen point member 204 made of resin is attached by being press-fitted.

The other end 31b of the core 31 opposite to the one end 31a to which the pen tip member 204 is attached is coupled to the pressure sensing device 1 as described later. Therefore, in this example, the core 31 constitutes a force receiving portion that receives force applied to the pen tip member 204 and has a function of transmitting the received force to the pressure sensing device 1 .

Although the core body 31 is made of SUS in this example, it is not limited to this, and may be made of, for example, a resin as long as it is a hard material.

In the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, a plurality of strain sensitive materials 11 are arranged on one surface portion 10a of a disk-shaped plate-like member 10. A circuit (bridge circuit) composed of a plurality of strain sensitive materials 11 and conductive patterns 12 (not shown in FIG. 6, see FIG. 7) is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the pressure sensing device 1 is mounted on the pen tip side case 2011 with the surface direction of one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 facing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 201. , and fixed to the pen tip side case 2011 so as not to move in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the pressure sensing device 1 . In this embodiment, the pen tip side case 2011 constitutes part of the force sensing member including the pressure sensing device 1 .

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of parts constituting a force detection member including the pen tip side case 2011 and the pressure sensing device 1. FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the force detection member of the stylus 2 of this embodiment includes a pen tip side case 2011, a pressure sensing device 1, a core body 31, ring-shaped washer members 32 and 35, and a clamping and holding member. It is composed of a member 33 for connection and a screw 34 for connection.

FIG. 3 is a view of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 as seen from a direction perpendicular to its surface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 of this example is made of a circular thin plate having a radius of r0 in this example, and is made of a material that can be elastically strain-deformed. , SUS plate. The radius r0 of the plate member 10 is selected to be slightly smaller than the radius r0' of the inner wall of the pen tip side case 2011 (see FIG. 5).

In this example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc radially protrude from peripheral edge positions separated from each other by 120-degree angular intervals at the radial ends of the plate member 10. is formed. These protrusions 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc are used for positioning when fixing the pressure sensing device 1 to the pen tip side case 2011, as will be described later. It is possible to prevent it from rotating in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, the projection 10pc has a larger width in the circumferential direction than the other projections 10pa and 10pb, and a groove 10pcs is formed in the center in the circumferential direction. The recessed grooves 10 pcs are for inserting lead wires at both ends of the coil 21 wound around the ferrite core 22 .

FIG. 4 shows an example of the ring-shaped washer member 32. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the ring-shaped washer member 32 of this example has an outer peripheral radius equal to the radius r0 of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 and an inner peripheral radius of r4 (<r0). made up of materials. The pressure sensing device 1 is fixed to the pen tip side case 2011 by holding the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate member 10 in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011, as will be described later. The size of the inner circumference radius r4 of the ring-shaped washer member 32 is selected so as to correspond to the radial width (r0-r4) of the plate-shaped member 10 at the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-shaped member 10. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, two projections 32pa and 32pb projecting radially from the peripheral position of the ring-shaped washer member 32 are formed. These two protrusions 32pa and 32pb are formed at positions that exactly overlap the protrusions 10pa and 10pb of the plate member 10 when the ring-shaped washer member 32 is placed on the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. ing. These protrusions 32pa and 32pb are for preventing the ring-shaped washer member 32 from rotating in the circumferential direction inside the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. As shown in FIG.

On the inner wall of the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011, as shown in FIG. 1B, a ring-shaped protrusion 2011b is formed that protrudes further inward than the diameter r0 of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, three concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc are formed in the axial direction.

The three concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc are formed on the inner wall surface of the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 so that the three protrusions 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 are inserted. , and are spaced apart from each other by, for example, 120 degrees. By engaging the concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc of the pen tip side case 2011 with the projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, pressure is generated in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. The plate member 10 of the sensing device 1 is positioned in the circumferential direction and prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction.

In this case, the size and shape of the concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc of the pen tip side case 2011 correspond to the sizes and shapes of the projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. be done. However, in this example, the concave groove 2011gc corresponds to the size of the projection 10pc and has a different size from the other concave grooves 2011ga and 2011gb.

Therefore, the circumferential position of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 within the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 is uniquely determined by the position of the groove 2011gc. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, a circumferential position mark MK may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pen tip side case 2011 . The position of the mark MK in the circumferential direction may be a position corresponding to the position of the concave groove 2011gc as in the example of FIG. 2, or may be another position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1B, showing a state in which the pressure sensing device 1 is not present in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the radius of the circumference of the tip edge of the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b on the inner wall of the pen tip side case 2011 in the projecting direction is selected to be equal to the radius r4 of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. ing.

2 and 5, among the three concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb and 2011gc provided in the axial direction of the inner wall surface of the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011, in this example, The concave groove 2011gc is formed over the entirety of the pen tip side case 2011 in the axial direction from the pen tip side end to the rear end side end. In the example of FIG. 5, the grooves 2011ga and 2011gb are formed from the rear end of the pen tip side case 2011 in the axial direction to the position of the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b. The recessed grooves 2011ga and 2011gb may also be formed over the pen tip side end of the pen tip side case 2011 in the axial direction from the pen tip side end to the rear end side end.

As shown in FIGS. 1(B) and 2, the clamping/holding member 33 of this example is formed in a tubular shape having the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the ring-shaped washer member 32, and is provided with a screw portion 33a. , and in this example it consists of a so-called set screw. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, a tool such as a screwdriver is fitted to the screw portion 33a on the head side of the screw portion 33a of the pinching and holding member 33 to rotate the pinching and holding member 33. A groove 33b is formed to allow the

The coupling screw 34 is a member for coupling the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 to the core 31 constituting the force receiving portion in this example. In this example, the core 31 is joined at the central portion of the surface portion 10b of the plate member 10 opposite to the surface portion 10a. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, a through hole 10c through which the threaded portion of the coupling screw 34 passes is formed in the central portion of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. The body 31 is formed with a threaded portion 31 b having a threaded hole 31 c corresponding to the threaded portion of the coupling screw 34 . In this case, in this example, a ring-shaped washer member 35 is interposed between the head portion 34a of the coupling screw 34 and the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10, and the coupling screw 34 is attached to the plate-like member. 10 is screwed into the screw portion 31c of the core body 31, and the core body 31 is coupled to the central portion of the surface portion 10b of the plate-like member 10. As shown in FIG.

On the side of the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, a circuit composed of a strain sensitive material and a conductive pattern is formed, and as will be described later, a terminal portion for connection with the outside is also formed. It is In this example, as shown in FIGS. 1(B) and 2, the connection terminal portion formed on the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is connected to the printed circuit board 25 via the flexible substrate 36. connected with In this example, the end portion of the flexible substrate 36 is crimped to the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, thereby connecting the flexible substrate 36 and the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10. It is configured to be electrically connected to the terminal portion.

Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, prior to joining the core 31 to the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, the flexible substrate is attached to the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10. The ends of 36 are crimped and attached. Then, in a state in which the ring-shaped washer member 35 is placed on the flexible substrate 36 crimped to the surface portion 10a of the plate-shaped member 10, the connection screw 34 is used to connect the plate-shaped member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 to the core. Join bodies 31 . As shown in FIG. 2, the end of the flexible substrate 36 is formed with a through hole 36a through which the coupling screw 34 is inserted.

Next, procedures for mounting and fixing the pressure sensing device 1 in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 will be described.

First, the end portion of the flexible substrate 36 is pressure-bonded to the surface portion 10 a of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 . Prior to this, as shown in FIG. 2, the other end of the flexible board 36 is electrically connected to the printed board 25 by, for example, soldering to physically connect the flexible board 36 and the printed board. 25 are connected. Next, the core body 31 is connected to the surface portion 10b of the plate-like member 10 to which the flexible substrate 36 is pressure-bonded to the surface portion 10a by screwing with the connection screws 34 .

Next, the core body 31 coupled to the plate-like member 10 is inserted into the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 from the rear end side from the core body 31 side, and the inner wall of the pen tip side case 2011 is inserted. The peripheral edge portion 1OE of the surface portion 10b of the plate member 10 is brought into contact with the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b.

Next, after disposing a ring-shaped washer member 32 on the peripheral edge portion 10E on the side of one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, as shown in FIG. The member 33 is screwed into the threaded portion 2011c formed on the inner wall surface of the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. As shown in FIG. At this time, the flexible board 36 and the printed board 25 are led out to the rear end side case 2012 side through the hollow portions of the ring-shaped washer member 32 and the clamping/holding member 33 .

By screwing the holding member 33 into the pen-tip-side case 2011, the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 moves between the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b of the pen-tip-side case 2011 and the holding member 33. It is sandwiched between the ring-shaped end surface of the tip and the washer member 32 . That is, the plate-shaped member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 has a peripheral edge portion 10E that cannot move in the axial direction at a predetermined axial position in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 and that can move in the circumferential direction. is fixed so as to be in a non-rotatable state. It should be noted that when the clamping/holding member 33 is screwed into the pen tip side case 2011, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is attached to the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 via the ring-shaped washer member 32 in the rotational direction. force is applied. However, in this embodiment, the projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc of the plate-like member 10 engage with the grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc of the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011, so that when the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed, rotation of the plate member 10 is prevented (restricted).

As described above, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is attached to the pen tip side case 2011 with only the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 sandwiched. When the inner portion receives pressure in the axial direction, it becomes capable of being displaced according to the received pressure.

In this case, the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 is held between the ring-shaped projection 2011b of the pen tip side case 2011 and the ring-shaped end surface of the tip of the holding member 33 without being adhered or the like. Therefore, the plate-like member 10 can be displaced in the radial direction even at the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 .

If the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 is adhered or the like so that the plate-like member 10 cannot be displaced in the radial direction, the pressure on the plate-like member 10 in the axial direction becomes excessive. For example, when the electronic pen is dropped and impact pressure is applied to the plate-like member 10 through the core 31, the plate-like member 10 may be damaged.

However, in this embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 is merely sandwiched as described above. By displacing the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 in the radial direction of the plate-like member 10, damage to the plate-like member 10 can be prevented.

As described above, the coil case 203A is screwed to the pen tip side of the pen tip side case 2011 in which the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 to which the core 31 is coupled is fixed in the hollow portion 2011a. Thus, the coil housing member 203 is attached to the pen tip side case 2011 . In this case, the core body 31 is inserted through the through hole 22a of the ferrite core 22, and one end 31a of the core body 31 protrudes from the opening 203B of the front cap 203B of the coil housing member 203. As shown in FIG. Then, the pen point member 204 is press-fitted into one end portion 31a of the core body 31 protruding from the opening 203B of the front cap 203B of the coil housing member 203 .

As described above, the lead wires at both ends of the coil 21 are led out from the coil housing member 203 to the rear end side. It is led out to the rear end side of the pen tip side case 2011 through the concave groove 2011gc. Lead wires at both ends of the coil 21 are connected to the printed circuit board 25 so as to be electrically connected to both ends of a capacitor provided on the printed circuit board 25 . The coil 21 and the capacitor constitute a resonance circuit for electromagnetic induction coupling with the position detection sensor.

A rear end case 2012 is connected to the rear end side of the pen tip case 2011 in which the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 to which the core 31 is connected is fixed in the hollow portion 2011a. Finally, the rear end cap member 202 is attached to the rear end side of the rear end side case 2012 to complete the stylus 2 . A printed circuit board connected to the flexible circuit board 36 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the rear end case 2012 .

Since the stylus 2 of this embodiment is configured as described above, the pen tip member 204 contacts the input surface of the position detection sensor of the position detection device, and the core body 31 is moved through the pen tip member 204. The plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 undergoes strain deformation according to the applied force.

The strain-sensitive material provided on one surface portion 10a of the pressure sensing device 1 changes its resistance value according to its strain deformation. yields an output voltage that depends on the applied force.

In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 25 detects the force component applied in the axial direction of the core 31 as the pen pressure applied to the pen tip member 204, and also detects the force component applied in the axial direction of the core 31. A pen state detection circuit is provided for detecting the tilt angle of the stylus 2 with respect to the input surface of the position detection sensor from the force component applied in the direction of the pen. The pen state detection circuit detects the pen pressure and the tilt based on the output voltage of the pressure sensing device 1 sent through the flexible substrate 36 . The pen state detection circuit can also be configured to detect the frictional force between the pen tip member 204 of the stylus 2 and the input surface of the position detection sensor based on the output voltage of the pressure sensing device 1 .

<Description of Embodiment of Pressure Sensing Device>
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the pressure sensing device 1 used in the stylus 2 of the embodiment of the invention. As described above, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 of this example includes the protrusions 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc, but these are omitted in the plate-like member 10 shown in FIG. 6(A) for the sake of convenience.

As described above, the pressure sensing device 1 of this example is formed by arranging a plurality of strain sensitive materials 11 on one surface portion 10a of a plate-like member 10 made of an insulating material having elasticity. . FIG. 6 shows the arrangement positions of a plurality of strain sensitive materials 11 arranged on one surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, and the plate-like member strain according to the applied force. 10 shows the relationship with the strain generated in 10. FIG.

FIG. 6A shows a view of the pressure sensing device 1 viewed from the side of one surface 10a of the plate-like member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 10a.

In the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, the plate-like member 10 is made of an elastic material, such as a metal plate, and in this example, is made of SUS. In this example, an insulating layer (not shown) is provided on one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 to form an insulating member. Then, the strain sensitive material 11 and the conductive pattern 12 are formed as films on the insulating layer on one surface portion 10a side of the plate-shaped member 10, thereby forming a bridge circuit in this embodiment. A sensing device 1 is formed.

In this example, as described above, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is sandwiched between the ring-shaped projection 2011b on the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011 and the sandwiching holding member 33 at the peripheral edge 10E. 1(B). , the force applied to the pen tip member 204 of the core 31 is a ring-shaped region RG having a width W between the position of the peripheral edge of the head 34a of the coupling screw 34 and the position of the inner diameter of the holding member 33. It is a region where it is possible to generate elastic strain according to .

6A, the center A ring-shaped region RG with a radius r centered at the position Oc and a width W within the range of r1<r<r4 is a region in which elastic strain is generated corresponding to the force transmitted through the core body 31 . As shown in FIG. 6A, in the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of strain sensitive materials 11 formed in a zigzag pattern are provided in this ring-shaped region RG with a width W. As shown in FIG.

By the way, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 of this example has a disc shape with a constant thickness d, and is fixed at its peripheral edge portion 10E and its center position Oc (FIG. 6A). ), a force is applied through the core 31 .

Here, the width direction (the radial direction of the plate-like member 10) of the ring-shaped region RG having the width W of the plate-like member 10 is defined by the radius r1 to the radius r2 (r1<r2 <r3), an intermediate ring-shaped region RG0 within a range of radius r2 to radius r3 (r2<r3<r4), and an outer ring-shaped region RG2 within a range of radius r3 to radius r4. Divide into 3 parts. The inner ring-shaped region RG1 constitutes a first ring-shaped region, and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 constitutes a second ring-shaped region. A peripheral edge portion 10</b>E of the plate-like member 10 sandwiched between the ring-shaped projection and the sandwiching and holding member 33 in the housing 201 forms a second ring-shaped portion of the plate-like member 10 centering on the applying portion. It becomes a position farther than the region. Therefore, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 engages with the housing at a position farther than the second ring-like region centering on the applying portion. When the radial direction of the plate-shaped member 10 is divided into regions in this way, in the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 of the ring-shaped region RG, when a force is applied to the pen point member 204 of the core 31, Large strains are generated in opposite directions to each other, the strain generated is small in the intermediate ring-shaped region RG0, and almost no strain is generated in the central portion thereof in the radial direction.

That is, when the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 receives a force in a direction orthogonal to the surface portion 10a (force in the Z-axis direction) via the core 31 as an example of the force receiving portion, the plate-like member 10 , elastically deforms downward as shown in FIG. In this case, when the force other than the force in the Z-axis direction is zero, the plate-like member 10 is strained equally over the entire circumference at the same radial position in the radial direction from the center position Oc. Then, the strain corresponds to the magnitude of the applied force, and as shown in FIG. , contraction strain, and strains in directions opposite to each other are generated. Then, in the intermediate ring-shaped region RG0, strain is relatively small.

Therefore, the strain-sensitive materials 11 are respectively provided in accordance with the positions of the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 where the strain is large, and the elongation strain in the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the strain in the outer ring-shaped region RG2 The force in the Z-axis direction can be detected by detecting the contraction strain.

Further, when a force in a direction parallel to the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 (a force in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction) is received via the core body 31 as an example of the force receiving portion, the plate-like portion As shown in FIG. 6(C), the member 10 is strain-deformed so as to undulate asymmetrically around the center position Oc of the plate-like member 10 . The degree of strain deformation depends on the magnitude of the applied force, and as shown in FIG. Distortion occurs.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6C, when viewed from the direction of the force applied to the core body 31 as an example of the force receiving portion, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 shrinks on the front side of the center position Oc. Strain occurs, and elongation strain occurs in the outer ring-shaped region RG2. In addition, when viewed from the direction of the force applied to the core body 31 as an example of the force receiving portion, on the rear side of the center position Oc, elongation strain occurs in the inner ring-shaped region RG1, and the outer ring-shaped region RG1 Contraction strain occurs in the shaped region RG2. Also in this case, the strain is relatively small in the intermediate ring-shaped region RG0.

Therefore, the change in the resistance value according to the strain of the strain sensitive material 11 formed as a zigzag pattern disposed in the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the zigzag pattern formed in the outer ring-shaped region RG2 A force component in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction can be detected from the change in the resistance value according to the strain of the strain sensitive material 11 applied. In this case, in the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 on the front side of the center position Oc, and the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 on the rear side, the mode of strain generated is Since the directions are opposite, the difference between the strain detection outputs detected by the strain sensitive material 11 on the front side and the back side of the center position Oc can be obtained to determine the force component in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. A detection output of twice the magnitude is obtained as the detection output.

In the plate-shaped member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, based on the above-described strain generating mode, a strain receiving device is provided on the plate-shaped member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 as described below. By arranging the sensitive material 11, a triaxial pressure sensing device is configured.

In this embodiment, the force applied in the direction orthogonal to the surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is received as the force in the Z-axis direction, and the magnitude thereof is detected. In this embodiment, the force applied to the surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 in the direction parallel to the surface direction, and the force in the direction perpendicular to each other, is defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. It is received as a directional force and its magnitude is detected.

Therefore, in the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, in order to form a triaxial pressure sensing device, one surface portion of a disc-shaped plate-like member 10 is divided as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6(A). 10a is, for example, divided into four in the circumferential direction into four fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 each having an angle range of 90 degrees. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, in this example, the fan-shaped regions SX1 and SX2 face each other in the X-axis direction with the center position Oc as the center, and the fan-shaped regions SY1 and SY2 face the center position Oc. They are configured to face each other in the Y-axis direction with respect to the center.

Further, in this embodiment, in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2, the inner ring-shaped region is deformed according to the force applied to the plate-shaped member 10 via the core body 31 as an example of the force receiving portion. A strain-sensitive material 11 is arranged so as to detect strains (elongation strain and contraction strain) occurring in opposite directions in RG1 and outer ring-shaped region RG2.

That is, in this embodiment, in each of the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 of the ring-shaped region RG in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 of the one surface portion 10a of the plate-shaped member 10, A strain sensitive material 11 formed as a zigzag pattern is provided.

In this embodiment, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 are formed in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 so that a bridge circuit constituting a strain detection circuit can be configured. Two strain sensitive materials 11 are provided in each circumferential direction of the .

In FIG. 6(A), the reference numeral 11 is shown in parentheses so that the strain sensitive materials 11 provided in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 of the one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 can be distinguished. with another reference number in parentheses. In the following description, when the strain sensitive material 11 does not need to be distinguished, it is described as the strain sensitive material 11 using the reference numerals as they are, and when it is necessary to distinguish, the reference numerals in parentheses are used. I decided to.

As shown hatched in FIG. 6A, in the fan-shaped region SX1, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 has two strain gauges made of a conductive material formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. Sensitive materials X1 and X2 are provided. Also, the outer ring-shaped region RG2 is provided with two strain sensitive members X3 and X4 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. In the fan-shaped region SX2, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 is provided with two strain-sensitive materials X5 and X6 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. Also, the outer ring-shaped region RG2 is provided with two strain sensitive materials X7 and X8 formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction.

In the fan-shaped region SY1, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 is provided with two strain sensitive materials Y1 and Y2 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. Also, the outer ring-shaped region RG2 is provided with two strain sensitive members Y3 and Y4 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. In the fan-shaped region SY2, the inner ring-shaped region RG1 is provided with two strain sensitive materials Y5 and Y6 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction. Also, the outer ring-shaped region RG2 is provided with two strain sensitive members Y7 and Y8 made of a conductive material and formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the strain sensitive material 11 is formed by bending a linear conductive member in a zigzag shape so as to ), the length in the radial direction (the direction in which strain is generated) of the plate-shaped member 10 is configured as length L0, and the length in the circumferential direction is configured to be the sector region SX1 in which each is disposed , SY1, SX2, and SY2.

By arranging the strain sensitive material 11 in this manner, the pressure sensing device 1 can detect strain with sufficient sensitivity while maintaining the magnitude of the detection output voltage. That is, the length of the strain sensitive material 11 made of a zigzag pattern in which the length of the radial direction of the plate-like member 10 is L0 is formed by zigzag-folding a plurality of linear conductive materials in the circumferential direction. Strain is detected in the portion of L0, and the strain detection in the portion of length L0 is performed over the length of the strain sensitive material 11 in the circumferential direction.

In this embodiment, on one surface portion 10a of the plate-shaped member 10, the strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5, and X6 and the strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5, Y1, Y2, and Y5, which are arranged in the inner ring-shaped region RG1, Y6 is arranged at a position where a large strain occurs in response to the force applied in the inner ring-shaped region RG1, in this example, at or near the center position in the width direction (radial direction) of the inner ring-shaped region RG1. is set. That is, a conductive material having a zigzag pattern that constitutes each of the strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5, and X6 and the strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5, and Y6 is applied to the inner ring-shaped region RG1 so that the generated strain is pinpointed at or near the central position in the width direction (radial direction) where the

As described above, the strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5, X6 and the strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5, Y6 are arranged at the same radial position from the center position Oc on one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10. , are arranged in accordance with the strain generating positions formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumferential direction.

Similarly, strain sensitive materials X3, X4, X7, X8 and strain sensitive materials Y3, Y4, Y7, Y8 formed in a zigzag pattern disposed in the outer ring-shaped region RG2 are arranged in the outer ring-shaped region In this example, it is arranged at or near the central position in the width direction (radial direction) of the outer ring-shaped region RG2 where a large amount of strain occurs in RG2 according to the force applied. Therefore, the strain sensitive materials X3, X4, X7, X8 and the strain sensitive materials Y3, Y4, Y7, Y8 are arranged in the outer ring-shaped region RG2 of one surface portion 10a of the plate-shaped member 10 from the center position Oc. At the radial position, it is arranged along the circumferential direction in line with the strain generating position.

Strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5 and X6 and strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5 and Y6 formed in a zigzag pattern and disposed in the inner ring-shaped region RG1, and the outer ring-shaped region RG2 The strain sensitive materials X3, X4, X7, and X8 and the strain sensitive materials Y3, Y4, Y7, and Y8 formed in a zigzag pattern are, as shown in FIG. 10 are arranged so as to be aligned in the radial direction centered on the center position Oc, that is, in the strain generation direction.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5, and X6 and the strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5, and Y6 formed as a zigzag pattern disposed in the inner ring-shaped region RG1, Emitted from at least the central position Oc of the strain sensitive materials X3, X4, X7, X8 and the strain sensitive materials Y3, Y4, Y7, Y8 formed as a zigzag pattern disposed in the outer ring-shaped region RG2. The strain sensitive materials 11 formed in a zigzag pattern in which two pieces are arranged in a direction (radial direction) have equal resistance values when no strain is generated.

In this embodiment, in order to make the strain susceptibility equal in all radial directions with respect to the central position Oc of the plate-shaped member 10, zigzag-shaped The strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X5, and X6 and the strain sensitive materials Y1, Y2, Y5, and Y6 formed as patterns should all have the same resistance value when no strain occurs. ing. Therefore, in this example, all of the strain sensitive materials X1 to X8 and the strain sensitive materials Y1 to Y8 are formed so as to have the same resistance value when no strain occurs.

In this case, the resistance value of the strain sensitive material 11 is determined by the width, length, and thickness of the conductive material and the material of the conductive material. By doing so, the resistance values are equal when there is no strain. However, by adjusting the width, length, and thickness of the conductive materials of the strain sensitive materials X1 to X8 and the strain sensitive materials Y to Y8, the resistance values are equal when no strain occurs. You may do so.

In the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, each of the strain sensitive materials 11 is formed in advance on one surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10, and the conductive pattern 12 is formed, thereby forming a predetermined circuit, A bridge circuit is formed in this example. On one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10, electrodes for connection between the formed bridge circuit and the circuit portion formed on the external printed circuit board 25 are formed.

In the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the four zigzag patterns provided in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 on one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 The formed strain sensitive material constitutes a bridge circuit that constitutes a strain detection circuit.

A bridge circuit composed of strain sensitive materials 11 formed in four zigzag patterns and arranged in each of the fan-shaped regions SX1, SY1, SX2, and SY2 has a similar configuration. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing, as a representative example, the configuration of a bridge circuit formed by electrically connecting four strain-sensitive materials X1 to X4 through the conductive pattern 12 in the fan-shaped region SX1. As shown in FIG. 7, each bridge circuit includes four connection electrodes tV, tG, It has tO(+) and tO(-). The connection electrode tV is an electrode to which the power supply voltage Vcc is supplied, the connection electrode tG is an electrode to be grounded, the connection electrode tO(+) is the first output terminal of the bridge circuit, and the connection electrode tO(-) is the bridge. It is the second output electrode of the circuit.

In the bridge circuit of FIG. 7, X An output voltage EX1 corresponding to the force component in the axial direction is obtained.

Similarly, bridge circuits are formed in the other fan-shaped regions SX2, SY1, and SY2, and output voltages EX1, EX2, EY1, and EY2 corresponding to the forces applied to the pressure sensing device 1 are obtained from the respective bridge circuits. be done.

Then, by using the output voltages EX1, EX2, EY1, and EY2 of the four bridge circuits formed in the fan-shaped regions SX1, SX2, SY1, and SY2, respectively, the force applied to the core 31 of the electronic pen 2 is The output voltage EZ for the force component in the Z-axis direction, the output voltage EX for the force component in the X-axis direction, and the output voltage EY for the force component in the Y-axis direction are obtained from the following arithmetic expressions.

That is, with respect to the force component in the Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. The detection output voltage EZ is
EZ=EX1+EX2+EY1+EY2
calculated as

In addition, as for the force component in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG. The detection output voltage EX of device 1 is
EX=EX1-EX2
calculated as

Similarly, with regard to the force component in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. , the detected output voltage EY of the pressure sensing device 1 is
EY = EY1 - EY2
calculated as

In this embodiment, on one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 of the force sensor 1, the strain sensitive material 11 and the conductive pattern 12 are formed, and the connection electrodes tV, tG, tO(+) are formed. , tO(−) are also formed. Therefore, the pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment can be mass-produced by mounting a large number of pressure sensing devices 1 on a metal plate made of SUS in this example.

FIG. 8A shows a pressure sensing device 1 in which an insulating film 41 and a sensitive material are formed in a zigzag shape by cutting out from a metal plate. Note that the projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc of the plate member 10 are omitted from FIG. 8(A).

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, a core 31 as an example of a force receiving portion is screwed to each of the pressure sensing devices 1 thus prepared at the center of the surface of the plate member 10. By connecting them together, they constitute the main parts of the force detection member. Therefore, this main part can also be mass-produced. As described above, the flexible substrate 36 is attached to the pressure sensing device 1 as the main component, but the illustration of the flexible substrate 36 is omitted in FIG. 8(B).

This main component is sandwiched between the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b of the pen-tip-side case 2011 and the clamping/holding member 33 to hold the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1. 2011. That is, in this embodiment, the force detection member is configured by attaching the main component of the force detection member, in which the core body 31 is coupled to the pressure sensing device 1 , to the pen tip side case 2011 .

Therefore, in this embodiment, the pen tip side case 2011 that constitutes the housing 201 of the stylus 2 constitutes the member that holds the pressure sensing device so that the pressure sensing device in the force detection member can undergo strain deformation. ing. That is, the housing of the stylus itself has a structure that supports the pressure sensing device 1 . Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a member for holding the pressure sensing device separately from the housing of the stylus, a corresponding space is not required, which contributes to the thinning of the stylus.

In addition, the production of the pressure sensing device according to this embodiment does not require a step of adhering the flexible substrate on which the strain sensitive material is patterned and arranged with an adhesive, which is also suitable for mass production.

The stylus 2 configured as described above has a resonance circuit configured by the coil 21 wound around the ferrite core 22 and the capacitor provided on the printed circuit board 25 .

On the other hand, the position detection device includes a position detection sensor configured by stacking a group of loop coils in the X-axis direction and a group of Y-axis direction loop coils. The position detection device 3 detects the position indicated by the stylus 2 by electromagnetic induction coupling with a resonance circuit consisting of a coil 21 and a capacitor, and detects the position on the position detection sensor that receives the signal from the stylus 2. conduct.

In addition, the stylus 2 of this example detects pen state information such as the pen pressure applied to the pen tip member 204, the inclination of the stylus 2, and the frictional force based on the detection output of the pressure sensing device 1 described above. It has the function of transmitting to the position detection device.

The stylus 2 transmits the detected pen state information, for example, as a digital signal to a position detection device via a position detection sensor. In this case, the stylus 2 is provided with a control circuit for switching the resonance circuit composed of the coil 21 and the capacitor between an operating state and a non-operating state. The stylus control circuit converts the pen state information into a digital signal, and controls the resonance circuit to switch between an operating state and a non-operating state based on this digital signal, thereby ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulating the pen control information. It is supplied as a signal to the position detection sensor of the position detection device.

In this case, the power supply voltage for the signal control circuit of the stylus 2, the pen state information detection circuit, and the pressure sensing device 1 may use energy sent from the position detection device by electromagnetic induction coupling. You may make it incorporate a battery.

The position detection device detects a loop coil formed by an element O that is electromagnetically inductively coupled with the stylus 2 and detects a signal from the two loop coil groups of the position detection sensor. Detect pointing position. Also, by demodulating the ASK signal received through the position detection sensor, the pen state information is detected, and the pen state such as the writing pressure on the stylus 2 and the inclination of the stylus 2 is detected.

The pen state information such as pen pressure and tilt is transmitted to the position detection device by electromagnetic coupling between the stylus and the position detection sensor. The stylus and the position detection device may be provided with the position detection device, and the stylus may be transmitted to the position detection device by wireless communication.

[Effects of Embodiment]
According to the stylus 2 described above, the mass-producible pressure sensing device 1 is held between the ring-shaped projection 2011b and the holding member 33 in the pen tip side case 2011 forming part of the housing 201. The stylus 2 can be mass-produced because of the simple configuration in which the stylus 2 is fixed by pressing.

Moreover, since the force detecting member including the pressure sensing device 1 is configured including the pen tip side case 2011, there is also an effect that the stylus 2 can be made thinner.

The pressure sensing device 1 used in the stylus 2 of the above-described embodiment includes an inner ring-shaped region RG1, which is a region at different positions in the radial direction (radial direction) from the center position of the disk-shaped plate-shaped member 10, and an outer ring-shaped region RG1. By arranging the strain sensitive material 11 formed in a zigzag pattern in each of the ring-shaped regions RG2, the force applied to the pressure sensing device 1 can be detected.

[Second embodiment]
In the stylus 2 of the first embodiment described above, one surface portion 10a on which the strain sensitive material 11 and the conductive pattern 12 of the pressure sensing device 1 are formed faces the rear end side of the stylus 2 and The flexible substrate 36 crimped to the surface portion 10a is led out to the rear end side case 2012 side through the hollow portion of the clamping/holding member 33 . For this reason, the presence of the flexible substrate 36 may interfere with the operation of screwing the holding member 33 into the threaded portion of the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011 .

The stylus 2A of the second embodiment is an example of improving this problem. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of the stylus 2A of the second embodiment, and FIG. 9A shows the shape of the flexible substrate 36A used in the stylus 2A of the second embodiment. 9(B) and 9(C) are diagrams showing the connection state between the flexible substrate 36A and the pressure sensing device 1A used in this stylus 2A, and FIG. 9(D) is the pen tip of the stylus 2A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a side configuration; Note that FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1B showing a configuration example of the stylus 2 of the first embodiment described above. In FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the stylus 2 of the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9(A), the flexible substrate 36A has a connection side portion 36Aa connected to the pressure sensing device 1A and a connection side portion 36Ab connected to the printed circuit board 25 with a narrow connecting neck portion 36Ac. It is A through hole 36Ad through which the coupling screw 34 is passed is formed in the connection side portion 36Aa.

A plate member 10A of the pressure sensing device 1A has protrusions 10pa and 10pb as well as a protrusion 10Apc, as shown in FIG. 9B. The protrusions 10Apc of the plate-like member 10A are configured to have grooves 10Apcs that are wider in the circumferential direction than the grooves 10pcs of the protrusions 10pc of the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 . The width wt of the connecting constricted portion 36Ac of the flexible substrate 36A is slightly smaller than the circumferential width of the groove 10Apcs of the protrusion 10Apc of the plate member 10A.

Although not shown, the concave groove 2011gc of the pen tip side case 2011 also has a size corresponding to the projection 10Apc of the plate member 10A. As with the stylus 2 of the first embodiment, in the stylus 2A of this embodiment as well, both ends of the coil 21 pass through the concave groove 2011gc and are led out to the rear end side of the pen tip side case 2011.

In the stylus 2A of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9D, one surface portion 10Aa of the plate member 10A on which the strain sensitive material 11, the conductive pattern 12 and the connection terminals are formed is the core body. It is configured to be the coupling side with 31 . Then, as shown in FIGS. 9B, 9C, and 9D, the connection side portion 36Aa of the flexible substrate 36A with the pressure sensing device 1A is crimped to one surface portion 10Aa side of the plate member 10A. As it is attached, the constricted portion 36Ac passes through the groove 10Apcs of the projection 10Apc and is led out to the other surface portion 10Ab side of the plate member 10A.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9D, the constricted portion 36Ac of the flexible substrate 36A is positioned in the groove 2011gc of the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011, and the plate-like member 10A of the pressure sensing device 1A. The flexible substrate 36A is positioned outside the clamping and holding member 33 because it is outside the peripheral edge.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed into the pen tip side case 2011 in order to clamp the pressure sensing device 1A between the clamping and holding member 33 and the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b, , the flexible substrate 36A does not become an obstacle.

[Another example of how to assemble the pressure sensing device to the case on the pen tip side]
In the above-described embodiment, the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed into the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011 from the rear end side to fix the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A in the hollow portion 2011a of the pen tip side case 2011. I made it However, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 10, the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed into the pen tip side case 2011 from the pen tip side, and the pressure sensing device 1 is held by the clamping and holding member through the ring-shaped washer member 32 . 33 and the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b of the pen tip side case 2011, and may be clamped and fixed.

In the case of this example, there is an advantage that the flexible substrate 36 crimped to the one surface portion 10a side of the pressure sensing device 1 does not interfere when the holding member 33 is screwed.

In the above-described embodiment, the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed into the hollow portion of the pen tip side case 2011 , but it may be press-fitted into the hollow portion of the pen tip side case 2011 . The schematic diagram of FIG. 11 is an example applied to the stylus shown in FIG. 10. In the example of FIG. It is pressed in from the front side. In the example of FIG. 11, the coil housing member 203 and the pen tip side case 2011 are not screwed but press-fitted.

In the above-described embodiments, the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b is formed integrally with the pen tip side case 2011 of the housing 201 of the stylus 2, 2A. However, the ring-shaped protrusion that clamps the pressure sensing device with the clamping and holding member may be formed separately from the housing. The schematic diagram of FIG. 12 shows the essential parts of a stylus configured in such a manner.

In the example of FIG. 12, no pen tip side case is provided, and the coil housing member 203 is coupled to the housing 201 . As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, a tubular member 205 is provided that is screwed to both the housing 201 and the coil housing member 203 . The tubular member 205 is configured to have a ring-shaped protrusion 205b, and the inner wall surface thereof is also provided with a threaded portion.

In the example of FIG. 12, the clamping and holding member 33 made of a set screw is screwed into the cylindrical member 205, so that the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is clamped and held with the ring-shaped protrusion 205b. The ring-shaped washer member 32 is interposed between the outer member 33 and the outer member 33 .

In the example of FIG. 12, the clamping and holding member 33 is screwed in from the rear end side of the cylindrical member 205, but as in the example of FIG. You may comprise so that the member 33 may be screwed.

<Other Modifications>
In the stylus 2 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. The inner wall surface of the side case 2011 is provided with concave grooves 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc to position the pressure sensing device 1 in the pen tip side case 2011 in the circumferential direction and to move the pressure sensing device 1 inside the pen tip side case 2011. Circumferential rotation is disabled. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 13, the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 is provided with grooves 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc, and as shown in FIG. By providing the protrusions 2011ga, 2011gb, and 2011gc, the pressure sensing device 1 is positioned in the pen tip side case 2011 in the circumferential direction, and the pressure sensing device 1 is rotated in the pen tip side case 2011 in the circumferential direction. may be configured to be disabled. Needless to say, the stylus 2A of the second embodiment can also be configured in the same manner.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the ring-shaped washer member 32 interposed between the pressure sensing device 1 and the holding member 33 corresponds to projections 2011pa and 2011pb on the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011. The recessed grooves 32pa and 32pb are provided at the positions where they are aligned. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the pen tip side case 2011 is formed with concave grooves 2011gc for inserting the lead wires at both ends of the coil 21 .

Further, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, through holes 10ha, 10hb, and 10hc are provided in the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1, and as shown in FIG. A ring-shaped protrusion 2011b provided on the inner wall surface of the pen tip side case 2011 is engaged with the through holes 10ha, 10hb, and 10hc of the plate-like member 10 on the contact surface with the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10. The rotation of the plate member 10 may be disabled by forming the protrusions 2011pd, 2011pe, and 2011pf.

In the example of FIG. 16, the through holes 10ha, 10hb, and 10hc are formed in the peripheral edge portion 10E of the plate-like member 10. However, as recesses that do not penetrate through, the ring-shaped protrusions 2011pd are formed in these recesses. , 2011pe and 2011pf may be engaged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the shape of the plate-like member 10 is made into a shape having linearly cut portions 10sa and 10sb, and the shape of the ring-shaped protrusion of the pen tip side case 2011 is changed. may be made to have a corresponding shape (not shown) so that the plate-like member 10 cannot rotate.

In the plate member 10, the projections 10pa, 10pb, and 10pc in the example of FIG. 3, the grooves 10ga, 10gb, and 10gc in the example of FIG. 13, and the through holes 10ha, 10hb, and 10hc in the example of FIG. In the above example, the number is plural, but the number may be one. Similarly, the notched portions 10sa and 10sb in the example of FIG. 17 may be one instead of plural.

Needless to say, the examples of FIGS. 13 to 17 can also be configured in the same way for the stylus 2A of the second embodiment.

In addition, in the stylus 2 of the above-described embodiment, when the peripheral edge portion of the pressure sensing device 1, 1A is held between the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b and the holding member 33, the plate-shaped members 10, 10A and the plate-shaped members 10, 10A The ring-shaped protrusion 2011b is directly abutted. However, an elastic body such as a ring-shaped washer member may also be provided between the plate-shaped members 10, 10A and the ring-shaped protrusion 2011b.

In the styluses 2 and 2A of the above-described embodiments, the plate-like members 10 and 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A of the embodiments are screwed at the center using the coupling screws 34 to constitute the force receiving portion. It was made to couple with the core body 31 . However, the method of connecting the pressure sensing devices 1, 1A and the core 31 forming the force receiving portion is not limited to this.

18A and 18B are diagrams showing several other examples of methods for connecting the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 and the force receiving portion. In FIG. 18, the force receiving portion is described as being composed of the core body 31, but the core body 31 can also be coupled to the plate-like member 10 via a pressure transmission member. In that case, the core body 31 in FIG. 18 is entirely replaced with the pressure transmission member.

In the example of FIG. 18A, a concave portion 10go is formed in the central portion to which the force of the plate member 10 is applied, and the end face shape of the end portion 31b of the core body 31 is a curved shape corresponding to the concave portion 10go. do. The end portion 31b of the core 31 is engaged with the concave portion 10go of the plate-like member 10, and the core 31 is pressed against the plate-like member 10 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown). do. As a result, the core 31 is locked to the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 .

Further, in the example of FIG. 18B, a convex portion 10pd that protrudes toward the core 31 is formed at the central portion to which the force of the plate member 10 is applied, and the end surface of the end 31b of the core 31 is formed. , there is formed a recess 31ga into which the projection 10pd is fitted. Then, the protrusions 10pd formed on the plate-like member 10 are fitted into the recesses 31ga of the core 31, and the core 31 is pressed against the plate-like member 10 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown). configured to As a result, the core 31 is locked to the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 18(C), a through hole 10hd is provided in the central portion to which the force of the plate member 10 is applied, and the end surface of the end portion 31b of the core 31 is fitted into the through hole 10hd. A convex portion 31pa is formed to form a stepped portion 31d. In this example as well, an elastic member such as a spring (not shown) may be configured to press the core 31 against the plate-like member 10 side, or the convex portion 31pa of the core 31 may be pushed against the plate-like member 10. It may be configured to be press-fitted into the through hole 10hd. As a result, the core 31 is locked to the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 .

As shown in FIG. 18(D), the through hole 10hd of the plate-like member 10 in the example of FIG. , the end surface of the end portion 31b of the core body 31 may be provided with a tapered projection 31pa' corresponding to the through hole 10pd'.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the plate-like member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 and the force receiving portion such as the core 31 are connected using the connection screw 34. However, the connection screw 34 is not used. Alternatively, the plate member 10 and the force receiving portion such as the core 31 can be screwed together.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18(E), a threaded hole portion 10n is formed by microfabrication in the central portion to which the force of the plate member 10 is applied, and the end face of the end portion 31b of the core 31 is threaded. A portion 31n is formed. Then, by screwing the screw portion 31n of the end face of the end portion 31b of the core 31 into the screw hole portion 10n of the plate-like member 10, both are locked and coupled.

Furthermore, as a modification of FIG. 18E, as shown in FIG. The core body 31 and the plate-like member 10 may be firmly coupled by screwing a nut 37 onto the portion of the threaded portion 31n that protrudes through the plate-like member 10 . In the case of the example of FIG. 18F, a through hole through which the threaded portion 31n penetrates may be formed in the central portion of the plate-like member 10 instead of the threaded hole portion 10n.

Further, for example, the plate-like members 10, 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1, 1A and the core 31 may be integrally formed of, for example, SUS. 10A and core body 31 may be welded or joined with an adhesive.

In the above modified examples, when coupling screws are not used, the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A are mounted on the plate-like members 10 and 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A, except for the example shown in FIG. 18(F). It becomes unnecessary to consider the existing space of the head portion 34a of the coupling screw 34 on the side of one surface portion 10a, 10Aa of the plate-like members 10, 10A.

Therefore, electronic components such as passive components such as ICs and amplifiers can be arranged in the central portion of the plate-like members 10 and 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A on one side 10a and 10Aa. In that case, the terminals for external connection of the conductive pattern 12 connected to the connection electrodes tV, tG, tO(+), and tO(-) of the bridge circuit are used as pads for connection of the terminals of the electronic component. It is possible to

In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the four strain-sensitive materials arranged in each of the divided regions SX1, SX2, SY1, and SY2 have the same resistance value when strain is not generated. As explained, the resistance values of the strain sensitive materials need not be the same value. In principle, the balance condition in the bridge circuit, for example, the strain sensitive materials X1, X2, X3, and X4 in FIG. Assuming that RX2, RX3, and RX4 are set to the respective resistance values that satisfy the equilibrium condition of RX1/RX2=RX3/RX4, the output of the output electrode tO(-) and the output electrode tO(+) is The voltages will be equal and the difference output voltage will be zero.

In the above-described embodiment, the force applied to the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A is applied to the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A according to three axial force components, namely, the force component in the Z-axis direction, the force component in the X-axis direction, and the force component in the Y-axis direction. Since the strain detection output is obtained, one surface portion 10a, 10Aa of the plate-shaped members 10, 10A is divided into four fan-shaped regions SX1, SX2, SY1, SY2, and the strain sensitive material 11 is provided in each region. However, it is not limited to such a configuration.

In the above-described embodiment, the strain sensitive material is arranged only on one surface of the pressure sensing device. can be In that case, for example, a strain-sensitive material for detecting strain in the Z-axis direction is arranged on one surface portion, and a strain-sensitive material for detecting strain in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is disposed on the other surface portion. strain sensitive material may be provided.

Also, the plate-like members 10, 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1, 1A may be polygonal instead of discs, and in that case, the ring-shaped regions may also be polygonal.

Moreover, although the plate members 10 and 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A have a constant thickness, the thickness may vary in the radial direction from the force application portion. For example, in the case of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A of the above-described embodiments, in the inner ring-shaped region RG1 and the outer ring-shaped region RG2, the vicinity of the portion where the strain sensitive material is provided has a thickness so as to facilitate strain deformation. The thickness may be configured to be thinner than other portions.

In addition, in the stylus of the above-described embodiment, the core body 31 is used as the force receiving portion coupled with the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing device 1 or 1A. may be configured as a force receiving portion, and the force transmitting member may be configured to be coupled to the plate-like members 10, 10A of the pressure sensing devices 1, 1A.

In the above-described embodiments, the one surface portions 10a and 10Aa of the plate member 10 of the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A are the surface portions on the side opposite to the pen tip side, but the one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 , 10Aa may be used as surface portions on the pen tip side, and these surface portions 10a and 10Aa may be coupled to the force receiving portion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the stylus housing 201 is divided into the pen tip side case 2011 and the rear end side case 2012, but the housing 201 is divided into two parts as in this example. Instead, it may of course consist of a single cylindrical case.

Although the stylus of the above-described embodiment is of the electromagnetic induction type, the stylus according to the present invention detects the force applied to the pen tip using a strain sensitive material with a pressure sensing device. If so, it may be of any type other than the capacitive coupling type.

In the above-described embodiments, in the pressure sensing devices 1 and 1A, the strain sensitive material 11 is arranged only on one surface portion 10a and 10Aa of the plate member 10. A strain sensitive material may also be provided on the other surface portion 10b. For example, one surface portion 10a of the plate member 10 is provided with a strain-sensitive material for detecting the force in the Z-axis direction, and the other surface portion 10b side detects forces in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. You may make it provide the strain sensitive material for doing.

In that case, the strain sensitive material disposed on the other surface portion 10b is divided into four regions in the circumferential direction in the same manner as the pressure sensing device of the above-described embodiment, and each divided region SX1, SX2, SY1, Four strain sensitive materials formed as zigzag patterns are provided on each of SY2, and two zigzag patterns are provided on the inner ring region RG1 of the two semicircular regions on one surface portion 10a. and two strain sensitive materials 11 formed in zigzag patterns in the outer ring-shaped region RG2, respectively, or one ring-shaped pattern in the inner ring region RG1. The strain sensitive material 11 formed as a zigzag pattern is arranged, and the strain sensitive material 11 formed as a single ring-shaped zigzag pattern is arranged in the outer ring-shaped region RG2. You may do so.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the pressure sensing device has the strain sensing material and the conductive pattern formed directly on the plate-like member. It goes without saying that the flexible substrate may be adhered to the surface of the plate after forming the strain sensitive material and the conductive pattern.

In the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensing device is held by sandwiching the peripheral edge of the pressure sensing device and arranged in the housing of the stylus, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the periphery of the plate-like member that constitutes the pressure sensing device may be fixed by welding to a holding member having the same shape as the holding member.

Further, as in the example described below, the pressure sensing device can be configured to be fixed to the holding member by devising the configuration of the plate-shaped member that constitutes the pressure sensing device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the pressure sensing device 1B of this example. The plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B of this example is also made of a thin plate made of a material capable of elastic strain deformation, in this example, a SUS plate, similarly to the above example. In this example, as shown in FIG. 19A, the plate-like member 10B has four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 extending from the central area in directions orthogonal to each other. The central region of the plate-like member 10B is, for example, a region corresponding to the radius r4 (see FIG. 3) of the circular plate-like member 10 described above, and is strain-deformed by pressure applied through the core 31. It is considered to be the area where it occurs.

In the pressure sensing device 1B of this example, as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. At the position near the boundary, each of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 is bent in a direction perpendicular to the central portion of the plate member 10B, as shown in FIG. 19(B).

Then, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, a holding plate, which will be described later, is provided in the vicinity of each tip end of each of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B. In this example, through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a, and 10BL4a are formed in the member for fixing with screws.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, in the center of the central region of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B, similarly to the pressure sensing devices 10 and 10A of the above-described embodiments, an electronic pen A through hole 10Bc is formed for screwing and fixing the core 31 to the plate member 10B. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, to the pressure sensing device 1B of this example as well, the core 31 of the electronic pen is fixed by the coupling screw 34 in the same manner as in the above example. Although not shown, a ring-shaped washer is interposed between the coupling screw 34 and the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B in this example as well.

In the pressure sensing device 1B of this example, as shown in FIG. 20, four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the plate-like member 10B are attached to a cylindrical or columnar holding member 33B. It is fixed with screws.

That is, as shown in FIG. 20, four leg portions 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the plate-like member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B are provided on the side peripheral surface of the holding member 33B on one end surface side in the axial direction. 20 are formed into recessed grooves 33B1, 33B2, 33B3, and 33B4 (the recessed groove 33B4 is not shown in FIG. 20) into which these are fitted and inserted. In this case, the outer diameter of the holding member 33B is selected to be larger than the size of the outer shape in the plate surface direction of the central region of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B. The pressure sensing device 1B and the holding member 33B are arranged such that the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3 and 10BL4 of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B are inserted into the grooves 33B1, 33B2, 33B3 and 33B4, respectively. The dimensions are such that the holding member 33B is held between the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 when the holding member 33B is closed.

Further, the lengths of the grooves 33B1, 33B2, 33B3, 33B4 in the axial direction of the holding member 33B are longer than the lengths of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, 10BL4 of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B. shortened. As a result, a space is created between the plate-like member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B and one end surface of the holding member 33B in the axial direction, and the plate-like member 10B is distorted in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface. It is configured to be deformable.

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, each of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3 and 10BL4 of the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B inserted into each of the grooves 33B1, 33B2, 33B3 and 33B4 is The screw 13 is fixed to the holding member 33B through each of the through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a, and 10BL4a.

In this way, the structure in which the pressure sensing device 1B to which the core 31 is coupled is fixed to the holding member 33B can be configured as one module. As is clear from FIG. 20, the pressure sensing device 1B is not outside the outer diameter of the holding member 33B in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the holding member 33B of this module. Therefore, if the inner diameter of the hollow portion of the housing of the electronic pen is larger than the outer diameter of the holding member 33B, the module can be arranged in the hollow portion of the housing of the electronic pen.

Then, the module does not move in the axial direction of the housing in a state in which the tip of the core protrudes from one opening of the housing of the electronic pen 1, and the axis of the housing. The pressure applied to the core body 31 can be detected by arranging so as not to move in the direction orthogonal to the direction.

Next, the configuration of the strain detection circuit of this example will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), a plurality of In this example, a bridge circuit is formed by depositing four strain sensitive materials 11B and conductive patterns 12B.

In FIG. 19(A), in order to distinguish between the four strain-sensitive materials 11B provided on one surface portion 10a of the plate-like member 10B, the reference numeral 11B is parenthesized, and another reference is placed in the parentheses. A sign is attached. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the strain sensitive material 11B, it is described as the strain sensitive material 11B using the reference numerals as they are, and when it is necessary to distinguish them, the reference numerals in parentheses are used. I decided to.

In this case, the four strain-sensitive materials 11B are made of conductive materials that change their resistance values according to strain deformation, also in this example.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 19, the four strain sensitive materials 11B are formed in a zigzag pattern along the circumference of the same radius, and arranged in an angular range slightly narrower than the 90-degree angular range. It is In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, the two strain sensitive materials 11B facing each other across the center hole 10Bc are formed in a zigzag pattern along the direction of the legs facing each other. configured to be placed. That is, in the example of FIG. 19, the strain sensitive material X11 and the strain sensitive material X12 are arranged so as to face each other in the direction connecting the legs 10BL1 and 10BL3 facing each other, and The strain sensitive material Y11 and the strain sensitive material Y12 are arranged so as to face each other in the direction connecting the legs 10BL2 and 10BL4 facing each other.

The region where the strain sensitive material X11 is arranged corresponds to the fan-shaped region SX1 shown in FIG. 6A, and the region where the strain sensitive material X12 is arranged is shown in FIG. The region in which the strain sensitive material Y11 is arranged corresponds to the sectoral region SY1 shown in FIG. 6A, and the region in which the strain sensitive material Y12 is arranged corresponds to It corresponds to the fan-shaped area SY2 shown in 6(A).

The strain sensitive material X11 and the strain sensitive material X12 are configured to have the same resistance value when not receiving strain. Similarly, the strain sensitive material Y11 and the strain sensitive material Y12 are configured to have the same resistance value when not receiving strain. In this example, the resistance values of the four strain sensitive materials X11, X12, Y11, and Y12 are equal to each other when they are not strained.

In this example, on one surface 10a of the plate member 10B, the four strain sensitive materials 11B are electrically connected by a conductor pattern 12B as shown in FIG. , six terminals tV1, tV2, tI1, tI2, tX, tY are formed.

The six terminals tV1, tV2, tI1, tI2, tX, and tY may be connected to an external circuit using a flexible substrate as in the above example, or terminals tV1, tV2, tI1, and tI2. , tX and tY may be used.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of a strain detection circuit using the pressure sensing device 1B of this example. That is, in the pressure sensing device 1B, the strain sensitive material X11 and the strain sensitive material X12 are connected in series, the strain sensitive material X11 side is connected to the terminal tV1, and the strain sensitive material X12 side is connected to the terminal tI1. It is connected. A connection point between the strain sensitive material X11 and the strain sensitive material X12 is connected to the terminal tX.

Further, the strain sensitive material Y11 and the strain sensitive material Y12 are connected in series, the strain sensitive material Y11 side is connected to the terminal tV2, and the strain sensitive material Y12 side is connected to the terminal tI1. A connection point between the strain sensitive material Y11 and the strain sensitive material Y12 is connected to the terminal tY.

In the example of FIG. 21, the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the terminals tV1 and tV2. The terminal tI1 and the terminal tI2 are connected to each other, and the connection point is grounded via a reference resistor Rzref. This reference resistance Rzref is for detecting the pressure in the Z-axis direction (the axial direction of the core body 31). A parallel connection circuit of a series connection of the sensitive material Y11 and the strain sensitive material Y12 is selected to be equal to the resistance value when the strain is not changed.

A terminal tX is connected to one input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit 50X for detecting a strain change output in the X direction. A terminal tY is connected to one input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit 50Y for detecting a strain change output in the Y direction. Furthermore, the connection point between the terminal tI1 and the terminal tI2 and the reference resistor Rzref is connected to one input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit 50Z for detecting the strain change output in the Z direction.

A voltage ( In this example, a reference voltage VrefI is supplied which is equal to the voltage obtained at the junction of strain sensitive materials Y11 and Y12.

Further, the other input terminal of the differential amplifier circuit 50Z is supplied with a reference voltage VrefV equal to the voltage obtained at the connection point between the terminals tI1 and tI2 and the reference resistor Rzref when the strain is not changed. .

Therefore, from the differential amplifier circuit 50X, when the pressure sensing device 1B undergoes strain deformation and a difference occurs between the resistance value of the strain sensitive material X11 and the resistance value of the strain sensitive material X12, the resistance value A strain deformation output in the X-axis direction corresponding to the difference is obtained. Further, when the pressure sensing device 1B undergoes strain deformation and a difference occurs between the resistance value of the strain-sensitive material Y11 and the resistance value of the strain-sensitive material Y12, the differential amplifier circuit 50Y outputs the resistance value A strain deformation output in the Y-axis direction corresponding to the difference is obtained.

Furthermore, from the differential amplifier circuit 50Z, when the pressure sensing device 1B is subjected to strain deformation and a difference occurs between the total resistance value of the four strain-sensitive materials 11B and the resistance value of the reference resistor Rzref, A strain deformation output in the Z-axis direction corresponding to the difference in resistance value is obtained.

According to the electronic pen provided with the module in which the pressure sensing device 1B is fixed to the holding member 33B configured as described above, when pressure is applied to the pressure sensing device 1B through the core 31, the four legs 10BL1 , 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 bend toward the center of the central area of the plate-like member 10B so that the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction (axial direction) increases.

Further, when a pressure is applied in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the X-axis or Y-axis, the lateral load generated according to the applied pressure is applied to the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, 10BL4. , the resistance of the connecting portion between the core 31 and the plate-like member 10B is increased.

Furthermore, since the portion to which the pressure sensing device 1B is fixed is separated from the strain sensing portion made of the strain sensing material 11B, the applied pressure has little effect on the change in the force to be fixed. Therefore, there is an effect that the return to zero after the pressure disappears is good.

In the above example, the pressure sensing device 1B is fixed to the holding member 33B by the screws 13 through the through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a and 10BL4a of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3 and 10BL4. .

However, the method of fixing the pressure sensing device 1B to the holding member is not limited to screwing. 22 and 23 show an example of fixing the pressure sensing device 1B to the holding member with a holder.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of components for explaining this example. As shown in FIG. 22, in this example, the pressure sensing device 1B having the above-described configuration and a holding member having a side peripheral surface configuration at the end portion on the fixed side of the pressure sensing device 1B different from the above-described holding member 33B. 33B' and the holding member 33B', the pressure sensing device 1B is held by the holding member 33B' by sandwiching the distal end portions of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the pressure sensing device 1B. and a holder 38 intended to be fixed with respect to.

23A and 23B are diagrams for explaining the assembly procedure for coupling the pressure sensing device 1B to the holding member 33B'. FIG. 23A shows the pressure sensing device 1B fitted to the holding member 33B'. FIG. 23B is a diagram showing a state in which the pressure sensing device 1B is held and fixed to the holding member 33B' by the holder 38. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the holder 38 has a ring-shaped band plate portion 380 that covers the distal end portions of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the pressure sensing device 1B. The inner diameter of the ring-shaped band plate portion 380 is sized to inscribe the central portion of the pressure sensing device 1B. 22 and 23A, the ring-shaped band plate portion 380 has four legs 381 extending to one side in the axial direction of the ring-shaped band plate portion 380. 382, 383, 384 are formed. Swelling portions 381a, 382a, 383a, and 384a that swell toward the center of the ring-shaped band plate portion 380 are formed at the ends of the four leg portions 381, 382, 383, and 384 in the extending direction. there is The circumferential width of the ring-shaped band 380 of the holder 38 of the four legs 381, 382, 383, 384 is equal to the circumference of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, 10BL4 of the pressure sensing device 1B. The length is slightly shorter than the interval in the direction.

Four leg portions 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 of the pressure sensing device 1B are provided on the side peripheral surface of the end portion of the holding member 33B' on the fixing side of the pressure sensing device 1B, as shown in FIGS. Engagement surfaces 3301, 3302, 3303, and 3304 (the engagement surfaces 3302 and 3303 are omitted from the drawing) that engage with are formed. The engaging surfaces 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304 correspond to the concave grooves 33B1, 33B2, 33B3, 33B4 of the holding member 33B.

At this engagement surface 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304, when the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, 10BL4 of the pressure sensing device 1B are engaged with this engagement surface 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304, , the positions corresponding to the through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a, and 10BL4a of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4, protrusions 3301a, 3302a, 3302a, 3302a, 3301a, 3302a, 3302b, 3302a, 3303a and 3304a are formed.

22 and 23, four legs 381, 382, 383, and 384 of the holder 38 are provided on the side peripheral surface of the holding member 33B' at the end on the fixed side of the pressure sensing device 1B. grooves 3311, 3312, 3313, and 3314 (the groove 3312 is not shown in FIGS. 22 and 23) are formed to engage with each other. When the four legs 381, 382, 383, 384 of the holder 38 are inserted into and engaged with the concave grooves 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, the bulges 381a, 382a, 383a, 384a are fitted. Concave portions 3311a, 3312a, 3313a, and 3314a (only the concave portion 3314a is shown in FIG. 22, and other illustration is omitted) are formed.

As shown in FIG. 23A, pressure sensing device 1B has four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4 after core body 31 is screwed by fixing screw 34 via washer 35. , engaging surfaces 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304 of the holding member 33B'. At this time, the projections 3301a, 3302a, 3303a, 3304a of the engaging surfaces 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304 are fitted into the through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a, 10BL4a of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, 10BL4. Together, the pressure sensing device 1B is locked to the holding member 33B'.

In this case also, a space is generated between the plate member 10B of the pressure sensing device 1B and one end surface of the holding member 33B' in the axial direction, and the plate member 10B is perpendicular to the plate surface. It is configured so that it can be strain-deformed in the direction.

In this state, the holder 38 is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. First, the four legs 381, 382, 383, 384 of the holder 38 are inserted into the grooves 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314. Then, the bulging portions 381a, 382a, 383a, 384a of the four legs 381, 382, 383, 384 of the holder 38 are aligned with the concave grooves 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314 of the holding member 33B'. By fitting to 3313a and 3314a, the holder 38 is locked to the holding member 33B'.

Thus, the pressure sensing device 1B is configured such that the ring-shaped band plate portion 380 of the holder 38 projects the holding member 33B' into the through holes 10BL1a, 10BL2a, 10BL3a, and 10BL4a of the four legs 10BL1, 10BL2, 10BL3, and 10BL4. The portions where the portions 3301a, 3302a, 3303a, and 3304a are fitted are covered and sandwiched between the holding member 33B', whereby the pressure sensing device 1B is fixed to the holding member 33B'. .

In the above example, the pressure sensing device 1B has four legs because detection of pressure in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is also taken into consideration. , the number of legs may be two or more. The same applies to the legs of holder 38 .

In the above example, the strain sensitive material 11B, the conductor pattern 12B, and the terminal are the surface 10Ba opposite to the surface of the plate member 10B facing the holding member 33B, but the surface facing the holding member 33B can be formed on the side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A... Pressure sensing device 2, 2A... Stylus 10, 10A... Plate-shaped member 11... Strain sensitive material 12... Conductive pattern 21... Coil 22... Ferrite core 31... Core body 33... Clamping and holding member 201 Stylus housing 2011 Pen tip side case 2011b Ring-shaped member 2012 Rear end side case RG Ring-shaped region RG1 Inner ring-shaped region RG2 Outer ring-shaped Regions RG0... Intermediate ring-shaped region SX1, SX2, SY1, SY2... Fan-shaped region

Claims (7)

A stylus having a pen shape and including a tip protruding from one end of a housing and a pressure sensing device for detecting a force applied to the tip,
The pressure sensing device includes a plate-shaped member having a surface portion, to which the force applied to the tip portion is transmitted, and the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, which is generated in the plate-shaped member. Equipped with a strain sensitive material that senses strain,
The strain sensitive material has a first ring-shaped region centered on the force application portion transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, and a distance from the force application portion to the first ring-shaped region. is arranged corresponding to each of the second ring-shaped regions with a large diameter, and configured to sense the strain generated in the plate-shaped member according to the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member,
The plate-shaped member on which the strain sensitive material is arranged is housed in the housing such that the surface portion is orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing, and the plate-like member is arranged around the applying section. 2, by engaging with the housing at a position farther than the ring-shaped region 2, rotation around the applying portion within the housing is restricted,
A through hole is formed in the plate-shaped member at a position corresponding to the applying portion, and pressure transmission is performed to transmit a force applied to a tip portion projecting from one end of the housing to the applying portion. A hole is formed in the axial direction of the housing at an end of the pressure transmission member facing the plate-shaped member, and the pressure transmission member transmits the pressure of the plate-shaped member. A stylus characterized in that the transmission member is screwed and locked from the other surface different from the opposite surface . A stylus having a pen shape and including a tip protruding from one end of a housing and a pressure sensing device for detecting a force applied to the tip,
The pressure sensing device includes a plate-shaped member having a surface portion, to which the force applied to the tip portion is transmitted, and the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, which is generated in the plate-shaped member. Equipped with a strain sensitive material that senses strain,
The strain sensitive material has a first ring-shaped region centered on the force application portion transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member, and a distance from the force application portion to the first ring-shaped region. is arranged corresponding to each of the second ring-shaped regions with a large diameter, and configured to sense the strain generated in the plate-shaped member according to the force transmitted to the surface portion of the plate-shaped member,
The plate-shaped member on which the strain sensitive material is arranged is housed in the housing such that the surface portion is orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing, and the plate-like member is arranged around the applying section. 2, by engaging with the housing at a position farther than the ring-shaped region 2, rotation around the applying portion within the housing is restricted,
A through hole is formed in the plate-shaped member at a position corresponding to the applying portion, and pressure transmission is performed to transmit a force applied to a tip portion projecting from one end of the housing to the applying portion. The pressure transmission member has a stepped portion and a tapered portion extending from the stepped portion and inserted into the through hole at an end portion facing the plate-like member. A stylus , wherein the plate member and the pressure transmission member are engaged with each other by screwing together the hole and the tapered portion . The plate-like member and the housing each have a convex portion or a concave portion at an end portion of the plate-like member in a radial direction centering on the applying portion, and the case has a convex portion or a concave portion. 3. A stylus according to claim 1 , wherein an engaging recess or protrusion is formed. A convex portion , a concave portion, or a hole portion is formed at a position farther than the second ring-shaped region centered on the applying portion of the plate-like member, and the convex portion, the concave portion, or the hole portion is formed. 3. The plate-shaped member is configured to be engaged with the housing so as to restrict rotation of the plate-like member about the applying portion within the housing. The stylus described in . The first ring-shaped region and the second ring-shaped region are set so that elongation strain is generated in one ring-shaped region and contraction strain is generated in the other ring-shaped region. A stylus according to claim 1 or claim 2 . The plate-shaped member has a conductive member and an electrode electrically connected to the conductive member disposed on a metal substrate via an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is formed except for the electrode portion. 3. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein a conductive member layer electrically connected to said electrode is superimposed on said electrode portion. The strain sensitive material is a strip-shaped conductive material, and has sensitivity to the strain in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped conductive material and in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, 3. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein the stylus is provided in each of the first ring-shaped region and the second ring-shaped region.

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