Mechanical pencil

Abstract

The first mechanical pencil (1) is configured to release and hold the lead by moving the chuck unit (20) disposed in the pencil barrel (11) back and forth, thereby sending the lead forward. The chuck unit (20) is held in the pencil barrel (11) in such a way that it can rotate around the central axis while holding the lead. The first mechanical pencil (1) has a rotation drive mechanism (22) which is configured to have a rotating body (30). The rotating body (30) moves backward along with the backward movement of the chuck unit (20) generated by the writing pressure borne by the lead, causing the rotating body (30) to rotate. The rotational movement of the rotating body (30) is transmitted to the lead by means of the chuck unit (20). The first mechanical pencil (1) also has a rotation locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the rotating body (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mechanical pencil. Background Technology

[0002] A known mechanical pencil includes: a rotating member comprising a sliding member with a chuck that allows the lead to advance and prevents the lead from retracting; and a rotation drive mechanism having a rotating body, wherein the rotation drive mechanism drives the rotating body to rotate in one direction by receiving a backward movement in the axial direction generated by writing pressure borne by the lead held by the chuck and a forward movement in the axial direction generated by the release of writing pressure, wherein the mechanical pencil is configured such that the chuck rotates by receiving the rotational driving force of the rotating body, thereby rotating the lead (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2007 / 142135 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the mechanical pencil described in Patent Document 1, since the lead rotates as writing progresses, uneven wear of the lead can be prevented. On the other hand, in order to rotate the lead using a rotary drive mechanism, the lead moves forward and backward, albeit slightly. Therefore, such forward and backward movement of the lead can sometimes be tedious, for example, when sketching. Thus, it is preferable to provide a mechanism that allows the user to freely switch the rotary drive mechanism on (operating or activating) and off (stopping or deactivating).

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic pencil that can freely switch the opening and closing of the rotary drive mechanism.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] According to a technical solution of the present invention, a mechanical pencil is provided. The mechanical pencil is configured to release and hold the lead by means of the back-and-forth movement of a clamp unit disposed in the pencil barrel, thereby delivering the lead forward. The clamp unit is held in the pencil barrel in such a way that it can rotate about a central axis while holding the lead. The mechanical pencil is characterized by having a rotation drive mechanism, which has a rotating body. The rotating body moves backward along with the back-and-forth movement of the clamp unit caused by the writing pressure borne by the lead, causing the rotating body to rotate. The rotational movement of the rotating body is transmitted to the lead via the clamp unit. The mechanical pencil also has a rotation locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the rotating body.

[0011] According to another technical solution of the present invention, the rotary locking mechanism may be configured to lock the rotating body in a relatively retracted state within the rotary drive mechanism. Alternatively, the rotary locking mechanism may be configured to press the rotating body backward or press the rotary drive mechanism forward, thereby causing the rotating body to relatively retract within the rotary drive mechanism.

[0012] Alternatively, the rotating body or the rotating drive mechanism may be pressed directly or indirectly by the rotating locking mechanism. Alternatively, the rotating locking mechanism may have a rotating member with a cam, the rotational motion of which is converted into linear motion by the cam, and the rotating body is pressed.

[0013] Alternatively, the rotating body may be pressed backward by means of the chuck unit. Alternatively, the rotation locking mechanism may have an ejection mechanism or a rotation delivery mechanism that presses the rotation drive mechanism forward.

[0014] Alternatively, the ejection mechanism or the rotary delivery mechanism may have a spring and a sliding member that applies force to the spring, causing the sliding member to advance and press the rotary drive mechanism forward.

[0015] Alternatively, the ejection mechanism may further include a press-fit member and a press-rotating body disposed at the rear end of the pen barrel. When the press-fit member is used to advance the press-rotating body to a predetermined position, the press-rotating body rotates about a central axis, the retraction of the press-rotating body is locked, and the rotation drive mechanism is advanced, while the rotating body is locked in a relatively retracted state within the rotation drive mechanism. Alternatively, the rotating body may be pressed backward by means of a spacer.

[0016] It is possible that, with the rotating body locked by the rotary locking mechanism, the lead is dispensed by moving the chuck unit back and forth. Alternatively, the rotary drive mechanism may have a first cam forming member and a second cam forming member. The rotating body is formed in an annular shape, with a first cam surface and a second cam surface formed on one end face and the other end face along its axial direction, respectively. A first fixed cam surface formed on the first cam forming member and a second fixed cam surface formed on the second cam forming member are arranged opposite to the first cam surface and the second cam surface, respectively. The mechanical pencil is configured such that, by utilizing the retracting action of the chuck unit generated by the writing pressure, the first cam surface of the rotating body abuts and engages with the first fixed cam surface. Upon release of the writing pressure, the rotating body... The second cam surface of the rotating body abuts and engages with the second fixed cam surface. When the first cam surface of the rotating body is engaged with the first fixed cam surface, the second cam surface and the second fixed cam surface of the rotating body are set to be offset from the cam by one tooth in the axial direction. When the second cam surface of the rotating body is engaged with the second fixed cam surface, the first cam surface and the first fixed cam surface of the rotating body are set to be offset from the cam by one tooth in the axial direction. The rotary drive mechanism locks the rotating body by engaging the first cam surface of the rotating body with the first fixed cam surface.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the technical solution of the present invention, it achieves the common effect of providing a mechanical pencil that can freely switch between the opening and closing of the rotary drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is the front view of the first mechanical pencil.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first mechanical pencil.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an enlarged sectional view of the rotary drive mechanism.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotational drive of a rotating body in a rotary drive mechanism.

[0023] Figure 5 It continues Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the rotational drive of a rotating body.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear barrel of the No. 1 mechanical pencil.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the switch and the first rotating component.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the first rotary locking mechanism.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the second mechanical pencil.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the second rotary locking mechanism.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the 3rd mechanical pencil.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end of the barrel of the 3rd mechanical pencil.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the click mechanism of the third mechanical pencil.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the pressing and rotating part of the third mechanical pencil.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the third rotary locking mechanism.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the third rotary locking mechanism.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the fourth rotary locking mechanism.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first ballpoint pen in its non-writing state.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end of the first ballpoint pen barrel.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the third rotating component of the first ballpoint pen.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the first sliding component of the first ballpoint pen.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a 3D image of the first ballpoint pen in its non-writing state.

[0041] Figure 23 It is a 3D diagram of the writing state of the first ballpoint pen.

[0042] Figure 24This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the first rotary delivery mechanism.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the 4th mechanical pencil.

[0044] Figure 26 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end of the barrel of the 4th mechanical pencil.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the fourth rotating component of the fourth mechanical pencil.

[0046] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional view of the second sliding component of the fourth mechanical pencil.

[0047] Figure 29 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the second rotary delivery mechanism.

[0048] Figure 30 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the 5th rotary locking mechanism and the 2nd rotary delivery mechanism.

[0049] Figure 31 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the sixth rotary locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, corresponding structural elements are labeled with common reference numerals.

[0051] Figure 1 This is the front view of the first mechanical pencil 1. Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first mechanical pencil.

[0052] The first mechanical pencil 1 has a cylindrical barrel 11. The barrel 11 has a front barrel 12, a rear barrel 40 that engages or is threaded to the rear end of the front barrel 12, and a tip member 14 that engages or is threaded to the front end of the front barrel 12. The first mechanical pencil 1 is configured such that the lead protrudes from a tip tube 16 located at the top of the tip member 14. In this specification, in the axial direction of the first mechanical pencil 1, the lead side is defined as the "front" side, and the side opposite to the lead side is defined as the "rear" side.

[0053] A rectangular through-hole 43 extending circumferentially is provided on the front side of the rear pen barrel 40. The switch portion 52 of the toggle switch 50 protrudes from the through-hole 43. A snap-on cover 15 is installed at the rear end of the rear pen barrel 40, which covers the eraser 17, which serves as an erasing component. A slider 18 is disposed inside the front end of the pen barrel 11. The slider 18 is capable of sliding in the axial direction and rotating about the central axis. A tip tube 16 is mounted on the slider 18. A retaining clip 19 is disposed inside the slider 18 behind the tip tube 16. The retaining clip 19 has a through hole formed in the center. The through hole of the retaining clip 19 slides in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pen refill, and the retaining clip 19 functions to temporarily hold the pen refill.

[0054] The rear end of the slider 18 is connected to a clamping unit 20 for holding the pen refill and a relay member 21 formed in a cylindrical shape. When writing pressure is applied to the pen refill, the clamping unit 20 holds the pen refill and prevents it from retracting. When a force is applied to pull the pen refill forward, the clamping unit 20 can pull the pen refill forward without resistance.

[0055] The chuck unit 20 and the relay member 21 are movable integrally in the axial direction together with the slider 18. The rear end of the relay member 21 is connected to the rotary drive mechanism 22. The front end of the pen refill shell 23 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the chuck unit 20. The pen refill shell 23 is formed into a cylindrical shape and houses the pen refill inside.

[0056] Inside the rear end of the pen barrel 11, specifically inside the rear end of the rear pen barrel 40, a snap-action member 24 is provided so as to be movable back and forth relative to the pen barrel 11. The snap-action member 24 is subjected to a rearward force by a coil spring 25. An eraser 17 is detachably mounted inside the rear end of the snap-action member 24. The aforementioned snap-action cover 15 is detachably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the snap-action member 24, which protects the eraser 17 from contamination, etc.

[0057] By pressing the actuating member 24 or the actuating cap 15 forward, the pen refill shell 23 is advanced. The pen refill also advances via the chuck unit 20, thus ejecting the pen refill from the tip tube 16. When the press is released, the actuating member 24 retracts to its original position using the force of the coil spring 25. At this time, since the pen refill is held by the retaining chuck 19 located within the slider 18, it is pulled out of the chuck unit 20 without resistance. As a result, the pen refill is ejected from the tip tube 16, thus allowing the pen refill to be ejected sequentially by a predetermined amount with each repeated press operation.

[0058] Figure 3This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotary drive mechanism 22. The rotary drive mechanism 22 is disposed within the internal space of the rear pen barrel 40. The rotary drive mechanism 22 is connected to the rear end of the relay member 21. A shaft spring 26 is disposed between the rear end face of the front pen barrel 12 and the front end face of the rotary drive mechanism 22, applying a rearward force to the rotary drive mechanism 22. The rotary drive mechanism 22 is restricted from retraction under the force of the shaft spring 26 by abutting against the front end face 42 of the limiting protrusion 41 of the rear pen barrel 40 (described later). The pen refill shell 23 penetrates the interior of both the relay member 21 and the rotary drive mechanism 22, and is separate from the rotary drive mechanism 22.

[0059] The rotary drive mechanism 22 includes a cylindrical rotating body 30, a cylindrical upper cam forming member 31 serving as a first cam forming member, a cylindrical lower cam forming member 32 serving as a second cam forming member, a cylindrical cylinder member 33, a cylindrical torque eliminator 34, and a helical buffer spring 35. These components of the rotary drive mechanism 22 are integrated and modularized.

[0060] Furthermore, as described later, a first rotary locking mechanism is disposed in front of the rotary drive mechanism 22, the first rotary locking mechanism having a switching switch 50 and a first rotary member 54.

[0061] The outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the relay member 21 fits into the inner peripheral surface of the front end of the rotating body 30. Near the front end of the rotating body 30, there is a flange-shaped portion with a slightly larger diameter. A first cam surface 30a is formed on the rear end surface of this portion, and a second cam surface 30b is formed on the front end surface of this portion.

[0062] The upper cam forming member 31 surrounds the rotating body 30 behind the first cam surface 30a in a manner that allows the rotating body 30 to rotatably. The lower cam forming member 32 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the upper cam forming member 31. A first fixed cam surface 31a is formed on the front end surface of the upper cam forming member 31 opposite to the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30. A second fixed cam surface 32a is formed on the inner surface of the front end of the lower cam forming member 32 opposite to the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30.

[0063] A cylindrical cylinder member 33 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the upper cam forming member 31. A through hole 33a is formed at the rear end of the cylinder member 33, through which the pen refill shell 23 can pass. A cylindrical torque eliminator 34, which can move back and forth, is disposed inside the cylinder member 33. A buffer spring 35 is disposed between the inner surface of the front end of the torque eliminator 34 and the inner surface of the rear end of the cylinder member 33. The buffer spring 35 applies a force to the rotating body 30 forward by means of the torque eliminator 34.

[0064] Here, the relay component 21 transmits the backward and forward movements (buffering movements) of the pen refill based on the writing action to the rotary drive mechanism 22, i.e., the rotating body 30, and transmits the rotational motion of the rotating body 30 in the rotary drive mechanism 22 generated by the buffering movement to the chuck unit 20 in the state of holding the pen refill. As a result, the pen refill held by the chuck unit 20 also rotates.

[0065] When writing with the first mechanical pencil 1, i.e., when no writing pressure is applied to the lead, the rotating body 30 is positioned forward under the force of the buffer spring 35 via the torque canceller 34. Therefore, the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30 abuts against the second fixed cam surface 32a and is engaged. When writing with the first mechanical pencil 1, i.e., when writing pressure is applied to the lead, the chuck unit 20 retracts against the force of the buffer spring 35, and the rotating body 30 also retracts. Therefore, the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30 abuts against the first fixed cam surface 31a and is engaged.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotation drive of the rotating body 30 of the rotation drive mechanism 22. Figure 5 It continues Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the rotation drive of the rotating body 30. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the rotating body 30, a first cam surface 30a is formed in a circular shape on the upper side surface, i.e. the rear end surface, and a second cam surface 30b is formed in a circular shape on the lower side surface, i.e. the front end surface, and a second cam surface 30b is formed in a circular shape ...

[0067] A first fixed cam surface 31a, which is continuously serrated along the circumferential direction, is also formed on the annular end face of the upper cam forming member 31 opposite to the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30. A second fixed cam surface 32a, which is continuously serrated along the circumferential direction, is also formed on the annular end face of the lower cam forming member 32 opposite to the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30. Each cam surface formed in the first cam surface 30a and the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30 and each cam surface formed in the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31 and the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32 are formed in such a way that the tooth pitch is approximately the same as each other.

[0068] Figure 4(A) shows the relationship between the rotating body 30, the upper cam forming member 31, and the lower cam forming member 32 in the state where no writing pressure is applied to the pen refill. In this state, the second cam surface 30b formed on the rotating body 30 abuts against the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32 under the force of the buffer spring 35. At this time, the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30 and the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31 are set to be offset by half a phase (half a tooth pitch) relative to one tooth of the cam in the axial direction.

[0069] Figure 4 (B) shows the initial state in which writing pressure is applied to the lead to write with the first mechanical pencil 1. In this state, the rotating body 30 retracts and retracts along with the retraction of the chuck unit 20, causing the buffer spring 35 to contract. As a result, the rotating body 30 moves toward the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upward cam forming member 31.

[0070] then, Figure 4 (C) shows a state where further writing pressure is applied to the pen refill, causing the rotating body 30 to abut against the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31 and retract. In this state, the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30 engages with the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31. Thus, the rotating body 30 receives a rotational drive corresponding to half a phase (half a tooth pitch) of one tooth of the first cam surface 30a.

[0071] In addition, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The ○ mark depicted at the center of the rotating body 30 indicates the amount of rotational movement of the rotating body 30. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the state shown in (C), the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30 and the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32 are set to be offset by half a phase (half a tooth pitch) relative to one tooth of the cam in the axial direction.

[0072] then, Figure 5 (D) shows the initial state after writing with the first mechanical pencil 1 has ended and the writing pressure on the lead has been released. In this state, the rotating body 30 moves forward under the force of the buffer spring 35. As a result, the rotating body 30 moves towards the downward cam forming member 32.

[0073] then, Figure 5(E) shows the state in which the rotating body 30, under the force of the buffer spring 35, abuts against the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32 and advances. In this case, the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30 meshes with the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32. Thus, the rotating body 30 again receives a rotational drive equivalent to half a phase (half a tooth pitch) of one tooth of the second cam surface 30b.

[0074] Therefore, as indicated by the ○ mark depicted in the center of the rotating body 30, the rotating body 30, under writing pressure, reciprocates along its axial direction, i.e., moves back and forth. It is driven to rotate by a force equivalent to one tooth (1 tooth pitch) of the first cam surface 30a and the second cam surface 30b. Similarly, the pen refill held by the chuck unit 20 is also driven to rotate. Thus, by utilizing each back-and-forth movement of the rotating body 30 in the axial direction caused by writing, the rotating body 30 receives a rotational motion corresponding to one tooth of the cam. By repeating this process, the pen refill is driven to rotate sequentially. This prevents uneven wear of the pen refill during writing and prevents significant variations in line thickness and density.

[0075] Furthermore, the torque eliminator 34, which pushes the rotating body 30 forward under the force of the buffer spring 35, slides between its front end face and the rear end face of the rotating body 30, thus preventing the rotational motion of the rotating body 30 from being transmitted to the buffer spring 35. In other words, by utilizing the torque eliminator 34, the rotational motion of the rotating body 30 is prevented from being transmitted to the buffer spring 35, thereby preventing the generation of torsional restoring torque by the buffer spring 35 that would otherwise hinder the rotational movement of the rotating body 30.

[0076] As described above, the first mechanical pencil 1 has a clamping unit 20 and a rotating body 30, configured to release and hold the lead by moving the clamping unit 20 back and forth, thereby enabling the lead to be sent forward. The clamping unit 20 is held in the pencil barrel 11 in such a way that it can rotate around a central axis while holding the lead. The first mechanical pencil 1 has a rotation drive mechanism 22, which causes the rotating body 30 to retract along with the backward movement of the clamping unit 20 caused by the writing pressure borne by the lead, and causes the rotating body 30 to rotate. The first mechanical pencil 1 is configured such that the rotational movement of the rotating body 30 is transmitted to the lead by means of the clamping unit 20.

[0077] Here, the principle of a rotary locking mechanism that allows the user to freely switch between the open (running or enabling) and closed (stopping or disabling) states of the rotary drive mechanism will be explained.

[0078] The rotating body 30 is forced forward by the torque canceller 34 under the action of the buffer spring 35. Therefore, even when no writing pressure is applied to the pen refill, such as... Figure 4 As shown in (A), the second cam surface 30b of the rotating body 30 engages with the second fixed cam surface 32a of the lower cam forming member 32. The rotation locking mechanism is configured such that, in the state where no writing pressure is applied to the pen refill, as... Figure 4 As shown in (C), the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30 engages with the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31. As a result, even if writing pressure is applied to the pen refill, the rotating body 30 will not retract or rotate. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating body 30 can be locked by means of a rotation locking mechanism.

[0079] The following describes the specific structure of the rotary locking mechanism.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear barrel 40 of the first mechanical pencil 1. Figure 6 In the middle, the upper part is the rear side of the first mechanical pencil 1. The aforementioned through hole 43 is provided on the side of the front side of the rear pencil barrel 40. An inclined cam receiving surface 44 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rear pencil barrel 40, extending obliquely in the circumferential direction around the central axis and facing forward. Behind the inclined cam receiving surface 44, a plurality of limiting protrusions 41 extending in the axial direction are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The front end face 42 of the limiting protrusions 41 restricts the retraction of the rotary drive mechanism 22.

[0081] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the switch 50 and the first rotating member 54. The switch 50 has a switch portion 52 and a C-shaped switch support portion 51. The switch portion 52 is provided on the outer surface of one end of the curved switch support portion 51 in a way that it protrudes outward.

[0082] The first rotating member 54 includes: a cylindrical cam body 55 having a C-shaped cross-sectional shape; and a support plate 57 that partially closes the opening 56 at the front of the cam body 55. Because the cam body 55 has a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, a gap 58 extending along the axial direction is defined on the side of the cam body 55. An inclined cam surface 59 is provided on the rear end face of the cam body 55. The inclined cam surface 59 is formed to correspond to the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40.

[0083] Inside the pen barrel 11, a switch 50 is inserted into the opening 56 at the front of the first rotating member 54 and positioned to abut against the support plate 57. At this time, the switch portion 52 of the switch 50 is inserted into the gap 58 of the first rotating member 54. The width of the switch portion 52 is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the gap 58. Figure 1As shown, the switch part 52 protrudes outward through the through hole 43 of the rear pen 40. Figure 1 In the middle, the switch part 52 is located on the left side inside the through hole 43, but as will be explained below, the switch part 52 can be slid to the right side inside the through hole 43.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the first rotary locking mechanism. Figure 8 The state shown in (A) is the rotation lock release state with the rotation drive mechanism 22 open. Figure 8 The state shown in (B) is the rotary lock state where the rotary drive mechanism 22 is closed. Therefore, Figure 8 The rotary drive mechanism 22 shown in (A) and Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (A) is equivalent. Furthermore, Figure 8 The state shown in (A) is the same as Figure 1 The state of the switch section 52 shown corresponds to this. On the other hand, due to... Figure 8 The rotary drive mechanism 22 shown in (B) and Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is equivalent, so the first cam surface 30a of the rotating body 30 meshes with the first fixed cam surface 31a of the upper cam forming member 31.

[0085] exist Figure 8 In the longitudinal sectional view (A), the switch part 52 is not shown. Figure 8 In the longitudinal sectional view (A), the inclined cam surface 59 of the first rotating member 54 shown below abuts against the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40, but the inclined cam surface 59 of the first rotating member 54 shown above does not abut against the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40. On the other hand, in Figure 8 In the longitudinal sectional view (B), the inclined cam surfaces 59 of the first rotating member 54 all abut against the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40. That is, Figure 8 Compared to the switching switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 shown in (A), Figure 8 The toggle switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 shown in (B) are arranged at the rear in the pen barrel 11.

[0086] By from Figure 8 The state operation switch 50 shown in (A) is specifically operated by using a finger to move the switch part 52 in... Figure 1The first rotating member 54 slides circumferentially and moves from left to right within the through hole 43, causing the switch 50 to rotate together with the switch 50 around the central axis. Here, the switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 are constantly subjected to a rearward force by the shaft spring 26. Consequently, the inclined cam surface 59 of the first rotating member 54 slides along the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen lever 40 while abutting, and correspondingly, the switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 retract a distance D. As a result, the rear end face of the first rotating member 54, specifically the support plate 57, presses against the front end face of the rotating body 30, causing the rotating body 30 to retract. By retracting the rotating body 30, it becomes... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0087] On the other hand, by from Figure 8 The state operation switch 50 shown in (B) is specifically operated by using a finger to move the switch part 52 in... Figure 1 The first rotating member 54 slides circumferentially and moves from right to left within the through hole 43, causing the first rotating member 54 and the switch 50 to rotate in opposite directions around the central axis. Consequently, the inclined cam surface 59 of the first rotating member 54 slides in opposite directions while abutting against the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40. Corresponding to this sliding, the switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 advance a distance D against the force of the shaft spring 26, becoming... Figure 8 The state shown in (A). As the switching switch 50 and the first rotating member 54 move forward, the rotating body 30 moves forward under the force of the buffer spring 35. Due to the forward movement of the rotating body 30, it becomes... Figure 4 As shown in (A), the rotation lock of the rotating body 30 is released. In addition, the through hole 43 of the rear pen 40 is formed slightly larger than the shape of the switch part 52 of the switch 50 so as not to obstruct the forward or backward movement of the switch part 52.

[0088] In the first rotary locking mechanism, the switch 50 and the first rotary member 54 can be configured arbitrarily as long as they can convert the rotary motion into linear motion according to the operation of the switch 50, and press or release the rotating body 30 by the first rotary member 54. For example, the switch 50 and the first rotary member 54 can be integrally formed. In addition, the shapes of the inclined cam bearing surface 44 of the rear pen barrel 40 and the inclined cam surface 59 of the first rotary member 54 can also be arbitrarily configured as long as they cooperate with each other.

[0089] In the first rotary locking mechanism, the switch 50 is slid along the circumferential direction to rotate the first rotating member 54. However, it can also be configured to slide the switch along the axial direction to more directly move the rotating body 30 forward or backward. In this case, it can also be configured to allow the switch to be selectively switched between a forward position where the rotating body 30 is pressed and a backward position where the pressing of the rotating body 30 is released within the pen barrel 11.

[0090] Furthermore, the other rotary locking mechanisms described below do not have a switching switch 50 and a first rotating member 54. Therefore, the shaft spring 26 directly applies a rearward force to the rotary drive mechanism 22.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the second mechanical pencil. Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the second rotary locking mechanism. Compared to the first mechanical pencil 1, the second mechanical pencil 2 has a second rotary locking mechanism instead of the first. Therefore, the inclined cam bearing surface 44, etc., is not provided on the inner surface of the rear barrel 13. The second rotary locking mechanism has a second rotating member 60 and an annular elastic member 65.

[0092] The second rotating member 60 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the pen tip member 14. A helical cam groove 61 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating member 60. Conversely, a corresponding helical cam protrusion 14a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pen tip member 14. In summary, the cam groove 61 of the second rotating member 60 corresponds to an internal thread, and the cam protrusion 14a of the pen tip member 14 corresponds to an external thread. Therefore, when the second rotating member 60 is rotated about its central axis relative to the pen tip member 14, the second rotating member 60 moves forward or backward depending on the direction of rotation. An annular recess 18a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the slider 18. An annular elastic member 65 is fitted into the annular recess 18a. The annular elastic member 65 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0093] Figure 10 The state shown in (A) is the rotation lock release state with the rotation drive mechanism 22 open. Figure 10 The state shown in (B) is the rotary lock state where the rotary drive mechanism 22 is closed. Figure 10 In the state shown in (A), the second rotating member 60 is located in front and does not interfere with the annular elastic member 65.

[0094] When the second rotating member 60 is rotated from this state, the cam groove 61 and the cam protrusion 14a cooperate, and the second rotating member 60 retracts. Accompanying the retraction of the second rotating member 60, the annular elastic member 65 is pressed and retracted by the inclined surface 62 formed on the inner surface of the second rotating member 60, becoming... Figure 10The state shown in (B). Specifically, due to the retraction of the second rotating member 60, the sliding member 18, and consequently the clamping unit 20 and the relay member 21, together with the annular elastic member 65, retract a distance D. Since the rotating body 30 is engaged with the rear end of the relay member 21, the rotating body 30 retracts, thus becoming... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0095] Furthermore, when the second rotating member 60 is rotated in the opposite direction, the cam groove 61 and the cam protrusion 14a cooperate, and the second rotating member 60 advances. As the second rotating member 60 advances, the pressure of the inclined surface 62 of the second rotating member 60 on the annular elastic member 65 is released, becoming... Figure 10 The state shown in (A). As a result, the rotating body 30 advances, thus becoming Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (A) is such that the lock on the rotation of the rotating body 30 is released.

[0096] In the second rotary locking mechanism, the second rotating member 60 and the annular elastic member 65 can be arbitrarily configured as long as they can convert rotational motion into linear motion and press or release the rotating body 30 with the aid of the relay member 21. For example, the annular elastic member 65 and the slider 18 can be integrally configured. In addition, in the second rotary locking mechanism, the operation is performed by rotating the second rotating member 60, but it can also be configured to slide the fitting member fitted to the pen tip member 14 along the axial direction, thereby more directly causing the annular elastic member 65, and thus the rotating body 30, to move forward or backward. In this case, it can also be configured to allow the fitting member to be selectively switched between the forward position pressing the rotating body 30 and the backward position releasing the pressing of the rotating body 30 on the outer surface of the pen tip member 14.

[0097] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the third mechanical pencil 3. Compared to the first mechanical pencil 1, the third mechanical pencil 3 has a third rotary locking mechanism instead of the first rotary locking mechanism. The third rotary locking mechanism has a press member 80, a press rotating body 90, and a force-applying spring 99, utilizing a press-type writing instrument's ejection mechanism or press mechanism. Therefore, other ejection mechanisms besides the ejection mechanism described later can also be used to construct the third rotary locking mechanism.

[0098] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end portion of the rear barrel 70 of the third mechanical pencil 3. Figure 12In the middle, the upper part is the front side of the third mechanical pencil 3. The inner circumferential surface of the rear barrel 70 has four first protrusions 71 and four second protrusions 72 that extend along the axial direction and are connected to each other at the rear end. The first protrusions 71 and second protrusions 72 are arranged at equal intervals and alternately along the circumferential direction.

[0099] On the upper surface of each of the first protrusions 71, i.e., the surface opposite to the central axis of the rear pen barrel 70, a cam surface 73 is provided that is inclined circumferentially relative to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and faces forward. Therefore, in the first protrusion 71, the rear of the cam surface 73 is a thicker, i.e., a higher protrusion. On the other hand, in the first protrusion 71, the front of the cam surface 73 is a thinner, i.e., a lower protrusion, and is a protrusion of the same height as the second protrusion 72. The front end surfaces 74 of the first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 restrict the retraction of the rotary drive mechanism 22. The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 each have a longitudinal wall surface 75 extending in the front-rear direction as a restricting surface. An abutment surface 76 is formed on the front end surface of the portion connecting the first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 respectively. The cam surface 73 and the longitudinal wall surface 75 constitute an outer cam 77.

[0100] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the click component 80 of the third mechanical pencil 3. Figure 13 The upper part is the front side of the third mechanical pencil 3. The press member 80 is a cylindrical member with openings at both ends. Two protrusions 81 are symmetrically positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the front side of the press member 80. In addition, a slit 82 extending rearward from the front end face of the press member 24 is provided between the two protrusions 81. The protrusions 81 are configured to move back and forth between the first protrusions 71 by press operation. That is, the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the outer surface including the two protrusions 81 is set to be larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle tangent to the upper surface of the first protrusion 71 of the rear pencil 70, and smaller than the diameter of the inscribed circle tangent to the upper surface of the second protrusion 72 of the rear pencil 70. A cam surface 83 is formed on the front end face of the press member 80. The cam surface 83 has symmetrically formed peaks 84 and valleys 85. The eight peaks 84 and eight valleys 85 are connected together by a ramp 86.

[0101] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the 90-degree rotating body of the 3rd mechanical pencil. Figure 14The upper part is the front side of the third mechanical pencil 3. The press-operated rotating body 90 is a cylindrical component with openings at both ends. The press-operated rotating body 90 has a large-diameter portion 90a and a small-diameter portion 90b formed behind the large-diameter portion 90a and inserted into the press-operated member 80 for lead setting. The large-diameter portion 90a has a diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 90b. Four longitudinal grooves 91 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 90a, which are evenly spaced along the circumference and extend along the front-rear direction. The depth of the longitudinal grooves 91 is shallower than the difference in radius between the large-diameter portion 90a and the small-diameter portion 90b. An inner cam 92 is formed in the large-diameter portion 90a, which includes four protrusions 92a divided by the four longitudinal grooves 91. On the rear end face of the large diameter portion 90a, a cam bearing surface 93 is formed throughout the entire circumference at a position radially inward of the inner cam 92. This cam bearing surface 93 is formed and cooperates complementaryly with the cam surface 83 of the push member 80. That is, the inner cam 92 and the cam bearing surface 93 are integrally provided in the large diameter portion 90a.

[0102] The cam bearing surface 93 is formed in a sawtooth shape, having a circumferentially inclined surface 94 relative to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Every other inclined surface 94a of the eight inclined surfaces 94 is partially cut off by the aforementioned longitudinal groove 91. Adjacent inclined surfaces 94 between adjacent longitudinal grooves 91 are connected by longitudinal wall surfaces 95 extending along the front-rear direction. That is, the cam bearing surface 93 has four longitudinal wall surfaces 95. Since the cam surface 83 of the snap-action member 80 and the cam bearing surface 93 of the snap-action rotating body 90 are formed complementaryly, inclined surfaces 94b are provided in portions of the longitudinal groove 91 and at acute angles defined by the inclined surfaces 94 and longitudinal wall surfaces 95, inclining in the direction opposite to the inclined surfaces 94. The inclined surfaces 94b are set to a sufficient height, i.e., radial length, required to cooperate with the cam surface 83 of the snap-action member 80.

[0103] In summary, a cam bearing surface 93 cooperating with the cam surface 83 of the snap-action member 80 is provided on the radially inner side of the large-diameter portion 90a, and an inner cam 92 cooperating with the outer cam 77 of the rear pen barrel 70 is provided on the radially outer side of the large-diameter portion 90a. In addition, a through hole 96 is provided along the central axis of the snap-action rotating body 90, into which the pen refill shell 23 is inserted.

[0104] When the rotating body 90 is pressed to rotate around the central axis using a press operation, the inner cam 92 engages with or disengages from the outer cam 77. That is, when the rotating body 90 is pressed to rotate around the central axis using a press operation, the protrusion 92a of the inner cam 92 engages with or is positioned between the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77. When the protrusion 92a of the inner cam 92 is positioned between the first protrusions 71 of the outer cam 77, the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 is positioned between the protrusions 92a of the inner cam 92, i.e., within the longitudinal groove 91.

[0105] The cam surface 83 of the push-action member 80 and the cam bearing surface 93 of the push-action rotating body 90 are configured such that, when the inner cam 92 engages or disengages with the outer cam 77, the ridge portion 84 of the cam surface 83 of the push-action member 80 is located circumferentially on the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the inner cam 92. That is, the inclined surface 86 of the cam surface 83 and the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 are arranged in a staggered phase. Therefore, when the inclined surface 86 of the cam surface 83 presses against the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 using the push-action operation, the push-action rotating body 90 is subjected to a circumferential component force and rotates around the central axis due to the operating load and the force generated by the force-applying spring 99. On the other hand, the push-action member 80 is restricted from rotating around the central axis because it abuts against the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the outer cam 77 in the circumferential direction via the protrusion 81. For such operation, refer to Figure 15 Please provide an explanation.

[0106] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the third rotary locking mechanism, i.e., the operation of the latching mechanism, and a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the cams of the third mechanical pencil 3. That is, Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the outer cam 77 of the rear pencil 70, the pressing member 80, and the pressing rotating body 90. More specifically, it shows the positions of the cam surface 83 of the pressing member 80 and the cam bearing surface 93 of the pressing rotating body 90, relative to the case where the outer cam 77 is unfolded in the circumferential direction. In the figure, the upper part is the front side of the third mechanical pencil 3, and the lower part is the rear side of the third mechanical pencil 3. Additionally, Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the third rotary locking mechanism.

[0107] The third rotary locking mechanism operates similarly to the engagement / disengagement mechanism of a push-button writing instrument, by pressing the push-button member 80 or the push-button cover 15 forward. Furthermore, in the writing state of the push-button writing instrument, i.e., the rotary locking state where the push-button rotating body 90 is in the forward position, that is... Figure 16 In the state shown in (B), the rotary drive mechanism is closed. On the other hand, in the non-writing state of the press-type writing instrument, that is, when the press-rotor 90 is in the rear position, i.e. Figure 16 In the rotationally unlocked state shown in (A), the rotational drive mechanism is opened. The press-rotating body 90 is subjected to rotational force by a cam mechanism formed by the cam surface 83 of the press-fit member 80 and the cam bearing surface 93 of the press-rotating body 90. During each press operation, in Figure 15 Move from left to right.

[0108] Figure 15 The state shown in (A) is related to Figure 16 The same state as (A). In Figure 15In the state shown in (A), the inner cam 92 is not engaged with the outer cam 77. That is, the protrusion 92a of the inner cam 92 is disposed between the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77, and the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 is disposed between the protrusions 92a of the inner cam 92, i.e., within the longitudinal groove 91. The cam surface 83 and the cam bearing surface 93 are disposed in a staggered phase.

[0109] When the force of the spring 99 is overcome from this state to press the snap member 80, and the snap member 80 and the snap rotating body 90 move forward, as... Figure 15 As shown in (B), the rear end of the longitudinal groove 91 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the inner cam 92 passes over the front end of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 in the front-rear direction. At this time, the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the push-rotating body 90 coincides with the cam surface 73 of the outer cam 77, and the restriction on the rotation of the push-rotating body 90 about the central axis by the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 is released.

[0110] From Figure 15 When the press of the snap member 80 is released in the state shown in (B), the snap member 80 and the snap rotating body 90 retract under the force of the force-applying spring 99. At this time, the rotation of the snap rotating body 90 about the central axis is not restricted by the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77. Therefore, under the force of the force-applying spring 99, when the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the snap rotating body 90 presses against the cam surface 73 of the outer cam 77 or the inclined surface 86 of the cam surface 83 of the snap member 80, the snap rotating body 90 is subjected to a circumferential component force and rotates about the central axis.

[0111] The retraction and rotation of the push-to-rotate body 90 are restricted by the engagement of the inner cam 92 with the outer cam 77. Specifically, the retraction and rotation of the push-to-rotate body 90 are restricted by the engagement of the inclined surface 94 and longitudinal wall surface 95 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the inner cam 92 with the cam surface 73 and longitudinal wall surface 75 of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77. Figure 15 The state shown in (C).

[0112] Figure 15 The state shown in (C) is the same as Figure 16 The same state as (B). When the force of the spring 99 is overcome from this state and the snap member 80 is pressed, causing the snap member 80 and the snap rotating body 90 to move forward, as... Figure 15 As shown in (D), the rear end of the longitudinal wall surface 95 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the inner cam 92 passes over the front end of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 in the front-rear direction. At this time, the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the push-rotating body 90 is aligned with the cam surface 73 of the outer cam 77, and the restriction on the rotation of the push-rotating body 90 about the central axis by the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77 is released.

[0113] From Figure 15 When the press of the actuating member 80 is released in the state shown in (D), the actuating member 80 and the actuating rotating body 90 retract under the force of the force-applying spring 99. At this time, the rotation of the actuating rotating body 90 about the central axis is not restricted by the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the first protrusion 71 of the outer cam 77. Therefore, under the force of the force-applying spring 99, when the inclined surface 94 of the cam bearing surface 93 of the actuating rotating body 90 presses against the cam surface 73 of the outer cam 77 or the inclined surface 86 of the cam surface 83 of the actuating member 80, the actuating rotating body 90 is subjected to a circumferential component force and rotates about the central axis.

[0114] Because the press-operated rotating body 90 rotates and retracts simultaneously, therefore... Figure 15 As shown in (E), the protrusion 92a of the inner cam 92 is positioned between the first protrusions 71 of the outer cam 77, and the first protrusions 71 of the outer cam 77 are positioned between the protrusions 92a of the inner cam 92, i.e., within the longitudinal groove 91. As a result, the engagement between the outer cam 77 and the inner cam 92 is released. The protrusions 81 abut against the longitudinal wall surface 75 of the outer cam 77 in the circumferential direction, thereby always restricting the rotation of the snap member 80 about its central axis. Figure 15 In the state shown in (E), the snap-action member 80 and the snap-action rotating body 90 retract directly, and become... Figure 15 The state shown in (A).

[0115] exist Figure 16 In the rotationally locked state shown in (B), the push-operated rotating body 90 is advanced, thereby further compressing the force spring 99. One end of the force spring 99 abuts against the push-operated rotating body 90, and the other end abuts against the rear end face of the rotary drive mechanism 22. Therefore, due to the balance between the forward force of the force spring 99 due to compression and the rearward force of the shaft spring 26, the rotary drive mechanism 22 and... Figure 16 Compared to the state shown in (A), it has advanced a distance D.

[0116] As the rotary drive mechanism 22 moves forward, the tiny gaps between the components within the pen barrel 11, such as those between the pen tip component 14, the clip unit 20, or the relay component 21, disappear. As a result, the rotating body 30 is relatively retracted within the rotary drive mechanism 22, becoming... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0117] In the third mechanical pencil 3, the user can perform two click operations: a rotation lock click to open or close the rotation drive mechanism 22, and a lead eject click to eject the lead. That is, when wanting to open or close the rotation drive mechanism 22, as shown in the following figure... Figure 15 As explained, the actuating member 80, and subsequently the rotating body 90, are advanced until the inner cam 92 passes over the outer cam 77 in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, in the actuation operation for dispensing the pen refill, the actuating member 80, and subsequently the chuck unit 20, are advanced to the extent that the chuck unit 20 operates. That is, the rotation-locking actuation operation requires a deeper press than the dispensing actuation operation. Furthermore, pen refill dispensing can also be performed during the rotation-locking actuation operation.

[0118] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the fourth rotary locking mechanism. In addition to the structure of the third rotary locking mechanism, the fourth rotary locking mechanism also includes a spacer 100. The spacer 100 is positioned in front of the rotating body 30. Specifically, the spacer 100 is configured to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the relay member 21 at the rear end of the front pen barrel 12. When the rotating body 90 is pressed using a click operation, thereby rotating the drive mechanism 22 forward, the front end face of the rotating body 30 abuts against the rear end face of the spacer 100, thus restricting the forward movement of the rotating body 30. As a result, it becomes... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0119] The fourth rotary locking mechanism, in addition to the third rotary locking mechanism, also has a spacer 100, which directly presses the rotating body 30, thereby enabling more reliable locking of the rotation of the rotating body 30.

[0120] Furthermore, a writing instrument is generally known to have a rotary feed mechanism that causes the replacement refill to engage or disengage by rotating a portion of the pen barrel, i.e., the front or rear barrel, around a central axis. Next, a rotary locking mechanism utilizing this novel rotary feed mechanism will be described. Before proceeding, the structure of a ballpoint pen equipped with this novel rotary feed mechanism will be explained.

[0121] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first ballpoint pen 5 in its non-writing state. The first ballpoint pen 5 has a cylindrical barrel 11. The barrel 11 has a front barrel 12, a rear barrel 110 that is fitted or threaded to the rear end of the front barrel 12, and a cylindrical third rotating member 120 provided at the rear end of the rear barrel 110. In addition, the first ballpoint pen 5 has a replacement core 7 as a writing element disposed inside the barrel 11 and having a writing part 6 at one end, a coil spring 8, a spring support member 9, and a first sliding member 130.

[0122] In the axial direction of the first ballpoint pen 5, the side facing the writing section 6 is defined as the "front" side, and the side opposite to the writing section 6 is defined as the "rear" side. In the first ballpoint pen 5, the replacement core 7 moves back and forth within the pen barrel 11 according to the operation of the first rotary delivery mechanism. At this time, the state in which the writing section 6 protrudes from the pen barrel 11 is called the writing state. Figure 23 The state in which the writing part 6 is submerged within the pen barrel 11 is called the non-writing state. Figure 18 and Figure 22 ).

[0123] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end of the barrel 110 of the first ballpoint pen 5. Figure 19 In the middle, the upper part is the rear side of the first ballpoint pen 5. A ring-shaped protrusion 111 is provided circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the rear part of the pen barrel 110. (As described later...) Figure 24 As shown, the annular protrusion 111 is not provided throughout the entire circumference. For example, on the inner circumferential surface of the rear pen barrel 110, a recess 112 is provided instead of the annular protrusion 111 along a portion of the circumference, for example, 1 / 4 of the entire circumference. Two small protrusions 113 are provided at positions slightly separated from the ends of the recesses 112 and the two sides of the annular protrusion 111. As a result, two locking recesses 114 are divided between the annular protrusion 111 and the small protrusions 113. A key protrusion 115 is provided at the center of the annular protrusion 111 in the circumferential direction, and the same key protrusion 115 is provided at the center of the opposite recess 112 in the circumferential direction. The two key protrusions 115 are provided adjacent to the annular protrusion 111 in the axial direction.

[0124] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional view of the third rotating component 120 of the first ballpoint pen 5. Figure 20 The upper part is the rear side of the first ballpoint pen 5. The third rotating member 120 is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate about a central axis relative to the rear pen barrel 110. The third rotating member 120 has a cylindrical gripping part 121 for the user to hold when rotating. A clamp 121a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the gripping part 121. An insertion part 122 with a smaller diameter is provided in front of the gripping part 121 and is inserted into the rear pen barrel 110. The insertion part 122 has two generally rectangular and opposing cutouts 123 from the front end face toward the rear. Two cam arms 124 extending forward are divided by the two cutouts 123. A cam surface 125 inclined in the same direction along the circumference is provided on the front end face of the two cam arms 124. A rectangular protrusion 126 extending forward is divided in the central part of the front end face of the insertion part 122 in one of the cutouts. A locking protrusion 127 is provided on the outer surface of the rectangular protrusion 126. On the outer surface of each of the two cam arms 124, a sliding groove 128 is provided along the circumferential direction at the same position as the locking protrusion 127 in the axial direction.

[0125] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional view of the first sliding component 130 of the first ballpoint pen 5. Figure 21 In the middle, the upper part is the rear side of the first ballpoint pen 5. The first sliding member 130 has a sliding main body 131. The sliding main body 131 is a cylindrical member with a closed rear end. Two cam protrusions 132 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding main body 131. The two cam protrusions 132 are separated by two keyways 133 extending along the axial direction. On the rear end face of the two cam protrusions 132, a cam bearing surface 134 with the same inclination as the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 is provided. In each cam bearing surface 134, the foremost part is defined as the starting end 134a, and the rearmost part is defined as the ending end 134b.

[0126] Inside the pen barrel 11, the third rotating member 120 is inserted from behind the rear of the rear pen barrel 110. At this time, the two cam arms 124 flex radially inward, and the annular protrusion 111 of the rear pen barrel 110 is disposed within the sliding groove 128. When the third rotating member 120 rotates relative to the rear pen barrel 110 about its central axis, the sliding groove 128 acts as a guide, allowing the annular protrusion 111 to move relative to each other within the sliding groove 128. Furthermore, since the annular protrusion 111 of the rear pen barrel 110 is disposed within the sliding groove 128 of the third rotating member 120, the third rotating member 120 is not easily separated from the rear pen barrel 110. The locking protrusion 127 of the third rotating member 120 is disposed within the recess 112.

[0127] The first sliding member 130 is inserted into the interior from the front of the rear pen barrel 110, and the rear end of the sliding main body 131 is inserted into the interior from the front of the third rotating member 120. When the first sliding member 130 is inserted, the cam arm 124 of the third rotating member 120 is guided by the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130, so that the key protrusion 115 of the rear pen barrel 110 is disposed in the keyway 133 of the first sliding member 130. Since the key protrusion 115 is disposed in the keyway 133, the first sliding member 130 can move back and forth within the pen barrel 110 without rotating about the central axis. Since the sliding main body 131 of the first sliding member 130 is inserted into the interior of the third rotating member 120, the two cam arms 124 cannot bend radially inward. As a result, the third rotating member 120 can be prevented from falling off the rear pen barrel 110.

[0128] The first sliding member 130 is pushed rearward by the helical spring 8. One end of the helical spring 8 abuts against the front end face of the cam protrusion 132 of the first sliding member 130, and the other end of the helical spring 8 is supported by the spring support member 9. The spring support member 9 is restricted from moving forward by the rear end face of the front pen barrel 12. The replacement core 7 passes through the helical spring 8 and the spring support member 9. Since the rear end of the replacement core 7 is inserted into the interior of the first sliding member 130 through the opening at the front of the sliding body 131 and fits in, the replacement core 7 is integrally mounted on the first sliding member 130. Figure 18 ).

[0129] Figure 22 This is a 3D image of the first ballpoint pen (5) in its non-writing state. Figure 23 This is a 3D image of the writing state of the first ballpoint pen (5). Figure 22 and Figure 23 In the middle, the penholder 110 is omitted.

[0130] exist Figure 22 In the non-writing state shown, as described later, with the cam arm 124 of the third rotating member 120 abutting against the key protrusion 115 of the rear pen barrel 110 in the circumferential direction, thus restricting the rotation of the third rotating member 120, the cam arm 124 is locked to the cam protrusion 132, thereby restricting the backward movement of the first sliding member 130 using the coil spring 8. At this time, the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 is disposed on the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130 at the starting end 134a.

[0131] When the third rotating member 120 is rotated by holding the gripping part 121 from this state, the force applied to the third rotating member 120 in the rotational direction is converted into a force that propels the first sliding member 130 forward through the cooperation of the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 and the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130. That is, the cam surface 125 and the cam bearing surface 134 receive an axial component of the force from the inclined surfaces that are inclined in the same direction, and the first sliding member 130 advances against the force of the coil spring 8. When the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 moves to the end part 134b on the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130, the first sliding member 130 stops advancing, and the first ballpoint pen 5 enters the writing state. Figure 23 ).

[0132] On the other hand, Figure 23In the writing state shown, by rotating the third rotating member 120 in the opposite direction, the first sliding member 130 is retracted by the force of the coil spring 8. When the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 moves to the starting end 134a on the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130, the first sliding member 130 stops retracting, and the first ballpoint pen 5 enters a non-writing state. Figure 22 ).

[0133] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the first rotary delivery mechanism. Specifically, Figure 24 It is the cross-section of the locking protrusion 127 of the third rotating member 120 included in the first ballpoint pen 5. Figure 24 (A) shows the third rotating member 120 rotated to one side, and... Figure 22 The first ballpoint pen in a fairly non-writing state, 5. On the other hand, Figure 24 (B) shows the third rotating member 120 rotated to the other side, and... Figure 23 The first ballpoint pen in a fairly good writing state.

[0134] like Figure 24 As shown in (A), a cam arm 124 abuts against a key protrusion 115 in the circumferential direction. In contrast, as... Figure 24 As shown in (B), one of the cam arms 124 abuts against another key protrusion 115 in the circumferential direction. In each case, i.e., when the cam arm 124 abuts against the key protrusion 115, the locking protrusion 127 of the third rotating member 120 engages within the locking recess 114 of the rear pen barrel 110. In short, the locking protrusion 127 passes over the small protrusion 113 in accordance with the rotation of the third rotating member 120, and the locking protrusion 127 engages within the locking recess 114 while the cam arm 124 abuts against the key protrusion 115. As a result, the third rotating member 120 can be temporarily fixed, preventing accidental release of the writing or non-writing state.

[0135] As the locking protrusion 127 passes the small protrusion 113, the rectangular protrusion 126 flexes radially inward, thereby causing the locking protrusion 127 to engage quickly within the locking recess 114. Thus, the user receives feedback indicating delivery completion via a clicking sound or a tactile feedback. The intensity of the clicking sound or tactile feedback can be freely designed by varying the height of the small protrusion 113 or the locking protrusion 127.

[0136] In summary, the first rotary delivery mechanism described above includes a pen barrel 11 with a locking portion inside, a third rotating member 120 configured to rotate about a central axis relative to the rear pen barrel 110, and a first sliding member 130 cooperating with the third rotating member 120. The third rotating member 120 and the first sliding member 130 are respectively formed with a cam surface that cooperates with the other of the third rotating member 120 and the first sliding member 130. Depending on the rotation direction of the third rotating member 120, the first sliding member 130 moves back and forth within the pen barrel 11. When the third rotating member 120 is rotated to one side, the first sliding member 130 moves forward until the third rotating member 120 is locked with the locking portion. When the third rotating member 120 is rotated to the other side, the first sliding member 130 moves backward until the third rotating member 120 is locked with the locking portion.

[0137] Here, the locking part has a first locking part that locks the third rotating member 120 in the positive direction of rotation and a second locking part that locks the third rotating member 120 in the opposite direction of rotation. Specifically, the first locking part is a key protrusion 115, and the second locking part is a locking recess 114. "Positive direction" refers to the direction in which the user intentionally rotates it, and "opposite direction" refers to the direction opposite to the direction in which the user intentionally rotates it. In addition, the third rotating member 120 has a first locked part that locks with the first locking part and a second locked part that locks with the second locking part. Specifically, the first locked part is a cam arm 124, and the second locked part is a locking protrusion 127.

[0138] The cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 and the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130 can be arbitrarily configured as long as they can convert the rotational motion of the third rotating member 120 into the linear motion of the first sliding member 130. Therefore, it is also possible to configure at least one of the third rotating member 120 and the first sliding member 130 to form a cam surface that cooperates with the other of the third rotating member 120 and the first sliding member 130. In addition, the cam arm 124 of the third rotating member 120 and the corresponding cam protrusion 132 of the first sliding member 130 can each be at least one, or more than three, or they can be different numbers of each other.

[0139] According to the first rotary delivery mechanism described above, when the third rotating member 120 is rotated to one side, the first sliding member 130 advances until the third rotating member 120 is engaged with the locking part. When the third rotating member 120 is rotated to the other side, the first sliding member 130 retracts until the third rotating member 120 is engaged with the locking part. Therefore, delivery can be performed reliably with wasteless operation and construction. In addition, since it has a first locking part that locks the rotation of the third rotating member 120 in the positive direction and a second locking part that locks the rotation of the third rotating member 120 in the opposite direction, reverse rotation can be prevented while intentional rotation is stopped, thus enabling more reliable delivery.

[0140] Furthermore, the cam surfaces of the third rotating member 120 (cam surface 125) and the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130, which serve as mechanisms for converting rotational motion into linear motion, are separately configured from the locking portions of the locking mechanism (locking recess 114, key protrusion 115, cam arm 124, and locking protrusion 127), specifically, separately configured in the axial direction. Therefore, the mechanisms for motion conversion and rotation locking can be designed and configured independently, allowing for more flexible design based on the first rotary delivery mechanism described above. For example, by changing the inclination angles of the cam surface 125 of the third rotating member 120 and the cam bearing surface 134 of the first sliding member 130, the linear advance relative to the rotational amount can be easily adjusted. Additionally, based on the first rotary delivery mechanism described above, a rotary delivery mechanism can be implemented with fewer parts than conventional rotary delivery mechanisms, and the forming and processing of parts can be easily performed.

[0141] The rotation of the third rotating member 120 is restricted by the side of the cam arm 124 abutting against the side of the key protrusion 115 of the rear pen barrel 110. Therefore, even if excessive force is applied to rotate the third rotating member 120, the rotation can be reliably restricted. In addition, this rotation-restricting mechanism is separate from the conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion into linear motion and the locking mechanism that locks the rotation, so that the conversion mechanism and the locking mechanism will not be damaged by excessive force.

[0142] The aforementioned first rotary delivery mechanism can be widely applied to all coating tools. That is, the coating tool includes the aforementioned first rotary delivery mechanism and a coating body, which moves back and forth together with the sliding member. Here, "coating tool" refers not only to coating tools for correction fluid, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, and nail polish, but also broadly includes writing tools such as ballpoint pens, felt-tip pens, markers, mechanical pencils, fountain pens, and thermochromic writing pens. Furthermore, "coating body," depending on the aforementioned coating tool, broadly includes writing bodies such as ballpoint pen refills and ink collection containers for eyeliners.

[0143] The replacement core of a thermochromic writing pen, which serves as the writing surface, can also hold thermochromic ink. In this case, the ink can be thermochromized by the frictional heat generated when wiping with the friction element, which acts as an erasing component. Here, thermochromic ink refers to ink that maintains a predetermined color (first color) at room temperature (e.g., 25°C), changes to another color (second color) when heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 60°C), and then returns to its original color (first color) when cooled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., -5°C). Here, "erasing" means that in a thermochromic writing pen using thermochromic ink, the second color is set to colorless, and the lines written with the first color (e.g., red) become colorless by heating. Therefore, on a writing surface with lines, frictional heat is generated by wiping with the friction element, which acts as an erasing component, thereby changing the lines to colorless, i.e., erasing the lines. Furthermore, the second color can of course be a colored color other than colorless.

[0144] Next, the rotary locking mechanism utilizing the aforementioned rotary delivery mechanism will be explained. Figure 25 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the fourth mechanical pencil 4. Compared to the first mechanical pencil 1, the fourth mechanical pencil 4 has a fifth rotary locking mechanism instead of a first rotary locking mechanism, and a second rotary feeding mechanism instead of a first rotary feeding mechanism. The fifth rotary locking mechanism has a fourth rotating member 150, a second sliding member 160, and a force-applying spring 169, and utilizes the aforementioned rotary feeding mechanism. Other rotary feeding mechanisms can also be used to construct the fifth rotary locking mechanism. The second rotary feeding mechanism of the fourth mechanical pencil 4 differs significantly from the first rotary feeding mechanism of the first ballpoint pen 5 only in the length of the sliding member.

[0145] Figure 26 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear end of the barrel 140 of the fourth mechanical pencil. Figure 26 In the middle, the upper part is the rear side of the fourth mechanical pencil 4. A ring-shaped protrusion 141 is provided circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the rear part of the pencil barrel 140. (As described later...) Figure 29As shown, the annular protrusion 141 is not provided throughout the entire circumference. For example, on the inner circumferential surface of the rear pen barrel 140, a recess 142 is provided instead of the annular protrusion 141 in a portion along the circumferential direction, for example, 1 / 4 of the entire circumference. Two small protrusions 143 are provided at positions slightly separated from the ends of the recesses 142 and the two sides of the annular protrusion 141. As a result, two locking recesses 144 are divided between the annular protrusion 141 and the small protrusions 143. A key protrusion 145 is provided at the center of the annular protrusion 141 in the circumferential direction, and the same key protrusion 145 is provided at the center of the opposite recess 142 in the circumferential direction. The two key protrusions 145 are provided adjacent to the annular protrusion 141 in the axial direction.

[0146] Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional view of the fourth rotating component 150 of the fourth mechanical pencil. Figure 27 The upper part is the rear side of the fourth mechanical pencil 4. The fourth rotating member 150 is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate about a central axis relative to the rear barrel 140. The fourth rotating member 150 has a cylindrical gripping part 151 for the user to hold when rotating. A clamp 151a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the gripping part 151. An insertion part 152 with a smaller diameter is provided in front of the gripping part 151 and is inserted into the rear barrel 140. The insertion part 152 has two generally rectangular and opposing cuts 153 from the front end face toward the rear. Two cam arms 154 extending forward are divided by the two cuts 153. A cam surface 125 inclined in the same direction along the circumference is provided on the front end face of the two cam arms 154. A rectangular protrusion 156 extending forward is divided in the central part of the front end face of the insertion part 152 in one of the cuts. A locking protrusion 157 is provided on the outer surface of the rectangular protrusion 156. On the outer surface of each of the two cam arms 154, a sliding groove 158 is provided along the circumferential direction at the same position as the locking protrusion 157 in the axial direction.

[0147] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional view of the second sliding member 160 of the fourth mechanical pencil. Figure 28 In the middle, the upper part is the rear side of the fourth mechanical pencil 4. The second sliding member 160 has a sliding main body 161. Two cam protrusions 162 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding main body 161. The two cam protrusions 162 are separated by two keyways 163 extending along the axial direction. On the rear end face of the two cam protrusions 162, a cam bearing surface 164 with the same inclination as the cam surface 155 of the fourth rotating member 150 is provided. In each cam bearing surface 164, the foremost part is defined as the beginning end 164a, and the rearmost part is defined as the end end 164b. The second sliding member 160 has a through hole 165 along the central axis, and the pencil lead shell 23 is inserted into the through hole 165.

[0148] Inside the pen barrel 11, the fourth rotating member 150 is inserted from behind the rear pen barrel 140. At this time, the two cam arms 154 flex radially inward, and the annular protrusion 141 of the rear pen barrel 140 is disposed within the sliding groove 158. When the fourth rotating member 150 rotates relative to the rear pen barrel 140 about its central axis, the sliding groove 158 acts as a guide, allowing the annular protrusion 141 to move relative to the pen barrel 140 within the sliding groove 158. Furthermore, since the annular protrusion 141 of the rear pen barrel 140 is disposed within the sliding groove 158 of the fourth rotating member 150, the fourth rotating member 150 is less likely to detach from the rear pen barrel 140. The locking protrusion 157 of the fourth rotating member 150 is disposed within the recess 142.

[0149] The second sliding member 160 is inserted into the interior from the front of the rear pen barrel 140, and the rear end of the sliding body portion 161 is inserted into the interior from the front of the fourth rotating member 150. When the second sliding member 160 is inserted, the cam arm 154 of the fourth rotating member 150 is guided by the cam bearing surface 164 of the second sliding member 160, so that the key protrusion 145 of the rear pen barrel 140 is disposed within the keyway 163 of the second sliding member 160. Because the key protrusion 145 is disposed within the keyway 163, the second sliding member 160 can move back and forth within the pen barrel 11 without rotating about its central axis. Because the sliding body portion 131 of the second sliding member 160 is inserted into the interior of the fourth rotating member 150, the two cam arms 154 cannot flex radially inward. As a result, the fourth rotating member 150 can be prevented from falling out of the rear pen barrel 140.

[0150] The second sliding member 160 is forced backward by the force-applying spring 169. One end of the force-applying spring 169 abuts against a step located inside the second sliding member 160, and the other end of the force-applying spring 169 is supported by the rear end face of the rotary drive mechanism 22. By abutting against the front end face 146 of the key protrusion of the rear pen barrel 140, the backward movement of the rotary drive mechanism 22 caused by the force of the shaft spring 26 is restricted.

[0151] Figure 29 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the second rotary delivery mechanism. Figure 30 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the fifth rotary locking mechanism and the second rotary delivery mechanism. Specifically, Figure 29 It is the cross-section of the locking protrusion 157 of the fourth rotating member 150 included in the fourth mechanical pencil 4. Figure 29 (A) and Figure 30 The state shown in (A) is the rotation lock release state with the rotation drive mechanism 22 open. Figure 29 (B) and Figure 30The state shown in (B) is the rotary lock state where the rotary drive mechanism 22 is closed.

[0152] exist Figure 29 (A) and Figure 30 In the rotation lock-out state shown in (A), as described later, with the cam arm 154 of the fourth rotating member 150 abutting against the key protrusion 145 of the rear pen 140 in the circumferential direction to restrict the rotation of the fourth rotating member 150, the cam arm 154 and the cam protrusion 162 are locked, thereby restricting the backward movement of the second sliding member 160 generated by the force-applying spring 169. At this time, the cam surface 155 of the fourth rotating member 150 is disposed on the cam bearing surface 164 of the second sliding member 160 at the starting end 164a.

[0153] When the fourth rotating member 150 is rotated by holding the gripping part 151 from this state, the force applied to the fourth rotating member 150 in the rotational direction is converted into a force that propels the second sliding member 160 forward through the cooperation of the cam surface 155 of the fourth rotating member 150 and the cam bearing surface 164 of the second sliding member 160. That is, the cam surface 155 and the cam bearing surface 164 bear the axial component of the force from the inclined surfaces that are inclined in the same direction, and the second sliding member 160 advances against the force of the force-applying spring 169. When the cam surface 155 of the fourth rotating member 150 moves to the end part 164b on the cam bearing surface 164 of the second sliding member 160, the second sliding member 160 stops advancing, and the rotation drive mechanism 22 enters the rotation lock state. Figure 29 (B) and Figure 30 (B)

[0154] In the rotated-locked state, the second sliding member 160 advances, thereby further compressing the force spring 169. One end of the force spring 169 abuts against the second sliding member 160, and the other end abuts against the rear end face of the rotary drive mechanism 22. Therefore, due to the balance between the increased forward force of the force spring 169 due to compression and the rearward force of the shaft spring 26, the rotary drive mechanism 22 and... Figure 30 Compared to the state shown in (A), the distance traveled is D.

[0155] As the rotary drive mechanism 22 moves forward, the tiny gaps between the components within the pen barrel 11, such as those between the pen tip component 14, the clip unit 20, or the relay component 21, disappear. As a result, the rotating body 30 is in a state of relative retraction within the rotary drive mechanism 22, becoming... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0156] On the other hand, in the rotationally locked state, by rotating the fourth rotating member 150 in the opposite direction, the second sliding member 160 retracts under the force of the force-applying spring 169. When the cam surface 155 of the fourth rotating member 150 moves to the starting end 164a on the cam bearing surface 164 of the second sliding member 160, the second sliding member 160 stops retracting, and the rotation drive mechanism 22 enters the rotationally locked released state. Figure 29 (A) and Figure 30 (A)).

[0157] The rotation of the fourth rotating member 150 is restricted by the side of the cam arm 154 abutting against the side of the key protrusion 145 of the rear pen barrel 140. That is, as Figure 29 As shown in (A), a cam arm 154 abuts against a key protrusion 145 in the circumferential direction. In contrast, as... Figure 29 As shown in (B), one of the cam arms 154 abuts against another key protrusion 145 in the circumferential direction. In each case, i.e., when the cam arm 154 abuts against the key protrusion 145, the locking protrusion 157 of the fourth rotating member 150 engages within the locking recess 144 of the rear pen barrel 140. In short, the locking protrusion 157 passes over the small protrusion 143 according to the rotation of the fourth rotating member 150, and while the cam arm 154 abuts against the key protrusion 145, the locking protrusion 157 engages within the locking recess 144. As a result, the fourth rotating member 150 can be temporarily fixed, preventing accidental release of the rotation lock state or rotation lock release state.

[0158] When the locking protrusion 157 passes the small protrusion 143, the rectangular protrusion 156 flexes radially inward, thus the locking protrusion 157 engages with the locking recess 144 in a quick-locking manner. Therefore, the user can receive feedback that delivery is complete through a clicking sound or a tactile feedback. By changing the height of the small protrusion 143 or the locking protrusion 157, the intensity of the clicking sound or tactile feedback can be freely designed.

[0159] Furthermore, the second rotary delivery mechanism, which uses the rotation of the fourth rotary member 150 to move the second sliding member 160 forward or backward, and the lead ejection mechanism, which uses a press operation to press the press member 24 or the press cover 15 forward, can operate independently. Therefore, in the fourth mechanical pencil 4, the press operation can be performed using the fifth rotary locking mechanism regardless of whether the rotary drive mechanism is open or closed.

[0160] Figure 31This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the operation of the sixth rotary locking mechanism. The sixth rotary locking mechanism, in addition to the structure of the fifth rotary locking mechanism, also includes a spacer 100. The spacer 100 is positioned in front of the rotating body 30. Specifically, the spacer 100 is configured to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the relay member 21 at the rear end of the front pen barrel 12. When the second rotary delivery mechanism is used, and the second sliding member 160, and consequently the rotary drive mechanism 22, advances, the front end face of the rotating body 30 abuts against the rear end face of the spacer 100, thus restricting the forward movement of the rotating body 30. As a result, it becomes... Figure 4 The state of the rotating body 30 shown in (C) is such that the rotation of the rotating body 30 is locked.

[0161] Since the sixth rotary locking mechanism has a spacer 100 in addition to the fifth rotary locking mechanism, the spacer 100 directly presses the rotating body 30, thus enabling more reliable locking of the rotation of the rotating body 30.

[0162] Furthermore, any rotary locking mechanism can be configured to lock the rotating body in a relatively retracted state within the rotary drive mechanism. The rotary locking mechanism can also be configured such that pressing the rotating body backward or pressing the rotary drive mechanism forward causes the rotating body to retract relatively within the rotary drive mechanism. The rotating body or the rotary drive mechanism can be pressed directly or indirectly by the rotary locking mechanism. Alternatively, the rotary locking mechanism can have a rotating member equipped with a cam, where the rotational motion of the rotating member is converted into linear motion under the action of the cam, and the rotating body is pressed.

[0163] Of course, even with the rotating body locked by the rotary locking mechanism, the lead can still be ejected by moving the chuck unit 20 back and forth. That is, the state where the rotating body is locked by the rotary locking mechanism does not affect the forward or backward movement of the chuck unit 20 using a click operation. Therefore, a mechanical pencil with the rotating body locked by the rotary locking mechanism can be used in the same way as a regular mechanical pencil. Thus, if, for example, when taking shorthand, one becomes tired of moving the lead forward and backward using the rotary drive mechanism, the rotary drive mechanism can be turned off. On the other hand, for detailed writing that prevents uneven line thickness caused by uneven wear of the lead, the rotary drive mechanism can be turned on. In short, the user can freely switch the rotary drive mechanism on (operating or activated) and off (stopping or deactivating).

[0164] According to the second rotary locking mechanism, the rotating body is pressed backward by the chuck unit, but it can also be configured to press the pen refill shell from the front to the rear, or pull the pen refill shell from the rear, so that the pen refill shell is retracted. By retracting the pen refill shell, the relay member 21 retracts, and as a result, the rotating body retracts, so that the rotary drive mechanism 22 can be put into a rotary locked state.

[0165] The rotary locking mechanism may also include an ejector mechanism or a rotary delivery mechanism that presses the rotary drive mechanism forward. The ejector mechanism or rotary delivery mechanism may be configured with a spring and a sliding member that applies force to the spring, pressing the rotary drive mechanism forward by advancing the sliding member. The ejector mechanism may also include a press member and a press-rotating body disposed at the rear end of the pen barrel. When the press member is pressed, causing the press-rotating body to advance to a predetermined position, the press-rotating body rotates about a central axis, locking its retraction. Furthermore, advancing the rotary drive mechanism locks the rotating body in a relatively retracted state within the rotary drive mechanism.

[0166] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0167] 1. Mechanical pencil (Type 1); 5. Ballpoint pen (Type 1); 8. Coil spring; 11. Pen barrel; 12. Front barrel; 14. Pen tip assembly; 15. Press cap; 16. Top tube; 17. Eraser; 18. Slider; 19. Holding clip; 20. Clip unit; 21. Relay assembly; 22. Rotary drive mechanism; 23. Pen lead shell; 24. Press assembly; 25. Coil spring; 26. Shaft spring; 30. Rotating body; 31. Upper cam forming assembly; 32. Lower cam forming assembly; 33. Cylinder assembly; 34. Torque eliminator; 35. Buffer spring; 40. Rear barrel; 41. Restricting protrusion 1. Part; 42. Front end face; 43. Through hole; 44. Inclined cam bearing surface; 50. Switch; 51. Switch support part; 52. Switch part; 54. First rotating member; 55. Cam body; 56. Opening; 57. Support plate; 58. Gap; 59. Inclined cam surface; 110. Rear pen barrel; 120. Third rotating member; 121. Holding part; 122. Insertion part; 123. Cut-out part; 124. Cam arm; 125. Cam surface; 130. First sliding member; 131. Sliding body part; 132. Cam protrusion; 133. Keyway; 134. Cam bearing surface.

Claims

1. A mechanical pencil configured to release and hold the lead by means of a chuck unit disposed within the pencil barrel, thereby delivering the lead forward, wherein the chuck unit is held within the pencil barrel in a manner that allows it to rotate about a central axis while holding the lead, characterized in that... This mechanical pencil is configured to have a rotary drive mechanism, which includes a rotating body. The rotating body retracts in response to the writing pressure exerted by the lead on the chuck unit, causing the rotating body to rotate. This rotational motion is transmitted to the lead via the chuck unit. The mechanical pencil also features a rotation locking mechanism to lock the rotation of the rotating body. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to lock the rotating body in a relatively retracted state within the rotation drive mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to press the rotating body backward or press the rotation drive mechanism forward, thereby causing the rotating body to retract relatively within the rotation drive mechanism.

2. The mechanical pencil according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating body or the rotating drive mechanism is pressed directly or indirectly by the rotating locking mechanism.

3. The mechanical pencil according to claim 2, wherein, The rotary locking mechanism has a rotating member with a cam, the rotational motion of the rotating member is converted into linear motion under the action of the cam, and the rotating body is pressed.

4. The mechanical pencil according to claim 3, wherein, The rotating body is pressed backward by means of the clamp unit.

5. The mechanical pencil according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotary locking mechanism has an ejection mechanism that presses the rotary drive mechanism forward or a rotary delivery mechanism.

6. The mechanical pencil according to claim 5, wherein, The emergence mechanism or the rotary delivery mechanism has a spring and a sliding member that applies force to the spring, causing the sliding member to move forward and press the rotary drive mechanism forward.

7. The mechanical pencil according to claim 5, wherein, The activation mechanism also includes a click member and a click rotator disposed at the rear end of the pen barrel. When the press-operated member is used to advance the press-rotating body to a predetermined position, the press-rotating body rotates around the central axis, the retraction of the press-rotating body is locked, and the rotary drive mechanism is advanced, while the rotating body is locked in a state in which it is relatively retracted in the rotary drive mechanism.

8. The mechanical pencil according to claim 5, wherein, The rotating body is pressed backward by means of a spacer.

9. The mechanical pencil according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, With the rotating body locked by the rotation locking mechanism, the pen refill is delivered by moving the chuck unit back and forth.

10. The mechanical pencil according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The rotary drive mechanism has a first cam forming member and a second cam forming member. The rotating body is formed in a ring shape, and a first cam surface and a second cam surface are formed on one end face and the other end face respectively in the axial direction. A first fixed cam surface formed on the first cam forming member and a second fixed cam surface formed on the second cam forming member are arranged opposite to the first cam surface and the second cam surface respectively. This mechanical pencil is configured such that, by utilizing the retracting action of the clip unit generated by the writing pressure, the first cam surface of the rotating body abuts and engages with the first fixed cam surface; and by utilizing the release of the writing pressure, the second cam surface of the rotating body abuts and engages with the second fixed cam surface. With the first cam surface of the rotating body engaged with the first fixed cam surface, the second cam surface and the second fixed cam surface of the rotating body are configured to be offset from the cam surface by one tooth in the axial direction. Similarly, with the second cam surface of the rotating body engaged with the second fixed cam surface, the first cam surface and the first fixed cam surface of the rotating body are configured to be offset from the cam surface by one tooth in the axial direction. The rotary drive mechanism locks the rotating body by engaging the first cam surface of the rotating body with the first fixed cam surface.

Images