Refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil

Abstract

A refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil includes a cartridge main body for housing a refill for a mechanical pencil, a cover member capable of opening and occluding a refill outlet of the cartridge main body by sliding with respect to the cartridge main body, and a lock member configured to switch between a state of engaging with one of the cartridge main body and the cover member and a state of not engaging with the one of the cartridge main body and the cover member by moving with respect to the cartridge main body and the cover member in a direction intersecting a sliding direction of the cover member with respect to the cartridge main body, in the state of engaging with the one of the cartridge main body and the cover member, the cover member is configured to be maintained in a state of occluding the refill outlet and incapable of sliding with respect to the cartridge main body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as a refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil, there has been known one in which a main coupling portion in which a cartridge main body and a cover member relatively fan-shapedly rotate is formed in a bottom direction portion of the cartridge main body as a rotation fulcrum, and an end portion of a refill for a mechanical pencil is exposed in an open state in which a refill outlet of the cartridge main body is opened, and the refill for a mechanical pencil is taken out from there (Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-157539 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Patent Literature 1 discloses that an operation of relatively fan-shapedly rotating the cartridge main body and the cover member is performed with one hand, and an end portion of a refill for a mechanical pencil is exposed in an open state in which a refill outlet of the cartridge main body is opened. Then, the refill for a mechanical pencil is taken out with a hand, and the refill for a mechanical pencil is replenished to a mechanical pencil.

[0008] Next, after the refill for a mechanical pencil is replenished to the mechanical pencil, the operation of relatively fan-shapedly rotating the cartridge main body and the cover member is performed again, and the cover member is brought into a state of closing the refill outlet of the cartridge main body. At this time, by forming a protrusion in one of the cover member and the cartridge main body and a fitting portion of the protrusion in the other, the state in which the cover member closes the refill outlet is maintained. However, in the case where the cover member is latched with respect to the cartridge main body by fitting of the protrusion and the fitting portion as such, it is sometimes difficult to reliably maintain the state in which the cover member closes the refill outlet.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of at least one embodiment of the present application is to provide a refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil capable of more reliably maintaining a state of closing a refill outlet.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] The refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil according to at least one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0012] a cartridge main body for housing a refill for a mechanical pencil;

[0013] a cover member capable of opening and occluding a refill outlet of the cartridge main body by sliding with respect to the cartridge main body, and

[0014] a locking member configured to switch between a state of engaging with one of the cartridge main body and the lid member and a state of not engaging with the one of the cartridge main body and the lid member by moving relative to the cartridge main body and the lid member in a direction intersecting with a sliding direction of the lid member relative to the cartridge main body,

[0015] in the engaged state, the lid member is configured to be maintained in a state of occluding the refill outlet and a state of not being able to slide relative to the cartridge main body.

[0016] Effects of Invention

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, there is provided a refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil that can more reliably maintain a state of closing a refill outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a front view showing the locking member of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil of one embodiment in an engaged state.

[0019] Figure 2 is a front view showing the locking member of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil of one embodiment in a non-engaged state.

[0020] Figure 3 is a front view showing the locking member of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil of one embodiment in a non-engaged state.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view from the front side of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil of one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view from the back side of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil of one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing Figure 4 the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil shown in Figure 5 in an engaged state.

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil shown in Figure 6 .

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing Figure 4 the refill cartridge for a mechanical pencil shown in Figure 5 in a non-engaged state.

[0026] Figure 9yes Figure 8 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a replacement lead box for a mechanical pencil.

[0027] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the mechanical pencil lead cartridge with the locking mechanism in an unlocked state.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a replacement lead box for a mechanical pencil.

[0029] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 7 The container has multiple replacement cores in a cross-sectional view.

[0030] Figure 13 Is with Figure 10 The same perspective view shows a replacement core box containing multiple replacement cores. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0032] Figures 1-3 This is a front view of a replacement lead box for a mechanical pencil according to one embodiment, showing the following states: the locking member is engaged, the locking member is disengaged and the replacement lead outlet is blocked, and the locking member is disengaged and the replacement lead outlet is open.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are exploded perspective views taken from the front and back sides of a mechanical pencil lead cartridge according to one embodiment. Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 The perspective views of the mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge shown are respectively: the locking member is engaged, the locking member is disengaged and the lead replacement outlet is blocked, and the locking member is disengaged and the lead replacement outlet is open. Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 They are Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a replacement lead box for a mechanical pencil. Figure 12 yes Figure 7A-A cross-sectional view of the same. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a refill cartridge in which a plurality of refills are housed. Figure 10 is the same perspective view, and is a view showing a refill cartridge in which a plurality of refills are housed.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1-13 , a refill cartridge (hereinafter, also referred to as a refill cartridge) 1 of several embodiments of an automatic pencil is provided with a cartridge main body 2, a lid member 4, and a lock member 5.

[0035] The cartridge main body 2 is configured to be able to house a refill 3 for an automatic pencil (refer to Figures 3-5 , etc.). The cartridge main body 2 has an opening, i.e., a refill ejection port 2a for loading and ejecting the refill 3, and a bottom portion 2c, and extends between the refill ejection port 2a and the bottom portion 2c. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cartridge main body 2 extends between the refill ejection port 2a and the bottom portion 2c along the length direction of the cartridge main body 2.

[0036] Note that the distance in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2 from an inner bottom portion 2e (refer to Figure 7 , etc.) to the refill ejection port 2a can also be shorter than the length of the refill 3 housed in the cartridge main body 2. In this case, a part of the refill 3 housed in the cartridge main body 2 is exposed from the cartridge main body 2, and thus in a state in which the refill ejection port 2a is opened, the refill 3 is easily ejected from the cartridge main body 2.

[0037] The lid member 4 is configured to be able to slide with respect to the cartridge main body 2, and by sliding with respect to the cartridge main body 2, the refill ejection port 2a of the cartridge main body 2 can be opened and occluded. The state in which the refill ejection port 2a is opened refers to a state in which at least a part of the refill ejection port 2a is not covered by the lid member 4, and the refill 3 housed in the cartridge main body 2 can be ejected by a finger. In addition, the state in which the refill ejection port 2a is occluded refers to a state in which the entire refill ejection port 2a is covered by the lid member 4, and the refill 3 housed in the cartridge main body 2 cannot be ejected by a finger.

[0038] The lock member 5 is configured to move with respect to the cartridge main body 2 and the lid member 4 in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the lid member 4 with respect to the cartridge main body 2, and thereby switch between a state of engaging with one of the cartridge main body 2 and the lid member 4, and a state of not engaging with the one of the cartridge main body 2 and the lid member 4.

[0039] In the engaged state of the lock member 5, the state in which the refill ejection port 2a is occluded by the lid member 4, and the state in which the lid member 4 cannot slide with respect to the cartridge main body 2 are maintained. On the other hand, in the non-engaged state of the lock member 5, the lid member 4 can slide with respect to the cartridge main body 2, and by the lid member 4 sliding with respect to the cartridge main body 2, the refill ejection port 2a can be opened or occluded.

[0040] In the illustrated example embodiment, the lid member 4 is slidable with respect to the cartridge body 2 in a second direction, and the lock member 5 is movable with respect to the cartridge body 2 in a first direction intersecting the second direction (refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 ). The first direction is a direction in which the replacement lead refill outlet 2a of the cartridge body 2 is connected to the bottom 2c, and can also be a length direction of the cartridge body 2. The second direction can also be a direction orthogonal to the first direction or a width direction of the cartridge body 2.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement lead refill cartridge 1 for a mechanical pencil is provided with: a lid member 4 that is able to open and occlude the replacement lead refill outlet 2a of the cartridge body 2 by sliding with respect to the cartridge body 2; and a lock member 5 that is able to engage with one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4. Further, by moving the lock member 5 in an intersecting direction, it is possible to switch between an engaged state in which the lock member 5 engages with the one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4, and a non-engaged state in which the lock member 5 does not engage with the one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4.

[0042] Accordingly, by causing the lock member 5 to engage with the one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4, it is possible to become a state (engaged state) in which the replacement lead refill outlet 2a is occluded by the lid member 4 and a state in which the lid member 4 is unable to slide is maintained, and thus it is possible to more reliably maintain a state in which the replacement lead refill outlet 2a is closed. Further, by moving the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction, it is possible to easily switch between the aforementioned engaged state and the non-engaged state in which the lid member 4 is able to slide with respect to the cartridge body 2.

[0043] In several embodiments, the lock member 5 has a protruding portion 5a that protrudes in a direction from the other of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4 (the one with which the lock member 5 does not engage) toward the one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4 (the one with which the lock member 5 engages) in the above-described intersecting direction (the first direction in the illustrated embodiment). Further, the one of the cartridge body 2 and the lid member 4 (the one with which the lock member 5 engages) has an engagement groove 4a with which the protruding portion 5a is able to engage. Further, in the engaged state of the lock member 5, the protruding portion 5a is in a state of engaging with the engagement groove 4a, and in the non-engaged state of the lock member 5, the protruding portion 5a is in a state of not engaging with the engagement groove 4a. Note that in the engaged state, it is also possible for the protruding portion 5a to be slightly spaced from the engagement groove 4a and be fitted into the engagement groove 4a.

[0044] In Figures 1-3 and Figures 4-13In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the locking member 5 has a protrusion 5a that protrudes in a direction from the case main body 2 toward the cover member 4 in the above-described intersecting direction (a direction along the first direction). In addition, the cover member 4 has an engagement groove 4a with which the protrusion 5a of the locking member 5 can engage.

[0045] In Figures 1-3 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the locking member 5 including the protrusion 5a is supported to the case main body 2 so as to be movable along the groove 2b extending in the intersecting direction. In addition, the cover member 4 has the engagement groove 4a recessed from a surface of the cover member 4 and extending in the intersecting direction. The protrusion 5a of the locking member 5 can engage with this engagement groove 4a provided to the cover member 4.

[0046] In Figures 4-13 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the case main body 2 includes a ventral wall portion 2g and a dorsal wall portion 2f that respectively extend between the bottom portion 2c and the replacement cartridge take-out opening 2a of the case main body 2 and oppose each other, and a pair of side wall portions 2r, 2s that connect the ventral wall portion 2g and the dorsal wall portion 2f. In addition, the locking member 5 includes a base portion 5b that opposes the ventral wall portion 2g of the case main body 2, and a pair of side plate portions 5d, 5c that respectively oppose the pair of side wall portions 2r, 2s of the case main body 2. The side plate portion 5d of the pair of side plate portions 5d, 5c of the locking member 5 includes the protrusion 5a that protrudes from the base portion 5b in a direction from the bottom portion 2c toward the replacement cartridge take-out opening 2a of the case main body 2.

[0047] In addition, in Figures 4-13 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cover member 4 includes an opening cover portion 4d that can cover the replacement cartridge take-out opening 2a of the case main body 2, and a dorsal cover portion 4e that opposes the dorsal wall portion 2f of the case main body 2. Also, the engagement groove 4a is at least partially formed by a first side surface 4i of a protrusion 4h protruding from a surface of the dorsal cover portion 4e that opposes the dorsal wall portion 2f (the case main body 2). The first side surface 4i is a surface extending along the first direction. More specifically, the engagement groove 4a is at least partially formed by the above-described first side surface 4i and an inner wall surface of a side wall portion 4j of the cover member 4.

[0048] That is, the protrusion 5a that is part of the side plate portion 5d of the locking member 5 can engage with the engagement groove 4a formed by the first side surface 4i of the protrusion 4h and the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 4j of the case main body 2.

[0049] According to the above-described embodiment, the locking member 5 is provided with the protrusion 5a, and the cartridge main body 2 or the lid member 4 (the lid member 4 in the illustrated embodiment) is provided with the engagement groove 4a that can be engaged with the protrusion 5a of the locking member 5. Thus, by moving the locking member 5 in the intersecting direction, the protrusion 5a of the locking member 5 can be engaged with or disengaged from the engagement groove 4a of the cartridge main body 2 or the lid member 4.

[0050] In Figures 4-13 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the cartridge main body 2 is inserted into the locking member 5, and the lid member 4 is movable relative to the cartridge main body 2 and the locking member 5 in a sliding direction along the second direction.

[0051] Note that, as Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 illustrated, in a state in which the cartridge main body 2 is inserted and assembled in the locking member 5, the cartridge main body 2 is slidable relative to the locking member 5 along the length direction of the cartridge main body 2. In addition, the position of the locking member 5 in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2 is restricted by the protrusions 2t, 2u, 2v, 2w of the cartridge main body 2 projecting toward the locking member 5 in the width direction being engaged with the protrusions 5i, 5j of the locking member 5 projecting toward the cartridge main body 2 in the width direction.

[0052] That is, by the lower surfaces (the faces on the bottom 2c side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2) of the protrusions 2t, 2v of the cartridge main body 2 abutting against the upper surfaces (the faces on the replacement core take-out port 2a side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2) of the protrusions 5i, 5j of the locking member 5, the position of the locking member 5 on the replacement core take-out port 2a side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2 is restricted. In addition, by the upper surfaces (the faces on the replacement core take-out port 2a side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2) of the protrusions 2u, 2w of the cartridge main body 2 abutting against the lower surfaces (the faces on the bottom 2c side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2) of the protrusions 5i, 5j of the locking member 5, the position of the locking member 5 on the bottom 2c side in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2 is restricted.

[0053] Note that the protrusions 5i, 5j of the locking member 5 are each movable in a recess 2z, 2m provided in the side wall portion 2r, 2s of the cartridge main body 2. The recess 2z is provided in the region between the protrusions 2t and 2u in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2, and the recess 2m is provided in the region between the protrusions 2v and 2w in the length direction of the cartridge main body 2.

[0054] Thus, in a state where the case main body 2 is fitted into the locking member 5, the case main body 2 and the locking member 5 can move integrally. Note that the case main body 2 is integrated with the locking member 5 and can be prevented from being disassembled / coming off, by engagement of the protrusions 5i and the recesses 2z and engagement of the protrusions 5j and the recesses 2m of the both side portions of the case main body 2 and the locking member 5, although it can move with the locking member 5.

[0055] In the above-described embodiments, the case main body 2 is fitted into the locking member 5, so that the cover member 4 can be easily slid with respect to the case main body 2 and the locking member 5, for example, by operation with one hand.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiments, the back side wall portion 2f of the case main body 2 opposes the plate-shaped back side cover portion 4e of the cover member 4, so that the cover member 4 can be smoothly slid with respect to the case main body 2 (and the locking member 5) by making the case main body 2 along the back side cover portion 4e.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiments, the fitting protrusion 2h protruding in the second direction toward the side plate portion 5c of the locking member 5 is formed in the side wall portion 2s of the case main body 2, and the fitting protrusion 5f protruding in the second direction toward the side wall portion 2s of the case main body 2 is formed in the side plate portion 5c of the locking member 5. In the engaged state of the locking member 5, the fitting protrusion 2h and the fitting protrusion 5f are fitted. Thus, in a state where the opening / closing operation of the replacement cartridge 1 is not performed (i.e., in a state where a force is not applied in order to move the locking member 5 and the cover member 4), the engaged state of the locking member 5 is easily maintained.

[0058] In several embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 4-13 the replacement cartridge 1 is provided with a main protrusion 2d provided in one of the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 (the case main body 2 in the example shown in Figures 4-13 ) and a main recess 4c provided in the other of the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 (the cover member 4 in the example shown in Figures 4-13 ) and engaged with the main protrusion 2d. The cover member 4 can move with respect to the case main body 2 and the locking member 5 in a manner that the main protrusion 2d and the main recess 4c are rotated as centers. Note that in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 4-13 , the main recess 4c is a hole provided in the cover member 4.

[0059] In the above-described embodiments, the cover member 4 can move with respect to the case main body 2 and the locking member 5 in a manner that the main protrusion 2d and the main recess 4c are rotated as centers, so that the cover member 4 can be easily slid with respect to the case main body 2 and the locking member 5, for example, by operation with one hand.

[0060] Note that in this embodiment, the sliding direction of the lid member 4 with respect to the case main body 2 is the same as the rotation direction of the lid member 4 centered on the main protrusion 2d and the main recess 4c, and the lid member 4 moves on a circular arc-shaped track. Note that this sliding direction (rotation direction) is a direction along the second direction (a direction along the width direction of the case main body 2).

[0061] In several embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 1-13 The one of the case main body 2 and the lid member 4 that engages with the lock member 5 includes a movement restriction portion 4b for restricting movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction (a direction along the second direction) from the other one of the case main body 2 and the lid member 4 toward the one in the non-engaged state.

[0062] In Figures 1-13 the illustrative embodiment, the lid member 4 includes the above-described movement restriction portion 4b configured to restrict movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction (a direction along the second direction) from the case main body 2 toward the lid member 4 in the non-engaged state.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the movement restriction portion 4b for restricting movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction in the non-engaged state is provided, and thus movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction in the non-engaged state can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to suppress hindering of the sliding movement of the lid member 4 with respect to the case main body 2 due to unintentional movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction.

[0064] In Figures 1-13 the illustrative embodiment, the movement restriction portion 4b has an abutment surface 4l extending along the sliding direction and capable of abutting the front end surface 5h of the protrusion 5a of the lock member 5 in the non-engaged state.

[0065] In this case, the movement of the lock member 5 in the intersecting direction (a direction along the second direction) in the non-engaged state is restricted by the abutment of the front end surface 5h of the protrusion 5a of the lock member 5 and the abutment surface 41 of the movement restriction portion 4b.

[0066] In Figures 4-13 the illustrative embodiment, the abutment surface 41 of the movement restriction portion 4b includes the second side surface 4k of the protrusion 4h of the back side lid portion 4e.

[0067] According to the above-described embodiment, with the simple structure in which the protrusion 4h is provided on the lid member 4, the first side surface 4i of the protrusion 4h can be used to form the engagement groove 4a, and in addition, the second side surface 4k of the protrusion 4h can be used to form the abutment surface 4l of the movement restriction portion 4b.

[0068] In Figures 4-13 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the second side surface 4k described above has a circular arc shape. Thus, in the non-engaged state, movement of the locking member 5 in a direction intersecting the main convex portion 2d and the main concave portion 4c, that is, in a direction along the second direction, with respect to the cover member 4, which rotates together with the cartridge main body 2, can be appropriately restricted.

[0069] In several embodiments, for example as Figure 12 shown, the replacement cartridge 1 is provided with a rib 2p that protrudes from an inner wall surface 2q of the cartridge main body 2 and extends along the first direction (the length direction of the cartridge main body 2).

[0070] According to the embodiments described above, the rib 2p that protrudes from the inner wall surface 2q of the cartridge main body 2 and extends along the first direction (the direction connecting the replacement lead take-out port 2a and the bottom portion 2c) is provided, and thus the plurality of automatic pencil replacement leads 3 housed in the cartridge main body 2 can be divided into groups of a smaller number of replacement leads 3 by the rib 2p. Thus, as Figure 13 shown, in a state in which the replacement lead take-out port 2a of the cartridge main body 2 is open, it is easy to take out the smaller number of replacement leads 3.

[0071] Note that by appropriately setting the position at which the rib 2p is provided (for example, the distance of the side wall portion 2s from the rib 2p), the number of replacement leads 3 that are sorted out can be adjusted. For example, by setting the distance of the side wall portion 2s from the rib 2p to be more than one time and less than two times the thickness of one replacement lead 3, it is easy to sort out only one replacement lead.

[0072] In several embodiments, for example as Figures 1-13 shown, the automatic pencil replacement cartridge 1 is composed of only three components, which are a component including the cartridge main body 2, a component including the cover member 4, and a component including the locking member 5.

[0073] In this case, the automatic pencil replacement cartridge described above is composed of a small number of components, and thus it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost, and more reliably maintain a state in which the replacement lead take-out port is closed, and it is possible to achieve a structure in which the engaged state and the non-engaged state of the locking member 5 can be easily switched.

[0074] Hereinafter, the automatic pencil replacement cartridge of several embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0075] The refill cartridge case for a mechanical pencil according to several embodiments of the present application is composed of at least a bottomed cylindrical case main body that houses a refill for a mechanical pencil, and a cover member that can seal a refill extraction port of the case main body, and a locking mechanism is formed in at least one of the cover member and the case main body, which maintains the closed state of the case main body by restricting the relative sliding of the case main body and the cover member by operating the position displacement of the locking mechanism that comes into contact with the engagement groove (locking hole portion) of the other party. In addition, there is a locking mechanism engagement unit in which the locking mechanism becomes a non-locked state in a state in which the refill for a mechanical pencil is exposed outside the refill extraction port opening.

[0076] The shapes of the case main body and the cover member are preferably both flat box types so as to facilitate sliding of both for opening and closing operations and easy finger operation, but can also be cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, cross-sectional triangular box, cross-sectional quadrilateral box, cross-sectional polygonal box types within the scope of the advantages of the present application such as ease of operation and ease of manufacture.

[0077] The sliding of the case main body and the cover member accompanying the opening and closing operation can be linear parallel movement, serpentine movement, or a structure in which the main coupling portion is the center of rotation for a fan-like action, double cylinder, or the like, or rotating thread movement.

[0078] In the case of being configured to slide fan-like with the main coupling portion as the center of rotation, the main coupling portion that becomes the fulcrum for the fan-like rotation of the case main body and the cover member can be configured such that a protrusion is formed in one of the case main body and the cover member and a recess or hole into which the protrusion is inserted is formed in the other, or a grommet member is inserted into a recess or hole formed in both.

[0079] The case main body is configured such that a refill extraction port is formed at a position that is closer to the inner bottom portion of the case main body than the full length of the housed refill for a mechanical pencil, and the end portion of the refill for a mechanical pencil is exposed in a state in which the refill extraction port is open.

[0080] The shape of the opening edge of the refill extraction port is appropriately rectangular, circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, other polygonal, and the like, and thus can also be a shape that is different from the outer shape of the case main body.

[0081] The cover member has a back cover portion (sliding back panel portion) with a flat inner surface between the sliding surfaces that slide relative to the case main body and the opening cover portion (cover portion) that covers the refill extraction port.

[0082] The surface of the case main body opposite to the back side cover portion of the cover member is also formed as a back side wall portion (back flat surface portion) that can slide. The shape is a flat surface, but as long as the case main body and the cover member slide relative to each other, for example, the surface can have a wave plate shape, a grid shape, or a concave-convex surface with a gap formed therebetween. However, it is considered that it is advantageous for the surfaces to be smooth in terms of manufacturing and driving.

[0083] By forming a protrusion in one of the cover member and the case main body and a fitting portion of the protrusion in the other, a mechanism that maintains the state in which the cover member closes the replacement lead take-out port can be provided. In addition, the frictional resistance of the opposing sliding surfaces can be adjusted regardless of the fitting of the concave-convex portions, and the operating position of the cover member can be maintained.

[0084] Alternatively, a component structure using an elastic member, a piston, a damper, or the like between the cover member and the case main body can also control the relative operation.

[0085] By providing a lock member that is arranged in the case main body so as to slide along the case main body and a fitting groove (lock hole portion) of a portion of the lock member that is fitted to the cover member, the size of the replacement lead case for a mechanical pencil as a whole can be changed by the locked state and the unlocked state, and the locked state and / or the unlocked state can be easily confirmed by visual observation.

[0086] Further, by the operation of sliding the lock member relative to the case main body, a display that indicates the locked state can be provided by a portion of the case main body being exposed or the like. Note that the display can be a character, a symbol, or the like, or a portion of the exposed surface can be cut out or a window can be provided so that the replacement lead for a mechanical pencil is exposed, and there is no particular limitation as long as the changed state can be recognized. In addition, the display content can be directly provided on the component as a concave-convex portion, or the roughness of the surface of the display portion can be appropriately changed or a character or a symbol can be displayed by transfer printing, painting, or the like.

[0087] The replacement lead case for a mechanical pencil according to the several embodiments of the present application can prevent the erroneous operation of the locking operation (inhibit the driving of the lock member in the unlocked state) by providing a lock mechanism fitting unit.

[0088] Further, the inhibition of the driving of the lock member in the unlocked state means that the lock member is prevented from interfering with the operation to become a state in which the cover member and the case main body are closed (a state in which the replacement lead for a mechanical pencil is not exposed), and damage or the like caused by the collision of unnecessary components can be suppressed.

[0089] The lock mechanism locking unit can also be configured to form a movement restriction portion (lock prevention wall) in the lid member, to prevent the lock member from being driven as a lock mechanism when the lock member comes into contact with the movement restriction portion (lock prevention wall), or to rotate the rack and pinion, worm gear using the force of the relative sliding action of the lid member and the case body, or to maintain the non-locked state of the lock member using a linkage mechanism like the legs of a folding machine, as long as it is a mechanism that can prevent the misoperation of the locking operation (inhibit the driving of the lock member in the non-locked state).

[0090] To make the formation range of the movement restriction portion (lock prevention wall) the entire area of the range where the lock mechanism is located, it is also possible to restrict the movement range of one of the lid member and the case body in which the lock member is disposed with respect to the other. For example, it is also possible to have barriers that restrict the maximum opening amount of the lid member or the case body on both sides.

[0091] The materials that constitute the case body, the lid member, and the lock member can use various synthetic resins such as acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS resin), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin), polycarbonate resin (PC resin), polystyrene resin (PS resin), polyoxymethylene (polyacetal) resin (POM resin), polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT resin), polypropylene resin (PP resin), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET resin), and the like.

[0092] In addition, in the case where the case body, the lid member, and the lock member are made of the same material, sometimes sliding failure caused by high affinity between materials and adhesion occurs, and it is preferable to make them members of different materials, or to apply a lubricant such as silicone oil, grease, or the like between them. Furthermore, the case body is preferably formed of a resin with high transparency such as acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS resin) or the like, so that the replacement lead for a mechanical pencil housed therein can be observed.

[0093] In addition, it can also be colored in a transparent color, a translucent color, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Furthermore, a metal can also be used in order to show a high-class feel, and the material is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the appearance surface can be made a glossy surface, a wrinkled surface, and a decoration such as printing can also be applied.

[0094] With regard to Figures 1-3 A replacement lead for a mechanical pencil case according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Note that Figures 1-3 Only the operation of the replacement lead for a mechanical pencil case 1 is indicated, and thus the mechanism required for sliding, the locking structure, and the like are omitted.

[0095] Hereinafter, the side of the replacement lead outlet 2a of the case body 2 will be referred to as the upward direction, the bottom side will be referred to as the bottom direction, the front side will be referred to as the front direction, the back side will be referred to as the back direction, and the side surface side will be referred to as the lateral direction.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1 , the automatic pencil refill case 1 has: a box-shaped bottomed cylindrical case main body 2 that houses an automatic pencil refill; a box-shaped lid member 4 that can close a refill outlet 2a of the case main body 2; and a convex-shaped lock member 5 that performs a lock operation.

[0097] The lock member 5 can slide in the upward direction and the bottom direction along a groove 2b of the case main body 2. In addition, the case main body 2 can relatively slide in the lateral direction with respect to the lid member 4 to expose the refill outlet of the case main body 2 by the sliding.

[0098] Figure 1 As shown in a state in which a locking hole portion 4a of the lid member 4 is inserted with a convex portion 5a of the lock member 5 (engagement state), the case main body 2 is locked with the convex portion 5a of the lock member 5 to become a state in which the case main body 2 cannot relatively slide in the lateral direction with respect to the lid member 4 (locked state).

[0099] As shown in Figure 2 , the lock member 5 is slid in the bottom direction along the groove 2b of the case main body 2, the convex portion 5a of the lock member 5 is pulled out from the locking hole portion 4a of the lid member 4, and thus the locked state is released (non-engagement state), the case main body 2 and the lid member 4 can relatively slide in the lateral direction, the refill outlet 2a of the case main body 2 becomes an open state, and the automatic pencil refill 3 is exposed to take out the automatic pencil refill 3 (see Figure 3 ). At this time, the movement restriction portion (lock prevention wall) 4b of the lid member 4 is positioned above the convex portion 5a of the lock member 5, and thus the movement of the lock member 5 in the upward direction is restricted and cannot move, and thus it is possible to prevent a misoperation of the lock operation (maintain the non-locked state).

[0100] An embodiment of the automatic pencil refill case will be described with reference to Figures 4-11 . Hereinafter, the side of the refill outlet 2a of the case main body 2 will be referred to as the upward direction, the side of the bottom 2c will be referred to as the bottom direction, the front side will be referred to as the front direction, and the back side will be referred to as the back direction.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4 , which is an exploded perspective view, and Figure 4 , which is an exploded perspective view as viewed from the back of Figure 5 , the automatic pencil refill case 1 has: a flat box-shaped bottomed cylindrical case main body 2 that houses an automatic pencil refill 3; a flat box-shaped lid member 4; and a lock member 5 that performs a lock operation.

[0102] A main protrusion 2d of the case main body 2 and a main recess (main coupling hole) 4c of the cover member 4 are formed in the bottom direction portion of the refill case 1 for the mechanical pencil, respectively, and the main coupling portion is formed by inserting and fitting the main protrusion 2d into the main recess (main coupling hole) 4c, whereby the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 can be relatively turned fan-like with the portion as the center.

[0103] Further, the lock member 5 has a flat plate-shaped base portion 5b, side plate portions (side wall portions) 5c, 5d, and a bottom wall portion 5e, and can be relatively slid to the upper direction and the bottom direction side with respect to the case main body 2 by covering and fitting the outer side of the case main body 2 with the side plate portions (side wall portions) 5c, 5d on both sides.

[0104] A groove 2x along the width direction of the case main body 2 is provided in the bottom portion 2c of the case main body 2. Thus, when the main protrusion 2d of the case main body 2 is inserted into the main recess 4c of the cover member 4, the case main body 2 can be flexed, and breakage of the case main body 2 can be suppressed.

[0105] Further, the main protrusion 2d of the case main body 2 includes a chamfered portion 2dd in which the thickness of the main protrusion 2d is tapered. Also, on the cover member 4, a groove 4m is provided which is recessed from the inner surface of the cover member 4 around the main recess 4c. Thus, the main protrusion 2d of the case main body 2 can be smoothly inserted into the main recess 4c of the cover member 4.

[0106] The case main body 2 has a refill outlet 2a formed in a rectangular shape at a position where the distance from the inner bottom portion 2e of the case main body 2 is shorter than the full length of the housed refill 3 for the mechanical pencil, and the end portion of the refill 3 for the mechanical pencil is exposed in the open state.

[0107] The length of the exposed end portion of the refill 3 for the mechanical pencil can also be adjusted by adjusting the distance of the refill outlet 2a from the inner bottom portion 2e of the case main body 2, but the length of the exposed end portion of the desired refill 3 for the mechanical pencil is preferably 1.8 mm or more and 12 mm or less in order to be able to visually pinch the desired number of refills with the fingertips and expose the end portions of the desired refills 3 for the mechanical pencil.

[0108] By having the refill outlet 2a and the inner bottom portion 2e in the same shape at a position in parallel, the length of the exposed end portion of the refill 3 for the mechanical pencil housed in the case main body 2 can be aligned, but in order to easily take out one or a small number of refills 3 for the mechanical pencil, the inner bottom portion 2e can be formed to be inclined or non-parallel with respect to the refill outlet 2a.

[0109] In the case where a large number (20 or more) of built-in refills 3 for the mechanical pencil are housed in the case main body 2 by forming ribs or the like in the case main body 2, the number can be located in different areas in the container, and the exposed refills 3 for the mechanical pencil can also be set to a specific small number (1 to 5).

[0110] The cover member 4 has an opening cover portion (cover portion) 4d that covers the refill outlet 2a, and a main recess portion (main coupling hole) 4c that becomes a main coupling portion with respect to the case main body 2, the inner surface of the portion between the two portions being a flat back cover portion (sliding back panel portion) 4e that opposes the back wall portion (back flat portion) 2f of the case main body 2.

[0111] Figure 6 、 Figure 7 The state in which the relative movement of the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 is locked is shown in FIG. 6.

[0112] The locking member 5 is disposed in a manner that covers the abdominal wall portion (abdominal portion) 2g of the case main body 2 on the opposite side of the back wall portion (back flat portion) 2f, and by sliding the locking member 5 with respect to the cover member 4, it is possible to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state, which will be described later.

[0113] By sliding the locking member 5 with respect to the cover member 4 to become a state in which the protrusion 5a of the locking member 5 is inserted into the engagement groove (lock hole portion) 4a of the cover member 4 (engaged state), the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 become a state in which they cannot move relatively. At this time, by fitting the fitting protrusion 2h formed in the case main body 2 with the fitting protrusion 5f formed in the locking member 5, it is possible to maintain the locked state.

[0114] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 The state in which the locking of the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 is released is shown in FIG. 7.

[0115] By sliding the locking member 5 with respect to the case main body 2 in the bottom direction to pull out the protrusion 5a of the locking member 5 from the engagement groove (lock hole portion) 4a of the cover member 4, the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 become a state in which they can move relatively (unlocked state). By moving the locking member 5, which is disposed in a manner that covers the abdominal wall portion (abdominal portion) 2g of the case main body 2 on the opposite side of the back wall portion (back flat portion) 2f, with respect to the case main body 2 in the bottom direction, the overall length of the refill case 1 for a mechanical pencil becomes longer, and thus it is possible to confirm the unlocked state by visual confirmation. In the unlocked state, by fitting the fitting protrusion 2h formed in the case main body 2 with the fitting protrusion 5f formed in the locking member 5, it is possible to maintain the unlocked state.

[0116] In addition, when the above-described locking member 5 is slid with respect to the case main body 2 in the bottom direction in order to be set to the unlocked state, the upper portion of the abdominal wall portion (abdominal portion) 2g of the case main body 2 is exposed, and a display portion 2i that indicates the unlocked state is formed in the exposed abdominal wall portion (abdominal portion) 2g to display the unlocked state.

[0117] In the locked state, the core protrusion preventing wall 5g protrudes upward from the replacement core taking outlet 2a, and therefore, in conjunction with the operation of sliding the locking member 5 in the bottom direction with respect to the case main body 2 in the lock release operation, the core protrusion preventing wall 5g formed in the locking member 5 also moves in conjunction, and descends to a position substantially the same as the top portion 2j of the case main body 2 or a position lower than the top portion 2j.

[0118] In addition, in the locked state, the core protrusion preventing wall 5g protrudes upward from the replacement core taking outlet 2a, and therefore functions as a baffle to prevent foreign matter from entering from the hole in the side surface of the replacement core case 1 for mechanical pencil, and in the unlocked state, in the open state, when the replacement core 3 for mechanical pencil is directly pinched with a finger from the replacement core taking outlet 2a and taken out, the replacement core 3 for mechanical pencil is not hindered from being taken out by the core protrusion preventing wall 5g. Note that the core protrusion preventing wall 5g can also be formed on the case main body 2 side.

[0119] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The state in which the replacement core taking outlet 2a of the case main body 2 is opened is shown in FIG. 8.

[0120] By relatively rotating the case main body 2 and the cover member 4 in a fan shape, the replacement core taking outlet 2a of the case main body 2 becomes in the open state, and the replacement core 3 for mechanical pencil is exposed to be taken out. At this time, the movement restricting portion (lock preventing wall) 4b of the cover member 4 is disposed above the locking member 5, and therefore the upward movement of the locking member 5 is restricted, and the unlocked state is maintained to prevent erroneous operation of the locking member 5.

[0121] The movement restricting portion (lock preventing wall) 4b is formed in a range that restricts the upward movement of the locking member 5 during the opening operation of the case main body 2.

[0122] In addition, by abutting the opening restricting wall 2k of the case main body 2 and the opening restricting rib 4f of the cover member 4 when the case main body 2 is relatively rotated and the cover member 4 in a fan shape, the movement range of the protruding portion 5a of the locking member 5 that moves together with the case main body 2 can be restricted within the range in which the movement restricting portion (lock preventing wall) 4b is formed in a manner disposed above the protruding portion 5a, and therefore the locking member 5 cannot move in the upward direction, and erroneous operation of the locking operation (the unlocked state is maintained) can be more reliably prevented. As shown in FIG. 9, the opening restricting wall 2k can also be formed by the inner surface of the recess 2o recessed from the surface of the back wall portion 2f. Figure 5 The opening restricting wall 2k can also be formed by the inner surface of the recess 2o recessed from the surface of the back wall portion 2f.

[0123] After the refill 3 for a mechanical pencil is replenished into the mechanical pencil, the case main body 2 is turned fan- wise with respect to the lid member 4 to close the refill taking-out port 2a, and by performing an operation of sliding the locking member 5 upward with respect to the case main body 2, the locked state of maintaining the refill taking-out port 2a closed is again established. At this time, by sliding the locking member 5 upward with respect to the case main body 2, the overall length of the refill case 1 for a mechanical pencil is restored, and thus the locked state can be easily confirmed by visual observation.

[0124] As shown in Figure 4 , the ventral wall portion 2g of the case main body 2 can also have a stepped portion 2l having a surface recessed from the surface of the ventral wall portion 2g at the end portion on the refill taking-out port 2a side. In this case, even if the opening lid portion 4d of the lid member 4 is deformed to become narrow after being formed, the gap between the opening lid portion 4d and the case main body 2 is easily maintained. Thus, the lid member 4 is easily smoothly slid with respect to the case main body 2.

[0125] As shown in Figure 5 , the dorsal wall portion 2f of the case main body 2 can also have a recessed portion 2n recessed from the surface of the dorsal wall portion 2f. The recessed portion 2n can also extend over the entire range of 1 / 2 or more of the length of the case main body 2 in the length direction of the case main body 2.

[0126] If the sliding operation of the lid member 4 with respect to the case main body 2 is repeated, scratches can sometimes occur on the surface of the dorsal wall portion 2f of the case main body 2 and the inner surface of the dorsal lid portion 4e of the lid member 4. In this regard, by providing the above-described recessed portion 2n, the contact area of the dorsal wall portion 2f and the dorsal lid portion 4e can be reduced, and thus the occurrence of the above-described scratches can be suppressed.

[0127] As shown in Figure 4 , the case main body 2 can also have a thinned portion 2y provided in a recessed manner from the ventral wall portion 2g or the dorsal wall portion 2f. The thinned portion 2y can also be provided at a position different from the portion in which the refill 3 is accommodated in the length direction of the case main body 2. In the example shown in Figure 4 , the thinned portion 2y is provided at a position closer to the bottom portion 2c than the inner bottom portion 2e (see Figure 7 ) in the length direction of the case main body 2. By providing such a thinned portion 2y, the wall thickness of the material such as resin is easily made uniform at the time of molding of the case main body 2, and shrinkage is easily prevented.

[0128] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the base 5b of the locking member 5 can also have a stepped portion 5k having a surface recessed from the inner side surface of the base 5b. By providing the stepped portion 5k, the thickness of the base 5b of the locking member 5 is made thinner, and thus the thickness of the cartridge body 2 can be easily increased. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the housing portion of the replacement core 3 of the cartridge body 2 can be increased, and the replacement core 3 can be easily put into the cartridge body 2. Therefore, when producing the replacement core cartridge 1, the occurrence of defects when putting the replacement core 3 into the cartridge body 2 can be suppressed.

[0129] The content described in each of the above embodiments is grasped, for example, as follows.

[0130] (1) The replacement core cartridge (1) for a mechanical pencil according to at least one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0131] a cartridge body (2) for housing a replacement core (3) for a mechanical pencil;

[0132] a cover member (4) capable of opening and occluding a replacement core outlet (2a) of the cartridge body by sliding with respect to the cartridge body; and

[0133] a locking member (5) configured to switch between a state of engaging with one of the cartridge body and the cover member and a state of not engaging with the one of the cartridge body and the cover member by moving with respect to the cartridge body and the cover member in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the cover member with respect to the cartridge body,

[0134] in the state of engaging, the cover member is configured to be maintained in a state of occluding the replacement core outlet and a state of not being able to slide with respect to the cartridge body.

[0135] According to the structure of the above (1), the replacement core cartridge for a mechanical pencil includes a cover member capable of opening and occluding a replacement core outlet of a cartridge body by sliding with respect to the cartridge body, and a locking member capable of engaging with one of the cartridge body and the cover member. Further, by moving the locking member in an intersecting direction, a state of engaging the locking member with the one of the cartridge body and the cover member and a state of not engaging the locking member with the one of the cartridge body and the cover member can be switched.

[0136] Therefore, by engaging the locking member with one of the cartridge body and the cover member, a state in which the replacement core outlet is occluded by the cover member and a state in which the cover member is maintained in a state of not being able to slide can be achieved (engaging state), and thus the state in which the replacement core outlet is closed can be more reliably maintained. Further, by moving the locking member in the intersecting direction, the aforementioned engaging state and the non-engaging state in which the cover member is able to slide with respect to the cartridge body can be easily switched.

[0137] (2) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (1),

[0138] The one of the cartridge body and the lid member includes a movement restriction portion (4b) for restricting movement of the locking member in the intersecting direction in the non-engagement state.

[0139] According to the structure of the above (2), the movement restriction portion for restricting movement of the locking member in the intersecting direction in the non-engagement state is provided, and thus movement of the locking member in the intersecting direction in the non-engagement state can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a case where sliding movement of the lid member with respect to the cartridge body is hindered due to unintentional movement of the locking member in the intersecting direction.

[0140] (3) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (1) or (2),

[0141] The locking member has a protrusion (5a) that protrudes in a direction from the other of the cartridge body and the lid member toward the one in the intersecting direction,

[0142] The one of the cartridge body and the lid member has an engagement groove (4a) into which the protrusion can be engaged,

[0143] The engagement state is a state where the protrusion is engaged with the engagement groove, and the non-engagement state is a state where the protrusion is not engaged with the engagement groove. The engagement state can also be a state where the protrusion is slightly gap-engaged with the engagement groove.

[0144] According to the structure of the above (3), the protrusion is provided to the locking member, and the engagement groove into which the protrusion of the locking member can be engaged is provided to the cartridge body or the lid member. Therefore, by moving the locking member in the intersecting direction, it is possible to engage the protrusion of the locking member with the engagement groove of the cartridge body or the lid member, or to release the engagement of the protrusion with the engagement groove. Thus, as described in the above (1), it is possible to more reliably maintain the state where the replacement cartridge outlet is closed, and it is possible to easily switch the engagement state and the non-engagement state of the locking member.

[0145] (4) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (3),

[0146] The one of the cartridge body and the lid member includes a movement restriction portion (4b) for restricting movement of the locking member in the intersecting direction in the non-engagement state,

[0147] The movement restriction portion includes an abutting surface (4l) that extends along the sliding direction and that is capable of abutting against a front end surface (5h) of the protrusion in the non-engaged state.

[0148] According to the structure of the above (4), the movement restriction portion has a surface (abutting surface) that extends along the sliding direction of the lid member with respect to the cartridge main body, and a front end surface of the protrusion of the lock member is capable of abutting against the abutting surface. Therefore, by the protrusion abutting against the abutting surface, movement of the lock member in the intersecting direction in the non-engaged state is prevented, and movement of the lid member in the sliding direction with respect to the cartridge main body is guided by the abutting surface.

[0149] (5) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (3) or (4),

[0150] The lid member has the engagement groove capable of engaging the protrusion of the lock member,

[0151] The cartridge main body includes:

[0152] a front side wall portion (2g) and a back side wall portion (2f) that respectively extend between the bottom portion (2c) of the cartridge main body and the replacement core taking-out opening and that are opposed to each other; and

[0153] a pair of side wall portions (2r, 2s) that connect the front side wall portion and the back side wall portion,

[0154] The lock member includes:

[0155] a base portion (5b) that is opposed to the front side wall portion of the cartridge main body; and

[0156] a pair of side plate portions (5c, 5d) that are respectively opposed to the pair of side wall portions of the cartridge main body,

[0157] One side (5d) of the pair of side plate portions includes the protrusion that protrudes from the base portion toward a direction from the bottom portion toward the replacement core taking-out opening.

[0158] According to the structure of the above (5), by providing the protrusion that protrudes from the base portion in the side plate portion of the lock member that is opposed to one side of the pair of side wall portions of the cartridge main body, as described in the above (3), the lock member is moved in the intersecting direction, so that the protrusion of the lock member is engaged with or disengaged from the engagement groove of the cartridge main body or the lid member.

[0159] (6) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (5),

[0160] The lid member includes:

[0161] An opening cover portion (4d) capable of covering the refill cartridge outlet; and

[0162] A back side cover portion (4e) opposed to the back side wall portion of the cartridge main body,

[0163] The engagement groove is formed at least partially by a first side surface (4i) of a protruding portion (4h) protruding from a surface of the back side cover portion opposite to the back side wall portion.

[0164] According to the structure of the above (6), by the simple structure in which the protruding portion protruding from the surface of the back side cover portion is provided to the cover member, the engagement groove can be formed using the first side surface of the protruding portion.

[0165] (7) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (6),

[0166] The cover member includes a movement restriction portion (4b) for restricting movement of the locking member in the cross direction in the non-engagement state,

[0167] The movement restriction portion has an abutting surface (4l) extending along the sliding direction, which can be abutted by a front end surface (5h) of the protruding portion in the non-engagement state,

[0168] The abutting surface includes a second side surface (4k) of the protruding portion of the back side cover portion.

[0169] According to the structure of the above (7), by the simple structure in which the protruding portion is provided to the cover member, the engagement groove can be formed using the first side surface of the protruding portion, and in addition, the abutting surface of the movement restriction portion can be formed using the second side surface of the protruding portion.

[0170] (8) In several embodiments, on the basis of any one of the structures of the above (1) to (7),

[0171] The cartridge main body is embedded in the locking member,

[0172] The cover member is movable relative to the cartridge main body and the locking member in the sliding direction.

[0173] According to the structure of the above (8), the cartridge main body is embedded in the locking member, and therefore, for example, by one-handed operation, the cover member can be easily slid relative to the cartridge main body and the locking member.

[0174] (9) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (8),

[0175] The refill cartridge case for the mechanical pencil is provided with:

[0176] a main protrusion (2d) provided to one of the case main body and the lid member; and

[0177] a main recess (4c) provided to the other of the case main body and the lid member and engaged with the main protrusion,

[0178] the lid member is movable relative to the case main body and the lock member in a manner that the main protrusion and the main recess are centered.

[0179] According to the structure of the above (9), the lid member is movable relative to the case main body and the lock member in a manner that the main protrusion and the main recess are centered, so that the lid member is easily slidable relative to the case main body and the lock member, for example, by a one-handed operation.

[0180] (10) In several embodiments, on the basis of any of the structures of the above (1) to (9),

[0181] the case main body has the replacement lead take-out port and the bottom portion provided to both end portions of the case main body in the first direction, respectively,

[0182] the replacement lead case for mechanical pencil is provided with a rib (2p) that protrudes from an inner wall surface (2q) of the case main body and extends along the first direction.

[0183] According to the structure of the above (10), the rib that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the case main body and extends along the first direction (i.e., a direction that links the replacement lead take-out port and the bottom portion) is provided, so that the replacement leads housed in the case main body can be divided by the rib into groups of a smaller number of replacement leads. Thus, in a state where the replacement lead take-out port of the case main body is opened, a small number of replacement leads can be easily taken out.

[0184] (11) The replacement lead case for mechanical pencil of at least one embodiment of the present application is composed of at least a bottomed cylindrical case main body that houses replacement leads for mechanical pencils, and a lid member that can seal a replacement lead take-out port,

[0185] the case main body forms the replacement lead take-out port at a position where a distance from an inner bottom portion of the case main body to the replacement lead take-out port is shorter than a total length of the replacement lead for mechanical pencil housed therein, and an end portion of the replacement lead for mechanical pencil is exposed in an open state,

[0186] the lid member has a back lid portion (sliding back panel portion) whose inner surface is planar, and

[0187] a slidable back wall portion (back planar portion) is formed on a surface of the case main body that opposes the back lid portion (sliding back panel portion) of the lid member,

[0188] By sliding the opposite side outer portion of the back side wall portion (back flat portion) of the cartridge main body (abdominal portion) against the outer surface of the back side cover portion (sliding back panel portion) of the cover member, the replacement lead take-out opening can be opened and closed,

[0189] wherein

[0190] A locking mechanism is formed in at least one of the cover member and the cartridge main body, and the locking mechanism restricts relative sliding of the cartridge main body and the cover member by displacing a position where the locking mechanism is brought into engagement with a fitting groove (lock hole portion) of the other, thereby maintaining a sealed state of the replacement lead take-out opening.

[0191] (12) In several embodiments, on the basis of the structure of the above (11),

[0192] The replacement lead cartridge for a mechanical pencil is provided with a locking mechanism engaging unit that maintains the locking mechanism in a non-locked state in a state where the replacement lead take-out opening is opened and the replacement lead for a mechanical pencil is exposed.

[0193] The above describes embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modes in which the above-described embodiments are modified, and modes obtained by appropriately combining these modes.

[0194] In the present specification, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric", or "coaxial" indicate not only such arrangement in a strict sense, but also a state in which there is a tolerance, or a relative displacement in an angle, a distance, or the like to the extent that the same function is obtained.

[0195] For example, expressions indicating a state in which things are equal such as "same", "equal", and "homogeneous" indicate not only a state in which they are strictly equal, but also a state in which there is a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained.

[0196] In addition, in the present specification, expressions indicating shapes such as quadrangular shape, cylindrical shape, and the like indicate not only shapes in a strict sense of geometry such as quadrangular shape, cylindrical shape, and the like, but also shapes including concave-convex portions, chamfered portions, and the like to the extent that the same effect is obtained.

[0197] In addition, in the present specification, expressions such as "provided with", "including", or "having" one component are not exclusive expressions.

[0198] Explanation of Reference Signs:

[0199] 1 Replacement lead cartridge for a mechanical pencil

[0200] 2 Cartridge main body

[0201] 2a replacement core take-out port

[0202] 2b slot

[0203] 2c bottom

[0204] 2d main convex portion

[0205] 2dd chamfered portion

[0206] 2e inner bottom

[0207] 2f back side wall portion (back plane portion)

[0208] 2g abdominal side wall portion (abdominal portion)

[0209] 2h fitting protrusion

[0210] 2i display portion

[0211] 2j top portion

[0212] 2k opening limiting wall

[0213] 2l step portion

[0214] 2m recessed portion

[0215] 2n recessed portion

[0216] 2o recessed portion

[0217] 2p rib

[0218] 2q inner wall surface

[0219] 2r side wall portion

[0220] 2s side wall portion

[0221] 2t convex portion

[0222] 2u convex portion

[0223] 2v convex portion

[0224] 2w convex portion

[0225] 2x slot

[0226] 2y thinned portion

[0227] 2z recessed portion

[0228] 3 replacement core for a mechanical pencil

[0229] 4 cover member

[0230] 4a engagement slot (lock hole portion)

[0231] 4b movement limiting portion (lock preventing wall)

[0232] 4c Main recess (main coupling hole)

[0233] 4d Opening cover portion (cover portion)

[0234] 4e Back cover portion (sliding back panel portion)

[0235] 4f Opening restricting rib

[0236] 4h Protrusion

[0237] 4i First side surface

[0238] 4j Side wall portion

[0239] 4k Second side surface

[0240] 4l Abutting surface

[0241] 4m Slot

[0242] 5 Locking member

[0243] 5a Protrusion

[0244] 5b Base

[0245] 5c Side plate portion (side wall portion)

[0246] 5d Side plate portion (side wall portion)

[0247] 5e Bottom wall portion

[0248] 5f Engaging protrusion

[0249] 5g Core protrusion preventing wall

[0250] 5h Front end surface

[0251] 5i Protrusion

[0252] 5j Protrusion

[0253] 5k Concave portion

Claims

1. A replacement lead box for mechanical pencils, wherein, The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge includes: The main body of the box is used to hold replacement leads for mechanical pencils; A cover member that slides relative to the box body, thereby enabling the replacement core outlet of the box body to be opened and closed; as well as The locking member is configured to switch between an engaged state (engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) and a non-engaged state (not engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) by moving relative to the box body and the lid member in an intersecting direction that intersects the sliding direction of the lid member relative to the box body. In the engaged state, the cover member is configured to remain in a state that blocks the replacement core extraction port and cannot slide relative to the box body. One of the box body and the cover member includes a movement restriction portion for restricting the movement of the locking member in the cross direction in the non-engaged state.

2. A replacement lead box for mechanical pencils, wherein, The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge includes: The main body of the box is used to hold replacement leads for mechanical pencils; A cover member that slides relative to the box body, thereby enabling the replacement core outlet of the box body to be opened and closed; as well as The locking member is configured to switch between an engaged state (engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) and a non-engaged state (not engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) by moving relative to the box body and the lid member in an intersecting direction that intersects the sliding direction of the lid member relative to the box body. In the engaged state, the cover member is configured to remain in a state that blocks the replacement core extraction port and cannot slide relative to the box body. The locking member has a protrusion that projects in the intersecting direction from one of the box body and the cover member toward the other. One of the box body and the cover member has an engagement groove for engaging the protrusion. The engaged state is the state in which the protrusion engages with the engaging groove, and the non-engaged state is the state in which the protrusion is not engaged with the engaging groove.

3. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, One of the box body and the lid member includes a movement limiting part for restricting the movement of the locking member in the cross direction when it is not engaged. The movement restriction part includes an abutment surface that extends along the sliding direction and is able to be abutted by the front end surface of the protrusion in the non-engaged state.

4. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The cover member has an engagement groove that allows the protrusion of the locking member to engage. The box body includes: The ventral sidewall and the dorsal sidewall extend between the bottom of the box body and the replacement core outlet, respectively, and are opposite to each other; and A pair of sidewall portions that connect the ventral sidewall portion and the dorsal sidewall portion. The locking component includes: The base, which is opposite to the ventral sidewall portion of the box body; and A pair of side panels, which are respectively opposite to the pair of sidewalls of the box body. One of the pair of side plates includes the protrusion that protrudes from the base toward the replacement core outlet from the bottom.

5. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to claim 4, wherein, The cover component includes: An opening cover that covers the replacement core extraction port; and The back cover portion is opposite to the back side wall portion of the main body of the box. The engaging groove is at least partially formed by a first side of a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of the back cover that is opposite to the back wall.

6. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to claim 5, wherein, The cover member includes a movement limiting part for limiting the movement of the locking member in the cross direction when it is not engaged. The movement limiting part has an abutment surface that extends along the sliding direction, allowing the front end face of the protrusion in the non-engaged state to abut against it. The contact surface includes the second side of the protrusion of the back cover.

7. A replacement lead box for mechanical pencils, wherein, The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge includes: The main body of the box is used to hold replacement leads for mechanical pencils; A cover member that slides relative to the box body, thereby enabling the replacement core outlet of the box body to be opened and closed; as well as The locking member is configured to switch between an engaged state (engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) and a non-engaged state (not engaged with one of the box body and the lid member) by moving relative to the box body and the lid member in an intersecting direction that intersects the sliding direction of the lid member relative to the box body. In the engaged state, the cover member is configured to remain in a state that blocks the replacement core extraction port and cannot slide relative to the box body. The box body is embedded with the locking component. The cover member is movable relative to the box body and the locking member along the sliding direction.

8. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to claim 7, wherein, The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge includes: A main protrusion is provided on one of the box body and the cover member; and A main recess is provided on the other side of the box body and the cover member, and is engaged with the main protrusion. The cover member is movable relative to the box body and the locking member in a manner that allows it to rotate with the main protrusion and the main recess as the center.

9. The mechanical pencil lead replacement cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, wherein, The box body has a replacement core retrieval port and a bottom respectively disposed at both ends of the box body in a first direction. The mechanical pencil lead cartridge has ribs that protrude from the inner wall of the cartridge body and extend along the first direction.

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