Ink supplying container for ink writing utensil

Abstract

To provide an ink supplying container for ink writing utensil which can maintain a liquid level of ink at a predetermined position even in the case where the pressure inside the container relatively increases caused by the change of the outside atmospheric pressure, temperature and the like.SOLUTION: An ink supplying container includes: a cylindrical ink container; an intermediate cylinder vertically movable in the container; and a cap provided in the intermediate cylinder so as to be removed. In a state where the cap is mounted on the intermediate cylinder, the cap closes the intermediate cylinder in an air-tight manner, and a first seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and a first seal outer peripheral edge of the intermediate cylinder come into contact with each other in an air-tight manner. When the cap is raised from the ink container, the intermediate cylinder is raised together until the rise height reaches first height, the air tightness between the first seal inner peripheral edge and the first seal outer peripheral edge is released, and when the rise height reaches the first height, a second seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and a second seal outer peripheral edge of the intermediate cylinder come into contact with each other in an air-tight manner. When the cap is further raised beyond the first height, the cap is removed from the intermediate cylinder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink refill container for an ink writing instrument.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refillable marker pen device that can easily and surely attach a marker pen to a marker pen ink refill device and hold it in a predetermined position, and can preferably prevent evaporation of the ink in the marker pen ink refill device.

[0003] In the device of Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 23 (FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1), when the liquid level of the ink (24) in the auxiliary storage chamber (10) decreases due to ink refill and tries to fall below the upper surface (29) of the intermediate storage chamber (11), a part of the air in the upper part of the auxiliary storage chamber (10) moves into the main storage chamber (9) through the intermediate storage chamber (11). Due to the pressure balance between the air (30) in the upper part of the main storage chamber (9) and the air (31) above the auxiliary storage chamber (10), the liquid level of the ink (32) in the main storage chamber (9) decreases and the liquid level of the ink (24) in the auxiliary storage chamber (10) rises. Therefore, the liquid level of the ink (24) in the auxiliary storage chamber (10) is always kept substantially constant (paragraph 0031 of Patent Document 1). ("Ink" is synonymous with "ink".)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the closed state of the pen tip insertion hole is released while the pressure in the main storage chamber (9) relatively increases due to changes in external atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc., the liquid level of the ink (24) in the auxiliary storage chamber (10) rises above the predetermined position, and there is a risk that the ink will adhere to the outer surface of the pen tip side of the writing instrument body when the ink is replenished (there is a risk that the outer surface of the writing instrument body will be soiled with the ink).

[0006] This principle will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 24(a), if there is no relative pressure increase in the container, the liquid level of the ink is maintained at the predetermined position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24(b), if a relative pressure increase occurs in the container, the liquid level of the ink rises above the predetermined position.

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the above background, and its object is to maintain the liquid level of the ink at a predetermined position even when the pressure in the container relatively increases due to changes in external atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc., and thus to provide an ink replenishing container for a writing instrument that can prevent the writing instrument from being undesirably soiled with ink.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention comprises a cylindrical ink container, an inner cylinder that is vertically movable within the ink container, and a cap that is removably provided within the inner cylinder. In a state where the cap is attached to the inner cylinder, the cap is configured to airtightly close the inner cylinder. In a state where the cap is attached to the inner cylinder, the first seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the first seal outer peripheral edge of the inner cylinder are configured to airtightly contact each other. When the cap is lifted from the ink container, the inner cylinder is also lifted together until the lifting height reaches a first height, and the airtightness between the first seal inner peripheral edge and the first seal outer peripheral edge is released. When the lifting height reaches the first height, the second seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the second seal outer peripheral edge of the inner cylinder are configured to airtightly contact each other. When the cap is further lifted beyond the first height, the cap is configured to be removed from the inner cylinder. The ink refill container is characterized by the above.

[0009] According to the present invention, in the process of lifting and removing the cap from the ink container, there is a state in which the airtightness between the first seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the first seal outer peripheral edge of the inner cylinder is released. Thus, even if the pressure of the air inside the ink container has relatively increased due to changes in external atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc., such pressurized air can be released outside the ink container, the liquid level of the ink can be maintained at a predetermined position, and ultimately, the ink writing instrument can be prevented from being undesirably soiled with ink. Further, in a state where the cap is removed, since the second seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the second seal outer peripheral edge of the inner cylinder are airtightly in contact, ink does not flow into the inside of the inner cylinder. Also, even if the ink container is tilted, the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed.

[0010] Also, in the present invention, when the removed cap is attached to the middle cylinder again, when the rising height reaches the first height, the inner peripheral edge of the second seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the second seal of the middle cylinder are in airtight contact, and when the cap is inserted lower than the first height with respect to the ink container, the middle cylinder is also inserted into the ink container together, and the airtightness between the inner peripheral edge of the second seal and the outer peripheral edge of the second seal is released. In a state where the cap is completely attached to the middle cylinder again, the inner peripheral edge of the first seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the first seal of the middle cylinder are in airtight contact, and the cap closes the middle cylinder airtightly.

[0011] According to this feature, it can be reversibly restored to a state where the cap is attached to the middle cylinder.

[0012] Also, in the present invention, the middle cylinder has a notch that opens laterally, and the ink container has a through hole that can communicate with the notch when aligned with the notch, and a cover element having a blocking wall that can block the notch when aligned with the notch (it is not necessary to be airtight, and a small clearance is sufficient. However, the notch may be blocked in an airtight state). In a state where the inner peripheral edge of the first seal and the outer peripheral edge of the first seal are in airtight contact, the notch and the through hole are aligned, and in a state where the inner peripheral edge of the second seal and the outer peripheral edge of the second seal are in airtight contact, it is preferable that the notch and the blocking wall are aligned.

[0013] According to this feature, in a state where the cap is removed (in a state where the inner peripheral edge of the second seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the second seal of the middle cylinder are in airtight contact), since the notch and the blocking wall are aligned and the blocking wall blocks the notch, the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed even if the ink container is tilted.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the middle cylinder has a flange portion that spreads outward in the upper portion.

[0015] According to this feature, when the airtightness between the inner peripheral edge of the first seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the first seal of the middle cylinder is released and the pressurized air is released to the outside of the ink container, it is possible to prevent the ink from splashing around.

[0016] Further, in the present invention, the cap has a tip cylinder portion that contacts the ink in the ink container, and a connection cylinder portion that is located above the tip cylinder portion and has a larger diameter than the tip cylinder portion. It is preferable that a groove is provided around the tip cylinder portion on the end surface of the connection cylinder portion on the tip cylinder portion side.

[0017] According to this feature, when the cap removed from the middle cylinder is placed upside down, by accumulating the ink in the groove, it is possible to effectively prevent the ink adhering to the tip cylinder portion from dripping along the connection cylinder portion (if the ink adheres to the connection cylinder portion and is returned to the middle cylinder, the ink will adhere to the inner surface of the middle cylinder, and there is a risk of soiling the writing instrument during subsequent ink replenishment).

[0018] Further, the present invention is an ink writing instrument system including an ink replenishment container having any of the above features and an ink writing instrument removably inserted into the middle cylinder.

[0019] In this case, in a state where the ink writing instrument is inserted into the middle cylinder, it is preferable that the ink writing instrument closes the middle cylinder airtightly. According to this feature, evaporation of the ink during replenishment can be suppressed. Also, ink leakage can be prevented even if the ink container is tilted.

[0020] Also, in this case, it is preferable that only a part of the pen tip of the ink writing instrument is immersed in the ink when the ink writing instrument is inserted into the middle cylinder. If the entire pen tip of the ink writing instrument is immersed in the ink, "dripping" may occur, which may stain the inner surface of the middle cylinder or the ink writing instrument.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, in the process of raising and removing the cap from the ink container, there exists a state in which the airtightness between the inner peripheral edge of the first seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the first seal of the middle cylinder is released. Thereby, even when the pressure of the air in the ink container has relatively increased due to changes in external atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc., such pressurized air can be released outside the ink container, the liquid level of the ink can be maintained at a predetermined position, and thus it is possible to prevent the ink writing instrument from being undesirably stained with ink. Further, in a state where the cap is removed, since the inner peripheral edge of the second seal of the ink container and the outer peripheral edge of the second seal of the middle cylinder are in airtight contact, ink does not flow into the inside of the middle cylinder. Also, even if the ink container is tilted, the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink replenishing container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the ink replenishing container 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. Further, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ink replenishing container 1 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the ink replenishing container 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 5.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the ink replenishing container 1 of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical (an example of a tubular shape) ink container 20, a middle cylinder 30 that is vertically movable within the ink container 20, and a cap 10 that is removably provided within the middle cylinder 30.

[0025] The cap 10 includes a tip cylinder portion 11 that contacts the ink within the ink container 20, a first connection cylinder portion 12 that is located above the tip cylinder portion 11 and has a larger diameter than the tip cylinder portion 11, a press-fitting outer peripheral edge 17 that is located above the first connection cylinder portion 12 and is press-fitted into an inner peripheral edge 36 (described later) for press-fitting of the middle cylinder 30, a second connection cylinder portion 13 that is located above the first connection cylinder portion 12 and has a larger diameter than the first connection cylinder portion 12, and a third connection cylinder portion 14 that is located above the second connection cylinder portion 13 and has a larger diameter than the second connection cylinder portion 13. Each of the tip cylinder portion 11 and the first to third connection cylinder portions 12, 13, 14 is easier to manufacture when hollow, but it is not necessary to be hollow and may be in a solid state with the interior filled. The third connection cylinder portion 14 is connected to the inner peripheral end of an annular upper end surface 15, and a female screw cylinder portion 16 hangs down from the outer peripheral end of the annular upper end surface 15.

[0026] Particularly referring to FIG. 6, a groove 12g is provided on the end surface of the first connection cylinder portion 12 on the tip cylinder portion 11 side, around the tip cylinder portion 11.

[0027] As an example of dimensions, the length of the tip cylinder portion 11 is 10.7 mm, the diameter is 7.5 mm, the length of the first connection cylinder portion 12 is 7.6 mm, the diameter is 11.2 mm, the length of the second connection cylinder portion 13 is 22.5 mm, the diameter is 15.4 mm, the length of the third connection cylinder portion 14 is 9 mm, the diameter is 20 mm, the length of the female screw cylinder portion 16 is 17 mm, the diameter is 37.5 mm, the radial width of the groove 12g is 1 mm, and the depth is 3 mm.

[0028] The middle cylinder 30 has a shape that accommodates the tip cylinder portion 11, the first connecting cylinder portion 12, and the second connecting cylinder portion 13 of the cap 10.

[0029] In particular, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a pair of notches 30c that open to both sides are provided at a position further below the portion of the middle cylinder 30 that accommodates the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10.

[0030] Also, at the upper end of the middle cylinder 30, a flange portion 30f that spreads outward is provided.

[0031] Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the middle cylinder 30, there are provided a stopper outer peripheral edge 34 that defines the movement limit with respect to the ink container 20 described later, a first seal outer peripheral edge 31 that can be in airtight contact with the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 of the ink container 20 described later, and a second seal outer peripheral edge 32 that can be in airtight contact with the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 of the ink container 20 described later.

[0032] On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the middle cylinder 30, there are provided a seal inner peripheral edge 33 that can be in airtight contact with the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10 and can also be in airtight contact with the outer surface of the tip cylinder portion 64 of the ink writing instrument 60 described later, a step portion 35 against which the shoulder portion 61 of the ink writing instrument 60 described later abuts, a press-fitting inner peripheral edge 36 into which the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 of the ink writing instrument 60 described later and the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 17 of the cap 10 are press-fitted, and a step portion 37 close to the tapered portion 63 of the ink writing instrument 60 described later.

[0033] As for the dimensional examples, with reference to the upper end of the middle cylinder 30 (corresponding to the upper end of the second connection cylinder portion 13 of the cap 10 when the cap 10 is attached (see FIG. 3)), the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper has an outer diameter of 24.9 mm at a position 8 mm below, the outer peripheral edge 31 of the first seal has an outer diameter of 30 mm at a position 10.6 mm below, the outer peripheral edge 32 of the second seal has an outer diameter of 20.6 mm at a position 19.3 mm below, the inner peripheral edge 33 of the seal has an inner diameter of 7.4 mm at a position 33.3 mm below, the stepped portion 35 has an inner diameter of 12.2 mm at a position 22 mm below, the inner peripheral edge 36 for press-fitting has an inner diameter of 11.3 mm at a position 25.8 mm below, and the stepped portion 37 has an inner diameter of 7.7 mm at a position 30.3 mm below. Further, a notch 30c is formed, and the diameter of the lower cylinder portion of the middle cylinder 30 that houses the lower region of the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10 is 7.7 mm, the height of the notch 30c is 4.5 mm, the circumferential length is 9.2 mm, and the overhanging radius of the flange portion 30f is 2.8 mm.

[0034] The ink container 20 has a cylindrical upper container 21, a bottomed cylindrical lower container 22, and a bottomed cylindrical cover element 23.

[0035] More specifically, the lower container 22 is a bottomed cylindrical container, a circular hole 22c is provided at the center inside, and the bottom surface is a tapered surface 22t toward the circular hole 22c.

[0036] As for the dimensional examples, the lower container 22 has an inner diameter of 33 mm, an outer diameter of 35 mm, a height of 38.3 mm, a diameter of the circular hole 22c of 11.8 mm, a depth of 3 mm, and a depth formed by the tapered surface 22t of 2 mm.

[0037] The cover element 23 is a bottomed small cylindrical shape and has a through hole 23c that can communicate with the notch 30c when aligned with the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30, and a blocking wall 23w that can block the notch when aligned with the notch 30c.

[0038] As a dimensional example, the cover element 23 has an inner diameter of 10.2 mm, an outer diameter of 11.9 mm, and a height of 13 mm, and the through hole 23c is formed in a region with a height of 4 mm to 5 mm.

[0039] The upper container 21 is substantially cylindrical, and on its outer peripheral surface, a male screw 46 that engages with the female screw cylinder portion 16 of the cap 10 so that the cap 10 can be raised and lowered is formed.

[0040] On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the upper container 21, a stopper inner peripheral edge 44 that defines the movement limit of the middle cylinder 30, a first seal inner peripheral edge 41 that can be in airtight contact with the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 of the middle cylinder 30, and a second seal inner peripheral edge 42 that can be in airtight contact with the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 of the middle cylinder 30 are provided.

[0041] As a dimensional example, the height of the upper container 21 is 23.5 mm. Based on the upper end of the upper container 21, the stopper inner peripheral edge 44 has an inner diameter of 24.6 mm at a position 10 mm below, the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 has an inner diameter of 20.9 mm at a position 18 mm below, and the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 has an inner diameter of 20.5 mm at a position 21.5 mm below.

[0042] (Function: Transition of airtight contact relationship) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in a state where the cap 10 is attached to the middle cylinder 30, the cap 10 is configured to airtightly close the middle cylinder 30. Specifically, an airtight contact S3 is formed between the outer surface of the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10 and the seal inner peripheral edge 33 of the middle cylinder 30.

[0043] Also, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in a state where the cap 10 is attached to the middle cylinder 30, an airtight contact S1 is formed between the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 of the upper container 21 of the ink container 20 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 of the middle cylinder 30.

[0044] Also, in this state, the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30 is aligned (communicates with each other) with the through hole 23c of the cover element 23 of the ink container 20 (see FIG. 21 described later).

[0045] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the ink refill container during the upward movement of the cap 10, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the ink refill container when the cap 10 has risen to the first height (5.3 mm in this embodiment), FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a front view showing the ink refill container after removing the cap 10, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the ink refill container after starting the attachment of the ink writing instrument 60, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a front view showing the ink refill container during the ink refill of the ink writing instrument 60, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G of FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a front view showing the ink refill container after starting the removal of the ink writing instrument 60, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a front view showing the ink refill container after starting the attachment of the cap 10, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 19.

[0047] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state where the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30 and the through hole 23c of the ink container 20 are aligned, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state where the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30 and the blocking wall 23w of the ink container 20 are aligned.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the user raises the cap 10 with respect to the ink container 20 while turning the cap 10 (until the rising height reaches the first height (5.3 mm in this embodiment)), the middle cylinder 30 is also raised together while maintaining the airtight contact S3, and as a result, the airtight contact S1 between the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 is released.

[0049] Thus, even when the pressure of the air inside the ink container 20 has relatively increased due to changes in external atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc., such pressurized air can be released outside the ink container 20, the liquid level of the ink can be maintained at a predetermined position, and ultimately, it is possible to prevent the ink writing instrument 60 (see FIGS. 14 and the like described later) from being undesirably soiled with ink.

[0050] In addition, since the middle cylinder 30 of the present embodiment has a flange portion 30f that spreads outward in the upper portion, when the airtightness between the inner peripheral edge 41 of the first seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 31 of the first seal of the middle cylinder 30 is released and the pressurized air is released outside the ink container 20, it is possible to prevent the ink from splashing around.

[0051] Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the user further rotates the cap 10 and raises the cap 10 further with respect to the ink container 20, when the rising height reaches the first height, an airtight contact S2 is formed between the inner peripheral edge 42 of the second seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 32 of the second seal of the middle cylinder 30.

[0052] Also, in this state, the inner peripheral edge 44 of the stopper of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper of the middle cylinder 30 are in contact with each other, and further rising of the middle cylinder 30 with respect to the ink container 20 is restricted.

[0053] Also, in this state, the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30 is aligned with the blocking wall 23w of the cover element 23 of the ink container 20.

[0054] Also, even in this state, the airtight contact S3 between the outer surface of the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10 and the inner peripheral edge 33 of the seal of the middle cylinder 30 is still maintained.

[0055] Next, when the user further raises the cap 10 while turning the cap 10, the cap 10 separates from the middle cylinder 30 and continues to rise independently (since the rise of the middle cylinder 30 is restricted by the inner peripheral edge 44 of the stopper and the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper). The screwing engagement between the female screw cylinder portion 16 of the cap 10 and the male screw 46 of the ink container 20 is released, and the cap 10 is removed. This state is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0056] In order to realize the above-described operation, in the present embodiment, the fitting force between the inner peripheral edge 44 of the stopper and the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper > the fitting force of the airtight contact S3 (= the fitting force of the airtight contact S4 described later) > the fitting force of the airtight contact S1 = the fitting force of the airtight contact S2, and this relationship holds.

[0057] Also, in the state of FIGS. 11 and 12, the notch 30c of the middle cylinder 30 is aligned with the blocking wall 23w of the cover element 23 of the ink container 20 and is blocked (see FIG. 22).

[0058] As a result, in the state where the cap 10 is removed (in the state where an airtight contact S2 is formed between the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 of the ink container 20 and the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 of the middle cylinder 30), since the notch 30c and the blocking wall 23w are aligned and the blocking wall 23w blocks the notch 30c, even if the ink container 20 is tilted, the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed.

[0059] In order to obtain this effect, the gap (clearance) between the notch 30c and the blocking wall 23w is preferably 0.5 mm or less on one side (1.0 mm in diameter) (if the gap is up to this extent, a substantial sealing state can be realized by the surface tension of the ink). More preferably, the gap (clearance) is 0.1 mm or less on one side (0.2 mm in diameter).

[0060] Next, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the ink writing instrument 60 is inserted into the middle cylinder 30 for ink replenishment.

[0061] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the tip cylinder portion 64 that holds the pen tip 65 of the ink writing instrument 60 is configured to form an airtight contact S4 with the seal inner peripheral edge 33 of the middle cylinder 30.

[0062] Also, in the ink writing instrument 60 of this embodiment, a tapered portion 63 is continuous with the proximal end side of the tip cylinder portion 64, a press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 is continuous with the proximal end side of the tapered portion 63, and a shoulder portion 61 is provided on the proximal end side of the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62.

[0063] As a dimensional example, the height (length) of the pen tip 65 is 6.8 mm, the tip cylinder portion 64 has an outer diameter of 7.5 mm and a height (length) of 4.7 mm, the tapered portion 63 has a maximum diameter of 11 mm, a height (length) of 2.5 mm, and a minimum diameter of 7.5 mm, the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 has a maximum diameter of 11.4 mm and a height (length) of 1.7 mm, and the shoulder portion 61 has an outer diameter of 14.3 mm.

[0064] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a state in which the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 has started to be press-fitted into the corresponding press-fitting inner peripheral edge 36 of the middle cylinder 30 while maintaining the airtight contact S4.

[0065] Next, FIGS. 15 and 16 show a state in which the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 has overcome the press-fitting inner peripheral edge 36 and is further inserted downward, and the shoulder portion 61 has come into contact with the stepped portion 35 of the corresponding middle cylinder 30.

[0066] Due to the fitting force between the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 62 and the press-fitting inner peripheral edge 36, the middle cylinder 30 is also inserted (lowered) together with respect to the ink container 20, the airtight contact S2 between the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 and the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 is released, and then an airtight contact S1 between the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 is formed. In the process of this transition, the airtight contact S4 is maintained.

[0067] In this embodiment, in the state of FIGS. 15 and 16, only a part (only 3.8 mm in length) of the pen tip 65 is immersed in the ink.

[0068] As a result, compared with the case where the entire pen tip 65 is immersed in ink (where "dripping" can occur), soiling of the inner surface of the middle cylinder 30 or the ink writing instrument 60 is suppressed.

[0069] After sufficient time has elapsed for ink replenishment, the ink writing instrument 60 is lifted. At this time, due to the fitting force between the outer peripheral edge 62 for press-fitting and the inner peripheral edge 36 for press-fitting, the middle cylinder 30 is also lifted together. As a result, the airtight contact S1 is released, and when the rising height reaches the first height, an airtight contact S2 is formed. Also, the inner peripheral edge 44 of the stopper and the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper come into contact with each other. This state is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Even in the process of this transition, the airtight contact S4 is maintained.

[0070] When the user further lifts the ink writing instrument 60, the ink writing instrument 60 separates from the middle cylinder 30 and continues to rise independently (because the rising of the middle cylinder 30 is restricted by the inner peripheral edge 44 of the stopper and the outer peripheral edge 34 of the stopper), and is removed from the middle cylinder 30.

[0071] Thereafter, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the cap 10 is attached to the middle cylinder 30 again (the female screw cylinder portion 16 of the cap 10 is screwed onto the male screw 46 of the ink container 20), and an airtight contact S3 is formed again between the outer surface of the tip cylinder portion 11 of the cap 10 and the seal inner peripheral edge 33 of the middle cylinder 30. FIGS. 19 and 20 show a state where the press-fitting outer peripheral edge 17 has started to be press-fitted into the corresponding press-fitting inner peripheral edge 36 of the middle cylinder 30 while the airtight contact S3 is maintained.

[0072] When the user further turns the cap 10 and inserts the cap 10 further into the ink container 20, the airtight contact S2 between the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 and the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 is released, and then the airtight contact S1 between the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 is formed again (returning to the state of FIGS. 1 to 3). In the process of this transition, the airtight contact S3 is maintained.

[0073] (Effect) As described above, according to the ink replenishment container 1 of the present embodiment, in the process of raising and removing the cap 10 from the ink container 20, there is a state in which the airtight contact S1 between the inner peripheral edge 41 of the first seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 31 of the first seal of the middle cylinder 30 is released. Thereby, even when the pressure of the air in the ink container 20 has relatively increased due to changes in external air pressure, temperature, etc., such pressurized air can be released to the outside of the ink container 20, the liquid level of the ink can be maintained at a predetermined position, and thus the ink writing instrument 60 can be prevented from being undesirably soiled with ink. Further, in the state where the cap 10 is removed, since the inner peripheral edge 42 of the second seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 32 of the second seal of the middle cylinder 30 are in airtight contact, ink does not flow into the inside of the middle cylinder 30. Further, even if the ink container 20 is tilted, the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed.

[0074] Further, according to the ink replenishment container 1 of the present embodiment, when the removed cap 10 is attached to the middle cylinder 30 again, when the rising height reaches the first height, the inner peripheral edge 42 of the second seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 32 of the second seal of the middle cylinder 30 come into airtight contact. When the cap 10 is inserted lower than the first height with respect to the ink container 20, the middle cylinder 30 is also inserted with respect to the ink container 20, and the airtightness between the inner peripheral edge 42 of the second seal and the outer peripheral edge 32 of the second seal is released. In the state where the cap 10 is completely attached to the middle cylinder 30 again, the inner peripheral edge 41 of the first seal of the ink container 20 and the outer peripheral edge 31 of the first seal of the middle cylinder 30 are in airtight contact, and the cap 10 closes the middle cylinder 30 airtightly. Due to this feature, the cap 10 can be reversibly returned to the state of being attached to the middle cylinder 30.

[0075] Further, according to the ink replenishing container 1 of the present embodiment, the middle cylinder 30 has a notch 30c that opens laterally, and the ink container 20 has a through hole 23c that can communicate with the notch 30c when aligned with the notch 30c, and a blocking wall 23w that can block the notch 30c (not necessary to be airtight, sufficient if the clearance is narrow) when aligned with the notch 30c. The cover element 23 has a cover element 23. In a state where the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 are in airtight contact, the notch 30c and the through hole 23c are aligned. In a state where the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 and the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 are in airtight contact, the notch 30c and the blocking wall 23w are aligned. Due to this feature, in a state where the cap 10 is removed (in a state where the second seal inner peripheral edge 42 of the ink container 20 and the second seal outer peripheral edge 32 of the middle cylinder 30 are in airtight contact), the notch 30c and the blocking wall 23w are aligned and the blocking wall 23w blocks the notch 30c, so that the amount of ink leakage can be suppressed even if the ink container 20 is tilted or the like.

[0076] Further, according to the ink replenishing container 1 of the present embodiment, the middle cylinder 30 has a flange portion 30f that spreads outward in the upper portion (see FIG. 8). Due to this feature, when the airtightness between the first seal inner peripheral edge 41 of the ink container 20 and the first seal outer peripheral edge 31 of the middle cylinder 30 is released and the pressurized air is released outside the ink container 20, it is possible to prevent the ink from splashing around.

[0077] Further, according to the ink refill container 1 of the present embodiment, the cap 10 has a tip cylinder portion 11 that contacts the ink in the ink container 20, and a first connection cylinder portion 12 that is located above the tip cylinder portion 11 and has a larger diameter than the tip cylinder portion 11. A groove 12g is provided around the tip cylinder portion 11 on the end surface of the first connection cylinder portion 12 on the side of the tip cylinder portion 11. Due to this feature, when the cap 10 removed from the middle cylinder 30 is placed upside down, by accumulating ink in the groove 12g, it is possible to effectively prevent the ink adhering to the tip cylinder portion 11 from dripping down along the first connection cylinder portion 12 (if the ink adheres to the first connection cylinder portion 12 and then the ink is returned to the middle cylinder 30, the ink will adhere to the inner surface of the middle cylinder 30, and there is a risk of soiling the ink pen 60 during subsequent ink replenishment).

[0078] Further, according to the ink refill container 1 of the present embodiment, in a state where the ink pen 60 is inserted into the middle cylinder 30, the ink pen 60 closes the middle cylinder 30 airtightly. Due to this feature, evaporation of the ink during replenishment can be suppressed. Also, ink leakage can be prevented even if the ink container 1 is tilted.

[0079] Further, according to the ink refill container 1 of the present embodiment, in a state where the ink pen 60 is inserted into the middle cylinder 30, only a part of the pen tip 65 of the ink pen 60 is immersed in the ink. Due to this feature, compared with the case where the entire pen tip 65 is immersed in the ink (where "dripping" can occur), soiling of the inner surface of the middle cylinder 30 or the ink pen 60 is suppressed.

[0080] Further, according to the ink refill container 1 of the present embodiment, by replenishing ink to the ink pen 60, the ink pen can be repeatedly used, which is preferable because it takes environmental considerations into account.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 Ink refill container 10 Cap 11 Tip cylinder portion 12 First connection cylinder portion 12g groove 13 Second connecting cylinder part 14 Third connecting cylinder part 15 Upper end face 16 Female screw cylinder part 17 Press - fitting outer peripheral edge 20 Ink container 21 Upper container 22 Lower container 22c Circular hole 22t Tapered surface 23 Cover element 23c Through - hole 23w Partition wall 30 Middle cylinder 30c Notch 30f Flange part 31 First seal outer peripheral edge 32 Second seal outer peripheral edge 33 Seal inner peripheral edge 34 Stopper outer peripheral edge 35 Step part 36 Press - fitting inner peripheral edge 37 Step part 41 First seal inner peripheral edge 42 Second seal inner peripheral edge 44 Stopper inner peripheral edge 46 Male screw 60 Ink writing instrument 61 Shoulder part 62 Press - fitting outer peripheral edge 63 Tapered part 64 Tip cylinder part 65 Pen tip

Claims

1. A cylindrical ink container, a middle cylinder that is vertically movable within the ink container, a cap removably provided within the middle cylinder, comprising: in a state where the cap is attached to the middle cylinder, the cap is configured to airtight close the middle cylinder, in a state where the cap is attached to the middle cylinder, the first seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the first seal outer peripheral edge of the middle cylinder are airtight in contact, when the cap is raised from the ink container, until the rising height reaches a first height, the middle cylinder is also raised together, and the airtight between the first seal inner peripheral edge and the first seal outer peripheral edge is released, when the rising height reaches the first height, the second seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the second seal outer peripheral edge of the middle cylinder are airtight in contact, when the cap is further raised beyond the first height, the cap is configured to be removed from the middle cylinder An ink refill container characterized by the above.

2. When the removed cap is attached to the middle cylinder again, when the rising height reaches the first height, the second seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the second seal outer peripheral edge of the middle cylinder are airtight in contact, when the cap is inserted lower than the first height with respect to the ink container, the middle cylinder is also inserted with respect to the ink container together, and the airtight between the second seal inner peripheral edge and the second seal outer peripheral edge is released, in a state where the cap is completely attached to the middle cylinder again, the first seal inner peripheral edge of the ink container and the first seal outer peripheral edge of the middle cylinder are airtight in contact, and the cap is configured to airtight close the middle cylinder The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The middle cylinder has a notch that opens laterally, the ink container has a cover element having a through hole that can communicate with the notch when aligned with the notch, and a blocking wall that can block the notch when aligned with the notch, in a state where the first seal inner peripheral edge and the first seal outer peripheral edge are airtight in contact, the notch and the through hole are aligned, in a state where the second seal inner peripheral edge and the second seal outer peripheral edge are airtight in contact, the notch and the blocking wall are aligned The ink replenishing container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...

4. The middle cylinder has a flange portion that spreads outward in the upper part. The ink replenishing container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...

5. The cap has a tip cylinder portion that contacts the ink in the ink container and a connection cylinder portion that is located above the tip cylinder portion and has a larger diameter than the tip cylinder portion. A groove is provided around the tip cylinder portion on the end face of the connection cylinder portion on the tip cylinder portion side. The ink replenishing container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...

6. An ink replenishing container according to claim 1 or 2, An ink writing instrument removably inserted into the middle cylinder, An ink writing instrument system comprising the above.

7. In a state where the ink writing instrument is inserted into the middle cylinder, the ink writing instrument is configured to airtightly close the middle cylinder. The ink writing instrument system according to claim 6, characterized in that...

8. In a state where the ink writing instrument is inserted into the middle cylinder, only a part of the pen tip of the ink writing instrument is immersed in the ink. The ink writing instrument system according to claim 7, characterized in that...

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