Writing tool with clip

Abstract

To provide a writing tool with clip which minimizes the amount of the clip protruding from the outer surface of the writing tool, has less impact on exterior design, and can simplify the structure.SOLUTION: A clip 4 comprises an inner extension unit 41 disposed between an outer tube 1 and an inner member 2, an outer extension unit 42 disposed radially outward of the outer tube 1, and an elastically deformable folding unit 43 connecting the inner extension unit 41 and the outer extension unit 42, the inner extension unit 41 can be displaced from a standby position where an end part 41a on one axial side of the inner extension unit 41 is radially inwardly separated from the outer tube 1 to a drawing position where the end part 41a is closest to the outer tube 1 when a predetermined or greater force acts on the inner extension unit 41 in a radially outward direction, and when the force acts radially outward on the folding unit 43 in a state where the inner extension unit 41 is in the drawing position, the folding unit 43 elastically deforms to separate an end part 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension unit 42 radially outward from the outer tube 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a writing instrument with a clip.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional writing instrument with a clip, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The structure of the clip described in Patent Document 1 includes a recess that depresses from the outer surface of the pen cap, a support column fixed to the pen cap, a spring, and a pen clip arm. The bottom leg of the spring is fixed to the inner wall of the recess of the pen cap by an adhesive or brazing, etc., and is arranged so as to be in contact with the portion where the support column of the pen cap is provided.

[0003] When the user presses down the rear end portion of the pen clip arm, the U-shaped curve of the spring to which the force is applied is pushed against the support column, and the pen clip arm pivots. Along with this, the front tip portion of the pen clip arm moves away from the main body of the pen cap and opens, so that the user can feed a clamped object, such as the cloth of a shirt pocket or a paper sheet, into the recess.

[0004] When the clamped object is clamped by the pen clip arm, the entire upper portion of the spring bends upward and separates from the support column. When the user releases the rear end portion of the pen clip arm, the U-shaped curve of the spring changes to the initial state (the state before deformation), and the rear end portion of the pen clip arm is lifted from the recess.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, in a state where the clip is not used, the dimension (protrusion amount) in which the pen clip arm protrudes from the outer surface of the pen cap can be suppressed to be small. When the use of the clip is not intended, it is possible to prevent the tip of the clip from being caught or stabbed on clothes or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the clip structure of Patent Document 1, the recess for accommodating the bottom leg of the spring or the like is exposed on the outer surface of the pen cap. That is, the recess is provided at a location visible to the user. For this reason, the influence on the external design of the writing instrument is large. Also, in this type of writing instrument with a clip, there is room for improvement in simplifying the structure for functioning the clip.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a writing instrument with a clip that can suppress a small dimension (projection amount) of the clip protruding from the outer surface of the writing instrument when the clip is not in use, has less influence on the external design, and can achieve simplification of the structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[0010] 〔Aspect 1 of the Present Invention〕 An exterior cylinder extending axially along a central axis, an interior member disposed radially inside the exterior cylinder, a writing member disposed radially inside the interior member, and a clip disposed between the exterior cylinder and the interior member and extending over the outside of the exterior cylinder. The clip is disposed between the exterior cylinder and the interior member in the radial direction and has an inner extension extending axially, an outer extension disposed radially outside the exterior cylinder and extending axially, and an elastically deformable folding portion connecting an end on one axial side of the inner extension and an end on one axial side of the outer extension. An end on the other axial side of the inner extension is held between the exterior cylinder and the interior member. The inner extension is displaceable from a standby position where an end on one axial side of the inner extension is radially inwardly separated from the exterior cylinder to a drawing position where the end on one axial side of the inner extension is closest to the exterior cylinder when a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied radially outwardly to the inner extension via the outer extension and the folding portion. The folding portion elastically deforms so as to radially outwardly separate an end on the other axial side of the outer extension from the exterior cylinder when a force is applied radially outwardly to the folding portion via the outer extension while the inner extension is in the drawing position. A writing instrument with a clip.

[0011] In the writing instrument with a clip of the present invention, when the user uses the clip and lifts the outer extension radially outward, first, a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the first force) acts on the inner extension, causing the inner extension to displace (move) from the standby position to the drawing position. Specifically, since the end on the other axial side of the inner extension is held between the exterior cylinder and the interior member, the end on one axial side of the inner extension moves radially outward. When the inner extension reaches the drawing position, the end on one axial side of the inner extension comes into contact with or is disposed in proximity to the inner peripheral surface of the exterior cylinder, and further radial outward movement of the end on one axial side of the inner extension is restricted.

[0012] When the user further lifts the outer extension part from the state where the inner extension part is in the pulled-out position, a force greater than, for example, the first force (hereinafter referred to as the second force) acts on the folding part, causing the folding part to elastically deform. Due to the elastic deformation of the folding part, while the opening angle between the outer extension part and the inner extension part is increased, the end part on the other axial side of the outer extension part is separated radially outward from the outer casing cylinder.

[0013] As a result, the user can insert an object to be clamped, such as the fabric of a pocket of clothes, between the outer extension part and the outer casing cylinder. After this insertion, when the user releases the operation of lifting the outer extension part radially outward, the clip returns to its original state before the above-described displacement (movement) and elastic deformation, and the object to be clamped is clamped between the outer extension part and the outer casing cylinder.

[0014] According to the present invention, in a state where the user is not using the clip (that is, a state where a force for lifting the outer extension part radially outward does not act), the inner extension part is arranged at a standby position radially inside the pulled-out position. Therefore, the dimension (projection amount) in which the outer extension part protrudes radially outward from the outer casing cylinder can be kept small.

[0015] Also, in the present invention, since the inner extension part is arranged inside the outer casing cylinder, there is no need to provide, for example, a recess or groove (exposed outside the writing instrument) for accommodating the inner extension part on the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing cylinder as in the above Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-191689).

[0016] Therefore, in the writing instrument with a clip according to the present invention, problems such as the clip interfering with writing or getting caught on a member other than the writing instrument are suppressed, and the influence on the appearance design is also minimized.

[0017] In particular, when the writing instrument is a knock-type fountain pen (capless fountain pen) or the like, when the user writes, the clip is positioned between the index finger and the thumb that hold the writing instrument. For this reason, if the clip protrudes greatly from the outer surface of the writing instrument, it is likely to interfere with writing. In this regard, according to the present invention, since the amount of protrusion of the clip from the outer surface of the writing instrument is kept small, comfortable and smooth writing can be performed.

[0018] Further, in the present invention, when the user uses the clip, the clip can be made to function by a simple operation of lifting the outer extension portion radially outward. And, the writing instrument with a clip of the present invention has a simple structure for making the clip function, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0019] From the above, according to the present invention, when the clip is not in use, the dimension (amount of protrusion) of the clip protruding from the outer surface of the writing instrument can be kept small, the influence on the appearance design is small, and the structure can be simplified.

[0020] 〔Aspect 2 of the present invention〕 The folding portion is connected to an end portion on one axial side of the inner extension portion and has a bulging portion that bulges radially inward from the end portion, and the writing instrument with a clip according to Aspect 1.

[0021] In this case, since the folding portion has a bulging portion, the radial dimension of the entire folding portion can be ensured to be large while maintaining the radial dimension between the inner extension portion and the outer extension portion small. Thereby, it becomes possible to elastically deform the folding portion with a smaller force. The operability when using the clip can be further improved.

[0022] 〔Aspect 3 of the present invention〕 The folding portion has a curved portion that is convex toward one axial side and radially inward in a longitudinal sectional view along the central axis, and the curved portion elastically deforms preferentially compared to other portions of the folding portion, and the writing instrument with a clip according to Aspect 1 or 2.

[0023] In this case, since the curved portion of the folded-back portion is elastically deformed preferentially over the portions other than the curved portion, the above-described operations and functions of the clip when using the clip become more stable.

[0024] 〔Aspect 4 of the present invention〕 The writing instrument with a clip according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the inner extension portion, the outer extension portion, and the folded-back portion are integrally formed by a single member.

[0025] In this case, the structure of the writing instrument with a clip can be further simplified, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0026] 〔Aspect 5 of the present invention〕 The writing instrument with a clip according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a holding member sandwiched between the outer casing tube and the inner member in the radial direction, the holding member holding an end portion on the other axial side of the inner extension portion.

[0027] In this case, the end portion on the other axial side of the inner extension portion is stably held between the outer casing tube and the inner member by the holding member. Thereby, the above-described operations and functions of the clip when using the clip become more stable.

[0028] 〔Aspect 6 of the present invention〕 The writing instrument with a clip according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the inner extension portion is an elastically deformable leaf spring, which is displaced by elastic deformation from the standby position to the drawing-out position and returned from the drawing-out position to the standby position by restoration deformation.

[0029] In this case, the structure of the writing instrument with a clip can be further simplified, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0030] 〔Aspect 7 of the present invention〕 The pen with a clip according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6 further includes a biasing portion disposed between the outer casing tube and the inner member in the radial direction, and the biasing portion biases the inner extension portion from the drawing-out position toward the standby position.

[0031] In this case, the biasing portion biases the inner extension portion so as to press it against the inner member toward the radially inner side. Thereby, while the above-described operations and functions of the clip when using the clip are stabilized, it is suppressed that the inner extension portion rattles within the outer casing tube.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the above aspect of the present invention, when the clip is not in use, it is possible to suppress the dimension (projection amount) by which the clip protrudes from the outer surface of the writing instrument to a small value, and the influence on the external design is small, and a pen with a clip capable of simplifying the structure is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The writing instrument 10A (10) with a clip according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The writing instrument 10A with a clip according to this embodiment is, for example, a knock-type fountain pen (capless fountain pen) or the like. In this embodiment, the writing instrument 10A with a clip may sometimes be simply referred to as the writing instrument 10A.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the writing instrument 10A has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C. The writing instrument 10A includes an outer cylinder 1 extending along the central axis C, a cylindrical inner member 2 disposed inside the outer cylinder 1, a writing member 3 disposed inside the inner member 2, a clip 4 disposed between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2 and extending outside the outer cylinder 1, a holding member 5 that holds a part of the clip 4, a knock biasing member 6, a pushing portion 7, and a knock mechanism 8. The outer cylinder 1, the inner member 2, the writing member 3, the knock biasing member 6, the pushing portion 7, and the knock mechanism 8 are coaxially arranged with the central axis C as a common axis.

[0036] The definition of the directions used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C of the writing instrument 10A extends, that is, the direction along the central axis C, is referred to as the axial direction. In the axial direction, the writing member 3 and the pushing portion 7 are disposed at different positions. Among the axial directions, the direction from the pushing portion 7 toward the writing member 3 is referred to as one side of the axial direction, and the direction from the writing member 3 toward the pushing portion 7 is referred to as the other side of the axial direction. In each figure, the axial direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. One side of the axial direction corresponds to the -Y side, and the other side of the axial direction corresponds to the +Y side. Note that the axial direction may be rephrased as the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, one side of the axial direction corresponds to the front side, and the other side of the axial direction corresponds to the rear side.

[0037] The direction orthogonal to the central axis C is called the radial direction. Among the radial directions, the direction approaching the central axis C is called the inner radial direction, and the direction away from the central axis C is called the outer radial direction. Also, the direction of orbiting around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction.

[0038] Each component of the writing instrument 10A will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the outer casing 1 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. Specifically, the outer casing 1 is cylindrical with the central axis C as the center. In the present embodiment, the outer casing 1 corresponds to a shaft cylinder. The outer casing 1 is configured by combining a plurality of cylindrical members by screwing, fitting, locking, and bonding in the axial direction. Preferably, the plurality of cylindrical members are assembled to be detachable from each other. The plurality of cylindrical members include a front tapered cylinder 11, a front shaft 12, a rear shaft 13, and a tail cap 14. The front tapered cylinder 11, the front shaft 12, the rear shaft 13, and the tail cap 14 are arranged in this order from one end (front end) in the axial direction of the outer casing 1 toward the other side (rear side) in the axial direction.

[0039] The outer casing 1 has a front end opening 1a disposed at one end (front end) in the axial direction of the outer casing 1, a rear end opening 1b disposed at the other end (rear end) in the axial direction of the outer casing 1, a clamping recess 1c for clamping an object to be clamped between the outer casing 1 and the clip 4, and an opening 1d penetrating the peripheral wall of the outer casing 1 in the radial direction.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the front end opening 1a is disposed at the front end of the front tapered cylinder 11, and the rear end opening 1b is disposed at the rear end of the tail cap 14. Also, the clamping recess 1c is disposed at the front side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the front shaft 12. The clamping recess 1c is recessed radially inward from the other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the front shaft 12 and extends in the axial direction. That is, the clamping recess 1c is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing 1 and extends in the axial direction.

[0041] The opening 1d is disposed at the front end of the front shaft 12. The opening 1d penetrates the peripheral wall of the front shaft 12 in the radial direction. Specifically, the opening 1d is disposed adjacent to and on the front side of the clamping recess 1c. The opening 1d is formed so as to notch a part of the circumferential direction of the front end of the front shaft 12, and a part of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 1d is constituted by the rear end surface of the front tapered cylinder 11.

[0042] The interior member 2 is disposed radially inside the exterior cylinder 1. In this embodiment, the interior member 2 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C. The interior member 2 is configured by combining a plurality of cylindrical bodies in the axial direction by screwing, fitting, locking, bonding, etc. Preferably, the plurality of cylindrical bodies are assembled to be detachable from each other. The plurality of cylindrical bodies include an opening / closing cylinder 21, a front cylinder 22, and a rear cylinder 23. The opening / closing cylinder 21, the front cylinder 22, and the rear cylinder 23 are arranged in this order from one end (front end) in the axial direction of the interior member 2 toward the other side (rear side) in the axial direction.

[0043] The interior member 2 has an openable / closable lid 2a disposed at one end (front end) in the axial direction of the interior member 2, a housing groove 2b that is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the interior member 2 and extends in the axial direction, and a recess 2c disposed adjacent to the housing groove 2b on one side (front side) in the axial direction of the housing groove 2b.

[0044] In this embodiment, the lid 2a is disposed at the front end of the opening / closing cylinder 21. The lid 2a is maintained in the closed state by being biased by a torsion coil spring 2d. A force greater than the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 2d acts on the lid 2a from the other side (rear side) in the axial direction toward one side (front side) in the axial direction with respect to the writing part 31 of the writing member 3 described later, so that the lid 2a is configured to rotate and open from the closed state to the open state.

[0045] The accommodation groove portion 2b is disposed at the front side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the front cylinder 22. The accommodation groove portion 2b is recessed radially inward of a portion other than the accommodation groove portion 2b on the outer peripheral surface of the front cylinder 22 and extends in the axial direction. The accommodation groove portion 2b is disposed overlapping the clamping recess 1c of the outer casing cylinder 1 when viewed in the radial direction.

[0046] The recessed portion 2c is disposed at the front end portion of the front cylinder 22. The recessed portion 2c is connected to the front end portion of the accommodation groove portion 2b and is formed to be recessed radially inward of the accommodation groove portion 2b. That is, the recessed portion 2c has a concave shape with a larger radial depth dimension than the accommodation groove portion 2b. The recessed portion 2c is disposed overlapping the opening portion 1d of the outer casing cylinder 1 when viewed in the radial direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the writing member 3 is disposed radially inward of the interior member 2. The writing member 3 can be taken out from the inside of the interior member 2 by disassembling the outer casing cylinder 1 and the interior member 2. That is, the writing member 3 is detachably provided inside the outer casing cylinder 1 and the interior member 2.

[0048] The writing member 3 includes an ink storage cylinder 32 that extends in the axial direction and stores ink (not shown), and a writing portion 31 that is disposed on one axial side (front side) of the ink storage cylinder 32 and is connected to the ink storage cylinder 32.

[0049] The ink storage cylinder 32 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C. At least a part of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 32 is preferably transparent or translucent. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the color, remaining amount, etc. of the ink stored inside the ink storage cylinder 32 through the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 32.

[0050] The writing portion 31 includes a pen core 31a that extends in the axial direction and has an end portion (rear end portion) on the other axial side inserted into the ink storage cylinder 32, and a metal pen tip 31b that is fixed to the pen core 31a and protrudes on one axial side (front side) of the pen core 31a.

[0051] In this embodiment, the writing instrument 10A is a knock-type fountain pen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the writing member 3 can move axially between a storage position where the entire writing member 3 is stored inside the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2, and a use position where, although not particularly shown, the end portion (front end portion) on one axial side of the writing portion 31 protrudes axially on one side (front side) from the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2.

[0052] Specifically, in the storage position, the front end portion of the writing portion 31 (the front end portions of the pen tip 31b and the pen core 31a) is covered from one axial side (front side) by the open / close lid 2a in a closed state. Also, in the use position, the front end portion of the writing portion 31 pushes the open / close lid 2a axially on one side to open it, and protrudes axially on one side from the front end opening 1a.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the vicinity of the clip 4 of the writing instrument 10A in FIG. 1, specifically, a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the central axis C. As shown in FIG. 10, the clip 4 is a plate-like member folded in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). In FIG. 10, the front tapered cylinder 11 of the outer cylinder 1, the writing member 3, the knock biasing member 6, etc. are not shown. The clip 4 is made of a metal that can be elastically deformed, and in this embodiment, it is constituted by a leaf spring member.

[0054] By using the clip 4, the user can hook and hold the writing instrument 10A on a pocket or the like of clothing. In the holding posture of this writing instrument 10A, it is preferable that one axial side (-Y side) faces the upper side in the vertical direction and the other axial side (+Y side) faces the lower side in the vertical direction. With the above holding posture, it is possible to prevent the ink from inadvertently dripping from the writing portion 31.

[0055] The clip 4 is disposed between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2 in the radial direction, and has an inner extension portion 41 extending in the axial direction, an outer extension portion 42 disposed on the radially outer side of the outer cylinder 1 and extending in the axial direction, and an elastically deformable folding portion 43 connecting the end portion (front end portion) 41a on one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 and the end portion (front end portion) 42a on one axial side of the outer extension portion 42. In the present embodiment, the inner extension portion 41, the outer extension portion 42, and the folding portion 43 are integrally formed by a single member.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the inner extension portion 41 is disposed in the accommodation groove portion 2b of the inner member 2. The inner extension portion 41 is an elastically deformable leaf spring. The inner extension portion 41 has a flat plate shape extending in the axial direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the inner extension portion 41 face the radial direction. The inner extension portion 41 is covered from the radially outer side by the outer cylinder 1. In the present embodiment, portions of the inner extension portion 41 other than the end portion (front end portion) 41a on one axial side are covered from the radially outer side by the front shaft 12 of the outer cylinder 1.

[0057] The inner extension portion 41 has a claw portion 41b. The claw portion 41b is disposed at the end portion (rear end portion) 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41, and protrudes radially outward from the plate surface facing the radially outer side of the inner extension portion 41.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the outer extension portion 42 has a U-shaped plate shape with an opening facing radially inward in a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) perpendicular to the central axis C. Therefore, the outer extension portion 42 is the most difficult to elastically deform among the clips 4.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the end portion (rear end portion) 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 has a shape folded back in the axial direction. The end portion 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 extends radially outward as it goes toward the other axial side (rear side). Portions of the outer extension portion 42 other than the end portion 42b on the other axial side extend along the axial direction.

[0060] Of the outer extension part 42, the part other than the end part (front end part) 42a on one axial side is arranged so as to overlap with the clamping recess 1c when viewed from the radial direction. The part other than the end part 42a on one axial side of the outer extension part 42 is arranged adjacent to the clamping recess 1c on the radially outer side of the clamping recess 1c.

[0061] The end part 42a on one axial side of the outer extension part 42 is arranged so as to overlap with the opening 1d when viewed from the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of side walls located at both circumferential ends of the end part 42a on one axial side of the outer extension part 42 are arranged so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral edge of the opening 1d without a gap. The pair of side walls are slidable with respect to the inner peripheral edge of the opening 1d.

[0062] In the longitudinal sectional view shown in FIG. 10, the folding part 43 has a substantially L-shaped plate form. The folding part 43 is an elastically deformable leaf spring. Although the plate thicknesses of the folding part 43 and the inner extension part 41 are the same, due to their different shapes, the inner extension part 41 is preferentially elastically deformed compared to the folding part 43.

[0063] The folding part 43 has a radially extending part 43a connected to the end part 42a on one axial side of the outer extension part 42, a bulging part 43b connected to the end part 41a on one axial side of the inner extension part 41, and a curved part 43c connecting the radially extending part 43a and the bulging part 43b.

[0064] The radially extending part 43a is inserted into the opening 1d and extends in the radial direction. The bulging part 43b bulges radially inward more than the end part 41a on one axial side of the inner extension part 41. The bulging part 43b is arranged in the recessed part 2c of the interior member 2.

[0065] In the longitudinal sectional view along the central axis C shown in FIG. 10, the curved part 43c has a curved shape that is convex toward the front side (one axial side) and radially inward. The curved part 43c is configured to be elastically deformed preferentially compared to the part other than the curved part 43c of the folding part 43.

[0066] Here, the operation of the clip 4 when the user lifts the clip 4 radially outward will be described. When the user lifts the outer extension portion 42 radially outward, the clip 4 elastically deforms in the order of the inner extension portion 41 and the folding portion 43.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined value directed radially outward is applied to the inner extension portion 41 through the outer extension portion 42 and the folding portion 43 by the user lifting the clip 4 from the standby position where the end portion 41a on one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 is separated radially inward from the outer casing 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the end portion 41a on one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 can be displaced to the drawing position closest to the outer casing 1. Preferably, at this drawing position, the end portion 41a on one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 is brought into contact with the vicinity of the opening 1d on the inner peripheral surface of the outer casing 1.

[0068] Further, when a force directed radially outward is applied to the folding portion 43 through the outer extension portion 42 in a state where the inner extension portion 41 is in the drawing position, as shown in FIG. 6, the folding portion 43 elastically deforms so as to separate the end portion 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 radially outward from the outer casing 1. More specifically, the curved portion 43c of the folding portion 43 preferentially elastically deforms so as to increase the opening angle formed between the outer extension portion 42 and the inner extension portion 41.

[0069] From the state shown in FIG. 6, when the user inserts the cloth of the pocket of the clothes or the like (the object to be clamped) between the outer extension portion 42 and the clamping recess 1c and releases the operation of lifting the clip 4 radially outward, the clip 4 restores and deforms. As a result, the object to be clamped is clamped and held between the outer extension portion 42 and the clamping recess 1c, and the clip 4 can function. In this way, in the present embodiment, the inner extension portion 41 is displaced from the standby position to the drawing position by elastic deformation and is returned from the drawing position to the standby position by restoration deformation.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, the holding member 5 is sandwiched between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2 in the radial direction. Specifically, the holding member 5 is disposed in the housing groove portion 2b in a state of being radially overlapped with the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extending portion 41, and is fixed in the housing groove portion 2b by being sandwiched between the groove bottom of the housing groove portion 2b and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 1. Thereby, the holding member 5 holds the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extending portion 41 in a state of pressing it against the groove bottom of the housing groove portion 2b. That is, the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extending portion 41 is held between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 4, 7(a) and 10, the holding member 5 is plate-shaped and has a substantially rectangular plate shape in the present embodiment. A pair of plate surfaces of the holding member 5 face the radial direction. The holding member 5 has a shape that is symmetric with respect to front-back reversal. The holding member 5 has a pair of engaging concave portions 5a and an engaging groove 5b.

[0072] The pair of engaging concave portions 5a are disposed at both axial ends of the holding member 5. Of the pair of engaging concave portions 5a, one engaging concave portion 5a located on one axial side (front side) has a concave shape that is recessed from the end surface facing one axial side of the holding member 5 toward the other axial side (rear side). Further, of the pair of engaging concave portions 5a, the other engaging concave portion 5a located on the other axial side has a concave shape that is recessed from the end surface facing the other axial side of the holding member 5 toward one axial side. The claw portion 41b of the inner extending portion 41 engages with one engaging concave portion 5a from one axial side.

[0073] The engaging groove 5b is recessed from the plate surface facing the inner side in the radial direction of the holding member 5 toward the outer side in the radial direction and extends in the axial direction. The engaging groove 5b is disposed over the entire axial length of the holding member 5 and opens at both end surfaces facing the axial direction of the holding member 5. The end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extending portion 41 engages in the engaging groove 5b.

[0074] Here, the procedure for assembling the clip 4 to the writing instrument 10A will be described. Fig. 7(b) shows the state of the clip 4 before the holding member 5 is attached to the clip 4. In the state before the holding member 5 is attached to the clip 4, the end portion 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 of the clip 4 and the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 are in contact with each other. This is because an initial tension is applied to the clip 4. By applying an initial tension to the clip 4, when the clip 4 is assembled to the writing instrument 10A, as shown in Fig. 10, the outer extension portion 42 and the clamping recess 1c are brought into close contact with each other, and an object to be clamped can be stably held therebetween.

[0075] Since the above initial tension is applied to the clip 4, as shown in Fig. 8, when the holding member 5 is inserted between the both end portions 42b and 41c of the clip 4, the holding member 5 is held between these both end portions 42b and 41c. And, by the holding member 5, a state where the gap between the both end portions 42b and 41c is opened by a predetermined dimension or more in the radial direction is maintained.

[0076] From this state, as shown in Figs. 8 to 10 in order, the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 and the holding member 5 are inserted into the accommodation groove portion 2b between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2 from the one axial side (front side) toward the other axial side (rear side). Then, since a gap of a predetermined dimension or more is provided between the both end portions 42b and 41c by the holding member 5 as described above, the outer cylinder 1 can be easily inserted between the end portion 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 and the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 and the holding member 5. Thereby, the clip 4 can be easily assembled to the writing instrument 10A, and the assembly work of the writing instrument 10A becomes easy.

[0077] Also, when the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 and the holding member 5 are inserted into the accommodation groove portion 2b, since the claw portion 41b of the inner extension portion 41 pushes the holding member 5 toward the other axial side (rear side), the holding member 5 together with the inner extension portion 41 can be stably inserted to the end on the other axial side of the accommodation groove portion 2b.

[0078] Incidentally, when an initial tension is applied to the clip 4, when the clip 4 is assembled to the writing instrument 10A, as shown in FIG. 10, it may be difficult to bring the inner extension portion 41 into contact with the groove bottom of the accommodation groove portion 2b and bring the bulging portion 43b of the folded-back portion 43 into contact with the bottom of the recessed portion 2c. That is, a phenomenon may occur in which the inner extension portion 41 and the bulging portion 43b float radially outward from the interior member 2. In such a case, it is preferable to previously warp the inner extension portion 41 into an arcuate shape that bulges radially outward. More specifically, the inner extension portion 41 is formed into an arcuate shape that curves radially inward as it goes from the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 toward the one axial side (front side).

[0079] Thereby, even when a large initial tension is applied to the clip 4, balance can be achieved at the standby position of the inner extension portion 41, and the inner extension portion 41 and the bulging portion 43b can be brought into close contact with the interior member 2. Then, when the clip 4 is not in use, the dimension (projection amount) by which the clip 4 protrudes radially outward from the outer cylinder 1 can be suppressed to be small.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the knocking biasing member 6 is, for example, a compression coil spring or the like. The knocking biasing member 6 has a spiral shape centered on the central axis C. The knocking biasing member 6 is disposed inside the interior member 2 and biases the writing member 3 toward the other axial side (rear side). A part of the writing member 3 (such as the writing part 31) is inserted inside the knocking biasing member 6.

[0081] The pushing-in portion 7 is cylindrical with the central axis C as the center and extends in the axial direction. Specifically, the pushing-in portion 7 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with the end portion on the other axial side (rear end portion) closed. The pushing-in portion 7 is inserted into the rear end opening portion 1b of the outer cylinder 1. At least a part (rear end portion) of the pushing-in portion 7 protrudes axially outward from the rear end opening portion 1b.

[0082] The knock mechanism 8 is provided inside the outer cylinder 1. When the user performs a series of operations (knock operation) of pushing the pushing portion 7 axially to one side (front side) against the biasing force of the knock biasing member 6 and then releasing this pushing operation, the knock mechanism 8 is configured to be able to switch the writing member 3 between the above-described use position and the storage position. Specifically, each time the user performs the above knock operation once, the writing member 3 alternately moves axially between the use position and the storage position. The knock mechanism 8 of the present embodiment includes a rotary cam 81 and the like, and specifically has the same structure as the knock mechanism provided in a conventional knock-type fountain pen.

[0083] In the clip-equipped writing instrument 10A(10) of the present embodiment described above, when the user uses the clip 4 and lifts the outer extension portion 42 radially outward, first, a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the first force) acts on the inner extension portion 41, and the inner extension portion 41 is displaced (moved) from the standby position to the drawing-out position. Specifically, since the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 is held between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner member 2 by the holding member 5, the end portion 41a on the one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 moves radially outward. When the inner extension portion 41 reaches the drawing-out position, the end portion 41a on the one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 comes into contact with or is disposed in proximity to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 1, and further movement of the end portion 41a on the one axial side of the inner extension portion 41 radially outward is restricted.

[0084] From the state where the inner extension portion 41 is set to the drawing-out position, when the user further lifts the outer extension portion 42, a force greater than, for example, the first force (hereinafter referred to as the second force) acts on the folding portion 43, and the folding portion 43 elastically deforms. Due to the elastic deformation of the folding portion 43, while the opening angle between the outer extension portion 42 and the inner extension portion 41 is increased, the end portion 42b on the other axial side of the outer extension portion 42 is separated radially outward from the outer cylinder 1.

[0085] As a result, the user can insert an object to be clamped, such as the fabric of a pocket of clothes, between the outer extension part 42 and the outer casing tube 1. After this insertion, when the user releases the operation of lifting the outer extension part 42 radially outward, the clip 4 returns to its original state before the above-described displacement (movement) and elastic deformation, and the object to be clamped is clamped between the outer extension part 42 and the outer casing tube 1.

[0086] According to the present embodiment, in a state where the user is not using the clip 4 (that is, in a state where no force acts to lift the outer extension part 42 radially outward), the inner extension part 41 is disposed at a standby position radially inward of the drawing-out position. Therefore, the dimension (projection amount) by which the outer extension part 42 protrudes radially outward from the outer casing tube 1 can be suppressed to be small. Specifically, the dimension by which a portion of the outer extension part 42 other than the end portion 42b on the other axial side protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the front shaft 12 is, for example, 1 mm or less, and in the present embodiment, it is suppressed to about 0.6 mm.

[0087] Further, in the present embodiment, since the inner extension part 41 is disposed inside the outer casing tube 1, there is no need to provide, for example, a recess or a groove for accommodating the inner extension part 41 on the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing tube 1 (exposed outside the writing instrument) as in the above Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-191689).

[0088] Therefore, in the writing instrument 10A (10) with a clip according to the present embodiment, problems such as the clip 4 interfering with writing or getting caught on another member other than the writing instrument 10A are suppressed, and the influence on the external design is also suppressed to be small.

[0089] In particular, when the writing instrument 10A is a knock-type fountain pen (capless fountain pen) or the like as in the present embodiment, when the user is writing, the clip 4 is positioned between the index finger and the thumb that grip the writing instrument 10A. For this reason, if the clip 4 protrudes greatly from the outer surface of the writing instrument 10A, it is likely to interfere with writing. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, since the protrusion amount by which the clip 4 protrudes from the outer surface of the writing instrument 10A is suppressed to be small, comfortable and smooth writing can be performed.

[0090] Also, in the present embodiment, when the user uses the clip 4, the clip 4 can be made to function by a simple operation of lifting the outer extension portion 42 radially outward. And, the writing instrument 10A with a clip of the present embodiment has a simple structure for making the clip 4 function, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0091] From the above, according to the present embodiment, when the clip 4 is not in use, the dimension (protrusion amount) by which the clip 4 protrudes from the outer surface of the writing instrument 10A can be kept small, the influence on the external design is small, and the structure can be simplified.

[0092] Also, in the present embodiment, the folding portion 43 is connected to an end portion 41a on one axial side of the inner extension portion 41, and has a bulging portion 43b that bulges radially inward from this end portion 41a.

[0093] In this case, since the folding portion 43 has the bulging portion 43b, it is possible to secure a large radial dimension of the entire folding portion 43 while maintaining a small radial dimension between the inner extension portion 41 and the outer extension portion 42. As a result, the folding portion 43 can be elastically deformed with a smaller force. The operability when using the clip 4 can be further improved.

[0094] Also, in the present embodiment, the interior member 2 has a recessed portion 2c capable of receiving the bulging portion 43b. For this reason, while obtaining the operational effects of the bulging portion 43b as described above, the dimension by which the clip 4 protrudes radially outward from the outer cylinder 1 can be kept small. Also, rattling of the clip 4 inside the writing instrument 10A can be suppressed.

[0095] Also, in the present embodiment, the folding portion 43 has a curved portion 43c that is convex axially on one side and radially inward in a longitudinal sectional view along the central axis C, and the curved portion 43c elastically deforms preferentially compared to the portions of the folding portion 43 other than the curved portion 43c.

[0096] In this case, since the curved portion 43c of the bent portion 43 is elastically deformed preferentially over the portions other than the curved portion 43c, the above-described operations and functions of the clip 4 when using the clip 4 become more stable.

[0097] Also, in the present embodiment, the clip 4, that is, the inner extension portion 41, the outer extension portion 42, and the bent portion 43 are integrally formed by a single member. In this case, the structure of the writing instrument 10A with a clip can be further simplified, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0098] Also, in the present embodiment, the writing instrument 10A further includes a holding member 5 that is sandwiched between the outer casing 1 and the inner member 2 in the radial direction, and the holding member 5 holds the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41.

[0099] In this case, the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 is stably held between the outer casing 1 and the inner member 2 by the holding member 5. Also, the inner extension portion 41 can be pressed against the inner member 2 (the groove bottom of the accommodation groove portion 2b) by the holding member 5. Thereby, the above-described operations and functions of the clip 4 when using the clip 4 become more stable.

[0100] Also, in the present embodiment, the inner extension portion 41 is a leaf spring that can be elastically deformed, is displaced by elastic deformation from the standby position to the drawing-out position, and is returned from the drawing-out position to the standby position by restoration deformation. In this case, the structure of the writing instrument 10A with a clip can be further simplified, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0101] Also, in the present embodiment, the writing member 3 is axially movable between a storage position where the entire writing member 3 is stored inside the outer casing 1 and the inner member 2, and a use position where the end portion (front end portion) on one axial side of the writing portion 31 protrudes axially on one side (front side) from the outer casing 1 and the inner member 2. That is, this writing instrument 10A is a knock-type fountain pen (capless fountain pen). When the clip-equipped writing instrument 10A is applied to a click-type fountain pen as in this embodiment, the above-described effects become even more remarkable.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as described below, modifications such as changes in configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings of the modified examples, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the clip 4 of the clip-equipped writing instrument 10B(10) according to the first modified example of the above-described embodiment, in which the inner extension portion 41 is in the pulled-out position and the folded-back portion 43 is in a state of being elastically deformed. In this first modified example, in the longitudinal sectional view shown in FIG. 11, the radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c of the folded-back portion 43 is made larger than the radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c described in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, in this first modified example, the axial dimension of the curved portion 43c is substantially equal to the axial dimension of the bulging portion 43b.

[0104] According to this first modified example, in the longitudinal sectional view along the central axis C, a large radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c can be ensured. The curved portion 43c can be elastically deformed with a smaller force, and the operability of the clip 4 can be further improved.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the clip 4 of the clip-equipped writing instrument 10C(10) according to the second modified example of the above-described embodiment, in which the inner extension portion 41 is in the pulled-out position and the folded-back portion 43 is in a state of being elastically deformed. In this second modified example, in the longitudinal sectional view shown in FIG. 12, the radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c of the folded-back portion 43 is made larger than the radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c described in the above-described embodiment, and the axial dimension of the curved portion 43c is made larger than the axial dimension of the bulging portion 43b. Alternatively, it may be said that the curved portion 43c constitutes the entire bulging portion 43b.

[0106] According to this second modification example, in a longitudinal sectional view along the central axis C, a large radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c can be ensured. Further, the curved portion 43c can be elastically deformed with a smaller force, and the operability of the clip 4 can be further improved. As in the foregoing embodiments, the first modification example, and the second modification example, by appropriately setting (arranging) the shape and the radius of curvature of the curved portion 43c, it is possible to impart various operabilities desired by the user to the clip 4.

[0107] FIG. 13(a) is a plan view showing a clip 4, a holding member 5, and a biasing portion 44 included in a writing instrument 10D(10) with a clip according to a third modification example of the foregoing embodiment. FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the clip 4 of the writing instrument 10D(10) with a clip according to the third modification example, and represents a state in which the inner extension portion 41 is in a standby position.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), in this third modification example, the writing instrument 10D further includes a biasing portion 44 disposed between the outer casing 1 and the inner member 2 in the radial direction. The biasing portion 44 is an elastically deformable compression coil spring or the like, and extends in a spiral shape so as to be expandable and contractible in the radial direction. Specifically, the biasing portion 44 is housed in the housing groove portion 2b, and is disposed adjacent to the inner extension portion 41 on the radially outer side of the inner extension portion 41.

[0109] More specifically, the biasing portion 44 is sandwiched between the vicinity of the opening portion 1d on the inner peripheral surface of the outer casing 1 and the plate surface facing the radially outer side of the inner extension portion 41. The biasing portion 44 biases the inner extension portion 41 toward the radially inner side, that is, from the drawing position toward the standby position.

[0110] Further, the inner extension portion 41 has a holding recess 41d that is recessed radially inward from the plate surface facing the radially outer side of the inner extension portion 41. The radially inner end portion of the biasing portion 44 is held in the holding recess 41d.

[0111] Further, the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41 is rotatably held by the holding member 5 via a hinge structure 51 using a hinge pin. In the third modification example adopting such a structure, the inner extension portion 41 does not need to be elastically deformed.

[0112] In this third modification example, the biasing portion 44 biases the inner extension portion 41 toward the radially inner side and presses it against the inner member 2 (the groove bottom of the accommodation groove portion 2b). Thereby, while the above-described operation and function of the clip 4 when using the clip 4 are stabilized, it is suppressed that the inner extension portion 41 rattles within the outer cylinder 1.

[0113] FIG. 14(a) is a plan view showing the clip 4, the holding member 5, and the biasing portion 45 included in the pen 10E(10) with a clip according to the fourth modification example of the above-described embodiment. FIG. 14(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the vicinity of the clip 4 of the pen 10E(10) with a clip according to the fourth modification example, and represents a state where the inner extension portion 41 is in the standby position.

[0114] In the above-described third modification example, an example in which the biasing portion 44 is provided separately from the inner extension portion 41 has been given. In this fourth modification example, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the biasing portion 45 is an elastically deformable leaf spring formed integrally with the inner extension portion 41. The end portion (rear end portion) on the other axial side of the biasing portion 45 is connected to the end portion 41c on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 41. Further, the biasing portion 45 extends toward the radially outer side as it goes from the connection portion with the inner extension portion 41 toward the one axial side (front side). The end portion (front end portion) on the one axial side of the biasing portion 45 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 1 near the opening 1d. And also in this fourth modification example, the biasing portion 45 biases the inner extension portion 41 from the drawing position toward the standby position.

[0115] According to this fourth modification example, the structure for functioning the clip 4 becomes simpler compared to the third modification example, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, an example where the interior member 2 is cylindrical has been given, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The interior member 2 only needs to have a shape in which an inner extension portion 41 can be disposed between it and the exterior cylinder 1 in the radial direction, and may be, for example, a plate shape or the like.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, an example where the present invention is applied to a click-type fountain pen (capless fountain pen) has been given, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Although not particularly shown, the present invention may be applied to a cap-removable fountain pen that is not of the click type. This fountain pen includes a shaft cylinder, a cylindrical cap detachably attached to the shaft cylinder, and a clip provided on the cap. In this case, the exterior cylinder corresponds to the peripheral wall of the cap extending in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the cap body). The interior member is disposed radially inside the cap body (exterior cylinder). Inside the interior member in the radial direction, a writing portion (such as a pen tip and a pen core) of the writing member is disposed. The clip is disposed between the cap body and the interior member and extends outside the cap body. Even when the present invention is applied to a cap-removable fountain pen, excellent operational effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to writing instruments with a clip such as ballpoint pens and sign pens other than fountain pens. Although not particularly shown, for example, when the present invention is applied to a click-type ballpoint pen (capless ballpoint pen), in this click-type ballpoint pen (writing instrument with a clip), one side in the axial direction (front-rear direction) corresponds to the rear side, and the other side in the axial direction corresponds to the front side.

[0119] The present invention may combine each configuration described in the above-described embodiment and modification examples and the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes of the configuration are possible. The present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiment and the like, but is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0120] According to the writing instrument with a clip of the present invention, when the clip is not in use, the dimension (protrusion amount) in which the clip protrudes from the outer surface of the writing instrument can be kept small, the influence on the appearance design is small, and the structure can be simplified. Therefore, it has industrial applicability.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0121] 1... outer cylinder, 2... inner member, 3... writing member, 4... clip, 5... holding member, 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E)... writing instrument with a clip, 31... writing part, 41... inner extension part, 41a, 41c, 42a, 42b... end parts, 42... outer extension part, 43... folding part, 43b... bulging part, 43c... curved part, 44, 45... biasing parts, C... central axis

Claims

1. An outer cylinder extending axially along a central axis, an interior member disposed radially inside the outer cylinder, a writing member disposed radially inside the interior member, a clip disposed between the outer cylinder and the interior member and extending across the outside of the outer cylinder, and the clip has an inner extension portion disposed between the outer cylinder and the interior member in the radial direction and extending axially, an outer extension portion disposed radially outside the outer cylinder and extending axially, and an elastically deformable folding portion connecting one axial end of the inner extension portion and one axial end of the outer extension portion, wherein the other axial end of the inner extension portion is held between the outer cylinder and the interior member, the inner extension portion is displaceable from a standby position where one axial end of the inner extension portion is radially away from the outer cylinder to a drawing position where one axial end of the inner extension portion is closest to the outer cylinder when a force of a predetermined magnitude or more acting radially outward is applied to the inner extension portion via the outer extension portion and the folding portion, the folding portion elastically deforms so as to radially separate the other axial end of the outer extension portion from the outer cylinder when a force acting radially outward is applied to the folding portion via the outer extension portion while the inner extension portion is in the drawing position, A writing instrument with a clip.

2. The folding portion is connected to one axial end of the inner extension portion and has a bulging portion bulging radially inward from the end portion, The writing instrument with a clip according to Claim 1.

3. The folding portion has a curved portion that is curved convexly axially on one side and radially inward in a longitudinal sectional view along the central axis, The curved portion elastically deforms preferentially over portions of the folding portion other than the curved portion, The writing instrument with a clip according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The inner extension portion, the outer extension portion, and the folding portion are integrally formed by a single member, The writing instrument with a clip according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. further comprising a holding member sandwiched between the outer cylinder and the interior member in the radial direction, the holding member holding the other axial end of the inner extension portion, The writing instrument with a clip according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. The inner extension portion is an elastically deformable leaf spring, which is displaced by elastic deformation from the standby position to the drawing position and returned from the drawing position to the standby position by restoring deformation. The writing instrument with a clip according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Further provided with a biasing portion disposed between the outer cylinder and the inner member in the radial direction. The biasing portion biases the inner extension portion from the drawing position toward the standby position. The writing instrument with a clip according to claim 1 or 2.

Images