Writing instrument

Abstract

To provide a writing utensil which has no possibility of losing a component, can reduce fatigue due to long-time writing, and can assist writing by a person with weak writing pressure. And to provide a writing instrument which is not bulky during transportation.SOLUTION: A writing instrument 1 includes a barrel 2 and a writing member 3 including a writing part 31, the writing instrument 1 includes a finger support part 52 coupled to the barrel 2 via an attachment part, the barrel 2 has a sliding hole extending in an axial direction, the attachment part slides inside the sliding hole in the axial direction, and when the finger support part 52 and the attachment part are located forward, the finger support part 52 can support a finger of a user in a state where the user grips the writing instrument 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a writing instrument, and more particularly to a writing instrument equipped with a writing aid. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a writing aid that includes a writing implement holder that grips the barrel and a finger holder that can freely hold a person's fingers, in order to reduce fatigue caused by writing for long periods of time and to assist people with weak writing pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3147361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the parts are separate from the barrel, so there is a risk of the parts being lost.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art by providing a writing instrument that is free from the risk of losing parts, that reduces fatigue caused by long periods of writing, and that can assist people with weak writing pressure.Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a writing instrument that is not bulky when carried. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention of the present application is a writing instrument comprising a cylindrical barrel having an opening that opens forward, and a writing member that is movable axially inside the barrel and has a writing part at the axial front, wherein the writing instrument comprises a finger support part connected to the barrel via an attachment part, the barrel having a sliding hole extending in the axial direction, the attachment part sliding axially inside the sliding hole, and when the finger support part and the attachment part are positioned forward, the finger support part can support the user's fingers when the user is holding the writing instrument.

[0007] The writing implement of the first invention is free from the risk of losing parts, and is capable of reducing fatigue caused by writing for long periods of time and assisting people with weak writing pressure.

[0008] A second invention of the present application is a writing instrument according to the first invention, wherein the writing instrument comprises a connection portion and an operating portion, the sliding hole of the barrel being a slit penetrating radially inward and outward, the connection portion holding the writing member and being arranged so as to be movable back and forth inside the barrel, the connection portion protruding radially outward and having a connecting portion inserted into the slit, the connecting portion having a rotation center, the operating portion being arranged on the outer surface of the barrel, the operating portion comprising an operating shaft and the finger support portion, one end of the operating shaft being connected to the rotation center so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the axis, and the finger support portion being connected to the other end of the operating shaft, and when the writing portion is immersed inside the barrel, the other end of the operating shaft and the finger support portion are located rearward, and when the writing portion is protruding from inside the barrel, the other end of the operating shaft and the finger support portion are located forward.

[0009] In the writing instrument of the second invention, the axial movement of the finger support part and the rotation about the rotation axis are linked to the extension and retraction of the writing part through a simple structure. With the above-mentioned configuration, the writing instrument can be extended with a simple operation, and the finger support part can support the user's finger.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is a writing instrument according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the writing instrument comprises an operating unit, The sliding hole of the barrel is an inclined groove having a bottom surface and a top surface that incline radially outward as it moves axially forward, the barrel is positioned radially outward from the inclined groove and is provided with a communication hole that connects the outer surface of the barrel with the top surface of the inclined groove, the operating unit is provided with an operating shaft and the annular finger support unit, the operating shaft moves radially inward and outward while moving back and forth inside the inclined groove, the finger support unit is connected radially outward from the operating shaft, and a part of the finger support unit is inserted into the communication hole, and when the operating shaft and the finger support unit are positioned rearward, the outer surface of the finger support unit is clamped by the side wall of the communication hole and the finger support unit is in a deformed state, and when the operating shaft and the finger support unit are positioned forward, the clamping of the outer surface of the finger support unit by the side wall of the communication hole is released and the deformed state of the finger support unit is released.

[0011] In the writing instrument of the third invention, when the finger support portion is positioned rearward, the finger support portion is in a deformed state, and when the finger support portion is positioned forward, the deformation of the finger support portion is released. When storing the writing instrument, by deforming the finger support portion, i.e., by making the finger support portion smaller, the writing instrument does not become bulky. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned state, part of the finger support portion is stored inside the barrel, which reduces the possibility of damage to the finger support portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention provides a writing instrument that is free from the risk of losing parts, reduces fatigue caused by long periods of writing, and assists people with weak writing pressure.Furthermore, the present invention provides a writing instrument that is not bulky when carried. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a front view and a front longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of a writing implement in an immersed state according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a writing implement in an immersion state according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]1A and 1B are a front view and a front longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of a writing implement in a protruding state according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a writing implement in a protruding state according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A is a side view, FIG. 1B is a front longitudinal sectional view, FIG. 1C is a plan view, and FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a barrel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A is a front view of a connection part according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view. [Figure 7] 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a front longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an operating section according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a front vertical cross-sectional view of a writing implement according to a first embodiment of the present invention, during transition from an immersion state to a writing state. [Figure 9] 1 is a front vertical cross-sectional view of a writing implement according to a first embodiment of the present invention, during transition from a writing state to an immersion state. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which the writing instrument of the present invention is used. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are front longitudinal cross-sectional views of a writing implement according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the finger support portion positioned at the rear, and FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are front longitudinal cross-sectional views of a writing implement according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the finger support portion positioned forward, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The definitions of directions and the like used in this embodiment will be described below. In a writing instrument, the direction in which the axis of the barrel (central axis or axis) extends is called the axial direction or axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is called the radial direction, and the direction along the circumference around the axis is called the circumferential direction. The side from which the writing part protrudes is called the front or upper side, and the side opposite the writing part is called the rear or lower side. Accordingly, the direction parallel to the axial direction is sometimes called the front-to-back direction. When the writing part of the writing instrument is immersed inside the barrel, it is called the immersed state or non-writing state, and when the writing part protrudes from the barrel, it is called the protruding state or writing state. Additionally, the perpendicular line perpendicular to the axis is called the axis of rotation.

[0015] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 10. A writing instrument 1 of this embodiment has a barrel 2, a writing member 3, a connecting portion 4, and an operating portion 5.

[0016] ·Shaft tube 2 The barrel 2 of this embodiment has a writing member 3 and a portion of the connecting portion 4 therein. Alternatively, the barrel 2 may have an elastic member 6 therein. The barrel 2 may be made of resin, particularly polycarbonate or polypropylene, from the viewpoint of cost efficiency, or wood or metal (e.g., stainless steel) from the viewpoint of appearance. The barrel 2 may be made of two or more cylindrical bodies from the viewpoint of ease of assembly. In this embodiment, the barrel 2 is made of two parts, a front barrel 21 and a rear barrel 22, from the viewpoint of ease of assembly. In this embodiment, the front barrel 21 and the rear barrel 22 are removably fixed by a surface fit. Alternatively, they may be removably fixed by a screw fit or a jump fit.

[0017] Front barrel 21 is generally cylindrical, with opening 29 at the front, through which writing part 31 protrudes. Rear barrel 22 is generally cylindrical, with a bottom, and has a slide hole and a barrel top surface at the rear that engages finger support part 52 of operating unit 5 (see FIG. 5). Rear barrel 22 may also have first elastic member support part 26 that supports elastic member 6 inside rear barrel 22. In this embodiment, first elastic member support part 26 is a cylinder with a column inside, and elastic member 6 is supported by the cylindrical inner surface and the cylindrical outer surface while its radial movement is restricted.

[0018] The sliding hole is a slit 27 that penetrates the rear axle 22 radially inward and outward. The slit 27 is located forward of the rear axle 22 and opens forward. The connecting portion 42, described below, is inserted into the slit 27 through its opening, facilitating assembly of the rear axle 22 and the connection portion 4. The rear end of the slit 27 is provided with an abutment surface that restricts rearward movement of the connecting portion 42. The circumferential width of the slit 27 is preferably at least slightly greater than the circumferential thickness of the connecting portion 42. This allows the connecting portion 42 and the connection portion 4 to slide in the fore-and-aft direction without rattle. It is sufficient for the rear axle 22 to have at least one slit 27. A configuration with one slit 27 facilitates the production of mold components for injection molding. Alternatively, the rear axle 22 may have two slits 27. A configuration with two slits 27 allows the connecting portion 42 and the connection portion 4 to slide in the fore-and-aft direction more smoothly.

[0019] The barrel top surface is a top surface that seals off the rear of rear barrel 22. The barrel top surface has inclined surface portion 23, horizontal surface portion 24, and first locking portion 25. Sloped surface portion 23 is a flat surface that approaches the axis as it moves axially rearward. In other words, inclined surface portion 23 is a flat surface that is inclined in the direction in which the operating part rotates. In this embodiment, in a plan view of rear barrel 22 (see Figure 5(C)), slit 27 and inclined surface portion 23 are located at the same position in the circumferential direction. Additionally, in a vertical cross section of writing instrument 1, the axis and inclined surface portion 23 intersect at an angle of approximately 40 degrees. This inclined surface portion 23 functions as a guide for operating part 5 when transitioning from the extended state to the retracted state. Horizontal surface portion 24 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the axis. Horizontal surface portion 24 has first locking portion 25. First locking portion 25 is, for example, a convex portion that protrudes axially rearward. In the immersed state, the horizontal surface portion 24, particularly the first locking portion 25, restricts the finger support portion 52 from moving axially forward and from rotating in one direction about the rotation axis. The first locking portion 25 is preferably disposed in a position facing the inclined surface portion 23 with respect to the axis in a plan view. This effectively restricts the movement of the finger support portion 52. In this embodiment, the first locking portion 25 has one protrusion protruding axially rearward, but it may have multiple protrusions. This reliably restricts the movement of the finger support portion 52. In this embodiment, the first locking portion is provided on the barrel, but it may also be provided on the finger support portion.

[0020] The rear barrel 22 may have an operating shaft housing 28, which is a groove having a bottom recessed radially inward on the outer surface of the rear barrel 22. The operating shaft housing 28 is located at the same circumferential position as the slit 27 in a plan view of the barrel tube 2. The circumferential width of the operating shaft housing 28 is preferably formed slightly larger than the circumferential width of the operating shaft 51. Furthermore, the depth of the groove in the operating shaft housing 28 is preferably formed slightly larger than the radial width of the operating shaft 51. This allows the operating shaft 51 to be housed in the operating shaft housing 28 when the operating shaft 51 is located rearward of the connecting portion 42. In other words, when the writing instrument 1 is in a retracted state, the operating shaft 51 is housed in the operating shaft housing 28. This allows the writing instrument 1 in a retracted state to be transported without becoming bulky. In this embodiment, the front end face of the operating shaft housing 28 is located axially forward of the rear end face of the slit 27. When the connecting portion 42 and the operating shaft 51 are connected, the front end face of the operating shaft storage portion 28 abuts against one end of the operating shaft 51, restricting the operating portion 5 and the connecting portion 4 from moving forward and preventing the connecting portion 4 from falling off forward from the rear axle 22.

[0021] Writing material 3 The writing member 3 comprises a writing portion 31 and an ink reservoir 32. The writing portion 31 comes into contact with the paper surface and transfers ink to the paper surface. The writing portion 31 is a ballpoint pen tip or a fiber tip used in marking pens. The ink reservoir 32 contains the ink to be supplied to the writing portion 31. The ink reservoir 32 is preferably substantially cylindrical and made of synthetic resin or metal. Examples of inks contained in the ink reservoir 32 include water-based ink, oil-based ink, and reversible thermochromic ink.

[0022] Connection 4 The connection part 4 includes a substantially cylindrical main body 41 and a connecting part 42 that protrudes radially outward from the main body 41 (see FIG. 6). The interior of the main body 41 of the connection part 4 holds the writing member 3. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the main body 41 has multiple inner ribs 46 that protrude radially inward. These inner ribs 46 secure the writing member 3 while aligning the writing member 3 and the barrel 2 coaxially. The main body 41 of the connection part 4 may be substantially cylindrical with a top surface at the rear and a bottom. This allows the inner surface of the top surface of the connection part 4 to abut against the rear end surface of the writing member 3, reliably restricting rearward movement of the writing member 3. In this embodiment, the connecting part 42 is an attachment part that connects the barrel and the finger support part.

[0023] From the viewpoint of cost, it is preferable to select a resin, particularly polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyacetal, or the like, as the material for the connection portion 4 of this embodiment.

[0024] The connecting portion 42 is a single plate-like protrusion that protrudes radially outward and has a thickness in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 42 includes a rotation center portion 43, and the rotation center portion 43 and one end of the operating shaft 51 are rotatably connected about the rotation axis. The rotation center portion 43 and the operating shaft 51 can be rotatably connected, for example, by providing a cylindrical protrusion on one end and a hole on the other end, or by providing holes on both ends and inserting a cylindrical pin into the holes. In this embodiment, the rotation center portion is a single hole that penetrates circumferentially. The connecting portion 42 is inserted into the slit 27 of the rear axle 22 and slides in the front-to-rear direction. The connecting portion 42 may be configured to have two or more plate-like protrusions spaced a short distance apart in the circumferential direction. This allows the connecting portion 42 to be connected while more strongly restricting the circumferential movement of the operating portion 5. Alternatively, the connecting portion 42 may be configured to have two plate-like protrusions positioned opposite each other along the axis in a plan view. Furthermore, the coupling part 42 may have a notch into which one end of the operating shaft 51 is inserted. This allows the connecting part 4 to slide more smoothly in the front-rear direction.

[0025] The outer surface of the connection portion 4 may be provided with at least one outer rib 47, which is a rib that protrudes radially outward. In the cross section of the connection portion 4, the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the outer rib 47 is slightly smaller than the inscribing circle of the inner surface of the rear axle 22. This allows the connection portion 4 to slide smoothly without wobbling when sliding in the front-to-rear direction inside the barrel 2. In addition, a second elastic member support portion 44 for supporting the elastic member 6 may be provided on the outer surface of the top surface behind the connection portion 4. In this embodiment, the second elastic member support portion 44 is a substantially cylindrical protrusion. This allows the elastic member 6 to be held by the first elastic member support portion 26 and the second elastic member support portion 44 of the barrel 2, enabling more reliable and quick protrusion operation.

[0026] ·Operation unit 5 The operating unit 5 has an operating shaft 51 and a finger support portion 52 (see FIG. 7). From the viewpoint of cost, the operating unit 5 is preferably formed from resin. The operating unit 5 may be formed from the same material, may be formed by two-color molding using different materials, or may be formed by assembling separate parts.

[0027] The operating shaft 51 is, for example, a rectangular prism extending in the axial direction. Other shapes include a cylindrical shape and a polygonal prism. The material of the operating shaft 51 is preferably selected from, for example, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyacetal. One end of the operating shaft 51 is rotatably connected to the rotation center of the connecting portion 42, and the other end is connected to the finger support portion 52. The one end of the operating shaft 51 may have any shape that allows it to be rotatably connected to the connecting portion 42. In this embodiment, the one end of the operating shaft 51 has a notch that is approximately U-shaped in side view and a hole that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The connecting portion 42 is inserted into the notch of the operating shaft 51, and the central axis of the rotation center portion 43 and the central axis of the through-hole are aligned on the same line. The operating shaft 51 and the rotation center portion 43 are rotatably connected to each other by a cylindrical pin. Alternatively, the operating shaft 51 may have multiple notches. This allows the connection to be made while more strongly restricting the circumferential movement of the operating part 5. In addition to the above-described configuration, one end of the operating shaft 51 may be inserted into a notch in the connecting part 42.

[0028] In the protruding state, the finger support portion 52 is positioned axially forward of the connecting portion 42, specifically, approximately in the middle of the front barrel 21. The finger support portion 52 may have any shape that makes it easy to grip the writing instrument 1. In this embodiment, the finger support portion 52 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open end connected to the operating shaft 51. The material for the finger support portion 52 is preferably selected from, for example, polypropylene, polyacetal, or elastomer. It is also possible to form the exterior of the finger support portion 52 from polypropylene and then insert an elastic material such as elastomer inside to gently protect the fingers. Alternatively, the finger support portion 52 may have a solid shape whose radial outer surface supports the fingers. The outer diameter of the finger support portion 52 is preferably approximately the same as the outer diameter of the barrel 2. This allows the writing instrument 1 to be carried compactly in the retracted state. Furthermore, in the retracted state, the outlines of the barrel 2 and the finger support portion 52 coincide, achieving a simple appearance. In this case, the outer diameter of the finger support portion 52 and the outer diameter of the barrel 2 are preferably set to φ12 mm to φ22 mm, and more preferably φ15 mm to φ20 mm. Similarly, the inner diameter of the finger support portion 52 is preferably φ10 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably φ13 mm to φ18 mm. In other words, it is preferable that the size be such that the user's index finger can be inserted inside the finger support portion. This is effective in further reducing fatigue during writing and assisting people with weak writing pressure.

[0029] Elastic member 6 The writing instrument 1 of this embodiment may have an elastic member 6 disposed inside the barrel 2 and axially rearward of the writing member 3, which urges the writing member 3 axially forward. In this embodiment, the elastic member 6 is a coil spring, supported by the first elastic member support portion 26 and the second elastic member support portion 44, and urges the connecting portion 4 and the writing member 3 forward. Additionally, in the immersed state, the elastic member 6 indirectly urges the finger support portion 52 forward. This more firmly maintains the engagement between the finger support portion 52 and the first engagement portion 25, eliminating the risk of the engagement being unintentionally released.

[0030] The process of transitioning from an immersive state to a protrusive state The process by which the writing part 31 transitions from a retracted state to a protruding state will be described. When the writing part 31 is retracted (see FIG. 1), the writing member 3 and the connecting part 4 are arranged at the rear inside the barrel 2. The operating shaft 51 is located rearward of the connecting part 42 and is arranged inside the operating shaft storage part 28. In other words, the operating shaft 51 is arranged in a state that is approximately parallel to the axial direction. The finger support part 52 is located rearward of the connecting part 42 and is engaged at the rear of the barrel 2 by the horizontal surface part 24 of the rear barrel 22 and the first engaging part 25. In detail, the inner surface of the opening of the finger support part 52 and the first engaging part 25 are engaged. If the configuration includes an elastic member 6, the elastic member 6 is arranged inside the barrel 2 in an axially compressed state.

[0031] First, a force is applied to rotate the finger support portion 52 in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise) around the rotation axis, thereby releasing the engagement between the finger support portion 52 and the first locking portion 25. In a configuration without the elastic member 6, a force is applied to rotate the finger support portion 52 in one direction and a force is applied to move it forward in the axial direction. In a configuration with the elastic member 6, the writing element 3 and the connection portion 4 automatically and quickly move forward due to the restoring force of the elastic member 6 as soon as the engagement between the finger support portion 52 and the first locking portion 25 is released. Figure 8 shows the state in the middle of transitioning from the retracted state to the extended state. The operating shaft 51 rotates around the rotation center 43, and the operating shaft 51 becomes approximately perpendicular to the axial direction. At this time, the finger support portion 52 is furthest away from the barrel 2. If the finger support portion 52 is further advanced and rotated from Figure 8, it will stop in the state shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the operating shaft 51 abuts against the front end surface of the operating shaft storage portion 28, ending its forward axial movement. Furthermore, rotation about the rotation axis is terminated when the outer surface of the operating shaft 51 abuts against the outer surface of the barrel 2. At this time, the operating shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52 are positioned forward of the connecting portion 42. The operating shaft 51 is again approximately parallel to the axial direction.

[0032] How to use writing implement 1 The user writes by pressing the writing instrument 1 against the paper surface and bringing the writing part 31 into contact with the paper surface. In the writing state of this embodiment, the finger support part 52 is positioned forward with the rear open. The user can insert their index finger into the opening of the finger support part 52 and hold the writing instrument 1 with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger (Figure 10). By using the finger support part 52, the position of the index finger is less likely to shift, making it possible to hold the writing instrument 1 firmly. In addition, the diameter of the writing instrument 1 is increased by the amount of the finger support part 52 compared to the outer surface of the writing instrument 1, making it easier to hold.

[0033] When the writing instrument 1 is used in the above-described state, a force is applied to the finger support portion 52 in the forward axial direction, allowing the writing portion 31 to be constantly maintained in a protruding state. Furthermore, if the elastic member 6 is disposed behind the writing element 3, when the writing element 31 is pressed against the paper surface, the elastic member 6 is compressed slightly by the repulsive force from the paper surface, allowing the writing element 3 to move slightly back and forth. This makes it easy to draw lines with varying thickness.

[0034] The writing instrument 1 may be provided with a second locking portion 45 on the inner circumferential front surface of the notch at one end of the operating shaft 51, and a third locking portion 53 on the front end surface of the connecting portion 42. In this way, in the protruding state, the second locking portion 45 and the third locking portion 53 are locked together, thereby preventing the operating shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52 from unintentionally rotating in the other direction (for example, clockwise). In this embodiment, the second locking portion 45 is a protrusion that protrudes forward from the inner circumferential front surface of the notch, and the third locking portion 53 is a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front end surface of the connecting portion 42, and the second locking portion 45 and the third locking portion 53 are locked together by a jump-over fit.

[0035] The process of transitioning from a protruding state to an immersed state The process by which the writing part 31 transitions from the protruding state to the retracted state will be described below. First, when the writing part 31 is in the retracted state (see FIG. 3), a force is applied to rotate the finger support part 52 in the other direction (for example, clockwise) relative to the rotation axis, and a force is applied to move it rearward in the axial direction, thereby moving the other end of the operating shaft 51 and the finger support part 52 rearward. If the elastic member 6 is configured to be disposed inside the barrel 2, the finger support part 52 is moved axially rearward against the resilient force of the elastic member 6.

[0036] As the other end of the operating shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52 continue to move, the finger support portion comes into contact with the inclined surface, as shown in FIG. 9. From this state, by continuing to rotate the finger support portion 52, the finger support portion 52 moves, sliding up the inclined surface 23 of the rear axle 22. This facilitates the movement of the finger support portion 52 toward the rear of the barrel 2. More specifically, the user does not need to intentionally apply force axially rearward to the operating unit 5; simply by continuing to rotate the operating unit 5, the finger support portion 52 automatically moves rearward in the barrel 2, facilitating the immersion operation. By continuing to rotate the finger support portion even after it has reached the top of the inclined surface 23, the finger support portion 52 is locked at the rear of the barrel 2 by the horizontal surface 24 and the first locking portion 25 of the rear axle 22 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] The writing instrument 1 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical barrel 2 having an opening 29 that opens forward, and a writing member 3 that is movable axially inside the barrel 2 and has a writing portion 31 at its axially forward end, the writing instrument 1 also includes a finger support portion 52 connected to the barrel 2 via an attachment portion, the barrel 2 having a sliding hole extending in the axial direction, the attachment portion sliding axially within the sliding hole, and when the finger support portion 52 and the attachment portion are positioned forward, the finger support portion 52 can support the user's finger while the user is holding the writing instrument 1. This eliminates the risk of parts being lost, and can reduce fatigue caused by long periods of writing and assist people with weak writing pressure.

[0038] The writing instrument 1 of this embodiment includes a connecting portion 4 and an operating portion 5, the sliding hole of the barrel 2 is a slit 27 that penetrates radially inward and outward, the connecting portion 4 holds the writing member 3 and is arranged inside the barrel 2 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, the connecting portion 4 protrudes radially outward and has a connecting portion 42 that is inserted into the slit 27, the connecting portion 42 has a rotation center 43, the operating portion 5 is arranged on the outer surface of the barrel 2, and the operating portion 5 is an operating portion. The writing instrument 1 of this embodiment includes a shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52. One end of the operating shaft 51 is rotatably connected to the rotation center 43 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the axis, and the other end of the operating shaft 51 is connected to the finger support portion 52. When the writing part 31 is retracted into the barrel 2, the other end of the operating shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52 are located rearward, and when the writing part 31 is protruding from the barrel 2, the other end of the operating shaft 51 and the finger support portion 52 are located forward. Thus, in the writing instrument 1 of this embodiment, the axial movement and rotation of the finger support portion 52 about the rotation axis are linked with the extension and retraction of the writing part 31 through a simple structure. With the above-described configuration, the writing instrument 1 can be protruded with a simple operation, and the finger support portion 52 can support the user's finger.

[0039] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 11 and 12. A writing instrument 101 of this embodiment has a barrel 120, a writing element 3, and an operating unit 150. The writing element 3 has the same structure as in the first embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, a redundant description of parts that can be configured in the same way as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0040] ·Shaft cylinder 120 The barrel 120 of this embodiment has therein the writing element 3, a retractable mechanism that allows the writing element 3 to be retracted and retracted, and a portion of the connecting portion 150. The barrel 120 also has a sliding hole and a communication hole 172. The material of the barrel 120 may be resin, particularly polycarbonate or polypropylene, from the viewpoint of cost efficiency, or wood or metal (e.g., stainless steel) from the viewpoint of appearance. The barrel 120 may be composed of two or more components from the viewpoint of ease of assembly. In this embodiment, the barrel 120 is configured by assembling two half barrels with semicircular cross sections. In this embodiment, the half barrels are fixed with adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the barrel 120 may be configured to be removably fixed by a fitting that allows for a slip-on fit or the like.

[0041] The barrel 120 has a retractable mechanism that allows the writing member 3 to be freely retracted and retracted. The retractable mechanism can be any mechanism that moves the writing member 3 forward and backward, and can be selected from known mechanisms such as a rotary cam mechanism. In this embodiment, a rotary cam mechanism is used to retract the writing part 31.

[0042] In this embodiment, the sliding hole is an inclined groove 171. The inclined groove 171 is, for example, a cavity having a substantially rectangular prism shape with bottom and top surfaces that incline radially outward as they extend axially forward. In other words, the inclined groove 171 is a hole extending in the axial direction and has a substantially rectangular shape in any cross section of the barrel 120. The operating shaft 151 (described later) is housed within the inclined groove 171 and slides in the front-rear direction. The circumferential width of the inclined groove 171 in any cross section is preferably slightly larger than the circumferential width of the operating shaft 151. Similarly, the radial width (groove depth) of the inclined groove 171 in any cross section is preferably slightly larger than the radial width of the operating shaft 151. For the reasons described above, the operating shaft 151 can slide smoothly without rattle. However, other configurations are possible as long as the operating shaft 151 (described later) can be inserted and slide in the front-rear direction within the inclined groove 171. In this embodiment, the angle between the bottom surface of the inclined groove 171 and the axis is approximately 1° in the vertical cross section.

[0043] The communicating hole 172 is, for example, disposed radially outward of the inclined groove 171 and is a generally rectangular prism-shaped hole that connects the outer surface of the barrel 120 with the top surface of the inclined groove 171. In other words, the communicating hole 172 is a hole that extends in the axial direction and is generally rectangular in any cross-section of the barrel 120. The finger support portion 152, which will be described later, is inserted into the communicating hole 172 and slides in the front-to-rear direction. The communicating hole 172 extends in the axial direction and has a pair of opposing side walls. The circumferential width (the distance between the pair of side walls) of the communicating hole 172 in any cross-section is preferably smaller than the width of the inclined groove 171. This prevents the operating shaft 151 from falling off the inclined groove 171 and the writing instrument 101.

[0044] The depth of the communicating hole 172 is the length from the outer surface of the barrel 120 to the top surface of the inclined groove 171. Because the top surface of the inclined groove 171 is configured to extend radially outward as it moves axially forward, the depth of the communicating hole 172 is deepest at the rear end of the communicating hole 172 and becomes shallower as it moves forward, with the front end of the communicating hole 172 being the shallowest. In other words, the length of the side wall of the communicating hole 172 is longest at the rear end of the communicating hole 172 and becomes shorter as it moves forward, with the front end of the communicating hole 172 being the shortest.

[0045] It is preferable that the inclined groove 171 and the communication hole 172 have a contact surface at the front in the axial direction. This makes it possible to restrict the forward movement of the operating shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152. Similarly, it is preferable that the inclined groove 171 and the communication hole 172 have a contact surface at the rear in the axial direction. This makes it possible to restrict the rearward movement of the operating shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152. Furthermore, with the above-mentioned configuration, there is no risk that the operating shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152 will fall off the barrel 120.

[0046] ·Operation unit 150 The operating unit 150 has an operating shaft 151 and a finger support portion 152. The operating unit 150 may be formed from the same material, may be formed by two-color molding using different materials, or may be formed by assembling separate parts. In this embodiment, the operating unit 150 is an attachment portion that connects the shaft tube 120 and the finger support portion 152.

[0047] The operating shaft 151 is, for example, a rectangular prism extending in the axial direction. Other shapes include a cylindrical shape and a polygonal prism shape. In this embodiment, the operating shaft 151 slides along the inclined bottom and top surfaces of the inclined groove 171, moving inward and outward in the front-to-back and radial directions. The material of the operating shaft 151 is preferably selected from, for example, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyacetal, etc. Alternatively, metal, more preferably iron, which is magnetic at room temperature, may be selected. If the operating shaft 151 is made of magnetic iron, the operating shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152 can be easily maintained in a state of being positioned forward and backward in the axial direction by adhering a magnetic metal to the contact surfaces at the rear and front ends of the inclined groove 171.

[0048] Finger support portion 152 is connected radially outward from operating shaft 151. When operating portion 150 is connected to writing instrument 101, operating shaft 151 is disposed within inclined groove 171, a portion of finger support portion 152 is inserted into communicating hole 172, and the remaining portion of finger support portion 152 is disposed on the outer surface of barrel 120. Because the inclined groove is inclined in the axial direction, when finger support portion 152 is located at the rear of barrel 120, a larger area of ​​finger support portion 152 is accommodated within barrel 120 than when finger support portion 152 is located at the front of barrel 120. Finger support portion 152 is, for example, a ring having a central axis parallel to the axis (see FIG. 12). It is preferable to select an elastic material such as an elastomer as the material for finger support portion 152.

[0049] When finger support portion 152 is positioned rearward, the outer surface of finger support portion 152 is clamped by the side walls of communication hole 172, and the ring is in a deformed state (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, when finger support portion 152 is positioned forward, the ring is released from its deformed state (see FIG. 12). Specifically, when finger support portion 152 is positioned rearward, the side walls of communication hole 172 are longer than when finger support portion 152 is positioned forward, and finger support portion 152 can be clamped more firmly, so finger support portion 152 can be put into a state of greater deformation.

[0050] When finger support portion 152 is positioned rearward, the cross-sectional shape of the annular ring sandwiched between the side walls of communication hole 172 deforms so that the inner surfaces of the rings approach each other, resulting in a closed state in which the ring is closed (see FIG. 11(C)). In other words, when finger support portion 152 is positioned rearward, the circumferential width of the cross-section of the ring is smaller than when the finger support portion is positioned forward, and the radial protrusion from the barrel is also smaller. As a result, when writing instrument 101 is carried with finger support portion 152 positioned rearward, finger support portion 152 is deformed and small, so writing instrument 101 does not become bulky. Furthermore, because a portion of finger support portion 152 is housed inside barrel 120, the possibility of unintentional damage to finger support portion 152 is reduced.

[0051] Finger support portion 152 is an annular ring when positioned axially forward. A user can insert their index finger into this ring and firmly grip writing instrument 101 with their thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Furthermore, the diameter of finger support portion 152 is larger than the outer surface of writing instrument 101, making it easier to grip writing instrument 101. Furthermore, by forming the ring from an elastic material, the strain on the fingers can be reduced, making it suitable for long periods of writing.

[0052] The writing instrument 101 of this embodiment includes an operating unit 150, and the sliding hole of the barrel 120 is an inclined groove 171 having a bottom surface and a top surface that are inclined radially outward as they move axially forward. The barrel 120 is disposed radially outward from the inclined groove 171 and includes a communication hole 172 that communicates the outer surface of the barrel 120 with the top surface of the inclined groove 171. The operating unit 150 includes an operating shaft 151 and the annular finger support part 152, and the operating shaft 151 moves radially inward and outward while moving back and forth inside the inclined groove 171. The finger support portion 152 is connected radially outward from the operation shaft 151, a portion of the finger support portion 152 is inserted into the communication hole 172, and when the operation shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152 are positioned rearward, the outer surface of the finger support portion 152 is clamped by the side walls of the communication hole 172, and the finger support portion 152 is in a deformed state, and when the operation shaft 151 and the finger support portion 152 are positioned forward, the clamping of the outer surface of the finger support portion 152 by the side walls of the communication hole 172 is released, and the deformed state of the finger support portion 152 is released. As a result, in the writing instrument 101 of this embodiment, when the finger support portion 152 is positioned rearward, the finger support portion 152 is in a deformed state, and when the finger support portion 152 is positioned forward, the deformation of the finger support portion 152 is released. When storing writing instrument 101, finger support portion 152 is deformed, that is, finger support portion 152 is made smaller, thereby reducing the bulk of writing instrument 101. Furthermore, in the above-described state, part of finger support portion 152 is stored inside barrel 120, which can reduce the possibility of finger support portion 152 being damaged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 writing implements 2 shaft cylinder 21 Front axle 22 rear axle 23 Slope 24 Horizontal part 25 First locking portion 26 First elastic member support portion 27 Slit 28 Operating shaft storage section 29 Opening 3 Writing materials 31 Writing section 32 Ink reservoir 4 Connection 41 Main body 42 Connecting part 43 Rotation center 44 Second elastic member support portion 45 Second locking portion 46 Inner rib 47 Outer rib 5 Control section 51 Operation axis 52 Finger support part 53 Third locking portion 6 Elastic member 101 Writing instruments 120 Shaft tube 150 Operation section 151 Operation axis 152 Finger support part 171 Slant groove 172 Communication hole

Claims

1. A writing instrument comprising: a cylindrical barrel having an opening at the front; and a writing member that is movable axially inside the barrel and has a writing part at the axial front, the writing implement includes a finger support portion connected to the barrel via an attachment portion; The barrel has a slide hole extending in the axial direction, The mounting portion slides in the axial direction inside the slide hole, A writing instrument characterized in that, when the finger support portion and the attachment portion are positioned forward, the finger support portion can support a user's finger while the user is holding the writing instrument.

2. The writing instrument includes a connection portion and an operation portion, The slide hole of the barrel is a slit penetrating radially inward and outward, the connecting portion holds the writing member and is arranged in a state in which it can move back and forth inside the barrel; The connecting portion has a coupling portion that protrudes radially outward and is inserted into the slit, The connecting portion has a pivot center, The operating portion is disposed on an outer surface of the barrel, the operation unit includes an operation shaft and the finger support unit, One end of the operation shaft is connected to the rotation center so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is a perpendicular line orthogonal to the axis, The other end of the operation shaft is connected to the finger support portion, When the writing part is immersed in the barrel, the other end of the operating shaft and the finger support part are located at the rear, When the writing part is protruding from the barrel, the other end of the operating shaft and the finger support part are located forward.

2. The writing instrument according to claim 1.

3. The writing instrument includes an operation unit, The slide hole of the barrel is an inclined groove having a bottom surface and a top surface that are inclined radially outward as they extend axially forward, The barrel is disposed radially outward of the inclined groove and includes a communication hole that connects an outer surface of the barrel with a top surface of the inclined groove, the operating portion includes an operating shaft and the annular finger support portion, The operating shaft moves radially inward and outward while moving back and forth inside the inclined groove, The finger support portion is provided radially outward from the operation shaft, a part of the finger support portion is inserted into the communication hole; When the operating shaft and the finger support portion are positioned rearward, an outer surface of the finger support portion is sandwiched by the side wall of the communication hole, and the finger support portion is in a deformed state; When the operation shaft and the finger support portion are positioned forward, The outer surface of the finger support portion is released from the clamping by the side wall of the communication hole, and the deformation of the finger support portion is released.

2. The writing implement according to claim 1,

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