Applicator

Abstract

This product provides an applicator that allows for easy spraying and coating of ink. [Solution] The device comprises an ink storage section for storing ink, an applicator for applying the ink, and an ejection section for ejecting the ink by blowing air, such as exhaled breath, onto the applicator.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator that sprays and applies ink by blowing air.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, due to the increasing demand for art and craft, there is a growing need for the development of an applicator that sprays using ink with good color development and high concealment. However, the fact is that it has not been able to meet the requirements well. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose an applicator or writing instrument that discharges ink in a mist form.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when spraying ink with high concealment, in the case of an aerosol spray, a fine flow path is required, so there is a risk of clogging in the flow path. On the other hand, in the case of an airbrush type using a compressor or the like, the risk of clogging is low, but it lacks convenience.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an applicator that can easily spray and apply ink.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention has the following configuration. (1) An applicator comprising an ink storage section for storing ink, an applicator for applying the ink, and an ejection section for blowing air onto the applicator to eject the ink. (2) The applicator according to (1), wherein the ejection part is provided with an ejection cap that covers the applicator, and the ejection cap is provided with a vent for blowing air onto the applicator and an ejection port for ejecting the ink. (3) The applicator according to (2), wherein the nozzle is formed on the opposite side of the applicator from the position where the vent is formed on the spraying cap, and the nozzle is larger than the vent. The applicator may also be provided with a mesh portion in the area where the air blown in from the vent hits. (4) The applicator according to (2) or (3), characterized in that the ejection cap is attached to the end of the barrel containing the ink storage section or to the end of the storage cap that covers the applicator when stored. (5) The applicator according to (2) or (3), characterized in that the ejection cap comprises a pressing member protruding from the tip and a mechanism for opening a valve provided in the ink storage section by pressing the pressing member.

[0007] The air being blown here can be from a manual blower or from exhaled breath. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an applicator that can easily spray and apply ink. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of an applicator according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a), and (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view obtained by rotating (b) by 90° around an axis. [Figure 2] This figure shows the components of the applicator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a diagram of a coating according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a perspective view. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of an ink tank according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] The diagram shows a valve provided in an ink tank according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (e) is a view from the front, and (f) is a view from the rear. [Figure 6] This figure shows a spray cap attached to a dispensing device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), (f) is a view from the front, (g) is a view from the rear, and (h) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view obtained by rotating (d) 90° around an axis. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the supply of ink to a coating body according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view when ink is supplied to the coating body, and (b) is a cross-sectional view when ink is ejected from the coating body. [Figure 8] This figure shows the spray cap according to the first embodiment with a straw attached. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the spray cap according to the first embodiment with a straw attached. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the applicator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the overall configuration of the applicator according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a), (c) is a side view, (d) is a cross-sectional view of (c), (e) is a rear view of (c), and (f) is a view from the tip side. [Figure 12] This is an exploded view of the components of a coating tool according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13]Views of the valve holding frame according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal sectional view, (e) is a view seen from the front side, and (f) is a view seen from the rear side. [Figure 14] Views of the ejection cap according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal sectional view of (d), (f) is a view seen from the front side, (g) is a view seen from the rear side, and (h) is a perspective view obtained by rotating (a) 90° around the axis. [Figure 15] Views of the storage cap according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal sectional view, and (e) is a view seen from the rear. [Figure 16] Views of the straw connected to the ejection cap according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view. [Figure 17] Diagrams for explaining the supply of ink to the applicator according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a side view when supplying ink to the applicator, (b) is a longitudinal sectional view when supplying ink to the applicator, (c) is a side view when ejecting ink from the applicator, and (d) is a longitudinal sectional view when ejecting ink from the applicator 2. [Figure 18] Diagram showing the state where a straw is attached to the ejection cap according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] An enlarged perspective view showing the state where a straw is attached to the ejection cap according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Views of the applicator according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a longitudinal sectional view of (b). [Figure 21] Views of the ejection cap attached to the applicator according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view obtained by rotating (c) 90° around the axis. [Figure 22]This is a diagram of the cap body of the ejection cap according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis. [Figure 23] This is a diagram of the lid member of the ejection cap according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis. [Figure 24] This is a diagram of the pressing member of the ejection cap according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis. [Figure 25] This figure shows a state in which a straw is attached to the spray cap of the applicator 50 according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a view from the nozzle side and (b) is a vertical side view of (a) rotated 90° around the axis. [Figure 26] This figure shows the state in which the pressing member of the spray cap of the applicator according to the third embodiment is pressed, where (a) is a view from the nozzle side, and (b) is a vertical side view of (a) rotated 90° around the axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description of the applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be made with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram of the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a), and (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view obtained by rotating (b) by 90° around the axis. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the components of the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The applicator 2 comprises a barrel 10 having a stepped, tapered tip and a long cylindrical structure in the axial direction, an applicator 12 attached to the tip of the barrel 10, a storage section 13 installed within the tapered part of the barrel 10, an ink tank 14 installed inside the barrel 10, a storage cap 16 covering the applicator 12 during storage, a spray cap (spray section) 18 positioned around the applicator 12 when spraying ink, and a straw 20 used to blow air onto the applicator 12 when spraying ink.

[0012] The barrel 10 has a stepped, tapered tip, with a coating body mounting section 10a at the tip for attaching the coating body 12, and a tapered section 10b behind it where a cylindrical storage section 13 is installed. The coating body mounting section 10a is rectangular in shape for attaching the coating body 12 and has an opening that communicates with the inside of the barrel 10. Furthermore, a threaded section 10c is formed on the inner wall surface of the barrel 10 near the tapered section 10b, which is threaded with the threads 14b formed on the outer wall near the tip of the ink tank 14.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram of a coating body 12 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a perspective view. The coating body 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped coating portion 12a, a prismatic shaft portion 12b extending to the rear side of the coating portion 12a, and two locking portions 12c projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 12b. A rectangular opening is formed in the coating portion 12a, and a mesh portion 12d for holding ink is formed integrally with the surrounding coating body 12a within this opening.

[0014] The coated body 12 and the storage section 13 are formed from a porous body, which is composed of, for example, a parallel fiber bundle made from one or more combinations of natural fibers, animal hair fibers, polyacetal resins, polyethylene resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, polyolefin resins, polyvinyl resins, polycarbonate resins, polyether resins, polyphenylene resins, etc., a fiber core made by processing fiber bundles such as felt or resin processing these fiber bundles, or a porous body (sintered body) made by sintering various plastic powders. Here, the pore diameter of the porous body in the storage section 13 is larger than the pore diameter of the coated body 12, and the porosity of the porous body in the storage section 13 is greater than the porosity of the coated body 12.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram of an ink tank 14 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. The ink tank 14 has an ink chamber (ink storage section) 14a for storing ink inside, and is equipped with a valve 15 at its tip, which adjusts the amount of ink supplied to the coating body 12 by opening and closing the valve 15. When the ink tank 14 is stored before use, a cap 14b is attached to the tip to protect the valve 15.

[0016] The ink stored in the ink chamber 14a is not limited to oil-based ink or water-based ink; various types of ink can be used.

[0017] For example, the water-based ink used contains composite particles comprising water or a water-soluble organic solvent, a pH adjuster, a surfactant, a preservative, and a fungicide, as well as titanium dioxide particles and resin particles with a smaller particle size than the titanium dioxide particles that adhere to the surface of the titanium dioxide particles and cover part or all of the surface. The ratio of the average particle size of the titanium dioxide particles to the resin particles in the composite particles is titanium dioxide particles / resin particles = 1.1 to 10, and the content of composite particles in the total ink composition is 1 to 60% by mass. The average particle size of the titanium dioxide particles is 200 to 400 nm. The average particle size of the titanium dioxide particles is the volume-based arithmetic mean diameter based on the Heywood diameters of the titanium dioxide and resin particles, obtained from image analysis of the dispersion of composite particles. Note that the titanium dioxide may include not only primary particles but also secondary particles. The resin particles are preferably acrylic resins, and their average particle size is smaller than that of the titanium dioxide particles and within the range of 40 to 300 nm. The average particle size of the composite particles is 300 to 600 nm. When using this water-based ink, it offers high opacity and smooth application without streaking during writing. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent non-drying properties.

[0018] The oil-based ink used is an ink composition comprising an organic solvent, a pH adjuster, a surfactant, a preservative, and a fungicide, as well as a metal oxide pigment such as titanium dioxide, and a binder resin, an organic solvent, and fluororesin particles such as polytetrafluoroethylene particles. The total content of the pigment and the fluororesin particles is 35 to 70% by mass, based on the mass of the solid content of the ink composition, and the ratio of the mass of the fluororesin particles to the total mass of the pigment and the fluororesin particles is 0.10 to 0.45. When measured by dynamic light scattering, the ratio of the average particle diameter of the metal oxide pigment to the average particle diameter of the fluororesin particles is 0.2 to 4.0. The solid content of the ink composition refers to the portion of the ink composition excluding volatile components such as organic solvents. The average particle diameter is the average particle diameter measured by dynamic light scattering. Specifically, this average particle size is the value of the average particle size in the scattering intensity distribution analyzed using the cumulant method, calculated using the nanoparticle analyzer nanoPartica SZ-100V2 (HORIBA). When using this oil-based ink, it is possible to obtain scratch-resistant lines that can withstand repeated rubbing and rubbing with stronger force, and that are maintained even after being exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0019] Furthermore, a thermochromic ink containing thermochromic microcapsules is also available, which contain a leuco dye, a developer, a color change temperature regulator, and a nucleating agent, which is a wax made of an aliphatic ester compound having a melting point 2°C to less than 15°C higher than the melting point of the color change temperature regulator, which is a wax made of an ester compound having an aromatic ring. A thermochromic ink is an ink using thermochromic microcapsules in which the types and contents of the leuco dye, developer, color change temperature regulator, and nucleating agent are appropriately combined, and can be set to develop color suitably below the color development temperature and to decolorize (or change color) suitably above the decolorization (or color change) temperature. Preferably, a thermochromic ink that develops color (e.g., pink) in an atmosphere below the color development temperature (e.g., 0°C) and changes to another color (e.g., red) at the color change temperature (e.g., 50°C) due to heat such as friction heat, can be used, so that paintings and letters applied outdoors change color in response to changes in the temperature environment, allowing for a variety of unprecedented changes to be enjoyed. Furthermore, the size of the thermochromic microcapsules is preferably 0.3 to 10 μm as the average particle diameter, in order to obtain sufficient stability, color development and decolorization of the lines, while suppressing a decrease in writing performance and dispersion stability of the microcapsules. The "average particle diameter" specified here is the D50 value measured by laser light diffraction / scattering method in accordance with JIS Z 8825. The content of thermochromic microcapsules should be 10 to 30% by mass of the total amount of ink composition to ensure the hue and color development of the ink.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a valve 15 provided in an ink tank 14 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (e) is a view from the front, and (f) is a view from the rear.

[0021] The valve 15 has a cylindrical retaining frame 24 that tapers towards the rear, and a valve seat member 26 is fitted into the front open end of this retaining frame 24. The retaining frame 24 has a flow hole 24a formed therein that allows ink to flow between the ink chamber 14a side of the ink tank 14 and the inside of the retaining frame 24.

[0022] A valve hole 26a is formed in the center of the valve seat member 26, into which a valve body 28 is inserted so as to be movable forward and backward. The surface of the valve body 28 facing the valve hole 26a is formed as a tapered inclined surface that narrows towards the end. The inclined surface of the valve body 28 closes the supply passage when it comes into contact with the edge of the valve hole 26a, and opens the supply passage when the inclined surface of the valve body 28 moves away from the edge of the valve hole 26a.

[0023] The valve body 28 has a long support rod 28a at one end that extends toward the ink chamber 14a. The other end of the valve body 28 has a cylindrical portion 28b that protrudes toward the coating body 12. The cylindrical portion 28b is loosely fitted with a gap in the valve hole 26a of the valve seat member 26 and is positioned to protrude into the storage portion 13.

[0024] The support rod 28a is inserted into the rear hole 24b of the retaining frame 24, which extends to the rear, so as to be able to move back and forth. A biasing member spring 32 is loosely fitted between the retaining frame 24 and the support rod 28a, biasing the valve body 28 toward the front of the retaining frame 24. Normally, the valve 15 is held in a closed state by the valve body 28.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a spray cap 18 attached to a coating tool 2 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), (f) is a view from the front, (g) is a view from the rear, and (h) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d) rotated 90° around its axis.

[0026] The spray cap 18 has a vent 18a into which air is blown onto the coating body 12, and a nozzle 18b is formed on the opposite side of the coating body 12 from the position where the vent 18a is formed on the spray cap 18. Both the vent 18a and the nozzle 18b are circular through-holes, but the nozzle 18b is larger than the vent 18a. In addition, a groove-shaped straw holder portion 18c is formed on the side of the spray cap 18 to hold a straw 20 that is connected to the vent 18a when air is blown in from the mouth by exhalation.

[0027] Next, the use of the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, when the ink tank 14 is attached to the barrel 10 of the applicator 2, the ejection cap 18 and the storage cap 16 are removed from the barrel 10, and the ejection cap 18 is attached to the barrel 10 on the applicator body 12 side. In this case, the ejection cap 18 is attached so that the vent 18a and the nozzle 18b face the mesh portion 12d of the applicator body 12.

[0028] On the other hand, if the ink tank 14 is not attached to the applicator 2, the ejection cap 18 and storage cap 16 are removed from the barrel 10, the ejection cap 18 is attached to the barrel 10 on the applicator 12 side, and the ink tank 14 is attached to the barrel 10.

[0029] In this case, the cap 14b of the ink tank 14 is removed, the ink tank 14 is inserted through the opening at the rear end of the barrel 10, and the ink tank 14 is attached to the barrel 10 by screwing the threads 14b formed on the outer wall near the tip of the ink tank 14 onto the threaded portion 10c formed on the inner wall of the barrel 10. The storage cap 16 can be attached to the rear end of the barrel 10 to prevent loss.

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates the supply of ink to the coating body 12 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view when ink is supplied to the coating body 12, and (b) is a cross-sectional view when ink is ejected from the coating body 12. When supplying ink to the coating body 12, as shown in Figure 7(a), by pushing the coating body 12, the rear end of the shaft portion 12b of the coating body 12 presses the cylindrical portion 28b of the valve body 28, and the valve body 28 is pushed in against the biasing force of the spring 32 of the valve 15. As a result the valve body 28 separates from the valve seat member 26, opening the valve hole 26a and opening the valve 15, so that ink is supplied from the ink chamber 14a to the storage portion 13. By repeating the operation of pushing the coating body 12, a large amount of ink can be supplied to the storage portion 13, and the ink is supplied from the storage portion 13 to the coating body 12.

[0031] When ink is ejected from the coating body 12, as shown in Figure 7(b), the coating body 12 is pushed back to its original position by the biasing force of the spring 32 of the valve 15, and the valve 15 closes, but ink is supplied from the storage section 13 to the coating body 12.

[0032] Figure 8 shows the state in which the straw 20 is attached to the spray cap 18 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the state in which the straw 20 is attached to the spray cap 18. When spraying ink from the coating body 12, the straw 20 is removed from the straw holding part 18c of the spray cap 18 and connected to the vent 12a. As shown in Figure 8, the straw 20 is equipped with a check valve 20a inside, so that even if the user accidentally sucks on it with their mouth, the ink will not flow back into their mouth.

[0033] By blowing air through the straw 20 connected to the vent 12a of the spraying cap 18 and directing the air onto the mesh portion 12d of the coating body 12, the ink held in the mesh portion 12d of the coating body 12 can be ejected from the nozzle 18b.

[0034] According to the first embodiment of the applicator 2, since air is blown from the straw 20 as the power source for ejecting the ink, ink can be easily sprayed and applied. Furthermore, a variety of expressions are possible by changing the strength of the air blown into the straw 20 and the distance to the object to which the ink is applied. In addition, the color of the ink to be applied can be easily changed by replacing the ink tank 14. Moreover, since both the ejection cap 18 and the storage cap 16 can be attached to the end of the ink tank 14, it is possible to carry the device without separating the caps.

[0035] In the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment described above, the mesh portion 12d of the applicator 12 is formed integrally with the applicator 12, but the mesh portion 12d may be made of a metal mesh or the like and configured as a separate part.

[0036] Next, a description of a second embodiment of the present invention will be given. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 11 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a), (c) is a side view, (d) is a cross-sectional view of (c), (e) is a rear view, and (f) is a view from the tip side. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the parts of the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment.

[0037] The applicator 30 includes a holding shaft 36 that holds an applicator 32, which is made of a rod-shaped porous material with a convex curved tip, and a reservoir 34, which is made of a porous material, inside the holding shaft 36, an ink tank 38 mounted on the holding shaft 36, and a valve 40 mounted on the tip of the ink tank. Here, the valve 40 is constructed by incorporating a valve seat 40b, a valve body 40c, and a spring 40d within a holding frame 40a.

[0038] Furthermore, the applicator 30 includes a spraying cap 42 positioned around the applicator 32 when spraying ink, a storage cap 44 that covers the applicator 32 during storage, and a straw 46 used to blow air onto the applicator 32 when spraying ink.

[0039] Figure 13 is a diagram of the retaining frame 40a of the valve 40 according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (e) is a view from the front, and (f) is a view from the rear.

[0040] The retaining frame 40a of the valve 40 has a cylindrical shape that tapers towards the rear. An opening 41a into which a valve seat member 40b is fitted is formed on the front side of the retaining frame 40a, and a flow hole 41b is formed on the rear side of the retaining frame 40a to allow the ink in the ink chamber 38a of the ink tank 38 to flow to the inside of the retaining frame 40a.

[0041] Figure 14 shows a spray cap 42 attached to a dispensing tool 30 according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), (f) is a view from the front, (g) is a view from the rear, and (h) is a perspective view of (a) rotated 90° around an axis.

[0042] The spray cap 42 has a vent 42a into which air is blown onto the coating body 32. An outlet 42b is formed on the opposite side of the spray cap 42 from the vent 42a, with the coating body 32 in between. Here, the outlet 42b has a shape that is cut out from the tip to the side wall of the spray cap 42. That is, the outlet 42b is formed as a cutout that is larger than the size of the vent 42a. In addition, a groove-shaped straw holder 42c is formed on the side of the spray cap 42 to hold the straw 46 that is used to connect to the vent 42a when blowing air into it.

[0043] Figure 15 shows a storage cap 44 attached to a coating tool 30 according to a second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a side view, (d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and (e) is a view from the rear. The ejection cap 42 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed and is provided with a coating body storage section 44a in which the coating body 32 is housed during storage. The storage cap 44 also has a narrow diameter section 42b at its tip to which the ejection cap 42 is attached during storage.

[0044] Figure 16 is a diagram of a straw 46 connected to a spray cap 42 according to a second embodiment, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. The straw 46 has a cylindrical shape and is equipped with a check valve 46a inside, so that ink does not enter the mouth even if the user accidentally sucks on it.

[0045] The coating body 32 and the storage section 34 are formed of a porous material, similar to the coating body 12 and the storage section 13 of the coating device 2 in the first embodiment. The ink contained in the ink tank 38 is either water-based or oil-based ink, similar to the ink contained in the ink tank 14 of the coating device 2 in the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 17 illustrates the supply of ink from the applicator 30 to the applicator 32, where (a) is a side view when supplying ink to the applicator 32, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view when supplying ink to the applicator 32, (c) is a side view when ink is ejected from the applicator 32, and (d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view when ink is ejected from the applicator 32. When supplying ink to the applicator 32, as shown in Figures 17(a) and (b), the applicator 32 is pushed in, causing the rear end of the applicator 32 to press against the valve body 40c, which is pushed in against the biasing force of the spring 40d of the valve 40. This opens the valve 40, and ink is supplied from the ink chamber 38a to the storage section 34. By repeating the operation of pushing in the applicator 32, a large amount of ink can be supplied to the storage section 34, and the ink is supplied from the storage section 34 to the applicator 30.

[0047] When ink is ejected from the coating body 32, as shown in Figures 17(c) and (d), the coating body 32 is pushed back to its original position by the biasing force of the spring 40d of the valve 40, and the valve 40 is closed, but ink is supplied from the storage section 34 to the coating body 32.

[0048] Next, the use of the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 10, if a storage cap 44 is attached to the holding shaft 36 of the applicator 30 and a spray cap 46 is attached to the narrow diameter portion 44b of the storage cap 44, remove the storage cap 44 and the spray cap 46, and attach the spray cap 46 to the holding shaft 36 (see Figure 18).

[0049] Figure 18 shows the state in which the straw 46 is attached to the ejection cap 42 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing the state in which the straw 46 is attached to the ejection cap 42. When ejecting ink from the coating body 32, the straw 46 is removed from the straw holding part 42c of the ejection cap 42 and connected to the vent 42a.

[0050] By blowing air through the straw 46 connected to the vent 42a of the ejection cap 42 and directing the air towards the vicinity of the tip of the coating body 32, the ink held in the coating body 32 can be ejected from the nozzle 42b.

[0051] According to the second embodiment of the applicator 30, since air is blown in through the straw 46 as the power source for ejecting the ink, ink can be easily sprayed and applied. Furthermore, a variety of expressions are possible by changing the strength of the air blown into the straw 46 and the distance to the object to which the ink is applied. In addition, the color of the ink to be applied can be easily changed by replacing the ink tank 38. Moreover, when stored, the ejection cap 42 can be attached to the narrow diameter portion 44b of the storage cap 44, so it can be carried without separating the caps.

[0052] Next, a description of a coating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be given. Figure 20 is a diagram of a coating device 50 according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (b).

[0053] The applicator 50 comprises a holding shaft 52 having a cylindrical structure with a stepped, tapered tip, an applicator 54 attached to the tip of the holding shaft 52, a storage section 56 installed within the tapered portion of the holding shaft 52, an ink tank 58 attached to the rear end of the holding shaft 52, a spray cap (spray section) 60 positioned around the applicator 54, and a straw 70 used to blow air onto the applicator 54 when spraying ink.

[0054] The coating body 54 has a rectangular parallelepiped coating portion 54a, a prismatic shaft portion 54b extending to the rear of the coating portion 54a, and two locking portions 54c projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 54b. A rectangular opening is formed in the coating portion 54a, and a mesh portion 54d for holding ink is formed integrally with the surrounding coating body 54a within this opening.

[0055] The coating body 54 and the storage section 56 are made of a porous material, similar to the coating body 12 and storage section 13 of the coating tool 2 in the first embodiment. A valve 59 is attached to the tip of the ink tank 58, and the ink contained in the ink tank 58 is either water-based or oil-based ink, similar to the ink contained in the ink tank 14 of the coating tool 2 in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 21 is a diagram of a discharge cap 60 according to a third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis. As shown in Figure 21, the discharge cap 60 has a cap body 61, a lid member 62, and a pressing member 63.

[0057] Figure 22 is a diagram of the cap body 61 of the ejection cap 60 according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis.

[0058] The cap body 61 has a cylindrical shape, and a threaded portion 61a for screwing the lid member 62 onto the inner circumferential surface of the tip is formed thereon. A circular vent 61b for blowing air onto the coating body 54 is formed on the side of the cap body 61, and a nozzle 61c is formed on the opposite side of the coating body 54 from the position where the vent 61b is formed. Here, the nozzle 61c has a rectangular shape that is larger than the size of the vent 61b. Also on the side of the cap body 61, a groove-shaped straw holding portion 61d is formed to hold the straw 70 used to connect to the vent 61b when blowing air into the vent 61b.

[0059] Figure 23 shows the lid member 62 of the ejection cap 60 according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around its axis. The lid member 62 has a cylindrical shape, with a flange 62a formed at its tip and a threaded portion 62b formed on the outer circumferential surface of its rear end that screws into the threaded portion 61a of the cap body 61.

[0060] Figure 24 shows a pressing member 63 of a discharge cap according to a third embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the front, (b) is a perspective view from the rear, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a side view, (e) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (d), and (f) is a view of (c) rotated 90° around an axis. The pressing member 63 has a cylindrical pressing portion 63a, and a flange 63b is formed at the rear end of the pressing portion 63a.

[0061] As shown in Figure 21, in the ejection cap 60, the rear part of the pressing member 63 is inserted from the front end of the cap body 61, and the tip of the pressing portion 63a of the pressing member 63 protrudes from the front end of the lid member 62, with the threaded portion 62b of the lid member 62 and the threaded portion 61a of the cap body 61 being screwed together. Therefore, by pressing the pressing portion 63a of the pressing member 63 backward, the pressing member 63 can be moved backward relative to the lid member 62.

[0062] Figure 25 shows a state in which a straw 70 is attached to the spray cap 60 of the applicator 50 according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a view from the nozzle side and (b) is a vertical side view of (a) rotated 90° around the axis. As shown in this figure, the spray cap 60 is attached to the tip of the holding shaft 52 to which the applicator 54 is attached, so as to cover the applicator 54. In this state, the rear end of the pressing member 63 is in contact with the tip of the applicator 54. Also, one end of the straw 70 removed from the straw holding part 61d is inserted into the vent 61b.

[0063] Figure 26 shows the state in which the pressing portion 63a of the pressing member 63 of the ejection cap 60 of the applicator 50 according to the third embodiment is pressed, where (a) is a view from the nozzle side and (b) is a vertical side view of (a) rotated 90° around the axis. When the pressing portion 63a of the pressing member 63 is pressed, the applicator 54 is pushed towards the ink tank 58, and consequently the applicator 54 is also pushed towards the valve 59. As a result the valve 59 is opened, and ink is supplied from the ink chamber 58 to the storage section 56. By repeating the operation of pushing the applicator 54, a large amount of ink can be supplied to the storage section 56, and the ink is supplied from the storage section 56 to the applicator 54.

[0064] Next, the use of the applicator 50 according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 26, by blowing air from the straw 70 connected to the vent 61ba of the spraying cap 60 of the applicator 50 and blowing the air onto the mesh portion 54d of the applicator 54, the ink held in the mesh portion 54d of the applicator 54 can be ejected from the nozzle 61c.

[0065] According to this third embodiment of the applicator 50, ink can be supplied to the applicator 54 by pressing the pressing portion 63a of the pressing member 63 without removing the spray cap 60 from the applicator 50, while the spray cap 60 remains attached. Furthermore, since air is blown in through the straw 70 as the power source for spraying ink from the applicator 50, ink can be easily sprayed and applied. In addition, a variety of expressions are possible by changing the strength of the air blown into the straw 70 and the distance to the object to which the ink is applied.

[0066] Furthermore, the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment or the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment may be configured to allow the ejection cap 60 of the applicator 50 according to the third embodiment to be attached. In this case, ink can be supplied to the applicator without removing the ejection cap, even with the applicator 2 according to the first embodiment or the applicator 30 according to the second embodiment, thereby improving convenience during handling. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] The coating tool of the present invention can be used as a coating tool that allows for easy spraying and coating of ink, enabling diverse expressions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 2... Applicator, 10... Shaft, 12... Applicator, 12d... Mesh section, 13... Storage section, 14... Ink tank, 14a... Ink chamber, 15... Valve, 16... Storage cap, 18... Discharge cap, 18a... Vent, 18b... Discharge port, 18c... Straw holder, 20... Straw, 20a... Check valve, 30... Applicator, 32... Applicator, 34... Storage section, 36... Holding shaft, 38... Ink tank, 38a... Ink chamber 40...Valve, 42...Discharge cap, 42a...Ventilation port, 42b...Discharge port, 42c...Straw holder, 44...Storage cap, 46...Straw, 46a...Check valve, 50...Applicator, 52...Holding shaft, 54...Applicator, 56...Storage section, 58...Ink tank, 60...Discharge cap, 61...Cap body, 61b...Ventilation port, 61c...Discharge port, 62...Lid member, 63...Pressing member, 70...Straw

Claims

1. An ink reservoir that holds the ink, A coating body for applying the aforementioned ink, A spraying unit that blows air onto the coated body to eject the ink, An applicator characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The ejection part is, The coating body is equipped with a spray cap, The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the ejection cap has a vent for blowing air onto the coating body and an ejection port for ejecting the ink.

3. The nozzle is formed at a position on the opposite side of the coated material from the position where the vent of the ejection cap is formed, The coating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the nozzle is larger than the vent.

4. The applicator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the ejection cap is attached to the end of the barrel containing the ink storage section or to the end of the storage cap that covers the applicator during storage.

5. The aforementioned spray cap is A pressing member protruding from the tip, The applicator according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a mechanism for opening a valve provided in the ink storage section by pressing the pressing member.

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