utility knife

Abstract

To provide a utility knife whose blade does not protrude from a distal end of a body in a non-use state.SOLUTION: A utility knife 100 comprises a body 2, a slider 3, a cap 4, and an elastic body 5. The slider 3 is configured to be movable inside the body 2 between a protrusion position where a blade 1 protrudes from a distal end 21a and a storage position where the blade 1 is stored between the distal end 21a and a rear end 21b. The cap 4 is fixed to the rear end 21b in a use state where the slider 3 is disposed at the protrusion position and a non-use state where the slider 3 is disposed at the storage position. The elastic body 5 biases the slider 3 toward the cap 4 in the use state and the non-use state. The slider 3 reaches the rear end 21b in the non-use state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutter knife. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a cutter knife called a safety cutter. The safety cutter includes a body, a slider, and an elastic body. The slider is connected to a blade inside the body. The blade is biased rearward by the elastic body. The safety cutter is configured to switch between a use state in which the slider causes the blade to protrude from the body and a non-use state in which the slider causes the blade to retract into the body by movement of the blade. The slider in the non-use state is located rearward of the slider in the use state. The slider moves rearward due to the bias of the elastic body, switching the safety cutter from the use state to the non-use state.

[0003] For example, the quick back slider (cutter knife) described in Japanese Patent No. 3325524 (Patent Document 1) includes a holder (body), a main slide, a retention mechanism, a sub-slide, an elastic body, and a connecting mechanism. The main slide is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the holder. The retention mechanism is configured to retain the main slide relative to the holder. The sub-slide and tool body (blade) are disposed forward of the main slide. The sub-slide is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the main slide. The tool body is connected to the sub-slide. The elastic body is configured to bias the sub-slide backward relative to the main slide. The connecting mechanism connects the main slide and the sub-slide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3325524 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the quick-back slider described in the above publication, the main sliding body is disposed forward of the rear end of the holder. Because the sub-sliding body is disposed forward of the main sliding body, it does not reach the rear end of the holder. Therefore, when the quick-back slider is not in use, the tool body may protrude from the tip of the holder.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cutter knife in which the blade does not protrude from the tip of the body when not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cutter knife of the present invention comprises a body, a slider, a cap, and an elastic body. The body includes a tip portion and a rear end portion. The rear end portion faces the tip portion. The slider is configured to hold the blade inside the body. The slider is configured to be movable inside the body between a protruding position in which the blade protrudes from the tip portion and a retracted position in which the blade is retracted between the tip portion and the rear end portion. The cap is fixable to the rear end portion. The elastic body connects the slider to the cap. The cap is fixed to the rear end portion in a use state in which the slider is positioned in the protruding position and in a non-use state in which the slider is positioned in the retracted position. The elastic body biases the slider toward the cap in both the use state and the non-use state. The slider reaches the rear end portion in the non-use state. The slider, elastic body and cap are integrated and can be removed from the rear of the body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the cutter knife of the present invention, the blade does not protrude from the tip of the body when not in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a top view schematically showing a configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment when the stopper is placed at a first position. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment in a use state in which the blade protrudes from the body. [Figure 5] 4 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment when the stopper is placed at a second position. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment when the stopper is placed at a third position. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment in a movable state in which a lever is placed at a movable position. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a slider of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a slider of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cap of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view from one side schematically illustrating the configuration of a stopper of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a perspective view seen from the other side, schematically illustrating the configuration of the stopper of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a lever and a hinge of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15]1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cutter knife according to a first embodiment in a state where a stopper is placed at a first position. [Figure 16] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment when the stopper is placed at a second position. FIG. [Figure 17] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment when the stopper is placed at a third position. FIG. [Figure 18] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment in a state where the hinge and the cap are fitted together. FIG. [Figure 19] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment in a state where the hinge and the cap are disengaged from each other. FIG. [Figure 20] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cutter knife according to the first embodiment in a movable state in which the lever is placed at a movable position. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cutter knife according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1 The configuration of a cutter knife 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a cutter knife 100 is configured to hold a blade 1. A cutting edge is provided at the tip of the blade 1. The blade 1 includes a plurality of cutting portions 10. The plurality of cutting portions 10 are connected to one another. The plurality of cutting portions 10 are detachable from one another.

[0013] The cutter knife 100 includes a body 2, a slider 3, a cap 4, and an elastic body 5 (see FIG. 3). Preferably, the cutter knife 100 further includes a stopper 6, a lever 7, and a hinge 8 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 with the stopper 6 located at the first position. As will be described later, the stopper 6 is movable to the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0014] The body 2 includes a holder 21 and a cover 22. The holder 21 is configured to store the blade 1. The holder 21 is made of, for example, metal. A metal holder 21 is a metal body. The cover 22 is configured to partially cover the holder 21. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover 22 covers part of the front surface, side surfaces, and back surface of the holder 21. The front surface of the holder 21 is partially exposed from the cover 22. The cover 22 may be provided with an anti-slip portion 23. The anti-slip portion 23 has an uneven surface.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the body 2 includes a leading end 21a and a trailing end 21b. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. The trailing end 21b faces the leading end 21a. The longitudinal dimension of the body 2 is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the blade 1. That is, the dimension of the body 2 from the leading end 21a to the trailing end 21b is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the blade 1.

[0016] In this embodiment, the direction from the rear end portion 21b toward the front end portion 21a is the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 is along the longitudinal direction of the body 2. The side on which the front end portion 21a is arranged relative to the rear end portion 21b is the front side in the first direction DR1. The side on which the rear end portion 21b is arranged relative to the front end portion 21a is the rear side in the first direction DR1. The side on which the stopper 6 is arranged relative to the blade 1 is the one side. The side on which the blade 1 is arranged relative to the stopper 6 is the other side.

[0017] The slider 3 is configured to hold the blade 1 inside the body 2. The slider 3 is configured to connect to the blade 1 between the leading end 21a and the rear end 21b. The connection position between the slider 3 and the blade 1 is located between the leading end 21a and the rear end 21b. The slider 3 includes a first holding protrusion 30 extending in a direction from one side to the other. An elastic body 5 is connected to the first holding protrusion 30.

[0018] 3 and 4, the slider 3 is configured to be movable along a first direction DR1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 in use. The slider 3 is configured to be movable inside the body 2 between a protruding position (see Fig. 4) in which the blade 1 protrudes from the tip end 21a and a retracted position (see Fig. 3) in which the blade 1 is retracted between the tip end 21a and the rear end 21b.

[0019] The slider 3 includes a first extension portion extending along the body 2. The first extension portion is configured linearly. The body 2 includes a second extension portion extending along the slider 3. The second extension portion is configured linearly. Because the first extension portion and the second extension portion are configured linearly, the slider 3 can move continuously within the body 2. Therefore, the length of the slider 3 protruding from the body 2 can be continuously adjusted. The length of the slider 3 protruding from the body 2 can be adjusted more easily than when the slider 3 and the body 2 are fixed by, for example, protrusions and recesses. Furthermore, the length of the slider 3 protruding from the body 2 can be adjusted so that approximately the entire length of the blade 1 protrudes from the body 2.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the slider 3 reaches the rear end 21b when the slider 3 is in the storage position and is not in use. The slider 3 overlaps the rear end 21b when the slider 3 is not in use. The slider 3 protrudes rearward from the body 2 when the slider 3 is not in use. When the slider 3 is not in use, the slider 3 straddles the body 2 and the cap 4 along the first direction DR1.

[0021] The cap 4 can be fixed to the rear end portion 21b. The cap 4 can be fixed to the rear end portion 21b by being partially inserted into the interior of the body 2 through the rear end portion 21b. The cap 4 has a portion facing the rear end portion 21b. The portion of the cap 4 facing the rear end portion 21b is configured to come into contact with the rear end portion 21b.

[0022] The cap 4 is fixed to the rear end portion 21b in the use state (see FIG. 4) when the slider 3 is in the protruding position and in the unused state (see FIG. 3) when the slider 3 is in the stored position. The cap 4 is immovable with respect to the rear end portion 21b in the use state (see FIG. 4) and the unused state (see FIG. 3). The cap 4 does not move relative to the rear end portion 21b in the use state (see FIG. 4) and the unused state (see FIG. 3). The cap 4 is in contact with the rear end portion 21b in the use state (see FIG. 4) and the unused state (see FIG. 3).

[0023] The cap 4 includes a second holding protrusion 40 extending in a direction from one side to the other. The elastic body 5 is connected to the second holding protrusion 40. The cap 4 is configured as a separate body from the body 2. As will be described later, the cap 4 is configured to be detachable from the body 2. The cap 4 is configured to be detachable from the body 2 while being integrated with the blade 1, the slider 3, and the elastic body 5.

[0024] The elastic body 5 connects the slider 3 to the cap 4. The elastic body 5 includes a front end 51 and a rear end 52. The front end 51 is disposed forward of the rear end 52. The front end 51 is connected to the first holding protrusion 30. The rear end 52 is connected to the second holding protrusion 40. The elastic body 5 connects the first holding protrusion 30 to the second holding protrusion 40, thereby connecting the slider 3 to the cap 4.

[0025] The elastic body 5 biases the slider 3 toward the cap 4 in the use state (see FIG. 4) and the non-use state (see FIG. 3). The elastic body 5 biases the slider 3 backward. The elastic body 5 biases the cap 4 forward. As a result, the elastic body 5 presses the cap 4 against the body 2.

[0026] The elastic body 5 is configured to be expandable and contractible along the first direction DR1. The elastic body 5 is, for example, a spring. The elastic body 5 is, for example, a tension spring. The elastic body 5 is not limited to a spring and may be determined as appropriate.

[0027] The stopper 6 is attached to the slider 3 so as to be movable relative to the slider 3. The stopper 6 is movable relative to the slider 3 along a first direction DR1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the stopper 6 is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. FIG. 5 is a top view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 in a state in which the stopper 6 of the cutter knife 100 is positioned at the second position. As shown in FIG. 6, the stopper 6 is preferably configured to be movable to a third position. FIG. 6 is a top view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 in a state in which the stopper 6 of the cutter knife 100 is positioned at the third position. The stopper 6 is configured to be movable between the first position, the second position, and the third position. That is, the slider 3 is configured to be movable in three stages. The first position, the second position, and the third position are arranged in this order from the front. The first position is arranged forward of the second position. The second position is arranged forward of the third position.

[0028] When the stopper 6 is placed in the first position, the slider 3 is not fixed to the cap 4. That is, when the stopper 6 is placed in the first position, the slider 3 is movable relative to the cap 4. When the stopper 6 is placed in the first position, the slider 3 can be placed in the protruding position as shown in FIG.

[0029] When the stopper 6 is placed in the second position, the slider 3 is fixed to the cap 4. When the stopper 6 is placed in the second position, the slider 3 is fixed in the storage position.

[0030] When the stopper 6 is located in the third position, the slider 3 is fixed to the cap 4. As shown in FIG. 7, when the stopper 6 is located in the third position (see FIG. 6), the slider 3 is configured to be movable rearward beyond the rear end portion 21b. The slider 3 is configured to be pulled out of the body 2 together with the cap 4 and the stopper 6.

[0031] 3 and 7, the lever 7 is attached to the body 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the body 2. The lever 7 is configured to be rotatable between a fixed position and a movable position.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, when the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position, the cap 4 is fixed to the body 2. When the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position, the lever 7 sandwiches the body 2 and the cap 4, thereby fixing the cap 4 to the body 2. When the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position, the lever 7 is disposed linearly with respect to the body 2. When the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position, the lever 7 is rotatable such that the rotation direction of the lever 7 is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. When the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position, the lever 7 does not move parallel to the first direction DR1. In FIG. 3, the rotation direction of the lever 7 is indicated by an outline arrow.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the lever 7 is positioned in the movable position, the cap 4 is not fixed to the body 2. When the lever 7 is positioned in the movable position, the cap 4 is movable relative to the body 2. When the lever 7 is positioned in the movable position, the lever 7 does not sandwich the body 2 and the cap 4. When the lever 7 is positioned in the movable position, the lever 7 is positioned on the other side of the cap 4. When the lever 7 is positioned in the movable position, the lever 7 is configured not to hinder the cap 4 from being removed from the body 2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge 8 is attached to the lever 7. In this embodiment, the hinge 8 is configured as an integral part of the lever 7. As will be described later, the hinge 8 may be configured as a separate body from the lever 7. The hinge 8 is deformable. The hinge 8 is deformable so as to contract along a first direction DR1. The hinge 8 is deformable so that a first end 81 of the hinge 8 moves rearward.

[0035] The hinge 8 is configured to be able to fit into the cap 4 when the lever 7 is disposed at the fixed position. The hinge 8 is configured to fit into the cap 4 when the stopper 6 is disposed at the first position or the second position. Specifically, the hinge 8 is configured to fit into the cap 4 by being positioned so that the first end 81 of the hinge 8 comes into contact with the cap 4. The lever 7 is configured to be fixed at the fixed position by fitting the hinge 8 into the cap 4. In other words, the lever 7 is configured not to rotate with respect to the cap 4 by fitting the hinge 8 into the cap 4.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the stopper 6 is configured to be movable to a third position where the stopper 6 contacts the hinge 8 (see FIG. 3). The lever 7 is configured to be rotatable from a fixed position to a movable position when the stopper 6 moves from the first position or the second position to the third position. The hinge 8 (see FIG. 3) is configured to be deformed by contact with the stopper 6 when the stopper 6 is placed in the third position and contacts the hinge 8 (see FIG. 3), thereby releasing the engagement with the cap 4. Specifically, the hinge 8 (see FIG. 3) is configured to be deformed so that a first end 81 (see FIG. 3) of the hinge 8 (see FIG. 3) is pushed out from the cap 4, thereby releasing the engagement with the cap 4.

[0037] <Detailed configuration of Slider 3> Next, the detailed configuration of the slider 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] 8 and 9, the slider 3 includes a first section 31, a second section 32, and a third section 33. The first section 31, the second section 32, and the third section 33 are connected in this order. The first section 31 is provided with a first anti-slip section 311. The first anti-slip section 311 is provided with projections and depressions.

[0039] 10, the second portion 32 is provided with a front first convex portion 32a1, a front second convex portion 32a2, a rear first convex portion 32b1, a rear second convex portion 32b2, a first straight portion 32c1, and a second straight portion 32c2. The front first convex portion 32a1 faces the front second convex portion 32a2. The rear first convex portion 32b1 faces the rear second convex portion 32b2. The first straight portion 32c1 faces the second straight portion 32c2.

[0040] The front first convex portion 32a1 and the rear first convex portion 32b1 are connected by a first straight portion 32c1. The front first convex portion 32a1 and the rear first convex portion 32b1 bulge from the first straight portion 32c1 toward the opposite side from the front second convex portion 32a2 and the rear second convex portion 32b2. The front second convex portion 32a2 and the rear second convex portion 32b2 are connected by a second straight portion 32c2. The front second convex portion 32a2 and the rear second convex portion 32b2 bulge from the second straight portion 32c2 toward the opposite side from the front first convex portion 32a1 and the rear first convex portion 32b1.

[0041] The slider 3 includes a base portion 33a, a first protrusion 33b1, a second protrusion 33b2, a first engagement protrusion 33c1, a second engagement protrusion 33c2, a first intermediate protrusion 33d1, and a second intermediate protrusion 33d2. In this embodiment, the base portion 33a, the first protrusion 33b1, the second protrusion 33b2, the first engagement protrusion 33c1, the second engagement protrusion 33c2, the first intermediate protrusion 33d1, and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 are provided on the third portion 33. The first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2 protrude rearward from the base portion 33a. The first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2 are spaced apart. The first engagement protrusion 33c1 is connected to the tip of the first protrusion 33b1. The first engagement protrusion 33c1 extends from the first protrusion 33b1 toward the second protrusion 33b2. The second engagement protrusion 33c2 is connected to the tip of the second protrusion 33b2. The second engagement protrusion 33c2 extends from the second protrusion 33b2 toward the first protrusion 33b1. The intermediate first protrusion 33d1 is connected to the first protrusion 33b1. The intermediate first protrusion 33d1 extends from the first protrusion 33b1 toward the opposite side to the second protrusion 33b2. The intermediate second protrusion 33d2 is connected to the second protrusion 33b2. The intermediate second protrusion 33d2 extends from the second protrusion 33b2 toward the opposite side to the first protrusion 33b1.

[0042] <Detailed structure of Cap 4> Next, the detailed structure of the cap 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, the cap 4 includes a main body portion 41 and an insertion portion 44. The main body portion 41 is configured to face the body 2 (see FIG. 3). The insertion portion 44 is configured to be inserted into the body 2 (see FIG. 3). By inserting the insertion portion 44 into the body 2 (see FIG. 3), movement of the cap 4 relative to the body 2 (see FIG. 3) is suppressed.

[0044] The cap 4 has a groove 49. The groove 49 includes a first side wall portion 43b1, a second side wall portion 43b2, a first recess 43c1, and a second recess 43c2. In this embodiment, the groove 49 includes a first groove portion 42 and a second groove portion 43. The second groove portion 43 is provided at the bottom of the first groove portion 42. That is, the groove 49 has a two-tiered structure. The second groove portion 43 includes a bottom portion 43a, a first side wall portion 43b1, a second side wall portion 43b2, a third side wall portion 43b3, a first recess 43c1, and a second recess 43c2. The first side wall portion 43b1, the second side wall portion 43b2, the third side wall portion 43b3, the first recess 43c1, and the second recess 43c2 rise from the bottom portion 43a. The second side wall 43b2 faces the first side wall 43b1 with a gap therebetween. The third side wall 43b3 connects the first side wall 43b1 to the second side wall 43b2. The first recess 43c1 is recessed from the first side wall 43b1 toward the opposite side from the second side wall 43b2. The second recess 43c2 is recessed from the second side wall 43b2 toward the opposite side from the first side wall 43b1.

[0045] <Detailed configuration of stopper 6> Next, the detailed structure of the stopper 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the stopper 6 includes a base portion 61, a one-side protrusion 62, an other-side protrusion 63, a first forward protrusion 64a1, a second forward protrusion 64a2, a first fixed protrusion 64b1, a second fixed protrusion 64b2, and a rear protrusion 65. The one-side protrusion 62 protrudes toward one side from the base portion 61. The other-side protrusion 63 protrudes toward the other side from the base portion 61. The first forward protrusion 64a1 and the second forward protrusion 64a2 protrude forward from the base portion 61. The first forward protrusion 64a1 and the second forward protrusion 64a2 are spaced apart. The first fixed protrusion 64b1 extends from the tip of the first forward protrusion 64a1 toward the second forward protrusion 64a2. The second fixed protrusion 64b2 extends from the tip of the front second protrusion 64a2 toward the front first protrusion 64a1. The first fixed protrusion 64b1 and the second fixed protrusion 64b2 face each other with a gap between them. The rear protrusion 65 protrudes rearward from the base.

[0047] <Detailed configuration of lever 7> Next, the detailed structure of the lever 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 14, the lever 7 includes a body 71, a first arm 72a, and a second arm 72b. The body 71 connects the first arm 72a and the second arm 72b. A hinge 8 is connected to the body 71. The first arm 72a and the second arm 72b extend forward from the body 71. The first arm 72a is rotatably attached to the body. The second arm 72b is rotatably attached to the body on the opposite side of the body from the first arm 72a. A first through hole 73a is formed in the first arm 72a. A second through hole 73b is formed in the second arm 72b. The first through hole 73a and the second through hole 73b are arranged to intersect with the first direction DR1.

[0049] 2, the first shaft 23a of the body 2 is inserted into the first through-hole 73a. Although not shown, the second shaft of the body 2 is inserted into the second through-hole 73b. This allows the lever 7 to rotate relative to the body 2 around the first shaft 23a and the second shaft of the body 2.

[0050] <Configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is located at the first position> Next, the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position will be described in detail with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 of the cutter knife 100 is disposed in the first position. For ease of explanation, Figure 15 does not show the first part 31 of the slider 3 (see Figure 8) and the base part 61 of the stopper 6 (see Figure 12).

[0051] The slider 3 is configured to allow the blade to protrude from the body 2 when the stopper 6 is located in the first position. Therefore, when the stopper 6 is located in the first position, the cutter knife 100 is in use. The slider 3 is configured to be able to detach from the cap 4 when the stopper 6 is located in the first position. The stopper 6 is configured not to engage with the slider 3 when the stopper 6 is located in the first position.

[0052] 15, the first front protrusion 64a1 and the second front protrusion 64a2 of the stopper 6 are configured not to engage with the first front convex portion 32a1 and the second front convex portion 32a2 when the stopper 6 is located at the first position. Specifically, the first front protrusion 64a1 and the second front protrusion 64a2 are configured to be located forward of the first front convex portion 32a1 and the second front convex portion 32a2 when the stopper 6 is located at the first position.

[0053] The first protrusion 33b1 protrudes from the base portion 33a along the first side wall portion 43b1 into the groove 49. The second protrusion 33b2 protrudes from the base portion 33a into the groove 49 along the second side wall portion 43b2. The intermediate first protrusion 33d1 engages with the first recess 43c1. The intermediate second protrusion 33d2 engages with the second recess 43c2. The other-side protrusion 63 protrudes from the base portion 61 (see FIG. 13) between the first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2.

[0054] When the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position, the other-side protrusion 63 is disposed closer to the base portion 33a than the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2, thereby disengaging the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 from the first recess 43c1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 from the second recess 43c2. The slider 3 is configured to be deformable when the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position, such that the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 is disengaged from the first recess 43c1. The slider 3 is configured to be deformable when the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position, such that the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 is disengaged from the second recess 43c2. Specifically, the first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2 are configured to be deformable so as to approach each other at the positions of the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position. The other-side protrusion 63 is configured to be disposed forward of the intermediate first protrusion 33d1 and the intermediate second protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the first position.

[0055] <Configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is located at the second position> Next, the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position will be described in detail with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 of the cutter knife 100 is disposed in the second position. For ease of explanation, the first part 31 of the slider 3 (see Figure 8) and the base part 61 of the stopper 6 (see Figure 12) are not shown in Figure 16.

[0056] The body 2 is configured to accommodate the entire blade when the stopper 6 is in the second position. Therefore, when the stopper 6 is in the second position, the cutter knife 100 is not in use. The slider 3 is configured not to come off the cap 4 when the stopper 6 is in the second position. The stopper 6 is configured to engage with the slider 3 when the stopper 6 is in the second position.

[0057] 16, the front first protrusion 64a1 of the stopper 6 is configured to engage with the front first convex portion 32a1 and the rear first convex portion 32b1 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position. Specifically, the front first protrusion 64a1 is configured to be sandwiched between the front first convex portion 32a1 and the rear first convex portion 32b1 in the first direction DR1 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position. Furthermore, the front second protrusion 64a2 of the stopper 6 is configured to engage with the front second convex portion 32a2 and the rear second convex portion 32b2 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position. Specifically, the front second protrusion 64a2 is configured to be sandwiched between the front second convex portion 32a2 and the rear second convex portion 32b2 in the first direction DR1 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position.

[0058] When the stopper 6 is positioned at the second position, the other-side protrusion 63 is sandwiched between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2, thereby maintaining the engagement between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the first recess 43c1 and the engagement between the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 and the second recess 43c2. The first intermediate protrusion 33d1 of the slider 3 is configured not to come off the first recess 43c1 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the second position. The second intermediate protrusion 33d2 of the slider 3 is configured not to come off the second recess 43c2 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the second position. Specifically, the stopper 6 is configured so that the other-side protrusion 63 is positioned between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the second position. As a result, the first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2 of the slider 3 are configured not to deform toward each other at the positions of the intermediate first protrusion 33d1 and the intermediate second protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is positioned in the second position.

[0059] <Configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is located at the third position> Next, the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 is disposed in the third position will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the stopper 6 of the cutter knife 100 is disposed in the third position. For ease of explanation, the first portion 31 of the slider 3 (see FIG. 8) and the base portion 61 of the stopper 6 (see FIG. 12) are not shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of region XVIII in FIG. 3. FIG. 19 shows the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the engagement between the hinge 8 and the cap 4 is released. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 18. In FIG. 19, the lever 7 is disposed in the fixed position. FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the cutter knife 100 when the lever 7 is disposed in the movable position. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 18. For ease of explanation, the elastic body 5 (see FIG. 3) is not shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0060] 17, the first front protrusion 64a1 and the second front protrusion 64a2 of the stopper 6 are configured not to engage with the slider 3 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. Specifically, the first front protrusion 64a1 is configured to be positioned rearward of the first rear protrusion 32b1 in the first direction DR1 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. The second front protrusion 64a2 is configured to be positioned rearward of the second rear protrusion 32b2 in the first direction DR1 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position.

[0061] When the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position, the other-side protrusion 63 is positioned on the opposite side of the base portion 33a from the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2, thereby maintaining the engagement between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the first recess 43c1 and the engagement between the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 and the second recess 43c2. The slider 3 is configured so as not to be detached from the cap 4 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. Specifically, the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 of the slider 3 is configured so as not to deform so as to be detached from the first recess 43c1 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. Furthermore, the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 is configured so as not to be deformed so as to be detached from the second recess 43c2 when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. More specifically, the first protrusion 33b1 and the second protrusion 33b2 are configured not to deform toward each other at the positions of the intermediate first protrusion 33d1 and the intermediate second protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is disposed at the third position. The other-side protrusion 63 is configured to be disposed rearward of the intermediate first protrusion 33d1 and the intermediate second protrusion 33d2 when the stopper 6 is disposed at the third position.

[0062] <Cutter Knife 100 Operation> Next, the operation of the cutter knife 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 and 15 to 18. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stopper 6 is arranged in the second position. In FIG. 18, the hinge 8 is fitted to the cap 4. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stopper 6 is arranged in the third position. In FIG. 19, the fitting between the hinge 8 and the cap 4 is released. In FIGS. 18 and 19, the lever 7 is arranged in a fixed position. FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lever 7 is arranged in a movable position. FIGS. 18 to 20 correspond to area XVIII in FIG. 3.

[0063] 4, in use, the blade 1 protrudes from the body 2. Therefore, a user of the cutter knife 100 can use the blade 1 to cut an object to be cut.

[0064] The stopper 6 is disposed in the first position in the used state. Therefore, the slider 3 is movable relative to the cap 4 in the used state. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slider 3 in the used state is disposed further forward than the slider 3 in the unused state. The slider 3 moves rearward from the protruding position due to the bias of the elastic body 5, and the slider 3 moves from the protruding position to the stored position. In other words, the slider 3 moves rearward due to the bias of the elastic body 5, and the cutter knife 100 is switched from the used state to the unused state. Therefore, a user of the cutter knife 100 can switch the cutter knife 100 from the used state to the unused state by releasing the slider 3 of the cutter knife 100 in the used state.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5 , when the stopper 6 is disposed in the second position, the slider 3 does not move relative to the cap 4. Therefore, a user of the cutter knife 100 cannot move the slider 3 forward relative to the cap 4. This allows the user of the cutter knife 100 to maintain an unused state in which the blade 1 is stored in the body 2. This allows the user of the cutter knife 100 to safely operate the cutter knife 100. For example, the user of the cutter knife 100 can safely store the cutter knife 100 in a pocket.

[0066] When the stopper 6 is located at the first position or the second position, the lever 7 is located at the fixed position. When the first arm 72a and the second arm 72b rotate relative to the body 2 and the lever 7 is located at the fixed position, the cap 4 is sandwiched between the body 2 and the trunk 71, thereby fixing the cap 4 to the body 2. When the lever 7 is located at the fixed position, the cap 4 does not move relative to the body 2.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the stopper 6 is disposed in the third position, the lever 7 can be moved from the fixed position to the movable position. Therefore, a user of the cutter knife 100 can move the lever 7 to the movable position. When the first arm 72a and the second arm 72b rotate relative to the body 2 and the lever 7 is disposed in the movable position, the cap 4 is no longer sandwiched between the trunk 71 and the body 2, and the cap 4 is movable relative to the body 2. When the lever 7 is disposed in the movable position, the cap 4 is movable relative to the body 2. Therefore, a user of the cutter knife 100 can pull the cap 4 rearward from the body 2.

[0068] 15 and 16, when the stopper 6 moves from the first position to the second position, the slider 3 engages with the stopper 6. This makes the slider 3 immobile relative to the cap 4. When the stopper 6 moves from the second position to the third position, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cap 4 becomes movable relative to the body 2.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , when the stopper 6 moves from the second position to the third position, the engagement between the lever 7 and the hinge 8 is released. Specifically, when the stopper 6 moves from the second position to the third position, the stopper 6 comes into contact with the hinge 8. The stopper 6 comes into contact with the first end 81 of the hinge 8. The contact between the stopper 6 and the hinge 8 deforms the hinge 8 so that the first end 81 of the hinge 8 moves rearward. The movement of the hinge 8 moves the first end 81 away from the cap 4. This releases the engagement between the hinge 8 and the cap 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20 , the lever 7 rotates from the fixed position to the movable position. A user of the cutter knife 100 can rotate the lever 7 from the fixed position to the movable position. This allows the cap 4 to move relative to the body 2.

[0070] As described above, as shown in Fig. 7, when a user of the cutter knife 100 moves the lever 7 to the movable position by moving the stopper 6 to the third position, the user can pull out the cap 4 from the body 2. The cap 4 can be pulled out from the body 2 together with the blade 1, slider 3, elastic body 5, and stopper 6. In this way, the blade 1 pulled out from the body 2 can be replaced with another blade 1.

[0071] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. 3 and 4, in the cutter knife 100 according to the first embodiment, the cap 4 is fixed to the rear end 21b in the use state where the slider 3 is in the protruding position (see FIG. 4) and in the unused state where the slider 3 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the slider 3 reaches the rear end 21b in the unused state. Therefore, the blade 1 does not protrude from the tip end 21a to the outside of the body 2 in the unused state. Therefore, the blade 1 does not protrude from the body 2 in the unused state.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1 , when the stopper 6 is located in the first position, the slider 3 is not fixed to the cap 4. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the stopper 6 is located in the second position, the slider 3 is fixed to the cap 4. Therefore, by moving the stopper 6 to the first position or the second position, the slider 3 can be switched between a state in which the slider 3 is not fixed to the cap 4 and a state in which the slider 3 is fixed to the cap 4. Therefore, when a user of the cutter knife 100 uses the cutter knife 100, the user can move the slider 3 to the first position to move the slider 3 to the protruding position, allowing the cutter knife 100 to be used. That is, by moving the slider 3 to the first position, the cutter knife 100 can be put into a usable state. Furthermore, when a user of the cutter knife 100 does not use the cutter knife 100, the user can move the slider 3 to the second position to fix the slider 3 in the retracted position. That is, by moving the slider to the second position, the cutter knife 100 can be put into an unused state. This prevents the blade 1 from unexpectedly protruding from the body 2. Therefore, for example, when the cutter knife 100 is stored in the pocket of a user of the cutter knife 100, the cutter knife 100 can be safely stored in the pocket.

[0073] 15, when the stopper 6 is located at the first position, the other-side protrusion 63 is located closer to the base portion 33a than the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2, thereby disengaging the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 from the first recess 43c1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 from the second recess 43c2. As shown in FIG. 16, when the stopper 6 is located at the second position, the other-side protrusion 63 is sandwiched between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the second intermediate protrusion 33d2, thereby maintaining the engagement between the first intermediate protrusion 33d1 and the first recess 43c1 and the engagement between the second intermediate protrusion 33d2 and the second recess 43c2. Therefore, the movement of the stopper 6 can switch between maintaining and releasing the engagement between the slider 3 and the cap 4.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1 , when the lever 7 is in the fixed position, the cap 4 is fixed to the body 2. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the lever 7 is in the movable position, the cap 4 is not fixed to the body 2. Therefore, by placing the lever 7 in the fixed position or the movable position, it is possible to switch between a state in which the cap 4 is fixed to the body 2 and a state in which the cap 4 is not fixed to the body 2. Therefore, when a user of the cutter knife 100 uses the cutter knife 100, placing the lever 7 in the fixed position fixes the cap 4 to the body 2, preventing the cap 4 from coming off the body 2. This prevents the cap 4 from coming off the body 2 whether the cutter knife 100 is in use or not. Furthermore, when a user of the cutter knife 100 wants to replace the blade 1 of the cutter knife 100, placing the lever 7 in the movable position allows the cap 4 to be pulled out of the body 2 together with the blade 1, slider 3, elastic body 5, and stopper 6. Therefore, when removing the cap 4 from the body 2, the blade 1, slider 3, elastic body 5, and stopper 6 are not separated but are removed as a unit. Therefore, the blade 1 can be replaced safely.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the lever 7 is positioned at the fixed position, the lever 7 is rotatable such that the rotation direction of the lever 7 is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Furthermore, when the lever 7 is positioned at the fixed position, the lever 7 does not move parallel to the first direction DR1. Therefore, the lever 7 does not rotate when a force along the first direction DR1 is applied to the lever 7. Therefore, even when the slider 3 is biased by the elastic force of the elastic body 5 from the front end 21 a toward the rear end 21 b along the first direction DR1 and collides with the cap 4, the lever 7 does not rotate. Therefore, even when the slider 3 collides with the cap 4, the cap 4 can be prevented from coming off. Furthermore, because the cap 4 can be prevented from coming off, the blade 1 can also be prevented from coming off the body 2. This allows the blade 1 to be safely stored.

[0076] 1, when the lever 7 is placed in the fixed position by the first arm 72a and the second arm 72b rotating relative to the body 2, the cap 4 is sandwiched between the body 71 and the body 2, thereby fixing the cap 4 to the body 2. When the lever 7 is placed in the movable position by the first arm 72a and the second arm 72b rotating relative to the body 2, the cap 4 is not sandwiched between the body 71 and the body 2, thereby making the cap 4 movable relative to the body 2. Therefore, by rotating the lever 7, the fixation of the cap 4 to the body can be maintained or released.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 19 , when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position, the hinge 8 is deformed by contact with the stopper 6, thereby releasing the engagement with the cap 4. The lever 7 is configured to be rotatable from the fixed position to the movable position when the stopper 6 moves from the first or second position to the third position. Therefore, the lever 7 can be released from its fixed position by simply moving the stopper 6. Therefore, the lever 7 can be easily released, allowing for easy replacement of the blade 1. Furthermore, the lever 7 is not released unless the stopper 6 is moved to the third position. Therefore, the lever 7 is prevented from being accidentally released, whether in use or not, preventing the cap 4 from being accidentally removed. This further enhances the safety of the cutter knife 100. Furthermore, the blade 1 can be replaced only when the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position. When the stopper 6 is positioned at the third position, the slider 3 is positioned at the retracted position. Therefore, the blade 1 can be replaced only when the slider 3 is in the retracted position.

[0078] Embodiment 2 Next, the configuration of a cutter knife 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 21. Unless otherwise specified, the second embodiment has the same configuration and effects as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 21, in the cutter knife 100 according to this embodiment, the hinge 8 is configured as a separate body from the lever 7. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 18. For ease of explanation, the elastic body 5 (see FIG. 3) is not shown in FIG. 21. The hinge 8 is configured, for example, from sheet metal. A second end 82 of the hinge 8 is fixed to the lever 7 in a state in which it can be removed from the lever 7. The hinge 8 is fixed to the lever 7 by a screw 83, for example. For example, the second end 82 of the hinge 8 is fixed to the lever 7 by the screw 83.

[0080] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the cutter knife 100 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 , the hinge 8 is configured as a separate body from the lever 7. The hinge 8 is susceptible to deterioration because it deforms due to elastic deformation. If the hinge 8 were configured as an integral part of the lever 7, the hinge 8 could be damaged due to deterioration of the material (e.g., resin) that constitutes the hinge 8 and the lever 7, and could become separated from the lever 7. In this case, the cutter knife 100 would become unusable. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the hinge 8 is configured as a separate body from the lever 7. Therefore, even if the hinge 8 is damaged, it can be replaced with another undamaged hinge 8. This makes it possible to prevent the cutter knife 100 from becoming unusable by simply replacing the hinge 8.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but is illustrated in the accompanying claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 blade, 2 body, 3 slider, 4 cap, 5 elastic body, 6 stopper, 7 lever, 8 hinge, 21a tip portion, 21b rear end portion, 33a base portion, 33b1 first protrusion, 33b2 second protrusion, 33d1 intermediate first convex portion, 33d2 intermediate second convex portion, 43 b1 First side wall part, 43 b2 Second side wall part, 43 c1 first recess; 43 c2 second recess, 49 groove, 64 base portion, 63 other side protrusion portion, 71 body portion, 72a first arm portion, 72b second arm portion, 100 cutter knife, DR1 first direction.

Claims

1. a body including a front end portion and a rear end portion opposite the front end portion; a slider configured to hold a blade inside the body and movable inside the body between a protruding position where the blade protrudes from the tip end portion and a retracted position where the blade is retracted between the tip end portion and the rear end portion; a cap securable to the rear end; an elastic body connecting the slider to the cap; the cap is fixed to the rear end portion in a use state in which the slider is disposed at the protruding position and in a non-use state in which the slider is disposed at the storage position, the elastic body biases the slider toward the cap in the use state and the non-use state, the slider reaches the rear end in the unused state, The cutter knife is such that the slider, the elastic body and the cap can be removed integrally from the rear of the body.

2. It also has a stopper, the stopper is attached to the slider so as to be movable relative to the slider, and is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; When the stopper is placed in the first position, the slider is not fixed to the cap, The cutter knife according to claim 1 , wherein the slider is fixed to the cap when the stopper is located at the second position.

3. The cap has a groove formed therein, the groove has a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion facing the first side wall portion with a space therebetween, a first recess provided so as to recess from the first side wall portion toward an opposite side to the second side wall portion, and a second recess provided so as to recess from the second side wall portion toward an opposite side to the first side wall portion, the slider has a base portion, a first protruding portion protruding from the base portion into the groove along the first sidewall portion, a second protruding portion protruding from the base portion into the groove along the second sidewall portion, a first intermediate protruding portion connected to the first protruding portion and engaging with the first recessed portion, and a second intermediate protruding portion connected to the second protruding portion and engaging with the second recessed portion, the stopper includes a base portion and a second-side protruding portion that protrudes from the base portion toward a position between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, When the stopper is disposed at the first position, the other-side protrusion is disposed closer to the base portion than the intermediate first convex portion and the intermediate second convex portion, so that the engagement between the intermediate first convex portion and the first concave portion and the engagement between the intermediate second convex portion and the second concave portion can be released, 3. The cutter knife according to claim 2, wherein when the stopper is positioned at the second position, the other-side protrusion is sandwiched between the first intermediate convex portion and the second intermediate convex portion, thereby maintaining engagement between the first intermediate convex portion and the first recess and engagement between the second intermediate convex portion and the second recess.

4. It also has a lever, the lever is attached to the body so as to be rotatable relative to the body, and is configured to be rotatable between a fixed position and a movable position, When the lever is placed in the fixed position, the cap is fixed to the body, When the lever is disposed at the fixed position, the lever is rotatable such that the rotation direction of the lever is perpendicular to a first direction from the rear end portion toward the front end portion, and does not move parallel to the first direction; 4. The cutter knife according to claim 2, wherein the cap is not fixed to the body when the lever is in the movable position.

5. the lever includes a first arm portion rotatably attached to the body, a second arm portion rotatably attached to the body on an opposite side of the body from the first arm portion, and a trunk portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion, When the lever is disposed at the fixed position by the first arm and the second arm rotating relative to the body, the cap is sandwiched between the trunk and the body, thereby fixing the cap to the body; 5. The cutter knife according to claim 4, wherein when the lever is positioned in the movable position by rotating the first arm and the second arm relative to the body, the cap is not sandwiched between the trunk and the body, and therefore the cap is movable relative to the body.

6. Further equipped with hinges, the hinge is attached to the lever and is deformable; the hinge is configured to be engageable with the cap when the lever is in the fixed position, The lever is configured to be fixed at the fixed position by fitting the hinge to the cap, the stopper is configured to be movable to a third position where the stopper contacts the hinge; the hinge is configured to mate with the cap when the stopper is disposed in the first position or the second position; the hinge is configured to be deformed by contact with the stopper when the stopper is disposed at the third position and comes into contact with the hinge, thereby releasing the engagement with the cap; 6. The cutter knife according to claim 4, wherein the lever is configured to be rotatable from the fixed position to the movable position when the stopper moves from the first position or the second position to the third position.

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