Notebook

Abstract

To provide a writing instrument capable of leaving as little ink as possible in the ink tank after the writing instrument has been used to the end.SOLUTION: There is provided a writing instrument (10) including a hollow body (12) having a first end (12a) and a second opposite end (12b) along the longitudinal axis (X), a deformable tank (20) inside the hollow body and containing ink, a writing tip (14) that is located at a first end (12a) of the hollow body and communicates fluidly with the deformable tank (20), and a deformation device (22) configured to squeeze the deformable tank (20) along the longitudinal axis (X) so that the ink contained in the deformable tank (20) moves forward toward the writing tip (14).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0007] , ,

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims priority from European Patent Application No. 20306716.0 filed on December 31, 2020, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of writing instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to felt pens.

Background Art

[0003] Conventional writing instruments include a body having an ink tank and a writing tip in fluid communication with the ink tank. Some writing instruments called felt pens are equipped with a filler system that can supply ink to the writing tip as needed. The supply of ink can be initiated by the user of the writing instrument via a specific mechanism.

[0004] Conventional felt pens are known from JP11020374A.

[0005] It has been found that 20% - 30% of the average ink contained in the ink tanks of such conventional writing instruments equipped with a filler system cannot be used due to the configuration of these instruments.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a writing instrument that can distribute more ink from the ink tank to the writing tip than in the prior art. It is particularly desirable to provide a writing instrument that can leave as little ink as possible in the ink tank after using the writing instrument to the end.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the writing instrument is - a hollow body having a first end and a second, opposite end along a longitudinal axis X, -A deformable tank containing ink is located inside the hollow body, - A writing tip is located at the first end of the hollow body and is in fluid communication with a deformable tank, -A deformable device configured to compress a deformable tank along its longitudinal axis X so that the ink contained in the deformable tank moves forward toward the writing tip. This new configuration allows the deformable tank to be deformed to a considerable extent by compressing the tank along the longitudinal axis of the body, over at least a portion of the longitudinal extension of the tank inside the body. Therefore, the capacity or amount of ink remaining in the tank after the last possible use may be close to zero when the tank is deformed to its most compressed state. Thus, a writing instrument configuration can be obtained with an improved ability to distribute ink toward its writing tip.

[0008] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the deformation device is further configured to compress a deformable tank laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0009] According to possible embodiments of this disclosure, the deformable tank is a porous or fibrous tank.

[0010] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the deformation device comprises a movable member disposed inside a hollow body and connected to a deformable tank, the movable member being configured to move along the longitudinal axis from a first longitudinal position away from the writing tip and containing a first volume of ink to a second longitudinal position closer to the writing tip and containing a second volume of ink less than the first volume, by compressing the deformable tank.

[0011] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the movable member comprises a slider configured to slide longitudinally within the hollow body from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position by compressing a deformable tank.

[0012] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the slider comprises a body having a through hole along a longitudinal axis X, the through hole being configured to receive a portion of a deformable tank.

[0013] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the slider is configured to slide longitudinally around a continuous portion of the deformable tank toward the front end of the tank which is in fluid communication with the writing tip, thereby gradually compressing the entire deformable tank.

[0014] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the through hole has a first lateral dimension L in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis that is greater than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank and a second lateral dimension h that is smaller than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank.

[0015] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the writing instrument further comprises one or more guide members configured to guide the slider longitudinally during its sliding movement along the longitudinal axis X.

[0016] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the writing instrument further comprises an actuating member configured to actuate a deformation device to compress a deformable tank into the deformation device.

[0017] In possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator comprises a rotating body connected to the movable member and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis X, such that the movable member moves longitudinally from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position.

[0018] According to possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the writing instrument comprises a spiral path configured to engage with a movable member.

[0019] According to further possible embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotating body of the body or actuarial member of a writing instrument may include a helical path configured to engage with a movable member.

[0020] According to a possible aspect of the present disclosure, the slider includes a cam path follower configured to engage with a spiral path and travel along the spiral path when the rotating body is rotated about the longitudinal axis X with respect to the body of the writing instrument.

[0021] According to a possible aspect of the present disclosure, the cam path follower is configured to extend through the spiral path so as to engage with one or more guiding members.

[0022] According to a possible aspect of the present disclosure, the cam path follower is disposed on the outer periphery of the slider.

[0023] According to a possible aspect of the present disclosure, the writing tip is a porous tip.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Aspects of the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements.

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the felt pen 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure of an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a sectional view of the slider 22 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal view of the slider 22 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal view of the actuating member 16 in FIG. 1. <1000096> [Figure 5] It is a sectional view of the barrel portion 18a and the guiding members 18c - d in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the felt pen 10' according to an aspect of the present disclosure of another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a sectional view of the slider 22' in FIG. 6.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] [[ID=4_{9]] Next, embodiments of the felt-tip pen according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. While the felt-tip pens are described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without exceeding the general scope defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated and / or described herein may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. These figures are not necessarily to scale and depict exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary embodiments depicted are intended for illustrative purposes only.

[0027] The term “exemplary” is used to mean “example” and not “ideal.” While aspects of this disclosure are open to various modifications and alternative forms, details are shown and described in detail in the drawings as examples. However, it should be understood that the intent is not to limit aspects of this disclosure to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the intent of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] Various materials, construction methods, and fastening methods are considered within the context of the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize known alternatives to the materials, construction methods, and fastening methods, all of which are considered interchangeable with the disclosed embodiments and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0029] Where used in this disclosure and the attached claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple subjects unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Where used in this disclosure and the attached claims, the term "or" is generally used in the sense of "and / or" unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0030] Throughout the entire description, including the claims, the terms “comprising a,” “including a,” and “having a” should be understood to be synonymous with “comprising one or more,” “including one or more,” and “having one or more,” unless otherwise specified. In addition, any range described in the description, including the claims, should be understood to include its final value unless otherwise specified. The specific values ​​of the described elements should be understood to be within the acceptable tolerances of the manufacturing or industry known to those skilled in the art, and the use of the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “generally” should be understood to mean that they are within such acceptable tolerances.

[0031] Where an element or function is referred to herein as “on top of,” “engaged with,” “connected to,” or “combined with” another element or function, it may be directly on top of, engaged with, connected to, or combined with the other element or function, or there may be an intervening element or function. In contrast, where an element or function is referred to as “directly on top of,” “directly engaged with,” “directly connected to,” or “directly combined with” another element or function, there may be no intervening element or function. Other words used to describe relationships between elements or functions should be interpreted similarly (e.g., “between” and “directly between,” “adjacent” and “directly adjacent,” etc.).

[0032] Spatially relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "middle," "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein to facilitate explanation in describing the relationship between one element or function and another, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if a device in a drawing is turned upside down, an element described as "below" or "directly below" another element or function will be oriented "above" that other element or function. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both upper and lower orientations.

[0033] Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and / or parameters, but these elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and / or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or section considered herein may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the writing instrument 10 is a felt-tip pen in this exemplary embodiment.

[0035] In this embodiment, the felt-tip pen 10 illustrated in the longitudinal cross-section of Figure 1 comprises a body 12 having an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis X. While axis X can take any spatial orientation (vertical, horizontal, or inclined with respect to both vertical and horizontal), for simplicity, the felt-tip pen 10 is shown here in a horizontal position. However, this should not be interpreted as the felt-tip pen being in a retracted position.

[0036] More specifically, the body 12 may be substantially hollow. The body 12 has a first end 12a and a second opposite end 12b, both of which can be aligned along the longitudinal axis X.

[0037] The main body 12 may be equipped with a writing tip 14 at a first end 12a and an operating member 16 at a second opposite end 12b.

[0038] The writing tip 14 may be a conventional porous or fibrous tip.

[0039] The operating member 16 may be configured to actuate the internal mechanism of the main body 12, and may also be operated externally by a user, as will be described later.

[0040] The body 12 may include a barrel 18 that can extend along a substantial portion of the overall longitudinal dimension or length of the body. The barrel 18 may be substantially hollow and may include a substantially cylindrical portion 18a extending from a first end 18a1 adjacent to the actuarial member 16 to a second opposite end 18a2 aligned with the first end along axis X. The substantially cylindrical portion 18a extends along the main portion of the barrel 18 and has a first lateral dimension or diameter. The barrel 18 may further include a constricted portion 18b extending from the second opposite end 18a2 of the substantially cylindrical portion 18a to the first end 12a of the body 12. The constricted portion 18b has a second lateral dimension or diameter that is reduced with respect to the first lateral dimension or diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion 18a. The constricted portion 18b may have a transverse hole 18b1 extending in the longitudinal direction, the hole 18b1 is open to the outside and accommodates the writing tip 14, which is configured to permanently hold the tip in the working position after it has been forcibly engaged through the hole.

[0041] The felt-tip pen 10 may further comprise a deformable tank 20 impregnated with ink, particularly in exemplary embodiments, a deformable porous or fibrous tank 20. The tank 20 may be located inside the body 12, more specifically inside a hollow, substantially cylindrical portion 18a of the barrel 18. The tank may take an elongated shape inside the body 12. The tank 20 and the writing tip 14 may be connected to each other to allow fluid communication, in particular to allow ink to flow from the tank 20 toward the writing tip 14. More specifically, the writing tip 14 has a first end 14a located outside the body 12 and a second opposite end 14b located inside the body and connected to the first end 20a or the front end of the tank 20. The writing tip 14 may penetrate the inside of the tank body for a distance sufficient to ensure capillary connection between the tip and the tank. For example, a penetration distance of 5 mm may be used, but other penetration distances may also be considered. The tank 20 has a second opposite end 20b aligned with a first end 20a along the longitudinal axis X, which will be further described.

[0042] Tank 20 may include known types of porous or fibrous structures. It may be a 3D structure that can be filled with ink, for example, including a combination of material and interconnected pores or cells or cavities bounded by the material (e.g., a mesh with interconnected space voids). The interconnected structure allows ink contained in the pores to move from pore to pore throughout the 3D structure when subjected to external compression or compressive forces or constraints. Alternatively, the 3D structure may include a combination of fibers and space voids around them to contain the ink therein. Also, when the 3D structure is subjected to external compression or compressive forces or constraints, ink contained in the space voids can move along them and the fibers throughout the 3D structure. As an example, an ink tank structure may consist of extruded polyethylene (PE) fibers held together by an external polyethylene (PE) layer or sleeve. This tank structure has the ability to deform when compressed or compressed under external compression or compressive forces or constraints. Such a compressive or constricting force or restraint applied to a deformable structure may force the ink contained within the structure to flow away from the location within the structure where the force or restraint is applied. In this exemplary embodiment, when a compressive or constricting force or restraint is applied to a deformable structure along the longitudinal axis X, the ink contained within the compressed portion of the deformable structure may flow substantially longitudinally. In particular, when a compressive or constricting force or restraint is applied to the second end 20b of the deformable structure along the longitudinal axis X, the ink flow may occur toward the first end 20a of the deformable structure, which is in fluid communication with the writing tip 14 in order to supply ink thereto.

[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, it should be noted that the squeezing or compressive force or restraint may also be applied externally to the outside of the deformable structure in the lateral direction in order to squeeze or compress the deformable structure radially. Thus, the squeezing or compressive force or restraint is applied to the deformable structure simultaneously in both the longitudinal and lateral directions to cause the ink contained in the squeezed / compressed portion of the deformable structure to flow away from this portion, i.e., toward the first end 20a.

[0044] The deformable structure of the tank has an elongated shape along its longitudinal axis X and is configured to deform laterally along this axis by external force or constraint as described above, so that the entire structure of the tank may be subjected to this deformable force or constraint, thereby pushing a large portion (at most nearly the entire capacity of ink) of the ink contained within the tank structure toward the writing tip 14 for discharge from the tank. Thanks to this configuration and the external constraint force applied to one end of the deformable tank, the tank can switch from a first state in which the deformable tank contains a first capacity of ink, for example, the original state in which the felt-tip pen 10 is not yet used and the ink capacity is at its maximum, to a second state in which the deformable tank contains a reduced second capacity of ink, less than the first capacity of ink. Ideally, the second capacity of ink can be brought as close as possible to zero in order to use as much of the ink contained in the tank as possible.

[0045] In other exemplary embodiments not further discussed herein, a deformable tank structure may have enough flexibility to return to its original undeformed shape when no compressive or compressive force or restraint is applied thereto.

[0046] In this exemplary embodiment, the felt-tip pen 10 may further include a deformation device 21 configured to apply force or constraint to a tank 20 that is deformable in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, thereby compressing or squeezing the tank in the axial and radial directions, and thus moving the ink contained in the tank forward toward the writing tip 14.

[0047] The deformable device 21 may include a movable member positioned inside the barrel 18, more specifically inside its hollow, substantially cylindrical portion 18a, and connected to a second end 20b of the deformable tank 20. The movable member is configured to move along the longitudinal axis X from a first longitudinal position L1 (see Figure 1), which is away from the writing tip 14 and contains a first capacity of ink (corresponding to the first state of the tank described above), to a second longitudinal position L2, which is closer to the writing tip 14 and contains a second capacity of ink (corresponding to the second state of the tank described above), which contains less ink than the first capacity of ink. At this second longitudinal position L2, the movable member is blocked by the tip region (tip end 14b) inserted into the tank, preventing it from compressing the tank due to the internal nib, and the movable member has reached its final position and cannot slide any further. During the process of using the felt-tip pen, almost all of the ink in the tank, i.e., at least 90% or more of the extracted ink, is gradually supplied to the writing tip 14.

[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, the movable member may include a slider 22 configured to slide longitudinally along axis X inside the barrel 18 from a first longitudinal position L1 to a second longitudinal position L2 by gradually compressing / compressing the deformable porous or fibrous tank 20 as it moves longitudinally. In particular, the slider 22 may be configured to receive a portion of the deformable tank 20 into a through-hole and radially compress or compress this portion, as illustrated in Figure 1. In the position of Figure 1, this portion is the end portion of the tank that includes the second end 20b of the tank and is enclosed by the slider. This portion is radially compressed / compressed and therefore has a reduced lateral dimension in the lateral cross-section compared to the larger lateral dimension of the rest of the tank that has not yet been deformed. As the slider 22 moves forward toward the writing tip 14 along the longitudinal direction indicated by the horizontal arrow A, it is configured to gradually deform the deformable tank by forcing each continuous portion along and across the axis X into the through-hole of the slider, which forces all the ink contained in that portion to flow toward the remaining portion of the tank that is not yet deformed, i.e., toward the first end 20a. This gradual deformation corresponds to both compression / squash along the radial / lateral and longitudinal axis X, resulting in the expulsion of almost all, i.e., at least 90% or more of the ink contained in the deformable tank, when the slider 22 reaches the second final longitudinal position L2.

[0049] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the slider 22 may comprise a substantially cylindrical body 22a having a central through-hole 22b whose lateral dimension (Figure 2) is defined by a first lateral dimension L and a second lateral dimension h perpendicular to the first dimension L. The first lateral dimension L may be greater than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank, and the second lateral dimension h may be less than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank. Thus, the through-hole 22b of the slider 22 is configured to accommodate and hold in place a radially compressed portion P of the deformable tank. Before the felt pen is first used, the slider 22 is connected to the deformable tank in this manner.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, the deformable tank 20 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank corresponds here to its outer diameter. The minimum possible dimension of h may be about one-third (1 / 3) of the outer diameter of the deformable tank, where h may specifically be half of the outer diameter of the deformable tank (overall, the value of h depends on the porous density or fiber density). The minimum possible dimension of L may be about 1.5 times the outer diameter of the deformable tank, where L may specifically be twice the outer diameter of the deformable tank.

[0051] The actuator 16 is configured to actuate the deformation device, i.e., the slider 22, so that the slider compresses the deformable tank in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, from the second end 20b to the first end 20a, by moving the deformation device 21, more specifically the slider 22, along axis X.

[0052] In this regard, the actuator 16 may include a rotating body connected to the slider 22 and configured to rotate with respect to the slider 22 and about a longitudinal axis X relative to the barrel 18, such that the slider 22 moves longitudinally from a first longitudinal position L1 to a second longitudinal position L2.

[0053] More specifically, the rotating body 16 may comprise a hollow longitudinal portion 16a extending inside the substantially cylindrical portion 18a of the barrel and around the slider 22. This hollow longitudinal portion 16a may comprise a helical path 16b (Figures 1 and 4) configured to engage with the slider 22 and, in particular, with the cam path follower of the slider. Such an arrangement allows the cam path follower of the slider 22 to travel along the helical path 16b when the helical path is rotated around a longitudinal axis X with respect to the slider 22 and the barrel 18. Note that the helical path 16b may take the form of a helical-shaped slot, which traverses the cylindrical wall of the hollow longitudinal portion 16a over its thickness or radial dimension.

[0054] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the cam path follower of the slider 22 is provided on the outer circumference of the body 22a and, more specifically, can take the shape of two indexes or fingers 22c, 22d that are arranged to face each other in the diametrically opposed manner so that both simultaneously engage with two opposing portions of the helical path 16b. The dimensions of the two indexes or fingers 22c, 22d are suitable for engaging with the helical path 16b and, therefore, in this configuration, they do not extend along the entire longitudinal dimension of the slider body 22a.

[0055] The two indexes or fingers 22c, 22d are also radially sized to extend fully beyond the helical path 16b until they engage with one or more guide members of the body 12, the purpose of which is to guide the slider 22 longitudinally in its longitudinal sliding movement within the barrel 18 and the rotating body 16a. In particular, a substantially cylindrical portion 18a of the barrel 18 may have two longitudinal grooves 18b, 18c (Figure 5) on its inner surface that extend diametrically opposite along the longitudinal axis X and serve as guide members for the cam path follower of the slider 22.

[0056] Furthermore, the rotating body 16 may also include a longitudinal portion 16c that extends longitudinally away from the hollow longitudinal portion, from the end of the hollow longitudinal portion 16a, so as to project outward from the substantially cylindrical portion 18a of the barrel, when considering the outer longitudinal surface of the barrel, here being coplanar. The outward projection portion 16c (e.g., a plug here) is handled by the user of the felt-tip pen to rotate the helical path 16b around the axis X and can be twisted around the axis X as indicated by the arrow R in Figure 1, and thus moves the slider 22 longitudinally in direction A while the slider index or finger 22c, 22d, which is longitudinally guided through the guide members 18b, 18c, moves along the rotating helical path 16b. The radial and longitudinal compression effects caused by the longitudinal movement of the slider on the deformable tank 20 result in a large amount of ink being pushed toward the writing tip 14, and therefore used by the tip more than before. Thus, thanks to the novel configuration of the felt-tip pen according to this exemplary embodiment, little to no ink remains inside the deformable ink tank. In fact, even after it has been compressed to its maximum compression capacity, a very small amount or volume of ink (residual ink) still remains inside the tank. The residual ink corresponds to a very small layer of ink remaining on the fibers of the tank. The compression capacity of the tank may depend on the size and length of the tank, as well as the efficiency of the deformation device / compression member.

[0057] The outer protruding portion 16c may be hollow, and the two longitudinal portions 16a and 16c may be integral with it.

[0058] It should be noted that, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, an inverse mechanism having a rotating slider and a fixed helical path can be envisioned.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the felt-tip pen 10' differs from the felt-tip pen 10 in the following respects: - The cam path follower of slider 22', i.e., here, two indexes or fingers 22'c, 22'd, are permanently engaged with two diametrically opposite helical portions of a fixed helical path 18'a1 provided on the inner surface of the substantially cylindrical portion 18'a of barrel 18' along its length (in the wall thickness of the substantially cylindrical portion 18'a), - The rotating body 16' (operating member) is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a hollow longitudinal portion 16'a having two longitudinal slots 16'b, 16'c opposite in the diametrically opposed direction along substantially its entire length, which are traversed by two indexes or fingers 22'c, 22'd of the slider (Figure 6). The rotating body 16' corresponds to the element referenced by 16c in Figures 1 and 4, and the entire rotating body 16' rotates about axis X, thereby providing a longitudinal portion 16'd that can be twisted by the user, as indicated by arrow R in Figure 6, to cause the slider 22' (the slider 22' is blocked from rotation relative to the rotating body) to proceed along a fixed helical path within the barrel 18'. Thus, the slider 22' rotates inside the barrel, moves axially, and compresses the deformable tank as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5. Apart from the above, the exemplary embodiments in Figures 6 and 7 have the same features and advantages as those described above with respect to the exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 5, and these are not repeated here.

[0060] While the disclosures herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the disclosures.

[0061] This specification and the examples provided are for illustrative purposes only, and the true scope of this disclosure is intended to be indicated by the following claims.

[0062] Additionally, all disclosed features of the writing instrument can be replaced, individually or in combination, by a method for operating the writing instrument, or vice versa.

Claims

1. A writing instrument (10), - A hollow body (12) having a first end (12a) and a second opposite end (12b) along the longitudinal axis (X), - A deformable tank (20) containing ink is located inside the hollow body, - A writing tip (14) is positioned at the first end (12a) of the hollow body and is in fluid communication with the deformable tank (20), - A deformable device (22) configured to compress the deformable tank (20) along the longitudinal axis (X) so that the ink contained in the deformable tank (20) moves forward toward the writing tip (14), The deformation device (21) comprises a movable member disposed inside the hollow body (12) and connected to the deformable tank (20), wherein the movable member is configured to move along the longitudinal axis (X) from a first longitudinal position (L1) away from the writing tip (14) and containing a first volume of ink, to a second longitudinal position (L2) closer to the writing tip (14) and containing a second volume of ink less than the first volume of ink, by compressing the deformable tank (20). The movable member includes sliders (22, 22') configured to slide longitudinally within the hollow body (12) from the first longitudinal position (L1) to the second longitudinal position (L2) by compressing the deformable tank (20), The slider (22) comprises a body (22a) having a through hole (22b) along the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the through hole (22b) is configured to receive a portion (P) of the deformable tank (20), A writing instrument (10) wherein the through hole (22b) has a first lateral dimension in a cross section in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) that is larger than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank (20), which is the outer diameter of the undeformed shape of the deformable tank (20), and a second lateral dimension (h) that is smaller than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank (20) and perpendicular to the first lateral dimension.

2. A writing instrument (10), - A hollow body (12) having a first end (12a) and a second opposite end (12b) along the longitudinal axis (X), - A deformable tank (20) containing ink is located inside the hollow body, - A writing tip (14) is positioned at the first end (12a) of the hollow body and is in fluid communication with the deformable tank (20), - A deformable device (22) configured to compress the deformable tank (20) along the longitudinal axis (X) so that the ink contained in the deformable tank (20) moves forward toward the writing tip (14), The deformation device (21) comprises a movable member disposed inside the hollow body (12) and connected to the deformable tank (20), wherein the movable member is configured to move along the longitudinal axis (X) from a first longitudinal position (L1) away from the writing tip (14) and containing a first volume of ink, to a second longitudinal position (L2) closer to the writing tip (14) and containing a second volume of ink less than the first volume of ink, by compressing the deformable tank (20). The movable member includes sliders (22, 22') configured to slide longitudinally within the hollow body (12) from the first longitudinal position (L1) to the second longitudinal position (L2) by compressing the deformable tank (20), The slider (22) comprises a body (22a) having a through hole (22b) along the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the through hole (22b) is configured to receive a portion (P) of the deformable tank (20), The slider (22) is configured to slide longitudinally around a continuous portion of the deformable tank (20) toward the front end (20a) of the tank, which is in fluid communication with the writing tip (14), thereby gradually compressing the entire deformable tank (20). A writing instrument (10) wherein the through hole (22b) has a first lateral dimension in a cross section in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) that is larger than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank (20), which is the outer diameter of the undeformed shape of the deformable tank (20), and a second lateral dimension (h) that is smaller than the outer lateral dimension of the deformable tank (20) and perpendicular to the first lateral dimension.

3. The writing instrument (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deformation device (22) is further configured to compress the deformable tank (20) laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the deformable tank is a porous or fibrous tank (20).

5. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising one or more guide members (18c, 18d) configured to guide the slider (22) in the longitudinal direction during its sliding movement along the longitudinal axis (X).

6. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an actuating member (16) configured to actuate the deformable device (22) to compress the deformable tank (20).

7. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating member (16) comprises a rotating body (16a, 16'a) connected to the movable member and configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis (X) so as to move the movable member longitudinally from the first longitudinal position (L1) to the second longitudinal position (L2).

8. The writing instrument (10) according to claim 7, wherein the writing instrument comprises a spiral path (16b, 18'a1) configured to engage with the movable member.

9. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and claim 8, wherein the slider (22, 22') comprises a cam path follower (22c, 22d) configured to engage with a helical path (16b, 18'a1) and advance along the helical path when the rotating body (16a, 16'a) is rotated relative to the body (12) about the longitudinal axis (X).

10. The writing instrument (10) according to claim 9, wherein the cam path followers (22c, 22d) are arranged on the outer circumference of the slider (22).

11. The writing instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the writing tip (14) is a porous tip.

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