Writing component and writing instrument with ink suction mechanism

Abstract

To provide a writing member with an ink suction mechanism, which can suppress entry of ink between a cover cylinder and an ink storage cylinder through an ink confirmation window, enables a user to easily and accurately recognize an ink residual amount in the ink storage cylinder, and can suppress ink staining, and a writing instrument equipped with the same.SOLUTION: The writing member comprises: a transparent ink storage cylinder 11 which extends in a cross direction and in which ink is stored; a cover cylinder 12 into which the ink storage cylinder 11 is inserted; a writing part 13 disposed before the ink storage cylinder 11 and connected to the ink storage cylinder 11; a piston 14 having a valve 14a and disposed inside the ink storage cylinder 11; and an operation part 15 that moves the piston 14 back and forth. The cover cylinder 12 includes an ink confirmation window 12b opened in the circumferential wall of the cover cylinder 12. Water repellency of an annular part of at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12 surrounding the ink confirmation window 12b is higher than that of the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a writing member with an ink suction mechanism and a writing instrument.

Background Art

[0002] Heretofore, fountain pens provided with an ink suction mechanism called a converter or the like have been known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). A fountain pen with an ink suction mechanism includes an ink storage cylinder extending in the front-rear direction, a writing section (such as a pen core and a pen nib) disposed on the front side of the ink storage cylinder and connected to the ink storage cylinder, a piston having a valve section disposed inside the ink storage cylinder, an operation section for moving the piston in the front-rear direction, and a barrel that accommodates the ink storage cylinder and the operation section.

[0003] When the ink in the ink storage cylinder runs low, a user removes the barrel from the fountain pen, immerses the writing section in the ink in an ink bottle, and operates the operation section to move the piston from the forward end position to the rear side. Thereby, the ink in the ink bottle is drawn up into the ink storage cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this type of fountain pen with an ink-filling mechanism (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a writing instrument), it is convenient if the user can see the ink in the ink reservoir when the barrel is removed from the writing instrument. For example, one could consider a configuration in which a transparent ink reservoir is inserted inside a metal or other type of cover barrel, and an ink-checking window is provided on the peripheral wall of the cover barrel, allowing the user to see the ink in the ink reservoir through the ink-checking window. However, the following problems arise when such an ink-checking window is provided.

[0006] When drawing ink from an ink bottle, the ink level indicator window may unintentionally become submerged in ink, for example, if the ink bottle is deep. When the ink level indicator window becomes submerged in ink, ink seeps through the window between the inner surface of the cover cylinder and the outer surface of the ink reservoir cylinder, and penetrates a wide area between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder. The ink that seeps between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder becomes visible through the ink level indicator window when the ink level in the ink reservoir cylinder is low, making it difficult for the user to accurately determine the remaining ink level. Furthermore, since the ink that seeps between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder cannot be wiped away, there is a risk that the user's hands or the inside of the writing instrument (such as the inside of the barrel) may become stained.

[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a writing member with an ink suction mechanism that can prevent ink from entering between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder through an ink confirmation window, making it easier for the user to accurately recognize the remaining amount of ink in the ink reservoir cylinder and suppressing ink staining, and a writing instrument equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[0009] [Aspect 1 of the present invention] The device comprises a transparent ink reservoir cylinder extending in the front-to-back direction and storing ink, a cover cylinder into which the ink reservoir cylinder is inserted, a writing section positioned in front of the ink reservoir cylinder and connected to the ink reservoir cylinder, a piston having a valve positioned inside the ink reservoir cylinder, and an operating section for moving the piston in the front-to-back direction, wherein the cover cylinder has an ink confirmation window opening in the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder, and the water repellency of at least one of the annular portions surrounding the ink confirmation window, the outer surface of the ink reservoir cylinder and the inner surface of the cover cylinder, is higher than the water repellency of the inner surface of the ink reservoir cylinder. The water contact angle in the annular portion is 95° or more. Writing component with ink filling mechanism.

[0010] In the writing member with an ink suction mechanism of the present invention, an ink confirmation window is provided in the cover cylinder, allowing the user to visually check the ink in the ink reservoir cylinder through the window. This makes it easy to check the color and remaining amount of ink in the ink reservoir cylinder. Furthermore, when the ink in the ink reservoir cylinder becomes low, the front end of the writing part is pointed vertically downwards and immersed in the ink in the ink bottle, and the piston is moved backward to draw ink from the ink bottle into the ink reservoir cylinder, resulting in the following effects.

[0011] In this invention, the annular portion surrounding the ink confirmation window has high water repellency on at least one of the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder and the inner surface of the cover cylinder. Therefore, even if the ink confirmation window is unintentionally submerged in the ink in the ink bottle during the ink filling process, the ink is repelled by the annular portion around the ink confirmation window, preventing ink from entering between the inner surface of the cover cylinder and the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder through the ink confirmation window. Consequently, the user can reliably and accurately perceive the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage cylinder. Furthermore, because ink is prevented from entering between the cover cylinder and the ink storage cylinder, it is reduced the likelihood of the user's hands or the inside of the writing instrument (such as the barrel) being soiled by this ink.

[0012] On the other hand, the inner surface of the ink reservoir is made to have low water repellency (high hydrophilicity). Therefore, when writing with a writing instrument, if the writing part is pointed vertically downwards, the ink in the ink reservoir flows smoothly towards the writing part (i.e., downwards). In more detail, unlike the present invention, if, for example, the inner surface of the ink reservoir has high water repellency, even if the writing part is pointed downwards in the vertical direction, the ink may remain held at the rear end (upper end) of the ink reservoir and not flow downwards. This is because if the inner surface of the ink reservoir has high water repellency, the surface tension of the ink prevents it from falling. The present invention can suppress such a phenomenon.

[0013] before The water contact angle in the annular portion is 95° or greater. ru.

[0014] In this case, the water repellency of the annular portion of the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder or the inner surface of the cover cylinder is sufficiently enhanced. The function of repelling ink is stably obtained in the annular portion around the ink confirmation window, and the above-mentioned effects of the present invention become more stable.

[0015] [Aspects of the present invention] 2 ] The aspect is such that the water contact angle on the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder is 90° or less. 1 A writing component with an ink filling mechanism as described.

[0016] In this case, sufficient hydrophilicity is ensured on the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder. Inside the ink storage cylinder, the ink is less affected by surface tension and flows smoothly, making the above-mentioned effects of the present invention more stable.

[0023] [Aspects of the present invention] 3 ] Embodiment 1 further comprises a groove that is radially recessed and circumferentially extending from at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder, wherein the groove is positioned behind the ink confirmation window and in front of the rear wall of the ink storage cylinder. or 2The writing member with an ink suction mechanism as described in

[0024] For example, in a case where a water-repellent coating liquid is caused to permeate by capillary force from the inner peripheral portion of an ink confirmation window or the like between the inner peripheral surface of a cover cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of an ink storage cylinder, if the groove portion is provided on the rear side of the ink confirmation window as in the above configuration, the coating liquid that has reached the groove portion is inhibited from moving further to the rear side. That is, since the capillary force is less likely to act from a narrow portion toward a wide portion, the groove portion can suppress further penetration of the coating liquid toward the rear side.

[0025] An insertion hole through which the shaft portion of the piston is inserted is opened in the rear wall of the ink storage cylinder, and according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress a malfunction that the water-repellent coating liquid unintentionally enters the inside of the ink storage cylinder through the opening in the rear wall of the ink storage cylinder.

[0026] [Aspects of the present invention 4 The operation part is connected to the piston by screwing, and the cover cylinder fixes the ink storage cylinder and the writing part, and holds the operation part rotatably, according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3 The writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0027] In this case, the ink storage cylinder and the writing part are fixed by the cover cylinder, and the operation part is rotatably held. In other words, the ink storage cylinder, the writing part, and the ink suction mechanism (the piston and the operation part) are integrated into the writing member with an ink suction mechanism. For this reason, when sucking ink from the ink bottle into the ink storage cylinder, the user does not need to attach and detach the converter (ink suction mechanism) to and from the ink storage cylinder, and the suction operation can be easily performed by the pre-unitized writing member with an ink suction mechanism. According to the present invention, the workability when the user sucks up ink from the ink bottle is good, and the handling is easy.

[0028] [Aspects of the present invention 5 ​​Embodiment 1 further includes a rotation restricting mechanism that restricts the relative rotation of the ink reservoir and the writing section around the central axis of the ink reservoir. 4 A writing component with an ink filling mechanism as described in any one of the following.

[0029] In this case, when assembling the ink reservoir, writing section, and cover tube, problems such as the ink reservoir and writing section unintentionally rotating relative to each other within the cover tube are suppressed. The writing component with an ink suction mechanism becomes easier to assemble, and manufacturing becomes simpler.

[0030] [Aspects of the present invention] 6 ] From aspect 1 5 A writing instrument comprising a writing member with an ink-filling mechanism as described in any one of the above, and a barrel that houses at least a portion of the writing member with the ink-filling mechanism.

[0031] [Aspects of the present invention] 7 ] The writing member with the ink-filling mechanism is movable in the front-rear direction between a storage position in which the entire writing member with the ink-filling mechanism is housed inside the barrel and a usage position in which a part of the writing portion protrudes forward from the barrel. 6 The writing instruments listed.

[0032] The writing instrument of the present invention is, for example, a retractable fountain pen (capless fountain pen). The writing instrument of the present invention provides the excellent effects described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the writing member and writing instrument with an ink suction mechanism of the above-described aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent ink from entering between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder through the ink confirmation window, making it easier for the user to accurately recognize the amount of ink remaining in the ink reservoir cylinder and to suppress ink staining. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) of the writing instrument of this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1(a) shows the writing member with the ink suction mechanism in the stored position, and Figure 1(b) shows the writing member with the ink suction mechanism in the usage position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing the writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing the writing member with an ink suction mechanism of this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a writing member with an ink suction mechanism of the first modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a writing member with an ink suction mechanism of a second modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a writing member with an ink suction mechanism of a third modified example of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] First, I will provide a supplementary explanation of the problems that this invention aims to solve. The writing member 1 with an ink filling mechanism and the writing instrument 10 equipped therewith, according to one embodiment of the present invention, aim to solve the following problems in addition to the problems described above.

[0036] Although not specifically illustrated, when drawing ink from the ink bottle, air is present in the part of the ink reservoir's internal space in front of the valve and in the writing section when the piston is in its forward position. Therefore, even when the piston is moved from its forward position to its retracted position and the ink is drawn from the ink bottle into the ink reservoir to its maximum intake amount (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the maximum amount), air may still be visible in the ink reservoir through the ink confirmation window. When such air is visible, it is difficult for the user to know that the ink reservoir has been drawn up to its maximum amount.

[0037] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to provide a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism that allows the user to visually confirm when the maximum amount of ink has been drawn into the ink reservoir, and a writing instrument 10 equipped therewith.

[0038] Furthermore, in conventional writing components with an ink-filling mechanism, there was room for improvement in increasing the maximum amount of ink that could be drawn from the ink bottle into the ink reservoir, thereby reducing the frequency of the ink-filling process.

[0039] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to provide a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism that can increase the maximum amount of ink suction when drawing ink into an ink reservoir, thereby reducing the frequency of ink suction work, and a writing instrument 10 equipped therewith.

[0040] Furthermore, with conventional writing instruments such as fountain pens, it was necessary to attach a separate converter (ink suction mechanism) to the ink reservoir when drawing ink from the ink bottle into the ink reservoir. Therefore, there was room for improvement in terms of the workability of the ink suction process.

[0041] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to provide a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism that is easy to handle and allows the user to easily draw ink from an ink bottle, and a writing instrument 10 equipped therewith.

[0042] Next, the writing member 1 with an ink filling mechanism and the writing instrument 10 equipped therewith of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The writing instrument 10 of this embodiment is, for example, a retractable fountain pen (capless fountain pen).

[0043] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the writing instrument 10 has a roughly cylindrical shape with a central axis C. The writing instrument 10 comprises a writing member 1 with an ink-filling mechanism extending along the central axis C, a barrel 2 housing at least a portion of the writing member 1 with the ink-filling mechanism, a clip 3, a biasing member 4, a push-in part 5, and a knock mechanism 6. The writing member 1 with the ink-filling mechanism, the barrel 2, the biasing member 4, the push-in part 5, and the knock mechanism 6 are arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis C as a common axis.

[0044] The definition of direction used in this embodiment will now be explained. In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C of the writing instrument 10 extends, that is, the direction along the central axis C, is called the front-to-back direction. In the front-to-back direction, the writing member 1 with the ink-filling mechanism and the pressing part 5 are positioned at different locations from each other. Of the front-to-back direction, the direction from the pressing part 5 toward the writing member 1 with the ink-filling mechanism is called the front side, and the direction from the writing member 1 with the ink-filling mechanism toward the pressing part 5 is called the rear side. In each figure, the front-to-back direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. The front side corresponds to the -Y side, and the rear side corresponds to the +Y side. Note that the front-to-back direction may also be referred to as the axial direction. In this case, the front side may be referred to as one axial side, and the rear side as the other axial side.

[0045] The direction perpendicular to the central axis C is called the radial direction. Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the central axis C is called the radially inward direction, and the direction moving away from the central axis C is called the radially outward direction. Furthermore, the direction in which something revolves around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction.

[0046] The individual components of the writing instrument 10 will now be explained. The shaft cylinder 2 is cylindrical in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the shaft cylinder 2 is cylindrical with a central axis C at its center. The shaft cylinder 2 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The shaft cylinder 2 is constructed by combining multiple cylindrical members (front shaft, rear shaft, tail cap, etc.) by screwing, fitting, and bonding them together.

[0047] The shaft cylinder 2 has an openable and closable cover 2a located at the front end inside the shaft cylinder 2, a front end opening 2b located at the front end of the shaft cylinder 2 and opening to the front, and a rear end opening 2c located at the rear end of the shaft cylinder 2 and opening to the rear.

[0048] In this embodiment, the writing instrument 10 is a retractable fountain pen. Therefore, the writing member 1 with an ink filling mechanism is movable in the front-rear direction between a storage position in which the entire writing member 1 with an ink filling mechanism is housed inside the barrel 2, as shown in Figure 1(a), and a usage position in which a part of the writing section 13 of the writing member 1, which will be described later, protrudes forward from the barrel 2, as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0049] Specifically, in the storage position, the front end of the writing section 13 (the nib 13b, etc., described later) is covered from the front by the closed opening / closing lid 2a. In the usage position, the front end of the writing section 13, i.e., a part of the writing section 13, protrudes forward from the barrel 2 through the front opening 2b. At this time, the opening / closing lid 2a is opened by being pushed in by the writing section 13.

[0050] Clip 3 is connected to the front end of the shaft 2 and protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 2. Specifically, clip 3 protrudes radially outward from the front end of the shaft 2 and extends toward the rear. A portion of clip 3 (for example, near the rear end of clip 3) may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 2.

[0051] Clip 3 is made of an elastically deformable metal or the like. By using clip 3, the user can attach the writing instrument 10 to a pocket of their clothing or the like. In this holding position, the front side (-Y side) faces upward in the vertical direction, and the rear side (+Y side) faces downward in the vertical direction. This holding position prevents ink from unintentionally dripping from the writing part 13. In addition, the presence of clip 3 prevents the writing instrument 10 from unintentionally rolling around on a desk or the like.

[0052] The biasing member 4 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The biasing member 4 has a spiral shape with a central axis C. The biasing member 4 is positioned inside the barrel 2 and biases the writing member 1 with the ink suction mechanism toward the rear. A part of the writing member 1 with the ink suction mechanism (writing section 13, etc.) is inserted inside the biasing member 4.

[0053] The push-in portion 5 is cylindrical with a central axis C as its center and extends in the front-rear direction. The push-in portion 5 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed rear end. The push-in portion 5 is inserted into the rear end opening 2c of the shaft cylinder 2. At least a part of the push-in portion 5 (the rear end) protrudes rearward from the rear end opening 2c.

[0054] The knock mechanism 6 is located inside the barrel 2. The user performs a series of operations (knock operation) in which they push the push-in part 5 forward against the biasing force of the biasing member 4 and then release this push, thereby enabling the knock mechanism 6 to switch the writing member 1 with ink-filling mechanism between the above-described usage position and storage position. Specifically, each time the user performs the knock operation, the writing member 1 with ink-filling mechanism moves alternately in the forward and backward directions between the usage position and the storage position. The knock mechanism 6 in this embodiment includes a rotating cam 61, and moreover, has a structure similar to that of a conventional knock mechanism found in a knock-type fountain pen.

[0055] The barrel 2 is configured to be disassembled by releasing the screws, fittings, etc., between the multiple cylindrical members (for example, the front and rear barrels) that the barrel 2 has. The writing member 1 with the ink filling mechanism can be removed from inside the barrel 2 by disassembling the barrel 2. In other words, the writing member 1 with the ink filling mechanism is detachably installed inside the barrel 2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism comprises an ink reservoir 11 extending in the front-to-back direction in which ink (not shown) is stored, a cover cylinder 12 into which the ink reservoir 11 is inserted, a writing section 13 positioned in front of the ink reservoir 11 and connected to the ink reservoir 11, a piston 14 having a valve section 14a positioned inside the ink reservoir 11, and an operating section 15 for moving the piston 14 in the front-to-back direction.

[0057] The ink reservoir 11, cover cylinder 12, piston 14, and operating section 15 are arranged coaxially with respect to a common central axis C. Furthermore, the writing section 13 and the operating section 15 are positioned at different locations in the front-to-back direction. In the description of the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism, the front side (-Y side) corresponds to the direction from the operating section 15 to the writing section 13 along the central axis C, and the rear side (+Y side) corresponds to the direction from the writing section 13 to the operating section 15 along the central axis C.

[0058] The ink storage cylinder 11 is cylindrical with a central axis C. Of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11, at least the portion that overlaps with the ink confirmation window 12b of the cover cylinder 12 (described later) when viewed from the radial direction is transparent. In this embodiment, the entire peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 is made of a transparent material. In other words, the ink storage cylinder 11 is transparent.

[0059] In this embodiment, "transparent" refers, for example, to a light transmittance of 85% or more. The light transmittance of the ink storage cylinder 11 is, for example, 95% or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of checking the color of the ink, the transparent member is preferably a colorless transparent member. However, it is not limited to this, and from the viewpoint of checking the remaining amount of ink, for example, a transparent member with a predetermined color may be used.

[0060] The materials used for the components of the ink storage cylinder 11 include, for example, AS (acrylonitrile styrene copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PP (polypropylene), POM (polyoxymethylene), PE (polyethylene), PMP (polymethylpentene polymer), etc.

[0061] However, the ink storage cylinder 11 is preferably made of a material that has good wettability in order to be less affected by the surface tension of the ink stored inside. For this reason, the materials of the components of the ink storage cylinder 11 are preferably AS, ABS, PC, PMMA, etc.

[0062] The ink storage cylinder 11 has a fitting cylinder portion 11a, a locking projection 11b, and a rear wall 11c. The fitting cylinder portion 11a is positioned at the front end of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11. The inner diameter of the fitting cylinder portion 11a is smaller than that of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 located behind the fitting cylinder portion 11a. Also, the wall thickness of the fitting cylinder portion 11a is larger than that of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 located behind the fitting cylinder portion 11a. The rear end of the writing section 13 fits inside the fitting cylinder portion 11a. In other words, the rear end of the writing section 13 is inserted into the fitting cylinder portion 11a.

[0063] The locking projection 11b protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the fitting cylinder portion 11a. The locking projection 11b is rib-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0064] The rear wall 11c is positioned at the rear end of the ink storage cylinder 11. The rear wall 11c is disc-shaped, extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C. The rear wall 11c is engaged with the rear end of the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 in a manner that prevents it from rotating in the circumferential direction.

[0065] The rear wall 11c has an insertion hole 11d that penetrates the rear wall 11c in the front-rear direction. The insertion hole 11d is non-circular when viewed from the front-rear direction, and in this embodiment, it is approximately oval in shape.

[0066] The cover cylinder 12 is a multi-stage cylindrical shape centered on a central axis C. The cover cylinder 12 has a cover body 12a, an ink confirmation window 12b, and a cover cap 12c. The cover body 12a has a large diameter cylindrical portion 12d that covers the ink reservoir 11 from the radial outside, a small diameter cylindrical portion 12e positioned in front of the large diameter cylindrical portion 12d that covers a part of the writing portion 13 from the radial outside, and a stepped portion 12f that connects the large diameter cylindrical portion 12d and the small diameter cylindrical portion 12e.

[0067] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d is cylindrical with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d is the part of the cover cylinder 12 with the largest diameter. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d is located in the middle section of the cover cylinder 12, between the front-rear ends. The front-rear dimension of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d is larger than the front-rear dimension of the ink reservoir cylinder 11. The ink reservoir cylinder 11 is housed inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. The ink reservoir cylinder 11 is removably fitted inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d has a female threaded portion 12g located at the rear end of the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d.

[0068] The small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e is cylindrical with respect to the central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e is located at the front end of the cover cylinder 12. A portion of the writing section 13 is removably fitted into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e. In this embodiment, the largest diameter portion of the writing section 13 is located inside the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e.

[0069] The small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e has an insertion hole 12h located at its front end. The insertion hole 12h penetrates the front wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e in the front-rear direction. The insertion hole 12h is non-circular when viewed from the front-rear direction. The portion of the writing section 13 located in front of the maximum diameter portion is inserted into the insertion hole 12h and protrudes in front of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e. When the aforementioned portion of the writing section 13 is inserted into the insertion hole 12h, the relative rotation of the writing section 13 and the cover cylinder 12 around the central axis C is restricted. The front end surface of the maximum diameter portion of the writing section 13 contacts the front wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e from the rear.

[0070] The stepped portion 12f is an annular plate shape centered on the central axis C. The outer circumference of the stepped portion 12f is connected to the front end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. The inner circumference of the stepped portion 12f is connected to the rear end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12e. The front end of the ink storage cylinder 11 contacts the stepped portion 12f from the rear. The rear end of the biasing member 4 also contacts the stepped portion 12f from the front (see Figures 1(a) and (b)).

[0071] The ink confirmation window 12b opens into the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder 12. In this embodiment, the ink confirmation window 12b is located in the peripheral wall of the large-diameter cylinder portion 12d and penetrates this peripheral wall radially. The ink confirmation window 12b is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the ink confirmation window 12b is located behind the rear end of the writing portion 13. In this embodiment, when viewing the ink confirmation window 12b from diagonally behind, that is, when viewing the ink confirmation window 12b from the radially outward and rearward side, the rear end of the writing portion 13 is positioned so that it can be seen through the ink confirmation window 12b.

[0072] The ink confirmation windows 12b are provided in at least one pair on the circumferential wall of the cover cylinder 12, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the ink confirmation windows 12b are provided in a pair on the circumferential wall of the large-diameter cylinder portion 12d, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are positioned so as to be 180° rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis C. That is, the pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are positioned so as to overlap each other when viewed from the radial direction.

[0073] The cover cap 12c is cylindrical with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The cover cap 12c is located on the rear side of the cover body 12a. The cover cap 12c is positioned at the rear end of the cover cylinder 12. The cover cap 12c has a male screw portion 12i located at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the cover cap 12c and a stepped portion 12j located on the inner circumferential surface of the cover cap 12c.

[0074] The male threaded portion 12i is screwed into the female threaded portion 12g of the cover body 12a. Between the male threaded portion 12i and the female threaded portion 12g, there is, for example, an adhesive that can release the fixed state with a torque above a predetermined level. In other words, the cover cap 12c is detachably attached to the cover body 12a.

[0075] The front end of the cover cap 12c contacts the rear wall 11c of the ink reservoir 11 from the rear. This causes the cover cap 12c to press and secure the ink reservoir 11 and the writing section 13 forward. In other words, the cover cylinder 12 secures the ink reservoir 11 and the writing section 13.

[0076] Furthermore, the operating part 15 is inserted inside the cover cap 12c. The operating part 15 is rotatable around the central axis C inside the cover cap 12c. In other words, the cover cylinder 12 holds the operating part 15 in a rotatable manner.

[0077] The stepped portion 12j is a circular ring-shaped surface facing forward. The stepped portion 12j faces or contacts the circular ring-shaped stepped surface 15a (the surface facing rear) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the operating portion 15, with a gap between them from the rear. With this configuration, the cover cap 12c restricts the rearward movement and detachment of the operating portion 15.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water repellency of the annular portion 18 surrounding at least one of the ink confirmation windows 12b, which is the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the inner surface of the cover cylinder 12, is higher than that of the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder 11. In other words, the hydrophilicity of the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 is higher than that of the annular portion 18. That is, the wettability of the annular portion 18 is worse than that of the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder 11.

[0079] Specifically, the water contact angle at the annular portion 18 is, for example, 95° or more, preferably 100° or more, and more preferably 105° or more. In this embodiment, the water contact angle at the surface of the annular portion 18 is, for example, 110° to 120°.

[0080] Furthermore, the water contact angle on the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 is, for example, 90° or less, preferably 85° or less, and more preferably 80° or less. In this embodiment, the water contact angle on the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 is, for example, 79° to 88°. In this embodiment, silicone grease is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 to facilitate the sliding of the valve portion 14a of the piston 14.

[0081] A radial gap is provided between the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11, at least the portion that overlaps with the ink confirmation window 12b when viewed from the radial direction, and the cover cylinder 12. In this embodiment, the ink storage cylinder 11 has a recess 11e that is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11, leaving a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12, and a water-repellent coating layer 11f disposed in the recess 11e. That is, by providing the recess 11e that is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11, a radial gap is provided between the portion of the circumferential wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 facing the ink confirmation window 12b and the cover cylinder 12.

[0082] The recess 11e is a groove-shaped structure located on the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and extending in the circumferential direction. The recess 11e is located on the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11, extending around its entire circumference. The front-to-back dimension of the recess 11e is greater than the front-to-back dimension of the ink confirmation window 12b. The front end of the recess 11e is located in front of the front end of the ink confirmation window 12b. The rear end of the recess 11e is located behind the rear end of the ink confirmation window 12b. Therefore, when viewed from the radial direction, the entire ink confirmation window 12b overlaps with the recess 11e.

[0083] Furthermore, the annular portion 18 is positioned so that its entirety overlaps with the recess 11e when viewed from the radial direction. The annular portion 18 is located in the coating layer 11f of the ink storage cylinder 11. The coating layer 11f is formed, for example, by the solidification of a water-repellent coating liquid such as a fluorine-based liquid injected into the recess 11e.

[0084] Furthermore, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism further includes a groove 19 that is recessed radially from at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink reservoir 11 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12, and extends circumferentially. In this embodiment, the groove 19 is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12 and extends circumferentially. Specifically, the groove 19 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter cylinder portion 12d, extending around its entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The groove 19 is located behind the ink confirmation window 12b and in front of the rear wall 11c of the ink reservoir 11. The groove 19 is located behind the recess 11e.

[0085] The writing section 13 has a pen tip 13a that extends in the front-to-back direction and whose rear end is inserted into the ink reservoir 11, and a pen tip 13b that protrudes forward of the pen tip 13a.

[0086] The pen nib 13a is made of resin, such as AS. The pen nib 13a extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the pen nib 13a constitutes the rear end of the writing section 13. The outer diameter of the rear end of the pen nib 13a (the rear end of the writing section 13) is smaller than the outer diameter of the largest diameter portion of the writing section 13 adjacent to the front of this rear end. The rear end of the pen nib 13a is removably fitted into the fitting cylinder portion 11a. The rear end surface of the pen nib 13a has a vertical surface 13f that extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the central axis C, and an inclined surface 13g that extends in a plane direction inclined with respect to the vertical surface 13f.

[0087] Furthermore, an annular sealing member 16, such as an O-ring, is fitted to the rear end of the pen nib 13a. In other words, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism further includes the sealing member 16.

[0088] The inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 16 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the pen tip 13a (the rear end of the writing section 13). The front-facing surface of the sealing member 16 contacts the rear end surface of the maximum diameter portion of the writing section 13. The rear-facing surface of the sealing member 16 contacts the front end surface of the peripheral wall of the ink reservoir 11. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing member 16 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the small diameter cylindrical portion 12e.

[0089] The pen tip 13a has an ink groove 13c, an air groove 13d, and a locking groove 13e. The ink groove 13c opens onto the outer circumferential surface and the rear end surface of the pen tip 13a and extends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the rear end of the ink groove 13c opens onto the inclined surface 13g of the rear end surface of the pen tip 13a.

[0090] The air groove 13d opens onto the outer circumferential surface and the rear end surface of the pen nib 13a. The air groove 13d has a groove portion that extends in the front-rear direction and a groove portion that extends in the circumferential direction. The rear end of the air groove 13d extends in the front-rear direction and opens onto the inclined surface 13g of the rear end surface of the pen nib 13a.

[0091] The locking groove 13e is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the pen nib 13a and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the locking groove 13e opens onto the vertical surface 13f of the rear end surface of the pen nib 13a. The locking projection 11b of the ink reservoir 11 is inserted into and locked into the locking groove 13e.

[0092] The locking groove 13e and the locking projection 11b constitute the rotation restricting section 17. The rotation restricting section 17 restricts the relative rotation of the ink reservoir 11 and the writing section 13 around the central axis C of the ink reservoir 11. In other words, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism further includes the rotation restricting section 17.

[0093] The nib 13b is plate-shaped and fixed to the feed 13a. The nib 13b is positioned in the front portion of the writing section 13. The front end of the nib 13b protrudes further forward than the front end of the feed 13a. The nib 13b is made of, for example, metal, and at least its front end is elastically deformable. The nib 13b has a slit-shaped cut that penetrates the nib 13b in the thickness direction. The cut extends in the front-rear direction and opens to the front end surface of the nib 13b. The cut communicates with the front end of the ink groove 13c.

[0094] The piston 14 has a valve portion 14a that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ink reservoir 11, and a shaft portion 14b connected to the valve portion 14a. The valve portion 14a is the part of the piston 14 with the largest outer diameter. The outer circumference of the valve portion 14a is cylindrical and elastically deformable. The outer circumference of the valve portion 14a is in liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the ink reservoir cylinder 11.

[0095] The shaft portion 14b is axial in shape with respect to the central axis C and extends rearward from the valve portion 14a. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 14b perpendicular to the central axis C is non-circular, and in this embodiment it is approximately oval in shape. The shaft portion 14b is inserted through the insertion hole 11d in the rear wall 11c of the ink storage cylinder 11. The insertion of the shaft portion 14b into the insertion hole 11d restricts the rotation of the piston 14 around the central axis C. Furthermore, the shaft portion 14b has a male screw 14c positioned on its outer circumferential surface.

[0096] The operating section 15 is cylindrical with a central axis C and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end surface of the peripheral wall of the operating section 15 faces or contacts the rear end surface of the rear wall 11c of the ink reservoir cylinder 11 with a gap between them. The shaft portion 14b is inserted into the interior of the operating section 15. The operating section 15 has a female thread 15b located on its inner circumferential surface. The female thread 15b is screwed into the male thread 14c of the shaft portion 14b. In other words, the operating section 15 is connected to the piston 14 by screwing.

[0097] When the user rotates the operating part 15 around the central axis C, the piston 14 moves in the forward and backward direction due to the action of the male screw 14c and female screw 15b. Specifically, the piston 14 is movable in the forward and backward direction between the forward end position, which is located at the very front, and the retracted end position, which is located at the very rear. In other words, the piston 14 is made movable in the forward and backward direction within a predetermined range between the forward end position and the retracted end position.

[0098] When the piston 14 is in the forward position, the front end surface of the valve portion 14a contacts the rear end surface of the writing portion 13. Specifically, when the piston 14 is in the forward position, the valve portion 14a contacts the vertical surface 13f of the rear end surface of the pen nib 13a. Also, when the piston 14 is in the retracted position, the valve portion 14a is positioned behind the ink confirmation window 12b.

[0099] Furthermore, this embodiment includes the following special configuration. When the piston 14 is in the forward position, the first volume V1 is the sum of the volume of the portion of the ink reservoir 11's internal space located in front of the valve portion 14a and the volume of the writing portion 13's internal space. When the piston 14 is in the retracted position, the second volume V2 is the volume of the portion of the ink reservoir 11's internal space located between the rear end of the ink confirmation window 12b and the valve portion 14a. In this embodiment, the second volume V2 is equal to or greater than the first volume V1. That is, the second volume V2 is the same as or greater than the first volume V1.

[0100] In the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism of this embodiment described above, an ink confirmation window 12b is provided in the cover cylinder 12, allowing the user to visually check the ink in the ink storage cylinder 11 through the ink confirmation window 12b. This makes it easy to check the color and remaining amount of ink in the ink storage cylinder 11. Furthermore, when the ink in the ink storage cylinder 11 becomes low, the front end of the writing part 13 is pointed vertically downwards and immersed in the ink in the ink bottle, and the piston 14 is moved to the rear to draw ink from the ink bottle into the ink storage cylinder 11, resulting in the following effects.

[0101] In this embodiment, the second volume V2 when the piston 14 is in the retracted position is greater than or equal to the first volume V1 when the piston 14 is in the forward position. Therefore, when the piston 14 is in the forward position, even if the portion of the internal space of the ink reservoir 11 located in front of the valve portion 14a and the internal space of the writing portion 13 are completely filled with air, when ink is drawn up from the ink bottle and the piston 14 is in the retracted position, all of this air can be contained between the rear end of the ink confirmation window 12b and the valve portion 14a.

[0102] Therefore, when the piston 14 is moved from its forward position to its retracted position to draw the maximum amount of ink from the ink bottle into the ink storage cylinder 11, it is suppressed that the user will be able to see the air inside the ink storage cylinder 11 through the ink confirmation window 12b. In other words, immediately after ink is drawn in, the inside of the ink storage cylinder 11, as seen by the user through the ink confirmation window 12b, will be completely filled with ink.

[0103] This allows the user to intuitively recognize that the ink has been drawn up to its maximum capacity from the ink bottle into the ink storage cylinder 11. According to this embodiment, the user can visually confirm that the maximum amount of ink has been drawn up into the ink storage cylinder 11.

[0104] In this embodiment, the pen tip 13a of the writing section 13 has an ink groove 13c that opens to the rear end surface of the pen tip 13a, and when the piston 14 is in the forward end position, the valve portion 14a contacts the rear end surface of the pen tip 13a. Compared to conventional designs where the valve portion of the piston, positioned at its forward end, is located away from the rear end surface of the pen nib, the configuration of this embodiment allows the forward end of the piston 14 to be positioned further forward. This ensures a larger stroke for the piston 14 in the front-rear direction, thereby increasing the maximum amount of ink (maximum suction volume) that can be drawn up from the ink bottle into the ink reservoir 11. Consequently, the frequency of ink suction can be reduced.

[0105] Furthermore, by positioning the forward end of the piston 14 further forward, the volume of the portion of the internal space of the ink reservoir 11 located in front of the valve portion 14a becomes smaller, and the first volume V1 also decreases. Consequently, the second volume V2 can also be kept small, allowing the rear end of the ink confirmation window 12b to be positioned further back, thereby ensuring a wider opening area for the ink confirmation window 12b. Through the wide ink confirmation window 12b, the user can more easily check the ink level inside the ink reservoir 11.

[0106] In this embodiment, the front end of the ink confirmation window 12b is positioned behind the rear end of the writing section 13. In this case, when the user views the writing element 1 with the ink filling mechanism from the radial direction, the rear end of the writing section 13 is made less visible through the ink confirmation window 12b. Since components other than the ink are less visible through the ink confirmation window 12b, the ink is easier to see. In addition, the appearance (aesthetics) of the writing element 1 with the ink filling mechanism is further enhanced.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the ink confirmation window 12b is viewed from the rear at an angle, the rear end of the writing section 13 is positioned so that it can be seen through the ink confirmation window 12b. In this case, for example, when the amount of ink remaining in the ink reservoir 11 becomes low, the user can look at the ink confirmation window 12b from diagonally behind (viewed radially outward and from the rear), thereby visually confirming the rear end of the writing section 13 through the ink confirmation window 12b. This allows the user to visually recognize that the amount of ink remaining is low.

[0108] In this embodiment, at least one pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are provided on the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder 12, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are positioned to overlap each other when viewed from the radial direction. In this case, the pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are positioned on opposite sides of each other in the circumferential direction. The user can see the other side of the writing member 1 with the ink filling mechanism through the pair of ink confirmation windows 12b. Because external light can easily enter the ink storage cylinder 11 through the pair of ink confirmation windows 12b, the ink inside the ink storage cylinder 11 can be seen more clearly. Therefore, the user can easily check the color and remaining amount of ink.

[0109] In this embodiment, the operating section 15 is connected to the piston 14 by screw fastening, and the cover cylinder 12 fixes the ink reservoir cylinder 11 and the writing section 13, while also rotatably holding the operating section 15. In this case, the ink reservoir 11 and the writing section 13 are fixed by the cover cylinder 12, and the operating section 15 is rotatably held. In other words, the ink reservoir 11, the writing section 13, and the ink suction mechanism (piston 14 and operating section 15) are integrated into a single writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism. Therefore, when drawing ink from an ink bottle into the ink reservoir 11, the user does not need to attach or detach a converter (ink suction mechanism) to the ink reservoir 11, and can easily perform the suction operation using the pre-assembled writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism. According to this embodiment, the user can easily draw ink from an ink bottle, and the operation is simple.

[0110] In this embodiment, the rotation restricting unit 17 restricts the relative rotation of the ink reservoir 11 and the writing unit 13 around the central axis C. In this case, when assembling the ink reservoir 11, writing section 13, and cover tube 12, the problem of the ink reservoir 11 and writing section 13 unintentionally rotating relative to each other within the cover tube 12 is suppressed. The writing component 1 with an ink suction mechanism becomes easier to assemble and easier to manufacture. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after assembly, the relative rotation between the writing section 13 and the cover cylinder 12 is also restricted. When the user grasps the cover cylinder 12 and rotates the operating section 15 to move the piston 14 back and forth, even if the operating section 15 comes into sliding contact with the rear wall 11c, the problem of the ink reservoir cylinder 11 rotating together with the operating section 15 is prevented.

[0111] In this embodiment, a radial gap is provided between the peripheral wall of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the cover cylinder 12, at least in the portion that overlaps with the ink confirmation window 12b when viewed from the radial direction. In this case, when assembling the writing component 1 with an ink filling mechanism, the problem of the transparent portion of the peripheral wall of the ink reservoir 11 that overlaps with the ink confirmation window 12b when viewed radially being scratched by rubbing against the metal or other cover cylinder 12 is suppressed. The user can clearly see the ink inside the ink reservoir 11 through the ink confirmation window 12b and the transparent portion of the ink reservoir 11. Furthermore, the value of the product is steadily increased.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water-repellent properties of the annular portion 18 surrounding the ink confirmation window 12b are high on at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12. Therefore, even if the ink confirmation window 12b is unintentionally submerged in the ink in the ink bottle during the ink filling process, the ink is repelled by the annular portion 18 around the ink confirmation window 12b, preventing ink from entering between the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 through the ink confirmation window 12b. Consequently, the user can reliably and accurately perceive the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage cylinder 11. In addition, since ink entering between the cover cylinder 12 and the ink storage cylinder 11 is prevented, it is reduced the likelihood of the user's hands getting dirty or the inside of the writing instrument 10 (such as the inside of the barrel 2) getting dirty with this ink.

[0113] On the other hand, the inner surface of the ink reservoir 11 has low water repellency (high hydrophilicity). Therefore, when writing with the writing instrument 10, if the writing part 13 is pointed downwards in the vertical direction, the ink in the ink reservoir 11 flows smoothly toward the writing part 13 (i.e., downwards). In more detail, unlike this embodiment, if, for example, the inner surface of the ink reservoir has high water repellency, even if the writing part is pointed downwards in the vertical direction, the ink may remain held at the rear end (upper end) of the ink reservoir and not flow downwards. This is because if the inner surface of the ink reservoir has high water repellency, the surface tension of the ink prevents it from falling. This phenomenon can be suppressed according to this embodiment.

[0114] In this embodiment, the water contact angle at the annular portion 18 is 95° or greater. In this case, the water repellency of the annular portion 18 on the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 or the inner surface of the cover cylinder 12 is sufficiently enhanced. The function of repelling ink is stably obtained in the annular portion 18 around the ink confirmation window 12b, and the above-mentioned effects of this embodiment become more stable.

[0115] In this embodiment, the contact angle of water on the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 is 90° or less. In this case, sufficient hydrophilicity is ensured on the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder 11. Inside the ink storage cylinder 11, the ink is less affected by surface tension and flows smoothly, making the above-mentioned effects of this embodiment more stable.

[0116] In this embodiment, the ink storage cylinder 11 has a recess 11e that is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and is provided with a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12, and a water-repellent coating layer 11f disposed in the recess 11e, and the annular portion 18 is located on the coating layer 11f of the ink storage cylinder 11. For example, when a water-repellent coating liquid is introduced into the recess 11e of the ink storage cylinder 11 from the inner circumference of the ink confirmation window 12b, the coating liquid penetrates widely into the gap between the inner surface of the cover cylinder 12 and the recess 11e due to capillary action. As this coating liquid solidifies, the coating layer 11f with the above configuration is formed on the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11.

[0117] By positioning the annular portion 18 surrounding the ink confirmation window 12b on the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 on a water-repellent coating layer 11f, the ink-repellent function is stably obtained in this annular portion 18, and the above-mentioned effects of this embodiment become more stable.

[0118] Furthermore, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism of this embodiment is further provided with a groove 19 that is recessed radially from at least one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12 (in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12) and extends circumferentially, and the groove 19 is located behind the ink confirmation window 12b and in front of the rear wall 11c of the ink storage cylinder 11. For example, when a water-repellent coating liquid is permeated by capillary force between the inner surface of the cover cylinder 12 and the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11, such as from the inner circumference of the ink confirmation window 12b, if the groove 19 is provided behind the ink confirmation window 12b as in the above configuration, the coating liquid that has reached the groove 19 will be prevented from moving further back. In other words, since capillary force does not easily act from a narrow area to a wide area, the groove 19 can prevent the coating liquid from penetrating further back.

[0119] The rear wall 11c of the ink reservoir 11 has an insertion hole 11d through which the shaft portion 14b of the piston 14 is inserted. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the problem of the water-repellent coating liquid unintentionally seeping into the interior of the ink reservoir 11 through the opening in the rear wall 11c of the ink reservoir 11.

[0120] Furthermore, the writing instrument 10 of this embodiment comprises the writing member 1 with an ink-filling mechanism described above, and a barrel 2 that houses at least a part of the writing member 1 with an ink-filling mechanism. The writing member 1 with an ink-filling mechanism is also movable in the front-rear direction between a storage position in which the entire writing member 1 with an ink-filling mechanism is housed inside the barrel 2, and a usage position in which a part of the writing section 13 protrudes forward from the barrel 2. According to this embodiment, the above-mentioned excellent effects can be obtained in a writing instrument 10 such as a retractable fountain pen (capless fountain pen).

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications to the configuration, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below. In the illustrations of modified examples, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the embodiments described above, and the main differences will be described below.

[0122] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism of the first modified embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 4, in this first modified embodiment, the rear end of the fitting cylinder portion 11a of the ink reservoir 11 overlaps with at least a part of the rear end surface of the writing portion 13 when viewed from the radial direction. Specifically, the rear end of the fitting cylinder portion 11a is positioned to overlap with at least the inclined surface 13g of the rear end surface of the writing portion 13 when viewed from the radial direction.

[0123] With the fitting cylinder portion 11a as described above, the volume of the portion of the internal space of the ink storage cylinder 11 located in front of the valve portion 14a of the piston 14, which is at its forward end, is kept small, and the first volume V1 is reduced. Consequently, the second volume V2 can also be kept small, allowing the rear end position of the ink confirmation window 12b to be moved further back, and the opening area of ​​the ink confirmation window 12b to be increased. Since the area inside the ink storage cylinder 11 that can be seen by the user through the wide ink confirmation window 12b is expanded, the functions obtained by the ink confirmation window 12b (such as ease of checking the ink level) are further enhanced.

[0124] Furthermore, the elongated fitting cylinder portion 11a in the front-to-back direction allows the rear end of the writing section 13 to be held more stably, resulting in a more stable assembled position (fixed state) between the ink reservoir 11 and the writing section 13.

[0125] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism, a second modification of the embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 5, the writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism may include a writing section 13 with an opening means 20. The opening means 20 is attached to the rear end of the pen tip 13a and protrudes rearward from the rear end surface (vertical surface 13f and inclined surface 13g) of the pen tip 13a. The opening means 20 is provided, for example, on the writing section of a commercially available product to open the sealing part (sealing film, sealing lid, sealing sphere, etc.) of a conventional replaceable ink cartridge (not shown). However, as in the embodiment described above, if the writing section 13 is not provided with an opening means 20, it is more preferable because a larger stroke in the front-rear direction of the piston 14 can be secured.

[0126] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) showing a third modified example of the embodiment described above, a writing member 1 with an ink suction mechanism. As shown in Figure 6, the rear end of the writing section 13 may have a shape conforming to the DIN standard (German Industrial Standards). In this case, the inner circumference of the fitting cylinder section 11a into which the rear end of the writing section 13 fits is also shaped to conform to the DIN standard.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the ink storage cylinder 11 has a recess 11e that is recessed from the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and a water-repellent coating layer 11f disposed in the recess 11e, and the annular portion 18 is located on this coating layer 11f, but the invention is not limited to this. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the cover cylinder 12 has a recess that extends radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12, leaving a gap between it and the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11, and a water-repellent coating layer disposed in the recess, and the annular portion 18 may be located in the coating layer of the cover cylinder 12.

[0128] In this case, for example, if a water-repellent coating liquid is introduced into the recess of the cover cylinder 12 from the inner circumference of the ink confirmation window 12b, the coating liquid will penetrate extensively into the gap between the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and the recess due to capillary action. As this coating liquid solidifies, a coating layer with the above configuration is formed on the inner surface of the cover cylinder 12.

[0129] By positioning the annular portion 18 surrounding the ink confirmation window 12b on the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12 on a water-repellent coating layer, the ink-repellent function is stably obtained in this annular portion 18, and the above-mentioned effects according to the present invention become more stable.

[0130] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows the groove 19 being provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder 12, the invention is not limited to this. The groove 19 may also be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11. In this case, the groove 19 is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder 11 and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0131] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which a pair of ink confirmation windows 12b are provided on the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder 12, the invention is not limited to this. Three or more ink confirmation windows 12b may be provided on the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder 12, arranged in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, only one ink confirmation window 12b, which extends in the circumferential direction and has a wide opening (i.e., a large circumferential dimension), may be provided on the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder 12.

[0132] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment used a retractable fountain pen as an example of the writing instrument 10, it is not limited to this. The writing instrument equipped with the ink-filling mechanism 1 may be a fountain pen with a removable cap other than a retractable fountain pen, or a pen other than a fountain pen, etc.

[0133] The present invention may be combined in any way that does not depart from the spirit of the invention, as described in the above embodiments and modifications, and the configurations may be added, omitted, substituted, or otherwise modified. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0134] The writing member and writing instrument with an ink suction mechanism of the present invention can prevent ink from entering between the cover cylinder and the ink reservoir cylinder through the ink confirmation window, making it easier for the user to accurately recognize the remaining amount of ink in the ink reservoir cylinder and suppressing ink staining. Therefore, it has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1...Writing component with ink suction mechanism, 2...Shaft, 10...Writing instrument, 11...Ink reservoir, 11c...Rear wall, 11e...Recess, 11f...Coating layer, 12...Cover tube, 12b...Ink confirmation window, 13...Writing section, 14...Piston, 14a...Valve section, 15...Operating section, 17...Rotation restricting section, 18...Annular section, 19...Groove section, C...Central axis

Claims

1. A transparent ink reservoir cylinder extends in the front-to-back direction and stores ink, A cover cylinder into which the ink storage cylinder is inserted, A writing section is positioned in front of the ink reservoir and connected to the ink reservoir, A piston having a valve portion is disposed inside the ink reservoir, The device includes an operating unit for moving the piston in the forward and backward directions, The cover cylinder has an ink confirmation window opening in the peripheral wall of the cover cylinder, The water-repellent properties of at least one of the annular portions surrounding the ink confirmation window, of the outer surface of the ink storage cylinder and the inner surface of the cover cylinder, are higher than the water-repellent properties of the inner surface of the ink storage cylinder. The water contact angle in the annular portion is 95° or more. Writing component with ink filling mechanism.

2. The water contact angle on the inner circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder is 90° or less. A writing member with an ink suction mechanism as described in claim 1.

3. The ink storage cylinder is further provided with a groove that extends radially and circumferentially from at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink storage cylinder and the inner circumferential surface of the cover cylinder, The groove is positioned behind the ink confirmation window and in front of the rear wall of the ink storage cylinder. A writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operating section is connected to the piston by a screw, The cover cylinder fixes the ink reservoir cylinder and the writing section, and rotatably holds the operating section. A writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The ink reservoir and the writing section are further provided with a rotation restricting mechanism that restricts relative rotation of the ink reservoir around the central axis of the ink reservoir. A writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A writing member with an ink suction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, The writing member with the ink-filling mechanism comprises a barrel that houses at least a portion of the writing member, Writing implements.

7. The aforementioned writing member with an ink suction mechanism is The entire writing member with the ink-filling mechanism is housed inside the barrel in a storage position, The writing portion is movable in the front-rear direction between a usage position in which a part of the writing section protrudes forward from the barrel and a position in which it protrudes forward. The writing instrument according to claim 6.

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