JP5849082B2 - Pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism and applicator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism and an applicator.

  An applicator (for example, a fountain pen) having an ink tank for storing ink is known. When pressure fluctuations in the ink tank occur due to changes in environmental conditions (such as pressure and temperature) in which such an applicator is used, various problems arise. For example, if the pressure in the ink tank increases, ink leaks from the pen tip. On the other hand, if the pressure in the ink tank decreases, it becomes difficult for ink to come out of the pen tip.

  In order to solve such a problem, a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism having a comb groove for ink retention, an ink passage groove provided orthogonal to the comb groove, and an air passage groove provided orthogonal to the comb groove is provided. A writing instrument is known that solves the problems caused by pressure fluctuations in the ink tank (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-028458

  Incidentally, an ink guide core for supplying ink from the ink tank to the pen tip is inserted into the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism provided in the above-described writing instrument (for example, Patent Document 1). However, this ink guide core insertion structure impedes the distribution performance of the ink guide core. If the distribution performance of the ink guide core is hindered, the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism cannot achieve the desired performance.

As a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, it has been found that at least one of the following (i) to (ii) is necessary to ensure the distribution performance of the ink guide core.
(I) A guide core holding structure that holds an ink guide core that supplies ink from the ink tank to the pen tip and a pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism are separated.
(Ii) Ink and air can easily flow between the ink tank and the ink guide core.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention intends to provide a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism that can ensure the distribution performance of the ink guide core. Furthermore, this invention intends to provide the applicator provided with this pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism.

  The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism of the present invention includes a supply core support structure that supports a first core portion of a paint supply core that supplies paint from a paint storage space to an application member, and a second core of the paint supply core. A supply core locking structure for locking the portion, and a buffer space connected to the paint storage space, and the pressure of the paint storage space by the flow of the paint and air between the paint storage space and the buffer space A pressure fluctuation buffering structure for buffering fluctuations, wherein the pressure fluctuation buffering structure is formed in the supply core support structure.

  It is preferable that the paint supply core has a communication path that connects the part closer to the application member than the second core part and the paint storage space.

  The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism of the present invention includes a supply core support structure that supports a first core portion of a paint supply core that supplies paint from a paint storage space to an application member, and a second core of the paint supply core. A supply core locking structure for locking the portion, and a buffer space connected to the paint storage space, and the pressure of the paint storage space by the flow of the paint and air between the paint storage space and the buffer space A pressure fluctuation buffering structure for buffering fluctuations, and having a communication path that connects a portion of the coating material supply core closer to the application member than the second core portion and the coating material accommodation space. To do.

  It is preferable that a connection structure is provided between the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure, and connects the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure. The supply core support structure is a cylindrical body that accommodates the first core portion, and the connection structure is directed from the end surface of the cylindrical body on the paint storage space side toward the paint storage space. It is preferable that the supply core locking structure is provided on the paint housing space side of the connection structure.

  The supply core locking structure is preferably located in the paint containing space. Moreover, it is preferable that the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure are integrally formed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the supply core locking structure has a fitting portion that fits into the second core portion. In addition, it is preferable that the supply core locking structure has a press-fit portion into which the second core portion is press-fitted. And it is preferable that the said supply core latching structure has a welding part welded with a said 2nd core part.

  It is preferable that the second core portion is located in the paint containing space. Further, it is preferable that a portion closer to the paint housing space than the second core portion is located in the paint housing space.

  The buffer space is formed with a paint flow path and an air flow path, and the pressure fluctuation buffer structure includes a plurality of paint notches and air notches and a plurality of lines arranged at predetermined intervals in the buffer space. It is preferable that the paint flow passage is formed by the paint cutout, and the air flow passage is formed by the air cutout.

  The present invention includes a buffer space connected to an application member through a paint circulation space through which paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space are caused by circulation of paint and air between the paint circulation space and the buffer space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, comprising a buffer space forming member for forming the buffer space, wherein the paint circulation space includes a paint storage space for storing the paint, and the paint from the paint storage space to the application member The buffer space forming member includes a coating member side wall member that forms a wall on the coating member side of the buffer space, and the paint storage space side of the buffer space. A coating material passage space forming portion for forming a coating material flow passage in the buffer space, which is arranged between the coating member side wall member and the coating member side wall member and the coating material storage space side wall member And an air flow passage forming member that is disposed between the coating member side wall member and the paint containing space side wall member and forms an air flow passage in the buffer space, and the paint containing space side wall member and the A buffer space communicating with the air flow path is formed between the paint flow path forming members.

  The present invention includes a buffer space connected to an application member through a paint circulation space through which paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space are caused by circulation of paint and air between the paint circulation space and the buffer space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, and when the pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism is inserted into a cylinder, a retaining mechanism for preventing the cylinder from being pulled out by deformation of itself, and an air tight that provides airtightness to the buffer space A clearance space is formed between the retaining mechanism and the air tight mechanism, and the air tight mechanism and the deformed retaining mechanism are separated by the clearance space. Features.

  Pressure fluctuation comprising a buffer space connected to the coating member through a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffering pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the buffer space The shock absorbing mechanism has a vent hole that opens the buffer space to the outside, and the vent hole faces a paint reservoir space for storing the paint.

  The applicator of the present invention is characterized by including the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism described above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism which can ensure the distribution | circulation performance of an ink guide core, and an applicator provided with the same can be provided.

It shows the outline of the applicator and is a cross-sectional view of the applicator on a plane passing through the center of the central axis. FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the outline of the applicator and on the same surface as FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing to which the center axis | shaft of the applicator and its vicinity were expanded. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline | summary of a paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder and a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline | summary of a paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder. It is VIc-VIc sectional view taken on the line of a paint feeder holding cylinder. It is VId-VId sectional view taken on the line of a paint feeder holding cylinder. It is VIc-VIc sectional view taken on the line of a paint feeder holding cylinder. It is sectional drawing to which the paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder, the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism, and these vicinity were expanded. It is VI-VI sectional view taken on the line which shows the outline | summary of a paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder and a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the communication groove for 1st coating materials, and the communication groove for 2nd coating materials. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the communication groove for 1st coating materials, and the communication groove for 2nd coating materials. It is a VIII-VIII line sectional view showing an outline of a paint feeder maintenance cylinder and a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the 1st air communication groove. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the 1st air communication groove. It is sectional drawing which expanded the brush, the brush holding member, and these vicinity. It is XI-XI sectional view taken on the line which shows the outline | summary of a paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder and a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the air reservoir formed in the 1st buffer space. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the air reservoir formed in the 2nd buffer space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the brush holding member which has a ventilation hole.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Applicator)
As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 2 includes a rod-shaped applicator main body 100 that extends long in the front-rear direction, and a cap 200 that is detachably provided at the front end of the applicator main body 100.

(cap)
The cap 200 includes an outer cap 210, an inner cap 220 disposed inside the outer cap 210, and an inner cap spring 230 that urges the inner cap 220 inside the outer cap 210. The outer cap 210 and the inner cap 220 are made of a synthetic resin, for example, PP (polypropylene).

  An engagement protrusion 211 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap 210. The engaging protrusion 211 engages with the tip 221 of the inner cap 220. The inner cap 220 has, in the inner space of the outer cap 210, an engagement position where the tip portion 211 and the engagement projection 211 are engaged, and an engagement release position where the tip portion 211 and the engagement projection 211 are separated from each other. It is free to move between. The inner cap spring 230 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cap 220 in the inner space of the outer cap 210. The inner cap spring 230 biases the inner cap 220 toward the engagement position.

(Applicator body)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the applicator main body 100 is attached to a cylindrical middle shaft 110, a brush 120 disposed on the front end side of the middle shaft 110, and an opening on the front end side of the middle shaft 110 to hold the brush 120. The brush holding member 130, the paint tank 140 attached to the opening on the rear end side of the center shaft 110, the stirring member 150 housed in the paint tank 140 together with the paint, and the paint contained in the paint tank 140 to the brush 120 A paint feeder 160 to be supplied (paint supply core), a paint feeder holding cylinder 170 that is disposed in the internal space of the central shaft 110 and holds the paint feeder 160, a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 180 that buffers pressure fluctuations in the paint tank 140, An outer shaft 190 mounted on the middle shaft 110 so as to cover the paint tank 140.

(Middle axis)
The middle shaft 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An engagement protrusion 111 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 110 </ b> C in the axial direction A in the middle shaft 110. The engaging protrusion 111 engages with the opening end of the cap 200 and the opening end of the outer shaft 190. The front cylindrical portion 110F of the middle shaft 110 has an outer diameter that decreases toward the front and has a shape that can be easily gripped with a finger. On the other hand, the diameter of the rear cylinder portion 110B of the middle shaft 110 is substantially constant from the front to the rear.

(Paint tank)
The paint tank 140 contains paint. Examples of the paint include ink for writing instruments and a liquid eyeliner. Examples of the ink for writing instruments include raw ink (having a viscosity of, for example, 10 poise or less), gel ink (having a viscosity of, for example, 100 poise to 3000 poise), and high viscosity ink (having a viscosity of, for example, 10,000 poise to 100,000 poise). Examples of the liquid eyeliner include an oily type, an aqueous film type, and an aqueous non-film type.

  The paint tank 140 includes a tail tube 141 having openings on both sides, and a tail plug 142 that closes the rear end side opening of the tail tube 141. The front end opening of the transition piece 141 is attached to the opening on the rear end side of the middle shaft 110. Since the tail plug 142 is detachably attached to the tail cylinder 141, the paint tank 140 can be replenished with the paint through the attaching / detaching operation of the tail plug 142.

(Stirring member)
Since the stirring member 150 is housed in the paint tank 140 together with the paint, the paint in the paint tank 140 can be stirred by shaking the applicator 2 in the axial direction A. The shape of the stirring member 150 may be any of a sphere, a polyhedron (cube, rectangular parallelepiped, etc.). Further, depending on the type of paint, the stirring member 150 may be omitted.

(brush)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the brush 120 is a fibrous aggregate made of a synthetic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In addition, although the brush 120 was used as the application member shown in the figure, the application member of the present invention is other than the brush 120 (for example, a ballpoint pen type, a sign pen type using a fiber converging body, and a paint guide hole inside. In addition to the plastic pen type and the sintered pen type, those formed from porous urethane may be used.

(Brush holding member)
The brush holding member 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The brush holding member 130 has a brush engaging portion 131 that engages with the base side of the brush 120 on the inner peripheral surface, and a middle shaft engaging portion 132 that engages with the middle shaft 110 on the outer peripheral surface. For this reason, the brush holding member 130 can hold the brush 120 on the front end side of the middle shaft 110.

(Paint feeder)
The paint feeder 160 is formed in a rod shape and extends from the interior space of the paint tank 140 to the brush 120. The paint feeder 160 includes an intermediate rod portion 160C, a front rod portion 160F extending from the end of the intermediate rod portion 160C on the brush 120 side, and a rear rod portion 160B extending from the end of the intermediate rod portion 160C on the paint tank 140 side. . It is preferable that the front rod portion 160F and the rear rod portion 160B have sharp tips. The front end of the front bar portion 160F hits the brush 120, and the front end of the rear bar portion 160B is exposed to the internal space of the paint tank 140. Thereby, the paint feeder 160 can supply the paint stored in the paint tank 140 to the brush 120. As the paint feeder 160, any of an ink occlusion body type in which ink is held in a member such as sponge, urethane porous or batting made of fibers, or a raw ink type in which ink is directly stored in an ink tank, etc. But you can.

(Paint feeder holding cylinder)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4D, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 extends in the axial direction A of the middle shaft 110, and is provided in the main body cylinder portion 170T capable of accommodating the paint feeder 160 and the main body cylinder portion 170T. The extending portion 170S and the locking portion 170B provided on the extending portion 170S are provided. The extending part 170S extends from the rear end face of the main body cylinder part 170T toward the paint tank 140. The locking part 170B is provided at the rear part of the extension part 170S so as to protrude toward the axis AX170T of the main body cylinder part 170T. The extending portion 170S and the locking portion 170B are preferably located in the paint tank 140. A press-fitting hole 170BX into which the paint feeder 160 is press-fitted is formed in the locking part 170B. The press-fitting hole 170BX is press-fitted into the rear bar portion 160B, whereby the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 holds the rear bar portion 160B of the paint feeder 160. Part of the rear bar portion 160 </ b> B held by the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 is preferably located in the paint tank 140. Further, the part is preferably exposed in the paint tank 140. The part exposed in the paint tank 140 is circulated between the paint tank 140 and the paint or air. The paint feeder holding cylinder 170 is made of, for example, polyester.

  Thus, the main body cylinder portion 170T functions as a support mechanism (supply core support structure) for the paint feeder 160 in order to accommodate the paint feeder 160. Moreover, since the latching | locking part 170B latches the rear-end part of the paint feeder 160, it functions as a latching mechanism (supply core latching structure) of the paint feeder 160. FIG. The extending portion 170S functions as a connection structure that connects the support mechanism of the paint feeder 160 and the locking mechanism of the paint feeder 160.

  The middle shaft 110, the brush holding member 130, the paint tank 140, and the outer shaft 190 are made of a synthetic resin such as PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), nylon, polyester, or acrylic.

(Pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 180 is for forming a buffer space K that communicates directly or indirectly with the paint tank 140. The paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 180 are integrally formed. 4A, 4B, and 5, the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 180 partitions the buffer space K from the first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2 from the buffer space forming member 181 for forming the buffer space K. A partition member 182;
A first buffer space forming member 183 for forming a first buffer space K1 having a predetermined flow path; a second buffer space forming member 184 for forming a second buffer space K2 having a predetermined flow path;
A first connecting flow path 185 that connects the first buffer space K1 and the internal space of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170, and a second connecting flow path 186 that connects the second buffer space K2 and the internal space of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. And having. The first buffer space forming member 183 and the second buffer space forming member 184 function individually as a pressure fluctuation buffer structure.

(Buffer space forming member)
The buffer space forming members 181 are provided in the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction A. For example, one buffer space forming member 181 is provided at a front end portion 170F of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 (a front end portion of the main body cylinder portion 170T), and the other buffer space forming member 181 is a midway portion of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. It is provided at 170C (the rear end portion of the main body cylinder portion 170T). Each buffer space forming member 181 rises from the outer peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and extends toward the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110. Thus, a buffer space K is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110 between the at least two buffer space forming members 181.

(Partition member)
The partition member 182 is provided in the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 between the front buffer space forming member 181 and the rear buffer space forming member 181. The partition member 182 rises from the outer peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and extends toward the inner peripheral surface of the center shaft 110. The buffer space K is partitioned by the partition member 182 into a first buffer space K1 and a second buffer space K2.

(First buffer space forming member)
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 6, the first buffer space forming member 183 has a plurality of annular first convex plates 183T. The plurality of first convex plates 183T are arranged in the axial direction A with a predetermined interval, and each stand up from the outer peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and extend toward the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110. In the first buffer space K1, first circumferential grooves 183S are formed between the plurality of first convex plates 183T (see FIG. 7A).

  As shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of first convex plates 183T is provided with an air notch 183TA and a paint notch 183TB.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the paint notches 183TB provided on the plurality of first convex plates 183T are arranged in the axial direction A. Width _{W 183S} and the first circumferential groove 183S, the width _{W 183TB} of paint notch 183TB (see FIG. 6) is the paint has become capable penetration by capillary forces. In other words, the portion of the first circumferential groove 183S located between the paint notch 183TB and the paint notch 183TB is the first paint communication groove 183B (first first buffer space K1). It functions as a paint flow path). The paint in the paint notch 183TB (see FIG. 6) preferably flows more easily than the paint in the first circumferential groove 183S (see FIG. 7A). Accordingly, the width W _183TB (see FIG. 6) of the paint notch 183TB is preferably narrower than the width W _183S of the first circumferential groove _183S (see FIG. 7A).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the notch portions 183TA for air provided on the plurality of first convex plates 183T are arranged in the axial direction A on the plurality of first convex plates 183T. The portion located between the air notch 183TA and the air notch 183TA in the first circumferential groove 183S is the first air vertical groove 183A (first air flow path), that is, It functions as a first air communication groove in the first buffer space K1. The first air longitudinal groove 183TA is preferably located on the opposite side of the first paint communication groove 183TB (see FIG. 6).

(First connecting channel)
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, the first connecting flow path 185 is formed so as to penetrate from the notch surface of the paint notch 183 TB to the inner peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. The first connecting flow path 185 allows the paint to flow between the first buffer space K1 and the paint feeder 160 inserted into the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. The number of the first connecting flow paths 185 may be one or two or more.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 further includes a drop prevention part 170R, an air tight part 170E, and a paint tank communication path 170TX. The slip prevention portion 170R has a slip prevention surface that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110, and is provided on the peripheral surface of the rear buffer space forming member 181. The air tight part 170E protrudes from the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 behind the rear buffer space forming member 181. An air tight surface that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110 is formed at the tip of the air tight portion 170E. One end side of the paint tank communication path 170TX opens to the first connecting flow path 185, and the other end side opens to the paint tank 140. Therefore, the first connecting flow path 185 and the paint tank 140 communicate with each other through the paint tank communication path 170TX. Further, the peripheral surface of the intermediate rod portion 160C of the paint feeder 160 is connected to the paint tank 140 by the paint tank communication path 170TX. Therefore, the paint tank communication path 170TX enables the paint and air to flow between the paint feeder 160 and the paint tank 140. In addition, it is good also considering the dent part formed in the internal peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder 170 as the paint tank communication path 170TX.

  By the way, the come-off prevention portion 170R is deformed by the close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110. And the deformation | transformation of the removal prevention part 170R contributes to prevention from the removal from the center shaft 110. However, when the prevention part 170R and the air tight part 170E are integrally formed, the deformation of the prevention part 170R adversely affects the airtight performance of the air tight part 170E. In order to solve such a problem, a clearance gap ER may be provided between the escape prevention portion 170R and the air tight portion 170E (see FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5). The size of the escape space ER is preferably such that the escape prevention portion 170R deformed by the close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110 does not contact the air tight portion 170E. Thereby, even if the drop prevention part 170R is deformed, the airtight performance by the air tight part 170E is ensured. That is, by providing the escape space ER, it is possible to achieve both the escape prevention performance and the airtightness performance.

(Second buffer space forming member)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the second buffer space forming member 184 has a plurality of annular second convex plates 184T. The plurality of second convex plates 184T are arranged in the axial direction A with a predetermined interval therebetween, and stand up from the outer peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and extend toward the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110, respectively. Thus, in the second buffer space K2, second circumferential grooves 184S are formed between the plurality of second convex plates 184T (see FIG. 9A).

Further, the plurality of second convex plates 184T are provided with paint notches 184TB (see FIG. 8). The paint notches 184TB provided on the plurality of second convex plates 184T are arranged in the axial direction A (see FIG. 7A). Width _{W 184s} of the second peripheral groove 184s (see FIG. 7A) and the width _{W 184TB} of paint notch 184TB (see FIG. 8) is the paint has become capable penetration by capillary forces. That is, the second circumferential groove 184S and the paint notch 184TB function as a second paint communication groove 184B (second paint flow passage) in the second buffer space K2. The paint in the paint notch 184TB (see FIG. 8) is preferably easier to flow than the paint in the second circumferential groove 184S (see FIG. 7A). Accordingly, the width W _184TB (see FIG. 8) of the paint notch 184TB is preferably narrower than the width W _184S (see FIG. 7A) of the second circumferential groove 184S.

  The second paint communication groove 184B is separated from the first paint communication groove 183B. A partition member 182 is located between the second paint communication groove 184B and the first paint communication groove 183B. In other words, the second paint communication groove 184B and the first paint communication groove 183B are blocked by the partition member 182.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a gap 184 </ b> A is formed between the tip surface of the second convex plate 184 </ b> T and the inner peripheral surface of the middle shaft 110. The gap 184A functions as a second air flow path in the second buffer space K2.

  The plurality of second convex plates 184T may be provided with an air notch 184TA (see FIG. 9B) together with the paint notch 184TB. As shown in FIG. 9B, the air notches 184TA provided in the plurality of second convex plates 184T are arranged in the axial direction A on the plurality of second convex plates 184T. Thus, the air notch 184TA and the portion of the second circumferential groove 184S located between the air notch 184TA function as a second air communication groove in the second buffer space K2.

(Second connecting channel)
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second connecting flow path 186 penetrates from the groove surface of the second circumferential groove 184 </ b> S to the inner circumferential surface of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. The second connecting flow path 186 allows the paint to flow between the second buffer space K2 and the paint feeder 160 inserted into the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. The number of the second connecting flow paths 186 may be one or two or more.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the width W _183S of the first peripheral groove 183S, since gradually becomes wider toward the rear to the front, penetration of the paint tends to occur toward the rear to the front. Similarly, the width W _184s of the second peripheral groove 184s, since gradually becomes wider toward the rear to the front, penetration of the paint tends to occur toward the rear to the front.

The width _{W 183S} of the first peripheral groove 183S is narrower than the width _{W 184s} of the second peripheral groove 184s. For this reason, the penetration of the paint by capillary force is more likely to occur in the first circumferential groove 183S than in the second circumferential groove 184S.

  The paint feeder holding cylinder 170 and the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 180 are made of synthetic resin. In the case of using a water-based paint, it is preferable to use ABS resin, AS resin, PET resin, PBT resin, styrene resin, POM resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, modified polyphenylene ether, etc. as this synthetic resin. Moreover, when using an oil-based paint (in particular, a paint containing alcohol as a main solvent), it is preferable to use PE resin, PP resin, POM resin, PET resin, PBT resin, polyamide, or the like as the synthetic resin.

  Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 has a first buffer space forming member 183 and a second buffer space forming member 184 between the front end portion 170F and the midway portion 170C, and is associated with the rear end portion. It has a stop 170B. Here, when the paint feeder 160 is inserted into the main body cylinder portion 170T, the portion of the paint feeder 160 that is press-fitted into the press-fitting hole 170BX is compressed. As a result, the flow of the paint is hindered compared to other portions. In the present invention, since the locking portion 170B is separated from the main body cylinder portion 170T, the distribution of the paint in the paint feeder 160 is ensured even when the locking portion 170B is locked.

  The paint feeder holding cylinder 170 has a paint tank communication path 170TX. The paint tank communication path 170TX enables the paint and air to flow between the paint feeder 160 and the paint tank 140. For this reason, it is preferable that a part of the rear bar portion 160 </ b> B held by the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 is located in the paint tank 140. Further, the part is preferably exposed in the paint tank 140. The part exposed in the paint tank 140 is circulated between the paint tank 140 and the paint tank 140 without passing through the pressure fluctuation buffer structure. As described above, according to the present invention, the paint and air can easily flow between the paint tank 140 and the paint feeder 160, so that the desired pressure fluctuation buffering function can be exhibited.

  In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 170B (see FIGS. 4A to 4D) having the press-fitting hole 170BX is employed as the engaging structure of the paint feeder 160, but the present invention is not limited to this, and press-fitting as shown in FIG. 4E. You may employ | adopt the latching | locking part 170B which has the recessed part 170BY. Further, as a locking structure of the paint feeder 160, there is provided a locking portion having a welded portion welded to the rear bar portion 160B of the paint feeder 160 and a fitting portion to be fitted to the rear bar portion 160B of the paint feeder 160. A stop may be employed. Here, even when welding / fitting is adopted instead of press-fitting as the locking structure of the paint feeder 160, the welded part of the paint feeder 160 is melted or the fitted part is compressed. As a result, As in the case of press-fitting, the distribution of the paint is hindered. However, according to the present invention, the distribution of the paint in the paint feeder 160 is ensured as in the case of press-fitting.

In addition, since the width W 183S of the first circumferential groove 183S is narrower than the width W _184S of the second circumferential groove 184S, the first buffer space K1 is _prior to the second buffer space K2 in the infiltration of the paint. It is easy to occur, and the outflow of the paint is more likely to occur in the second buffer space K2 in preference to the first buffer space K1. Therefore, when the pressure in the paint tank 140 (see FIG. 3) increases, the paint enters the first buffer space K1 in preference to the second buffer space K2. Then, after the predetermined amount of paint is filled in the first buffer space K1, the invasion of the paint into the second buffer space K2 starts. In addition, when the pressure in the paint tank 140 decreases, the paint from the second buffer space K2 flows out in preference to the first buffer space K1. Then, after all or most of the paint has flowed out of the second buffer space K2, the paint starts to flow out of the first buffer space K1. As a result, the pressure fluctuation in the paint tank 140 can be suppressed by the intrusion of the paint into the first buffer space K1. Then, by providing the buffer space K with the first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2 that are different in the ease of accumulation of the paint, the buffer function of the pressure fluctuation of the paint tank 140 under the normal use condition is provided. In addition, the buffer function of pressure fluctuation of the paint tank 140 under different usage conditions can be shared by the second buffer space K2.

In the above embodiment, the width W _183S of the first circumferential groove _183S is set to be the second circumferential groove 184S so that the infiltration of the paint by the capillary force in the first circumferential groove 183S is likely to occur in preference to the second circumferential groove 184S. it is assumed narrower than the width W _184s, the present invention is not limited to this, the paint in the first buffer space K1 is, as long as the material can easily flow than paint in the second buffer space K2. As a specific example, the width W _183TB of the paint notch _183TB is narrower than the width W _184TB of the paint notch _184TB , or the wettability of the paint is more than the second buffer space K2. There are things that are higher, or combinations of these.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 10, the front buffer space forming member 181 is preferably formed with a brush communication hole 181FX that allows the second buffer space K2 and the brush 120 to communicate with each other. In particular, the brush communication hole 181FX is preferably formed so that the second paint communication groove 184B (particularly, the paint notch 184TB) opens in the brush 120 (see FIGS. 7 and 11). That is, the opening portion of the second paint communication groove 184 </ b> B is preferably directly facing the brush 120, and more preferably close to the brush 120. The formation of the brush communication hole 181FX opens the second buffer space K2 with respect to the brush 120. Therefore, the surplus paint is present in the paint feeder 160 and the surplus paint is present in the brush 120. The paint can be accommodated in the second buffer space K2, that is, the paint can be prevented from leaking. In addition, the width | variety of the brush communication hole 181FX should just be a thing in which a coating material can penetrate | invade by capillary force.

  In the above embodiment, the buffer space K is divided into the first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2 by the partition member 182. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the buffer space K is divided into the first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2. Any partition structure that can partition into the buffer space K2 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the buffer space K is partitioned into the first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2 using the partition member 182. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one buffer space can be obtained by omitting the partition member 182. In K, a paint flow passage and an air flow passage may be provided.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the partition member 182 itself is not provided with a paint flow path capable of entering paint by capillary force, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The partition member 182 may be formed with a slit 182FX capable of entering the paint by capillary force. The first buffer space K1 and the second buffer space K2 communicate with each other through the slit 182FX. The slit 182FX is preferably provided at a position facing the first paint communication groove 183B and the second paint communication groove 184B. Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, it is preferable that the slit 182FX, the first paint communication groove 183B, and the second paint communication groove 184B are formed on the same straight line. The width W _183TB (see FIG. 6) of the paint notch 183TB is preferably narrower than the width W _184TB (see FIG. 8) of the paint notch 184TB.

  As an example of such a partition structure, there are an opening on the front end side of the first paint communication groove 183B in the first buffer space K1 and an opening on the rear end side of the second paint communication groove 184B in the second buffer space K2. A distant structure is mentioned. And the space | interval of these two openings should just be a grade which a capillary force does not produce between the said two openings. Further, the positional relationship between these two openings may be a positional relationship facing each other in the axial direction A, or may be deviated from the positional relationship. Furthermore, the partition member 182 may be omitted when the interval between the two openings is such that no capillary force is generated between the two openings.

As shown in FIG. 6, the gap (hereinafter referred to as the first gap) WX1 between the tip surface (outer peripheral surface) of the first convex plate 183T and the inner peripheral surface of the central shaft 110 is the paint notch 183TB. A width wider than W _{183 TB} is preferable. Similarly, a gap (hereinafter referred to as a second gap) WX2 between the tip surface (outer circumferential surface) of the second convex plate 183T and the inner circumferential surface of the central shaft 110 is wider than the width W _184TB of the paint notch 184TB. Is preferable (see FIG. 8). As a result, the distribution of the paint in the first gap WX1 and the second gap WX2 is less likely to occur in preference to the paint notch 183TB and the paint notch 184TB, and thus the paint along the inner peripheral surface of the center shaft 110. It is possible to prevent “paint leakage” due to the distribution of

  The second gap WX2 is preferably wider than the first gap WX1. In such a case, the distribution of the paint in the second buffer space K2 is suppressed compared to the first buffer space K1.

  By the way, when the pressure increases in the paint tank 140, the paint flows into the first connecting flow path 185 and the first circumferential groove 183S. However, when this pressure increase is rapid, the paint adheres to the inner wall of the center shaft 110 via the first connecting flow path 185 and the first circumferential groove 183S. The paint adhering to the inner wall of the middle shaft 110 circulates along the inner wall, and as a result, the paint leaks. In order to suppress the leakage of the paint, it is preferable that the air reservoir KA1 is formed in the first buffer space K1 as shown in FIG. In order to form the air reservoir KA1, for example, the height of the first convex plate 183T may be reduced and the first gap WX1 may be increased. The air reservoir KA1 is preferably provided at a position facing the first connecting flow path 185 via the first paint communication groove 183B. Similarly, an air reservoir K2 similar to the air reservoir KA1 may be provided in the second buffer space K2 (see FIG. 12B). The first connecting flow path 185 facing the air reservoir KA1 via the first paint communication groove 183B is preferably a paint flow path and an air flow path.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the applicator main body 100 may include an external connection mechanism 192 that connects the second buffer space K2 to the external space. The external connection mechanism 192 includes a connection hole 192A formed in the front buffer space forming member 181 and a front end gap 192X of the middle shaft 110 and the brush holding member 130. The connection hole 192A connects the front end gap 192X and the second buffer space K2. Since the front end gap 192X is open to the external space, the second buffer space K2 is connected to the external space via the connection hole 192A and the front end gap 192X.

  Here, the front end gap 192X preferably has a crank structure 192XC capable of storing paint. With the crank structure 192XC, the paint flowing from the second buffer space K2 to the connection hole 192A can be held by the crank structure 192XC while maintaining air circulation in the second buffer space K2 and the external space.

  Although the crank structure 192XC is used as a paint reservoir for storing paint, the present invention is not limited to this, and any structure that can store paint can be used.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, when the cap 200 is mounted on the applicator main body 100, the air around the applicator main body 100 may be pushed into the second buffer space K2 through the front end gap 192X. And since the air around the applicator main body 100 is pushed into the second buffer space K2, the pressure in the paint tank 140 increases, and as a result, the paint leaks from the brush 120.

  The cap 200 of the applicator 2 includes an inner cap 220 and an inner cap spring 230. Therefore, when the cap 200 is mounted on the applicator main body 100, the inner cap 220 transitions from the disengaged state to the engaged state while resisting the urging force of the inner cap spring 230. Therefore, in the mounting operation of the cap 200, the pressure in the paint tank 140 can be moderately increased. As a result, the leakage of the paint due to the mounting operation of the cap 200 can be suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a buffer groove 170M is formed between the rear buffer space forming member 181 and the first convex plate 183T. The buffer groove 170M and the first buffer space K1 communicate with each other through the first air flow path without passing through the first paint flow path. Here, it is preferable that the buffer groove 170M communicates with the second buffer space K2 via the air reservoir KA1. Such a buffer groove 170M functions as a buffer space that buffers pressure fluctuations caused by the cap 200 mounting operation.

  The applicator of the present invention may be a writing instrument (for example, an ink pen, a brush pen, a fountain pen, etc.), a cosmetic tool, or the like as long as it can apply a paint to a predetermined object.

  By the way, in the fountain pen, the paint feeder 160 (see FIG. 2) does not exist, and the first paint flow path and the second paint flow path also serve as the paint feeder. That is, in the fountain pen, the first buffer space such as the first paint flow passage and the second buffer space such as the second paint flow passage connect the application member (pen nib) and the paint tank. Thereby, in the fountain pen, the paint in the paint tank reaches the application member (pen nib) after sequentially passing through the first paint flow path and the second paint flow path.

As shown in FIG. 13, the brush holding member 130 preferably has a vent hole 192H. Since the air hole 192H is provided so as to penetrate the brush holding member 130, the second buffer space K2 is connected to the external space through the connection hole 192A and the air hole 192H. Here, the air hole 192H extends in the front-rear direction at an inner protrusion 192T that protrudes rearward from the front inner wall surface 192NF of the brush holding member 130. By forming the inner protrusion 192T, a paint reservoir space KA2 is formed between the inner protrusion 192T and the side inner wall surface 192NS. The paint reservoir space KA2 can temporarily store the paint discharged from the vent hole 192H. It is preferable that the air hole 192H directly faces the paint reservoir space KA2. Thereby, the leakage of the paint from the air hole 192H can be prevented.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

2 applicator 100 applicator main body 110 middle shaft 110B rear tube portion 110C midway portion 110F front tube portion 111 engagement protrusion 120 brush 130 brush holding member 131 brush engagement portion 132 medium shaft engagement portion 140 paint tank 141 tail tube 142 tail plug 150 Stirring member 160 Paint feeder 170 Paint feeder holding cylinder 170B Rear end 170BX Press-fitting hole 170C Intermediate part 170E Air tight part 170F Front end 170TX Paint tank communication path 180 Pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism 181 Buffer space forming member 181FX Brush communication hole 182 Partition member 182FX Slit 183 First buffer space forming member 183A Air longitudinal groove 183B Paint communication groove 183S Circumferential groove 183T Convex plate 184 Second buffer space forming member 184A Clearance 184B Paint communication groove 185 First connection flow path 186 Second connection flow 190 outer shaft 192 external connection mechanism 192A connecting hole 192X front gap 192XC crank structure

Claims (13)

A supply core support structure that is a cylindrical body that receives and supports the first core portion of the paint supply core that supplies the paint from the paint storage space to the application member;
A supply core locking structure for locking the second core portion of the paint supply core;
A pressure fluctuation buffer structure that has a buffer space connected to the paint storage space, and buffers pressure fluctuations in the paint storage space by circulation of the paint and air between the paint storage space and the buffer space;
A communication path for supplying the paint to a portion closer to the application member than the second core portion of the paint supply core;
A connection structure that is arranged between the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure, and connects the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure;
With
The first core portion is located closer to the application member than the second core portion;
The paint housing space has one bottom surface as an end surface on the paint housing space side of the cylindrical body of the supply core support structure,
The connection structure extends from the end face of the cylindrical body constituting the bottom surface of the paint containing space toward the paint containing space, so that the supply core locking structure is located in the paint containing space. And
The communication path is arranged between the end surface of the cylindrical body constituting the bottom surface of the paint containing space and the supply core locking structure, so that the outer peripheral surface of the paint supply core is the communication path. The paint in the paint containing space is directly supplied to the paint supply core through the communication path,
The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism , wherein the supply core locking structure has a welded portion welded to the second core portion .   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the supply core support structure and the supply core locking structure are integrally formed.   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the supply core locking structure includes a fitting portion that is fitted to the second core portion.   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply core locking structure includes a press-fitting portion into which the second core portion is press-fitted. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the second core portion is located in the paint housing space. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a portion closer to the paint housing space than the second core portion is located in the paint housing space. The buffer space is formed with a paint flow path and an air flow path,
The pressure fluctuation buffer structure is
A paint notch and an air notch are formed and have a plurality of plates arranged at predetermined intervals in the buffer space,
The paint flow passage is formed by the notch for paint,
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the air flow passage is formed by the notch for air. A supply core support structure that supports the first core portion of the paint supply core that supplies the paint from the paint storage space to the application member;
A supply core locking structure for locking the second core portion of the paint supply core;
A pressure fluctuation buffer structure having a buffer space connected to the paint storage space and buffering pressure fluctuation of the paint storage space by circulation of the paint and air between the paint storage space and the buffer space. ,
The first core portion is located closer to the application member than the second core portion;
The pressure fluctuation buffer structure is formed in the supply core support structure,
The supply core locking structure includes a welded portion that is welded to the second core portion. A supply core support structure that supports the first core portion of the paint supply core that supplies the paint from the paint storage space to the application member;
A supply core locking structure for locking the second core portion of the paint supply core;
A pressure fluctuation buffer structure having a buffer space connected to the paint storage space and buffering pressure fluctuation of the paint storage space by circulation of the paint and air between the paint storage space and the buffer space. ,
Of the paint supply core, having a communication passage that connects the part closer to the application member than the second core part and the paint storage space,
The supply core locking structure includes a welded portion that is welded to the second core portion. Pressure fluctuation comprising a buffer space connected to the coating member through a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffering pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the buffer space A buffer mechanism,
A buffer space forming member for forming the buffer space;
The paint distribution space is
A paint containing space for containing the paint;
A paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint containing space to the application member,
The buffer space forming member is:
An application member side wall member that forms a wall on the application member side in the buffer space;
A paint housing space side wall member that forms a wall on the paint housing space side of the buffer space;
A paint flow passage forming member disposed between the coating member side wall member and the paint containing space side wall member, and for forming a paint flow passage in the buffer space;
An air flow passage forming member disposed between the coating member side wall member and the paint-accommodating space side wall member for forming an air flow passage in the buffer space;
A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism, wherein a buffer space communicating with the air flow passage is formed between the paint containing space side wall member and the paint flow passage forming member. Pressure fluctuation comprising a buffer space connected to the coating member through a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffering pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the buffer space A buffer mechanism,
When the pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism is inserted into the cylinder, a locking prevention mechanism that prevents the cylinder from coming off from the cylinder by its deformation,
An air tight mechanism that provides air tightness to the buffer space,
A relief space is formed between the retaining prevention mechanism and the air tight mechanism,
The pressure variation buffering mechanism, wherein the air tight mechanism and the deformed prevention mechanism are separated by the escape space. Pressure fluctuation comprising a buffer space connected to the coating member through a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffering pressure fluctuations in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the buffer space A buffer mechanism,
The coating member side end in the buffer space is formed with a paint reservoir space for storing the paint,
An inner protrusion that protrudes rearward is formed on the inner wall surface on the application member side in the paint reservoir space,
The inner protrusion has a vent hole that extends in the front-rear direction and opens the buffer space to the outside.
The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole faces a paint reservoir space for storing the paint. An applicator comprising the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .

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