EP1321310A1 - Test method for writing instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

The testing process involves moving the pen in a repeated motion relative to the paper plane and moving the paper (4) in a feed direction. The movements are so coordinated that a meandering line formed of straight sectors is created. The pen is moved, with the paper stationary, between two preset end points. The paper is advanced when the pen is at the end points.

Description

The invention relates to a method for testing writing instruments, in particular Ballpoint pens, on paper, in which the writing instrument is in a plane with respect to the paper plane repetitive movement is performed and the paper in a feed direction is moved. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.

The test devices for writing implements, in particular ballpoint pens, such as those from the Known in the prior art have the following structure: The device has a rotatably mounted holder for a collet that holds the writing instrument. The Collet is in the holder with limited axial play and little radial Play, usually 0.2 mm, stored, a relative rotation is caused by a driver prevented.

The writing instrument becomes at a predetermined angle to the paper during the test held and possibly rotated about its longitudinal axis. The writing pressure is preferably defined by a weight.

The holder for the writing instrument (usually there are several, preferably ten, side by side arranged) is stored in the tester so that it is with respect to the paper plane Circular movements are carried out (with a circumference of 100 mm, for example 10 to 90 revolutions / minute, resulting in write speeds of 1m / min up to 9 m / min). The paper that is written on for verification purposes is mostly unwound from a roll and at a selectable speed under the Recording by moving what is called the feed motion. This creates a compound circular and linear movement, but mostly the feed is selected small (preferably 0.17 [dense image] to 4.0 mm distance per circle [open Image]) that the resulting deviation from the circular shape is irrelevant. To this composite movement may occur during the testing process nor the rotary movement of the writing instrument about its own axis (preferably one axis rotation per twenty circles with greater distance between the circles, and one axis rotation per 100 circles with a dense picture).

There are various such combinations of these parameters in the industry allow the writing quality of the image obtained to be relatively simple, in particular different Anomalies, deviations and defects such as ovality, defective ink channels, possibly defects the writing ball, the suitability of the ballpoint pen paste used, etc. based on a superimposed interference pattern, the line intensity or the color intensity.

The essential elements of this test procedure are from the BSI under PAS 40 (9.1.2) 1980 and DIN 16554 1982 standardized and described. The content of these two standards is made the content of this application by reference. That from the company MINITEK device sold under the name "PSU 10 Write Testing Machine" carries out the above procedure and has been with the leading manufacturers in the world since 1962 Use and is the technical basis of the standards. These devices and others, that Devices using the same test methods monitor the quality of production worldwide about 100 million pens a day!

It has now been shown that, despite its usefulness, this test is not for everyone practical Applications of the writing instruments is meaningful. In particular, the uniformity of the Movement during the test does not match the usual flow of writing, since yes Cursive always tips and corners and different accelerations having. Add to that the test according to the state of the art through the overlay the circular movement and the feed movement inevitably lead to overrides leads. These overrides are made "wet on wet", as standard ballpoint pen pastes can be blurred for about 20 seconds. These overrides make assessment difficult of the test pattern, especially when using a densitometer with a small aperture.

It is the object of the invention to provide a test device and a test method for testing Ballpoint pens to indicate the disadvantages of the known method Avoids peaks, corners, different accelerations and overrides.

According to the invention, these goals are achieved in that the ballpoint pen at stationary paper a reciprocating movement between two predetermined Endpoints completed and that the feed movement of the paper takes place when the Ballpoint pens are located essentially at the end points.

According to another aspect of the invention it is provided that the movement of the Ballpoint pen transversely to the feed direction and the feed movement alternately occur.

In practice, the test is carried out with the ballpoint pen (or more) on a carriage across the paper feed direction between two predetermined ones Endpoints is moved back and forth. He assigns one in the area of the end points minimum speed at or remains in at the end point for a predetermined time Quiet. The paper is fed during this time. The Movements coordinated so that the line obtained forms a meander that runs out straight lines exist.

In this test too, the writing instrument can be rotated continuously around its longitudinal axis be, again a predetermined relationship between the number of Revolutions and the number of back and forth movements, e.g. one rotation on 50 floats.

Since the writing instrument is also kept in a predetermined and constant manner in the new test Is held at an incline (60 - 70 °) to the paper by the slide movement traversed lines transverse to the direction of the paper spreads or smears represents, while the movement in the feed direction of the paper corresponds to a kind of cross stroke. Controllable through the desired and also achieved with modern technology Accelerating when leaving the endpoints becomes a dynamic notation Repeatable type on which the test is based and one recognizes according to that by the picture "wandering" thinner and thicker sections of the lines, mistakes and problems of the Writing device in a relatively simple way.

This enables the exact localization of anomalies relative to certain points the writing tip.

The image obtained shows structures based on geometric irregularities of the Let the writing tip, the ball, etc. close.

die Fig. 1 ein Testbild gemäß dem Stand der Technik,

die Fig. 2 ein Testbild gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren,

die Fig. 3 eine Kugelschreiberspitze in Ruhe und vom Papier abgehoben,

die Fig. 4 die Kugelschreiberspitze der Fig. 3 auf das Papier aufgesetzt und bewegt und

die Fig. 5 einen Kugelschreiber in einer Haltevorrichtung.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. It shows

1 is a test image according to the prior art,

2 shows a test pattern according to the method according to the invention,

3 a ballpoint pen tip at rest and lifted off the paper,

4 the ballpoint pen tip of FIG. 3 placed on the paper and moved and

5 shows a ballpoint pen in a holding device.

1 and 2, it should be noted that copies or prints of test images are included far less clear structures than the originals. These two figures are the present description only to explain the test method and not included to show test results.

The (original) test images according to the state of the art provide meaningful interference phenomena. These are caused by the fact that errors spread through the neighboring ones Arrange areas into patterns that the human eye, but also optical semi or fully automatic detection devices, can perceive very precisely and from Specialist individual errors of the writing instruments can be assigned.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, it comes with the superimposition of the circular movement the feed movement to the fact that in the marginal area of the images, with longer training of the Still images over their entire area, a variety of overrides takes place, these overrides "wet on wet", which covers errors.

In addition, it can be seen from Fig. 1 that here practically only the uniform and round writing movements can be simulated and thus tested while the predominant features in practical writing, which appear on rapid, sudden Changes in direction, such as corners or tips, are also not taken into account be like rapid changes in writing speed.

2 shows a test image according to the method according to the invention, which has these features taken into account and provides test images like the one shown. The test picture shows one So-called meandering line, that means within the scope of the invention that essentially rectilinear sections which preferably practically perpendicular to each other run, are assembled into an angular serpentine line.

There are many ways to do this movement, you can do it do it with electrically operated sledges or what is preferred because of the reproducibility is, via an eccentric guide of a slide. The feed movement of the paper is preferably effected by a stepper motor, for example by the position of the Carriage is activated or deactivated.

The tip of the ballpoint pen is rotated continuously as desired (Fig. 2, A and B) also during the reciprocation of the carriage or discontinuously (Fig. 2, C and D) only after a predetermined number of reciprocations of the Carriage. Other controls of the rotary movement are known to those skilled in the art Invention easy to choose. Each representation A, B, C and D corresponds to a complete one Revolution around the axis of the test object. Therefore, when repeating these tests the place can be found again where particularities have occurred.

Die Darstellung der Fig. 3 und 4 im Zusammenhang mit der Fig. 2 ist so zu sehen, daß die Ansicht der Fig. 3 und 4 in der Vorschubrichtung des Papieres erfolgt, dies bewirkt, daß die Bewegungen quer zur Vorschubrichtung, die durch den Exzenter oder den Schlitten bewirkt werden, je nach dem, ob sie nach links oder rechts führen, als Aufstrich bzw. Abstrich zu sehen sind.

Die Fig. 3 zeigt in schematischer Ansicht einen schreibbereiten, aber noch nicht auf das Papier aufgesetzten Kugelschreiber 6, dessen Kugel 1 von der Innenkontur der Spitze 2 des Kugelschreibers 6 allseits abgehoben und von Kugelschreiberpasta umgeben und zentriert ist. Die Kugelschreiberpasta selbst ist aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit nicht dargestellt. Die Ebene durch den Mittelpunkt der Kugel 1 normal zur Achse 5 wird Äquatorebene genannt. Zwischen dieser Ebene und der Austrittsöffnung der Fassung befindet sich der "gap" 7 genannte, gekrümmte Spalt für die Schreibflüssigkeit. Bei üblichen Kugelschreiberpasten ist der gap 7 etwa 1,5 bis 4 Mikrometer (Durchmesserunterschied 3 bis 8 Mikrometer).

With a suitable design of the eccentric, the sequence of lines shown in FIG. 2 is obtained which is sufficiently straight, although the eccentric itself does not come to a standstill anywhere. From this picture you can see very well the sequence of the spreads, crosslines and smears, for which the following should be carried out, in particular also with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4:

3 and 4 in connection with FIG. 2 is to be seen in such a way that the view of FIGS. 3 and 4 takes place in the direction of advance of the paper, this causes the movements transverse to the direction of advance caused by the eccentric or the sled, depending on whether they lead to the left or right, can be seen as a spread or smear.

3 shows a schematic view of a ballpoint pen 6 ready for writing, but not yet placed on the paper, the ball 1 of which is lifted from the inside contour of the tip 2 of the ballpoint pen 6 and surrounded and centered by ballpoint pen paste. The ballpoint pen paste itself is not shown for reasons of clarity. The plane through the center of the ball 1 normal to the axis 5 is called the equatorial plane. Between this plane and the outlet opening of the holder there is the "gap" 7, the curved gap for the writing fluid. With conventional ballpoint pen pastes, the gap 7 is approximately 1.5 to 4 micrometers (diameter difference 3 to 8 micrometers).

Shown in dashed lines in the upper area of FIG. 1 is an ink channel 3 which is in a annular buffer 8 opens. It's usually five or six ink channels, evenly distributed over the circumference, provided in the tip. Furthermore is over 3 and 4 of the writing angle α (alpha) can be seen, this is the angle between the Axis 5 of the ballpoint pen 6 and the writing surface, in the case shown a sheet or piece of paper 4.

Fig. 4 shows the changes that already occur when the writing instrument is placed on the Paper 4 result: The ball 1 is pressed in its seat upwards and inwards, so that the available for the transport and removal of the ballpoint pen paste Columns 7 become unevenly thick. When the ballpoint pen moves in the direction of the Arrow U, the spreading movement stands for the supply of the ink only the diluted, upper one Gap area available, while for the removal of excess pasta the wide, lower gap area is available.

When moving in the direction of arrow D, the smear, ball 1 moves in Direction of the arrow D and it is through the wider lower region of the gap 7 between ball 1 and tip 2 promoted relatively more writing paste to paper 4 while only the narrow upper area of the gap 7 for removing excess pasta Available.

On top of that comes that changes of direction at the beginning of the movement in the new one Direction very often parts of the surface of the sphere come into contact with the paper, which are pasty from the end of the last movement, so that there are weakenings or breaks in the line. There are also changes in direction, at those areas of the ball and the face 9 in contact with the paper come, in which pasta has previously accumulated what, especially at the beginning of a Spread, leads to perceptible punctiform thickening of the line.

The movement of the ballpoint pen normal to the representation plane of FIG. 4, the so-called Cross stroke, does not differ so much compared to the spread or smear trained gap 7 and is therefore not shown, but carries, depending of its length, also to the possible punctiform deposit mentioned above of pasta on paper.

The angle α (alpha) between the surface of the paper 4 and the axis 5 of the writing instrument 6 of course also has an influence on the writing quality and is used in the tests kept at 60 ° or 70 ° according to the prior art. Of course, others are Sizes or variations possible during the test, but this only affects variants and sub-ideas of the invention.

Such variants also include determining the number of back and forth movements, the definition of the individual speeds or speed profiles and that selected ratio between paper feed speed and speed the transverse movement. Also regulating the relationship between them Speeds and the rotational movement of the writing instrument 6 about its axis 5 due to the repeatability of the results, but this only affects implementation parameters of the invention without affecting the essence of the invention.

Of course, it is possible in the method according to the invention, the brackets and To use recordings for the writing instruments known from the prior art are. Since these recordings are the specialist in the field of writing instrument testing are familiar, no detailed explanation of these devices is required here, it should only be noted that the implementation of the method according to the invention is of course not limited to the use of such devices, but that all Devices capable of holding and operating a writing instrument to be tested as required by the method according to the invention, for carrying out this method are suitable.

Such a holder is shown in an oblique view, partially in section, in Fig. 5: A Recording 11 is part of a carriage, not shown, it carries one inside rotatably mounted sleeve 12. This sleeve carries a gear 13, if necessary in one piece and has a longitudinal slot into which a driver 16 of a collet 14 in Interior of the sleeve 12 protrudes. As mentioned at the beginning, the collet has little radial play and is axially movable within limits. A replaceable one rests at the upper end of the collet Weight 15, which ensures the printing pressure in a precisely defined size. The Collet 14 holds a test specimen 15. This has at least one ballpoint pen tip and a paste supply. 5 shows the course of a test line purely schematically with indication of the feed direction V for the paper 4 and the carriage movement U-D for the spread or smear.

Finally, a siphon 17 can also be seen from FIG. 5, with the aid of which the test specimen 15 can be lifted off the paper. Of course, one lift 17 can be used for several Test items can be provided together.

The method according to the invention can also be used for pencils, crayons, chalks, fountain pens and other writing instruments can be used. Especially with pencils or graphite leads it is important that there are no overrides to measurements using To make the densiometer practically feasible.

Claims (8)

Method for testing writing instruments, in particular ballpoint pens, preferably on paper, in which the writing instrument is guided in a repetitive movement with respect to the plane of the paper and the paper is moved in a feed direction, characterized in that the writing instrument moves back and forth when the paper is stationary Movement between two predetermined end points and that the feed movement of the paper takes place when the writing instrument is substantially at the end points. Method for testing writing instruments, in particular ballpoint pens, preferably on paper, in which the writing instrument is guided in a repeating movement with respect to the plane of the paper and the paper is moved in a feed direction, characterized in that the movement of the writing instrument takes place at an angle to the feed direction and takes place essentially alternately with the feed movement. Method for testing writing instruments, in particular ballpoint pens, preferably on paper, in which the writing instrument performs a relative movement with respect to the paper, which is composed of two partial movements, namely a repeating movement and a progressing movement, characterized in that the repeating movement is a there is a reciprocating movement between two predetermined end points and that the progressive movement only takes place when the writing instrument is essentially at the end points. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the writing instrument is inclined at an angle of 50 ° to 80 °, in particular from 60 ° to 70 °, with respect to the plane of the paper. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the writing instrument lies in a plane which runs normally on the paper plane and runs within limits of ± 45 ° parallel to the direction of movement of the writing instrument, so that these movements take place as a spread or smear. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction of movement of the writing instrument and the direction of advance of the paper are substantially normal to one another. Device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several writing implements are mounted in a common carriage which is driven by an eccentric. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the movement of the paper is carried out by a stepper motor.

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