EP1697147A1 - Liquid jet writing instrument - Google Patents

Liquid jet writing instrument

Info

Publication number
EP1697147A1
EP1697147A1 EP04816398A EP04816398A EP1697147A1 EP 1697147 A1 EP1697147 A1 EP 1697147A1 EP 04816398 A EP04816398 A EP 04816398A EP 04816398 A EP04816398 A EP 04816398A EP 1697147 A1 EP1697147 A1 EP 1697147A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
support
tubular element
user
projection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04816398A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1697147B1 (en
Inventor
Xavier Bich
Alain Rosenzweig
Kurt Rath
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BIC SA
Original Assignee
BIC SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BIC SA filed Critical BIC SA
Publication of EP1697147A1 publication Critical patent/EP1697147A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1697147B1 publication Critical patent/EP1697147B1/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43M—BUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M11/00—Hand or desk devices of the office or personal type for applying liquid, other than ink, by contact to surfaces, e.g. for applying adhesive
    • B43M11/06—Hand-held devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K29/00—Combinations of writing implements with other articles
    • B43K29/004—Combinations of writing implements with other articles with more than one object
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K29/00—Combinations of writing implements with other articles
    • B43K29/005—Combinations of writing implements with other articles with sound or noise making devices, e.g. radio, alarm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K29/00—Combinations of writing implements with other articles
    • B43K29/08—Combinations of writing implements with other articles with measuring, computing or indicating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/006—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls using a spraying system, e.g. airbrushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/22—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with electrically or magnetically activated writing-points
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L19/00—Erasers, rubbers, or erasing devices; Holders therefor
    • B43L19/0018—Erasers, rubbers, or erasing devices; Holders therefor with fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L19/00—Erasers, rubbers, or erasing devices; Holders therefor
    • B43L19/0056—Holders for erasers
    • B43L19/0068—Hand-held holders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to liquid jet writing instruments such as ink. More particularly, the invention relates, among these writing instruments, to those which comprise a substantially tubular element which extends between a first end and a second end and which is intended to be taken in hand by a user, said tubular element comprising: - a liquid reservoir, - a liquid projection system comprising a liquid projection head connected to the liquid reservoir, the projection head being intended to project the liquid from a distance onto a support, and - a processing unit intended to activate the liquid projection system to allow the projection head to project the liquid from a distance onto the support.
  • the tubular element generally comprises a feeler having a first end intended to come into contact with the support during writing, and a second end connected to a mechanism for detecting the movements of the feeler. in contact with the support.
  • This detection mechanism is connected to the processing unit to enable activation of the liquid projection system.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the technical problems mentioned above, by proposing a reliable, simple writing instrument which provides optimum writing comfort for the user.
  • the subject of the invention is a writing instrument characterized in that the tubular element further comprises: - measuring means for measuring, without physical contact of the writing instrument with the support, the distance between the projection head and the support, the measurement means being connected to the processing unit, and means for detecting grip of the tubular element by the user, these means for detecting grip hand being connected to the processing unit, and in that the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system when, on the one hand, the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is less than a value predetermined maximum, and that on the other hand, the gripping detection means detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element.
  • the writing instrument no longer has any contact with the support on which the liquid is intended to be projected, and the user of the instrument simply controls the activation of the ink projection by bringing the the instrument at an adequate distance from the support while holding and pressing normally on the tubular element forming at least in part the external contour of the writing instrument.
  • This activation of the liquid projection can therefore be stopped by the user by moving the writing instrument or, more precisely, the liquid projection head from the support.
  • This writing instrument therefore makes it possible to cause or not the projection of liquid under optimal conditions which approximate the writing conditions known hitherto with conventional writing instruments such as ballpoint or felt-tip pens, without however, require the least physical contact with the writing medium.
  • the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the projection system of liquid when, on the one hand, the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is between a predetermined minimum value and said maximum value predetermined, and that on the other hand, the grip detection means detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element;
  • the tubular element comprises an electrical power source and electrical energizing means connected to the electrical power source, the energizing means being operable by the user to allow the electrical system to be energized projection of liquid, of the treatment unit and of the measurement means; the tensioning means which are actuable by the user, are formed by the means for detecting the user taking hold of the tubular element;
  • the energizing means operable by the user also allow the electrical power of the detection means ⁇ S ⁇ handling of the tubular element by the user;
  • the tubular element further comprises, motion detection means of the tubular element, said motion detection means being connected to the
  • FIG. 1 represents a writing instrument 1 which comprises a substantially tubular element 2 which extends between a first end 2a and a second end 2b.
  • This tubular element 2 has an internal wall 21 delimiting a hollow interior space, and an external wall 22 intended to be taken in hand by a user.
  • the hollow interior space delimited by the internal wall 21 of the tubular element 2 comprises a liquid reservoir 3 and a projection system 4 of said liquid directly associated with the reservoir 3.
  • the liquid reservoir 3 is removably mounted in one hollow interior space of the tubular element 2 so as to be replaced after depletion of said liquid by another reservoir.
  • the liquid contained in this reservoir can, depending on the use of the instrument, be formed by ink, or by an ink erasing liquid or ink masking when the instrument is used as a corrector or by glue when said instrument is used as an adhesive applicator or sprayer.
  • the projection system 4 is formed by a projection head 41 of liquid directly connected by a channel 31. to the liquid reservoir 3, and by an electrical signal generator 42 intended to control the activation or not of said projection head 41 In the example considered here, the projection head
  • a piezoelectric effect projection head which comprises a projection nozzle 43 disposed at the end 2a of the tubular element 2.
  • This end 2a of the tubular element can be constituted by a nozzle directly fitted on the wall internal 22 of the central part of the tubular element 2.
  • This end piece 2a has an end orifice in which is disposed the nozzle 43 of the projection head 41.
  • This projection nozzle 43 can be fixedly mounted on the tip 2a or then retractably by means of a suitable mechanism in order to accommodate said nozzle inside the tip, thus avoiding any risk of deterioration of said nozzle in the event of non-use of the writing instrument.
  • the projection head 41 comprises, in a manner known per se, a piezoelectric element adapted to deform when it is subjected to the electrical signals coming from the generator 42 thereby creating microdroplets 7 at the level of the projection nozzle 43 and which are projected on the support 8.
  • the liquid projection system 4 can also be formed by a substrate, for example glass, on which is attached at least one resistive heating element positioned at at least one small channel containing a small amount of ink from the reservoir 3.
  • the projection system 4 of liquid can also be formed by at least one compressed gas cartridge intended to cooperate with an air retention mechanism and with a liquid cartridge.
  • This holding mechanism may include a punch intended to release the gas contained in the cartridge into a pressurized prechamber and a plurality of valves in order to control the flow of gas to a nozzle also connected to the liquid reservoir 3.
  • the instrument writing also includes a processing unit 6 intended to activate the generator of electrical signals 42 (or electrical pulsation) to allow the projection nozzle 43 of the projection system to remotely project the droplets 7 onto the support 8.
  • the hollow interior space of the tubular element 2 also comprises at its end 2b an electrical power source 10 formed, for example, by a battery, or even two rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, allowing by means of a switch 11 the setting under electrical voltage of the various electrical elements forming one writing instrument.
  • the end 2b of the tubular element 2 can for example be in the form of a cap removably mounted on the central part of said tubular element 2 to allow the replacement of the two spent batteries 10 by new batteries.
  • the tubular element 2 also comprises at its end 2a measuring means 12 for measuring, without any physical contact of the writing instrument on the support 8, the distance between the projection head 41 and the support 8. More precisely, the measuring means 12 are adapted to measure the distance between the projection nozzle 43 and the support 8.
  • the measuring means 12 are constituted by an optical system 13 which comprises, for example, a Infrared LED 13a which sends a beam of incident light FI towards the support 8 so as to create a light spot on said support 8 and a beam of reflected light FR which will then be analyzed by a photodiode 13b so as to calculate the angle d inclination of the incident beam FI relative to the support 8.
  • the distance between the photodiode 13b and the infrared LED 13a being known and the angle of inclination of the incident light beam FI being calculated, it It then suffices to calculate, by simple trigonometric relationships, the distance which separates the infrared LED from the support 8.
  • This photodiode can be formed by a S6560 photodiode marketed under the brand HAMA ATSU.
  • the optical system 13 can also comprise means for emitting a conical light beam whose axis of symmetry merges with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 2.
  • the optical system then comprises a sensor adapted to calculate the radius of the light spot formed by the conical beam on the support 8. The radius of the light spot being proportional to the distance which separates the means of emission of the conical beam from the support 8, it is then possible to determine linearly the distance between the transmission means and the support.
  • the spot the light created on the support will no longer be circular but ellipsoidal, and the sensor will also be suitable for measuring the length of the minor axis of the ellipsoidal spot in order to determine the distance which separates the means of emission of the conical beam from the support.
  • the length of the minor axis of the ellipsoidal spot is only proportional to the distance which separates the emission means from the support, only the length of the large axis of the ellipsoidal spot being proportional to the inclination of the conical beam.
  • the measuring means 12 can also be constituted by an acoustic ultrasonic probe.
  • the distance measured between the nozzle 43 and the support 8 corresponds to the smallest distance which separates said nozzle 43 from the support 8, regardless of the inclination of the writing instrument relative to the support 8.
  • the optical system 13 which forms the measurement means 12 is directly connected directly to the processing unit 6 which keeps in memory the measurement carried out by the optical system 13.
  • the processing unit can also be adapted to command the optical system 13 to carry out repeated measurement operations in determined time intervals. These time intervals could for example be between 1 ms and 0.1 seconds.
  • the tubular element 2 also comprises means for detecting grip 18 of the tubular element 2 by the user, these grip detection means 18 also being connected to the processing unit 6.
  • These means handling detection 18, which are a fortiori activated by the user can for example be formed by at least one capacitive sensor or a piezoelectric sensor or a resistive sensor disposed at the level of the external wall 22 of the tubular element and intended to detect a pressure when the instrument is taken in hand by the user.
  • the switch 11 when the user actuates the switch 11, the latter authorizes the electrical powering up of the various electrical elements, namely the measurement means 12, the pick-up detection means 18 as well as the liquid projection system 4.
  • the user then takes the writing instrument in hand so that the capacitive or piezoelectric sensor (s) 18 detect a pressure exerted by the user when the latter brings the writing instrument towards the support 8.
  • the measuring means 12 also automatically measure the distance between the projection nozzle 43 of the support 8 and send this measurement to the processing unit 6.
  • This processing unit 6 is then adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system 4 and therefore the projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8 only when the grip detection means 18 detect a pressure and when the measurement means 12 measure that the distance between the projection nozzle 43 and the support 8 is less than a predetermined maximum value.
  • This predetermined maximum value can for example be, for information, of the order of 1 cm.
  • the processing unit 6 will not control the activation of the projection system and no droplet will be projected onto the support 8. Similarly, the processing unit 6 will not control the projection of droplets when the writing instrument is not taken in hand by the user even if the nozzle 43 is at an adequate distance from the support, that is to say at a distance less than the predetermined maximum value.
  • the processing unit 6 can also be adapted to stop the activation of the liquid projection system when the projection nozzle 43 is too close to the support 8 to allow the liquid droplets 7 to be suitably projected on the support.
  • the processing unit 6 will control the activation of the liquid projection system only if the detection means 18 detect a pressure on the writing instrument and if the optical system 13 determines that the distance between the nozzle projection 43 and the support 8 is included in a value range delimited by a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.
  • the tubular element 2 of the writing instrument may also comprise on its external wall 22 means 15 for selecting the size of the droplets 7 in order to modulate and modify the thickness of the line which will be formed by the succession of droplets affixed to the support 8.
  • selection means 15 can in particular be in the form of a button, for example with three positions, making it possible to obtain three different line thicknesses.
  • This selectively positioned button 15 is directly connected to the generator 42 of electrical signals of the projection system 4 to allow the frequency and / or amplitude of the electrical signals directly sent to the liquid spray head 41 to be varied in a predetermined manner. thus varying proportionally the size and frequency of projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8.
  • the tubular element 2 can also include motion detection means 14.
  • the motion detection means 14 can be in the form of 'an accelerometer directly connected to the processing unit 6. These motion detection means can in particular be used to add an additional condition to allow the activation of the liquid projection system 4 and therefore the ' projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8.
  • the processing unit 6 will be adapted to activate the liquid projection system 4 only when: - the measuring means 12 measure a distance less than a predetermined maximum value, and the handling detection means 18 detect the user has taken hold of the tubular element 2, and - the movement detection means 14 detect a movement of the element tubular 2.
  • the processing unit 6 can be adapted to activate communication means 16 intended to emit an alert signal when, on the one hand, the optical system 13 determines that the distance between the ink projection head 41 and the support 8 is at least less than a predetermined maximum value, and that on the other hand, the movement detection means 14 do not detect any movement of the projection head 41 relative to the support 8 for a predetermined time interval.
  • These communication means 16 may for example be in the form of a transmitter of visible light signals or an transmitter of acoustic signals audible thus allowing the user to know that the liquid projection head 41 or more exactly the projection nozzle 43 is at an adequate distance from the support to allow activation of the generator 42 of electrical signals and that even an accidental movement of the writing instrument is capable of causing the activation of the projection system 4 and therefore the projection of liquid droplets onto the support 8.
  • the unit processing 6 can be adapted to activate the communication means 16 to emit an alert signal when the liquid projection system 4 has not been activated for a given time interval (for example 30 seconds or one minute) and that the measuring means 12 detect that the distance is again adequate between the projection head 41 and the support 8 and that the movement detection means again detect a slack of the writing instrument.
  • the processing unit activates the communication means for, for example, a maximum of two seconds to warn the user that the projection of liquid is imminent, and after this maximum time interval of two seconds, the processing unit 6 then activates the liquid projection system 4.
  • a given time interval for example 30 seconds or one minute
  • the switch button 11 for energizing the various electrical components can be removed from the end 2b of the writing instrument.
  • the on-off function of the writing instrument is directly fulfilled by the grip detection means 18.
  • the measuring means 12 then automatically measure the distance which separates the nozzle 43 from the support, and as soon as this distance is less than the predetermined maximum value, the processing unit 6 automatically activates the projection of liquid from a distance and onto the support 8 as long as the distance is appropriate between the nozzle 43 and the support 8 and as long as the grip detection means 18 detect the pressure exerted by the user.
  • the writing instrument according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can also include movement detection means 14 similar to those previously described for the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A writing instrument comprising a liquid projection head (41) which projects liquid onto a support (8) from a distance, and a processing unit (6) which activates the projection head. The instrument also comprises measuring means (12) which are used to measure the distance between the projection head and the support, and means for detecting (18) when the instrument is held by a user. The processing unit is adapted in such a way that it can control activation of the liquid projection head (41) when the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is lower than a maximum predetermined value and when the detection means (18) detect that the instrument is held by a user.

Description

INSTRUMENT D'ECRITURE A JET DE LIQUIDE LIQUID JET WRITING INSTRUMENT
La présente invention se rapporte aux instruments d'écriture à jet de liquide tel que de l'encre. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne, parmi ces instruments d'écriture, ceux qui comprennent un élément sensiblement tubulaire qui s'étend entre une première extrémité et une deuxième extrémité et qui est destiné à être pris en main par un utilisateur, ledit élément tubulaire comportant : - un réservoir de liquide, - un système de projection de liquide comprenant une tête de projection de liquide reliée au réservoir de liquide, la tête de projection étant destinée à projeter à distance le liquide sur un support, et - une unité de traitement destiné à activer le système de projection de liquide pour permettre à la tête de projection de projeter à distance le liquide sur le support. Dans les instruments d'écriture connus de ce type, l'élément tubulaire comprend généralement un palpeur présentant une première extrémité destinée à venir au contact du support lors de l'écriture, et une deuxième extrémité reliée à un mécanisme de détection des mouvements du palpeur en contact avec le support . Ce mécanisme de détection est relié à l'unité de traitement pour permettre l'activation du système de projection de liquide. Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur tient en main l'instrument d'écriture et qu'il le rapproche du support, le palpeur vient au contact de la surface du support, ce qui permet au mécanisme de détection d'envoyer un signal à l'unité de traitement pour permettre l'activation de projection de liquide. Dès lors, bien que la tête d'écriture, à savoir la tête de projection de liquide, n'ait plus besoin d'être au contact du support, il est toutefois impératif que le palpeur de l'instrument d'écriture soit, quant à lui, au contact du support pour pouvoir démarrer la projection de liquide. Cette mise en contact du palpeur sur le support peut notamment s'avérer gênante pour l'utilisateur lorsque la rugosité dudit support est plus ou moins importante. Par ailleurs, l'extrémité du palpeur en contact avec le support étant généralement à proximité du point d'impact de la projection de liquide sur ledit support, il existe des risques importants que ladite extrémité du palpeur vienne en contact avec le liquide non encore séché en l'étalant ainsi sur le support lors d'une utilisation normale de 1 ' instrument d ' écriture . Enfin, lorsque l'instrument d'écriture est laissé sous tension électrique suite à un oubli de l'utilisateur, le palpeur qui s'étend nécessairement au-delà de la tête de projection de liquide, est également susceptible d'être soumis à un contact accidentel, par exemple lorsque 1 ' instrument est rangé dans une poche ou autre en provoquant ainsi une projection non désirée de liquide. La présente invention a pour but de pallier les problèmes techniques mentionnés ci-dessus, en proposant un instrument d'écriture fiable, simple et qui fournisse un confort d'écriture optimum pour l'utilisateur. A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un instrument d'écriture caractérisé en ce que l'élément tubulaire comprend, en outre : - des moyens de mesure pour mesurer, sans contact physique de l'instrument d'écriture avec le support, la distance entre la tête de projection et le support, les moyens de mesure étant reliés à l'unité de traitement, et des moyens de détection de prise en main de l'élément tubulaire par l'utilisateur, ces moyens de détection de prise en main étant reliés à l'unité de traitement, et en ce que l'unité de traitement est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection de liquide lorsque, d'une part, les moyens de mesure déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection et le support est inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et que d'autre part, les moyens de détection de prise en main détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire . Grâce à ces dispositions, l'instrument d'écriture ne présente plus aucun contact avec le support sur lequel est destiné à être projeté le liquide, et l'utilisateur de l'instrument commande simplement l'activation de la projection d'encre en rapprochant l'instrument à une distance adéquate du support tout en tenant et en appuyant normalement sur l'élément tubulaire formant au moins en partie le contour extérieur de l'instrument d'écriture. Cette activation de la projection de liquide peut donc être stoppée par l'utilisateur en écartant l'instrument d'écriture ou plus exactement la tête de projection de liquide du support. Cet instrument d'écriture permet donc de provoquer ou non la projection de liquide dans des conditions optimales qui se rapprochent des conditions d'écriture connues jusqu'à présent avec des instruments d'écriture classiques tels que les stylos à bille ou à feutre, sans toutefois nécessiter le moindre contact physique avec le support d'écriture. Dans des formes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, on a recours, en outre, à l'une et ou à l'autre des dispositions suivantes : - l'unité de traitement est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection de liquide lorsque, d'une part, les moyens de mesure déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection et le support est comprise entre une valeur minimale prédéterminée et ladite valeur maximale prédéterminée, et que d'autre part, les moyens de détection de prise en main détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main 1 ' élément tubulaire ; l'élément tubulaire comprend une source d'alimentation électrique et des moyens de mise sous tension électrique reliés à la source d'alimentation électrique, les moyens de mise sous tension étant actionnables par l'utilisateur pour permettre la mise sous tension électrique du système de projection de liquide, de l'unité de traitement et des moyens de mesure ; les moyens de mise sous tension qui sont actionnables par l'utilisateur, sont formés par les moyens de détection de prise en main de l'élément tubulaire par l'utilisateur ; - les moyens de mise sous tension actionnables par l'utilisateur permettent en outre la mise sous tension électrique des moyens de détection ~Së prise en main de l'élément tubulaire par l'utilisateur ; - l'élément tubulaire comprend en outre, des moyens de détection de mouvement de l'élément tubulaire, lesdits moyens de détection de mouvement étant reliés à l'unité de traitement, et dans lequel l'unité de traitement est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection de liquide lorsque : • les moyens de mesure déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection et le support est inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et • les moyens de détection de prise en main détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire, et • les moyens de détection de mouvement détectent un mouvement de 1 ' élément tubulaire ; les moyens de mesure comprennent un système optique destiné à mesurer la distance entre la tête de projection et le support ; les moyens de mesure comprennent une sonde acoustique à ultrasons destinée à mesurer la distance entre la tête de projection et le support ; - la tête de projection de liquide comprend au moins une buse de projection de gouttelettes de liquide, et le système de projection comprend en outre un générateur de signaux électriques pour commander l'activation de ladite au moins une buse de la tête de projection. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la description qui va suivre de plusieurs de ses formes de réalisation, données à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en regard des dessins joints. Sur les dessins : - la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe de l'instrument d'écriture selon un premier mode de réalisation de 1 ' invention ; - la figure 2 est un schéma bloc des différents éléments constituants l'instrument d'écriture conforme à l'invention ; et - la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de 1 ' instrument d'écriture selon un deuxième mode de réalisation. Sur les différentes figures, les mêmes références désignent des éléments identiques ou similaires. La figure 1 représente un instrument d'écriture 1 qui comprend un élément sensiblement tubulaire 2 qui s'étend entre une première extrémité 2a et une deuxième extrémité 2b. Cet élément tubulaire 2 présente une paroi interne 21 délimitant un espace intérieur creux, et une paroi externe 22 destinée à être prise en main par un utilisateur. L'espace intérieur creux délimité par la paroi interne 21 de l'élément tubulaire 2 comprend un réservoir de liquide 3 et un système de projection 4 dudit liquide directement associé au réservoir 3. Le réservoir de liquide 3 est monté de manière amovible dans 1 ' espace intérieur creux de l'élément tubulaire 2 de manière à être remplacé après épuisement dudit liquide par un autre réservoir. Le liquide contenu dans ce réservoir peut, suivant les cas d'utilisation de l'instrument, être formé par de l'encre, ou par un liquide effaceur d'encre ou de masquage de l'encre lorsque l'instrument est utilisé comme correcteur ou bien par de la colle lorsque ledit instrument est utilisé comme applicateur ou pulvérisateur de colle. Le système de projection 4 est formé par une tête de projection 41 de liquide directement reliée par un canal 31. au réservoir de liquide 3, et par un générateur de signaux électriques 42 destiné à commander l'activation ou non de ladite tête de projection 41. Dans l'exemple considéré ici, la tête de projectionThe present invention relates to liquid jet writing instruments such as ink. More particularly, the invention relates, among these writing instruments, to those which comprise a substantially tubular element which extends between a first end and a second end and which is intended to be taken in hand by a user, said tubular element comprising: - a liquid reservoir, - a liquid projection system comprising a liquid projection head connected to the liquid reservoir, the projection head being intended to project the liquid from a distance onto a support, and - a processing unit intended to activate the liquid projection system to allow the projection head to project the liquid from a distance onto the support. In known writing instruments of this type, the tubular element generally comprises a feeler having a first end intended to come into contact with the support during writing, and a second end connected to a mechanism for detecting the movements of the feeler. in contact with the support. This detection mechanism is connected to the processing unit to enable activation of the liquid projection system. Thus, when the user holds the writing instrument in his hand and brings it closer to the support, the probe comes into contact with the surface of the support, which allows the detection mechanism to send a signal to the processing unit to enable activation of liquid projection. Therefore, although the writing head, namely the liquid projection head, no longer needs to be in contact with the support, it is however imperative that the feeler of the writing instrument is, in turn, in contact with the support to be able to start the projection of liquid. This contacting of the probe on the support can in particular prove to be troublesome for the user when the roughness of said support is more or less significant. Furthermore, the end of the probe in contact with the support being generally near the point of impact of the projection of liquid onto said support, there are significant risks that said end of the probe comes into contact with the liquid which has not yet dried. thus spreading it on the support during normal use of the writing instrument. Finally, when the writing instrument is left under electric tension following an oversight by the user, the probe which necessarily extends beyond the liquid projection head, is also liable to be subjected to a accidental contact, for example when the instrument is stored in a pocket or the like, thereby causing unwanted projection of liquid. The present invention aims to overcome the technical problems mentioned above, by proposing a reliable, simple writing instrument which provides optimum writing comfort for the user. To this end, the subject of the invention is a writing instrument characterized in that the tubular element further comprises: - measuring means for measuring, without physical contact of the writing instrument with the support, the distance between the projection head and the support, the measurement means being connected to the processing unit, and means for detecting grip of the tubular element by the user, these means for detecting grip hand being connected to the processing unit, and in that the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system when, on the one hand, the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is less than a value predetermined maximum, and that on the other hand, the gripping detection means detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element. Thanks to these provisions, the writing instrument no longer has any contact with the support on which the liquid is intended to be projected, and the user of the instrument simply controls the activation of the ink projection by bringing the the instrument at an adequate distance from the support while holding and pressing normally on the tubular element forming at least in part the external contour of the writing instrument. This activation of the liquid projection can therefore be stopped by the user by moving the writing instrument or, more precisely, the liquid projection head from the support. This writing instrument therefore makes it possible to cause or not the projection of liquid under optimal conditions which approximate the writing conditions known hitherto with conventional writing instruments such as ballpoint or felt-tip pens, without however, require the least physical contact with the writing medium. In preferred embodiments of the invention, recourse is also had to one or the other of the following arrangements: the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the projection system of liquid when, on the one hand, the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is between a predetermined minimum value and said maximum value predetermined, and that on the other hand, the grip detection means detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element; the tubular element comprises an electrical power source and electrical energizing means connected to the electrical power source, the energizing means being operable by the user to allow the electrical system to be energized projection of liquid, of the treatment unit and of the measurement means; the tensioning means which are actuable by the user, are formed by the means for detecting the user taking hold of the tubular element; - The energizing means operable by the user also allow the electrical power of the detection means ~ Së handling of the tubular element by the user; - The tubular element further comprises, motion detection means of the tubular element, said motion detection means being connected to the processing unit, and in which the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system when: • the measuring means determine that the distance between the projection head and the support is less than a predetermined maximum value, and • the handling detection means detect that the user has taken in hand the tubular element, and • the movement detection means detect a movement of the tubular element; the measuring means comprise an optical system intended to measure the distance between the head of projection and support; the measuring means comprise an ultrasonic acoustic probe intended to measure the distance between the projection head and the support; the liquid projection head comprises at least one nozzle for projecting liquid droplets, and the projection system further comprises an electric signal generator for controlling the activation of said at least one nozzle of the projection head. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows of several of its embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of the writing instrument according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is a block diagram of the various elements constituting the writing instrument according to the invention; and - Figure 3 is a sectional view of one writing instrument according to a second embodiment. In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. FIG. 1 represents a writing instrument 1 which comprises a substantially tubular element 2 which extends between a first end 2a and a second end 2b. This tubular element 2 has an internal wall 21 delimiting a hollow interior space, and an external wall 22 intended to be taken in hand by a user. The hollow interior space delimited by the internal wall 21 of the tubular element 2 comprises a liquid reservoir 3 and a projection system 4 of said liquid directly associated with the reservoir 3. The liquid reservoir 3 is removably mounted in one hollow interior space of the tubular element 2 so as to be replaced after depletion of said liquid by another reservoir. The liquid contained in this reservoir can, depending on the use of the instrument, be formed by ink, or by an ink erasing liquid or ink masking when the instrument is used as a corrector or by glue when said instrument is used as an adhesive applicator or sprayer. The projection system 4 is formed by a projection head 41 of liquid directly connected by a channel 31. to the liquid reservoir 3, and by an electrical signal generator 42 intended to control the activation or not of said projection head 41 In the example considered here, the projection head
41 est une tête de projection à effet piézoélectrique qui comporte une buse de projection 43 disposée au niveau de l'extrémité 2a de l'élément tubulaire 2. Cette extrémité 2a de l'élément tubulaire peut être constituée par un embout directement emmanché sur la paroi interne 22 de la partie centrale de l'élément tubulaire 2. Cet embout 2a présente un orifice d'extrémité dans lequel est disposée la buse 43 de la tête de projection 41. Cette buse de projection 43 peut être montée de manière fixe sur l'embout 2a ou alors de manière rétractable au moyen d'un mécanisme approprié afin de loger ladite buse à 1 ' intérieur de 1 ' embout en évitant ainsi tout risque de détérioration de ladite buse en cas de non utilisation de l'instrument d'écriture. La tête de projection 41 comprend, de manière connue en soi, un élément piézoélectrique adapté pour se déformer lorsqu'il est soumis aux signaux électriques provenant du générateur 42 en créant ainsi des microgouttelettes 7 au niveau de la buse de projection 43 et qui sont projetées sur le support 8. Le système de projection 4 de liquide peut également être formé par un substrat, par exemple en verre, sur lequel est rapporté au moins un élément résistif chauffant positionné au niveau d'au moins un canal de faible dimension contenant une petite quantité d'encre provenant du réservoir 3. Ainsi, lorsqu'un signal électrique est généré par le générateur 41 sur l'élément résistif, ce dernier monte instantanément en température en créant ainsi une bulle de vapeur dans l'encre, laquelle bulle expulse une fine gouttelette 7 de liquide sur le support 8. Le système de projection 4 de liquide peut également être formé par au moins une cartouche de gaz comprimé destinée à coopérer avec un mécanisme de détention d'air et avec une cartouche de liquide. Ce mécanisme de détention peut comprendre un poinçon destiné à libérer le gaz contenu dans la cartouche dans une préchambre sous pression et une pluralité de clapets afin de contrôler le débit de gaz jusqu'à une buse également reliée au réservoir de liquide 3. L'instrument d'écriture comporte également une unité de traitement 6 destinée à activer le générateur de signaux électriques 42 (ou pulsation électrique) pour permettre à la buse de projection 43 du système de projection de projeter à distance les gouttelettes 7 sur le support 8. L'espace intérieur creux de l'élément tubulaire 2 comprend également au niveau de son extrémité 2b une source d'alimentation électrique 10 formée, par exemple, par une pile, voire deux piles rechargeables ou non, permettant au moyen d'un interrupteur 11 la mise sous tension électrique des différents éléments électriques formant 1 ' instrument d'écriture. L'extrémité 2b de l'élément tubulaire 2 peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme d'un capuchon monté amovible sur la partie centrale dudit élément tubulaire 2 pour permettre le remplacement des deux piles 10 usagées par des piles neuves. L'élément tubulaire 2 comprend également au niveau de son extrémité 2a des moyens de mesure 12 pour mesurer, sans aucun contact physique de l'instrument d'écriture sur le support 8, la distance entre la tête de projection 41 et le support 8. Plus exactement, les moyens de mesure 12 sont adaptés pour mesurer la distance entre la buse de projection 43 et le support 8. Dans ce mode de réalisation, les moyens de mesure 12 sont constitués par un système optique 13 qui comprend, par exemple, une LED infrarouge 13a qui envoie un faisceau de lumière incident FI en direction du support 8 de manière à créer un spot lumineux sur ledit support 8 et un faisceau de lumière réfléchie FR qui seront ensuite analysés par une photodiode 13b de manière à calculer l'angle d'inclinaison du faisceau incident FI par rapport au support 8. La distance entre la photodiode 13b et la LED infrarouge 13a étant connue et l'angle d'inclinaison du faisceau lumineux incident FI étant calculé, il suffit ensuite de calculer, par de simples relations trigonométriques, la distance qui sépare la LED infrarouge du support 8. Cette photodiode peut être formée par une photodiode S6560 commercialisée sous la marque HAMA ATSU. Selon une autre variante de réalisation, le système optique 13 peut également comprendre des moyens d'émission d'un faisceau lumineux conique dont l'axe de symétrie se confond avec l'axe longitudinal de l'élément tubulaire 2. Le système optique comprend alors un capteur adapté pour calculer le rayon du spot lumineux formé par le faisceau conique sur le support 8. Le rayon du spot lumineux étant proportionnel à la distance qui sépare les moyens d'émission du faisceau conique du support 8, il est alors possible de déterminer de manière linéaire la distance entre les moyens d'émission et le support. De même, si l'axe de symétrie du faisceau conique est incliné par rapport au support, le spot lumineux créé sur le support ne sera plus circulaire mais ellipsoïdal, et le capteur sera également adapté pour mesurer la longueur du petit axe du spot ellipsoïdal afin de déterminer la distance qui sépare les moyens d'émission du faisceau conique du support. En effet, dans ce cas et quelle que soit l'inclinaison de l'instrument d'écriture, la longueur du petit axe du spot ellipsoïdal est uniquement proportionnelle à la distance qui sépare les moyens d'émission du support, seule la longueur du grand axe du spot ellipsoïdal étant proportionnelle à l'inclinaison du faisceau conique. Selon une variante de réalisation, les moyens de mesure 12 peuvent également être constitués par une sonde acoustique à ultrasons. Dans ce cas, la distance mesurée entre la buse 43 et le support 8 correspond à la plus petite distance qui sépare ladite buse 43 du support 8 et ce, indépendamment de l'inclinaison de l'instrument d'écriture par rapport au support 8. Comme on peut le voir en référence aux figures 1 et 2, le système optique 13 qui forme les moyens de mesure 12 est directement relié directement à l'unité de traitement 6 qui garde en mémoire la mesure effectuée par le système optique 13. L'unité de traitement peut également être adaptée pour commander au système optique 13 d'effectuer des opérations de mesure répétées dans des intervalles de temps déterminé. Ces intervalles de temps pourraient par exemple être compris entre 1 ms et 0,1 seconde. L'élément tubulaire 2 comprend également des moyens de détection de prise en main 18 de l'élément tubulaire 2 par l'utilisateur, ces moyens de détection de prise en main 18 étant également reliés à l'unité de traitement 6. Ces moyens de détection de prise en main 18, qui sont a fortiori activés par l'utilisateur, peuvent par exemple être formés par au moins un capteur capacitif ou un capteur piézoélectrique ou un capteur résistif disposé au niveau de la paroi externe 22 de l'élément tubulaire et destiné à détecter une pression lors de la prise en main de l'instrument par l'utilisateur. Ainsi, en référence aux figures 1 et 2, lorsque l'utilisateur actionne l'interrupteur 11, ce dernier autorise la mise sous tension électrique des différents éléments électriques, à savoir les moyens de mesure 12, les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 ainsi que le système de projection 4 de liquide. L'utilisateur prend alors l'instrument d'écriture en main de telle sorte que le ou les capteurs capacitifs ou piézoélectriques 18 détectent une pression exercée par l'utilisateur lorsque ce dernier rapproche l'instrument d'écriture en direction du support 8. Les moyens de mesure 12 mesurent également automatiquement la distance qui sépare la buse de projection 43 du support 8 et envoient cette mesure à l'unité de traitement 6. Cette unité de traitement 6 est alors adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection de liquide 4 et donc la projection des gouttelettes 7 sur le support 8 uniquement lorsque les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 détectent une pression et lorsque les moyens de mesure 12 mesurent que la distance entre la buse de projection 43 et le support 8 est inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée . Cette valeur maximale prédéterminée peut par exemple être, à titre indicatif, de l'ordre de 1 cm. Ainsi, lorsque les moyens de mesure 12 déterminent que la distance entre la buse 43 et le support 8 est supérieure à la valeur maximale prédéterminée et que les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 détectent une pression sur l'instrument d'écriture, l'unité de traitement 6 ne commandera pas l'activation du système de projection et aucune gouttelette ne sera projetée sur le support 8. De même, l'unité de traitement 6 ne commandera pas la projection de gouttelettes lorsque l'instrument d'écriture n'est pas pris en main par l'utilisateur même si la buse 43 est à une distance adéquate du support, c'est-à- dire à une distance inférieure à la valeur maximale prédéterminée . Selon une variante de réalisation, l'unité de traitement 6 peut également être adaptée pour stopper l'activation du système de projection de liquide lorsque la buse de projection 43 est trop proche du support 8 pour permettre aux gouttelettes de liquide 7 d'être convenablement projetées sur le support. Dans ce cas, l'unité de traitement 6 commandera l'activation du système de projection de liquide uniquement si les moyens de détection 18 détectent une pression sur l'instrument d'écriture et si le système optique 13 détermine que la distance entre la buse de projection 43 et le support 8 est comprise dans une plage de valeur délimitée par une valeur minimale prédéterminée et une valeur maximale prédéterminée.41 is a piezoelectric effect projection head which comprises a projection nozzle 43 disposed at the end 2a of the tubular element 2. This end 2a of the tubular element can be constituted by a nozzle directly fitted on the wall internal 22 of the central part of the tubular element 2. This end piece 2a has an end orifice in which is disposed the nozzle 43 of the projection head 41. This projection nozzle 43 can be fixedly mounted on the tip 2a or then retractably by means of a suitable mechanism in order to accommodate said nozzle inside the tip, thus avoiding any risk of deterioration of said nozzle in the event of non-use of the writing instrument. The projection head 41 comprises, in a manner known per se, a piezoelectric element adapted to deform when it is subjected to the electrical signals coming from the generator 42 thereby creating microdroplets 7 at the level of the projection nozzle 43 and which are projected on the support 8. The liquid projection system 4 can also be formed by a substrate, for example glass, on which is attached at least one resistive heating element positioned at at least one small channel containing a small amount of ink from the reservoir 3. Thus, when electrical signal is generated by the generator 41 on the resistive element, the latter instantly rises in temperature, thus creating a vapor bubble in the ink, which bubble expels a fine droplet 7 of liquid on the support 8. The projection system 4 of liquid can also be formed by at least one compressed gas cartridge intended to cooperate with an air retention mechanism and with a liquid cartridge. This holding mechanism may include a punch intended to release the gas contained in the cartridge into a pressurized prechamber and a plurality of valves in order to control the flow of gas to a nozzle also connected to the liquid reservoir 3. The instrument writing also includes a processing unit 6 intended to activate the generator of electrical signals 42 (or electrical pulsation) to allow the projection nozzle 43 of the projection system to remotely project the droplets 7 onto the support 8. The hollow interior space of the tubular element 2 also comprises at its end 2b an electrical power source 10 formed, for example, by a battery, or even two rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, allowing by means of a switch 11 the setting under electrical voltage of the various electrical elements forming one writing instrument. The end 2b of the tubular element 2 can for example be in the form of a cap removably mounted on the central part of said tubular element 2 to allow the replacement of the two spent batteries 10 by new batteries. The tubular element 2 also comprises at its end 2a measuring means 12 for measuring, without any physical contact of the writing instrument on the support 8, the distance between the projection head 41 and the support 8. More precisely, the measuring means 12 are adapted to measure the distance between the projection nozzle 43 and the support 8. In this embodiment, the measuring means 12 are constituted by an optical system 13 which comprises, for example, a Infrared LED 13a which sends a beam of incident light FI towards the support 8 so as to create a light spot on said support 8 and a beam of reflected light FR which will then be analyzed by a photodiode 13b so as to calculate the angle d inclination of the incident beam FI relative to the support 8. The distance between the photodiode 13b and the infrared LED 13a being known and the angle of inclination of the incident light beam FI being calculated, it It then suffices to calculate, by simple trigonometric relationships, the distance which separates the infrared LED from the support 8. This photodiode can be formed by a S6560 photodiode marketed under the brand HAMA ATSU. According to another alternative embodiment, the optical system 13 can also comprise means for emitting a conical light beam whose axis of symmetry merges with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 2. The optical system then comprises a sensor adapted to calculate the radius of the light spot formed by the conical beam on the support 8. The radius of the light spot being proportional to the distance which separates the means of emission of the conical beam from the support 8, it is then possible to determine linearly the distance between the transmission means and the support. Similarly, if the axis of symmetry of the conical beam is inclined relative to the support, the spot the light created on the support will no longer be circular but ellipsoidal, and the sensor will also be suitable for measuring the length of the minor axis of the ellipsoidal spot in order to determine the distance which separates the means of emission of the conical beam from the support. Indeed, in this case and whatever the inclination of the writing instrument, the length of the minor axis of the ellipsoidal spot is only proportional to the distance which separates the emission means from the support, only the length of the large axis of the ellipsoidal spot being proportional to the inclination of the conical beam. According to an alternative embodiment, the measuring means 12 can also be constituted by an acoustic ultrasonic probe. In this case, the distance measured between the nozzle 43 and the support 8 corresponds to the smallest distance which separates said nozzle 43 from the support 8, regardless of the inclination of the writing instrument relative to the support 8. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical system 13 which forms the measurement means 12 is directly connected directly to the processing unit 6 which keeps in memory the measurement carried out by the optical system 13. The processing unit can also be adapted to command the optical system 13 to carry out repeated measurement operations in determined time intervals. These time intervals could for example be between 1 ms and 0.1 seconds. The tubular element 2 also comprises means for detecting grip 18 of the tubular element 2 by the user, these grip detection means 18 also being connected to the processing unit 6. These means handling detection 18, which are a fortiori activated by the user, can for example be formed by at least one capacitive sensor or a piezoelectric sensor or a resistive sensor disposed at the level of the external wall 22 of the tubular element and intended to detect a pressure when the instrument is taken in hand by the user. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the user actuates the switch 11, the latter authorizes the electrical powering up of the various electrical elements, namely the measurement means 12, the pick-up detection means 18 as well as the liquid projection system 4. The user then takes the writing instrument in hand so that the capacitive or piezoelectric sensor (s) 18 detect a pressure exerted by the user when the latter brings the writing instrument towards the support 8. The measuring means 12 also automatically measure the distance between the projection nozzle 43 of the support 8 and send this measurement to the processing unit 6. This processing unit 6 is then adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system 4 and therefore the projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8 only when the grip detection means 18 detect a pressure and when the measurement means 12 measure that the distance between the projection nozzle 43 and the support 8 is less than a predetermined maximum value. This predetermined maximum value can for example be, for information, of the order of 1 cm. Thus, when the measurement means 12 determine that the distance between the nozzle 43 and the support 8 is greater than the predetermined maximum value and that the grip detection means 18 detect a pressure on the writing instrument, l the processing unit 6 will not control the activation of the projection system and no droplet will be projected onto the support 8. Similarly, the processing unit 6 will not control the projection of droplets when the writing instrument is not taken in hand by the user even if the nozzle 43 is at an adequate distance from the support, that is to say at a distance less than the predetermined maximum value. According to an alternative embodiment, the processing unit 6 can also be adapted to stop the activation of the liquid projection system when the projection nozzle 43 is too close to the support 8 to allow the liquid droplets 7 to be suitably projected on the support. In this case, the processing unit 6 will control the activation of the liquid projection system only if the detection means 18 detect a pressure on the writing instrument and if the optical system 13 determines that the distance between the nozzle projection 43 and the support 8 is included in a value range delimited by a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.
L'élément tubulaire 2 de l'instrument d'écriture peut également comprendre sur sa paroi externe 22 des moyens de sélection 15 de la taille des gouttelettes 7 afin de moduler et de modifier l'épaisseur de la ligne qui sera formée par la succession de gouttelettes apposées sur le support 8. Ces moyens de sélection 15 peuvent notamment se présenter sous la forme d'un bouton par exemple à trois positions permettant d'obtenir trois épaisseurs de ligne différentes. Ce bouton 15 à position sélective est directement relié au générateur 42 de signaux électriques du système de projection 4 pour permettre de faire varier de manière prédéterminée la fréquence et/ou l'amplitude des signaux électriques directement envoyés à la tête de projection de liquide 41 en faisant ainsi varier proportionnellement la taille et la fréquence de projection des gouttelettes 7 sur le support 8. L'élément tubulaire 2 peut également comprendre des moyens de détection de mouvement 14. Dans ce mode de réalisation, les moyens de détection de mouvement 14 peuvent se présenter sous la forme d'un accéléromètre directement relié à l'unité de traitement 6. Ces moyens de détection de mouvement peuvent notamment servir à rajouter une condition supplémentaire pour permettre l'activation du système de projection de liquide 4 et donc la ' projection des gouttelettes 7 sur le support 8. Ainsi l'unité de traitement 6 sera adaptée pour activer le système de projection de liquide 4 uniquement lorsque : - les moyens de mesure 12 mesurent une distance inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire 2 , et - les moyens de détection de mouvement 14 détectent un mouvement de l'élément tubulaire 2. De même, pour permettre un meilleur confort d'écriture à l'utilisateur, l'unité de traitement 6 peut être adaptée pour activer des moyens de communication 16 destinés à émettre un signal d'alerte lorsque, d'une part, le système optique 13 détermine que la distance entre la tête de projection d'encre 41 et le support 8 est au moins inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et que d'autre part, les moyens de détection de mouvement 14 ne détectent aucun mouvement de la tête de projection 41 par rapport au support 8 pendant un intervalle de temps prédéterminé. Ces moyens de communication 16 peuvent par exemple se présenter sous la forme d'un émetteur de signaux lumineux visibles ou un émetteur de signaux acoustiques audibles permettant ainsi à l'utilisateur de savoir que la tête de projection de liquide 41 ou plus exactement la buse de projection 43 est à une distance adéquate du support pour permettre une activation du générateur 42 de signaux électriques et qu'un mouvement même accidentel de l'instrument d'écriture est susceptible de provoquer l'activation du système de projection 4 et donc la projection de gouttelettes de liquide sur le support 8. De même, pour permettre un meilleur confort d'écriture à l'utilisateur, l'unité de traitement 6 peut être adaptée pour activer les moyens de communication 16 pour émettre un signal d'alerte lorsque le système de projection 4 de liquide n'a pas été activé depuis un intervalle de temps donné (par exemple 30 secondes ou une minute) et que les moyens de mesure 12 détectent que la distance est à nouveau adéquate entre la tête de projection 41 et le support 8 et que les moyens de détection de mouvement détectent à nouveau un mouvement de 1 ' instrument d'écriture. Dans ce cas, l'unité de traitement active les moyens de communication pendant, par exemple, un maximum de deux secondes pour prévenir l'utilisateur que la projection de liquide est imminente, et après cet intervalle de temps maximum de deux secondes, l'unité de traitement 6 active alors le système de projection 4 de liquide. Selon une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention représentée sur la figure 3, le bouton interrupteur 11 de mise sous tension électrique des différents composants électriques peut être supprimé de 1 ' extrémité 2b de l'instrument d'écriture. Dans ce cas, la fonction marche- arrêt de l'instrument d'écriture est directement remplie par les moyens de détection de prise en main 18. Ainsi, dès que l'utilisateur prend en main l'élément d'écriture dans une position d'écriture, les doigts de l'utilisateur exercent une pression sur la zone de la paroi externe 22 de l'élément tubulaire où sont disposés les moyens de détection de prise en main 18. Les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 sont alors adaptés pour permettre, par l'intermédiaire de la source d'alimentation électrique, la mise sous tension des autres composants électriques intégrés dans l'instrument d'écriture. L'utilisateur peut alors rapprocher la buse de projection 43 en direction du support. Les moyens de mesure 12 mesurent alors automatiquement la distance qui sépare la buse 43 du support, et dès que cette distance est inférieure à la valeur maximale prédéterminée, l'unité de traitement 6 active automatiquement la projection de liquide à distance et sur le support 8 tant que la distance est appropriée entre la buse 43 et le support 8 et tant que les moyens de détection de prise en main 18 détectent la pression exercée par l'utilisateur. Bien entendu, l'instrument d'écriture conforme au mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 3, peut également comprendre des moyens de détection de mouvement 14 similaires à ceux précédemment décrits pour le mode de réalisation de la figure 1. The tubular element 2 of the writing instrument may also comprise on its external wall 22 means 15 for selecting the size of the droplets 7 in order to modulate and modify the thickness of the line which will be formed by the succession of droplets affixed to the support 8. These selection means 15 can in particular be in the form of a button, for example with three positions, making it possible to obtain three different line thicknesses. This selectively positioned button 15 is directly connected to the generator 42 of electrical signals of the projection system 4 to allow the frequency and / or amplitude of the electrical signals directly sent to the liquid spray head 41 to be varied in a predetermined manner. thus varying proportionally the size and frequency of projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8. The tubular element 2 can also include motion detection means 14. In this embodiment, the motion detection means 14 can be in the form of 'an accelerometer directly connected to the processing unit 6. These motion detection means can in particular be used to add an additional condition to allow the activation of the liquid projection system 4 and therefore the ' projection of the droplets 7 on the support 8. Thus the processing unit 6 will be adapted to activate the liquid projection system 4 only when: - the measuring means 12 measure a distance less than a predetermined maximum value, and the handling detection means 18 detect the user has taken hold of the tubular element 2, and - the movement detection means 14 detect a movement of the element tubular 2. Similarly, to allow better writing comfort for the user, the processing unit 6 can be adapted to activate communication means 16 intended to emit an alert signal when, on the one hand, the optical system 13 determines that the distance between the ink projection head 41 and the support 8 is at least less than a predetermined maximum value, and that on the other hand, the movement detection means 14 do not detect any movement of the projection head 41 relative to the support 8 for a predetermined time interval. These communication means 16 may for example be in the form of a transmitter of visible light signals or an transmitter of acoustic signals audible thus allowing the user to know that the liquid projection head 41 or more exactly the projection nozzle 43 is at an adequate distance from the support to allow activation of the generator 42 of electrical signals and that even an accidental movement of the writing instrument is capable of causing the activation of the projection system 4 and therefore the projection of liquid droplets onto the support 8. Likewise, to allow better writing comfort for the user, the unit processing 6 can be adapted to activate the communication means 16 to emit an alert signal when the liquid projection system 4 has not been activated for a given time interval (for example 30 seconds or one minute) and that the measuring means 12 detect that the distance is again adequate between the projection head 41 and the support 8 and that the movement detection means again detect a slack of the writing instrument. In this case, the processing unit activates the communication means for, for example, a maximum of two seconds to warn the user that the projection of liquid is imminent, and after this maximum time interval of two seconds, the processing unit 6 then activates the liquid projection system 4. According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the switch button 11 for energizing the various electrical components can be removed from the end 2b of the writing instrument. In this case, the on-off function of the writing instrument is directly fulfilled by the grip detection means 18. Thus, as soon as the user takes hold of the writing element in a position d writing, the user's fingers exert pressure on the area of the external wall 22 of the element tubular where the gripping detection means are arranged 18. The gripping detection means 18 are then adapted to allow, by means of the electrical power source, the energization of the other integrated electrical components in the writing instrument. The user can then bring the projection nozzle 43 closer towards the support. The measuring means 12 then automatically measure the distance which separates the nozzle 43 from the support, and as soon as this distance is less than the predetermined maximum value, the processing unit 6 automatically activates the projection of liquid from a distance and onto the support 8 as long as the distance is appropriate between the nozzle 43 and the support 8 and as long as the grip detection means 18 detect the pressure exerted by the user. Of course, the writing instrument according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, can also include movement detection means 14 similar to those previously described for the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Instrument d'écriture comprenant un élément sensiblement tubulaire (2) qui s'étend entre une première extrémité (2a) et une deuxième extrémité (2b) et qui est destiné à être pris en main par un utilisateur, ledit élément tubulaire (2) comportant: - un réservoir de liquide (3) , - un système de projection (4) de liquide comprenant une tête de projection (41) de liquide reliée au réservoir de liquide (3) , la tête de projection (41) étant destinée à projeter à distance le liquide sur un support (8) , et - une unité de traitement (6) destiné à activer le système de projection (4) de liquide pour permettre à la tête de projection (41) de projeter à distance le liquide sur le support (8) , caractérisé en ce que l'élément tubulaire comprend en outre: des moyens de mesure (12) pour mesurer, sans contact physique de l'instrument d'écriture (1) avec le support (8) , la distance entre la tête de projection (41) et le support (8) , les moyens de mesure (12) étant reliés à l'unité de traitement (6), et - des moyens de détection de prise en main (18) de l'élément tubulaire (2) par l'utilisateur, ces moyens de détection de prise en main (18) étant reliés à l'unité de traitement (6) , et en ce que l'unité de traitement (6) est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection (4) de liquide lorsque, d'une part, les moyens de mesure (12) déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection (41) et le support (8) est inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et que d'autre part, les moyens de détection de prise en main (18) détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire (2). 1. Writing instrument comprising a substantially tubular element (2) which extends between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) and which is intended to be taken in hand by a user, said tubular element (2 ) comprising: - a liquid reservoir (3), - a liquid projection system (4) comprising a projection head (41) of liquid connected to the liquid reservoir (3), the projection head (41) being intended to project the liquid remotely onto a support (8), and - a processing unit (6) intended to activate the liquid projection system (4) to allow the projection head (41) to project the liquid from a distance on the support (8), characterized in that the tubular element further comprises: measuring means (12) for measuring, without physical contact of the writing instrument (1) with the support (8), the distance between the projection head (41) and the support (8), the measuring means (12 ) being connected to the processing unit (6), and - means for detecting grip (18) of the tubular element (2) by the user, these means for detecting grip (18) being connected to the processing unit (6), and in that the processing unit (6) is adapted to control the activation of the liquid spraying system (4) when, on the one hand, the means for measurement (12) determine that the distance between the projection head (41) and the support (8) is less than a predetermined maximum value, and that on the other hand, the grip detection means (18) detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element (2).
2. Instrument selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'unité de traitement (6) est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection (4) de liquide lorsque, d'une part, les moyens de mesure (;12) déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection (41) et le support (8) est comprise entre une valeur minimale prédéterminée et ladite valeur maximale prédéterminée, et que d'autre part, les moyens de détection de prise en main (18) détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire (2) . 2. Instrument according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit (6) is adapted to control the activation of the projection system (4) of liquid when, on the one hand, the measuring means ( ; 12) determine that the distance between the projection head (41) and the support (8) is between a predetermined minimum value and said predetermined maximum value, and on the other hand, the handling detection means (18) detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element (2).
3. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément tubulaire (2) comprend une source d'alimentation électrique (10) et des moyens de mise sous tension électrique (11; 18) reliés à la source d'alimentation électrique (10), les moyens de mise sous tension (11) étant actionnables par l'utilisateur pour permettre la mise sous tension électrique du système de projection (4) de liquide, de l'unité de traitement (6) et des moyens de mesure (12) . 3. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular element (2) comprises a source of electrical power (10) and means of electrical tensioning (11; 18) connected to the source of power supply (10), the tensioning means (11) being actuable by the user to allow the tensioning of the liquid spraying system (4), the treatment unit (6) and the means measuring (12).
4. Instrument selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les moyens de mise sous tension qui sont actionnables par l'utilisateur, sont formés par les moyens de détection de prise en main (18) de l'élément tubulaire (2) par 1 'utilisateur. 4. Instrument according to claim 3, in which the tensioning means which can be actuated by the user, are formed by the detection means of grip (18) of the tubular element (2) by the user. .
5. Instrument selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les moyens de mise sous tension (11) actionnables par l'utilisateur permettent en outre la mise sous tension électrique des moyens de détection de prise en main (18) de l'élément tubulaire (2) par l'utilisateur. 5. The instrument as claimed in claim 3, in which the tensioning means (11) actuable by the user also allow the tensioning of the grip detection means (18) of the tubular element (2). ) by the user.
6. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément tubulaire comprend en outre, des moyens de détection de mouvement (14,-6,12)de l'élément tubulaire (2), lesdits moyens de détection de mouvement (14 ,-16,12) étant reliés à l'unité de traitement, et dans lequel l'unité de traitement est adaptée pour commander l'activation du système de projection (4) de liquide lorsque : les moyens de mesure (12) déterminent que la distance entre la tête de projection (41) et le support est inférieure à une valeur maximale prédéterminée, et - les moyens de détection de prise en main (18) détectent que l'utilisateur a pris en main l'élément tubulaire (2) , et - les moyens de détection de mouvement (14) détectent un mouvement de l'élément tubulaire (2). 6. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular element further comprises, motion detection means (14, -6,12) of the tubular element (2), said means for detecting movement (14, -16,12) being connected to the unit of processing, and in which the processing unit is adapted to control the activation of the liquid projection system (4) when: the measuring means (12) determine that the distance between the projection head (41) and the support is less than a predetermined maximum value, and - the grip detection means (18) detect that the user has taken hold of the tubular element (2), and - the motion detection means (14) detect a movement of the tubular element (2).
7. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens de mesure (12) comprennent un système optique (13) destiné à mesurer la distance entre la tête de projection et le support. 7. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the measuring means (12) comprise an optical system (13) intended to measure the distance between the projection head and the support.
8. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel les moyens de mesure (12) comprennent une sonde acoustique à ultrasons destinée à mesurer la distance entre la tête de projection (41) et le support (8) . 8. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the measurement means (12) comprise an acoustic ultrasonic probe intended to measure the distance between the projection head (41) and the support (8).
9. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la tête de projection (41) de liquide comprend au moins une buse de projection (43) de gouttelettes (7) de liquide, et le système de projection (4) comprend en outre un générateur de signaux électriques (42) pour commander l'activation de ladite au moins une buse (43) de la tête de projection (41) . 9. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the liquid spray head (41) comprises at least one spray nozzle (43) of droplets (7) of liquid, and the spray system (4) comprises furthermore an electrical signal generator (42) for controlling the activation of said at least one nozzle (43) of the projection head (41).
EP04816398A 2003-12-19 2004-12-16 Liquid jet writing instrument Expired - Fee Related EP1697147B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0315081A FR2863939B1 (en) 2003-12-19 2003-12-19 LIQUID FLUID WRITING INSTRUMENT
PCT/FR2004/003258 WO2005061244A1 (en) 2003-12-19 2004-12-16 Liquid jet writing instrument

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1697147A1 true EP1697147A1 (en) 2006-09-06
EP1697147B1 EP1697147B1 (en) 2008-05-07

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ID=34630398

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EP04816398A Expired - Fee Related EP1697147B1 (en) 2003-12-19 2004-12-16 Liquid jet writing instrument

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US (1) US7322662B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1697147B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4658069B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100471692C (en)
AU (1) AU2004305272B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0417608A (en)
CA (1) CA2549857A1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004013630D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2307072T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2863939B1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA06006938A (en)
WO (1) WO2005061244A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005061244A1 (en) 2005-07-07
BRPI0417608A (en) 2007-04-10
FR2863939B1 (en) 2006-03-03
MXPA06006938A (en) 2006-08-23
CA2549857A1 (en) 2005-07-07
AU2004305272B2 (en) 2010-06-03
US20050206628A1 (en) 2005-09-22
US7322662B2 (en) 2008-01-29
EP1697147B1 (en) 2008-05-07
CN1890112A (en) 2007-01-03
AU2004305272A1 (en) 2005-07-07
JP4658069B2 (en) 2011-03-23
DE602004013630D1 (en) 2008-06-19
CN100471692C (en) 2009-03-25
ES2307072T3 (en) 2008-11-16
FR2863939A1 (en) 2005-06-24
JP2007514574A (en) 2007-06-07

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