JP5795042B2 - Pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism and applicator - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-028458

  However, there is a limit to the buffering capacity of the pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism provided in the writing instrument described in Patent Document 1 described above.

  As a result of intensive studies by the inventor, in order to make the buffering capacity of the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism as high as possible, it is preferable that the length of the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism in the axial direction (direction from the ink tank toward the pen tip) is short. It has been found that the thickness of the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism is preferably as thick as possible, and more preferable when both are aligned. However, if the buffering capacity of the pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism is maximized, the shape of the entire writing instrument is shortened and thickened. Such a short and thick writing instrument is difficult to grasp and is not practical.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention is intended to provide a pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism that has an extremely high pressure fluctuation buffering capacity and that does not impair practicality even when employed in a writing instrument or the like. Furthermore, this invention intends to provide the applicator provided with this pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism.

  The present invention includes a connection space that is connected to an application member via a paint distribution space through which the paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint distribution space are caused by the distribution of the paint and air between the paint distribution space and the connection space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, wherein a first connection space forming member that forms a first connection space in the connection space, and a second connection space formation member that forms a second connection space in the connection space The paint between the first connection space and the paint circulation space flows more easily than the paint between the second connection space and the paint circulation space.

  It is preferable that the second connection space is directly connected to the application member.

  The first connection space forming member is disposed in the first connection space and forms a first paint flow path, and the first paint flow path forming member is disposed in the first connection space. A first air flow passage forming member that forms an air flow passage, and the second connection space forming member is disposed in the second connection space and forms a second paint flow passage. And a second air flow path forming member that is disposed in the second connection space and forms a second air flow path, and the paint in the first paint flow path Is more likely to flow than the paint in the second paint flow passage. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism includes a plurality of first plates formed with a first paint notch and a plurality of first plates arranged at a predetermined interval, and a second paint notch formed at a predetermined interval. A plurality of second plates arranged side by side, wherein the first paint flow passage is formed between the first plates and the first paint notch, and the first air flow passage is Formed around the first plate, the second paint flow passage is formed by the space between the second plates and the second paint notch, and the second air flow passage is formed by the second plate. It is preferable to be formed around. Further, it is preferable that a first air notch is formed in each of the plurality of first plates, and the first air notch forms the first air flow passage. In addition, it is preferable that the second paint flow passage is open to the application member. The second connection space forming member includes an external connection channel that connects the second air flow passage to an external space, and a paint reservoir that is provided in the external connection channel and stores the paint. It is preferable.

  The paint distribution space has a paint containing space for containing the paint, and a paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint containing space to the application member, and the first connection space forming member is: A first connecting flow path connecting the first connection space and the paint supply space; and the second connection space forming member includes a second connection space connecting the second connection space and the paint supply space. It is preferable to have a connecting flow path. Moreover, it is preferable that the said 2nd connection flow path is located between the said 1st connection flow path and the said application | coating member. Furthermore, it is preferable that a paint supply core for supplying the paint from the paint storage space to the application member is stored in the paint supply space. In addition, an air reservoir portion is formed in at least one of the first connection space and the second connection space, and the air reservoir portion is formed through the first paint flow passage. It is preferable to face the connecting flow path or to face the second connecting flow path via the second paint flow passage. The first connecting flow path facing the air reservoir or the second connecting flow path facing the air reservoir is a flow path for the paint and a flow path for the air. Preferably there is.

  The paint distribution space includes a paint storage space for storing the paint, and a paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint storage space to the application member, and the first connection space and the second connection space. Is preferably located in the paint supply space.

  The present invention includes a connection space that is connected to an application member via a paint distribution space through which the paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint distribution space are caused by the distribution of the paint and air between the paint distribution space and the connection space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, wherein a first connection space forming member that forms a first connection space in the connection space, and a second connection space formation member that forms a second connection space in the connection space The connection space is directly connected to the application member.

  The present invention includes a connection space that is connected to an application member via a paint distribution space through which the paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint distribution space are caused by the distribution of the paint and air between the paint distribution space and the connection space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, comprising a connection space forming member that forms the connection space, wherein the connection space forming member connects an air flow passage formed in the connection space to an external space. And a paint reservoir provided in the external connection flow path for storing the paint.

  The present invention includes a connection space that is connected to an application member via a paint distribution space through which the paint circulates, and pressure fluctuations in the paint distribution space are caused by the distribution of the paint and air between the paint distribution space and the connection space. A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism for buffering, comprising a connection space forming member for forming the connection space, wherein the paint distribution space includes a paint storage space for storing the paint, and the paint from the paint storage space to the application member A coating material supply space for supplying the connection space, and the connection space forming member has a flow path connecting the connection space and the coating material supply space, and an air reservoir is formed in the connection space, The air reservoir portion is opposed to the connecting flow path through a paint flow passage formed in the connection space.

  It is preferable that the connecting flow channel facing the air reservoir is a flow passage for the paint and a flow passage for the air.

  The present invention is characterized by comprising the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism described above.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism that has a very high pressure fluctuation buffering capacity and does not impair practicality even when employed in a writing instrument, and an applicator that does not easily cause paint leakage due to pressure fluctuation. Can be provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The paint feeder 160 is formed in a rod shape and extends from the interior space of the paint tank 140 to the brush 120. The front end and the rear end of the paint feeder 160 are preferably pointed. The front end of the paint feeder 160 hits the brush 120, and the rear end of the paint feeder 160 is exposed to the internal space of the paint tank 140. Thereby, the paint feeder 160 can supply the paint stored in the paint tank 140 to the brush 120. As the paint feeder 160, any of an ink occlusion body type in which ink is held in a member such as sponge, urethane porous or batting made of fibers, or a raw ink type in which ink is directly stored in an ink tank, etc. But you can.

(Paint feeder holding cylinder)
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 extends in the axial direction A of the middle shaft 110. The size of the internal space of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 is such that the paint feeder 160 can be accommodated. A press-fit hole 170BX into which the paint feeder 160 is press-fitted is formed in the rear end portion 170B of the paint feeder holding cylinder 170. When the paint feeder 160 is press-fitted into the press-fitting hole 170BX, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 holds the rear end portion of the paint feeder 160. The paint feeder holding cylinder 170 is made of, for example, polyester.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, the paint feeder holding cylinder 170 has an air tight part 170E and a paint tank communication path 170TX. The air tight portion 170E has an air tight surface that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the central shaft 110, and is provided on the peripheral surface of the rear connection space forming member 181. One end side of the paint tank communication path 170TX opens to the first connecting flow path 185, and the other end side opens to the paint tank 140. Therefore, the first connecting flow path 185 and the paint tank 140 communicate with each other through the paint tank communication path 170TX. Further, the peripheral surface of the intermediate rod portion 160C of the paint feeder 160 is connected to the paint tank 140 by the paint tank communication path 170TX. Therefore, the paint tank communication path 170TX enables the paint and air to flow between the paint feeder 160 and the paint tank 140. In addition, it is good also considering the dent part formed in the internal peripheral surface of the paint feeder holding | maintenance cylinder 170 as the paint tank communication path 170TX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described above, the width _{W 183S} of the first peripheral groove 183S is narrower than the width _{W 184s} of the second peripheral groove 184s, penetration of paint, in preference to the second connecting space K2, the first connecting space K1 This is more likely to occur, and the outflow of paint is more likely to occur in the second connection space K2 in preference to the first connection space K1. Therefore, when the pressure in the paint tank 140 (see FIG. 3) increases, the paint enters the first connection space K1 in preference to the second connection space K2. Then, after the predetermined amount of paint is filled in the first connection space K1, the invasion of the paint into the second connection space K2 starts. When the pressure in the paint tank 140 decreases, the paint from the second connection space K2 flows out in preference to the first connection space K1. Then, after all or most of the paint has flowed out of the second connection space K2, the outflow of the paint from the first connection space K1 starts. As a result, the pressure fluctuation in the paint tank 140 can be suppressed by the intrusion of the paint into the first connection space K1. Then, by providing the connection space K with the first connection space K1 and the second connection space K2 that are different in the ease of accumulation of the paint, the buffering function of the pressure fluctuation of the paint tank 140 under the normal use condition is provided. In addition, a buffering function for pressure fluctuation of the paint tank 140 under different usage conditions can be shared by the second connection space K2.

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

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

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

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the partition member 182 itself is not provided with a paint flow path capable of entering paint by capillary force, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The partition member 182 may be formed with a slit 182FX capable of entering the paint by capillary force. By this slit 182FX, the first connection space K1 and the second connection space K2 communicate with each other. The slit 182FX is preferably provided at a position facing the first paint communication groove 183B and the second paint communication groove 184B. Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, it is preferable that the slit 182FX, the first paint communication groove 183B, and the second paint communication groove 184B are formed on the same straight line. The width W _183TB (see FIG. 6) of the paint notch 183TB is preferably narrower than the width W _184TB (see FIG. 8) of the paint notch 184TB. As described above, the ease of flow of the paint in the paint flow path and the connection flow path is determined by the width of the paint flow path and the connection flow path and the members that form the paint flow path and the connection flow path (collectively referred to as flow path forming members). It is adjustable depending on the wettability of the paint. The wettability of the paint can be adjusted by the surface tension of the paint, the surface roughness of the flow path forming member, the hydrophilic treatment or the hydrophobic treatment applied to the surface of the flow path forming member. For example, when the paint is water-based, the ease of paint flow in the paint flow path and the connecting flow path is improved by applying a hydrophilic treatment to the surface of the flow path forming member.

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

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

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

  By the way, when the pressure increases in the paint tank 140, the paint flows into the first connecting flow path 185 and the first circumferential groove 183S. However, when this pressure increase is rapid, the paint adheres to the inner wall of the center shaft 110 via the first connecting flow path 185 and the first circumferential groove 183S. The paint adhering to the inner wall of the middle shaft 110 circulates along the inner wall, and as a result, the paint leaks. In order to suppress the leakage of the paint, it is preferable that an air reservoir KA1 is formed in the first connection space K1 as shown in FIG. In order to form the air reservoir KA1, for example, the height of the first convex plate 183T may be reduced and the first gap WX1 may be increased. The air reservoir KA1 is preferably provided at a position facing the first connecting flow path 185 via the first paint communication groove 183B. Similarly, an air reservoir K2 similar to the air reservoir KA1 may be provided in the second connection space K2 (see FIG. 12B). The first connecting flow path 185 facing the air reservoir KA1 via the first paint communication groove 183B is preferably a paint flow path and an air flow path. Similarly, the second connecting flow path 186 facing the air reservoir KA2 through the second paint communication groove 184B is preferably a paint flow path and an air flow path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims (17)

Pressure fluctuation that has a connection space connected to the application member via a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffers the pressure fluctuation in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the connection space A buffer mechanism,
A first connection space forming member forming a first connection space in the connection space;
A second connection space forming member that forms a second connection space in the connection space;
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism, wherein the paint between the first connection space and the paint circulation space flows more easily than the paint between the second connection space and the paint circulation space.   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second connection space is directly connected to the application member. The first connection space forming member is:
A first paint flow path forming member disposed in the first connection space and forming a first paint flow path;
A first air flow passage forming member arranged in the first connection space and forming a first air flow passage,
The second connection space forming member is:
A second paint flow path forming member disposed in the second connection space and forming a second paint flow path;
A second air flow path forming member disposed in the second connection space and forming a second air flow path,
3. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the paint in the first paint flow passage flows more easily than the paint in the second paint flow passage. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism is:
A plurality of first plates formed with first paint notches and arranged at predetermined intervals;
A plurality of second plates formed with a second paint notch and arranged at a predetermined interval;
The first paint flow path is formed between the first plates and the first paint notch,
The first air flow passage is formed around the first plate;
The second paint flow passage is formed by the second plate and the second paint notch,
4. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the second air flow passage is formed around the second plate. Each of the plurality of first plates is formed with a first air notch,
5. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the first air notch forms the first air flow passage.   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second paint flow passage is open to the application member. The second connection space forming member is:
An external connection flow path connecting the second air flow passage to an external space;
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a paint reservoir provided in the external connection flow path for storing the paint. The paint distribution space is
A paint containing space for containing the paint;
A paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint containing space to the application member,
The first connection space forming member has a first connection channel that connects the first connection space and the paint supply space,
The said 2nd connection space formation member has a 2nd connection flow path which connects the said 2nd connection space and the said coating material supply space, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism. Said second tether passage, said first tether channel and pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that positioned between the coating member.   The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a paint supply core for supplying the paint from the paint accommodation space to the application member is accommodated in the paint supply space. An air reservoir is formed in at least one of the first connection space and the second connection space,
The air reservoir portion is opposed to the first connecting flow path via a first paint flow passage formed in the first connection space, or is formed in the second connection space. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism is opposed to the second connecting flow path via a paint flow path.   The first connecting flow path facing the air reservoir or the second connecting flow path facing the air reservoir is a flow path for the paint and the air flow path. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 11. The paint distribution space is
A paint containing space for containing the paint;
A paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint containing space to the application member,
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first connection space and the second connection space are located in the paint supply space. Pressure fluctuation that has a connection space connected to the application member via a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffers the pressure fluctuation in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the connection space A buffer mechanism,
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism, wherein the connection space is directly connected to the application member. Pressure fluctuation that has a connection space connected to the application member via a paint circulation space through which the paint circulates, and buffers the pressure fluctuation in the paint circulation space by the paint and air circulation between the paint circulation space and the connection space A buffer mechanism,
A connection space forming member for forming the connection space;
The paint distribution space is
A paint containing space for containing the paint;
A paint supply space for supplying the paint from the paint containing space to the application member,
The connection space forming member has a connecting flow path that connects the connection space and the paint supply space,
An air reservoir is formed in the connection space,
The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism, wherein the air reservoir portion is opposed to the connecting flow path through a paint flow passage formed in the connection space. The pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to claim 15 , wherein the connecting flow path facing the air reservoir is not only the flow path of the paint but also the flow path of the air. An applicator comprising the pressure fluctuation buffer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16 .

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