WO2019058157A1

WO2019058157A1 - Dual-function writing instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2019058157A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/055695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sébastien MERMET
Original assignee: Caran D'Ache SA
Priority date: 2017-09-20
Filing date: 2017-09-20
Publication date: 2019-03-28
Also published as: TW201914838A

Abstract

A writing instrument (10) with a longitudinal axis, comprising: – an internal sleeve (30) bearing an ink-cartridge positioning cam (50); – an intermediate sleeve (32), bearing a stylus-positioning cam (80); and – a position-control sleeve (34) comprising an ink-cartridge-positioning camway (52) which collaborates with the ink-cartridge-positioning cam (50) and a stylus-positioning camway (86) collaborating with the stylus-positioning cam (80). The internal (30), intermediate (32) and position-control (34) sleeves are inserted one inside the other. The travel of the ink-cartridge-positioning cam (50) along the ink-cartridge-positioning camway (52) governs the movement of the internal sleeve (30) along the longitudinal axis. The travel of the stylus-positioning cam (80) along the stylus-positioning camway (86) governs the movement of the intermediate sleeve (32) along the longitudinal axis.

Description

DOUBLE FUNCTION WRITING INSTRUMENT

The invention relates to the field of writing instruments, such as pens. It relates more particularly to writing instruments combining a conventional ink-writing function and a graphic gesture recognition function for digitizing writing.

[0002] It is known from the prior art that writing instruments comprise a tip delivering ink at one end of an arm of the writing instrument, and a stylus or digital tip connected to a sensor for recognizing the graphic gesture for digitizing the writing, located at the opposite end of the writing instrument arm. Other writing instruments combining the two functions include a single tip for ink delivery and digital recognition. These two types of writing instruments, however, have disadvantages. In the first case, the writing experience is lessened for the user, who is forced to return the pen frequently to use the ink write function and the digital recognition function. In the second, the fact that the same tip serves both functions has the consequence that the ink delivered during the conventional use remains on the tip during digital recognition operation. However, the presence of this ink can damage or stain the digital recognition media, usually the screen of a tablet or phone. To avoid this pitfall, the use of a special ink or the presence of a specific ink delivery device becomes necessary. It is no longer possible to use standardized ink cartridges. In addition, these devices do not prevent any risk of ink subsistence on the tip.

It is therefore preferable for the user to be able to have a writing instrument with two distinct points to perform the functions of conventional writing and digital recognition, but do not affect his writing experience . Also known from the prior art writing instruments comprising a plurality of retractable tips. However, the associated mechanisms occupy an important place in the writing instrument, which prevents the placement of electronic components related to the recognition of the graphic gesture. They are therefore not suitable for writing instruments combining a conventional ink-writing function and a graphical gesture recognition function for digitizing the writing.

The invention therefore aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a writing instrument of symmetrical general shape of revolution provided with a longitudinal axis comprising: an inner sleeve of symmetrical general shape of revolution, intended to receive a ink cartridge, carrying an ink cartridge positioning cam; an intermediate sleeve of symmetrical general shape of revolution, intended to be connected to a stylus tip, carrying a stylet positioning cam; and a rotationally symmetrical, generally symmetrical positioning control sleeve, in which an ink cartridge locating cam path cooperating with the ink cartridge locating cam and a cam positioning path is provided. stylet cooperating with the stylet positioning cam, the inner sleeve being inserted into the intermediate sleeve and the intermediate sleeve being inserted into the positioning control sleeve, the stroke of the ink cartridge positioning cam into the cam path for positioning an ink cartridge controlling the movement of the inner sleeve along the longitudinal axis, and the stroke of the stylus positioning cam in the stylus positioning cam path driving movement of the intermediate sleeve along the longitudinal axis.

Thanks to the fact that the sleeves carrying the cams and the cam paths are inserted into each other, the mechanism for controlling the output and the retraction of a digital recognition pen (or digital tip) and an ink cartridge carrying a writing tip may be housed in the body of the writing instrument occupying a reduced volume compared to the mechanisms of the prior art. Indeed, it is not necessary to provide the presence of a spring and / or barrel that occupy a significant place in the body of the writing instrument. It thus becomes possible to house elements participating in the digital recognition of writing, such as for example a force sensor, a microprocessor, an electric accumulator, etc. without significantly increasing the volume of the writing instrument. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ink cartridge positioning cam path comprises a circumferential circumferential portion in the positioning control sleeve and a substantially rectilinear portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve. This particular choice of cam path pattern makes it possible to control the displacement of the inner sleeve, and consequently the advancement and retraction of the ink-jet tip in the writing instrument, by rotating the sleeve positioning control, simple action for the user.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stylet positioning cam path comprises a circumferential circumferential portion in the positioning control sleeve and a substantially rectilinear portion inclined with respect to the axis. longitudinal position of the positioning control sleeve. This particular choice of cam path pattern makes it possible to control the displacement of the intermediate sheath, and consequently the advancement and retraction of the stylus in the writing instrument, by rotating the positioning control sheath, simple to achieve for the user. Preferably, the intermediate sheath carries two stylet positioning cams, arranged on the sheath symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry of the intermediate sheath comprising the longitudinal axis, and in which two positioning cam paths of stylet are provided in the positioning control sleeve, the stylus positioning cam cam paths defining a path of similar contours. Providing a double cam path makes it possible to control more finely the positioning of the intermediate sheath along the longitudinal axis. It will also be possible to provide a triple cam path. Preferably, the writing instrument further comprises locking means in rotation of the inner sleeve relative to the intermediate sleeve about the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument.

Advantageously, the writing instrument further comprises a trim sleeve of symmetrical general shape of revolution in which the positioning control sleeve is inserted, said covering sleeve comprising a fixed part and a rotating part, and rotational locking means of the intermediate sheath with respect to said fixed portion of the lining sheath around the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument.

In order to facilitate the control of the movement of the inner and intermediate sleeves along the longitudinal axis for the user, the writing instrument further comprises a generally symmetrical shape cover sheath of revolution in which the positioning control sleeve is inserted, the positioning control sleeve being provided on its outer surface with an annular projection intended to cooperate with a plurality of friction projections disposed on the inner surface of the covering sleeve. The cooperation of the annular and friction projections thus makes it possible to control the movement of the cams by rotation of the covering sheath.

Preferably, in order to limit the electromagnetic interference that can disturb the digital recognition of the graphic gesture, the covering sleeve comprises at one end a tip, preferably substantially conical, intended for receive a writing tip, provided with a wall comprising an electromagnetic shield.

Advantageously, in order to be able to dispose a printed circuit, the intermediate sheath comprises a receiving portion provided with at least one housing for receiving a printed circuit. For example, the receiving portion has a pyramidal cross section with three faces, each of the faces being substantially flat and constituting a housing for receiving a printed circuit. In a variant, the receiving portion has a substantially circular section and comprises two flat areas arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the intermediate sheath.

Preferably, the writing instrument further comprises a force sensor disposed in the intermediate sheath.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the writing instrument comprises a printed circuit for activating the force sensor disposed on the faces of the receiving portion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate sleeve comprises a housing for receiving an electric accumulator for the power sensor supply.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the writing instrument further comprises a USB connector for recharging an electric accumulator for supplying a force sensor, for example disposed to one end of the writing instrument.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing sheath comprises an activation button connected to a power supply system of the force sensor.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a writing instrument and an ink cartridge provided with a writing tip, characterized in that the writing instrument is according to any one of the preceding claims and in that the ink cartridge is inserted into the inner sleeve.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a writing instrument and a stylus tip for digital recognition of the graphic gesture, characterized in that the writing instrument is according to any one of the preceding claims and in that the stylus tip is integral with the intermediate sheath.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a writing instrument according to FIG. invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view comprising a partial section of a rotatable portion of the dressing sheath of the writing instrument of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inner sleeve the writing instrument according to the invention in which is inserted ink cartridge according to the prior art; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inner sleeve and the ink cartridge of Figure 3, inserted into an intermediate sleeve writing instrument according to the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an intermediate sleeve of the writing instrument of Figure 4 in which are inserted the inner sleeve and the ink cartridge of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a view of section VI-VI shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, in which a stylus tip for digital recognition of the graphical gesture and a force sensor inserted on the intermediate sleeve; Figure 8 is a view of the intermediate sheath according to the invention, similar to Figure 4, according to another angle of view; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inner sleeve and the ink cartridge of Figure 3, inserted into a positioning control sleeve of a writing instrument according to the invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a writing instrument according to the invention, without the covering sleeve, provided with an ink cartridge according to the prior art and a stylus intended for digital recognition. a graphic gesture in which the stylus tip is in the advanced position and the ink tip is in the retracted position; Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 at a different angle of view; Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 10, in which the ink tip is in the advanced position and the stylus tip is in the retracted position; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 according to another angle of view.

There is shown in Figure 1 a writing instrument 10 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The writing instrument 10 comprises a covering sheath 11 of symmetrical general shape of revolution. In the example shown in the figures, the sheath 11 is generally tubular. Other forms are however possible, such as a sheath of triangular cross-section, square or hexagonal for example. It may also be envisaged that the outer wall of the lining sheath 11 has a cross section of a shape different from that of the inner wall of the lining sheath 11 delimiting the channel formed in the lining sheath 11. For example, the cross section of the outer wall may be hexagonal while the cross section of the inner wall may be circular. Conventionally, the dressing tip comprises a fixed portion 12 of tubular shape and a rotatable portion 13, greater in diameter than the fixed portion 12 and fitted on the fixed part so as to be able to rotate relative to at the fixed part 12. The means for securing the fixed part 12 and the rotating part 13 and the rotation of the rotating part 13 relative to the fixed part 12 being known per se, they will not be described more in detail here.

A writing tip 14 is connected to the covering sheath 11 at a first end of the covering sheath 11, said writing end 15, more precisely, the writing tip is connected to the end free of the fixed portion 12 of the covering sheath 11. The writing tip 14, of substantially conical shape of revolution, comprises an outlet port 16 through which will come out writing tips for a conventional ink writing, a digital recognition of the graphic gesture. Conventionally, the tip 14 is for example connected to the sleeve dressing by screwing in a thread that can be arranged on an inner or outer surface of the liner sleeve 11, or inserted by force therein. These connecting means being known per se, they will not be described here. The writing tip 14 is preferably provided with a wall 14P comprising an electromagnetic shielding, in order to limit the electromagnetic interference that can disturb the digital recognition of the graphic gesture. The covering sheath 11 also comprises, on the outer surface 12E of its fixed portion 12, two gripping surfaces 18 disposed near the writing end 15. The gripping surfaces 18 are arranged on buttons pusher, detailed below, allowing the activation of various functions of a force sensor that can participate in the digital recognition of the graphical gesture. The gripping surfaces 18 may comprise a non-slip surface, for example made of elastomer, distributed over a portion of the circumference of the fixed portion 12 of the covering sheath.

Near its opposite end 20 at the writing end 15, or distal end 20, the covering sheath 11, conventionally comprises a clip (or clip) 22 connected to the rotating portion 13 of the sheath. dressing via a connecting ring 24, which is for example inserted by force on the rotating part 13 of the dressing sheath. Such a staple 22 and its connecting means to the sheath 11 being known per se, they are not described in more detail here.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the distal end 20 of the covering sheath 11, which is here the end of the rotary portion 13, also comprises a loading nozzle 26 of substantially tubular shape, comprising a slot 28 giving access to a connection tip of a conventional USB connector 29 disposed in the writing instrument 10 as will be seen later. The USB connector 29 being standard and known per se, it will not be described in more detail here. In a variant not shown, the connection tip of the USB connector 29 may be disposed on the side of the liner sleeve 11 and not at its end. In this case, the slot 28 will be made in the outer wall of the sheath 11.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the casing 11, here the rotating portion 13 of the casing sheath, is provided on its inner surface 131 with 13F friction projections extending over a part of the circumference of the inner surface 131. The friction projections 13F are for example substantially straight, parallel to each other and each extending along the longitudinal axis of the covering sheath 11 and being aligned in a direction perpendicular to this axis .

FIGS. 3 to 13 show the writing instrument 10 without the covering sheath 11. It can be seen that the writing instrument 10 comprises an inner sheath 30, an intermediate sheath 32 and a positioning control sleeve 34, all of symmetrical general shape of revolution, inserted into each other. In the example shown in the figures, the inner sleeves 30, intermediate 32 and positioning control 34 are generally cylindrical in shape, that is to say of generally tubular shape. More particularly, the inner sheath 30, having the smallest diameter of the three, is inserted into the intermediate sheath 32, having a larger diameter. The intermediate sleeve 32 is itself inserted into the positioning control sheath 34, of greater diameter. Finally, the inner sleeves 30, intermediate 32 and positioning control 34 are all contained in the volume defined by the casing 11, which leaves none. In variants not shown, it may be envisaged that the outer wall of at least one of the inner sheath 30, intermediate 32 or positioning control 34 has a cross section of a different shape than that of the inner wall. sheath defining the channel in the sheath. For example, the cross section of the outer wall of at least one of the inner sleeve 30, intermediate 32 or positioning control 34 may be hexagonal while the cross section of the inner wall may be circular.

The inner sleeve 30, which can be seen in particular in Figure 3, comprises an inner tubular portion 35, open at a free end 34 to accommodate an ink cartridge 36 inserted into the inner tubular portion 35. The ink cartridge, which here complies with a known standard ink cartridge of the prior art, comprises a generally tubular shaped body at one end of which is an ink-writing tip 38 provided for example with a ball (not shown in the figures) for the delivery of the ink. The opposite end 40 of the inner tubular portion 35 is closed and substantially flat.

The writing instrument 10 further comprises locking means in rotation of the inner sleeve 30 relative to the intermediate sleeve 52. More specifically, the inner sleeve 30 comprises a radial locking member 42 of the inner sleeve 30 protruding from the closed end 40 of the inner tubular portion 35. The radial locking member 34 comprises two radial locking tongues 44 cooperating respectively with two complementary radial locking shoulders 46 formed in the intermediate sheath 32, as can be seen in FIG. can see in Figure 4, on which they can rest.

The radial locking tongues 44 and the radial locking shoulders 46 are configured so that the radial locking tongues 44 can slide on the radial locking shoulders 44 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner sleeve 30, in such a way as to block the radial displacement of the inner sleeve 30 with respect to the intermediate sleeve 32. For this purpose, the radial locking shoulders 46 extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the intermediate sleeve 32. The radial locking tongues 44 protrude from the inner tubular portion 35 in a direction of extension perpendicular to the direction The radial locking tabs 44 are symmetrically disposed on the circumference of the inner tubular portion 35. In a variant not shown, there may be only one tab radial blocking 44 and a single radial locking shoulder 46. The guide member 34 further comprises a third radial locking tab 47 projecting from the tubular portion in a direction of extension perpendicular to the direction according to which extend the two radial locking tongues 44 and disposed equidistant from the two radial locking tabs 44. [0037] The third radial locking tab 47 cooperates with a radial locking groove 48 of complementary shape formed in the intermediate sheath 32 and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the intermediate sheath 32, as can be seen in FIG. orientation, the cooperation of the radial locking tongues 44, 47 with the radial locking shoulders 46 on the one hand, and the radial locking groove 48 prevents the rotation of the inner sleeve 30 relative to the intermediate sleeve 52 about the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument 10.,

The guide member 42 further comprises a pin 49 projecting from the inner tubular portion 35 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the third radial guide tongue 46. This pin 49 is provided, at its end, an ink cartridge locating cam 50. The ink cartridge locating cam 50, or inner cam 50, has a substantially circular cross section and is intended to cooperate with a positioning cam path of ink cartridge 52 formed in the positioning control sheath 36, as can be seen in Figure 9 and as will be detailed later.

We will now describe the intermediate sleeve 32 with reference to Figures 4 to 8 in particular. The intermediate sheath 32, of tubular general shape, comprises at one end intended to be connected to a stylus tip 54, called the writing end 56, a receiving portion 58. The receiving portion 58 is provided with at least one housing for receiving a printed circuit 59. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving portion 58 has a three-sided pyramidal cross-section 58f, each of the faces 58f being substantially flat and constituting a housing intended to receive a part of the printed circuit 59. In a variant not shown, the receiving portion 58 has a substantially circular section and comprises two flat areas forming substantially planar faces, arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the intermediate sheath 32. In yet another variant not shown, the receiving portion 58 has a square section with four faces, each of the faces being substantially flat.

The writing end 56 of the intermediate sheath 32 comprises locking means in rotation of the intermediate sheath 32 relative to the fixed portion 12 of the sheath of dressing. The rotational locking means make it possible to prevent rotation of the intermediate sheath 32 with respect to the fixed portion 12 of the lining sheath around the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument 10. As can be seen from FIG. FIG. 6 in particular, the means for locking in rotation of the intermediate sheath 32 here comprise grooves 58g made in the receiving portion and radial locking ribs 12n of the fixed portion 12 of the sheathing sleeve being inserted into the grooves of radial block 58g. More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the radial blocking grooves 58g are three in number and are arranged on the edges of the receiving portion 58. The radial locking grooves 58g are delimited by straight walls 58p or inclined 58p '. For example, one of the radial locking grooves 58g is delimited by two straight walls 58p, while the other two radial locking grooves 58g are delimited by a straight wall 58p and an inclined wall 58p '. By right wall 58p is meant here a wall forming an angle of approximately 90 ° with the face 58f. An inclined wall is at an angle less than 30 ° with a face 58f. A straight wall 58p has the advantage of being more rigid, while an inclined wall 58p 'reduces the volume occupied by the wall. Naturally, other combinations of walls are possible. The ribs 12n are in number corresponding to the number of radial locking grooves 58f and protrude from the inner surface 121 of the fixed portion 12 of the liner sleeve. The ribs 12n extend in the longitudinal direction of the covering sheath 11. At its end opposite the writing end 56, said charging end 60, the intermediate sheath 32 comprises an intermediate tubular portion 62. The receiving portion 58 and the intermediate tubular portion 62 are hollow and run through a common common channel 64 for receiving the inner sleeve 30 and the ink cartridge 36. The intermediate channel 64 is opening at the writing ends 56 and 60. The receiving portion

58 and the intermediate tubular portion 62 are delimited and separated by a collar 66.

As can be seen in Figure 7 in particular, in this embodiment of the invention, the receiving portion 58 receives, at its free end, said receiving end 67, a force sensor 68 having a shape cylindrical. The force sensor 68 comprises a receiving member 70 connected to a connecting ring 72 supporting a stylus tip 54, so that the connecting ring 72 is integral in translation with the receiving member 70. In particular, the receiver 70 may be part of or directly connected to a pressure-sensitive measuring surface that is responsive to the force exerted by the writing surface in response to the pressure exerted by the user on that surface via the stylus tip 54. the force sensor 68 for example makes it possible to measure the forces exerted by the stylus tip 54 exerted by the writing medium in response to the pressure exerted by the user of the writing instrument 20 on this support via the stylet tip 54. The force sensor 68 is known per se from the prior art, it will not be described in more detail here.

As can be seen in Figure 8 in particular, the force sensor 68 is controlled by the printed circuit 59. The activation of certain functions of the printed circuit

59 can be controlled by two activation buttons 73, which are for example each carried by a respective face 58f. The number of activation buttons 73 can of course vary, as do their functions. The printed circuit 59 comprises, in the embodiment shown in the figures, a first portion wound around the faces 58f, and a second portion connecting the first portion to the charging end 60. More particularly, the printed circuit 59 is housed in a housing provided for this purpose in the intermediate sheath 32. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a geometry for the housing accommodating the printed circuit 59, which notably comprises a bend so as to bypass a positioning cam carried by the intermediate sheath 32, described below. Of course, this geometry may vary depending on the shape of the intermediate sleeve 32 as the size of the printed circuit 59, which itself depends on the desired digital recognition features.

The intermediate tubular portion 54 comprises a longitudinal opening 74, extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate tubular portion 52, through which the inner cam 50 can project when the inner sleeve 32 is inserted. in the intermediate sheath 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The length of the longitudinal opening 74 is chosen so that the internal cam 50 can travel all the internal cam path 52.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the intermediate tubular portion 54 comprises a housing 76 accommodating an electric accumulator 78 for the power supply of the printed circuit associated with the force sensor 68. For this purpose, the electric accumulator 78 is preferably tubular and of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the intermediate tubular portion 54. Given the presence of the electric accumulator 78, the length of the longitudinal opening 74 will be chosen so that, during the mounting the writing instrument 20, insert the accumulator in the housing 76. [0050]. The electric accumulator 78 cooperates with the USB connector 29 inserted in the extension of the intermediate channel 64 so that it can be recharged via this USB port 29. In a variant, the electric accumulator 78 is not rechargeable (it can for example the presence of the USB connector 29 is not necessary. The intermediate tubular portion 54 further comprises, preferably near the charging end 60, two stylet positioning cams 80 arranged symmetrically on the tubular portion 64 on either side of its longitudinal axis. . The stylet positioning cams 80, or intermediate cams 80, are of a shape similar to that of the internal cams 50, namely of cylindrical general shape of revolution. The internal cams 50 project from flexible tabs 82 cut in the intermediate tubular wall 62.

The flexible tabs 82 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate sheath 32. The flexible tabs 82 are delimited by cutouts 84 of semi-elliptical shape. The fact that the internal cams 50 are carried by the flexible tabs 82 makes it possible to confer flexibility on the support of the internal cams 50 in order to facilitate the mounting of the intermediate sheath 32 in the sheath 11.

We will now describe in more detail the positioning control sleeve 34 with reference to Figures 9 to 13. The positioning control sleeve 34 is generally tubular in shape of substantially constant diameter and open at both ends. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the positioning control sheath 34 is divided into two portions, a proximal portion 88 and a distal portion 90, delimited by a delimiting ring projection 91. proximal portion 88 the tubular portion closest to the writing end 15 and distal portion 90 the tubular portion closest to the end opposite the writing end 15.

The distal portion 90 is provided with an annular projection 92 including friction projections 92F similar to the friction projections 13F on the inner surface 131 of the rotating portion of the sheath 11 which are intended to cooperate with the projections friction 13F. The friction projections 13F of the rotating portion engage the friction projections 92F of the positioning control sheath 34 to rotate the positioning control sheath 34 when the rotating portion 13 of the dressing sheath is driven. in rotation by the user. The cooperation of the friction projections 13F and 92F make it possible to rotate the positioning control sleeve 34 and the rotating part 13 in rotation. The friction projections 13F and the friction projections 92F of the annular protrusion 92 enable the user to control the movement of the inner and intermediate cams 52 by rotation of the sheath 11.

In an alternative not shown, the outer wall of the positioning control sheath 34 has a polygonal cross section, for example hexagonal, the presence of friction projections in both the sheath 11 and the intermediate sleeve 32 becomes optional. Indeed, the rotational solidarity of the positioning control sleeve 34 and the covering sleeve can then be done by cooperation between the tops of the outer wall of the positioning control sleeve 34 and the inner surface 131 of the rotary portion 13 dressing sheath.

The positioning control sleeve 34 comprises an ink cartridge positioning cam path 52, or internal cam path 52 formed in its proximal portion 88, to be traversed by the internal cam 50. More particularly, the ink cartridge positioning cam path 52 includes a circumferential circumferential portion 96 circumferentially in the positioning control sleeve and a substantially straight portion 98, inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve 34 The circumferential portion 96 comprises a stop 96B marking the beginning of the cam path and therefore the beginning of the stroke of the internal cam 50. Similarly, the straight portion 98 comprises a stop 98B marking the end of the cam path and therefore the end of the stroke of the inner cam 50. It will be noted here that the terms beginning and end are here arbitrary and correspond to the path of the cam in the path of cam in the direction retracted tip towards tip outlet of the tip. The stroke of the ink cartridge positioning cam 50 in the ink cartridge positioning cam path 52 controls the displacement of the inner barrel 30 along the longitudinal axis of the ink instrument. writing 10.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the retracted position of the inner sleeve 30, that is to say the position in which the inner sleeve 30 is furthest from the writing end 15. In this position, the inner cam 52 abuts against the stop 96B. Because the ink cartridge 36 carrying the ink-writing tip 38 is inserted into the inner sleeve 30, this position corresponds to the position where the ink-writing tip 38 is retracted into the covering sleeve 11. To move the inner sleeve 30 towards the writing end 15, the user will first rotate the rotary portion 13 of the covering sheath about the longitudinal axis of the sheath 11 in the housing without a schedule. Indeed, as previously seen, the rotary portion 13 drives the positioning control sleeve 34 in its rotary movement because the friction projections 13F and 92F rotate together the positioning control sleeve 34 and the rotating part. 13. The inner cam 50 will therefore traverse the circumferential portion 96 of the internal cam path 52. This path does not yet cause the displacement of the inner sleeve 30 along the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument due to this part of the cam path travels the circumference of the positioning control sleeve 34. Then, while the rotation of the rotating part 13 by the user continues, the internal cam will reach the straight portion 98 of the cam path internal 52.

Since the rectilinear part of the cam path 98 extends non-circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve 34, it is understood that when the internal cam 50 traverses the rectilinear portion 98 of the internal cam path 52, the inner sleeve 30 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Indeed, the locking means in rotation of the inner sleeve 30 relative to the intermediate sleeve 32 about the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument 10, namely the radial locking tabs 44, the radial locking shoulder 46 and the radial locking groove 48, prevent rotation of the inner sleeve 30 relative to the intermediate sleeve 32. The longitudinal displacement of the inner sleeve 30 is controlled by the further rotation of the positioning control sleeve 34, which is itself controlled by the rotation of the rotatable portion 13, by virtue of the fact that the rectilinear portion 98 of the cam path extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve 34. Since the ink cartridge 36 carrying the ink-writing tip 38 is inserted into the inner sleeve 30, when the inner cam 52 traverses that straight portion of the inner cam path 52 towards the end. 15 of the writing instrument, the ink-writing tip 38 approaches the exit orifice 16 and can exit therefrom. Thus, when the inner cam 50 reaches the stop 98B, the writing tip 38 is locked in writing position and the user can write with. This is the position illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

Conversely, when the inner cam 52 traverses this rectilinear portion of the internal cam path 52 towards the opposite end 20 of the writing instrument, that is to say when the user rotates the rotating portion 13 counterclockwise, the ink-writing tip 38 is retracted into the interior of the sheath 11.

The positioning control sleeve 34 further comprises at least one stylet positioning cam path 86, or intermediate cam path 86, formed in its distal portion 90, to be traversed by an intermediate cam 80.

More particularly, a stylet cartridge positioning cam path 86 includes a circumferential circumferential portion 100 circumferentially in the positioning control sleeve and a substantially straight portion 102, inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath. The circumferential portion 100 includes a stop 100B marking the beginning of the cam path and thus the start of the stroke of the intermediate cam 80. Similarly, the straight portion 102 includes a stop 102B marking the end of the path. of cam and thus the end of the stroke of the inner cam 80. It will be noted here that the terms start and end are here arbitrary and correspond to the course of the cam in the direction retracted tip towards tip output of the tip.

In order to facilitate the control of the displacement of the inner and intermediate sleeves along the longitudinal axis for the user, in particular by making it more continuous, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the control sheath of positioning 34 includes two positioning cam paths stylet cartridge 86 in its distal portion 90 which defines a path of similar contours. In a first variant, it will be possible to provide a single stylet cartridge positioning cam path 86 and a single stylet positioning cam 80 to simplify the mechanism. In another variant, it will be possible to provide three stylet cartridge positioning cams 86 and three stylus positioning cams 80 to make the displacement of the cams in the paths even more continuous and pleasant to drive for the user.

In a similar manner to the above, the stroke of the stylet positioning cams 80 in the stylet cartridge positioning cams 86 makes it possible to control the displacement of the intermediate sheath 32 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Writing instrument 10. Also in a manner analogous to the foregoing, the locking means in rotation of the intermediate sheath 52 with respect to the fixed part 12 of the sheath around the longitudinal axis of the instrument. writing 10, namely the locking grooves 58g and the radial locking ribs 12n, prevent rotation of the intermediate sheath 32 with respect to the fixed portion 12 of the sheath around the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument 10. The operation explained above will not be redescribed. Note, however, that the cams 80 and intermediate cam 86 are configured so that the directions of rotation allowing the exit and the retraction of the stylus tip 54 are respectively opposite to those allowing the exit and the retraction of For example, according to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the output of the ink write tip 38 requires a clockwise rotation, while the output of the ink write tip 38 requires a clockwise rotation, while the stylus tip 54 requires counterclockwise rotation. Naturally, the examples shown in the figures and discussed above are given for illustrative and not limiting. Various variants are conceivable.

In particular, it is explicitly provided that one can combine the different embodiments illustrated to propose others. It is emphasized that all the features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if concretely they have been described in connection with other specified characteristics, both individually and in any combination, may be combined with other characteristics or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Writing instrument (10) of symmetrical general shape of revolution provided with a longitudinal axis comprising:

an inner barrel (30) of generally symmetrical shape for receiving an ink cartridge (36) carrying an ink cartridge locating cam (50);

an intermediate sleeve (32) of generally symmetrical shape for connection to a stylus tip (54) carrying a stylet positioning cam (80); and

a symmetrical, generally symmetrical positioning control sleeve (34), in which an ink cartridge locating cam path (52) cooperating with the ink cartridge locating cam (50) is arranged as well as a stylet-positioning cam path (86) cooperating with the stylet-positioning cam (80),

the inner sleeve (30) being inserted into the intermediate sleeve (32) and the intermediate sleeve (32) being inserted into the positioning control sleeve (34),

the stroke of the ink cartridge locating cam (50) in the ink cartridge locating cam path (52) driving movement of the inner barrel (30) along the longitudinal axis,

and the stroke of the stylet-positioning cam (80) in the stylet-positioning cam path (86) controlling movement of the intermediate sleeve (32) along the longitudinal axis.

The writing instrument (10) of claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge positioning cam path (52) comprises a circumferential circumferential portion (96) circumferentially in the positioning control sleeve (34) and a substantially rectilinear portion (98) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve (34).

The writing instrument (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stylet positioning cam path (86) comprises a circumferential circumferential portion (100) circumferentially in the positioning control sleeve (34). and a substantially rectilinear portion (102) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the positioning control sleeve (34).

The writing instrument (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate sleeve (32) carries two stylet positioning cams (80) disposed on the sleeve symmetrically with respect to a plane of rotation. symmetry of the intermediate sleeve (32) including the longitudinal axis, and wherein two stylet positioning cam paths (86) are provided in the positioning control sleeve (34), the stylet positioning cam cam paths (86) defining a path of similar contours.

5. Writing instrument (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for locking in rotation (44, 46, 47, 48) of the inner sleeve (30) relative to the intermediate sleeve (32) around the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument (10).

The writing instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a generally symmetrical shaped cladding sleeve (11) in which the positioning control sleeve (34) is inserted, said dressing sheath (11) comprising a fixed part (12) and a rotatable part (13), and rotational locking means

(58g, 12n) of the intermediate sheath (32) relative to said fixed portion (12) of the sheath (11) about the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument (10). The writing instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a generally symmetrical shape cover sleeve (11) in which the positioning control sleeve (34) is inserted, said cover sheath (11) comprising a a fixed portion (12) and a rotatable portion (13), the positioning control sleeve (34) being provided on its outer surface (13E) with an annular projection (92F) for co-operating with a plurality of projections; friction (13F) disposed on an inner surface (131) of the rotating portion (13) of the dressing sheath.

Writing instrument (10) according to claim 7, wherein the dressing sheath (11) comprises at one end a tip (14), preferably substantially conical, for receiving a writing tip, provided with a wall (14P) comprising an electromagnetic shield.

The writing instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate sleeve (32) comprises a receiving portion (58) provided with at least one housing (58f) for receiving a printed circuit (59).

The writing instrument (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a force sensor (68) disposed in the intermediate sleeve (32).

1 1. Writing instrument (10) according to claims 9 and 10, comprising a printed circuit for activating the force sensor (68) disposed on the faces (38f) of the receiving portion.

The writing instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate sleeve (32) comprises a housing (76) for receiving an electric accumulator (78) for supplying the force sensor. (68).

The writing instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a USB connector (29) for recharging an electric accumulator (78) for power supply of a force sensor ( 68), for example disposed at one end (60) of the writing instrument.

The writing instrument (10) according to claims 7 and 10, wherein the dressing sheath comprises an activation button (22) connected to a force sensor supply system (68).

15. A set of writing instrument (10) and an ink cartridge (36) having a writing tip (38), characterized in that the writing instrument (10) is according to any one of the preceding claims and in that the ink cartridge (36) is inserted into the inner sleeve (30).