WO2022223413A1 - Instrument d'écriture - Google Patents

Instrument d'écriture Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022223413A1
WO2022223413A1 PCT/EP2022/059934 EP2022059934W WO2022223413A1 WO 2022223413 A1 WO2022223413 A1 WO 2022223413A1 EP 2022059934 W EP2022059934 W EP 2022059934W WO 2022223413 A1 WO2022223413 A1 WO 2022223413A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
writing instrument
writing
pressure
ink
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/059934
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arnaud Bez
Original Assignee
Societe Bic
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Societe Bic filed Critical Societe Bic
Publication of WO2022223413A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022223413A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K7/00—Ball-point pens
    • B43K7/02—Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges
    • B43K7/03—Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges pressurised, e.g. by gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K5/00—Pens with ink reservoirs in holders, e.g. fountain-pens
    • B43K5/02—Ink reservoirs
    • B43K5/06—Ink reservoirs with movable pistons for withdrawing ink from an ink-receptacle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/02—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with writing-points comprising fibres, felt, or similar porous or capillary material
    • B43K8/03—Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/14—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with coreless tubular writing-points
    • B43K8/146—Ink cartridges, ink reservoirs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/16—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with tubular writing-points comprising a movable cleaning element
    • B43K8/165—Ink cartridges, ink reservoirs

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to the field of writing instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pressure regulation device configured for use in a free ink writing instrument.
  • a traditional writing instrument may include a tubular housing, a cartridge configured to store a fluid-based writing medium, such as ink, and a writing tip configured to transfer the writing medium to a surface.
  • the writing medium may freely circulate fluidly within the cartridge of the writing instrument. Additionally, the writing medium may circulate in real-time due to forces acting on the writing instrument, such as gravity. In particular, the writing medium may circulate when the writing instrument is handled and/or manipulated by a user.
  • the writing medium may require injection from the cartridge into a separate chamber of the writing instrument to mix with an additional fluid, such as water, prior to being ready for use. Downstream from the reservoir, the writing medium, once mixed with the additional fluid, may be fed to the writing tip.
  • the writing instrument may be configured to be refilled with the writing medium.
  • refilling the writing instrument with the writing medium may create a messy situation for a user attempting to refill the writing instrument.
  • injection of the writing medium from the cartridge into the separate chamber of the writing instrument may cause over pressure within the separate chamber of the writing instrument, resulting in leakage of the writing medium from the writing instrument.
  • a pressure regulation device configured for use in a writing instrument, which includes structures and/or relationships configured to regulate pressure variation within the writing instrument, to improve refilling of the writing instrument in a hassle-free and convenient manner.
  • a free ink writing instrument comprises a pressure regulation device.
  • the pressure regulation device comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end along an axis, the body configured to be coupled to a housing of the free ink writing instrument so as to define an ink reservoir between the body and the housing.
  • the body comprises a writing- medium reservoir configured to be in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, wherein the writing -medium reservoir is defined between the body and a piston positioned between the first end and the second end of the body.
  • the piston is configured to move axially from a first position toward a second position such that when coupling the body to the housing the piston moves from the first position toward the second position. This increases pressure in the writing-medium reservoir and urges fluid to flow from the writing-medium reservoir to the ink reservoir.
  • the body comprises a pressure-balance reservoir configured to receive fluid from the ink reservoir.
  • the writing-medium reservoir is positioned between the ink reservoir and at least a portion of the pressure-balance reservoir.
  • at least a portion of the pressure- balance reservoir is configured to extend through the writing-medium reservoir.
  • the body defines a fluid passage configured to allow a fluid to flow from the ink reservoir to the pressure-balance reservoir when pressure is increased in the ink reservoir.
  • the fluid that is configured to flow from the ink reservoir to the pressure- balance reservoir is a gas.
  • a one-way valve is included at the fluid passage defined by the body and the one-way valve is configured to stop return flow from the pressure-balance reservoir into the ink reservoir.
  • the body includes a hydrophobic membrane positioned at the fluid passage defined by the body and the hydrophobic membrane is configured to restrict fluid flow from the ink reservoir into the pressure-balance reservoir through the fluid passage defined by the body.
  • the body includes a vent configured to allow fluid to flow out of the pressure-balance reservoir.
  • the piston defines a replacement passage configured to allow a fluid to flow from the writing-medium reservoir to the ink reservoir when the piston moves from the first position toward the second position.
  • a one-way valve is included at the replacement passage defined by the piston and the one-way valve is configured to stop return flow from the ink reservoir into the writing-medium reservoir.
  • the piston includes an engagement surface configured to receive a force exerted by pressure inside the ink reservoir when the body is coupled to the housing.
  • a method for regulating pressure within a free ink writing instrument comprises providing the pressure regulation device, and coupling the pressure regulation device to the housing of the free ink writing instrument.
  • the free ink writing instrument further comprises a writing tip, and a coupling member configured to be coupled with a complementary coupling member of the pressure regulation device.
  • the pressure regulation device is configured to refill the writing instrument with a writing medium.
  • the pressure regulation device and the method are capable of regulating pressure variation within a free ink writing instrument, to improve refilling of the free ink writing instrument in a hassle-free and convenient manner.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pressure regulation device included by a writing instrument according to aspects of the disclosure
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulation device included by the writing instrument of Figure 1, taken along an axis A-A;
  • Figure 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pressure regulation device included by the writing instrument of Figure 1, with emphasis on the pressure regulation device, and illustrating a piston of the pressure regulation device in a first position;
  • Figure 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pressure regulation device included by the writing instrument of Figure 1, with emphasis on the pressure regulation device, and illustrating the piston of the pressure regulation device in a second position;
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pressure regulation device included by the writing instrument of Figure 1, with emphasis on the pressure regulation device, and illustrating a body of the pressure regulation device being integrally formed.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of a pressure regulation device configured for use in a writing instrument and a method of regulating pressure within a writing element according to aspects of the disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1-4.
  • Like numerals represent like parts, and the pressure regulation device will generally be referred to by the reference numeral 10.
  • the pressure regulation device 10 is described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without going beyond the general scope as defined by the claims.
  • individual characteristics of the various embodiments shown and/or mentioned herein may be combined in additional embodiments. Consequently, the description and the drawings should be considered in a sense that is illustrative rather than restrictive.
  • Spatially relative terms such as “top, “"bottom, “”middle, “”inner, “”outer, “"beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings.
  • Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.
  • the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • first the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and/or parameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and/or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
  • the pressure regulation device 10 is configured for use in a writing instrument 100. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the pressure regulation device 10 may be considered to be a part of the writing instrument 100.
  • the term "writing instrument” as used herein may be understood to be a tool used to produce writing and/or drawing (e.g. figures, characters, lines, forms, and/or the like) upon a surface.
  • the writing instrument 100 may be a ballpoint pen, a rollerball pen, a felt pen, or the like. Additionally, the writing instrument 100 may be configured for use of free ink.
  • the term "free ink” as used herein may be understood as system in which a fluid-based writing medium 110 (hereafter, “the writing medium 110"), such as ink, freely circulates fluidly within one or more reservoir 34, 36 of the writing instrument 100. It is contemplated that the writing medium 110 may circulate in real-time due to forces acting on the writing instrument 100, such as gravity. In particular, it is contemplated that the writing medium 110 may circulate when the writing instrument 100 is handled and/or manipulated by a user. Additionally, downstream from the one or more reservoir 34, 36, the writing medium 110 may be fed to a writing tip 120 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the writing medium 110 may be fed to a writing tip 120 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the writing tip 120 may include any structure suitable for absorbing and/or transferring the writing medium 110, such as a fibrous bundle, a capillarity duct, a felt duct, and/or the like.
  • the writing instrument 100 may be configured to be refillable. Accordingly, the writing instrument 100 may be referred to and/or understood as a refillable free ink writing instrument.
  • the writing instrument 100 includes a cylindrical housing 130 configured to couple with the pressure regulation device 10. However, it is contemplated that the housing may have a different elongated shape, such as prismatic, e.g.
  • the writing instrument 100 includes a coupling member 140 configured to couple with a complementary coupling member (coupling member 26) of the pressure regulation device 10.
  • the coupling member 140 of the writing instrument 100 may be included on the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the coupling member 140 of the writing instrument 100 is configured to form a threaded engagement with the complementary coupling member (coupling member 26) of the pressure regulation device 10; however, it is contemplated that an alternative form of engagement may be compatible with the pressure regulation device 10, such as a bayonet connection or snap-fit connection.
  • the writing instrument 100 may include an engagement member 150 configured to come into contact with and/or exert a force upon a piston 60 (discussed below) of the pressure regulation device 10, to thereby move the piston 60.
  • the engagement member 150 of the writing instrument 100 extends axially, along a common axis A-A of the pressure regulation device 10, from the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the pressure regulation device 10 is configured to improve regulation of pressure variation when refilling the writing instrument 100 with the writing medium 110.
  • the pressure regulation device 10 is configured to couple with the writing instrument 100.
  • the pressure regulation device 10 includes a body 20 extending between a first end 22 and a second end 24 along an axis A-A, and a piston 60 positioned within the body 20 between the first end 22 and the second end 24 of the body 20.
  • the body 20 may include a first body portion 20a extending from the first end 22 of the body 20 toward the second end 24 of the body 20 and a second body portion 20b extending from the second end 24 of the body 20 toward the first end 22 of the body 20.
  • the first body portion 20a and the second body portion 20b may be configured to couple with each other.
  • the first body portion 20a and the second body portion 20b may be configured to form a threaded engagement; however, it is contemplated that an alternative form of engagement may be compatible with the pressure regulation device 10, such as a bayonet connection or snap-fit connection.
  • Including a first body portion 20a and a second body portion 20b may allow a user to remove the second body portion 20b from the pressure regulation device 10 to relieve pressure accumulated within the pressure regulation device 10.
  • the first body portion 20a and the second body portion 20b may be integrally formed (see Figure 4).
  • the first body portion 20a and the second body portion 20b may be referred to herein as "the body 20."
  • the body 20 may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the body 20 includes a coupling member 26 at the first end 22 of the body 20, which is configured to form a threaded engagement with the coupling member 140 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the body 20 and/or the writing instrument 100 may include a seal (not shown) to prevent the writing medium 110 from leaking from the pressure regulation device 10 and/or the writing instrument 100.
  • the body 20 of the pressure regulation device 10 includes an outer (first) wall 28 and an inner (second) wall 30. It is contemplated that the terms “inner” and “outer” may be understood as locations within the pressure regulation device 10 at distances relative to the axis A-A. Accordingly, the inner wall 30 may be understood as being located at a distance from the axis A-A that may be equal to or less than a distance from the axis A-A of the outer wall 28. In the disclosed embodiment, the outer wall 28 and the inner wall 30 are integrally formed. The outer wall 28 extends axially between the first end 22 and the second end 24 of the body 20.
  • the inner wall 30 includes a first inner wall portion 30a which extends radially inwardly from the outer wall 28 and a second inner wall portion 30b that extends axially from the first inner wall portion 30a, in a direction toward the first end 22 of the body 20.
  • the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” may be understood as directions within the pressure regulation device 10 relative to the axis A-A. Accordingly, the term “inwardly” may be understood as being a direction extending toward the axis A-A and the term “outwardly” may be understood as being a direction extending away from the axis A-A.
  • at least a portion of the inner wall 30 is configured to be concentric with the outer wall 28.
  • the second inner wall portion 30b is configured to be concentric with the outer wall 28.
  • an annular slot 32 is defined between the outer wall 28 and the inner wall 30.
  • the annular slot 32 is defined between the outer wall 28, the first inner wall portion 30a, and the second inner wall portion 30b.
  • the annular slot 32 is configured to receive the piston 60.
  • the outer wall 28 and the inner wall 30 of the body 20 are configured to surround the piston 60, in a surface-to-surface engagement with the piston 60.
  • the body 20 of the pressure regulation device 10 is configured to receive at least a portion of the writing instrument 100.
  • the body 20 is configured to receive the engagement member 150 of the writing instrument 100, so that the engagement member 150 may come into contact with and/or exert a force upon the piston 60 to move the piston 60 when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100.
  • the body 20 is configured to define a ink reservoir 34, a writing-medium reservoir 36, and a pressure-balance reservoir 38.
  • the ink reservoir 34 is defined between the body 20, the piston 60, and the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100 when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100.
  • the ink reservoir 34 is defined between the inner wall 30 of the body 20, the piston 60, and the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100 when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100. Additionally, at least a portion of the ink reservoir 34 is defined at the first end 22 of the body 20.
  • the ink reservoir 34 may be configured to store the writing medium 110. Additionally or alternatively, the ink reservoir 34 may be configured to store a fluid 115 which may be mixed with the writing medium 110 (see Figure 3A).
  • the fluid 115 to be mixed with the writing medium 110 may be water. It is contemplated that a user may add the fluid (water) 115 into the housing of the writing instrument 100 prior to coupling the pressure regulation device 10 to the writing instrument 100, such that the fluid 115 may then be stored within the ink reservoir 34.
  • the writing-medium reservoir 36 is defined between the body 20 and the piston 60. Additionally, the writing-medium reservoir 36 is defined between the outer wall 28 of the body 20, the inner wall 30 of the body 20, and the piston 60. In particular, the writing-medium reservoir 36 is defined between the outer wall 28 of the body 20, the first inner wall portion 30a and second inner wall portion 30b of the body 20, and the piston 60. Accordingly, the writing-medium reservoir 36 is included within the annular slot 32. As such, the writing-medium reservoir 36 has an annular shape and is configured to surround at least a portion of the pressure-balance reservoir 38 defined by the second inner wall portion 30b (discussed below), as well as a second passage 42 defined by the body 20 (discussed below).
  • the writing-medium reservoir 36 is defined at a position between the ink reservoir 34 and at least a portion of the pressure- balance reservoir 38.
  • the writing-medium reservoir 36 is configured such that the pressure- balance reservoir 38 is in direct communication with the ink reservoir 34, through the second passage 42 defined by the body 20.
  • the writing-medium reservoir 36 is also in direct communication with the ink reservoir 34. Having the writing-medium reservoir 36 in direct communication with the ink reservoir 34 allows the writing-medium reservoir 36 to deliver a fluid to the ink reservoir 34.
  • the writing-medium reservoir 36 is configured to store the fluid, which is to be delivered to the ink reservoir 34 during a refilling process.
  • the fluid stored by the writing-medium reservoir 36 is the writing medium 110.
  • the writing medium 110 which is stored by the writing-medium reservoir 36 may be concentrated ink, which may be mixed with the fluid (water) 115 which may be stored in the ink reservoir 34.
  • the piston 60 defines a first passage (also referred to herein as a "replacement passage") 62 configured to allow fluid (the writing medium 110) to flow from the writing-medium reservoir 36 to the ink reservoir 34.
  • the piston 60 may include a plurality of first passages 62 configured to allow the fluid (the writing medium 110) to flow from the writing-medium reservoir 36 to the ink reservoir 34; however, the plurality of first passages 62 will be referred to herein as "the first passage 62," unless reference to a plurality of the first passages 62 is otherwise necessary.
  • the piston 60 may include a first one-way valve 64 at and/or in the first passage 62.
  • the piston 60 may include a plurality of first one-way valves 64 included at and/or in a corresponding first passage 62; however, the plurality of first one-way valves 64 will be referred to herein as "the first one way valve 64," unless reference to a plurality of the first one-way valves 64 is otherwise necessary.
  • the first one-way valve 64 is configured to allow fluid flow from the writing-medium reservoir 36 into the ink reservoir 34 and to stop return fluid flow from the ink reservoir 34 into the writing-medium reservoir 36. In this manner, the writing medium 110 may be delivered from the writing-medium reservoir 36 to the ink reservoir 34 and the writing medium 110 and/or the fluid (water) 115 are prevented from entering the writing-medium reservoir 36 from the ink reservoir 34.
  • the pressure- balance reservoir 38 is defined between the body 20 of the pressure regulation device 10.
  • the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is defined between the outer wall 28 of the body 20 and the inner wall 30 of the body 20. At least a portion of the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is defined at the second end 24 of the body 20.
  • the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is configured to receive fluid from the ink reservoir 34.
  • the fluid received by the pressure-balance reservoir 38 from the ink reservoir 34 may be a gas.
  • the fluid received by the pressure-balance reservoir 38 from the ink reservoir 34 may be air.
  • the ink reservoir 34 includes a first volume configured to be occupied by a gas and the pressure-balance reservoir 38 includes a second volume configured to be occupied by a gas.
  • the first volume configured to be occupied by a gas of the ink reservoir 34 is a volume of the ink reservoir 34 that is not occupied by the writing medium 110 and fluid (water) 115 once the pressure regulation device 10 has been coupled to the writing instrument 10 and the writing medium 110 and the fluid 115 have been mixed.
  • the second volume configured to be occupied by a gas of the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is greater than the first volume configured to be occupied by a gas of the ink reservoir 34.
  • pressure in the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is lower than pressure in the ink reservoir 34.
  • fluid (gas) present in the ink reservoir 34 flows from the ink reservoir 34 (high pressure) to the pressure-balance reservoir 38 (low pressure) when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100.
  • fluid (gas) present in the ink reservoir 34 flows from the ink reservoir 34 (high pressure) to the pressure- balance reservoir 38 (low pressure) when pressure is increased in the ink reservoir 34.
  • the body 20 defines a second passage (also referred to herein as a "fluid passage") 42 configured to allow the fluid (gas) to flow from the ink reservoir 34 to the pressure-balance reservoir 38. Additionally or alternatively, the second passage 42 is configured to allow the fluid (gas) to flow from the ink reservoir 34 to the pressure-balance reservoir 38 when pressure is increased in the ink reservoir 34.
  • the second passage 42 is defined by the inner wall 30 of the body 20. Additionally, the second passage 42 is defined at a position inward of the second inner wall portion 30b of the body 20. In this position, the second passage 42 extends directly between the ink reservoir 34 and the pressure-balance reservoir 38.
  • the pressure-balance reservoir 38 is in direct communication with the ink reservoir 34.
  • the body 20 includes a second one-way valve 44 at and/or in the second passage 42 defined by the body 20.
  • the second one-way valve 44 is configured to allow fluid flow from the ink reservoir 34 into the pressure-balance reservoir 38 and to stop return fluid flow from the pressure-balance reservoir 38 into the ink reservoir 34. In this manner, the fluid (gas) may only flow from the ink reservoir 34 to the pressure-balance reservoir 38.
  • a first hydrophobic membrane 46 may be included at the second passage 42 defined by the body 20. The first hydrophobic membrane 46 may be configured to restrict fluid flow from the ink reservoir 34 into the pressure-balance reservoir 38 through the second passage 42 defined by the body 20.
  • the writing medium 110 and/or the fluid (water) 115 may be further prevented from entering the pressure- balance reservoir 38 from the ink reservoir 34.
  • the body 20 may include a vent 50 configured to allow fluid (gas) to flow out of the pressure-balance reservoir 38.
  • the vent 50 may be positioned at or near the second end 24 of the body 20.
  • fluid (gas) may be allowed to exit the pressure- balance reservoir 38 through the vent 50 included by the body 20.
  • a second hydrophobic membrane 52 may be included at the second end 24 of the body 20 and/or at the vent 50. The second hydrophobic membrane 52 may be configured to restrict fluid flow out of the pressure-balance reservoir 38 through the vent. In this manner, if the writing medium 110 and/or the fluid (water) 115 have entered the pressure- balance reservoir 38, the writing medium 110 and/or the fluid (water) 115 may be further prevented from leaking from the pressure-balance reservoir 38 through the vent 50.
  • the piston 60 is configured to move axially from a first position (see Figure 3A) toward a second position (see Figure 3B). Accordingly, the piston 60 is configured to move from the first position to the second position within the annular slot defined by the outer wall 28 and the inner wall 30 of the body 20 of the pressure regulation device 10. As such, the piston 60 has an annular shape configured for surface-to-surface contact with the body 20 within the annular slot 32. In the disclosed embodiment, the piston 60 moves toward the second end 24 of the body 20 when the piston 60 moves toward the second position. The piston 60 is configured to move from the first position toward the second position as the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100. To this end, the piston 60 is configured to move toward the second position as the pressure regulation device 10 is threadbly engaged and/or screwed onto the housing 130 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the piston 60 includes an engagement surface 66 configured to receive a force exerted by the increased pressure within the ink reservoir 34 when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100.
  • the force exerted by the increased pressure within the ink reservoir 34 upon the engagement surface 66 causes the piston 60 to move from the first position toward the second position.
  • the engagement surface 66 may be configured to come into contact with and/or receive a force exerted by the engagement member 150 of the writing instrument 100.
  • the engagement surface 66 of the piston 60 comes into contact with the engagement member 150 of the writing instrument 100 and receives the force exerted by the engagement member 150 of the writing instrument 100. Receiving the force exerted by the engagement member 150 causes the piston 60 to move from the first position toward the second position. Moving the piston 60 from the first position toward the second position decreases a volume of the writing-medium reservoir 36. As the volume of the writing-medium reservoir 36 decreases, pressure within the writing-medium reservoir 36 increases. This decrease in volume of the writing-medium reservoir 36 may take place simultaneously with the decrease in volume of the ink reservoir 34.
  • Increasing pressure in the writing-medium reservoir 36 forces the writing medium 110 through the first one-way valve 64, from the writing-medium reservoir 36 into the ink reservoir 34. In this manner, the piston 60 moves from the first position toward the second position when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100. Additionally, the writing medium 110 flows from the writing-medium reservoir 36 into the ink reservoir 34 when the pressure regulation device 10 is coupled to the writing instrument 100 and/or as the piston 60 moves from the first position toward the second position.
  • the writing medium 110 flowing from the writing-medium reservoir 36 to the ink reservoir 34 causes a volume of the ink reservoir 34 occupied by a mixture of the writing medium 110 and fluid (water) 115 within the ink reservoir 34 to increase.
  • pressure within the ink reservoir 34 increases.
  • Increased pressure within the ink reservoir 34 may cause leakage of the writing medium 110 and fluid (water) 115 mixture from the writing instrument 100, creating a messy situation for a user.
  • gas (air) is forced through the second one-way valve 44 when pressure within the ink reservoir 34 is increased.
  • a pressure regulation device configured for use in a free ink writing instrument, the pressure regulation device comprising: a. a body extending between a first end and a second end along an axis A-A, the body configured to be coupled to the free ink writing instrument so as to define a first reservoir between the body and the free ink writing instrument and the body defining a second reservoir in communication with the first reservoir; b. a piston positioned between the first end and the second end of the body, the piston configured to move axially from a first position toward a second position; and c.
  • coupling the body to the free ink writing instrument moves the piston from the first position toward the second position, pressure increases in the second reservoir when the piston moves from the first position toward the second position, and fluid flows from the second reservoir to the first reservoir when pressure is increased in the second reservoir.
  • the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 2-4, wherein the body defines a fluid passage configured to allow a fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the third reservoir when pressure is increased in the first reservoir.
  • the pressure regulation device according to embodiment 5, wherein the fluid the fluid passage defined by the body is configured to allow to flow from the first reservoir to the third reservoir is a gas.
  • the pressure regulation device according to any of embdiments 5-6, wherein a one way valve is included at the fluid passage defined by the body and the one-way valve is configured to stop return flow from the third reservoir into the first reservoir.
  • the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 5-7, wherein the body includes a hydrophobic membrane positioned at the fluid passage defined by the body and the hydrophobic membrane is configured to restrict fluid flow from the first reservoir into the third reservoir through the fluid passage defined by the body.
  • the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 2-8, wherein the body includes a vent configured to allow fluid to flow out of the third reservoir.
  • the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the piston defines a replacement passage configured to allow a fluid to flow from the second reservoir to the first reservoir when the piston moves from the first position toward the second position.
  • the pressure regulation device according to embodiment 10, wherein a one-way valve is included at the replacement passage defined by the piston and the one-way valve is configured to stop return flow from the first reservoir into the second reservoir.
  • the piston includes an engagement surface configured to receive a force exerted by pressure inside the first reservoir when the body is coupled to the free ink writing instrument.
  • a method for regulating pressure within a free ink writing instrument comprising: a. providing the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 1- 12; and b. coupling the pressure regulation device to the free ink writing instrument.
  • a free ink writing instrument comprising the pressure regulation device according to any of embodiments 1-12, a. a writing tip, b. a housing, c. and a coupling member configured to be coupled with a complementary coupling member of the pressure regulation device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un instrument d'écriture à encre libre comportant un dispositif de régulation de pression (10) doté d'un corps (20) s'étendant entre une première extrémité (22) et une seconde extrémité (24), le corps (20) étant configuré pour être accouplé à un instrument d'écriture à encre libre (100) de manière à définir un réservoir d'encre (34) entre le corps et l'instrument d'écriture, et le corps définissant un réservoir de milieu d'écriture (36) en communication avec le réservoir d'encre, un piston (60) étant positionné entre la première extrémité et la seconde extrémité du corps, le piston étant configuré pour se déplacer axialement d'une première position vers une seconde position, l'accouplement du corps à l'instrument d'écriture déplaçant le piston de la première position vers la seconde position, une pression augmentant dans le réservoir de milieu d'écriture lorsque le piston se déplace de la première position vers la seconde position, et le fluide s'écoulant du réservoir de milieu d'écriture au réservoir d'encre.
PCT/EP2022/059934 2021-04-20 2022-04-13 Instrument d'écriture WO2022223413A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21305524.7A EP4079526A1 (fr) 2021-04-20 2021-04-20 Dispositif et procédé de régulation de pression pour un instrument d'écriture
EP21305524.7 2021-04-20

Publications (1)

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WO2022223413A1 true WO2022223413A1 (fr) 2022-10-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2022/059934 WO2022223413A1 (fr) 2021-04-20 2022-04-13 Instrument d'écriture

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EP (1) EP4079526A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022223413A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3854826A (en) * 1973-12-26 1974-12-17 Artex Hobby Fluid applicator pressure control device
FR2834243A1 (fr) * 2002-01-02 2003-07-04 Jean Delauzun Dispositif de forcage de l'ecoulement de l'encre lors de l'utilisation horizontale ou verticale sans interruption de l'encre

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3854826A (en) * 1973-12-26 1974-12-17 Artex Hobby Fluid applicator pressure control device
FR2834243A1 (fr) * 2002-01-02 2003-07-04 Jean Delauzun Dispositif de forcage de l'ecoulement de l'encre lors de l'utilisation horizontale ou verticale sans interruption de l'encre

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Publication number Publication date
EP4079526A1 (fr) 2022-10-26

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