Pen for writing and drawing purposes

A pen for writing and/or drawing purposes, and having a shaft and a core which is arranged within the shaft and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft between an active position and an inoperative position. The core is completely arranged within the shaft in the inoperative position and projects with an overhang from a front end of the shaft in the active position. An actuating element is provided which is movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between an active position and an inoperative position and which is operatively connected to the core via a connecting element in such a way that, during a movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inoperative position and the active position, the core is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a pen for writing and/or drawing purposes having a shaft and a core which is arranged within the shaft and which is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft between an active position and an inoperative position.

Pens in which the core is adjusted mechanically between an active position and an inoperative position are known in multiple embodiments and are used for example as ballpoint pens. In the case of so-called twist pens or twist ballpoint pens, a rear portion of the shaft is twisted with respect to a front portion in order to axially adjust the core. A further possibility is provided by push-type pens, for example push-type ballpoint pens, which have at their rear end an actuating button or pushbutton by the actuation of which the core is moved between the active position and the inoperative position. Here, the forward travel of the core is achieved, for example, by means of a spindle drive or a thread, with the result that a rotary movement of the shaft or a movement of the actuating button in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is transmitted to the core and the latter is thus axially adjusted. However, such a design is often technically complicated since a high number of additional components is required.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the invention to propose a pen for writing and/or drawing purposes in which the core is adjustable in a simple and reliable manner.

The object is achieved by a pen for writing and/or drawing purposes having the features as claimed in the independent claim1. The pen comprises a shaft and a core which is arranged within the shaft and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft between an active position and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the core is arranged completely within the shaft and, in the active position, the core protrudes with an overhang from a front end of the shaft. The pen further comprises an actuating element which is movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between an active position and an inoperative position and which is operatively connected to the core via a connecting element in such a way that, during a movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inoperative position and the active position, the core is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

In other words: the actuating element is—with respect to a horizontally held pen—movable vertically upward and downward, that is to say in the radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the pen, with the core being movable horizontally forward and backward. The movement of the actuating element and the movement of the core thus occur in directions which extend perpendicularly to one another. The actuating element and the core are thus coupled in movement via the connecting element, with the result that, during an actuation of the actuating element, the core is displaced or adjusted axially, that is to say along or parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the shaft. Here, the actuating element is arranged in a rear portion or end of the shaft, and therefore it is operatively connected to a rear end of the core and displaces said core toward a front end of the shaft for movement into the active position.

The term “active position” is to be understood here as meaning that position of the core or of the actuating element when the pen is being used, that is to say is in the writing position or in a use state, i.e. the core is extended. In the inoperative position of the core or of the actuating element, the pen is situated in the nonuse state, i.e. the core is retracted.

The idea of the present invention thus consists in providing a mechanical pen in which the core is movable from its inoperative position into the active position reliably and repeatedly and in a manner which is simple for a user. In other words: during its actuation, a movement of the actuating element that has occurred perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction is converted into a movement of the core that occurs in the longitudinal direction. The connecting element affords the advantage that the path of the actuating element which the latter covers during a movement from the inoperative position into the active position can be shorter than the movement path of the core in the longitudinal direction that is required to reach the active position of the core. In addition, the movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, by comparison with known pens in which the actuating element is moved just like the core in the longitudinal direction, means that less space is required within the shaft, with the result that the latter can be more compact overall, that is to say for example shorter or, for the same size, a longer core can be used in order to form a longer-life pen.

The connecting element is preferably rotatably mounted on the shaft in a central portion, a first end portion of the connecting element is preferably mounted on the actuating element, and a second end portion of the connecting element is preferably mounted directly or indirectly on the core. The connecting element is thus fastened to the shaft in a positionally fixed manner so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation extending both perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and perpendicularly to the movement direction of the actuating element, in other words about an axis of rotation extending in the transverse direction. A central portion of the connecting element thus forms a rotation point or fixed point about which the connecting element or both the first and the second end portion of the connecting element can be rotated, with the position of this fixed point with respect to the shaft thus not changing relative to the shaft, that is to say no movement in the longitudinal direction taking place with respect to the shaft. The first and the second end portion of the connecting element are also fastened to the actuating element or to the core in a positionally fixed manner, with the result that the relative position of the first end portion with respect to the actuating element and the relative position of the second end portion with respect to the core likewise do not change during a movement from the inoperative position into the active position, and vice versa. If the actuating element is moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft, a force is thus exerted on the first end portion of the connecting element. As a result, the first end portion of the connecting element is also moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft, that is to say carried along by the actuating element, with the result that this brings about a rotation of the connecting element about the fixed point and thus also a movement of the second end portion and the core is moved from the inoperative position into the active position. In other words: the movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft is converted by the connecting element into a movement of the core in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The connecting element thus has the function of a lever.

The connecting element is preferably a single connecting element or a connecting element of one-part design which thus comprises only one connecting member which is rotatably mounted on the shaft in a central portion, is mounted on the actuating element by a first end portion, and is mounted on the core directly or indirectly by a second end portion of the connecting element. In order to make possible a reliable rectilinear adjustment of the core, in a further preferred embodiment the connecting element comprises at least two connecting members, that is to say in particular a first connecting member and a second connecting member, which are each connected to one another in an articulated manner. In each case adjacent connecting members are thus each connected to one another so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis in their mutually facing end portions. The pivot axes about which in each case two connecting members, for example the first and the second connecting member, are arranged pivotably with respect to one another likewise extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and also perpendicularly to the movement direction of the actuating element. In addition, the pivot axes are displaceable translationally in the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, with the movement occurring along a curved line which follows the rotation about the axis of rotation of the central portion of one of the connecting members that is fixed on the shaft. Here, a first connecting member which is connected to the actuating element is fixed on the shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation in a positionally fixed manner. The first end portion of the connecting element that is arranged on the actuating element is thus formed by the first connecting member, and the second end portion which is fixed on the core is formed by the second or, depending on the design form, a third or further connecting member. A plurality of connecting members have the advantage that, with the movement path of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft remaining the same, a longer movement path of the core in the longitudinal direction can be achieved.

It would be conceivable for example to arrange a third or further connecting member in the form of a link chain between the actuating element and the core, with in each case adjacent connecting members being connected to one another in an articulated manner, that is to say pivotably about a pivot axis.

Preferably, in the inoperative position, the actuating element protrudes at least partially from a first lateral surface of the shaft and, in the active position, protrudes at least partially from a second lateral surface of the shaft that is opposite to the first. In the inoperative position, the actuating element in particular terminates level with the second lateral surface of the shaft and, in the active position, the actuating element in particular terminates level with the first lateral surface of the shaft. As a result, a disturbing overhang of the actuating element is largely avoided. In order to axially adjust the core, the respectively protruding part of the actuating element can be reached, with the result that the actuating element can be moved by pressing the respectively protruding portion from the active position into the inoperative position, and vice versa.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element has a first longitudinal portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and a second longitudinal portion which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and which is arranged at least partially within the shaft, wherein, in the inoperative position, at least the first longitudinal portion protrudes from the first lateral surface of the shaft and, in the active position, the second longitudinal portion protrudes by way of a free end at least partially from the second lateral surface of the shaft that is opposite to the first. In this case, the first longitudinal portion forms a retaining clip, for example, in order to make it possible to store the pen in the nonuse state in a pen compartment of a briefcase or in a breast pocket, for example. For this purpose, retaining or clamping means for captively inserting the pen can be integrally formed on the free end of the first longitudinal portion. By virtue of the fact that the first longitudinal portion protrudes from the lateral surface of the shaft only when the core is situated in the inoperative position, soiling, for example of the breast pocket or briefcase, is reliably avoided. The second longitudinal portion is at least partially held or guided in a rear region of the shaft and interacts with an inner peripheral surface of the shaft, for example in the sense of a sliding pair.

In a further preferred embodiment, the free end of the second longitudinal portion has a smaller width than an adjoining central portion of the second longitudinal portion, wherein the free end is at least partially arranged within a clearance of the shaft in the inoperative position and/or in the active position. Here, the clearance is formed in a portion of the shaft that adjoins the second lateral surface. Particularly both during the movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and in the inoperative position and in the active position, the second longitudinal portion or its free end thus prevents a movement of the actuating element in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, since said second longitudinal portion or its free end is held in the clearance with the formation of a form fit acting in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the actuating element preferably has at least one stop surface which interacts with an inner peripheral surface of the shaft in the active position and/or inoperative position. This stop surface is arranged for example on the free end of the longitudinal portion and interacts with an inner peripheral surface delimiting the clearance of the shaft in order to prevent the movement of the actuating element in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the central portion of the second longitudinal portion that adjoins the free end can form a stop surface which bears against an inner peripheral surface of the shaft in the active position. As a result, it is made clear to the user for example that the active position of the core as end position has been reached, and excessively strong pressing of the actuating element is avoided. A further stop surface is formed for example by a rear end side of the actuating element, i.e. the end side facing the rear end of the shaft, which bears against an inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the shaft and is pressed against it during the movement of the actuating element from the inoperative position into the active position in order for the force resulting from the movement of the actuating element to be completely converted into a rotation of the connecting element. Furthermore, this ensures that the core is held in the active position and an independent movement of the core back into the inoperative position is prevented.

In order to be able to fix the connecting element or its first end portion on the actuating element, in an advantageous embodiment the actuating element, in particular the second longitudinal portion of the actuating element, has a clearance in which the first end portion of the connecting element is directly or indirectly mounted. The clearance extends both perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and perpendicularly to the movement direction of the actuating element. If the connecting element comprises a plurality of connecting members, the first end portion of the first connecting member is mounted in the clearance. Here, the connecting element is fixed in the clearance in such a way that a movement in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is prevented, with the result that it is not possible for the connecting element to slide out. The clearance can be designed in the form of a hole, for example, with the result that the connecting element can be fixed within the clearance by means of a pin or bolt.

In an advantageous embodiment, starting from a front end side of the actuating element, in particular from a front end side of the second longitudinal portion of the actuating element, the clearance at least partially extends into the actuating element in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, wherein the first end portion of the connecting element is movably mounted in the clearance. Here, the term “front end side” is to be understood as meaning the end side of the actuating element that faces the core and the front end of the shaft, the clearance thus extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and perpendicularly to the movement direction of the actuating element, that is to say in the transverse direction and in the direction of a rear end of the shaft. As a result, the connecting element and the actuating element can be mounted in a simple manner in that, for example, a pin or bolt fixed on the connecting element is movably held in the clearance. During a movement of the actuating element, the first end portion of the connecting element is carried along by it, and thus likewise moves perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction.

The pen has in particular a locking and/or latching device by means of which the core can be axially fixed in the active position and/or in the inoperative position, with the result that said core reliably remains in the active position during the writing operation and reliably within the shaft in the inoperative position. For example, the locking and/or latching device comprises locking and/or latching elements arranged on the connecting element, such as, for example, latching lugs which engage in a clearance of the shaft, for example a correspondingly formed groove, in the active position and/or in the inoperative position, that is to say in a respective end position of the core and of the actuating element. A further possibility consists in the connecting element being rotated during an actuation of the actuating element to such an extent that a force exerted on the core by a resetting element which prestresses the core in the active position in the axial or longitudinal direction prevents a back-rotation of the connecting element. Such a locking and/or latching device is particularly appropriate if the connecting element comprises only one connecting member.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking and/or latching device is formed by a joint which connects a first and a second connecting member, which joint connects the first and the second connecting member so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. Here, for locking, the joint can be moved beyond a dead center if the actuating element is moved from the inoperative position into the active position. In other words: a joint connecting the two connecting members is moved beyond a plane formed by the axis of rotation and the bearing position of the connecting element or of a second connecting element on the core. This results in a self-locking system which prevents an independent movement of the core from the active position into the inoperative position.

In order to support the movement of the core from the active position into the inoperative position after the use of the pen, the pen can comprise, as already mentioned, a resetting element, in particular a spring, which prestresses the core in the active position in the axial or longitudinal direction. As soon as the actuating element is moved from the active position into the inoperative position and the locking or latching position is released, the core is as it were automatically moved back from the active position into the inoperative position. For this purpose, the spring is arranged in a front region of the shaft and presses the core axially in the longitudinal direction toward a rear region of the shaft. The resetting element additionally ensures that the connecting element is held securely on the actuating element, in particular in the clearance.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pen comprises a guide element for guiding the core that is arranged within the shaft between the core and the connecting element and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction. The guide element has a receptacle for receiving a rear end of the core. Here, the connecting element or a connecting member or a second, front end portion of the connecting element or of the connecting member is mounted on the guide element and is thus indirectly operatively connected to the core. The guide element is also always pressed against the connecting element by the resetting element, with the result that a reliable retention of the connecting element in the guide element is ensured. Such core guidance has the advantage that tilting or migration of the core during the axial adjustment is prevented. In a structurally simple variant, the guide element has a sleeve-shaped receiving portion for receiving the core and an adjoining guide portion which interacts with an inner peripheral surface of the shaft and slides along it during the axial adjustment and on which the connecting element or the connecting member is mounted or fastened. Here, the outer peripheral surface of the guide element is formed in a corresponding manner to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft, thus having for example a square or triangular cross section.

In an advantageous embodiment, the pen comprises at least one guide means for guiding the connecting element or a connecting member, in particular a front, first end portion of the connecting element or of a connecting member, and/or for guiding the actuating element in the shaft during a movement of the actuating element and of the core. This reliably avoids a transverse movement or jamming of the connecting element and/or of the actuating element during the actuation.

For example, the pen comprises at least one first guide means for guiding the connecting element in the shaft during a movement of the actuating element, which guide means comprises a clearance which is formed in the shaft and in which the connecting element is directly or indirectly guided. In other words, the connecting element is at least partially guided or displaceably mounted within a clearance formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft. For example, the connecting element is displaceably guided in the axial direction by means of a pin in a clearance designed as a slot, with the result that tilting of the connecting element and migration of the core are avoided. As an alternative to this, the connecting element can be mounted only within the guide element, which is in turn supported by an outer peripheral surface on an inner side of the shaft or on the actuating element, to be more precise on its first longitudinal portion.

To guide the actuating element in the shaft during a movement, in a further preferred embodiment the pen has at least one second guide means for guiding the actuating element in the shaft during a movement of the actuating element, which guide means comprises at least one projection which protrudes from an inner peripheral surface of the shaft, extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and interacts in the sense of a sliding pair with at least one receptacle which is formed on a lateral surface of the actuating element, in particular on a lateral surface of the second longitudinal portion, and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. During an actuation of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, the latter is thus guided within the shaft. A movement direction of the actuating element that is other than perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not possible, with the result that jamming or tilting is reliably prevented.

The receptacle is preferably formed by a projection which protrudes from a lateral surface of the actuating element, in particular of the second longitudinal portion, and which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction starting from the first longitudinal portion and at least partially along the lateral surface, and by an end portion of the actuating element, in particular of the second longitudinal portion, that projects with an overhang beyond the lateral surface. The rear end portion of the actuating element bears at least partially level against a rear inner peripheral surface of the shaft and thus prevents a movement of the actuating element in the direction of the rear end of the shaft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows an exploded illustration of a pen2for writing and/or drawing purposes, having a shaft4and having a core6. The shaft4comprises a first elongate shaft part4a, a second elongate shaft part4band a third conical shaft part4c. The first shaft part4aand the second shaft part4beach at least substantially have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, with the open sides of the shaft parts4a,4bfacing one another in the mounted state. In the mounted state, the second shaft part4bis arranged within the first shaft part4aand is for example held clamped therein or additionally adhesively bonded or fixed by means of a tongue-groove connection. Integrally formed on a front end portion of the second shaft part4bare retaining elements8awhich, in the mounted state, engage in a form-fitting manner in complementarily formed retaining elements8bof a rear end portion of the third shaft part4c. The first, outer shaft part4acan be produced from wood, for example, in order to impart a good tactile and visual impression to the user. In principle, the shaft4can also be formed in one piece, but a multipart shaft4has the advantage that, on the one hand, the assembly of the pen2is facilitated and, on the other hand, the mechanical components necessary for actuating the core6are for the large part not visible to the outside.

The core6, for example a ballpoint pen core in the present case, having a reservoir6afor storing the ink paste and a writing tip6cbearing a writing ball6bis arranged within the shaft4, to be more precise within its inner part, namely within the second shaft part4b, and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4between an active position and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position (FIGS. 2 to 8), the core6is arranged completely within the shaft. In the active position (FIGS. 9 to 14), the core6projects by way of its front end, that is to say a part of the writing tip6cand of the writing ball6b, with an overhang from a front end of the shaft4or of the shaft part4c.

The pen2has, on a rear end, an actuating element10which is movable between an inoperative position and an active position in a movement direction B extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L and which, for axial adjustment of the core6, is operatively connected thereto via a connecting element12, with the result that, during a movement of the actuating element perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inoperative position and the active position, the core is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The actuating element10has a first longitudinal portion10awhich extends in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4and an adjoining base body or second longitudinal portion10bwhich extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L starting from the first longitudinal portion10a.

A guide element14for guiding the core6is arranged within the shaft4between the core6and the connecting element12and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction L, with the result that the connecting element12is indirectly connected to the core6via the guide element14. Here, in the mounted state, the connecting element12can be fastened to the guide element14. The guide element14has a receptacle14afor receiving a rear end of the core6. A part of an outer peripheral surface14bof the guide element14is formed in a complementary manner to an inner peripheral surface of the shaft4or of the shaft part4bin order to allow problem-free sliding.

The pen2has, on a front end, a resetting element, in the present case a spring16, which surrounds the writing tip6cin the mounted state and prestresses the core6in the active position in a longitudinal direction L of the shaft4. In the mounted state, the spring16is supported by a first end16aon a front end side18of the core6or of the reservoir6aand by a second end16bon an inner peripheral surface of the conical shaft part4c, in particular on a stop surface formed on the inner peripheral surface. In the active position, the spring16is prestressed, that is to say compressed, and, in the inoperative position, the spring16is relaxed. The spring16always presses the guide element14in the direction of the rear end of the pen2and thus against the connecting element12, with the result that a fastening of the connecting element12in or on the guide element14is not absolutely necessary.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the connecting element12comprises a first connecting member12aand a second connecting member12bwhich are connected to one another so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S. The first connecting member12acomprises two plate-shaped elements which are arranged parallel to one another and which are connected at two opposite end portions via a respective web20. In the exemplary embodiment, the joint22connecting the first connecting member12ato the second connecting member12bis formed by one of these webs20and a clearance24in the second connecting member12b.

The connecting element12, the first connecting member12aaccording to the exemplary embodiment, is rotatably mounted in a central portion26aabout an axis of rotation D on the shaft4, to be more precise on the inner part of the shaft4, namely the shaft part4b. For this purpose, the plate-shaped elements of the first connecting member12aeach have a through-hole34through which there is plugged a connecting element30, in the present case a cylindrical pin, which is in turn is mounted in a clearance32of the shaft4or of the second shaft part4b. A first end portion26bof the connecting element12or of the first connecting member12ais fastened to the actuating element10, namely to its second longitudinal portion10b, and a second end portion28aof the connecting element12or of the second connecting member12bis fastened to the guide element14, that is to say indirectly mounted on the core6. The mutually facing end portions26c,28bof the first connecting member12aand of the second connecting member12bare pivotably connected via the joint22.

The pen2has guide means36for guiding the connecting element12in the shaft4or the second shaft part4bduring a movement of the actuating element10and of the core6. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the guide means36comprises a clearance38which is formed in the shaft4or the second shaft part4band in which the connecting element12is indirectly guided. Furthermore, the guide means36comprises a connecting element40, for example likewise a cylindrical pin, which is plugged through a through-hole42incorporated in the second connecting member12band through a through-hole44incorporated in the guide element14. The connecting element40is mounted in the clearance38, which is designed as a slot in the present case, in order to guide the connecting element12or the second connecting member12bduring a movement of the core6from the inoperative position into the active position, and vice versa.

The pen2has guide means46for guiding the actuating element10in the shaft4or the second shaft part4bduring a movement of the actuating element10and of the core6. The guide means46comprises a projection50which projects from an inner peripheral surface48of the shaft4or of the second shaft part4band which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4. Furthermore, the guide means46comprises a receptacle54which is formed on a lateral surface52of the actuating element10or its second longitudinal portion10band which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L and, in the mounted state, parallel to the projection50. During a movement of the actuating element in the movement direction B, the receptacle54and the projection50interact in the sense of a sliding pair.

Here, the receptacle54is formed by a projection56which protrudes from the lateral surface52of the actuating element10or its second longitudinal portion10b, is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L starting from the first longitudinal portion10aand extends up to a free end49of the second longitudinal portion10b, and by an end portion58of the actuating element10or its second longitudinal portion10bthat projects with an overhang beyond the lateral surface52in the direction of a rear end of the shaft.

FIGS. 2 to 8show the pen2in various views while it is situated in the nonuse state, both the core6and the actuating element10thus being in the inoperative position. The core6is arranged completely within the shaft4in the inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the actuating element10protrudes partially, namely by way of its first longitudinal portion10aand a part of the second longitudinal portion10b, with an overhang A1from a first lateral surface60aof the shaft4or from an upper side of the shaft4. According toFIG. 2, in which the pen2is shown without the outer, first shaft part4ain order to better illustrate the guide means36, the connecting element40is arranged in the inoperative position at a rear end of the clearance38.FIG. 3shows a pen2with an outer first shaft part4awhich conceals the guide means36and consists of wood or plastic, for example.

FIGS. 4 and 5respectively show a longitudinal section taken along the line IV-IV inFIG. 2and along the line V-V inFIG. 3, andFIG. 6shows a detail view of a rear portion of the pen2. Both the actuating element10and the core6and also the connecting element12are situated in the inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the first connecting member12aof the connecting element12is arranged virtually parallel to the actuating element10. A first end portion26bof the first connecting member12ais mounted in a clearance62of the actuating element10or of the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10. Starting from a front end side64of the actuating element10or of the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10, the clearance62partially extends into the actuating element10in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The connecting element12or the first connecting member12ais movably mounted in the clearance62by means of the cylindrical web20arranged in the clearance62. If the actuating element10is moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft in the movement direction B, the first end portion26bof the connecting element12or of the first connecting member12ais carried along by the actuating element10and thus likewise moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft. This brings about a rotation of the connecting element12or of the first connecting member12aabout the axis of rotation D or about the fixed point F at which the connecting element is mounted in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner on the shaft4. The second end portion of the first connecting member12ais consequently moved both in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4and upward, that is to say perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4, and consequently pushes the second connecting member12b, which is connected thereto via the joint22, and hence the core6in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft into the active position.

The free end49of the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10has a smaller width B1than a width B2of an adjoining central portion66of the second longitudinal portion10b. The free end49is also partially arranged in a clearance68of the shaft4in the inoperative position in order to avoid jamming or blocking of the actuating element10at the start of the movement.

In the active position, the core can be fixed by a locking device which is here realized by the joint22connecting the first and the second connecting member12a,12bof the connecting element12. By rotating the first connecting member12aabout the rotation point, the joint22is moved beyond the dead center and an uncontrolled backward movement of the core6from the active position into the inoperative position during the writing operation is thus prevented.

FIGS. 8 to 13show the pen2in various views while it is situated in the use state or in the writing position, both the core6and the actuating element10thus being in the active position. In the active position, the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10protrudes partially, specifically by way of a free end49, with an overhang A2from a second lateral surface60bof the shaft4that is situated opposite to the first lateral surface60aof the shaft. The core6protrudes with an overhang C from the front end of the shaft4.

The free end49of the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10has a smaller width B1than an adjoining central portion66of the second longitudinal portion10b. The free end49is arranged completely in a clearance68of the shaft4and additionally protrudes beyond the second lateral surface60b. In order to move the core6from the active position back into the inoperative position again, the locking device can be released by pressing on the free end49of the actuating element and the core6is moved back into the inoperative position by rotation of the connecting element12or of the connecting member12aby means of the spring16which is prestressed in the active position.

As can be seen in particular in the detail view inFIG. 12, the actuating element10has a stop surface70which bears against the inner peripheral surface48of the shaft4in the active position and prevents a further movement of the actuating element10and also signals to the user that the end position has been reached. The stop surface70is formed by a lower lateral surface72of the central portion66of the second longitudinal portion10bof the actuating element10.

FIG. 15shows an exploded illustration of a further embodiment of the pen2for writing and/or drawing purposes which substantially has the features according to the above-described pen2, and therefore reference is predominantly made thereto. Corresponding features are labeled with identical reference signs. The pen2comprises a shaft4having a first elongate shaft part4a, a second elongate shaft part4b, a third conical shaft part4cand a fourth shaft part4dwhich in the present case serves in particular to connect the second shaft part4bto the third shaft part4c. The core6, once again for example a ballpoint pen core, having a reservoir6afor storing the ink paste and a writing tip6cbearing a writing ball6bis arranged within the shaft4, to be more precise within its inner part, namely within the second shaft part4b, and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4between an active position and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the core6is arranged completely within the shaft and, in the active position, the core6protrudes by way of its front end with an overhang from a front end of the shaft4or of the shaft part4c. A resetting element or a spring16once again prestresses the core6in the active position in a longitudinal direction L of the shaft4.

The pen2once again has, on a rear end, an actuating element10which can be moved between an inoperative position and an active position in a movement direction B extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L, said actuating element having a first longitudinal portion10aand a second longitudinal portion10band, for axial adjustment of the core6, being operatively connected thereto via a connecting element12, with the result that, during a movement of the actuating element10perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inoperative position and the active position, the core is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

The difference over the pen described inFIGS. 1 to 14now consists in the design of the guide element14or114and of the connecting element12or112. The guide element114is arranged within the shaft4between the core6and the connecting element112and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction L, with the result that the connecting element112is indirectly connected to the core6via the guide element114. The guide element114has a receptacle114afor receiving a rear end of the core6. A part of an outer peripheral surface114bof the guide element114is formed in a complementary manner to an inner peripheral surface of the shaft4or of the shaft part4bto allow problem-free sliding.

The connecting element112comprises for example a first connecting member112aand a second connecting member112bwhich are connected to one another so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S. The first connecting member112acomprises two plate-shaped elements which are arranged parallel to one another and which are connected at two opposite end portions via a respective web120. The joint122which connects the first connecting member112ato the second connecting member112bis once again formed by one of these webs120and a clearance124in the second connecting member112b.

The connecting element112, the first connecting member112aaccording to the exemplary embodiment, is rotatably mounted in a central portion126aabout an axis of rotation D on the shaft4, to be more precise on the inner part of the shaft4, namely the shaft part4b. For this purpose, the plate-shaped elements of the first connecting member112aeach have a clearance134through which there is plugged a connecting element130, in the present case a cylindrical pin, which once again is mounted in a clearance132of the shaft4or of the second shaft part4b. A first end portion126bof the connecting element112or of the first connecting member112ais fastened to the actuating element10, namely to its second longitudinal portion10b, and a second end portion128aof the connecting element12or of the second connecting member112bis fastened to the guide element14, that is to say indirectly mounted on the core6. The mutually facing end portions126c,128bof the first connecting member112aand of the second connecting member112bare pivotably connected via the joint122.

To guide the connecting element112, the pen2has guide means136according to an alternative variant. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the guide means136comprises a connecting element140(shown in dotted line), for example likewise a cylindrical pin, which is mounted within or fastened to the guide element114. In this case, instead of the through-hole, a clearance142is provided on the second end portion128aof the connecting element112or of the connecting member112band engages around the connecting element140fixed within the guide element114in such a way that the connecting element112is held within the guide element114during a movement in the axial direction.

FIGS. 16(inoperative position) and17(active position) show a detail of a rear end portion of a pen2(not explicitly represented) in which the connecting element212comprises only a first, that is to say a single, connecting member, with the result that the connecting element212is of one-part design. If the core does not have to cover a large path, that is to say such a large step-up is not required, such a design offers the advantage that material can be saved.

The connecting element212is mounted on the shaft4so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation D. The connecting element212is mounted by a first end portion226bin a clearance62which extends into the actuating element10from a front end side64thereof. A front end portion226cof the connecting element212is mounted on the guide element14and thus indirectly connected to the core6. In the active position, the connecting element212extends substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4, i.e. the front end portion226band the rear end portion226care arranged behind one another in the longitudinal direction. The connecting element212is rotated about the axis of rotation by the actuation of the actuating element10to such an extent that a resetting force of the resetting element that presses the guide element14against the front end portion226cof the connecting element212is not sufficient to cause a back-rotation of the connecting element212. As a result, the core6is locked in the active position. Only a movement of the actuating element from the active position into the inoperative position brings about a rotation of the connecting element212and thus a release of the locking. In the inoperative position, the connecting element212bears flat against a rear end side214of the guide element14and extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft4, i.e. the front end portion226band the rear end portion226care arranged next to one another in the transverse direction.

Further components of the pen2of the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 16 and 17correspond to those of the exemplary embodiment with a connecting element12having two connecting members12a,12b, and therefore they are provided with the same reference signs and reference is made in this respect to the statements above.

REFERENCE SIGNS

2Pen4Shaft4aFirst shaft part4bSecond shaft part4cThird shaft part6Core6aReservoir6bWriting ball6cWriting tip8a,bRetaining elements10Actuating element10aFirst longitudinal portion of the actuating element10bSecond longitudinal portion of the actuating element12,112,212Connecting element12a,112aFirst connecting member12b,112bSecond connecting member14,114Guide element14a,114aReceptacle of the guide element14b,114bOuter peripheral surface of the guide element16Spring16aFirst end of the spring16bSecond end of the spring18Front end side of the core20,120Web22,122Joint24,124Clearance26a,126aCentral portion of the first connecting member26b,126bFirst end portion of the first connecting member26c,126cSecond end portion of the first connecting member28a,128aSecond end portion of the second connecting member28b,128bFirst end portion of the second connecting member30,130Connecting element32,132Clearance34,134Through-hole36,136Guide means38Clearance40,140Connecting element42Through-hole44Through-hole46Guide means48Inner peripheral surface of the shaft49Free end of the actuating element50Projection52Lateral surface of the actuating element54Receptacle56Projection58End portion of the actuating element60aFirst lateral surface of the shaft460bSecond lateral surface of the shaft462Clearance64Front end side of the actuating element66Central portion of the actuating element68Clearance214Rear end side of the guide element226aCentral portion of the connecting element212226bFirst end portion of the connecting element212226cSecond end portion of the connecting element212L Longitudinal direction of the shaftS Pivot axisD Axis of rotationB Movement direction of the actuating elementF Fixed pointC Overhang of the coreB1Width of the free end of the actuating elementB2Width of the central portion of the actuating element