EP1396352A1 - Self cleaning pencil - Google Patents

Abstract

A pencil comprises a writing element (2), an envelope (3) arranged in surrounding relationship to the writing element and defining with the writing element a pencil tip (4), and a cleansing material combined with the envelope for effecting a spontaneous cleaning of the pencil tip.

Description

The invention relates to a pin with a lead and one surrounding the lead Mine envelope. Mine shell is understood to mean all parts of the pen, that are directly or permanently adjacent to the mine, e.g. Legs the lead coaxially enveloping sleeve and an optional to protect the pen tip on this clip-on cap.

In its original use, such a pen is used to apply Color on paper or similar flat materials used. Find another but also often use pens, the leads of which are for direct contact with human skin. Such a pen can in turn, e.g. at a Kajal or lipstick, used to apply color to the skin. On the other hand can also use the pen, for example for a lip care stick to apply a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation. at a stick intended for direct contact with human skin to consider special aspects of skin tolerance. To unwanted Avoiding skin irritation or damage isn't just the chemical makeup the mine of such a pen to choose suitable. It's about it Be especially careful that the skin comes into contact Pen tip is always in a clean, hygienic condition.

In this context, the pollution to be cleaned is therefore, on the one hand a macroscopic contamination by granular, lubricating or liquid material, e.g. Dust, earth, skin particles or hair. In particular for a pen intended for use near open wounds is, however, a cleaning of the pen tip from "invisible", especially microbial, pollution of particular importance. A such pollution manifests itself e.g. if the tip of the pen is infected by bacteria, Viruses, mites or fungi. Because in the medical or pharmaceutical field generally particularly high standards are set for hygiene requirements, are commonly used in drug delivery or related with therapeutic measures "disposable materials", such as with gloves, syringes, application sticks etc., or it materials that can be cleaned quickly and thoroughly, such as suitable materials Metals or plastics, used. In contrast, is in these areas the use of pencils, especially soft lead pencils, is not easy possible, although their use for reasons of easy handling may be desirable.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a pen for Use in the medical or pharmaceutical field is suitable.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the mine casing containing a cleaning substance is included for automatic cleaning of the pen tip. As a cleaning is the elimination of macroscopic and / or microbial pollution of the type mentioned above on the pen tip. 'Automatic' is this cleaning when the accumulation of pollution by the Effect of the cleaning agent itself is prevented, so the pollution does not arise at all, or if, under the action of the cleaning agent, the pollution when using the pen as intended, e.g. when tipping, is eliminated without the need for a separate cleaning process for the pen tip would.

Such automatic cleaning of the pen tip is made possible in that the cleaning agent is integrated in the pen, i.e. no other, separate from the pen detergents to be kept must be kept in stock. To this In this way, a particularly good everyday usability of the pen is achieved. A self-cleaning Pen can therefore be safely used by untrained personnel be used. Furthermore, the use of the pen is not only in anyway clean clinical area possible, but also under adverse hygienic Circumstances, for example when traveling.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning agent is a passive cleaner Material. A passive cleaning substance is a substance that generally Senses has a dirt-repellent effect. Fabrics are known which are primarily repellent to macroscopic pollution. In particular, a so-called non-stick surface is considered, such as they e.g. is used with great success in kitchen utensils. Such one Non-stick surface prevents by means of a smooth, dense surface structure, chemical inertness and in this respect a very low coefficient of friction, that macroscopic dirt can adhere to the surface. An in In this respect, particularly advantageous material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a chemically and biologically inert and hydrophobic plastic that is commercially available under the art name Teflon. In particular for the production of a non-stick surface, it is advantageous to cover the lead with a PTFE coating to provide. The same non-stick effect is also achieved by the Mine casing made of solid PTFE material or a composite material containing PTFE is made.

To reject macroscopic contamination, it is also advantageous at least part of the mine shell with a non-wetting surface Mistake. The non-wetting effect of a surface is above all below that The term "lotus effect" is known. This property manifests itself in the fact that liquids, especially water, can not adhere to the surface, but roll off. The lotus effect is achieved through a surface that is microscopic Fine structure, e.g. in the form of small knobs. Water and others Soiling only touches the surface in the area of the knob ends, therefore only in a very small area, and therefore cannot stick to the surface.

Both through an anti-stick surface as well as through a non-wetting The surface is first the accumulation of macroscopic pollution avoided. With a macroscopically clean surface, however, it is above in addition, the accumulation of microbial pollution is inhibited, especially Microbes on the clean surface provide neither support nor a breeding ground is.

A general advantage of a passive form of cleaning is that in the intended No toxic or irritating substance is released when using the pen. The pen therefore has a particularly high tolerance, especially for allergy sufferers, on.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cleaning material additionally has or as an alternative to a passive cleaning effect, an active cleaning effect. This includes in particular with regard to microbial pollution understood chemical killing or decomposition of disease germs or fungi. In particular with regard to the active cleaning of the mine is the Use of a plastic for the mine shell advantageous, which is inherently antimicrobial acts. Such plastics can e.g. out with a disinfectant staggered polymer.

Depending on the special purpose of the pen, in particular depending on the active ingredient contained in the mine, as well as depending on the used Different variants of cleaning materials are preferred, the cleaning material to integrate in the mine shell. For example, when using a cleaning agent with an undesirable side effect, the cleaning agent as a permanent component, in the form of a coating of the mine shell or distributed in the entire volume of the mine shell. In this way there is an accumulation of pollution nearby the mine prevented. On the other hand, the cleaning agent does not get into the lead material itself, and therefore not on the skin.

When using a cleaning agent that is harmless to health and the environment on the other hand, it is advantageous to migrate the cleaning agent as a To provide component of the shell material. In other words, as a component of the shell material, which in gaseous or liquid form for a long time Time slowly emerges from the mine shell. Thus, the mine material through the leaking cleaning agent constantly, e.g. with an antimicrobial effect and kept in a clean state even during storage.

In a particularly expedient embodiment, the cleaning substance is during the storage of the pen permanently held in the mine shell, and only occurs under mechanical stress on the mine casing from the casing material. This is particularly advantageous if the one that triggers the emission of cleaning material mechanical stress on the lead casing when used as intended the pen, e.g. when the pen is pointed or during a relative movement the mine opposite the mine shell. The cleaning agent is in this Fall only poured out when the pen is used. Through the targeted Ejection of the cleaning material is used particularly economically, especially since the cleaning agent is not used during the storage times. On the other hand, there is always a thorough cleaning of the pen tip, when the pen is used. This principle is implemented in particular by a a mine shell containing a microporous carrier, the cleaning agent is absorbed in the pores of the carrier. Especially when the pores of the carrier are closed, a loss or aging of the in the Pores enclosed cleaning agent effectively inhibited. Only when the pen is sharpened before use, the pores are cut, causing the detergent emerges and wets the pen tip cleansing. This cleaning can both actively by killing germs and passively, by putting a dirt-repellent film over the Pen tip forms.

There are several advantageous variants for the basic structure of such Pin. Which variant is preferred depends on the particular one Purpose of use and especially the hardness of the mine used from. In an expedient embodiment, the pen is like a pencil fixedly connected to a part of the mine shell surrounding the mine like a sleeve. The sleeve is preferably made of a wood composite or a Made of plastic. Such a pen can be sharpened particularly well because the Sleeve supports and protects the lead. The tip is advantageously the old surface of the pen tip soiled due to storage and use. The cleaning agent primarily serves to prevent new pollution the exposed surface by the pointed tool or the Skin contact.

Alternatively, it is provided that the lead can be arranged displaceably with respect to the sleeve. This version is preferred for a very soft and wide lead. In this case, it is expedient for one of a lipstick itself Known rotary drive of the mine provided. Furthermore, in another embodiment provided the pen in analogy to a mechanical pencil with a Equip pressure drive for mine feed. This version has in particular the advantage that the pen can be provided with an exchangeable refill.

Especially when the cleaning agent migrates, it is useful to use the mine cover to be covered with an impermeable protective layer that limits them to the outside. Such a protective layer not only prevents the ingress of dirt in the mine shell, but also that the cleaning agent the mine shell leaves to the outside and is used up ineffectively. Farther it makes sense to only provide the cleaning agent near the pen tip. On this way, the mine and the active ingredient contained therein will only be effective exposed to the detergent when it is about to be used. Undesired long-term reactions of the active ingredient contained in the mine and The cleaning agent can be effectively avoided in this way.

A pin provided with one or more of the features described particularly suitable for a mine that has a medical or pharmaceutical Contains active ingredient, especially since the integrally provided cleaning agent contains the necessary hygienic boundary conditions without special external intervention. In order to optimize the cleaning effect of the pen, the described Cleaning agents are preferably also used in combination and if necessary also used at different locations. It is so in particular expedient to build up the mine shell from several layers, whose outer, for example, has a passive cleaning effect, and their inner serves for active cleaning of the mine. Alternatively, the cap would be conceivable and to equip the sleeve with various cleaning agents. Furthermore it is possible to design a pressure drive for the mine in such a way that it drives the mine at the same time the sleeve material is mechanically stressed, whereby when the mine is advanced, the cleaning agent is simultaneously ejected.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch einen Stift mit einer Mine und einer ortsfest mit der Mine verbundenen Hülse sowie einer die Stiftspitze verschließenden Kappe,

Fig. 2

einen Ausschnitt II aus Fig. 1 mit einer in größerem Maßstab dargestellten Detailansicht der Innenwand der Kappe,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt III aus Fig. 1 mit einer in größerem Maßstab dargestellten Detailansicht der Stiftspitze,

Fig. 4

eine alternative Ausführungsform des Stiftes mit einer gegen die Hülse verschiebbaren Mine, und

Fig. 5

einen Ausschnitt V aus Fig. 4 mit einer in größerem Maßstab dargestellten Detailansicht der Hülse.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In it show:

Fig. 1

2 shows a cross section through a pin with a lead and a sleeve which is fixedly connected to the lead and a cap which closes the tip of the pin,

Fig. 2

2 shows a detail II from FIG. 1 with a detailed view of the inner wall of the cap shown on a larger scale,

Fig. 3

2 shows a detail III from FIG. 1 with a detailed view of the pen tip shown on a larger scale,

Fig. 4

an alternative embodiment of the pin with a movable sleeve against the sleeve, and

Fig. 5

a section V from FIG. 4 with a detailed view of the sleeve shown on a larger scale.

Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals in the figures Mistake.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section for pharmaceutical or medical use provided pin 1. The pin 1 comprises a lead 2, which is essentially coaxially surrounded by a sleeve 3. Like a pencil the mine 2 and the sleeve 3 are fixedly connected to each other. Also in the manner of a pencil is a longitudinal end of the pen 1 to a pen tip 4 tapered. The area of the pen tip 4 near the axis, in which the Mine 2 protrudes from the sleeve 3 and in which the mine 2 thus on the pin surface merely lies, is referred to as writing surface 5. Except in the area of the pen tip 4, the pin 1 is coated on the outside by a protective lacquer layer 6. To the Protection of the mine 2 is a cap 7 on the storage of the pin 1 Pen tip 4 put on. The inner wall 8 of the cap 7 is essentially complementary to the pen tip 4. In the area of the opening 9 of the cap 7 it is provided with a brim 10 which fits snugly on the sleeve 3, to ensure the captivity of the cap 7 during storage and to enclose the pen tip 4 essentially airtight.

The pen 1 shown is preferred to medical and pharmaceutical Intended for purposes. The pressed powdery form or pasty form present mine 2 is therefore with a medical or pharmaceutical Provide preparation, which is analogous to the use of a normal pencil by pressing the writing surface 5 onto the skin of a subject, not shown can be applied. With regard to the high hygiene requirements related with medical or pharmaceutical application is the sleeve 3 provided with a cleaning substance 11, which is a sketchy detailed view is shown in Fig. 2. The material of the sleeve 3 then comprises a microporous one Carrier substance 12, in the pores 13 of which the cleaning substance 11 is taken up is.

The pen 1 should be sharpened freshly before use. The in the Pore 13 lying cutting surface of a cutting tool, not shown cut. The liquid or paste-like contained in these pores 13 Cleaning material 11 emerges from the cut during the sharpening process Pores 13 and forms a thin on the surface 14 of the pen tip 4 Film 15 from. The cleaning substance 11 contains an antibacterial, antivirous or fungicidal active ingredient and cleanses by killing pathogens or

Fungus spores actively surface 14. Depending on the intended use can be determined by the volatility of the cleaning material 11 used how long the film 15 remains on the surface 14. Using of a volatile cleaning agent 11, the film 15 evaporates immediately during the sharpening process so that at the time of using the Pen 1 disinfects the surface 14, but essentially from residues of cleaning material 11 is free. However, if you use a heavy one volatile cleaning material 11, this forms a semi-permanent, the surface 14 quasi-sealing film 15.

The protective lacquer layer 6 shown in FIG. 1 is preferably both impermeable with respect to the cleaning agent 11 as well as to penetrating water and against other contaminants. The protective lacquer layer 6 thus protects the sleeve 3 on the one hand from pollution. On the other hand, the protective lacquer layer inhibits 6 the evaporation of the cleaning material 11 to the outside.

The inner wall 8 of the cap 7 is preferably with a non-wetting surface Mistake. Such a non-wetting surface is e.g. from nature known from the leaf of the lotus flower. The inner wall 8 is enlarged schematically shown in Fig. 3. Thereafter, the inner wall 8 for the manufacture of the so-called "Lotus effect" with microscopic knobs 16 provided prevent water and dirt from accumulating.

In Fig. 4, an alternative embodiment of the pin 1 is shown, in which the Mine 2 in the manner of a lipstick in the longitudinal direction 17 of the pin 1 opposite the sleeve 3 is slidably disposed. The sleeve 3 is in this embodiment integrally formed on a rotary knob 18. The knob 18 is in one Annular groove 19 on a cylindrical outer wall 20 of the pin 1 about the pin axis 21 rotatably mounted. The mine 2 is on the knob 18 facing End 22 attached to a carriage 23, which is preferred as part of the mine shell is at least partially made of PTFE (Teflon). The carriage 23 engages with two radially 24 with respect to the pin axis 21 by one spiraling around the sleeve 3 winding slot in each a groove 25 of the outer wall 20 extending in the longitudinal direction 17. By Turn the rotary knob 18 and hold the outer wall 20 at the same time is so according to the technique known from conventional lipsticks Move mine 2 in the longitudinal direction 17.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve 3 contains a migrating one Cleaning substance 11, that is, a substance that gradually comes out of the material the sleeve 3 diffuses out.

This effect is shown schematically in a sketch according to FIG. 5. The cleaning agent 11 comes out of the migration indicated by auxiliary arrows 25 Sleeve 3 in contact with the mine 2 and constantly applies disinfectant to it Effect. The outer wall 20 is made of one for the cleaning material 11 impermeable material and thus inhibits the unused Loss of cleaning material 11 through the outer wall 20.

The pin 1 shown in FIG. 4 can in turn be closed with a cap 7. The Inner wall 8 of this cap is covered with an anti-adhesive layer, e.g. PTFE (Teflon), coated. The risk of contamination of the inner wall 8, and thus the pen tip 4 facing this inner wall 8 is thus effectively reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

pen

2

mine

3

shell

4

pen tip

5

writing surface

6

Protective lacquer layer

7

cap

8th

inner wall

9

opening

10

brim

11

cleaning cloth

12

vehicle

13

pore

14

surface

15

Movie

16

burl

17

longitudinal direction

18

knob

19

ring groove

20

outer wall

21

pin axis

22

The End

23

carriage

24

formation

25

auxiliary arrow

Claims (18)

Pin (1) with a lead (2) and a lead casing (3, 7, 23) surrounding the lead (2),
marked by
a cleaning material (11) provided in or on the lead casing (3, 7, 23) for automatic cleaning of the pen tip (4). Pen according to claim 1,
characterized in that the cleaning substance (11) is a passive cleaning substance. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 2,
characterized in that the lead casing (3, 7, 23) has an anti-stick surface at least in the area of the pen tip (4). Pen according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the lead casing (3,7,23) contains polytetrafluoroethylene. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the lead casing (3, 7, 23) has a non-wetting surface at least in the area of the pen tip (4). Pen according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the cleaning substance (11) is an actively cleaning substance. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that the lead casing (3, 7, 23) contains an anti-microbial plastic. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that the cleaning material (11) is a migrating component of the casing material. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that the cleaning material (11) is a component of the casing material which emerges from the mine casing (3, 7, 23) under mechanical stress. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that the lead casing (3, 7, 23) contains a microporous carrier substance (12), in the pores of which the cleaning substance (11) is received. Pen according to claim 9,
characterized in that the pores (13) of the carrier substance (12) are closed. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that the cleaning material (11) is a permanent component of the casing material. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized in that the lead sheath (3, 7, 23) comprises a sleeve (3) coaxially surrounding the lead (2), the sleeve (3) being connected in a stationary manner to the lead (2). Pen according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized in that the lead casing (3, 7, 23) comprises a casing (3) coaxially surrounding the lead (2), the lead (2) being displaceable against the casing (3). The pen of claim 14,
marked by
a rotary or pressure drive to advance the mine (2). Pen according to one of claims 1 to 15,
marked by
an impermeable protective layer (6, 20) which limits the lead casing (3, 7, 23) to the outside. Pen according to one of claims 1 to 16,
characterized in that the cleaning material (11) is only provided in the vicinity of the pen tip (4). Pen according to one of claims 1 to 17,
characterized in that the mine (2) contains a medical or pharmaceutical active ingredient.

Images