Clasp for accessory and production method of clasp for accessory

Abstract

To provide a clasp for an accessory having high designability and enabling miniaturization of component, and to provide a production method thereof.SOLUTION: Provided is a production method of a clasp X for an accessory comprising a magnetic body 1 and a metal layer 2 that seamlessly covers the entire surface of the magnetic body 1. The production method includes: a molding step of molding the metal layer 2 with the magnetic body 1 embedded therein; and a voltage application step of applying a voltage to the magnetic body 1 embedded in the molded metal layer. Preferably, in the molding step, the metal layer 2 is molded into a shape having at least one planar surface, and the magnetic body 1 is embedded such that a magnetization direction is either perpendicular or parallel to the planar surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastener that facilitates fastening and detachment of parts of a piece of jewelry, and to a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Many accessories are equipped with clasps for fastening chains, wires, etc., and for jewelry and accessories containing precious metals in particular, care is taken to ensure the size and design of the clasp does not detract from the overall appearance. It is also necessary to consider the clasp's ease of use, assuming that it will be attached and detached at the back of the neck or wrist. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-305676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a pair of connecting fittings in which a magnet is placed inside a receptacle-shaped connecting fitting. However, with the configuration in this document, the magnet is exposed when the connection is released, which detracts from the appearance of the jewelry. In addition, although the concave-convex engagement also allows for resistance to external forces in the direction of the joining surfaces of the magnets, this configuration also reduces the design appeal of the parts and makes the fittings themselves larger, making it difficult to maintain balance with other parts of the jewelry.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a fastener for ornaments that has a high design quality and allows the size of the components to be kept small, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a fastener for a personal ornament comprising a magnetic body and a metal layer that seamlessly covers the entire surface of the magnetic body, and includes a molding step in which the metal layer is molded with the magnetic body embedded inside, and a voltage application step in which a voltage is applied to the magnetic body inside the molded body to magnetize it. By using this manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a fastener for jewelry that is highly decorative and has small component sizes.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the molding step, the metal layer is molded into a shape having at least one plane, and the magnetic material is embedded with its magnetization direction perpendicular or parallel to the plane. This manufacturing method makes it easier for the fasteners for the jewelry to maintain their connection with each other due to magnetic force, regardless of the direction in which the fasteners are pulled.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a connecting portion connectable to another member is integrally formed with the metal layer in the molding step. By using such a manufacturing method, it is possible to produce a clasp for ornaments that is highly decorative and also has excellent strength and durability.

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above problem, is a fastener for jewelry comprising a magnetic body and a metal layer formed by seamlessly covering the entire surface of the magnetic body, the magnetic body being covered by the metal layer and further magnetized by the application of a voltage. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a fastener for jewelry that is highly aesthetically pleasing and has small component sizes.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal layer has at least one plane, and the magnetic material is provided with its magnetization direction oriented perpendicular or parallel to the plane. With this configuration, the connection between the fasteners for the accessory can be easily maintained by magnetic force regardless of the direction in which the fastener for the accessory is pulled.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a connecting portion that can be connected to another member is provided integrally with the metal layer. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a fastener for jewelry that is highly stylish and has excellent strength and durability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, provides a fastener for ornaments that has a high design quality and allows the size of the part to be kept small, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are a plan view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fastener for a body accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fastener for a personal accessory in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and use of a fastener for a personal accessory in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fastener for a personal accessory in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are schematic cross-sectional views showing a state of a fastener for a personal ornament during a manufacturing process in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, a fastener X for a body accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in detail in the order of the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other examples. The following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0015] <Embodiment> The fastener X for a personal accessory according to this embodiment comprises a magnet 1 and a metal layer 2 that covers the surface of the magnet 1, and adheres two or more fasteners X for a personal accessory together by magnetic force. Depending on the form, the fastener X for a personal accessory may also comprise a connecting portion 3, allowing it to be connected to other components.

[0016] The magnet 1 is a solid magnetic material magnetized in one specific direction, and in this embodiment, a ferromagnetic material is used. The magnet 1 is preferably a rare earth magnet (neodymium magnet, samarium-cobalt magnet, etc.), but other magnets may also be used. This configuration not only provides sufficient magnetic force for attachment to the body, but also requires almost no operations necessary for attachment, such as fitting or locking, and allows the fasteners X for jewelry to be easily attached to each other even in places out of the user's field of vision.

[0017] The shape of magnet 1 preferably has at least one flat surface, and more preferably has two parallel flat surfaces. This configuration allows the magnet to be easily attached to an object using the flat surfaces. For example, in FIG. 1(a), magnet 1 is shown by the dashed line, and is cylindrical. However, there are no limitations on the shape of magnet 1 as long as it can obtain sufficient magnetic force. For example, a cylindrical shape with an elliptical or polygonal base, a ring, a hemisphere, a sphere, an elliptical sphere, or other shapes may be used.

[0018] 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the ornament fastener X and also showing how the ornament fasteners X attract each other due to the magnetic force of the magnet 1. The magnetization direction of the magnet 1 is preferably perpendicular to the plane where the ornament fasteners X are attached to each other, but may also be parallel to the plane where the ornament fasteners X are attached to each other.

[0019] The metal layer 2 is a layered portion formed by seamlessly covering the entire surface of the magnet 1, and its outer shape is roughly determined by the shape of the magnet 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(a), if the magnet 1 is cylindrical, the shape obtained by the metal layer 2 will also be cylindrical. Furthermore, it is preferable that the metal layer 2 has a substantially constant thickness around the periphery of the magnet 1. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also preferable that the metal layer 2 has one or more surfaces (hereinafter referred to as bonding surfaces) that bond to an object (such as another jewelry fastener X) by the magnetic force of the magnet 1. With this configuration, the jewelry fastener X can be attached and detached with a simple operation. In addition, if magnet 1 has a shape including a curved surface or a shape consisting only of curved surfaces, metal layer 2 may also be formed in accordance with that shape, also including a curved surface or consisting only of curved surfaces, and in this case the joining surface may be set on the curved surface.

[0020] The material of the metal layer 2 is a weakly magnetic or non-magnetic (paramagnetic) material known as a precious metal or decorative metal, and is selected from those that have particularly low chemical reactivity and are easy to process, such as melting or molding. In this embodiment, examples include gold, platinum, and silver, but other materials different from those of the magnet 1 may also be used.

[0021] When covering the entire surface of the magnet 1, the metal layer 2 is preferably formed by casting so that no seams or the like are visible. This configuration enhances the overall design of the jewelry fastener X, allows the magnet 1 to be easily covered with the metal layer 2 regardless of its shape, and prevents the magnet 1 from falling off due to impact, such as being dropped. Details of the manufacturing process will be described later.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the connecting part 3 is a ring-shaped member that protrudes from the side surface of the metal layer 2 (a surface different from the joining surface) and has a through-hole. This configuration allows other members, such as a chain 4 (described later), to be inserted and connected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connecting part 3 is configured so as not to interfere with the plane including the joining surface. This configuration does not interfere with the attachment of the jewelry fastener X by magnetic force.

[0023] The connecting portion 3 is preferably configured to be integrally formed from the same material as the metal layer 2. With such a configuration, the design of the fastener X for ornaments as a whole can be improved and the strength against pulling can be increased.

[0024] It is preferable that the connecting portion 3 is configured to be offset from the metal layer 2 toward the surface that is bonded by the magnetic force of the magnet 1. With this configuration, when two ornament fasteners X are bonded together by magnetic force, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the misalignment of the longitudinal axis of other components such as a chain 4 (described below) or a wire is reduced, and the user can easily determine the bonding direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the accessory fastener X connects a member such as a chain 4 at a connecting portion 3. The chain 4 is a member made up of many members of approximately the same or similar shape connected by locks, joints, etc., and one annular member at the end of the chain is hooked onto and connected to the connecting portion 3. By configuring the accessory fastener X to be attached to both ends of the continuous chain 4, an accessory such as a necklace or pendant can be easily worn by wrapping it around the body (around the neck, etc.).

[0026] 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) show other application examples of the clasp X for jewelry. FIG. 3(a) shows a configuration in which a clasp X for jewelry, which includes a magnet 1 and a metal layer 2, is embedded in or attached to a ring body 5, and another clasp X for jewelry can be attached and detached to the clasp. The ring body 5 is an jewelry such as a finger ring, a bracelet, or an anklet. With this configuration, the clasp X for jewelry can be used to easily change out any ornament. In this case, by preparing multiple types of parts with various decorations, jewels, etc. added to the clasp X for jewelry shown in the upper part of FIG. 3(a), the appearance of the jewelry can be changed to suit the user's preferences, etc.

[0027] FIG. 3(b) shows a configuration in which a string 6 is attached to a clasp X for an ornament, which includes a magnet 1, a metal layer 2, and a connecting portion 3, and to which another clasp X for an ornament can be attached and detached. The string 6 is an ornament component that allows an ornament such as a pendant to be hung from the neck of the wearer. With this configuration, the clasp X for an ornament can be used to easily change out any ornament. In this case, by preparing multiple types of parts with various decorations, jewels, etc. added to the clasp X for an ornament shown on the left side of FIG. 3(b), the appearance of the ornament can be changed to suit the user's preferences, etc.

[0028] Figure 3(c) shows an embodiment in which two fasteners X for jewelry, each having a magnet 1 and a metal layer 2, clamp the user's earlobe 7 and serve as a substitute for piercings. This configuration allows the user to easily wear earrings without piercing the earlobe 7, and also allows for easy replacement of any ornament. In this case, by preparing multiple types of parts with various decorations, jewels, etc. added to the fastener X for jewelry shown on the left side of Figure 3(c), the form of the jewelry can be changed to suit the user's preferences, etc.

[0029] The ornament fastener X may have the following configurations. However, the configurations shown below are merely examples, and the presence or absence of these configurations can be determined arbitrarily unless otherwise specified.

[0030] <Example of change> As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener X for a personal accessory has a rim 21 on the peripheral edge of the surface of the metal layer 2 that is magnetically bonded. The rim 21 is provided on one of a pair of fasteners X for personal accessory that can be magnetically bonded, and is a component that is provided with a step extending outward from the edge of the metal layer 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the rim 21 is not provided in a portion that corresponds to the connecting portion 3 provided on the mating fastener X for a personal accessory to be bonded. With this configuration, the chain 4 is less likely to come off even when a load is applied perpendicular to the pulling direction of the chain 4, i.e., the direction in which the fasteners X are magnetically bonded to each other, and it is also possible to prevent the fasteners X for a personal accessory from shifting position.

[0031] The manufacturing method of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing method described below is an example, and the manufacturing method is not limited to this, and the order of the steps may be reversed.

[0032] ≪Manufacturing method≫ In the manufacturing of this embodiment, casting can be used as a molding method for forming the metal layer 2. In this manufacturing method, first, a mold or the like is used to create an imitation that reproduces the shape of the ornament fastener X, particularly the shape of the metal layer 2. This imitation is made of thermoplastic resin, wax, or the like, and the magnet 1 is incorporated inside during molding.

[0033] <Forming process> Then, as shown in Figure 5(a), mold 8 is formed so as to fill the entire imitation body, and after mold 8 hardens, the imitation body is heated to melt the layers of thermoplastic resin, wax, etc. that encase magnet 1, and these melts flow out of mold 8 as shown by the arrows in Figure 5(a). This leaves magnet 1 inside mold 8, and also creates a gap around magnet 1 into which molten metal can be poured.

[0034] Next, as shown in Figure 5(b), the required amount of molten metal is poured into the mold 8 from the outside, completely encasing the magnet 1 in molten metal. At this time, the amount of molten metal flowing in and the orientation of the mold 8 are adjusted so that the magnet 1 does not come into contact with the inner wall of the mold 8. The entire structure is then cooled, and once the metal has solidified, as shown in Figure 5(c), the mold 8 is disassembled and the contents are removed. The solidified metal remains as a trace of the pipe through which the metal was poured, and is then removed.

[0035] In this molding process, the mold 8 is a mold that determines the external shape of the metal layer 2, i.e., the overall shape of the jewelry fastener X, and is preferably configured to have at least one flat surface. More preferably, the bottom of the mold 8 is flat, allowing casting while keeping the bottom horizontal. This configuration allows the metal layer 2 to be molded into a shape with at least one flat surface, providing a surface that is easily adhered by magnetic force. Furthermore, as mentioned above, this simplifies the process of laying metal powder and placing the magnet 1 on it, improving the reproducibility of completely covering the magnet 1 with metal (metal layer 2).

[0036] A preferred manufacturing method is to place magnet 1 in mold 8 so that the magnetization direction is perpendicular or parallel to the aforementioned plane, and then embed magnet 1 directly inside metal layer 2. With this configuration, when magnetizing magnet 1 in the voltage application step described below, magnet 1 is more likely to be magnetized in a specific direction regardless of the type of magnet 1.

[0037] In addition to the above, it is preferable that the mold 8 has a shape in which the portions capable of forming the metal layer 2 and the connecting portion 3 are connected, and that the molten metal can be poured into it all at once during the forming process. This allows the metal layer 2 and the connecting portion 3 to be formed seamlessly, and allows the manufacture of a fastener X for an ornament with high designability and sufficient strength.

[0038] <Voltage application process> In the molding process described above, magnet 1 is heated when metal layer 2 is molded, causing it to lose its magnetism, so after the molding process, a voltage is applied to fastener X for a personal accessory that has been removed from mold 8 to magnetize magnet 1. At this time, electrodes are connected to fastener X for a personal accessory so that the direction of magnetization is perpendicular or parallel to the surface to be magnetically bonded, as shown in Figure 1(b), and a predetermined voltage is applied.

[0039] As mentioned above, magnet 1 needs to be magnetized in the voltage application process, so a non-magnetic piece of material may be used in the process prior to this. In this case, at the time of creating the aforementioned replica, the magnet 1 is a non-magnetic piece of material, and is only magnetized after the voltage application process. This manufacturing method eliminates the need to consider the influence of magnetic force on the surroundings until just before applying voltage to the cast jewelry fastener X, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the work.

[0040] After the magnet 1 is magnetized by the voltage application process, a surface treatment process may be performed on the metal layer 2 and the connecting portion 3. This surface treatment is a process of smoothing the outer surface of the clasp X for ornaments to a uniform surface roughness, or of imparting a design (gloss, coloring, molding, etc.) that matches the jewelry or accessory, and examples of such methods include polishing and plating. This enhances the design of the clasp X for ornaments and maintains balance when combined with other decorative items.

[0041] The ornament fastener X may be manufactured by the following manufacturing method. However, the manufacturing method shown below is merely an example, and adoption of the method can be decided at will unless otherwise specified.

[0042] <Example of change> One method for completely encasing the magnet 1 in the metal layer 2 is to first mold the metal layer 2 into a box shape that matches the shape of the magnet 1, then place the magnet 1 in the box made of the metal layer 2, and then seal and weld the box with a lid. In this manufacturing method, after welding the lid, a process of forming a coating on the outer surface of the jewelry fastener X is added, resulting in a seamless appearance. Examples of methods for forming the coating include plating, painting, and attaching a decorative body that covers the lid. This method allows for a variety of methods (cast molding, press processing, etc.) to be used to form the metal layer 2, and also makes it easy to improve the reproducibility of the molding.

[0043] Another method for completely encasing the magnet 1 in the metal layer 2 is to directly plate the magnet 1 with a precious metal or decorative metal to form the metal layer 2. This method allows the metal layer 2 to be formed with high purity and in a thin film.

[0044] As described above, the fastener X for ornaments can be manufactured by casting (lost wax method, etc.), cast molding, press processing, etc., but other manufacturing methods may also be used as long as they provide high reproducibility of the molding and allow easy surface processing, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] X Fasteners for jewelry 1 magnet 2 metal layer 21 Border 3 Connection 4 Chain 5 Ring body 6. String 7 earlobe 8. Mold

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a fastener for a personal ornament comprising a magnetic body and a metal layer that seamlessly covers the entire surface of the magnetic body, a molding step of molding the metal layer with the magnetic material embedded therein; and a voltage application step of applying a voltage to the molded internal magnetic body to magnetize it.

2. In the molding step, the metal layer is formed into a shape having at least one flat surface; The magnetic material is embedded such that the magnetization direction is perpendicular or parallel to the plane. The method of claim 1.

3. In the molding step, A connection portion connectable to another member is integrally formed with the metal layer. The method of claim 1.

4. A fastener for a personal ornament comprising a magnetic body and a metal layer formed by seamlessly covering the entire surface of the magnetic body, The magnetic material is provided by being coated on the metal layer, and is further magnetized by application of a voltage.

5. the metal layer has at least one planar surface; The magnetic body is provided with a magnetization direction perpendicular or parallel to the plane. The fastener for jewelry according to claim 4.

6. A connection portion that can be connected to another member is integrally provided with the metal layer. The fastener for jewelry according to claim 4.

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