Clip and writing instrument having the same

Abstract

To provide a clip of a writing instrument which can omit a process for mounting an elastic member, can integrate all components of the clip into one component, and can firmly fix the elastic member to the other components of the clip.SOLUTION: A clip side 13A of a writing part 1, comprising a rear shaft side 20A formed by a plastic part, wherein the clip side 22A comprises a clip body 21, a connecting portion side 23A and an elastic member side 23A, the elastic member side 22A is located behind the connecting portion side 13A and has an upper surface in contact with a back side of the clip body 21 and a lower surface in contact with an upper surface of the rear shaft side wall; The clip body 21 and the connecting portion side 22A are made of the same first plastic material as the rear shaft side 13A, the elastic member side 23A is made of a second plastic material different from the rear shaft side 13A, and the elastic member side 23A is two color molded together with the clip body 21, the connecting portion side 22A and the rear shaft side 13A, so that the upper surface of the elastic member side 13A is thermally fused to the back side of the clip body 21, and the lower surface of the elastic member side wall is thermally fused to the front side of the rear shaft side wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip having an elastic member for expanding the movable range of the clip and increasing the gripping force of the clip, and to a writing instrument having this clip. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, writing instruments such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, marker pens, mechanical pencils, and styluses are equipped with clips for holding onto clothing, bag pockets, documents, etc. Generally, metal clips are fixed to the barrel or cap of the writing instrument. Synthetic resin clips are integrally molded with the synthetic resin barrel or cap. The range of motion and gripping force of a typical clip are due to its own elasticity. For this reason, typical clips can only grip relatively thin objects. Therefore, a clip structure has been developed that allows for gripping thicker objects than ever before.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-146094 discloses a clip attachment device comprising a clip, a U-shaped leaf spring, and a cylindrical body such as the barrel or cap of a writing instrument. The clip is a component separate from the barrel or cap of the writing instrument. A first insertion hole is formed in the center of the clip, into which one end of the leaf spring is inserted. Meanwhile, a second insertion hole is formed in the cylindrical body, into which the other end of the leaf spring is inserted. The second insertion hole is a slit formed in the surface of the cylindrical body, extending in the front-to-rear direction of the writing instrument. When the rear end of the clip is pressed toward the surface of the cylindrical body, the clip opens wide against the compressive force of the leaf spring.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-313329 discloses a clip for a writing instrument equipped with an elastic member. The clip is integrally molded with the rear end of a barrel constituting the writing instrument. A connecting portion having a thin portion is integrally molded between the clip and the barrel. A fixing hole having an inner surface continuous with the rear surface of the connecting portion is formed at the rear end of the clip. The elastic member is a rubber-like part and has a locking portion, a locking flange, and a bottom surface. The locking portion of the elastic member is pressed into the fixing hole of the clip and closely contacts the inner surface of the fixing hole and the rear surface of the connecting portion. The locking flange of the elastic member closely contacts the rear surface of the clip. The bottom surface of the elastic member closely contacts the surface of the barrel. The locking portion of the elastic member passes through the fixing hole and bulges out onto the surface of the clip. The locking portion of the elastic member prevents a finger from slipping when the rear end of the clip is pressed toward the barrel with a finger. When the rear end of the clip is pushed toward the surface of the barrel, the clip opens wide against the elastic force of the elastic member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-146094 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-313329 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] 1. Clip assembly issues The clip attachment device of JP 2001-146094 A is assembled through a process of inserting the other end of the leaf spring into the second insertion hole of the cylindrical body and a process of inserting one end of the leaf spring into the first insertion hole of the clip. The two processes required to assemble the clip are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In particular, the process of inserting one end of the leaf spring into the first insertion hole of the clip against the compressive force of the leaf spring is difficult.

[0007] The clip of the writing instrument disclosed in JP 2005-313329 A has a problem in that it is extremely difficult to correctly attach the elastic member between the clip and the barrel as intended. Specifically, the elastic member is configured with a large, bulging locking portion located at the top, a thin locking flange located in the center, and a small-area bottom located at the bottom. This makes the center of gravity of the elastic member unstable and difficult to handle. Furthermore, the rubber-like elastic member is soft overall and easily deformed. Furthermore, the work of attaching the elastic member must be performed in the narrow space between the clip and the barrel. For these reasons, it is difficult to push the large, bulging locking portion into the fixing hole and expose it on the surface of the clip. It is also difficult to closely fit the front end face of the locking portion to the back surface of the connecting portion and the bottom to the surface of the barrel. Furthermore, it is difficult to closely fit the thin locking flange to the back surface of the rear end of the clip. Therefore, the elastic member cannot be attached between the clip and the barrel using an automated assembly machine. The elastic member must be manually attached between the clip and the barrel.

[0008] 2. Issues with the number of clip parts The clip attachment device of JP 2001-146094 A is composed of three parts: a clip, a U-shaped leaf spring, and a cylindrical body. The three parts are manufactured through three different processes, which creates the problem of incurring manufacturing costs for each of the three processes. Furthermore, the process of assembling the three parts also incurs manufacturing costs.

[0009] The clip of the writing implement disclosed in JP 2005-313329 A is composed of two parts: a part in which the clip, connecting portion, and barrel are integrally molded, and an elastic member. The two parts are manufactured through two different processes, which creates the problem of manufacturing costs for each of the two processes. Furthermore, the process of attaching the elastic member between the clip and barrel also requires manufacturing costs. The cost of manually attaching the elastic member is particularly high.

[0010] 3. Problems with misalignment of elastic members In the clip of the writing instrument disclosed in JP 2005-313329 A, the elastic member is not bonded to any of the clip, the connecting portion, and the barrel. When the clip is opened, the rear end of the clip and the engaging portion of the elastic member are pushed toward the surface of the barrel. At this time, the bottom surface of the elastic member is easily moved because the contact area with the surface of the barrel is small. As a result, the engaging portion of the elastic member is pushed out of the fixing hole of the clip, causing the entire elastic member to become misaligned.

[0011] 4. Objectives of the Invention The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a clip and a writing instrument equipped with the same, which can omit the process for attaching the elastic member, can integrate all of the components of the clip into one part, and can firmly fix the elastic member to the other components of the clip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the clip of the present invention is a clip for a writing instrument that includes at least one synthetic resin part, and includes a clip body extending in the front-to-rear direction of the writing instrument, a connecting part that connects the clip body and the synthetic resin part, and an elastic member located behind the connecting part and having a first surface that contacts the back surface of the clip body and a second surface that contacts the front surface of the synthetic resin part, wherein the clip body and the connecting part are made of the same first synthetic resin material as the synthetic resin part, and the elastic member is made of a second synthetic resin material different from the synthetic resin part, and the elastic member is two-color molded together with the clip body, the connecting part, and the synthetic resin part, so that the first surface is heat-sealed to the back surface of the clip body and the second surface is heat-sealed to the front surface of the synthetic resin part.

[0013] (2) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the first synthetic resin material is a general-purpose plastic, and the second synthetic resin material is an elastomer.

[0014] (3) Preferably, the clip described in (1) above includes a first convex portion formed on the back surface of the clip body and / or a second convex portion formed on the front surface of the synthetic resin part, and a first recess formed on the first surface of the elastic member and / or a second recess formed on the second surface of the elastic member, and the elastic member is two-color molded together with the clip body, the connecting portion and the synthetic resin part, so that the first convex portion engages with the first recess and / or the second convex portion engages with the second recess.

[0015] (4) Preferably, in the clip described in (3) above, the width dimension of the elastic member exceeds the width dimension of the first convex portion and / or the second convex portion.

[0016] (5) Preferably, in the clip described in (3) above, a reversible portion is formed at the tip of the first convex portion and / or the second convex portion to prevent the engagement with the first recess and / or the second recess from being released.

[0017] (6) Preferably, the clip described in (1) above includes a pair of third recesses formed continuously from each of the two side surfaces of the clip body to the back surface, a pair of fourth recesses formed at positions opposite each of the third recesses on the front surface of the synthetic resin part, a pair of third convex portions formed continuously from each of the two side surfaces of the elastic member to the first surface, and a pair of fourth convex portions formed continuously from each of the side surfaces of the elastic member to the second surface, and the elastic member is two-color molded together with the clip body, the connecting portion, and the synthetic resin part, so that the pair of third convex portions engage with the pair of third recesses and the pair of fourth convex portions engage with the pair of fourth recesses.

[0018] (7) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the front end surface of the elastic member contacts the back surface of the connecting portion and is heat-sealed to the back surface by the two-color molding.

[0019] (8) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, a recessed portion is formed on the rear end surface of the elastic member, the recessed portion having a cross-sectional shape that is an arc curved toward the front end surface of the elastic member, or a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is inclined toward the front end surface of the elastic member.

[0020] (9) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, at least one through-hole opening on both sides is formed in the center of the elastic member.

[0021] (10) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the connecting portion has a constant thickness and an arc shape that curves toward the rear of the writing implement.

[0022] (11) Preferably, the clip described in (1) above includes a pressing portion formed at the rear end of the clip body and extending rearward of the writing instrument beyond the connecting portion and the elastic member, and a ball portion formed at the front end of the clip body and protruding from the back surface of the clip body toward the surface of the writing instrument, wherein the ball portion contacts the surface of the writing instrument when the pressing portion is not pressed and moves away from the surface of the writing instrument when the pressing portion is pressed.

[0023] (12) Preferably, in the clip described in (11) above, the synthetic resin part is a part independent of the surface of the writing instrument, and the clip body has an inclination angle that allows the ball portion to contact the surface of the writing instrument.

[0024] (13) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes the barrel of the writing implement.

[0025] (14) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes a cap of the writing implement.

[0026] (15) Preferably, in the clip described in (1) above, the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes a retractable mechanism for setting the pen tip of the writing implement in a protruding state and a retracted state.

[0027] (16) To achieve the above object, the writing instrument of the present invention includes the clip described in any one of (1) to (15) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The clip and writing implement equipped with the clip of the present invention are configured such that all of the clip's components, i.e., the single synthetic resin part that constitutes the writing implement, the clip body, the connecting portion, and the elastic member, are integrated by two-color molding. This configuration eliminates the need for a process for attaching the elastic member. It also makes it possible to integrate all of the clip's components into a single part. This reduces the effort, time, and cost required to separately manufacture the elastic member. Furthermore, the elastic member is heat-sealed to the back surface of the clip body and the front surface of the synthetic resin part by two-color molding. This allows the elastic member to be firmly fixed to the clip body and the synthetic resin part, effectively preventing the elastic member from shifting position.

[0029] In this specification, the term "front" with respect to a writing instrument and its components means toward the nib of the writing instrument, and the term "rear" with respect to a writing instrument and its components means away from the nib of the writing instrument (see Figures 1, 2, and 12). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the entirety of a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire writing implement of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the main parts of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the main part of a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing the main part of a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing the main parts of a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the entirety of a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the writing implement of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, a writing instrument equipped with a clip according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first to fifth embodiments described below, a retractable ballpoint pen will be exemplified as a specific example of a writing instrument equipped with a clip. However, writing instruments to which the clip of the present invention is applicable are not limited to retractable ballpoint pens. The clip of the present invention can be widely applied to writing instruments equipped with at least one synthetic resin part, such as cap-type ballpoint pens, fountain pens, marker pens, mechanical pencils, styluses, and other known writing instruments.

[0032] 1. First embodiment First, a writing implement equipped with a clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] 1.1 Overview of writing instruments The writing instrument 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a retractable ballpoint pen and includes a barrel 10A, a clip 20A, and an operating unit 30A. The barrel 10A is composed of a front barrel 11A, an intermediate barrel 12A, and a rear barrel 13A. The front barrel 11A, the intermediate barrel 12A, and the rear barrel 13A are all cylindrical components. A grip 14 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front barrel 11A. The operating unit 30A is attached to the rear end of the barrel 10A and is capable of moving in the front-to-rear direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of front shaft 11A itself, excluding grip 14, is smaller than the diameter of intermediate shaft 12A. A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of front shaft 11A. Meanwhile, a female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end of intermediate shaft 12A. Front shaft 11A and intermediate shaft 12A are detachably coupled by threading their male and female threads together. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, a reduced diameter portion 121 having a smaller diameter than the rest of intermediate shaft 12A is formed on the rear end of intermediate shaft 12A. Rear shaft 13A is fitted onto the outside of reduced diameter portion 121 of intermediate shaft 12A. Clip 20A is integrally molded on the surface of rear shaft 13A. The configuration of clip 20A will be described in detail later.

[0035] The front shaft 11A, intermediate shaft 12A, rear shaft 13A, clip 20A, and operating portion 30A shown in Fig. 1 are all formed of a synthetic resin material. Examples of suitable synthetic resin materials include thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polycarbonate (PC). It is particularly preferable that the rear shaft 13A and clip 20A (excluding elastic member 23A) be formed of either polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are resistant to repeated bending (hinge properties), making them suitable materials for the clip 20A, which is repeatedly opened and closed.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the barrel 10A accommodates the rotating member 40, the coil spring 50, and the refill 60. The refill 60 is a long, thin, cylindrical pipe. A nib 61 is fitted into the front end of the refill 60. The refill 60 is filled with ink (not shown). A tail plug 62 is fitted into the rear end of the refill 60. Inside the barrel 10A, the nib 61 of the refill 60 is inserted into the coil spring 50. The coil spring 50 exerts a biasing force on the refill 60 toward the rear of the barrel 10A.

[0037] The rotating member 40, together with the intermediate shaft 12A, the operating unit 30A, and the coil spring 50, constitutes a mechanism for extending and retracting the pen tip 61. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of cam teeth 122 and a plurality of cam grooves 123 extending in the front-rear direction are alternately formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the intermediate shaft 12A. A plurality of guide protrusions 31, the same number as the cam grooves 123, are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the operating unit 30A. Each guide protrusion 31 slides along each cam groove 123 to guide the movement of the operating unit 30A in the front-rear direction. A plurality of cam teeth 32 are formed on the circular front end surface of the operating unit 30A. Meanwhile, a plurality of ridges 41 are formed on the rotating member 40, continuing from the upper surface to the outer peripheral surface. The ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of the rotating member 40 are capable of contacting the cam teeth 32 of the operating unit 30A. The cam teeth 32 of the operating part 30A come into contact with the ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of the rotating member 40, causing the rotating member 40 to rotate by a certain angle. Meanwhile, the ridges 41 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 40 can alternately engage with the cam teeth 122 and cam grooves 123 of the intermediate shaft 12A.

[0038] 2 shows a state in which the pen tip 61 is inserted into the front end hole 11a of the front barrel 11A. When the pen tip 61 is inserted, the refill 60, the rotating member 40, and the operating unit 30A are subjected to a rearward biasing force from the coil spring 50. At this time, the protrusion 41 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 40 engages with the cam groove 123 of the intermediate shaft 12A. The rotating member 40 can move forward along the cam groove 123.

[0039] To project nib 61 from front-end hole 11a of front barrel 11A, push operating unit 30 forward with a finger against the biasing force of coil spring 50. Operating unit 30 then moves forward while being guided by guide projections 31 and cam grooves 123. Operating unit 30 then moves rotating member 40 forward. Then, ridges 41 formed on the outer peripheral surface of rotating member 40 pass through the front ends of cam grooves 123 of intermediate shaft 12A. At this time, ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of rotating member 40 move along cam teeth 32 formed on the front end surface of operating unit 30A. This rotates rotating member 40 by a certain angle, and ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of rotating member 40 engage with cam teeth 122 of intermediate shaft 12A. This causes pen nib 61 to project from front-end hole 11a of front barrel 11A, and this state is maintained.

[0040] To return the pen tip 61 to a state where it is retracted into the front-end hole 11a of the front barrel 11A, the operating unit 30 is pushed forward again with a finger. This causes the operating unit 30 to move forward while being guided by the guide protrusions 31 and the cam grooves 123. The operating unit 30 then moves the rotating member 40 forward. This disengages the ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of the rotating member 40 from the cam teeth 122 of the intermediate shaft 12A. At this time, the ridges 41 formed on the upper surface of the rotating member 40 move along the cam teeth 32 formed on the front end surface of the operating unit 30A. This causes the rotating member 40 to rotate a certain angle, and the ridges 41 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 40 engage with the cam grooves 123 of the intermediate shaft 12A. As a result, the refill 60, the rotating member 40, and the operating unit 30A move backward due to the biasing force of the coil spring 50, and the pen tip 61 is retracted into the front-end hole 11a of the front barrel 11A.

[0041] 1.2 Clip Structure As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, clip 20A of the present embodiment is composed of clip main body 21, connecting portion 22A, and elastic member 23A. As already mentioned, clip main body 21 and connecting portion 22A are composed of the same first synthetic resin material as rear barrel 13A, such as a thermoplastic resin. Meanwhile, elastic member 23A is composed of a second synthetic resin material, such as an elastomer, that is more elastic than clip main body 21 and connecting portion 22A. Clip main body 21, connecting portion 22A, and elastic member 23A are molded together with rear barrel 13A by two-color molding.

[0042] Clip body 21 extends in the front-to-rear direction of barrel tube 10A. A pressing portion 214A is formed at the rear end of clip body 21. Pressing portion 214A extends rearward beyond connecting portion 22A and elastic member 23A. A user of writing instrument 1 can open clip body 21 by pressing the surface of pressing portion 214A with their finger toward rear barrel 13A, thereby deforming connecting portion 22A. In this embodiment, pressing portion 214A has a shape that is slightly curved in the opposite direction to the surface of rear barrel 13A. Such a curved shape of pressing portion 214A fits the user's finger pressing the surface of pressing portion 214A, making it easier to open clip body 21.

[0043] Furthermore, a ball portion 215 is formed on the back surface of the front end portion of the clip body 21. The ball portion 215 protrudes from the back surface of the clip body 21 toward the surface of the intermediate shaft 12A. When the clip body 21 is in a closed state, the ball portion 215 comes into contact with the surface of the intermediate shaft 12A. On the other hand, when the pressing portion 214A is pressed and the clip body 21 is in an open state, the ball portion 215 moves away from the surface of the intermediate shaft 12A.

[0044] Here, as shown in FIG. 3 , clip body 21 has an inclination angle that allows ball portion 215 to contact the surface of intermediate shaft 12A. When rear shaft 13A is fitted onto reduced diameter portion 121 of intermediate shaft 12A, ball portion 215 of clip body 21 always contacts the surface of intermediate shaft 12A. This prevents unnecessary gaps from forming between ball portion 215 of clip body 21 and the surface of intermediate shaft 12A. As a result, it becomes possible to sandwich thinner objects between ball portion 215 of clip body 21 and the surface of intermediate shaft 12A. Furthermore, the absence of unnecessary gaps between ball portion 215 of clip body 21 and the surface of intermediate shaft 12A improves the detailed quality of writing instrument 1.

[0045] Connecting portion 22A has a constant width and thickness and an arcuate shape that curves toward the rear of rear spool 13A. One end of connecting portion 22A is integrally molded on the back surface of clip body 21. The other end of connecting portion 22A is integrally molded on the front surface of rear spool 13A. Connecting portion 22A connects clip body 21 to rear spool 13A and functions as a hinge for opening and closing clip body 21. That is, connecting portion 22A opens clip body 21 by deforming itself. Connecting portion 22A also closes clip body 21 by returning to its original shape. Because the arcuate connecting portion 22A deforms as a whole, stress generated by deformation is not concentrated locally. This effectively prevents connecting portion 22A from breaking or cracking.

[0046] Elastic member 23A is formed by two-color molding of a second synthetic resin material in the space surrounded by the back surface of clip body 21, the back surface of connecting portion 22A, and the surface of rear barrel 13A. The second synthetic resin material for elastic member 23A is preferably one that can be firmly heat-sealed to the first synthetic resin material for clip body 21, connecting portion 22A, and rear barrel 13A. For example, if the first synthetic resin material is polypropylene (PP), the second synthetic resin material is preferably a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer. Furthermore, if the first synthetic resin material is polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), the second synthetic resin is preferably a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer or a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer.

[0047] The elastic member 23A of this embodiment has an overall shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped, with a front end surface, a rear end surface, an upper surface (first surface), a lower surface (second surface), and two side surfaces. The front end surface of the elastic member 23A has the same arc shape as the back surface of the connecting portion 22A. Meanwhile, the front end surface, rear end surface, upper surface, lower surface, and two side surfaces of the elastic member 23A are all flat.

[0048] Elastic member 23A is heat-sealed to clip body 21, connecting portion 22A, and rear barrel 13A by two-color molding. That is, the front end surface of elastic member 23A is heat-sealed to the back surface of connecting portion 22A. The upper surface of elastic member 23A is heat-sealed to the back surface of clip body 21. The lower surface of elastic member 23A is heat-sealed to the surface of rear barrel 13A.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, elastic member 23A of the present embodiment is fixed to the back surface of clip body 21 and the front surface of rear barrel 13A by engaging two convex portions 211, 131 with two concave portions 231, 232. That is, first convex portion 211 is formed on the back surface of clip body 21. Second convex portion 131 is formed on the front surface of rear barrel 13A. Meanwhile, first concave portion 231 is formed on the top surface of elastic member 23A. Second concave portion 232 is formed on the bottom surface of elastic member 23A. Elastic member 23A is molded by two-color molding together with clip body 21, connecting portion 22A, and rear barrel 13A, so that first convex portion 211 engages with first concave portion 231, and second convex portion 131 engages with second concave portion 232. The engagement at these two locations involves heat fusion between the first synthetic resin material forming the clip body 21 and the rear body 13A and the second synthetic resin material forming the elastic member 23A.

[0050] 6, the width dimension of the elastic member 23A exceeds the width dimensions of the first convex portion 211 and the second convex portion 131. As a result, all surfaces constituting the first convex portion 211 are covered by all surfaces constituting the first concave portion. Similarly, all surfaces constituting the second convex portion 131 are covered by all surfaces constituting the second concave portion 232. With this configuration, movement of the elastic member 23A in the front-rear and left-right directions is restricted, and displacement of the elastic member 23A is prevented.

[0051] Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a reversible portion (not shown) is formed at the tip of the first convex portion 211 and the second convex portion 131 to prevent disengagement with the first recessed portion 231 and the second recessed portion 232. The reversible portion is a flange or hook that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the first convex portion 211 and the second convex portion 131. By forming a reversible portion at the tip of the first convex portion 211 and the second convex portion 131, the first convex portion 211 and the second convex portion 131 become less likely to come out of the first recessed portion 231 and the second recessed portion 232.

[0052] 1.3 Clip function The clip 20A of this embodiment has a configuration in which all of the components of the clip 20A, namely, the rear body 13A, the clip main body 21, the connecting portion 22A, and the elastic member 23A, are integrated by two-color molding. This configuration makes it possible to omit the step of attaching the elastic member 23A. The clip 20A of this embodiment is completed through the two-color molding process, and there is no work required to assemble the components of the clip 20A.

[0053] Furthermore, all of the components of clip 20A can be integrated into one part, meaning that clip 20A, including elastic member 23A, has only one part, reducing the effort, time, and cost required to separately manufacture elastic member 23A.

[0054] Furthermore, the front end surface, upper surface, and lower surface of elastic member 23A are heat-sealed to the back surface of clip body 21, the back surface of connecting portion 22A, and the surface of rear barrel 13A by two-color molding. This allows elastic member 23A to be firmly fixed to connecting portion 22A, clip body 21, and rear barrel 13A, effectively preventing displacement of elastic member 23A.

[0055] In addition, elastic member 23A is fixed to the rear surface of clip body 21 and the surface of rear shaft 13A by two convex portions 211, 131 engaging with two concave portions 231, 232. This more effectively prevents displacement of elastic member 23A.

[0056] 2. Second embodiment Next, a writing instrument equipped with a clip according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the second embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a clip 20B of the second embodiment includes four recesses 212, 212, 132, 132 and four protrusions 233, 233, 234, 234 for firmly fixing an elastic member 23B.

[0058] A pair of third recesses 212, 212 are formed in clip body 21. Each third recess 212 continues from each of the two side surfaces of clip body 21 to the rear surface. A pair of fourth recesses 132, 132 are formed in rear barrel 13A. Each fourth recess 132 is formed at a position facing the corresponding third recess 212, 212 on the surface of rear barrel 13A.

[0059] On the other hand, a pair of third protrusions 233, 233 and a pair of fourth protrusions 234, 234 are formed on the elastic member 23B. Each third protrusion 233 is formed continuously from each of the two side surfaces to the upper surface of the elastic member 23B. Each fourth recess 234 is formed continuously from each of the side surfaces to the lower surface of the elastic member 23B.

[0060] Elastic member 23B is molded by two-color molding together with clip body 20B, connecting portion 22A, and rear barrel 13A, so that a pair of third convex portions 233, 233 engage with a pair of third concave portions 212, 212, and a pair of fourth convex portions 234, 234 engage with a pair of fourth concave portions 132, 132. The engagement at these four locations involves heat fusion between the first synthetic resin material forming clip body 21 and rear barrel 13A and the second synthetic resin material forming elastic member 23B.

[0061] In the clip 20B of the second embodiment, the surface areas of the pair of third recesses 233, 233, the pair of fourth recesses 234, 234, the pair of third protrusions 212, 212, and the pair of fourth protrusions 234, 234 can be increased. This increases the bonding force between each recess 212, 212, 132, 132 and each protrusion 233, 233, 234, 234. Therefore, according to the clip 20B of the second embodiment, the elastic member 23B can be more firmly fixed to the back surface of the clip main body 21 and the front surface of the rear barrel 13A, and displacement of the elastic member 23B is more effectively prevented.

[0062] 3. Third embodiment Next, a writing instrument with a clip according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the third embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a clip 20C of the third embodiment has a recessed portion 235 and a through-hole 236 formed in an elastic member 23C.

[0064] The recess 235 is formed on the rear end surface of the elastic member 23C and has an arc shape that curves toward the front end surface of the elastic member 23C. The recess 235 makes the rear end of the elastic member 23C more easily crushable. The recess 235 reduces the pressing force required to open the clip body 21. Furthermore, the recess 235 prevents the rear end of the elastic member 23C from bulging out toward the rear when the elastic member 23C is compressed by the clip body 21. As a result, when the clip body 21 is opened, the rear end of the elastic member 23C does not deform unsightly, and the appearance of the elastic member 23C is not marred.

[0065] The shape of the recessed portion 235 is not particularly limited as long as it reduces the second synthetic resin material forming the rear end portion of the elastic member 23C. The recessed portion 235 may have, for example, a V-shaped cross section that is inclined toward the front end surface of the elastic member 23C.

[0066] Meanwhile, the through-hole 236 is formed in the center of the elastic member 23C and opens on both side surfaces of the elastic member 23C. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole 236 is an oblong shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The through-hole 236 makes the entire elastic member 23C flexible, allowing the clip body 21 to be opened with less pressing force. Furthermore, the appearance of the through-hole 236 serves to visually inform the user that the elastic member 23C is deformable.

[0067] The shape and number of through holes are not particularly limited as long as they open on both side surfaces of elastic member 23C. For example, a plurality of through holes each having a circular cross section may be formed side by side in the center of elastic member 23C.

[0068] Furthermore, in clip 20C of this embodiment, the front end surface of elastic member 23C is not heat-sealed to the back surface of connecting portion 22A, and a gap G is formed between the front end surface of elastic member 23C and the back surface of connecting portion 22A. This gap G makes it easier for the front end portion of elastic member 23C to deform, and enables clip body 21 to be opened with less pressing force.

[0069] In the clip 20C of this embodiment, displacement of the elastic member 23C is prevented by the upper surface of the elastic member 23C being heat-sealed to the back surface of the clip body 21, the lower surface of the elastic member 23C being heat-sealed to the surface of the rear shaft 13A, the first convex portion 211 engaging with the first concave portion 231, and the second convex portion 131 engaging with the second concave portion 232.

[0070] 4. Fourth embodiment Next, a writing instrument equipped with a clip according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the fourth embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, the clips 20A, 20B, and 20C of the first, second, and third embodiments all include a connecting portion 22A that is arc-shaped and curved rearward, but the shape of the connecting portion is not limited to an arc. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the connecting portion 22D constituting the clip 20D of this embodiment may be straight. When the connecting portion 22D is straight, one end of the connecting portion 22D that is continuous with the back surface of the clip body 21 serves as a fulcrum, causing the clip body 21 to open.

[0072] 5. Fifth embodiment Next, a writing instrument with a clip according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In the fifth embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 5.1 Overview of writing instruments As shown in Figure 12, the writing instrument 2 of this embodiment is a retractable ballpoint pen and includes a barrel 10E, a clip 20E, and a friction member 80. The barrel 10E is composed of a front barrel 11E, an intermediate barrel 12E, and a rear barrel 13E. The front barrel 11E, the intermediate barrel 12E, and the rear barrel 13E are all cylindrical components. A grip 14 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front barrel 11E.

[0074] Here, the writing instrument 2 of this embodiment is configured such that a refill (not shown) is filled with thermochromic ink. The handwriting of the thermochromic ink formed on the surface of paper can change color by applying heat. For example, the handwriting of the thermochromic ink changes from a first color to a second color, from the first color to colorless, or from colorless to the first color by applying heat.

[0075] The friction member 80 is a component for thermally discoloring the handwriting of thermochromic ink. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the friction member 80 is attached to the rear end of the rear barrel 13E. Frictional heat is generated by rubbing the handwriting of thermochromic ink formed on the surface of paper with the friction member 80. This frictional heat causes the handwriting of thermochromic ink to thermally discolor.

[0076] Clip 20E also serves as operating section 30E for protruding and retracting the pen tip (not shown) from and into front end hole 11a of front barrel 11E. As shown in Figure 13, clip 20E is integrally molded on one side of slider 33, which constitutes the pen tip extension / retraction mechanism (not shown). Shank 34 is integrally molded on the lower part of slider 33. Clip 20E, slider 33, and shaft 34 are made of a first synthetic resin material, which is a thermoplastic resin.

[0077] The shaft portion 34 is inserted into the rear end of the cylindrical member 70. The cylindrical member 70 is fixed to the rear end of the shaft portion 34. Inside the cylindrical member 70, the rotating member 40 is rotatably attached to the front end of the shaft portion 34. The configuration of the rotating member 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. A plurality of cam teeth (not shown) are formed on the circular front end surface of the cylindrical member 70. The cam teeth of the cylindrical member 70 contact the protrusions 41 formed on the upper surface of the rotating member 40, causing the rotating member 40 to rotate by a certain angle. Although not shown, a plurality of cam teeth and a plurality of cam grooves are alternately formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rear end of the intermediate shaft 12E, as in the first embodiment. The rotating member 40 can move in the front-rear direction along the cam grooves of the intermediate shaft 12E and can engage with the cam teeth of the intermediate shaft 12E. Inside the shaft tube 10E, the refill (not shown), the rotating member 40, and the slider 33 are subjected to a rearward biasing force from a coil spring (not shown).

[0078] Slider 33 can move back and forth along a single slide groove consisting of first slide groove 12a provided in intermediate shaft 12E and second slide groove 13a provided in rear shaft 13E. By sliding clip 20E, which is integrally molded with slider 33, forward, the pen tip (not shown) protrudes from front end hole 11a of front shaft 11E. In this state, by sliding clip 20E forward again, the pen tip (not shown) retracts into front end hole 11a of front shaft 11E.

[0079] 5.2 Clip Structure 12 and 13, clip 20E of this embodiment is composed of clip body 21, connecting portion 22A, and elastic member 23E. As already described, clip body 21 and connecting portion 22A are composed of the same first synthetic resin material as slider 33, such as thermoplastic resin. On the other hand, elastic member 23E is composed of a second synthetic resin material, such as elastomer, that is more elastic than clip body 21 and connecting portion 22A. Clip body 21, connecting portion 22A, and elastic member 23E are molded together with slider 33 and shaft portion 34 by two-color molding.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13 , the portion of clip body 21 overlapping elastic member 23E forms curved portion 21e, which is slightly curved in the direction opposite to the surface of rear shaft 13E. A pressing portion 214E, which is continuous with curved portion 21e, is formed at the rear end of clip body 21. In this embodiment, pressing portion 214E has a shape that is significantly inclined toward the surface of rear shaft 13E. A user can deform connecting portion 22A and open clip body 21 by pressing the inclined surface of pressing portion 214E forward. A user can also place a finger on the inclined surface of pressing portion 214E to slide clip 20E, which is operating portion 30E, forward. A user can also deform connecting portion 22A and open clip body 21 by pressing the surface of curved portion 21e of clip body 21 with a finger toward rear shaft 13E.

[0081] The elastic member 23E of this embodiment is heat-sealed to the clip body 21, the connecting portion 22A, and the slider 33 by two-color molding. That is, the front end surface of the elastic member 23E is heat-sealed to the back surface of the connecting portion 22A. The upper surface of the elastic member 23E is heat-sealed to the back surface of the clip body 21. The lower surface of the elastic member 23E is heat-sealed to the surface of the slider 33.

[0082] The elastic member 23E is fixed to the surface of the slider 33 by engaging one second protrusion 131 with one second recess 232. That is, the second protrusion 131 is formed on the surface of the slider 33. Meanwhile, the second recess 232 is formed on the lower surface of the elastic member 23E. The elastic member 23E is molded by two-color molding together with the clip body 21, the connecting portion 22A, and the slider 33, so that the second protrusion 131 engages with the second recess 232. The engagement between the second protrusion 131 and the second recess 232 involves heat fusion between the first synthetic resin material forming the slider 33 and the second synthetic resin material forming the elastic member 23E.

[0083] A recess 235 is formed on the rear end surface of the elastic member 23E. As in the third embodiment, the recess 235 has an arc shape that curves toward the front end surface of the elastic member 23E. The recess 235 makes the rear end of the elastic member 23E more easily crushable. The recess 235 reduces the pressing force required to open the clip body 21. Furthermore, the recess 235 prevents the rear end of the elastic member 23E from bulging out toward the rear when the elastic member 23E is compressed by the clip body 21. As a result, when the clip body 21 is opened, the rear end of the elastic member 23E does not deform unsightly, and the appearance of the elastic member 23E is not marred.

[0084] 6.Other The clip of the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the clips 20A to 20E of the first to fifth embodiments described above. For example, the clip of the present invention is not limited to retractable writing instruments, but can also be applied to cap-type writing instruments. For example, the clip body and connecting portion constituting the clip of the present invention can be integrally molded into a cap made of a first synthetic resin material. Furthermore, the elastic member constituting this clip can be two-color molded into the clip body, connecting portion, and cap.

[0085] Furthermore, the clip of the present invention can be applied to any writing instrument with at least one component integrally molded therewith that is made of a synthetic resin material. For example, front barrel 11A and intermediate barrel 12A shown in Fig. 1 or front barrel 11E and intermediate barrel 12E shown in Fig. 12 may be made of a metal material. In other words, the clip of the present invention can be applied not only to writing instruments with a barrel made of a synthetic resin material, but also to writing instruments with a barrel made of a metal material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 2 Writing instruments 10A, 10E shaft cylinder 11A, 11E front axle 11a Front end hole 12A, 12E intermediate shaft 12a First slide groove 121 Reduced diameter section 122 cam teeth 123 Cam groove 13A, 13E rear axle 13a Second slide groove 131 Second convex part 132 4th recess 14 Grip 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E Clips 21 Clip body 21e Curved section 211 First convex part 212 Third Recess 214A, 214E pressing part 215 Tamabe 22A, 22D connection part 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E Elastic member 231 First recess 232 Second recess 233 Third convex part 234 4th convex part 235 recess 236 Through Hole 30A, 30E operation unit 31 Guide protrusion 32 cam teeth 33 Slider 34 Shaft 40 Rotating member 41 protrusion 50 coil spring 60 refills 61 Pen Tip 62 tail plug 70 Cylindrical member 80 Friction member G Gap

Claims

1. A clip for a writing instrument comprising at least one synthetic resin part, a clip body extending in the front-rear direction of the writing implement; a connecting portion connecting the clip body and the synthetic resin part; and an elastic member located behind the connecting portion and having a first surface that contacts the back surface of the clip body and a second surface that contacts the front surface of the synthetic resin part, the clip body and the connecting portion are made of a first synthetic resin material that is the same as the synthetic resin part, and the elastic member is made of a second synthetic resin material that is different from the synthetic resin part, A clip in which the elastic member is two-color molded together with the clip body, the connecting portion, and the synthetic resin part, so that the first surface is heat-sealed to the back surface of the clip body and the second surface is heat-sealed to the surface of the synthetic resin part.

2. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein said first synthetic resin material is a general-purpose plastic and said second synthetic resin material is an elastomer.

3. a first protrusion formed on the back surface of the clip body and / or a second protrusion formed on the front surface of the synthetic resin part; a first recess formed on the first surface of the elastic member and / or a second recess formed on the second surface of the elastic member, The clip according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is molded in two colors together with the clip body, the connecting portion, and the synthetic resin part, so that the first convex portion engages with the first concave portion and / or the second convex portion engages with the second concave portion.

4. The clip according to claim 3 , wherein the width dimension of the elastic member is greater than the width dimension of the first convex portion and / or the second convex portion.

5. The clip according to claim 3, wherein a reversible portion is formed at the tip of the first convex portion and / or the second convex portion to prevent disengagement with the first recess and / or the second recess.

6. a pair of third recesses formed continuously from each of the two side surfaces of the clip body to the rear surface; a pair of fourth recesses formed at positions opposite to each of the third recesses on the front surface of the synthetic resin part; a pair of third protrusions formed continuously from each of the two side surfaces of the elastic member to the first surface; and a pair of fourth protrusions formed continuously from each of the side surfaces of the elastic member to the second surface, The clip according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is molded in two colors together with the clip body, the connecting portion, and the synthetic resin part, so that a pair of the third convex portions engage with a pair of the third concave portions, and a pair of the fourth convex portions engage with a pair of the fourth concave portions.

7. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the front end surface of the elastic member contacts the rear surface of the connecting portion and is heat-sealed to the rear surface by the two-color molding.

8. The clip according to claim 1, wherein a recessed portion having a cross-sectional shape of an arc curved toward the front end surface of the elastic member or a V-shape inclined toward the front end surface of the elastic member is formed on the rear end surface of the elastic member.

9. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein at least one through-hole is formed in the center of said elastic member, said through-hole opening on both sides.

10. The clip according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion has a constant thickness and an arcuate shape that curves toward the rear of the writing implement.

11. a pressing portion formed at a rear end of the clip body and extending rearward of the writing instrument beyond the connecting portion and the elastic member; and a ball portion formed at a front end of the clip body and protruding from the back surface of the clip body toward the front surface of the writing instrument, The clip according to claim 1 , wherein the ball portion contacts the surface of the writing instrument when the pressing portion is not pressed, and moves away from the surface of the writing instrument when the pressing portion is pressed.

12. The clip according to claim 11, wherein the synthetic resin part is a part independent of the surface of the writing instrument, and the clip body has an inclination angle that allows the ball portion to contact the surface of the writing instrument.

13. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes a barrel of the writing implement.

14. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes a cap of the writing implement.

15. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic resin part is a part that constitutes a mechanism for setting the pen tip of the writing implement in a protruding state and a retracted state.

16. A writing implement comprising the clip according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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