Writing instrument component and writing instrument

By adding UV-A and UV-B absorbers and a light stabilizer to ABS resin, the composition effectively suppresses discoloration and brittle fracture in writing instrument components, addressing the longevity issues of ABS resin parts.

JP2026017172APending Publication Date: 2026-02-04MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024117874
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-23
Publication Date
2026-02-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ABS resin compositions in writing instruments suffer from discoloration and brittle fracture over time due to diverse usage environments, with the causes of these issues not being clearly understood, making it difficult to suppress both phenomena effectively.

Method used

Incorporating UV absorbers for the UV-A and UV-B regions, along with a light stabilizer, into an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin composition to enhance resistance to discoloration and brittle fracture.

Benefits of technology

The ABS resin composition exhibits improved resistance to discoloration and brittle fracture, maintaining mechanical integrity and color stability under UV exposure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a resin part for a writing instrument containing an ABS resin composition and capable of suppressing brittle fracture while suppressing discoloration over time.SOLUTION: A resin part 110 for a writing instrument includes an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition, and the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition includes an ultraviolet absorber for a UV-A region, an ultraviolet absorber for a UV-B region, and a light stabilizer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a writing instrument part and a writing instrument using the writing instrument part. [Background technology]

[0002] Extending the lifespan of writing instruments has been attracting attention as an environmental initiative. Writing instruments are composed of various resin parts, each of which is required to have various performance characteristics. For example, clips and other components require mechanical strength, such as bending strength, to prevent breakage during use. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin) compositions that can meet these performance requirements are widely used. However, ABS resin compositions can discolor and undergo brittle fracture after long-term use.

[0003] Regarding extending the life of resins, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoplastic resin composition in which, relative to 100 parts by mass of a rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin (A) containing a rubber polymer (A), the total amount of a phenolic antioxidant (a), a hindered amine light stabilizer (b), and a phosphorus-based antioxidant (c) is 0.5 to 3.5 parts by mass, the amount of a benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber (d) is 0.25 to 0.75 parts by mass, and the amount of an ethylene-carbon monoxide-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymer (e) is within the range of 0.5 to 6.0 parts by mass, and the weight ratios of the phenolic antioxidant (a), the hindered amine light stabilizer (b), and the phosphorus-based antioxidant (c) to the weight ratio of the rubber polymer (A) to 100 parts by mass of the rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin (A) satisfy a predetermined relationship. The thermoplastic resin composition of Patent Document 1 is said to have excellent resistance to yellowing in the dark after contact with detergent, in addition to the general properties required in wet environments, namely, chemical resistance, resistance to yellowing in the dark, and resistance to thermal discoloration after retention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-098113 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To extend the life of writing instruments, it is desirable to suppress discoloration and brittle fracture over time in resin parts for writing instruments containing ABS resin compositions. However, although it is known that such resin parts for writing instruments discolor and undergo brittle fracture over time, the causes of discoloration and brittle fracture have not been clear because the environments in which writing instruments are used are extremely diverse. Therefore, it has not been possible to suppress both discoloration and brittle fracture in resin parts for writing instruments while taking advantage of the properties of ABS resin.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a resin part for a writing instrument that contains an ABS resin composition and that can suppress discoloration over time and brittle fracture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research and found that the above problems can be solved by the following means, and have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is as follows: <Aspect 1> A resin part for a writing instrument comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition, The acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition is a resin part for a writing instrument, comprising: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, UV absorbers for the UV-A region, UV absorbers for the UV-B region, and Light stabilizer. <Aspect 2> A resin part for a writing instrument according to Aspect 1, wherein the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition comprises: 100 parts by mass of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, 0.30 to 1.0 parts by mass of the ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region; 0.15 to 0.5 parts by mass of the ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region, and 0.01 to 0.4 parts by mass of the light stabilizer. <Aspect 3> A writing instrument comprising the resin part for a writing instrument according to aspect 1 or 2. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a resin part for a writing instrument that can suppress discoloration and brittle fracture even when an ABS resin composition is used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1(a) to 1(c) are respectively a plan view, a front view, and a vertical cross-sectional view of a writing instrument having a writing instrument component according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Writing instrument parts> The writing instrument component of the present invention is a resin part for a writing instrument that contains an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin composition. The ABS resin composition also contains an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region, an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region, and a light stabilizer.

[0011] The configuration of a writing instrument 100 having a writing instrument component of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to Figure 1. In this embodiment, a knock-type ballpoint pen is shown. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0012] 1(a) to 1(c) are a plan view, a front view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of a writing instrument 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, in this specification, the tip, i.e., the nib side, of the writing instrument 100 is defined as the "front" side of the writing instrument 100, and the side opposite the nib of the writing instrument 100 along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the writing instrument 100 is defined as the "rear" side of the writing instrument 100.

[0013] The writing instrument 100 comprises a rear barrel 120 which is integral with the clip 126, a front barrel 130 which is arranged in front of the rear barrel 120, a grip 140 formed on the outer surface of the front barrel 130, a knock cover 150 which is arranged at the rear end of the writing instrument 100, a cutlery 160 which is arranged at the front end of the writing instrument 100, a rotor 170 housed inside the rear barrel 120, and a writing core portion 180 which extends in front of the rotor 170.

[0014] The front barrel 130 and the grip 140, as well as the rear barrel (primary molded portion) 122 and the rear barrel (secondary molded portion) 124 are molded in two colors.

[0015] The writing core 180 is made up of a spring 182 that biases the writing core 180 rearward, an ink reservoir 184 that contains ink, and a ballpoint pen tip 186 at the front end. The knock cover 150 can be moved back and forth with a finger to cause the ballpoint pen tip 186 to protrude from and retract into the cutlery 160.

[0016] As described above, the cause of aging discoloration and brittle fracture of ABS resin compositions in resin parts for writing instruments has not been clarified until now. However, the present inventors have conducted durability tests in various test environments and found that ultraviolet light in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is the cause of discoloration and brittle fracture of ABS resin compositions in resin parts for writing instruments.

[0017] Based on the above findings, the present inventors investigated resin parts for writing instruments that can suppress discoloration over time. Specifically, by incorporating an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region, an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region, and a light stabilizer into an ABS resin composition, discoloration and brittle fracture of the resin parts for writing instruments containing the ABS resin composition could be suppressed.

[0018] Each component of the present invention will be described below.

[0019] The writing instrument part of the present invention is a resin part for a writing instrument that contains an ABS resin composition.

[0020] Although there are no particular limitations on the application of the writing implement part of the present invention, it is preferable that the writing implement part be a clip, which is prone to discoloration and brittle fracture over time.

[0021] The clip's colorfastness is measured by exposing the clip to ultraviolet light at an irradiance of 320W / m 2 When irradiated with light at 100° C. for 100 hours, the color difference ΔE*ab in the CIELab color system is preferably less than 5.0, less than 4.0, less than 3.0, less than 2.5, or less than 2.0.

[0022] The durability of the clip is measured by exposing the clip to ultraviolet light at an irradiance of 320W / m 2 When irradiated with UV light for 100 hours, the elongation at the breaking point of the clip in a tensile test in accordance with JIS-K7113 is preferably 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more, or 10% or more, and is preferably 20% or less, 18% or less, 16% or less, or 15% or less.

[0023] The method for molding the ABS resin composition is not particularly limited, but injection molding is preferred from the viewpoint of producing writing implement parts.

[0024] <ABS resin> The ABS resin composition includes an ABS resin, and the ABS resin can be made by selecting any monomer composition ratio and bonding method of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.

[0025] As the ABS resin, various commercially available ABS resins such as ABS170 and ABS130 (manufactured by Techno UMG Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0026] <Ultraviolet absorber> The ABS resin composition contains an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region and an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region.

[0027] In the present invention, the term "ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region" refers to an ultraviolet absorber having a peak absorption wavelength in the UV-A region (long-wavelength ultraviolet region: 315 nm to 400 nm) of the ultraviolet region (200 nm to 400 nm), and the term "ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region" refers to an ultraviolet absorber having a peak absorption wavelength in the UV-B region (mid-wavelength ultraviolet region: 280 nm to 315 nm) of the ultraviolet region.

[0028] The blending amount of the UV-A region ultraviolet absorber is preferably 0.30 parts by mass or more, 0.40 parts by mass or more, 0.50 parts by mass or more, 0.60 parts by mass or more, 0.70 parts by mass or more, or 0.80 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the ABS resin, from the viewpoint of ensuring weather resistance, and is preferably 3.00 parts by mass or less, 2.50 parts by mass or less, 2.00 parts by mass or less, 1.50 parts by mass or less, 1.40 parts by mass or less, 1.30 parts by mass or less, 1.20 parts by mass or less, 1.10 parts by mass or less, or 1.00 parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring the mechanical strength of the ABS resin composition.

[0029] The blending amount of the UV-B region ultraviolet absorber is preferably 0.15 parts by mass or more, 0.20 parts by mass or more, 0.25 parts by mass or more, 0.30 parts by mass or more, 0.35 parts by mass or more, 0.40 parts by mass or more, 0.45 parts by mass or more, or 0.50 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the ABS resin, from the viewpoint of ensuring weather resistance, and is preferably 2.00 parts by mass or less, 1.50 parts by mass or less, 1.00 parts by mass or less, 0.80 parts by mass or less, 0.70 parts by mass or less, or 0.60 parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring the mechanical strength of the ABS resin composition.

[0030] The ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A and UV-B regions can be selected from, for example, triazine-based ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbers, and benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorbers depending on their absorption ability in the ultraviolet region. Multiple types of ultraviolet absorbers may also be used in combination.

[0031] As the triazine-based ultraviolet absorber, for example, 2-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-[2-(2-ethylhexanoyloxy)ethoxy]phenol, which has high absorption capacity in the ultraviolet region of 280 to 300 nm, can be used as an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-B region, and 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy-3-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, which has high absorption capacity in the ultraviolet region around 350 to 380 nm, can be used as an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region.

[0032] As a benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber, for example, 2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, which has high absorption capacity in the ultraviolet region of 340 to 360 nm, can be used as an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region.

[0033] As a benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorber, for example, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone, which has high absorption capacity in the ultraviolet region of 340 to 360 nm, can be used as an ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region.

[0034] <Light stabilizer> The ABS resin composition contains a light stabilizer.

[0035] The light stabilizer captures radicals generated by photodegradation, and may be, for example, a hindered amine light stabilizer, a hindered phenol antioxidant, a phenol radical scavenger, a sulfur-based antioxidant, a phosphorus-based antioxidant, a triazine-based compound, a benzotriazole-based compound, a phenol-based ultraviolet absorber, a malonic acid ester-based ultraviolet absorber, an oxanilide-based ultraviolet absorber, or a benzophenone-based compound, with a hindered amine light stabilizer being particularly preferred.

[0036] Examples of the hindered amine light stabilizer include monomeric light stabilizers such as bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate, bis(N-methyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate, 4-benzoyloxy-2,2',6,6'-tetramethylpiperidine, and bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl){[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl}butylmalonate; and {[6-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl )imino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl][(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]hexamethylene[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)iminol]}; light stabilizers having a polyester bond such as a polyesterification product of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol and succinic acid; or light stabilizers having a polymerizable unsaturated group such as 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate can be used.

[0037] Commercially available hindered amine light stabilizers include, for example, "Tinuvin 765," "Tinuvin 770DF," "Tinuvin 144," "Tinuvin 622SF," and "Tinuvin 152" (all of which are product names manufactured by BASF; Tinuvin is a registered trademark), "ADK STAB LA-52," "ADK STAB LA-57," "ADK STAB LA-63P," "ADK STAB LA-72," "ADK STAB LA-77Y," "ADK STAB LA-81," "ADK STAB LA-82," and "ADK STAB LA-87" (all of which are product names manufactured by ADEKA Corporation; ADK STAB is a registered trademark), and the like.

[0038] The amount of light stabilizer added is preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, 0.03 part by mass or more, 0.05 part by mass or more, 0.06 part by mass or more, 0.07 part by mass or more, 0.08 part by mass or more, 0.09 part by mass or more, or 0.10 part by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of ABS resin, from the viewpoint of suppressing increase in brittleness of the ABS resin composition over time, and is preferably 0.50 parts by mass or less, 0.40 parts by mass or less, 0.30 parts by mass or less, 0.20 parts by mass or less, 0.19 parts by mass or less, 0.18 parts by mass or less, or 0.17 parts by mass or less. Addition of an excessive amount of light stabilizer may impair discoloration resistance.

[0039] <Antioxidants> The ABS resin composition may contain an antioxidant.

[0040] The antioxidant may be, for example, 3,9-bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane.

[0041] The amount of antioxidant blended is preferably 0.10 part by mass or more, 0.12 part by mass or more, 0.14 part by mass or more, 0.15 part by mass or more, 0.16 part by mass or more, 0.18 part by mass or more, or 0.20 part by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the ABS resin, from the viewpoint of ensuring weather resistance, and is preferably 1.00 part by mass or less, 0.80 part by mass or less, 0.70 part by mass or less, 0.60 part by mass or less, 0.55 part by mass or less, or 0.50 part by mass or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring the mechanical strength of the ABS resin composition.

[0042] Pigments The ABS resin composition may contain a pigment, and may use a colorant such as a dry color, a paste color, a color compound, a masterbatch, etc. Alternatively, the ABS resin composition may not contain a pigment.

[0043] The weight content of the colorant is preferably less than 5 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the ABS resin composition, from the viewpoint of ensuring the mechanical strength of the ABS resin composition.

[0044] Examples of the pigment that can be used include organic pigments, inorganic pigments, luster pigments, and dyes.

[0045] Examples of the organic pigment that can be used include azo pigments, lake pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, perylene red pigments, and isoindolinone pigments.

[0046] Examples of the inorganic pigment that can be used include black iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, chromium oxide, titanium oxide, carbon black, and ultramarine.

[0047] As the above-mentioned bright pigment, for example, aluminum powder, synthetic mica, natural mica, etc. can be used.

[0048] <Writing instruments> The writing instrument of the present invention includes the above-described resin part for a writing instrument.

[0049] The ABS resin composition can be applied to a writing instrument as a writing instrument component by molding it into one or more resin parts for the writing instrument. [Example]

[0050] The present invention will be specifically explained with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0051] <<Production of writing instrument parts>> In Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8, the additives shown in Table 1 were added to ABS resin, and the mixture was injection molded to produce clips for writing implements.

[0052] "evaluation" <Evaluation of discoloration resistance> In Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8, plate-shaped test pieces were prepared for checking the hue. The test pieces were irradiated with ultraviolet light using a fade meter (X25, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.) at an irradiance of 320 W / m 2 The CIELab color system hue was measured before and after irradiation using a color meter (SP-C, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.), and the color difference ΔE*ab was calculated to evaluate discoloration resistance. A: △E*ab is less than 2.0 B: △E*ab is 2.0 or more and less than 5.0 C: △E*ab is 5.0 or more

[0053] <Fragility evaluation> Test pieces for Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were prepared, and ultraviolet light was applied to the test pieces at an irradiance of 320 W / m using a fade meter (X25, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.). 2 After irradiation, the test pieces were subjected to a tensile test in accordance with JIS-K7113, and the elongation at the breaking point was measured and evaluated. A: Elongation at break is 5% or more B: Elongation at break is 3% or more but less than 5% C: Elongation at break is less than 3%

[0054] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0055] From Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Example 2 in Table 1, it can be seen that when a UV-B ultraviolet absorber and a light stabilizer are added to ABS resin but no UV-A ultraviolet absorber is added, the increase in brittleness over time cannot be improved.

[0056] From Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5 in Table 1, it can be seen that when a UV-A ultraviolet absorber and a light stabilizer are added to ABS resin but no UV-B ultraviolet absorber is added, the deterioration of discoloration resistance over time cannot be improved.

[0057] From Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Example 6 in Table 1, it can be seen that when a UV-A ultraviolet absorber and a UV-B ultraviolet absorber are added to ABS resin without adding a light stabilizer, the deterioration in discoloration resistance and the increase in brittleness over time cannot be improved.

[0058] Therefore, it can be seen that resin parts for writing instruments made from ABS resin to which UV-A ultraviolet absorbers, UV-B ultraviolet absorbers, and light stabilizers have been added, have properties that make them less susceptible to discoloration and brittle fracture over time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 100 writing instruments 110 Resin parts for writing instruments 120 Rear shaft cylinder 122 Rear shaft cylinder (primary molding part) 124 Rear shaft cylinder (secondary molding part) 126 clips 130 Front shaft cylinder 140 Grip 150 Knock Cover 160 Kuchipura 170 rotor 180 Writing core 182 Spring 184 Ink reservoir 186 Ballpoint Pen Tip

Claims

1. A resin part for a writing instrument comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition, The acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition comprises the following resin parts for a writing instrument: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, UV-A region ultraviolet absorber, UV absorbers for the UV-B region, and Light stabilizer.

2. The resin part for a writing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin composition comprises: (1) 100 parts by mass of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin; (2) 0.30 to 1.00 parts by mass of the ultraviolet absorber for the UV-A region; (3) 0.15 to 0.50 parts by mass of the UV-B ultraviolet absorber; and (4) 0.01 to 0.40 parts by mass of the light stabilizer.

3. A writing instrument comprising the resin part for a writing instrument according to claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Thermoplastic resin composition and molding of the same

    JP2014098113A