Earring posts and earrings

Abstract

A piercing post that allows the stainless steel post body to be joined to a component made of a different type of metal. [Solution] The earring post 100 comprises a stainless steel earring post body 10 having a first end 1E located on one end side in the axial direction and a second end 2E located on the other end side; a stainless steel convex portion 20 extending axially outward from the first end 1E and having a larger outer diameter than the earring post body 10; a retaining frame 30 made of a metal other than stainless steel and provided in contact with the convex portion 20; and a metal solidification joint portion 40 provided on at least a part of the tip surface of the convex portion 20, which includes stainless steel from which at least a part of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel from which at least a part of the retaining frame has been molten and solidified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a piercing post and a piercing.

Background Art

[0002] Various forms of piercings are known, for example, there is a so-called stud piercing provided with an axially extending piercing post body. Stud piercings have the advantages of being easy to put on and take off, and imposing little burden on the hole such as an earlobe through which the piercing is inserted.

[0003] Conventionally, a stud piercing comprises, for example, a decorative body, a holding frame for holding the decorative body, and an axially extending piercing post body, wherein the holding frame and the piercing post body are integrally formed or joined by brazing.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a piercing that includes a holding frame and a piercing post body, wherein the holding frame and the piercing post body are integrally cast, and a decorative body is held by the holding frame.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a piercing comprising a titanium piercing post body, a titanium dish portion provided at an end of the piercing post body and covering at least a part of the back surface of the holding frame, and a brazing material joining the dish portion and the noble metal holding frame, wherein a decorative body is held by the holding frame.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The earring disclosed in Patent Document 1 is constructed by integrally casting the retaining frame and the earring post body, so both the earring post body and the retaining frame are made of the same material. The earring disclosed in Patent Document 2 is constructed by making the earring post body and the disc portion and the retaining frame from different materials. The two materials are different, and the disc portion provided on the earring post body and the retaining frame are joined by brazing.

[0008] In conventional earrings, the retaining frame and the earring post are often joined using solder. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a retaining frame made of precious metal and an earring post made of titanium are joined by soldering. However, because the joint between the decorative frame and the earring post is small, skilled work is required to perform soldering without compromising aesthetics. Therefore, if an inexperienced worker performs the soldering, it may result in a decrease in aesthetics and inconsistencies in the quality of the earrings.

[0009] Incidentally, the idea of ​​joining a decorative element and the earring post body by laser welding when they are made of different materials has not been considered until now. Specifically, the technique of joining a metal frame and other components that hold the decorative element, made of stainless steel and then joined by laser welding, has not been considered.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a piercing post that can join a stainless steel piercing post body with a dissimilar metal component other than stainless steel without brazing, and to provide piercings using said piercing post. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In view of the above problems, the inventors diligently conducted research and found that by providing a stainless steel convex portion on one end of a stainless steel earring post body, and by forming a metal solidification joint on the tip surface of the convex portion by melting and solidifying the stainless steel, which is the material of the convex portion, and a metal other than stainless steel, which is the material of the metal member to be joined to the convex portion, it becomes possible to join a stainless steel member and a member of a different metal without using brazing material, thus completing the present invention.

[0012] In other words, the present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0013] [1] Piercing post, A stainless steel earring post body having a first end located on one end in the axial direction and a second end located on the other end, A convex portion made of stainless steel is provided extending axially outward from the first end and having an outer diameter larger than the main body of the piercing post, A retaining frame made of a metal other than stainless steel is provided in contact with the aforementioned convex portion, A metal solidification joint is provided on at least a portion of the tip surface of the convex portion, and at least a portion of the convex portion is made of molten and solidified stainless steel, and at least a portion of the retaining frame is made of a metal other than molten and solidified stainless steel, Equipped with, Earring post.

[0014] [2] In the earring post described in [1], The retaining frame has a through hole at its bottom, The metal solidification joint extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion and the through hole of the retaining frame. Earring post.

[0015] [3] Piercing post, A stainless steel earring post body having a first end located on one end in the axial direction and a second end located on the other end, a convex portion made of stainless steel that extends axially outward from said first end portion and has a larger outer diameter than the pierce post body; a fixing member made of a metal other than stainless steel, provided in contact with said convex portion; a solidified metal joint provided on at least a part of the distal end surface of said convex portion, wherein the solidified metal joint includes stainless steel obtained by melting and solidifying at least a part of said convex portion and a metal other than stainless steel obtained by melting and solidifying at least a part of said fixing member; comprising a pierce post.

[0016] [4] The pierce post according to [3], wherein said fixing member has a through hole, said solidified metal joint extends into a region surrounded by said convex portion and the through hole of said fixing member, a pierce post.

[0017] [5] The pierce post according to [3], wherein further comprising a metal holding frame provided on a surface of said fixing member opposite to a surface to be joined to said convex portion, a pierce post.

[0018] [6] The pierce post according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein in said solidified metal joint, a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than the stainless steel are stacked and fused together, a pierce post.

[0019] [7] The pierce post according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein said solidified metal joint is formed by irradiating laser to a region including at least the distal end surface of said convex portion, a pierce post.

[0020] [8] The pierce post according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein The surface on the tip side of the convex portion has a curved surface that curves convexly outward in the axial direction. Earring post.

[0021] In the earring post described in any one of the items [9] [1] to [8], The metal solidification joint is provided in a range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the convex portion. Earring post.

[0022]

[10] In the earring post described in any one of items [1] through [9], The metal other than the aforementioned stainless steel includes at least platinum, gold, or silver. Earring post.

[0023]

[11] In the earring post described in any one of items [1] to

[10] , The aforementioned stainless steel is SUSXM7, SUS316L, SUS316, SUS304L, or SUS304. Earring post.

[0024]

[12] Piercings, A piercing post as described in any one of the items [1], [2], or [5] through

[11] , The decorative body held in the aforementioned retaining frame, Equipped with, Earrings.

[0025] In the earrings described in

[13] and

[12] , The second end is further fitted with a fastener, Earrings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a piercing post is provided that can join a stainless steel member with a dissimilar metal member other than stainless steel without brazing, and a piercing using the piercing post is also provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a piercing post according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a piercing post according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a piercing post according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a microscope photograph showing an example of a metal solidification joint in a piercing post according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a piercing post according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a connecting member used in a piercing post according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a piercing post according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a piercing post according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a piercing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a piercing according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] In this specification, for convenience, the member inserted into a hole (piercing hole) in the earlobe or the like is referred to as the piercing post body, and the state before the ornament is held in place is referred to as the piercing post. That is, in the first embodiment described later, the entire part including the retaining frame for holding the ornament is referred to as the piercing post, in the second embodiment described later, the part without the retaining frame is also referred to as the piercing post, and in the third embodiment described later, the entire part including the retaining frame is also referred to as the piercing post.

[0029] Since the earring post is inserted into a hole in the body, such as the earlobe, it is preferable to use a metal that is less likely to cause metal allergies in the wearer. For this reason, precious metals are often used as the material for the earring post. For example, gold is a stable metal among precious metals, so earring posts are sometimes made of precious metals that include gold. However, because gold is heavy per unit volume, earring posts made of precious metals that include gold can easily put a strain on the ear. Also, because gold is a soft material, the earring post is easily deformed. Furthermore, precious metals that include gold are expensive. And, for example, if the earring post is made of a gold alloy such as 18-karat gold, there is a possibility that some wearers may develop metal allergies due to perspiration from the body.

[0030] Therefore, the inventor attempted to use stainless steel for the earring post body as a material that reduces the burden on the ear by making it lighter, can be manufactured at a lower cost than gold, and can withstand deformation. Stainless steel is also considered to be a material that is less likely to cause metal allergies in the user. If the retaining frame is also made of stainless steel, it is possible to join the earring post body and the retaining frame by bonding rather than brazing. However, if the retaining frame is also made of stainless steel, it often becomes difficult to form the retaining frame using methods such as the lost-wax casting method, which reduces versatility in terms of design freedom. Therefore, it is considered preferable that the retaining frame be made of a metal other than stainless steel, such as a precious metal.

[0031] Conventionally, it has been difficult to directly join a precious metal retaining frame and a stainless steel earring body using only laser welding, without the use of brazing material. For example, directly joining a precious metal retaining frame to the tip of the first end of a stainless steel earring body by laser irradiation was not possible because the molten metal caused by the laser irradiation would flow away. In contrast, in an earring post according to one aspect of the present invention, a stainless steel convex portion is provided on one end of the earring post body, and a metal solidification joint is provided at the tip of the convex portion, in which at least a part of the convex portion is melted and solidified, and at least a part of the metal material constituting the metal member to be joined to the convex portion is also melted and solidified. Specifically, the metal solidification joint provided at the tip of the convex portion is formed by the melting and solidification of stainless steel, which is the material of the convex portion, and the precious metal, which is the material of the metal member. More specifically, if the metal member is a retaining part for holding a decorative object, the metal solidification joint is formed by the melting and solidification of stainless steel and the precious metal of the retaining part. If the metal member is a fixing member for fixing the retaining part, the metal solidification joint is formed by the melting and solidification of stainless steel and the precious metal of the fixing member. The inventors have found that by having such a metal solidification joint in the earring post, it is possible to join a stainless steel member with a dissimilar member that is not stainless steel.

[0032] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the content of the embodiments. In the drawings, some parts are enlarged or reduced in size for the purpose of facilitating explanation.

[0033] <First Embodiment> The piercing post according to the first embodiment is an example of a configuration in which a retaining frame is joined to a convex portion provided on the piercing post body. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view representing an example of the piercing post according to the first embodiment, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram representing an example of the piercing post according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3 shows a partially enlarged view representing an example of the piercing post according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the piercing post 100 comprises a piercing post body 10 made of stainless steel, a retaining frame 30 made of a metal other than stainless steel, and a metal solidification joint portion 40. The piercing post body 10 has a first end portion 1E located on one end side in the axial direction and a second end portion 2E located on the other end side. The piercing post body 10 is provided with a convex portion 20 made of stainless steel that extends axially outward from the first end portion 1E (i.e., in the direction opposite to the direction toward the second end portion 2E). The convex portion 20 has an outer diameter larger than that of the piercing post body 10. The retaining frame 30 is in contact with the convex portion 20 and is provided on at least a portion of the tip surface of the convex portion 20. The metal solidification joint 40 includes stainless steel in which at least a portion of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a portion of the retaining frame 30 has been molten and solidified.

[0034] It is preferable to use SUSXM7, SUS316L, SUS316, SUS304L, or SUS304, which are considered to be biocompatible, as the stainless steel constituting the earring post body 10. From the viewpoint of facilitating the integral molding of the earring post body 10 and the convex portion 20, it is more preferable to use SUSXM7 or SUS316L as the stainless steel constituting the earring post body 10. It is believed that using these exemplified stainless steels for the earring post body 10 makes it easier to suppress the onset of metal allergies in the user.

[0035] The earring post body 10 is a cylindrical component that is inserted into a piercing hole when attaching it to the earlobe or the like. The diameter of the earring post body 10 is, for example, in the range of approximately 0.6 mm or more and approximately 1.5 mm or less. The diameter of the earring post body 10 is often in the range of approximately 0.6 mm or more and approximately 1.0 mm or less, and one example of the diameter of the earring post body 10 is approximately 0.8 mm. The second end 2E side of the earring post body 10 is provided with a first groove 11 and a second groove 12 for fitting and attaching a fastener, so-called a catch. The first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the attachment position of the fastener can be adjusted. In the illustrated example, two grooves, the first groove 11 and the second groove 12, are provided on the second end 2E side of the earring post body 10, but the number of grooves is not limited to this, and there may be one or three or more grooves.

[0036] The convex portion 20 extends from the first end 1E and is integrally formed with the piercing post body 10. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the piercing post body 10 is a piercing post body 10 having the convex portion 20. The convex portion 20 can be formed, for example, by performing a header process on the first end 1E of the stainless steel piercing post body 10. As a result, the piercing post body 10 and the convex portion 20 are configured as an integrally formed component, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the piercing post 100, for example.

[0037] The earring post body 10 has an integrally molded convex portion 20, and the convex portion 20 is made of the same stainless steel as the earring post body 10. The outer diameter of the convex portion 20 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the earring post body 10, for example, it is formed to be about 1.1 times or more and about 2.0 times or less the diameter of the earring post body 10. In one embodiment, if the diameter of the earring post body 10 is about 8.0 mm, the outer diameter of the convex portion 20 is formed to be about 1.5 mm. These dimensions are examples and are not limited to these. The tip side surface of the convex portion 20 has a curved surface that curves convexly outward in the axial direction. In the convex portion 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3, it exhibits a hemispherical shape that tapers outward in the axial direction. The shape of the convex portion 20 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 facilitates the formation of the metal solidification joint 40. The shape of the convex portion 20 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and any shape that facilitates the formation of the metal solidification joint 40 is acceptable. For example, the convex portion 20 may be cylindrical or prism-shaped with a convex or concave taper on the tip side, or cylindrical or prism-shaped with irregularities on the tip side, or conical or pyramidal with a protruding shape on the tip side. From the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of the metal solidification joint 40, it is preferable that the shape of the convex portion 20 has an outer diameter larger than the through hole 32 provided at the bottom of the retaining frame 30 for holding the decorative body described later, and that the tip side surface of the convex portion 20 has a curved surface that curves convexly outward in the axial direction. Having such a shape for the convex portion 20 also has the advantage that the retaining frame 30 is easy to attach.

[0038] The retaining frame 30 is a base component for holding a decorative object (not shown). One form of the decorative object is a gemstone such as a diamond. In this case, the retaining frame 30 is a component known as a stone setting. As shown in Figure 1, the retaining frame 30 is equipped with six prongs 31, and is configured to be able to lock a gemstone as a decorative object using the six prongs 31. The retaining frame 30 has an upper side on which a decorative object (not shown) is placed and a bottom side which is joined to the convex portion 20. When the decorative object (not shown) is a diamond, the upper side corresponds to the side on which the table portion of the diamond faces forward, and the bottom side corresponds to the side on which the culet portion of the diamond faces. The retaining frame 30 is provided with a through hole 32 that opens near the center of the bottom.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the retaining frame 30 has six prongs 31, but is not limited to this. The number of prongs 31 of the retaining frame 30 can be changed between two and eight, for example, two, four, six, or eight. Furthermore, the retaining frame 30 does not have to have prongs 31. The structure of the retaining frame 30 can be composed of, for example, the type of gemstone as an example of a decorative element, the method of setting the gemstone, and the desired design.

[0040] As mentioned above, the retaining frame 30 is made of a metal other than stainless steel. Examples of metals other than stainless steel include gold, platinum, silver, copper, titanium, and alloys in which these metals are the main components, as well as brass. Among these, from the viewpoint of design freedom and a sense of luxury, it is preferable that the metal other than stainless steel contains at least platinum, gold, or silver, and it is more preferable that it be a precious metal such as gold or a gold alloy, platinum or a platinum alloy, or silver or a silver alloy.

[0041] In this specification, "gold" is not limited to gold with a purity of 99.99% or higher by mass, but encompasses gold with a purity of 99.00% or higher. In this specification, "gold alloy" refers to an alloy in which the purity of gold is less than 99.00%. A gold alloy may, for example, have a gold purity of 20% or higher, 30% or higher, 40% or higher, 50% or higher, or 70% or higher. Platinum or platinum alloys are similar concepts. "Silver" refers to silver with a purity of 99.99% or higher by mass. A silver alloy refers to an alloy in which the purity of silver is less than 99.99%. A silver alloy may have a silver purity of 92% or higher, or 95% or higher. Examples of gold alloys include alloys containing gold and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, platinum, palladium, and nickel. Examples of platinum alloys include alloys containing platinum and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of gold, rhodium, silver, palladium, nickel, and iridium. Examples of silver alloys include alloys containing silver and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, and aluminum.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a metal solidification joint 40 is formed within the through-hole 32 of the retaining frame 30, comprising stainless steel in which at least a portion of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a portion of the retaining frame 30 has been molten and solidified. The metal solidification joint 40 is formed by irradiating a portion including at least the tip surface of the convex portion 20 with a laser. Laser irradiation may be applied to the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and the wall surface inside the through-hole 32 of the retaining frame 30. As shown in the partially enlarged view of Figure 3, the metal solidification joint 40 formed by laser irradiation extends to the portion surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through-hole 32 of the retaining frame 30. Specifically, the metal solidification joint 40 is in contact with the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and the wall surface in the through-hole 32 of the retaining frame 30. From the viewpoint of the jointability between the convex portion 20 and the retaining frame 30, it is preferable that the metal solidification joint portion 40 be provided in a range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the convex portion 20. In the metal solidification joint portion 40, a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than stainless steel are stacked and fused together. Having such a metal solidification joint portion 40 makes it easy to join the convex portion 20 made of stainless steel to the retaining frame 30 made of a different metal than stainless steel.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an example of a photograph of a metal solidification joint 40 formed within the through-hole 32 of the retaining frame 30 in a piercing post 100 according to the first embodiment, observed with a microscope. Specifically, this is an embodiment of a piercing post 100 in which a retaining frame 30 made of silver alloy and a stainless steel piercing post body 10 having a stainless steel convex portion 20 integrally formed on the first end 1E side are used, and the retaining frame 30 is joined onto the convex portion 20. In the example shown in Figure 4, SUSXM7 was used as the stainless steel, and a silver alloy with a silver content of 92.5% was used as the silver alloy. In the metal solidification joint 40, the silver alloy appears white, and the stainless steel appears iridescent. As shown in Figure 4, the metal solidification joint 40 is formed by the fusion of a first layer containing stainless steel, indicated by the arrow SUS, and a second layer containing a silver alloy, indicated by the arrow SV. This makes it easier to join the stainless steel earring post body 10 to the silver alloy retaining frame 30, which is made of a different metal. The metal solidification joint 40 has a similar layered structure, not limited to cases where the retaining frame 30 is made of silver alloy; for example, if the retaining frame 30 is made of gold or a gold alloy, or platinum or a platinum alloy, the metal solidification joint 40 will have a similar layered structure. In the illustrated example, the positions of arrows SUS and SV are shown separated for convenience, but the first layer containing stainless steel and the second layer containing silver alloy have a portion where they are stacked in multiple layers.

[0044] A preferred method for manufacturing the piercing post 100 includes the steps of: preparing a piercing post body 10 having a convex portion 20 integrally molded at a first end 1E; placing a retaining frame 30 on the convex portion 20 such that the through hole 32 of the retaining frame 30 contacts the tip surface of the convex portion 20; and, with the retaining frame 30 placed on the convex portion 20, irradiating at least the portion including the tip surface of the convex portion 20 with a laser to form a metal solidification joint 40 in which at least a part of the convex portion 20 is molten and solidified stainless steel and at least a part of the retaining frame 30 is molten and solidified a metal other than stainless steel.

[0045] The piercing post body 10, which has a convex portion 20 integrally molded to the first end 1E, can be manufactured as described above by performing a header or the like on the first end 1E of a stainless steel piercing post body 10. Next, the retaining frame 30 is placed on the convex portion 20 so that the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and the through hole 32 of the retaining frame 30 are in contact, thereby forming a portion surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through hole 32 of the retaining frame 30. Next, with the retaining frame 30 placed on the convex portion 20, the portion including at least the tip surface of the convex portion 20 is irradiated with a laser. For example, a YAG laser, an excimer laser, and a carbon dioxide laser can be used as the laser, and the laser can be irradiated using a laser welding machine. The laser may be irradiated only towards the portion including the tip surface of the convex portion 20. In this case, the laser may be reflected and indirectly irradiated to the inner wall of the through hole 32 of the retaining frame 30. Alternatively, the laser may be directly irradiated over both the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and the inner wall of the through hole 32 in the retaining frame 30.

[0046] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (1) By providing a convex portion 20 having an outer diameter larger than the earring post body 10, the metal solidification joint portion 40 can be easily provided. (2) The metal solidification joint 40 includes stainless steel in which at least a portion of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a portion of the retaining frame 30 has been molten and solidified, thereby enabling the joining of the stainless steel convex portion 20 with a retaining frame 30 made of a metal other than stainless steel, which is a dissimilar metal material. (3) The metal solidification joint portion 40 extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through hole 32 of the retaining frame 30, making it easy to join the stainless steel convex portion 20 with the retaining frame 30, which is made of a different metal material other than stainless steel. (4) The metal solidification joint 40 is formed such that a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than stainless steel are stacked and fused together, making it easier to join the stainless steel convex portion 20 with the retaining frame 30 made of a different metal material other than stainless steel.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> The earring post according to the second embodiment is an example of a configuration in which a fixing member is joined to a convex portion provided on the earring post body, and no retaining frame is provided. Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of an earring post according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a fixing member used in the earring post according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 shows a partially enlarged view of an example of an earring post according to the second embodiment.

[0048] In the following description, we will mainly explain the differences from the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0049] The piercing post 200 according to the second embodiment comprises a stainless steel piercing post body 10 having a first end 1E located on one axial end and a second end 2E located on the other end, a fixing member 50 made of a metal other than stainless steel, and a metal solidification joint 60. The piercing post body 10 is provided with a stainless steel convex portion 20 that extends axially outward from the first end 1E and has a larger outer diameter than the piercing post body 10. The fixing member 50 is in contact with the convex portion 20 and is provided on at least a part of the tip surface of the convex portion 20. The metal solidification joint 60 includes stainless steel in which at least a part of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a part of the fixing member 50 has been molten and solidified. Specific examples of the piercing post body 10 and the convex portion 20 are as described in the first embodiment.

[0050] The fixing member 50 is a member used to fix, for example, the retaining frame 30 as shown in Figure 1. By providing the fixing member 50, the degree of freedom in selecting a retaining frame (not shown) is increased. The fixing member 50 is made of a metal other than stainless steel. Examples of metals other than stainless steel include metals similar to those that make up the retaining frame 30 described in the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the fixing member 50 has a first surface 50A on the side where a retaining frame (not shown) is provided, and a second surface 50B on the side that is joined to the convex portion 20. The fixing member 50 has a through hole 52 in the center of its circular shape. The diameter of the through hole 52 is smallest near the center of the distance between the first surface 50A and the second surface 50B (i.e., the thickness of the fixing member 50). Preferably, the outer diameter of the fixing member 50 is in the same range as the outer diameter of the convex portion 20. In one embodiment, the thickness of the through hole 52 portion is formed to be, for example, about 0.05 mm, the outer diameter of the fixing member 50 is, for example, about 1.5 mm, which is approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the convex portion 20, the inner diameter of the fixing member 50 is, for example, about 1.0 mm, and the thickness of the fixing member 50 is, for example, about 0.25 mm. These dimensions are illustrative and not limited to these. Both the first surface 50A and the second surface 50B have inclined surfaces that gradually widen in diameter from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the fixing member 50. Having an inclined surface on the second surface 50B side makes it easier to install on the convex portion 20. Having an inclined surface on the first surface 50A side makes it easier to form a metal solidification joint 60 in the area surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through hole 52 of the fixing member 50 when at least the tip surface of the convex portion 20 is irradiated with a laser. The fixing member 50 is not limited to the illustrated example, and various shapes can be adopted depending on the desired design, but it is preferable that it is a shape that facilitates the formation of a metal solidification joint 60.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, a metal solidification joint 60 is formed within the through hole 52 of the fixing member 50, which includes stainless steel in which at least a portion of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a portion of the fixing member 50 has been molten and solidified. The metal solidification joint 60 is formed by irradiating at least the tip surface of the convex portion 20 with a laser. As shown in Figure 7, the metal solidification joint 60 extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through hole 52 of the fixing member 50. Specifically, the metal solidification joint 60 is present in contact with at least the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and the wall surface of the through hole 52 of the fixing member 50. From the viewpoint of the jointability between the convex portion 20 and the fixing member 50, it is preferable that the metal solidification joint 60 be provided in a range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the convex portion 20. Although not shown in the diagram, in the metal solidification joint 60, a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than stainless steel are stacked and fused together. The metal solidification joint 60 is formed in a state similar to the metal solidification joint 40 described in the first embodiment, for example, as shown in the photograph in Figure 4. By having such a metal solidification joint 60, the piercing post 200 can be easily joined to a stainless steel convex portion 20 and a fixing member 50 made of a different metal than stainless steel.

[0053] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (1) By providing a convex portion 20 having an outer diameter larger than the earring post body 10, the metal solidification joint portion 60 can be easily provided. (2) The metal solidification joint 60 includes stainless steel in which at least a part of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a part of the fixing member 50 has been molten and solidified, thereby enabling the joining of the stainless steel convex portion 20 with a fixing member 50 made of a metal other than stainless steel, which is a dissimilar metal material. (3) The metal solidification joint portion 60 extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion 20 and the through hole 52 of the fixing member 50, making it easy to join the stainless steel convex portion 20 with the fixing member 50, which is made of a different metal material, such as a metal other than stainless steel. (4) The metal solidification joint 60 is formed such that a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than stainless steel are stacked and fused together, making it easier to join the stainless steel convex portion 20 with the fixing member 50 made of a different metal material other than stainless steel. (5) The presence of a fixing member 50 in the earring post body 10 increases the degree of freedom in selecting a retaining frame to combine with the earring post 200.

[0054] <Third Embodiment> The earring post according to the third embodiment is an example in which a fixing member is joined to a convex portion provided on the earring post body, and a retaining frame is further joined to the fixing member. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram representing an example of the earring post according to the third embodiment.

[0055] In the following description, the differences between the first and second embodiments will be primarily explained. Components similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0056] The piercing post 300 according to the third embodiment comprises a stainless steel piercing post body 10 having a first end 1E located on one axial end and a second end 2E located on the other end; a stainless steel convex portion 20 extending axially outward from the first end 1E and having a larger outer diameter than the piercing post body 10; a fixing member 50 made of a metal other than stainless steel and provided in contact with the convex portion 20; a metal solidification joint 60 provided on at least a part of the tip surface of the convex portion 20 and containing stainless steel in which at least a part of the convex portion 20 has been molten and solidified, and a metal other than stainless steel in which at least a part of the fixing member has been molten and solidified; and a metal retaining frame 30 provided on the side of the fixing member 50 opposite to the side on which the convex portion 20 is provided (i.e., the side that is joined to the convex portion 20). Specific examples of the piercing post body 10, the convex portion 20, the fixing member 50, the metal solidification joint 60, and the retaining frame 30 are as described in the first and second embodiments, respectively.

[0057] The fixing member 50 and the retaining frame 30 can be joined by brazing or jointing. Preferably, the fixing member 50 and the retaining frame 30 are made of the same metal material or of the same type of metal material. When joining the fixing member 50 and the retaining frame 30, for example, brazing is often chosen when strength is a priority, and jointing is often chosen when production costs are a priority. Furthermore, if there is a possibility that the brazing material may cause metal allergies in the user, jointing is also preferable in terms of prioritizing the suppression of metal allergy symptoms.

[0058] (Effects of the third embodiment) According to this embodiment, the same effects and benefits as those described in the second embodiment (1) to (5) can be achieved.

[0059] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment is an earring. In the earring according to the fourth embodiment, a decorative element is held in a retaining frame. Figures 9 and 10 show schematic exploded views of examples of earrings according to the fourth embodiment, respectively.

[0060] The following description will primarily focus on the differences between this embodiment and the first to third embodiments. Components similar to those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0061] The earring 400 shown in Figure 9 comprises an earring post 100 according to the first embodiment and a decorative body 70 held in a retaining frame 30 provided on the earring post 100, and the earring 500 shown in Figure 10 comprises an earring post 300 according to the third embodiment and a decorative body 70 held in a retaining frame 30 provided on the earring post 300. The earrings 400 and 500 further include a fastener 80 that fits into the second end 2E of the earring post body 10. The fastener 80 is a so-called catch. The fastener 80 is an optional component and may be provided as needed. Specific examples of the earring post 100 and earring post 300 are as described in the first and third embodiments, respectively.

[0062] The ornament 70 is held in the retaining frame 30 by being secured by six prongs 31. In the illustrated example, a gemstone is held in the retaining frame 30 as the ornament 70, and specifically, a brilliant-cut diamond is used. The diamond has a girdle portion that forms the outer circumference of the diamond, a crown portion on the surface side of the girdle portion, and a pavilion portion on the bottom side of the girdle portion, and the prongs 31 are in contact with the area around the girdle portion and the pavilion portion.

[0063] In the illustrated example, a brilliant-cut diamond is used as the ornament 70, but it is not limited to this. The ornament 70 may be other gemstones besides diamonds, such as natural gemstones, treated gemstones, synthetic gemstones, man-made gemstones, and imitation gemstones. Imitation gemstones also include gemstones made of plastic. The ornament 70 may specifically employ gemstones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, opal, topaz, peridot, aquamarine, citrine, ametrine, garnet, tsavorite, demantoid, mandarin garnet, tourmaline, rubellite tourmaline, lean tourmaline, Paraiba tourmaline, yellow tourmaline, blue tourmaline, multicolor tourmaline, tanzanite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, quartz, jade, zircon, iolite, spinel, fire opal, moonstone, alexandrite, chrysoberyl, kunzite, beryl, morganite, chrome diopside, andalusite, amber, turquoise, coral, agate, onyx, bloodstone, jasper, and pearls. If the gemstones are cut, the type of cut should be one that is aesthetically pleasing and otherwise suitable for the purpose.

[0064] The ornament 70 can also be made of ornaments other than gemstones. For example, ornaments other than gemstones include forms that imitate the faces of cartoons, animations, and animals, as well as forms that imitate the whole bodies of cartoons, animations, and animals. Specifically, examples include dolls of cartoons, animations, and animals. When ornaments other than gemstones are used, the retaining frame 30 only needs to be formed in a shape that can hold the ornament.

[0065] The fastener 80 has a shape close to a sphere and is provided with an insertion hole 82 extending from one side to the other. The insertion hole 82 is formed to a diameter that allows the second end 2E of the earring post body 10 to be fitted into it. To facilitate the insertion of the earring post body 10, the insertion hole 82 is provided with an inclined surface near the opening 82A. The insertion hole 82 is provided with two annular projections 83 that extend around the circumference of the insertion hole 82, and the two annular projections 83 are spaced at a predetermined distance apart. By fitting the second end 2E of the earring post body 10 into the insertion hole 82, the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 provided on the second end 2E side can engage with the annular projections 83. This allows the earring post body 10 to be held in place when inserted into a piercing hole made in the earlobe or the like by the user, and prevents the earring post body 10 from falling out of the user's earlobe or the like. In the illustrated example, two annular projections 83 are provided, but three or more annular projections 83 may be provided so that the insertion depth of the fastener 80 can be adjusted. One embodiment of the fastener 80 is made of silicone rubber. If there is a possibility that the user may develop a metal allergy, it is preferable that the fastener 80 be made of silicone rubber. The fastener 80 is just an example, and the shape and material of the fastener 80 are not limited as long as it can hold the earring post body 10 in the earlobe. The shape and material of the fastener 80 can be selected, for example, according to the design.

[0066] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) According to this embodiment, the same effects and benefits as those described in the first embodiment (1) to (4) and the second embodiment (1) to (5) can be achieved.

[0067] [Variations of the Embodiment] Although the earring posts and earrings according to the above embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and any modifications or improvements that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10... Piercing post body, 11... First groove, 12... Second groove, 20... Convex part, 30... Retaining frame, 31... Claw part, 32... Through hole (retaining frame), 40, 60... Metal solidification joint, 50... Fixing member, 50A... First surface (fixing member), 50B... Second surface (fixing member), 52... Through hole (fixing member), 70... Decorative part, 80... Fastener, 82... Insertion hole, 82A... Opening, 83... Projection, 100, 200, 300... Piercing post, 400, 500... Piercing, 1E... First end, 2E... Second end.

Claims

1. It is a piercing post, A stainless steel earring post body having a first end located on one end in the axial direction and a second end located on the other end, A convex portion made of stainless steel is provided extending axially outward from the first end and having an outer diameter larger than the main body of the piercing post, A retaining frame made of a metal other than stainless steel is provided in contact with the aforementioned convex portion, A metal solidification joint is provided on at least a portion of the tip surface of the convex portion, and at least a portion of the convex portion is made of molten and solidified stainless steel, and at least a portion of the retaining frame is made of a metal other than molten and solidified stainless steel, Equipped with, Earring post.

2. In the earring post described in claim 1, The retaining frame has a through hole at its bottom, The metal solidification joint extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion and the through hole of the retaining frame. Earring post.

3. It is a piercing post, A stainless steel earring post body having a first end located on one end in the axial direction and a second end located on the other end, A convex portion made of stainless steel is provided extending axially outward from the first end and having an outer diameter larger than the main body of the piercing post, A fixing member made of a metal other than stainless steel is provided in contact with the aforementioned convex portion, A metal solidification joint is provided on at least a portion of the tip surface of the convex portion, and at least a portion of the convex portion is made of molten and solidified stainless steel, and at least a portion of the fixing member is made of a metal other than molten and solidified stainless steel, Equipped with, Earring post.

4. In the earring post described in claim 3, The fixing member has a through hole, The metal solidification joint extends to the area surrounded by the convex portion and the through hole of the fixing member. Earring post.

5. In the earring post described in claim 3, The fixing member further comprises a metal retaining frame provided on the side opposite to the side that is joined to the convex portion of the fixing member. Earring post.

6. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The metal solidification joint is formed by stacking and fusing a first layer containing stainless steel and a second layer containing a metal other than stainless steel. Earring post.

7. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The metal solidification joint is formed by irradiating at least the tip surface of the convex portion with a laser, Earring post.

8. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The surface on the tip side of the convex portion has a curved surface that curves convexly outward in the axial direction. Earring post.

9. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The metal solidification joint is provided in a range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the convex portion. Earring post.

10. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The metal other than the aforementioned stainless steel includes at least platinum, gold, or silver. Earring post.

11. In the earring post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The stainless steel is SUSXM7, SUS316L, SUS316, SUS304L, or SUS304. Earring post.

12. It's a piercing, A piercing post according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 5, The decorative body held in the aforementioned retaining frame, Equipped with, Earrings.

13. In the earring described in claim 12, The second end further comprises a fastener into which the second end is fitted. Earrings.

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