clip

Abstract

To provide a clip that is easy to be miniaturized and is formed of one material into a single body to reduce the labor during manufacturing and processing.SOLUTION: The clip is formed of one side band 11 and the other side band 31 and a plate spring part 26. The one side band 11 is sectioned into a lever part 13, a fulcrum part 14, a middle plate 16 and a holding part 18. The other side band 31 is sectioned likewise, and both middle plates 16 and 36 of the one side band 11 and the other side band 31 are integrated into a Z shape by the plate spring part 26, so that the reaction force of the plate spring part 26 causes a held article to be firmly sandwiched by the holding part 18 and a holding part 38 that face each other. Furthermore, the one side band 11 and the other side band 31 and the plate spring part 26 are formed of one plate member, thereby reducing the labor during manufacturing and processing. In addition, the two middle plates 16 and 36 and the plate spring part 26 are closely adhered without any gap therebetween, thereby improving the appearance and enabling miniaturization as a whole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip used for bundling various items such as multiple sheets of paper. [Background technology]

[0002] Clips are stationery items used to hold multiple sheets of paper together and prevent them from scattering. There are various types depending on the purpose. Among them, paper clips are made of wire shaped into an oblong shape and are often used to hold relatively thin items such as a few sheets of paper together. Eye clips and double clips are often used to hold thicker items such as dozens of sheets of paper together. They have a structure that allows them to be opened and closed using the principle of leverage. When the handle is pressed with a finger, the clamping part on the other side opens, allowing various items, such as paper, to be held in place. Specific examples of technological developments in these clips are given in the patent documents listed below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a metal clip that minimizes settling even when the sheet-like material (the object to be clamped) is close to the maximum binding thickness. This clip is formed by bending a strip-shaped metal sheet with spring properties. It has a U-shape with a spine located at the rear center and abutment portions protruding from both ends of the spine. Because the sheet-like material is clamped between the opposing abutment portions, the maximum binding thickness is determined by the size of the spine. To generate elasticity in the abutment portion itself, this clip has a bent portion formed at the abutment portion slightly away from the spine. By deforming this bent portion, settling can be suppressed even when the abutment portions are aligned nearly parallel to each other due to a thick sheet-like material.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for a double clip with an opening / closing lever that prevents documents from swelling when they are turned up and rolled to the back side. The double clip includes a holder that clamps the documents and its opening / closing lever. The holder is configured with two clamping plates integrated with a connecting plate, and one of the clamping plates has an increased depth from its tip to the connecting plate. As a result, when documents are bundled, the clamping plate on the front side is aligned nearly parallel to the document surface, preventing the opening / closing lever from protruding upward and allowing the turned-up documents to be smoothly rolled in. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-278464 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-171353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When bundling relatively thick items, such as many sheets of paper, eye clips or double clips are used, but because these clips are made up of multiple parts, their manufacture requires the individual parts to be formed and then assembled, which increases the amount of work required. Furthermore, when disposing of these clips, they may need to be disassembled to facilitate recycling. If elastic stress accumulates in the parts during this process, they may accidentally pop out, causing unexpected problems. Furthermore, it is desirable for the clip itself to be as small as possible so as not to interfere with the turning of the bound paper.

[0007] The present invention was developed based on these circumstances, and aims to provide a clip that is integrally formed from a single material, making it easier to achieve miniaturization and reducing the labor required for manufacturing and disposal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 for solving the above problem is that two pieces, a first band and a second band, are arranged so as to overlap each other, and each of the first band and the second band is divided from one end side to the other end side into a lever part, a fulcrum part, an intermediate plate, and a clamping part, the fulcrum part is located at the boundary between the lever part and the intermediate plate, and the opposing fulcrum parts are adjacent to each other in a state where they can come into contact with each other, and the opposing lever parts are arranged at a distance from each other, and the opposing clamping parts come close to each other so as to clamp the object to be clamped. The opposing intermediate plates can be inserted into each other, and the opposing intermediate plates are integrated via a leaf spring portion, which diagonally connects the left end of one of the intermediate plates to the right end of the remaining intermediate plate.When the lever portions are brought closer to each other, the leaf spring portion is pulled by the intermediate plate and deforms in a twisting manner, and at the same time the opposing clamping portions move away from each other, and the one band, the other band, and the leaf spring portion are formed from a single plate material.

[0009] The clip of the present invention is configured with two band-shaped plates, called the first band and the second band, overlapping without any step, and the first band and the second band are integrated with a leaf spring portion, which generates a reaction force for clamping various objects such as paper. The first band and the second band are also roughly symmetrical across the boundary line between them, and each of the first band and the second band is divided into four areas from one end to the other: a lever portion, a fulcrum portion, an intermediate plate, and a clamping portion.

[0010] The lever portion is located at one end of each of the first and second bands, and the two lever portions face each other at a distance. The lever portion is the portion that is pressed in with a finger or other object during use. The clamping portion is located at the other end opposite the lever portion, and can clamp the object between the two clamping portions, preventing it from being released from the clip. An intermediate plate connects the lever portion and the clamping portion of both the first and second bands. The boundary between the lever portion and the intermediate plate serves as a fulcrum, and both the first and second bands are bent in a "L" shape at this fulcrum, forming an angle between the lever portion and the intermediate plate. Therefore, the distance between the lever portions increases as they move away from the fulcrum.

[0011] In its natural state, the fulcrum portions of the one and the other straps are close enough to be in immediate contact with each other, but they can also be in actual contact. When the opposing lever portions are pressed against each other with a finger or other object, the fulcrum portions come into strong contact with each other, and the intermediate plate located at the tip of the fulcrum portion moves away from the fulcrum portion, widening the gap between them. As a result, the gap between the opposing clamping portions also widens, allowing an object to be inserted between the clamping portions.

[0012] The two opposing intermediate plates are integrated by a leaf spring portion. The leaf spring portion is literally a simple plate, and one of its two opposing side edges is connected to the side edge of the intermediate plate of one band, and the other is connected to the side edge of the intermediate plate of the other band, but this connection position is reversed left and right on the one band and the other band. Therefore, when looking at the one band and the other band from a cross section, the leaf spring portion is sandwiched between the two intermediate plates, and the overall arrangement is a "Z" shape. However, the gap between the two intermediate plates is often made as narrow as possible, so in reality the arrangement is more like a "Z" that has been squashed up and down.

[0013] When the lever sections are pressed together with a finger or other object, the distance between the intermediate plates increases due to their relative position relative to the fulcrum, as described above. This changes the angle of intersection between the intermediate plate and the leaf spring, causing the leaf spring to twist. If the lever sections are pressed against the reaction force of this twist, the distance between the opposing clamping sections increases. However, when the lever sections are released from the pressure, the twist in the leaf spring sections returns to its original position, and the distance between the opposing clamping sections decreases, allowing the object to be clamped.

[0014] The first band, the second band, and the leaf spring are all formed by cutting out a single elastic plate and are integrated into one piece. Typically, this cutout is "H" shaped, with the vertical sections on both sides corresponding to the first and second bands, and the horizontal section in the middle corresponding to the leaf spring. Therefore, after cutting out the plate, levers or clamping sections are formed in the sections corresponding to the first and second bands. The boundary between the leaf spring and the first band is then bent into a "U" shape, and the boundary between the leaf spring and the second band is similarly bent into a "U" shape to complete the clip.

[0015] The clip of the present invention is formed from a single plate material, which means that it is necessarily composed of only one part, reducing the labor required for manufacturing. Furthermore, when disassembling the clip for disposal, the labor required for disposal is also reduced. Furthermore, by sandwiching the leaf spring between the two intermediate plates, the periphery of the intermediate plate is left flat with no protruding parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As in the invention of claim 1, the clip is composed of one band, the other band, and a leaf spring, and the intermediate plates of both the one band and the other band are integrated into a "Z" shape with the leaf spring, which causes the reaction force of the torsion generated in the leaf spring to bring the clamping parts closer together and firmly clamp the object. Also, by pressing the lever parts together with fingers, the gap between the clamping parts widens, allowing various objects to be inserted between them.

[0017] Moreover, because the three elements of the one band, the other band, and the leaf spring are formed from a single plate, the clip is necessarily composed of only one part, reducing the labor required during manufacturing. Furthermore, disassembly is not required when disposing of the clip, reducing the labor required during disposal. Furthermore, by sandwiching the leaf spring between the two intermediate plates and ensuring that the two intermediate plates and the leaf spring are tightly attached to each other in their natural state, the area around the intermediate plate is flat and free of any protrusions, improving the aesthetics and enabling the overall device to be made more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of a clip according to the present invention, in which the upper part of the figure shows the clip in a closed state, the middle part of the figure shows the clip in a state divided into three parts, and the lower part of the figure shows the clip in an open state. [Figure 2] 2A to 2C are perspective views sequentially showing the manufacturing process of the clip of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a clip having a different configuration from that of FIG. 1, in which the clamping portions are always out of contact with each other and can clamp an object in a curved state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1 shows an example of the shape of a clip according to the present invention, with the upper portion of the figure depicting the clip in a closed state, the middle portion depicting the clip divided into three sections, and the lower portion depicting the clip in an open state. This clip is configured with one band 11 and the other band 31 integrated with a leaf spring portion 26. One band 11 and the other band 31 are both elongated bands that overlap without any step and are divided from the left end to the right end into lever portions 13, 33, fulcrum portions 14, 34, intermediate plates 16, 36, and clamping portions 18, 38. Fulcrum portion 14 of one band 11 is located at the boundary between lever portion 13 and intermediate plate 16, as is fulcrum portion 34 of the other band 31, with the fulcrum portions 14, 34 being close enough to touch. Both the one belt 11 and the other belt 31 are bent in the width direction at the fulcrum portions 14, 34, and the lever portions 13, 33 of both the belts move away from each other as they move away from the fulcrum portions 14, 34.

[0020] The intermediate plates 16, 36 are strip-shaped portions connecting the fulcrum portions 14, 34 and the clamping portions 18, 38. As they move away from the fulcrum portions 14, 34, the intermediate plates gradually move apart, but halfway through they become nearly parallel and finally connect to the clamping portions 18, 38. The opposing intermediate plates 16, 36 are integrated at approximately their center by a leaf spring portion 26. As shown in the middle of the figure, the leaf spring portion 26 connects the side ends of the intermediate plates 16, 36 of the first band 11 and the second band 31, respectively, but the connection points with the leaf spring portion 26 are reversed between the first band 11 side and the second band 31 side, so that the intermediate plates 16, 36 and the leaf spring portion 26 are arranged in a "Z" shape (although in this figure, they are arranged in an "S" shape), as shown in the middle of the figure.

[0021] The clamping portions 18, 38 are both formed in a dogleg shape, and their tip surfaces sandwich the object to be clamped. As shown in the lower part of the figure, when the upper and lower lever portions 13, 33 are pressed, the intermediate plates 16, 36 on the right side of the fulcrum portions 14, 34 move away from each other. At the same time, the clamping portions 18, 38 also move away from each other, ensuring sufficient space for inserting the object. Furthermore, the leaf spring portion 26 rises following the upper and lower intermediate plates 16, 36, connecting them diagonally and twisting relative to its natural state. Due to the reaction force of this twist, when the lever portions 13, 33 are released from their pressed-down position, the clamping portions 18, 38 move closer to each other, clamping the object.

[0022] When the clip is closed, the upper and lower intermediate plates 16, 36 and the leaf spring 26 between them form a three-layer structure that is tightly attached with almost no gaps, as shown in the middle of the figure. This reduces the thickness around the intermediate plates 16, 36, allowing for a compact clip. Furthermore, the leaf spring 26 is hidden by the upper and lower intermediate plates 16, 36, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the manufacturing process of the clip shown in Figure 1 in order. This clip is made from a resilient metal plate, such as SPCC. First, as shown in the upper part of the figure, the metal plate is cut into an "H" shape. In this state, one band 11 and the other band 31 extend parallel to each other at a distance, and the leaf spring portion 26 connects them. Next, as shown in the middle of the figure, one band 11 and the other band 31 are each bent to form lever portions 13 and 33, fulcrum portions 14 and 34, intermediate plates 16 and 36, and clamping portions 18 and 38. Finally, as shown in the lower part of the figure, the boundary between the leaf spring portion 26 and one band 11 is bent at a right angle, and similarly, the boundary between the leaf spring portion 26 and the other band 31 is bent at a right angle. These two bends are then made to approach 180 degrees, completing the clip shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a clip with a different configuration from that shown in Figure 1, in which clamping portions 18, 38 are always out of contact with each other and can clamp the object in a curved state. As with Figure 1, this clip also has one band 11 and the other band 31 integrated with leaf spring portion 26, and the lever portions 13, 33, fulcrum portions 14, 34, and intermediate plates 16, 36 are also the same as those shown in Figure 1. However, clamping portion 18 of one band 11 is a single "horn-shaped" portion with a narrow width, located in the center, and clamping portion 38 of the other band 31 is bifurcated with a notch in the center, so that when the clip is closed, clamping portion 18 of one band 11 fits into clamping portion 38 of the other band 31, as shown in the upper part of the figure.

[0025] As shown in the middle of the figure, both lever portions 13, 33 are pressed down to open the clip, and then the object to be clamped is inserted between both clamping portions 18, 38. After that, when the lever portions 13, 33 are released, the object to be clamped is pushed downward by clamping portion 18 of one band 11 and fits into the center of clamping portion 38 of the other band 31, causing it to curve, and allowing the object to be clamped even more firmly.

[0026] The manufacturing process for this clip is also shown at the bottom of the figure. After cutting the metal plate into an "H" shape, the lever portions 13, 33 are formed on both the first band 11 and the second band 31, just as in Figure 2. Furthermore, at this stage, the "horn"-shaped clamping portion 18 and the bifurcated clamping portion 38 have already been formed. In this way, the shape of the clamping portions 18, 38 can be freely changed depending on the application. Similarly, the lever portions 13, 33 can also be shaped to suit aesthetics and ease of use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 11 One-sided belt 13 Lever section 14 Fulcrum 16 Intermediate plate 18 Clamping part 26 Leaf spring part 31 Other band 33 Lever section 34 Fulcrum 36 Intermediate plate 38 Clamping part

Claims

[Claim 1] The first band (11) and the second band (31) are arranged so as to overlap each other, The one belt (11) and the other belt (31) are each divided into a lever portion (13, 33), a fulcrum portion (14, 34), an intermediate plate (16, 36), and a clamping portion (18, 38) from one end side to the other end side, The fulcrum portions (14, 34) are located at the boundary between the lever portions (13, 33) and the intermediate plates (16, 36), and the opposing fulcrum portions (14, 34) are adjacent to each other in a state where they can come into contact with each other, and the opposing lever portions (13, 33) are arranged at a distance from each other, and the opposing clamping portions (18, 38) come close to each other, thereby allowing the object to be clamped to be clamped. The opposing intermediate plates (16, 36) are integrated with each other via a leaf spring portion (26), and the leaf spring portion (26) diagonally connects the left end of one of the intermediate plates (16 or 36) to the right end of the other intermediate plate (36 or 16), By bringing the lever portions (13, 33) closer to each other, the leaf spring portion (26) is pulled by the intermediate plate (16, 36) and deformed in a twisting manner, and at the same time, the opposing clamping portions (18, 38) move away from each other, The clip is characterized in that the one band (11), the other band (31) and the leaf spring portion (26) are formed from a single plate material.

Images