Positioning mechanism and positioning method for zipper chain

Abstract

The present invention provides a positioning mechanism for a slide fastener chain in which deformation or the like does not occur in a perforated portion or a core portion. The present invention relates to a positioning mechanism for a slide fastener chain for positioning the slide fastener chain moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side at a prescribed molding position between an upper mold and a lower mold. The positioning mechanism for the slide fastener chain includes a stopper member that blocks an upstream end tooth or a downstream end tooth adjacent to a spacing portion in the slide fastener chain (10) on the upstream side or the downstream side to restrict movement of the slide fastener chain toward the downstream side or the upstream side, thereby positioning the slide fastener chain at the molding position, and a chain pushing mechanism for contacting the slide fastener chain on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper member and pushing the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a positioning mechanism and a positioning method for a slide fastener chain, and more particularly to a positioning mechanism and a positioning method for accurately positioning a slide fastener chain at a molding position at which an opening piece or the like is injection molded on the slide fastener chain by a mold. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the case where a slide fastener having a synthetic resin element row is continuously mass-produced based on a continuous slide fastener chain, a left and right pair of slide fastener element rows are formed by injection molding synthetic resin element rows on each of the opposite edge portions of the left and right long slide fastener tapes in advance. Then, the following processes are performed. That is, a process of locally removing the element rows at regular intervals in the length direction of the slide fastener chain in the closed state in which the element rows of the left and right slide fastener tapes are engaged to form interval portions (see Figure 4 ); a process of adhering an auxiliary film to the surface of the slide fastener chain corresponding to a part of the interval portions (see Figure 5 ); a process of forming a perforated portion in the auxiliary film of the slide fastener chain (see Figure 6 ); a process of dividing the slide fastener chain after releasing the engagement between the left and right element rows (see Figure 7 ); a process of passing the puller through the element rows of the left and right slide fastener tapes from one side of the perforated portion (see Figure 8 ); a process of injection molding a stopper and an opening piece in the slide fastener chain in the open state (see Figure 9 ); a process of closing the left and right element rows of the slide fastener chain (see Figure 10 ); a process of combining the opening pieces of the slide fastener chain (see Figure 11 ); and a process of cutting the continuous slide fastener chain from the perforated portion. The slide fastener is continuously manufactured by the above processes (see Figure 12

[0003] In the process of injection molding the stopper and the opening piece in the slide fastener chain in the open state described above, as shown in Figure 9 , a part of the opening pieces 20, 21 is molded in correspondence with the perforated portion 13 in the interval portion 11, and the upper stopper 22 is molded so as to include the core portion la of the slide fastener tape 1 in the interval portion 11. In the case where the opening piece or the like is injection molded on the slide fastener chain, it is necessary to accurately position the slide fastener chain being conveyed at a predetermined molding position between the upper and lower molds. In the past, the element (s) adjacent to the interval portion on the upstream side or the downstream side in the slide fastener chain were used as a positioning reference for the slide fastener chain (see Figure 9 ​The position where the upstream end tooth 2a or the downstream end tooth 2b of the zipper chain in the upstream side or the downstream side abuts against the stopper provided to the lower mold or the like is set as the injection molding position of the zipper chain, and the zipper chain is pulled close to the stopper from the side opposite to the upstream side or the downstream side of the tooth, so that the tooth abuts against the stopper, thereby positioning the zipper chain at the molding position.

[0004] However, in the positioning by pulling the zipper chain close, there is a case where the perforated portion in the interval portion of the zipper chain is deformed or the core portion is tilted. In such a case, there is a possibility that the injection molding of the opening member or the upper stop portion is adversely affected. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a positioning mechanism and a positioning method of a zipper chain in which the perforated portion or the core portion is not deformed or the like.

[0006] To solve the above-described problems, according to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a positioning mechanism of a zipper chain for positioning a zipper chain moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side at a prescribed molding position between an upper mold and a lower mold, the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain being characterized by comprising: a stopper that blocks an upstream end tooth or a downstream end tooth adjacent to an interval portion in the zipper chain in the upstream side or the downstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain toward the downstream side or the upstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain at the molding position; and a chain pushing mechanism for bringing the zipper chain into contact with the base on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper and pushing the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper.

[0007] In the present application, the position where the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth of the zipper chain is blocked by the stopper so that further movement of the zipper chain toward the downstream side or the upstream side is restricted is set as the prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold. Then, when the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth of the zipper chain approaches the stopper on the downstream side or the upstream side, the chain pushing mechanism comes into contact with the zipper chain in the vicinity of the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper and pushes the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper, thereby enabling the zipper chain to be accurately positioned at the prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold. Since there is no perforated portion in the interval portion and no core portion in the zipper chain on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper that is pushed by the chain pushing mechanism, and the perforated portion and the core portion are on the downstream side or the upstream side of the stopper, the perforated portion and the core portion are not affected by the pushing of the zipper chain by the chain pushing mechanism, and the perforated portion or the core portion is not deformed or the like.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, a base for supporting the slide fastener chain is provided on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper, and the chain pressing mechanism presses the slide fastener chain (10) against the base. In this embodiment, when the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth of the slide fastener chain approaches the stopper on the downstream side or the upstream side, the chain pressing mechanism presses the slide fastener chain near the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper against the base, and pushes the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper. Thus, the slide fastener chain is accurately positioned at the prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, a sensor that can detect that the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth has approached the stopper, and a control unit that stops the conveyance of the slide fastener chain and operates the chain pressing mechanism in accordance with a detection signal of the sensor are included. In this embodiment, when the sensor detects that the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth has approached the stopper, the sensor sends a detection signal to the control unit, and the control unit stops the conveyance of the slide fastener chain. Thus, the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth is stopped near the stopper. The control unit also operates the chain pressing mechanism. Thus, the chain pressing mechanism comes into contact with the slide fastener chain including the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth near the stopper, and pushes the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper. The sensor can indirectly detect that the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth has approached the stopper by directly sensing the interval, for example. As the sensor, a transmission type sensor, a reflection type sensor, or the like can be used, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the stopper and the base are provided to the lower mold. By providing the stopper and the base to the lower mold as such, the positioning mechanism can be designed to be compact.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the molding position is a position at which the opening member is molded to the slide fastener chain.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the molding position includes a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side, the stopper includes a first stopper that blocks the upstream end tooth adjacent to the interval portion in the zipper chain on the upstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain to the downstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain at the first molding position, and a second stopper that blocks the downstream end tooth adjacent to the interval portion in the zipper chain on the downstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain to the upstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain at the second molding position, the base includes a first base that supports the zipper chain on the upstream side of the first stopper, and a second base that supports the zipper chain on the downstream side of the second stopper, and the chain pressing mechanism includes a first chain pressing mechanism that presses the zipper chain toward the first base and pushes the upstream end tooth against the first stopper, and a second chain pressing mechanism that presses the zipper chain toward the second base and pushes the downstream end tooth against the second stopper.

[0013] In the above embodiment, when the upstream end tooth of the zipper chain approaches the first stopper on the downstream side, the first chain pressing mechanism presses the zipper chain near the upstream end tooth on the upstream side of the first stopper toward the first base and pushes the upstream end tooth against the first stopper, thereby accurately positioning the zipper chain at the prescribed first molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold. Here, the first injection molding is performed on the zipper chain. Next, the first chain pressing mechanism is returned to the initial state. Then, when the downstream end tooth of the zipper chain has approached the second stopper on the upstream side, the second chain pressing mechanism presses the zipper chain near the downstream end tooth on the downstream side of the second stopper toward the second base and pushes the downstream end tooth against the second stopper, thereby accurately positioning the zipper chain at the prescribed second molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold. Here, the second injection molding is performed on the zipper chain.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the first molding position is a position at which an opening member is molded in the zipper chain, and the second molding position is a position at which an upper stop portion is molded in the zipper chain.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a positioning mechanism for a slide fastener chain for positioning the slide fastener chain moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side at a prescribed first molding position on the upstream side and a prescribed second molding position on the downstream side between an upper mold and a lower mold, the positioning mechanism for the slide fastener chain characterized by comprising: a first stopper for stopping an upstream end tooth adjacent to a spacing portion in the slide fastener chain on the upstream side to restrict movement of the slide fastener chain toward the downstream side, thereby positioning the slide fastener chain at the first molding position; a chain push mechanism for contacting the slide fastener chain on the upstream side of the first stopper and pushing the upstream end tooth against the first stopper; a position fixing mechanism for fixing the slide fastener chain at the first molding position; a second stopper for stopping a downstream end tooth adjacent to the spacing portion in the slide fastener chain on the downstream side to restrict movement of the slide fastener chain toward the upstream side, thereby positioning the slide fastener chain at the second molding position; and a chain pull-in mechanism for pulling the slide fastener chain toward the upstream side beyond a perforated portion in the spacing portion, thereby pushing the downstream end tooth against the second stopper.

[0016] In the present application, a position at which the upstream end tooth of the slide fastener chain is stopped by the first stopper so that further movement of the slide fastener chain toward the downstream side is restricted is set as the prescribed first molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold, and a position at which the downstream end tooth of the slide fastener chain is stopped by the second stopper so that further movement of the slide fastener chain toward the upstream side is restricted is set as the prescribed second molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold. Then, when the upstream end tooth of the slide fastener chain has approached the first stopper on the downstream side, the chain push mechanism contacts the slide fastener chain in the vicinity of the upstream end tooth on the upstream side of the first stopper and pushes the upstream end tooth against the first stopper, thereby enabling the slide fastener chain to be accurately positioned at the prescribed first molding position on the upstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold. Next, the slide fastener chain is fixed at the molding position by the position fixing mechanism. In this state, by pulling the slide fastener chain toward the upstream side beyond the perforated portion in the spacing portion by the chain pull-in mechanism, the downstream end tooth is pushed against the second stopper. Thus, the slide fastener chain can be accurately positioned at the prescribed second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold. The chain pull-in mechanism pulls the slide fastener chain toward the upstream side beyond the perforated portion, and thus the perforated portion hardly deforms.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, a base that supports the slide fastener chain is provided on the upstream side of the first stopper, and the chain pusher presses the slide fastener chain against the base. In this embodiment, when the upstream end tooth of the slide fastener chain has approached the first stopper on the downstream side, the chain pusher presses the slide fastener chain near the upstream end tooth on the upstream side of the first stopper against the base and pushes the upstream end tooth against the first stopper. Thus, the slide fastener chain is accurately positioned at the prescribed first molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, a sensor that can detect that the upstream end tooth has approached the first stopper and a control unit that stops the conveyance of the slide fastener chain and operates the chain pusher in accordance with the detection signal of the sensor are included. In this embodiment, when the sensor detects that the upstream end tooth has approached the first stopper, the sensor sends a detection signal to the control unit, and the control unit stops the conveyance of the slide fastener chain and operates the chain pusher. Thus, the chain pusher contacts the slide fastener chain including the upstream end tooth near the first stopper and pushes the upstream end tooth against the first stopper. Next, the position fixing mechanism operates to fix the slide fastener chain at the first molding position. Next, the chain pull-in mechanism operates to pull the slide fastener chain downstream of the perforated portion in the spacing portion toward the upstream side with the slide fastener chain fixed at the first molding position, and pushes the downstream end tooth against the second stopper. The position fixing mechanism and the chain pull-in mechanism can be configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of closing the upper mold and the lower mold.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the first stopper and the second stopper and the base are provided on the lower mold. By providing the first stopper and the second stopper and the base on the lower mold, the positioning mechanism can be designed to be compact.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, the first molding position is a position at which the puller is molded on the slide fastener chain, and the second molding position is a position at which the upper stopper is molded on the slide fastener chain.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a positioning method of a slide fastener chain for positioning a slide fastener chain that moves toward the downstream side or the upstream side at a prescribed molding position between an upper mold and a lower mold, the positioning method of the slide fastener chain characterized by comprising: a step of detecting that an upstream end tooth or a downstream end tooth adjacent to a spacing portion in the slide fastener chain on the upstream side or the downstream side has approached a stopper; a step of stopping the movement of the slide fastener chain in accordance with the detection; and a step of contacting the slide fastener chain on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper and pushing the upstream end tooth or the downstream end tooth against the stopper.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of positioning a zipper chain for positioning the zipper chain moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side at a prescribed first molding position on the upstream side and a prescribed second molding position on the downstream side between an upper mold and a lower mold, the method of positioning the zipper chain characterized by comprising: a step of detecting that an upstream end tooth adjacent to a spacer in the zipper chain on the upstream side has approached a first stopper; a step of stopping movement of the zipper chain in accordance with the detection; a step of bringing the zipper chain into contact with a base on the upstream side of the first stopper and pushing the upstream end tooth against the first stopper; a step of fixing the zipper chain at the first molding position; and a step of pulling the zipper chain toward the upstream side from a perforated portion on the downstream side of the spacer, thereby pushing a downstream end tooth adjacent to the spacer in the zipper chain on the downstream side against a second stopper.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] In the present application, since the perforated portion and the core portion in the spacer are not present in the zipper chain on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper which is pushed by the chain pushing mechanism, and the perforated portion and the core portion are present on the downstream side or the upstream side of the stopper, the perforated portion and the core portion are not affected by the pushing of the zipper chain by the pushing mechanism, and the perforated portion or the core portion does not deform or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a synthetic resin zipper manufacturing apparatus.

[0026] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing steps of processing and the like by the synthetic resin zipper manufacturing apparatus.

[0027] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a continuous zipper chain.

[0028] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a zipper chain in which a spacer is formed.

[0029] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a zipper chain to which an auxiliary film is attached.

[0030] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a state in which a zipper chain in which a perforated portion is formed.

[0031] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a state in which a zipper chain is divided after engagement between left and right tooth rows is released.

[0032] Figure 8 is a plan view of the zipper chain taken to show the state of the puller passing through the left side of the zipper tape on one side.

[0033] Figure 9 is a plan view of the zipper chain taken to show the state of the injection molding of the opening piece and the stopper.

[0034] Figure 10 is a plan view of the zipper chain taken to show the state of the zipper chain changing from the open state to the closed state.

[0035] Figure 11 is a plan view of the zipper chain taken to show the state of the combination of the socket body with the rod inserted into the socket and the insertion rod.

[0036] Figure 12 is a plan view of the completed zipper.

[0037] Figure 13 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 14 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 15 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a prescribed molding position between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 16 is a block diagram schematically showing the control structure of the positioning mechanism.

[0041] Figure 17 is a plan view showing the state of the chain pressing mechanism pressing the zipper chain toward the base.

[0042] Figure 18 is a side view schematically showing the chain pressing mechanism including a modification of the base.

[0043] Figure 19 is a side view schematically showing the chain pressing mechanism including a modification of the base.

[0044] Figure 20 is a side view schematically showing a process of pressing the upstream end chain teeth of the zipper chain against the stopper using a modification of the chain pressing mechanism.

[0045] Figure 21is a side view schematically showing a process of pushing the upstream end of the zipper chain to the limiting member by a modified example of the chain pushing mechanism.

[0046] Figure 22 is a side view schematically showing a process of pushing the upstream end of the zipper chain to the limiting member by a modified example of the chain pushing mechanism.

[0047] Figure 23 is a side view schematically showing a process of pushing the upstream end of the zipper chain to the limiting member by a modified example of the chain pushing mechanism.

[0048] Figure 24 is a side view schematically showing a positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 25 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 26 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 27 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 28 is a side view schematically showing a process of positioning the zipper chain at a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold and the lower mold using the positioning mechanism of the zipper chain according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 29 is Figure 25 a plan view of the zipper chain at the time of

[0054] Figure 30 is Figure 26 a plan view of the zipper chain at the time of

[0055] Figure 31 is Figure 27 a plan view of the zipper chain at the time of

[0056] Figure 32 is Figure 28Fig. 2 is a plan view of the zipper chain at the time of the

[0057] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0058] 1 zipper tape

[0059] 2 row of teeth

[0060] 2a upstream end tooth

[0061] 2b downstream end tooth

[0062] 3 slider

[0063] 10 zipper chain

[0064] 10a toothed tape

[0065] 11 interval

[0066] 12 auxiliary film

[0067] 13 perforated portion

[0068] 20 receptacle body with receptacle rod

[0069] 21 receptacle rod

[0070] 22 upper stop portion

[0071] 30 zipper

[0072] 100 zipper manufacturing apparatus

[0073] 110 first device

[0074] 111 interval generating mechanism

[0075] 112 film adhering mechanism

[0076] 113 perforating mechanism

[0077] 120 second device

[0078] 121 chain dividing mechanism

[0079] 122 slider one-side passing mechanism

[0080] 123 upper stop portion and opening member injection molding mechanism

[0081] 130 third device

[0082] 131 chain assembling mechanism

[0083] 132 cutting mechanism

[0084] 170, 170A, 170B zipper chain positioning mechanism

[0085] 171, 171B upper mold

[0086] 172, 172B lower mold

[0087] 173, 173A stopper (1st stopper)

[0088] 173B 2nd stopper

[0089] 174, 174a, 174B base

[0090] 174A 2nd base

[0091] 175 sensor

[0092] 178 control section

[0093] 180, 180a, 180A chain pushing mechanism

[0094] 183 chain guide

[0095] 190 driving section

[0096] 200 position fixing mechanism

[0097] 210 chain pulling-in mechanism DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a synthetic resin-made slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as "slide fastener manufacturing apparatus") 100. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing processes such as machining performed by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 100. Figure 3 is a plan view taken to show a continuous slide fastener chain 10. Figure 4 is a plan view taken to show the slide fastener chain 10 in a state where a spacing portion 11 is formed. Figure 5 is a plan view taken to show the slide fastener chain 10 in a state where an auxiliary film 12 is attached. Figure 6 is a plan view taken to show the slide fastener chain 10 in a state where a perforated portion 13 is formed. Figure 7 is a plan view taken to show a state where the slide fastener chain 10 is divided after engagement between left and right rows of fastener elements 2 is released. Figure 8 is a plan view taken to show the slide fastener chain 10 in a state where a puller 3 penetrates the left-side fastener element tape 10a on one side. Figure 9This is a top view of the zipper chain 10, showing the state of the socket body 20 with socket bar, the insert bar 21, and the top stop 22 as the opening element, which are injection molded. The socket body 20 with socket bar, the insert bar 21, and the top stop 22 are formed, for example, by injection molding of thermoplastic resins such as nylon, polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene, and polybutylene terephthalate, but are not limited to this. Figure 10 This is a top view showing the zipper chain 10 changing from an open state to a closed state. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the zipper chain 10 in the state where the socket body 20 with the socket bar and the plug bar 21 are combined. Figure 12 This is a top view showing the completed zipper 30.

[0099] Zipper manufacturing device 100 is used for manufacturing a pair of long strip-shaped zipper tapes 1 (see reference) on the left and right sides. Figure 3 A continuous zipper chain 10 is formed by injection molding synthetic resin chain teeth 2 from the opposing edges of the chain (etc.), and then performing various processing as described later, thereby continuously manufacturing the zipper. Figure 12 The zipper 30 shown is a finished product. The zipper chain 10 includes a pair of left and right zipper toothed strips 10a, each having a row of teeth 2 at each opposite edge. The row of teeth 2 is formed, for example, by injection molding or extrusion molding of thermoplastic resins such as nylon, polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene, and polybutylene terephthalate, but is not limited thereto. (See reference...) Figure 1 The zipper manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a first device 110, a second device 120, and a third device 130. Furthermore, the zipper manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a conveying mechanism for conveying the zipper chain 10 to the first device 110, then to the second device 120, and finally to the third device 130. Hereinafter, the side to which the zipper chain 10 is conveyed will be described... Figure 1 The right side of the paper is called the "downstream" in the conveying direction, and the side opposite to the downstream in the conveying direction is called the "upstream". Figures 3-11 The zipper chain 10 shown in the figures is generally conveyed from top to bottom, so the top corresponds to upstream and the bottom corresponds to downstream in the figures. However, there are also cases where the zipper chain 10 temporarily moves upstream in the conveying direction during the manufacturing process.

[0100] A first buffer section 140 is provided between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 in the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 100, and a second buffer section 150 is provided between the second apparatus 120 and the third apparatus 130. The first buffer section 140 allows the slide fastener chain 10 to be held between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120, which have different processing cycles, while adjusting the supply of the slide fastener chain 10 to the second apparatus 120 so that the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 are linked. The second buffer section 150 also similarly allows the slide fastener chain 10 to be held between the second apparatus 120 and the third apparatus 130, which have different processing cycles, while adjusting the supply of the slide fastener chain 10 to the third apparatus 130 so that the second apparatus 120 and the third apparatus 130 are linked.

[0101] First device

[0102] The slide fastener chain 10 in the engaged state (closed state) of the chain row 2 of the left and right fastener tapes 10a is introduced into the first apparatus 110, but the left and right fastener tapes 10a in the disengaged state (open state) of the chain row 2 can be brought into the engaged state (closed state) within the first apparatus 110. The first apparatus 110 is sequentially provided with a spacing generating mechanism 111, a film bonding mechanism 112, and a perforating mechanism 113 from the upstream to the downstream. The spacing generating mechanism 111 is used to locally remove the chain row 2 at a prescribed interval in the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener chain 10 to form the spacing section 11 between the opposite edge portions of the left and right fastener tapes 1. The film bonding mechanism 112 is used to bond the auxiliary film 12 to the surface and back surface of the left and right fastener tapes 1 corresponding to approximately the half portion of the upstream side (the upper side in the paper surface) of the spacing section 11 in the left and right fastener tapes 1 of the slide fastener chain 10. In Figure 5 , the auxiliary film 12 is bonded to each of the left and right fastener tapes in the divided state, but the auxiliary film 12 before division can be bonded to the left and right fastener tapes 1, and then divided by a subsequent process. The perforating mechanism 113 is used to form the rectangular perforating section 13 in the auxiliary film 12 on the downstream side (the lower side in the paper surface) of the spacing section 11. In the first apparatus 110, the slide fastener chain 10 is processed with the spacing section 11, the auxiliary film 12, and the perforating section 13 in the engaged state, so the left and right fastener tapes 1 do not deviate during conveyance. Figure 5 Figure 6 The spacing generating mechanism 111 locally removes the left and right chain rows 2 in the closed state at a prescribed interval in the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener chain 10. Thereby, the through surface and back spacing section 11 is formed between each of the opposite edge portions of the left and right fastener tapes 1. Referring to

[0103] The spacing generating mechanism 111 locally removes the left and right chain rows 2 in the closed state at a prescribed interval in the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener chain 10. Thereby, the through surface and back spacing section 11 is formed between each of the opposite edge portions of the left and right fastener tapes 1. Referring to Figure 4 ​In the spacer 11, a thicker core 1a remains at the opposite edge of each zipper tape 1 as a reinforcing part. The core 1a serves to improve the adhesion strength of the zipper teeth 2 formed on the zipper tape 1 by injection molding or the like. The presence or absence of the zipper teeth 2, the spacer 11, the perforation 13, etc., serve as a reference for alignment in subsequent processes and are detected by sensors (not shown). The film bonding mechanism 112 bonds the auxiliary film 12 to both sides of the zipper chain 10. The auxiliary film 12 serves to improve the adhesion of the molten resin during the injection molding of the socket body 20 with the socket bar and the plug bar 21, and to improve operability by reinforcing both ends of the single zipper 30 in the length direction as the final product. (Refer to...) Figure 6 When forming the perforated portion 13, the perforation mechanism 113 simultaneously punches two through holes 14 in each of the opposite edges of the left and right zipper straps 1 on the upstream side of the auxiliary membrane 12 compared to the perforated portion 13, for a total of four through holes 14.

[0104] Second device

[0105] The zipper chain 10, having been processed by the first device 110 with a spacer 11, auxiliary membrane 12, and perforation 13, is retained by the first buffer 140 and supplied to the second device 120. The second device 120 includes: a chain splitting mechanism 121, which disengages the meshing state between the chain teeth rows 2 of the closed left and right zipper chain belts 10a and splits the zipper chain 10; and a single-sided zipper pull insertion mechanism 122, which allows the zipper pull 3 to pass through the perforation 13 on one side of the left and right sides. Figure 8 On the zipper tooth row 2 of the zipper chain 10a (left side); upper stop and opening injection molding mechanism 123, which is used to injection mold the socket body 20 with socket bar, the plug bar 21 and two upper stop 22 onto the zipper chain 10 through which the zipper head 3 passes on one side; and chain closing mechanism 124, which is used to close the zipper tooth rows 2 of the left and right zipper tooth chains 10a in the open state.

[0106] Third device

[0107] The third device 130 includes: a chain assembly mechanism 131 for assembling a socket body 20 with a socket bar and a plug bar 21; and a cutting mechanism 132 for cutting the zipper chain 10 along its width at a location corresponding to the perforation portion 13. The chain assembly mechanism 131 enables... Figure 10The socket body 20 and the plug 21 with the socket bar are combined in a separate state. By cutting the continuous zipper chain 10 at the position corresponding to the perforation 13 by the cutting mechanism 132, multiple zippers 30 can be obtained continuously. Since it is cut from the perforation 13, an auxiliary film portion 12a, which is part of the auxiliary film 12, remains at the upper end of the left and right zipper tooth chain tape 10a of the zipper 30, and an auxiliary film portion 12b remains at the lower end of the zipper tooth chain tape 10a.

[0108] Figures 13-15 This is a side view schematically illustrating the process of positioning the zipper chain 10 in a predetermined forming position between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 using the positioning mechanism 170 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 are structural elements of the upper stop and opening member injection molding mechanism 123 described above, but they may also be structural elements of an injection molding mechanism different from the upper stop and opening member injection molding mechanism 123. The upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 are for the use of a socket body (hereinafter referred to as "socket body") 20 with a socket bar, which is an example of an opening member, and the plug bar 21 and the left and right upper stops 22 (see reference 20). Figure 9 The mold can be used to form the socket body 20 and the plug 21, but it can also be a mold that only forms the socket body 20 and the plug 21. Hereinafter, the case of forming the socket body 20 and the plug 21 will be described as an example in the first embodiment.

[0109] exist Figures 13-15 In the middle, the zipper chain 10 is fed from the upstream side by the feed roller 176 ( Figures 13-15 (Left side of the paper) facing downstream ( Figures 13-15 The zipper chain 10 is conveyed substantially horizontally (on the right side of the paper). Reference numeral 177 is the passive roller through which the zipper chain 10 passes between itself and the feed roller 176. The upper die 171 is positioned above the zipper chain 10, and the lower die 172 is positioned below the zipper chain 10. Figures 13-15 In the middle, the lower mold 172 is shown in its working position after rising from the initial position. The upper mold 171 and lower mold 172 include cavities 20C and 21C (…). Figure 17 (Indicated by dashed lines in the diagram), the cavities 20C and 21C are recessed from their respective lower and upper surfaces, corresponding to the socket body 20 and the insert 21. The cavities 20C and 21C of the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 are used to position the zipper chain 10 in the forming position. In the cavities 20C and 21C, the zipper chain 10 is positioned in the forming position and remains stationary in the conveying direction of the zipper chain 10.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 The zipper chain 10 includes: in the chain tooth row 2 on the upstream side ( Figure 6The left and right chain teeth (hereinafter referred to as "upstream chain teeth") adjacent to the spacer 11 on the upper side of the paper, and the chain teeth on the downstream side adjacent to the spacer 11 (the upper side of the paper) and the chain teeth on the lower ... Figure 6 The adjacent left and right chain teeth (hereinafter referred to as "downstream chain teeth") 2b in the lower part of the paper. Then, as Figure 9 As shown, the socket body 20 and the plug 21 are formed adjacent to the left and right upstream chain teeth 2a on the downstream side, respectively. The downstream end of the socket body 20 enters the area of ​​the through hole 13, and the downstream end of the plug 21 also slightly enters the area of ​​the through hole 13. Figure 6 The two through holes 14 on each side shown are used to allow molten resin to pass through the surface and back of the zipper tape 1 during the molding of the socket body 20 and the plug 21, thereby improving the adhesion of the socket body 20 and the plug 21 to the zipper tape 1. The auxiliary film 12 also serves to improve the adhesion of the molten resin during the molding of the socket body 20 and the plug 21. The left and right upper stops 22 are formed adjacent to the downstream end teeth 2b on the upstream side.

[0111] The positioning mechanism 170 includes: a limiting member 173 capable of blocking the upstream end tooth 2a of the zipper chain 10 moving downstream, thereby restricting further downstream movement of the zipper chain 10; a base 174 supporting the zipper chain upstream of the limiting member 173; and a chain pressing mechanism 180 for pressing the zipper chain 10 against the base 174 and pushing the upstream end tooth 2a against the limiting member 173. In this embodiment, the limiting member 173 and the base 174 are formed in a stepped manner on the upper part of the upstream side of the lower die 172. The base 174 is a horizontal plane extending upstream from the limiting member 173. In this embodiment, the position where the upstream end tooth 2a of the zipper chain 10 is blocked by the limiting member 173, thereby restricting further downstream movement of the zipper chain 10, is set as a predetermined forming position between the upper die 171 and the lower die 172.

[0112] Figure 16 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the control structure of the positioning mechanism 170. The positioning mechanism 170 includes: a sensor 175 that detects the spacing portion 11 of the zipper chain 10 moving downstream, thereby detecting that the upstream chain tooth 2a has approached the stop member 173; and a control unit 178 that stops the feed roller 176 and operates the chain pushing mechanism 180 based on the detection signal from the sensor 175. The sensor 175 can be a transmissive sensor, a reflective sensor, etc., but is not limited to these. Figure 17 This is a top view showing the chain pressing mechanism 180 pressing the zipper chain 10 against the base 174. The chain pressing mechanism 180 includes: two pressing members 181, which respectively contact the left and right zipper teeth 10a of the zipper chain 10; and a drive unit that drives the pressing members 181. An example of the drive unit will be discussed in conjunction with...Figures 20-23 Related information will be described later.

[0113] Next, the process of positioning the zipper chain 10 at a predetermined forming position between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 by means of the positioning mechanism 170 will be described. Figure 13 This indicates the moment after sensor 175 detects the interval 11 of the zipper chain 10. At this moment, the upstream tooth 2a of the zipper chain 10 approaches the stop member 173 of the lower die 172. The detection signal of the interval 11 by sensor 175 is sent to control unit 178. Based on this detection signal, control unit 178 stops the feed roller 176 and activates the chain pushing mechanism 180. As a result, the downstream conveying of the zipper chain 10 stops, and the upstream tooth 2a stops near the stop member 173. At this moment, the upstream tooth 2a is not in contact with the stop member 173, and the zipper chain 10, including the upstream tooth 2a, located upstream of the stop member 173, is situated on the base 174.

[0114] Additionally, the chain pushing mechanism 180 causes the pushing component 181 to... Figure 13 The initial position shown is lowered to the working position below. As a result, the pushing member 181 presses the zipper chain 10 near the upstream chain tooth 2a toward the base 174. Figure 17 This indicates the moment when the pushing member 181 presses the zipper chain 10 against the base 174. At this moment, the upstream chain tooth 2a is not in contact with the limiting member 173. Furthermore, the positions of the left and right upstream chain teeth 2a are slightly offset along the length of the zipper chain 10. Therefore, through... Figure 17 It can be seen that the left and right ( Figure 17 The positions of the upper and lower limiting members 173 in the paper are also slightly offset along the length of the zipper chain 10, but the upper left and right chain teeth 2a will simultaneously contact each limiting member 173. This is also the case for the lower left and right chain teeth 2b (see reference). Figure 32 (Limiting member 173B). After the pushing member 181 presses the zipper chain 10 near the upstream end tooth 2a against the base 174, it pushes the zipper chain 10 near the upstream end tooth 2a toward the downstream limiting member 173. Thus, the pushing member 181 maintains the state of pressing the zipper chain 10 relative to the base 174 while displacing the zipper chain 10 downstream. As a result, the upstream end tooth 2a is pushed toward the limiting member 173 and blocked by the limiting member 173. Thus, further downstream movement of the zipper chain 10 is restricted, and it is positioned at a predetermined forming position. Next, as... Figure 15As shown, the upper mold 171 is lowered to injection-mold the socket body 20 and the plug 21. Further, the upper mold 171 is provided with a recess 171a corresponding to the stopper 173 and a recess 171b for accommodating the push member 181 at the time of mold closing. The same recess is provided on the downstream side of the upper mold 171 to accommodate the push member 181A described later. The push mechanism 180 is used to push the zipper chain 10 including the upstream end teeth 2a to the stopper 173 on the upstream side of the perforated portion 13, so that the perforated portion 13 or the core portion la does not deform or the like.

[0115] Referring to Figure 17 , the interval W of the two push members 181 can be adjusted between the narrowest Wl and the widest W2. In the present embodiment, the interval W of the two push members 181 is set to Wl. In this case, the two push members 181 press the left and right tooth rows 2 of the zipper chain 10 in the open state against the base 174 or engage with the tooth rows 2, and push the zipper chain 10 toward the stopper 173 while maintaining this state. In the case where the two push members 181 engage with the tooth rows 2 and push the zipper chain 10 toward the stopper 173, the two push members 181 can either press the tooth rows 2 against the base 174 or not press the tooth rows 2 against the base 174. When the interval is the interval Wl, each push member 181 can contact the tooth rows 2 and push toward the stopper 173 along the base 174, so that the positioning of the zipper chain 10 can be accurately performed. In the case where the interval W of the two push members 181 is set to W2 or less away from the tooth rows 2, each push member 181 presses the zipper tape 1 of the zipper chain 10 against the base 174 and pushes the upstream end teeth 2a toward the stopper 173. In this case, the zipper tape 1 can slightly deform to absorb a slight error in the amount of pushing of the zipper chain 10 toward the stopper 173.

[0116] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a side view schematically showing a zipper chain push mechanism 180 including a base. In this example, a chain guide 183 is arranged on the upstream side of the stopper 173 indicated by a broken line of the lower mold 172, and the base 174a is provided in the chain guide 183. The chain guide 183 includes an upper guide portion 183a and a lower guide portion 183b. The chain guide 183 is used to guide the downstream transport of the zipper chain 10 by passing the zipper chain 10 between the upper guide portion 183a and the lower guide portion 183b. The downstream side of the lower guide portion 183b Figure 18 and Figure 19The right end of the upper guide portion 183a is close to the limiting member 173, but the downstream end of the upper guide portion 183a terminates away from the limiting member 173. Thus, the downstream portion of the chain guide 183 opens upwards to form an open portion 183c. The zipper chain 10 passing through the chain guide 183 is exposed upwards at the open portion 183c of the chain guide 183. In this example, the portion of the lower guide portion 183b corresponding to the open portion 183c becomes the base 174a.

[0117] The chain pushing mechanism 180 causes the two pushing parts 181 to... Figure 18 The initial position shown is lowered to the pressing position below. As a result, each pushing component 181 presses the zipper chain 10 near the upstream chain tooth 2a towards the base 174a. Then, as... Figure 19 As shown, each pushing component 181 maintains the pressed state of the zipper chain 10 while pushing the zipper chain 10 toward the downstream limiting member 173. As a result, the upstream end chain tooth 2a is pushed against the limiting member 173, and the zipper chain 10 is positioned in the predetermined forming position.

[0118] Figures 20-23 This is a side view schematically illustrating the process of pushing the upstream tooth 2a of the zipper chain 10 to the stop member 173 using a modified chain pushing mechanism. The chain guide 183, including the base 174a, and... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The chain guide shown is substantially the same, therefore the same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted. The chain pushing mechanism 180a includes: two pushing parts 181a ( Figures 20-23 (Only one is shown in the image), and a drive unit 190 that drives each pressing member 181a. Each pressing member 181a includes: a working part 181aa, which is capable of pressing the zipper chain 10 toward the base 174a at the pressing position described later; and a base end part 181ab, which is connected to the drive unit 190.

[0119] The drive unit 190 includes: an upper operating lever 191; a lower operating lever 192; and a lever guide 193, which only guides the upper operating lever 191 and the lower operating lever 192 downstream and upstream. Figures 20-23 The upper operating lever 191 is guided on the right and left sides of the paper. The downstream end of the upper operating lever 191 is connected to the base end 181ab of the pushing member 181a via the connecting shaft 193a. The upper operating lever 191 is provided with: a first limiting member 191a, which contacts the upper downstream end of the lever guide 193 to restrict further movement to the upstream side; and a second limiting member 191b, which contacts the upper upstream end of the lever guide 193 to restrict further movement to the downstream side. The upper operating lever 191 can be pulled into the position where the first limiting member 191a contacts the lever guide 193 (refer to the pull-in position). Figure 20 andFigure 21 ) and the position where the 2nd stopper 191b contacts the rod guide 193 (refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 ) moves. The upper lever 191 moves by a drive source (e.g., a cylinder) connected to the upper lever 191. At this time, an error in movement to the protruding position can be absorbed by providing an elastic member (e.g., a compression spring) between the upper lever 191 and the drive source. Further, the amount of movement of the upper lever 191 is controlled by a regulator or the like.

[0120] The downstream side end of the lower lever 192 is linked to the base end portion 181ab of the push member 181a via the rotation shaft 193b. In addition, the lower lever 192 extends more to the upstream side than the upper lever 191. The lower lever 192 can be provided at a position where the downstream side end of the lower lever 192 protrudes slightly more to the downstream side than the downstream side end of the upper lever 191, a 1st position (refer to Figure 20 and Figure 23 ), and a 2nd position where the downstream side end of the lower lever 192 and the downstream side end of the upper lever 191 become the same position in the upstream and downstream directions. In a case where the lower lever 192 is located at the 1st position with respect to the upper lever 191, the working portion 181aa of the push member 181a becomes a non-pressing position (refer to Figure 20 and Figure 23 ) away from the slide fastener chain 10. In addition, in a case where the lower lever 192 is located at the 2nd position with respect to the upper lever 191, the working portion 181aa of the push member 181a becomes a pressing position (refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 ) that can press the slide fastener chain 10 toward the base 174a.

[0121] At the time of Figure 20 , the chain push mechanism 180a is in an initial state. In this initial state, the upper lever 191 is located at the pull-in position, the lower lever 192 is located at the 1st position with respect to the upper lever 191, and the working portion 181aa of the push member 181a is located at the non-pressing position. After the time of Figure 20 , the sensor 175 (refer to Figure 13 ) detects the interval portion 11 of the slide fastener chain 10 and transmits a detection signal to the control portion 178 (refer to Figure 16 ). Thereby, the control portion 178 causes the drive portion 190 to act as described below. That is, first, the lower lever 192 is displaced from the 1st position to the 2nd position. Thereby, each push member 181a rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft 193b, and the working portion 181aa becomes the pressing position as shown in Figure 21 . Thereby, the working portion 181aa presses the slide fastener chain 10 toward the base 174a (refer toFigure 21 ). Next, the lower operating lever 192 is moved to the downstream side while maintaining the second position relative to the upper operating lever 191. Thus, the pushing members 181a keep pushing the slide fastener chain 10 toward the stopper 173 side while maintaining the state of pressing the slide fastener chain 10 against the base 174a, and thus the upstream end teeth 2a are pushed against the stopper 173. Thus, the slide fastener chain 10 is positioned at the prescribed molding position. Then, as shown in Figure 23 , the upper operating lever 191 is displaced to the first position, and the working portions 181aa of the pushing members 181a are returned to the non-pressing position. Thus, the pressing of the working portions 181aa against the slide fastener chain 10 is released.

[0122] Figure 24 is a side view schematically showing a positioning mechanism 170A of the slide fastener chain 10 according to a second embodiment of the present application. The positioning mechanism 170A positions the slide fastener chain 10 at prescribed first and second molding positions between an upper mold 171 and a lower mold 172. In the present embodiment, the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 are substantially the same as the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 in the first embodiment described above, and thus the same reference numerals are used. The upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172 mold the receptacle body 20 and the plug 21 to the slide fastener chain 10 at a first molding position on the upstream side between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172, and mold two upper stoppers 22 to the slide fastener chain 10 at a second molding position on the downstream side between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172. In addition, the positioning mechanism 170A includes first and second stoppers 173 and 173A, first and second bases 174 and 174A, and first and second chain pushing mechanisms 180 and 180A. The first stopper 173, the first base 174, and the first chain pushing mechanism 180 are structures for molding the receptacle body 20 and the plug 21 to the slide fastener chain 10 at the first molding position, and correspond to the stopper 173, the base 174, and the chain pushing mechanism 180 in the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, regarding the first stopper 173, the first base 174, and the first chain pushing mechanism 180, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used, and detailed description is omitted. In addition, regarding the feeding roller 176 and the driven roller 177 in Figure 24 , they are the same as the feeding roller and the driven roller in the first embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are used.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the position at which the upstream end element 2a of the slider chain 10 is blocked by the stopper 173 so that the movement of the slider chain 10 to the downstream side is restricted is set as a prescribed first molding position between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172, and the position at which the downstream end element 2b is blocked by the stopper 173A so that the movement of the slider chain 10 to the upstream side is restricted is set as a prescribed second molding position between the upper mold 171 and the lower mold 172. The second stopper 173A, the second base 174A, and the second chain pushing mechanism 180A are structures for positioning the slider chain 10 at the second molding position. The second stopper 173A and the second base 174A are formed in a stepped shape on the side opposite to the stopper 173 and the base 174 in the upstream and downstream directions of the lower mold 172.

[0124] Figures 25-28 is a side view schematically showing a procedure of positioning the slider chain 10 at a prescribed upstream side first molding position and a downstream side second molding position between the upper mold 171B and the lower mold 172B using the positioning mechanism 170B of the slider chain 10 involved in the third embodiment of the present application. Figures 29-32 Figures 25-28 is a plan view of the slider chain 10 at the time of Figure 25 In the present embodiment, the upper mold 171B and the lower mold 172B mold the socket body 20 and the plug 21 on the upstream side and mold the two upper stop portions 22 on the downstream side. The positioning mechanism 170B includes the first stopper 173, the base 174, the chain pushing mechanism 180, the position fixing mechanism 200, the second stopper 173B, and the chain pulling-in mechanism 210. The first stopper 173, the base 174, and the chain pushing mechanism 180 are substantially the same as the stopper 173, the base 174, and the chain pushing mechanism 180 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are assigned and the description is omitted. In addition, regarding the feeding roller 176 and the driven roller 177 in Figure 25 and the like, the feeding roller and the driven roller are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are used.

[0125] As shown in Figure 29 and the like, the upper mold 171B and the lower mold 172B include cavities 20C, 21C corresponding to the socket body 20 and the plug 21, and a cavity 22C corresponding to the two upper stop portions 22. The cavities 20C, 21C are used to position the slider chain 10 at the first molding position, the slider chain 10 is positioned at the first molding position in the cavities 20C, 21C, and the cavity 22C is used to position the slider chain 10 at the second molding position, the slider chain 10 is positioned at the second molding position in the cavity 22C. The cavities 20C, 21C, 22C are stationary in the conveying direction of the slider chain 10.

[0126] The position fixing mechanism 200 is used to fix the zipper chain 10 positioned in the first forming position. The position fixing mechanism 200 includes: 2 ( Figures 25-28 Only one fixing member 201 is shown, which presses the zipper chain 10 against the upper surface of the lower mold 172B; a spring 202, which elastically supports each fixing member 201 on the upper mold 171B side; and a receiving part 203, which receives the spring 202 disposed on the upper mold 171B, etc. The position fixing mechanism 200 is in Figure 25 In the initial state shown, spring 202 is at its maximum extension, and the fixing component 201 protrudes from the upper mold 171B to its lowest point. When the upper mold 171B begins to descend from this state and closes with the lower mold 172B, as... Figure 28 As shown, the spring 202 retracts when the fixing member 201 presses the zipper chain 10 against the lower die 172B. In this state, only the lower end of the fixing member 201 protrudes from the receiving portion 203. This is because the position fixing mechanism 200 fixes the zipper chain 10 in the first forming position, so that the zipper chain 10 already positioned in the first forming position is not affected when the downstream zipper chain 10 is pulled to the upstream side by the chain pulling mechanism 210 (described later). Therefore, the position where the fixing member 201 presses the zipper chain 10 is preferably upstream of the perforation portion 13, which is set in this embodiment. Figure 32 The position of the fixing component 201 shown is approximately the same as the upstream end chain tooth 2a in the upstream and downstream direction, and is the center position in the width direction of each zipper tape 1.

[0127] The chain pulling mechanism 210 includes: 2 chains ( Figures 25-28 Only one pull-in component 211 is shown, which protrudes downward from the upper mold 171B; a recess 212 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the lower mold 172B to accommodate each pull-in component 211; a spring 213 elastically supports each pull-in component 211 on the upper mold 171B side; and a receiving portion 214 is provided on the upper mold 171B to receive the upper half of the spring 213 and the pull-in component 211. One pull-in component 211 is provided for each of the left and right zipper teeth 10a of the zipper chain 10. Correspondingly, the recess 212 can also be provided as a single, longer recess on the left and right sides to accommodate two pull-in components 211. When the upper die 171B descends relative to the lower die 172B, each pull-in component 211 of the chain pull-in mechanism 210 carries the zipper chain 10 on the lower die 172B into the recess 212, thereby pulling the zipper chain 10, which is located downstream of the recess 212, towards the recess 212 side, i.e., the upstream side. (Refer to...) Figure 32The position where the recess 212 is provided is located more on the downstream side than the perforated portion 13 in the zipper chain 10 positioned in the first molding position and more on the upstream side than the cavity 22C. Thus, deformation of the perforated portion 13 and the like can be prevented when the zipper chain 10 on the downstream side is pulled toward the upstream side by the chain pull-in mechanism 210. Further, deformation of the perforated portion 13 can be reliably prevented by inserting the deformation prevention member 215 (refer to Figure 32 ) in the perforated portion 13. Figure 25 and Figure 26 The initial state of the upper mold 171B, the position fixing mechanism 200, and the chain pull-in mechanism 210 is shown. In this state, the fixing member 201 and the pull-in member 211 protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper mold 171B, but the lower end of the fixing member 201 is more downward than the lower end of the pull-in member 211. Thus, when the upper mold 171B is lowered to close the mold, the fixing member 201 first fixes the zipper chain 10 on the lower mold 172B, and then the zipper chain 10 is started to be pulled toward the upstream side by the pull-in member 211, the details of which will be described later.

[0128] Next, the procedure of positioning the zipper chain 10 in the first molding position and the second molding position by the positioning mechanism 170B is described. The sensor 175 (refer to Figure 13 ) detects that the upstream end tooth 2a is close to the first stopper 173 (refer to Figure 25 ) by detecting the interval portion 11 of the zipper chain 10, and the control section 178 stops the feed roller 176 and operates the chain push mechanism 180. Thus, the conveyance of the zipper chain 10 toward the downstream is stopped, and the upstream end tooth 2a is stopped near the first stopper 173. The push member 181 of the chain push mechanism 180 is lowered from the initial position (refer to Figure 29 ), and presses the zipper chain 10 near the upstream end tooth 2a toward the base 174 and pushes the zipper chain 10 toward the first stopper 173 (refer to Figure 26 and Figure 30 ). Thus, the upstream end tooth 2a is pushed against the first stopper 173, and the zipper chain 10 is positioned in the prescribed first molding position.

[0129] Next, the upper mold 171B is lowered toward the lower mold 172B. At this time, first, the fixing member 201 of the position fixing mechanism 200 presses the zipper chain 10 on the lower mold 172B against the lower mold 172B (refer to Figure 27 and Figure 31), thereby fixing the zipper chain 10 positioned on the upstream side of the first position. When the upper mold 171B is further lowered, the pull-in members 211 of the chain pull-in mechanism 210 enter the recess 212 of the lower mold 172B. At this time, the pull-in members 211 carry the zipper chain 10 on the lower mold 172B into the recess 212. Thereby, the zipper chain 10 on the downstream side of the recess 212, which is not fixed by the position fixing mechanism 200, is pulled toward the upstream side, i.e., the recess 212 side. Thereby, the downstream end teeth 2b are pushed against the second stopper 173B Figure 28 and Figure 32 ), the zipper chain 10 is positioned at the second molding position. As described above, the zipper chain 10 is positioned at the first and second molding positions, and the socket body 20 and the plug 21 and the two stoppers 22 are simultaneously injection molded between the upper mold 171B and the lower mold 172B to the zipper chain 10.

Claims

1. A positioning mechanism of a slide fastener chain for positioning a slide fastener chain (10) moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side at a prescribed molding position between an upper mold (171, 171B) and a lower mold (172, 172B), the positioning mechanism (170, 170A, 170B) of the slide fastener chain being characterized by comprising: a stopper (173, 173A) that stops an upstream end tooth (2a) or a downstream end tooth (2b) adjacent to a spacing portion (11) in the slide fastener chain (10) on the upstream side or the downstream side to restrict the movement of the slide fastener chain (10) toward the downstream side or the upstream side, thereby positioning the slide fastener chain (10) at the molding position; and a chain pushing mechanism (180, 180a, 180A) that contacts the slide fastener chain (10) on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper (173, 173A) and pushes the upstream end tooth (2a) or the downstream end tooth (2b) against the stopper (173, 173A), the stopper (173, 173A) and the chain pushing mechanism (180, 180a, 180A) being located on the upstream side or the downstream side with respect to the spacing portion (11) of the slide fastener chain (10) located at the molding position.

2. The positioning mechanism of the slide fastener chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: a base (174, 174a, 174A) for supporting the slide fastener chain (10) is provided on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper (173, 173A), and the chain pushing mechanism (180, 180a, 180A) presses the slide fastener chain (10) against the base (174, 174a, 174A). including: a sensor (175) capable of detecting that the upstream end tooth (2a) or the downstream end tooth (2b) has approached the stopper (173, 173A); and a control section (178) that stops the conveyance of the slide fastener chain (10) and operates the chain pushing mechanism (180, 180a, 180A) in accordance with a detection signal of the sensor (175).

4. The positioning mechanism of the slide fastener chain according to claim 2, characterized in that: the stopper (173, 173A) and the base (174, 174a, 174A) are provided to the lower mold (172, 172B).

5. The positioning mechanism of the slide fastener chain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the molding position is a position at which an opening member (20, 21) is molded to the slide fastener chain (10).

6. The positioning mechanism of the slide fastener chain according to claim 2, characterized in that: the molding position includes a first molding position on the upstream side and a second molding position on the downstream side, 3. The positioning mechanism of a slide fastener chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The stopper (173, 173A) includes: a first stopper (173) that blocks the upstream end tooth (2a) adjacent to the interval portion (11) in the zipper chain (10) on the upstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain (10) to the downstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain (10) in the first molding position; and a second stopper (173A) that blocks the downstream end tooth (2b) adjacent to the interval portion (11) in the zipper chain (10) on the downstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain (10) to the upstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain (10) in the second molding position, The base (174, 174A) includes: a first base (174) that supports the zipper chain (10) on the upstream side of the first stopper (173); and a second base (174A) that supports the zipper chain (10) on the downstream side of the second stopper (173A), The chain pressing mechanism (180, 180A) includes: a first chain pressing mechanism (180) that presses the zipper chain (10) toward the first base (174) and pushes the upstream end tooth (2a) against the first stopper (173); and a second chain pressing mechanism (180A) that presses the zipper chain (10) toward the second base (174A) and pushes the downstream end tooth (2b) against the second stopper (173A).

7. The zipper chain positioning mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The first molding position is a position in which an opening member (20, 21) is molded in the zipper chain (10), and the second molding position is a position in which a stop portion (22) is molded in the zipper chain (10).

8. A zipper chain positioning mechanism for positioning a zipper chain (10) moving toward a downstream side or an upstream side in a prescribed first molding position on the upstream side and a prescribed second molding position on the downstream side between an upper mold (171B) and a lower mold (172B), the zipper chain positioning mechanism (170B) comprising: a first stopper (173) that blocks an upstream end tooth (2a) adjacent to an interval portion (11) in the zipper chain (10) on the upstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain to the downstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain (10) in the first molding position; a chain pressing mechanism (180) that contacts the zipper chain (10) on the upstream side of the first stopper (173) and pushes the upstream end tooth (2a) against the first stopper (173), thereby positioning the zipper chain (10) in the first molding position; and a position fixing mechanism (200) that fixes the zipper chain (10) in the first molding position. ​ ​ ​ a second stopper (173B) that stops a downstream end element (2b) adjacent to the interval portion (11) in the zipper chain (10) on the downstream side to restrict movement of the zipper chain (10) to the upstream side, thereby positioning the zipper chain (10) in the second molding position; and a chain pulling-in mechanism (210) for pulling the zipper chain (10) downstream of the perforated portion (13) in the interval portion (11) to the upstream side, thereby pushing the downstream end element (2b) against the second stopper (173B).

9. The zipper chain positioning mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: a base (174) that supports the zipper chain (10) is provided on the upstream side of the first stopper (173), and the chain pressing mechanism (180) presses the zipper chain (10) against the base (174).

10. The positioning mechanism of a slide fastener chain according to claim 8 or 9, wherein including: a sensor (175) that detects that the upstream end element (2a) has approached the first stopper (173); and a control unit (178) that stops the conveyance of the zipper chain (10) and operates the chain pressing mechanism (180) based on a detection signal from the sensor (175).

11. The zipper chain positioning mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: the first and second stoppers (173, 173B) and the base (174) are provided in the lower die (172B).

12. The zipper chain positioning mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: the first molding position is a position at which an opening member (20, 21) is molded in the zipper chain (10), and the second molding position is a position at which a stopper (22) is molded in the zipper chain (10).

13. A zipper chain positioning method for positioning a zipper chain (10) that moves toward a downstream side or an upstream side in a prescribed molding position between an upper die and a lower die, characterized by: the zipper chain positioning method being implemented by the zipper chain positioning mechanism according to claim 2, the zipper chain positioning method including: a step of detecting that an upstream end element (2a) or a downstream end element (2b) adjacent to an interval portion (11) in the zipper chain (10) on the upstream side or the downstream side has approached a stopper (173, 173A); a step of stopping movement of the zipper chain (10) based on the detection; and a step of pressing the zipper chain (10) against a base (174, 174a, 174A) on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stopper (173, 173A) and pushing the upstream end element (2a) or the downstream end element (2b) against the stopper (173, 173A).

14. A zipper chain positioning method for positioning a zipper chain (10) that moves toward a downstream side or an upstream side in a prescribed first molding position on the upstream side and a prescribed second molding position on the downstream side between an upper die (171B) and a lower die (172B), characterized by: The positioning method of the slide fastener chain is achieved by the positioning mechanism of the slide fastener chain according to claim 8, The positioning method of the slide fastener chain includes: a step of detecting that an upstream end tooth (2a) adjacent to a spacing portion (11) in the slide fastener chain (10) on the upstream side has approached a first stopper (173); a step of stopping movement of the slide fastener chain (10) in accordance with the detection; a step of contacting the slide fastener chain (10) on the upstream side of the first stopper (173) and pushing the upstream end tooth (2a) against the first stopper (173), so that the position of the slide fastener chain (10) is in the first formed position; a step of fixing the slide fastener chain (10) in the first formed position; and a step of pulling the slide fastener chain (10) on a more downstream side than a perforated portion (13) in the spacing portion (11) toward the upstream side, thereby pushing a downstream end tooth (2b) adjacent to the spacing portion (11) in the slide fastener chain (10) on the downstream side against a second stopper (173B).

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