Zipper teeth, zipper chain, and method for manufacturing zipper chain

Abstract

The present invention provides a zipper element, which can easily form a portion covered by a transfer foil and a portion exposed by the element body on the upper surface of the element body of the zipper element. The zipper element (5) includes a resin-made element body (5a) and a transfer foil (5b) transferred to the element body. The element body includes: a main body (51) fixed to the side edge of a belt with the vertical direction as the thickness direction; and an engaging portion (52) protruding from the main body and engaging with the opposite element body. Moreover, the main body includes: a concave recess (53a) on its upper surface; and at least one outer inclined portion (53b) that descends as it approaches the outside relative to the recess (53a). Moreover, the recess is covered by the transfer foil, the outer inclined portion (53b) is exposed, and the resin is exposed. The transfer foil is transferred to the recess, but cannot be transferred to the outer inclined portion due to its inclination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a zipper element having a transfer foil, a zipper tape including a tape for fixing the zipper elements and the zipper elements, and a method for manufacturing the zipper tape. Background Art

[0002] One example of a method for manufacturing a zipper stringer includes: a fixing step of fixing the fastener elements to the tape; a transfer step of transferring a transfer foil to the entire upper surface of the fastener elements fixed to the tape; and a non-transfer portion forming step of removing a portion of the transfer foil to form a non-transfer portion (the portion of the fastener elements exposed) on the upper surface of the fastener elements (Patent Document 1). The non-transfer portion forming step involves removing a portion of the transfer foil, that is, separating the foil into a removed portion and an unremoved portion, and forming the unremoved portion as the transfer portion on the upper surface of the fastener elements.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6228986 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the transfer process of the manufacturing method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the transfer foil is transferred to the entire upper surface of the fastener element, but this is because the roller is elastically deformed. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, when the transfer film with the transfer foil and the zipper stringer pass between a pair of rollers, the rollers are elastically deformed and the shape of the rollers becomes such that the transfer film is pressed against the entire upper surface of the fastener element. Figure 6 As shown, the upper surface of the fastener element has a right portion in the width direction of the belt that is inclined as it descends toward the right, the left end in the width direction of the belt is an arc-shaped curved surface, and the remaining left portion in the width direction of the belt is horizontal. In other words, the upper surface of the fastener element is generally flat, and the roller elastically deforms to follow the shape of the upper surface of the fastener element. For the purposes of subsequent description, the following terms are used. The fastener element with the transfer foil is referred to as the fastener element, and the portion of the fastener element from which the transfer foil is removed is referred to as the fastener element body.

[0007] Since the transfer foil is transferred to the entire upper surface of the element body, the non-transfer portion can only be formed by removing the transfer foil from the transfer portion. If the non-transfer portion (the portion where the element body is exposed) can be formed on the upper surface of the element without removing the transfer foil, the manufacturing method can be simplified and manufacturing can be facilitated.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily form a portion covered by transferring a transfer foil and a portion where the element body is exposed on the upper surface of the element body of a fastener element.

[0009] The zipper element of the present invention includes: a resin element body; and a transfer foil transferred to the element body. The element body includes: a main body fixed to the side edge of a belt with the vertical direction as the thickness direction; and an engaging portion protruding from the main body and engaging with the opposing element. The main body includes: a concave recessed portion on its upper surface; and at least one outer inclined portion that decreases as it approaches the outside relative to the recessed portion. Moreover, the recessed portion is covered by the transfer foil, and the outer inclined portion is exposed.

[0010] The inclination angle of the outer inclined portion may be any, but is preferably as follows.

[0011] That is, the main body has a belt insertion groove for inserting the belt on the side surface opposite to the meshing portion, and the inclination angle θ of the outer inclined portion relative to the reference plane parallel to the belt insertion groove is in the range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees.

[0012] In addition, it does not matter whether there is another portion between the recessed portion and the outer inclined portion, but it is preferable to make it difficult to form the transfer foil on the outer inclined portion as described below.

[0013] That is, the trunk portion has an outer edge portion on its upper surface. The outer edge portion is formed along the outer periphery of the recessed portion between the recessed portion and the outer inclined portion. The recessed portion and the outer edge portion are covered with a continuous transfer foil.

[0014] The outer edge portion may have any specific shape, but it is preferable to make it difficult for the transfer foil to be formed on the outer inclined portion as described below.

[0015] That is, the outer edge portion has a ring shape.

[0016] The specific shape of the recessed portion may be any, but it is preferable to make it difficult for the transfer foil to be formed on the outer inclined portion as described below.

[0017] That is, the recess has a recessed inclined surface that descends as it moves away from the outer edge portion, and the main body has a belt insertion groove for inserting the belt on the side surface of the side opposite to the meshing portion, and the inclination angle of the outer inclined portion relative to the reference plane parallel to the belt insertion groove is greater than the inclination angle of the recessed inclined surface relative to the reference plane parallel to the belt insertion groove.

[0018] In addition, the recessed portion may or may not have a surface other than the recessed portion inclined surface described above, but it is preferable to make it difficult to form the transfer foil on the outer inclined portion as described below.

[0019] That is, the recess has a flat recess bottom surface adjacent to the recess slope.

[0020] In addition, the outward inclined portion may be arranged at any position on the upper surface of the trunk portion, but for example, it may be arranged as follows.

[0021] That is, the main body has a guide surface on the side of the belt insertion groove in its side surface for guiding the flange of the slider, the guide surface extends parallel to the length direction of the belt, and the outer inclined portion is arranged in a state inclined relative to the guide surface and adjacent to the guide surface.

[0022] In addition, the present invention is targeted not only at fastener elements but also at fastener tapes.

[0023] That is, the fastener stringer of the present invention includes the above-mentioned fastener elements and a tape to which the plurality of fastener elements are fixed along the side edge portions.

[0024] In addition, the color of the element body and the transfer foil may be whatever, but it is preferable to make the recessed portion conspicuous as described below.

[0025] That is, the element body is transparent or the same color as the tape, and the transfer foil is a color different from that of the element body.

[0026] In addition, the present invention is directed not only to the fastener elements or the fastener stringers but also to a method for manufacturing the fastener stringers.

[0027] That is, in the manufacturing method of the zipper chain tape of the present invention, the zipper chain tape includes the above-mentioned zipper teeth and a tape for fixing multiple zipper teeth along the side edge portion, and the zipper chain tape includes a single zipper chain tape or a pair of zipper chain tapes that make the zipper teeth in an engaged state.

[0028] Moreover, the manufacturing method of the zipper chain tape of the present invention includes: a chain tape forming process, in which the chain element main body is fixed to the belt by injection molding to form the zipper chain tape; and a transfer process, in which a separate zipper chain tape and transfer film conveyed separately or a pair of the zipper chain tape and transfer film conveyed separately in a meshing state are passed between a pair of transfer rollers in a state of being clamped in the thickness direction of the belt to cause the transfer roller to undergo elastic deformation, so that the transfer film is pressed against the concave portion of the main body and floats relative to the outer inclined portion, so that the transfer foil of the transfer film is transferred to the concave portion, and the outer inclined portion remains exposed as it is.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] The zipper element of the present invention has not only a recessed portion but also an outwardly inclined portion on the upper surface of the main body of the element. Since the outwardly inclined portion descends as it approaches outward from the recessed portion, the transfer foil is less likely to be transferred to the outwardly inclined portion compared to, for example, a zipper element in which the portion corresponding to the outwardly inclined portion is flat and at the same height relative to the upper end of the recessed portion. As a result, the portion where the transfer foil is transferred and the portion where the resin of the element body is exposed are more easily formed on the upper surface of the main body. Furthermore, the zipper element of the present invention exhibits an aesthetically pleasing appearance, allowing for clearer identification of the portion where the transfer foil is transferred and the portion where the resin of the element body is exposed, due to the synergistic effects of the presence or absence of the transfer foil and the different shapes of the recessed portion and the outwardly inclined portion.

[0031] In addition, in the case where the zipper chain element of the present invention has an outer edge portion formed along the outer periphery of the recessed portion between the recessed portion and the outer inclined portion, the outer edge portion is arranged on the outside of the area to which the transfer foil is transferred. Compared with, for example, a zipper chain element without an outer edge portion, the transfer foil is difficult to be transferred to the outer inclined portion. As a result, a portion to which the transfer foil is transferred and a portion where the chain element body is exposed are easily formed on the upper surface of the main body.

[0032] Moreover, in the fastener element of the present invention, when the outer edge portion is annular, the transfer foil is less likely to be formed on the outer inclined portion compared to, for example, a fastener element having a non-annular outer edge portion.

[0033] In addition, in the zipper chain element of the present invention, when the recess has a recessed inclined surface and the inclination angle of the outer inclined portion relative to a reference plane parallel to the tape insertion groove is greater than the inclination angle of the recessed inclined surface relative to the reference plane parallel to the tape insertion groove, the transfer foil is difficult to be transferred to the outer inclined portion compared to, for example, a zipper chain element in which the inclination angle of the outer inclined portion relative to the reference plane is less than the inclination angle of the recessed inclined surface.

[0034] Furthermore, in the fastener element of the present invention, when the flat recessed bottom surface is provided at a position adjacent to the recessed inclined surface, the transfer foil is less likely to be transferred to the outer inclined portion than in a fastener element without a recessed bottom surface.

[0035] In addition, the zipper element of the present invention, when the main body has a guide surface and the outer inclined portion is arranged in a state inclined relative to the guide surface and adjacent to the guide surface, is arranged as a clear portion different from the guide surface, thereby exhibiting unique aesthetics.

[0036] Moreover, the fastener stringer of the present invention exhibits the same effects as those of the fastener elements.

[0037] In the fastener chain of the present invention, when the element body is transparent or the same color as the tape and the transfer foil is a different color from the element body, the outer inclined portion has an appearance that is seamlessly integrated with the tape, resulting in the transfer foil becoming conspicuous and exhibiting a unique aesthetic.

[0038] In addition, in the manufacturing method of the zipper chain tape of the present invention, according to the shape of the upper surface of the main body of the chain element body having a recessed portion and an outwardly inclined portion, when a separate zipper chain tape and a transfer film are clamped between a pair of transfer rollers or when a pair of zipper chain tapes and a transfer film with the zipper elements in an engaged state are clamped between a pair of transfer rollers, the transfer film is pressed against the recessed portion and floats from the outwardly inclined portion, so that the transfer foil of the transfer film is transferred to the recessed portion and the outwardly inclined portion remains exposed as it is. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a top view showing the slide fastener according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II-II.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 VV line cross-sectional view.

[0044] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the manufacturing method of the slide fastener stringer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

[0045] Figure 7 (A) to (E) are front views or cross-sectional views showing fastener elements according to an embodiment of the present invention that is different from the fastener element according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Description of Reference Numerals

[0047] 1 zipper

[0048] 2 zipper chain ties

[0049] 3 sliders

[0050] 31 slider body

[0051] 32 pull tabs

[0052] 33 wing plate

[0053] 34 flange

[0054] 35 pull tab installation part

[0055] 36 chain tooth passage

[0056] 37 with access road

[0057] 4 belts

[0058] 4a core

[0059] 4b belt main body

[0060] 5L chain teeth

[0061] 5 zipper teeth

[0062] 5a Chain tooth body

[0063] 5b Transfer foil

[0064] 51 Main Cadres

[0065] 52 meshing part

[0066] 52a Neck

[0067] 52b Head

[0068] 53 Main cadre body

[0069] 53a recess

[0070] 53b Outer inclined portion

[0071] θ3 tilt angle

[0072] 53c outer edge

[0073] 53e concave bottom surface

[0074] 53f Concave slope

[0075] θ2 tilt angle

[0076] 53G guide surface

[0077] θ1 tilt angle

[0078] 53s with insert slot

[0079] 54 Main Cadre Extension Department

[0080] L datum plane

[0081] F transfer film

[0082] R1 transfer film roller

[0083] R2 toothed chain roller

[0084] 9 Transfer device

[0085] 91, 92 winding rollers

[0086] 93 transfer roller

[0087] 94 Film winding roller

[0088] 95 Winding roller for tooth chain belt

[0089] 96, 97 guide rollers DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, a slide fastener 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of fastener tapes 2 extending parallel to each other in a straight line when placed on a plane, and a slider 3 for opening and closing the pair of fastener tapes 2 along facing side edges.

[0091] Moreover, by moving the slider 3 in one direction of the extension direction of the pair of zipper stringers 2, that is, the length direction, the pair of zipper stringers 2 can be opened, and by moving the slider 3 in the other direction of the length direction, the pair of zipper stringers 2 can be closed.

[0092] For the purpose of subsequent description, directions are defined as follows.

[0093] The "front-back direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the fastener stringer 2. The "front direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the fastener stringer 2. Figure 1 The upper direction is the direction in which the slider 3 closes a pair of zipper chain tapes 2. Figure 1 The downward direction is the direction in which the slider 3 opens a pair of zipper stringers 2.

[0094] The "left-right direction" is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) and in which a pair of fastener stringers 2 are arranged in parallel, and is also referred to as a width direction. Figure 1 The left direction of . "Right direction" means Figure 1 the right direction.

[0095] The "upper and lower directions" refer to directions perpendicular to the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and are also called thickness directions. Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface, that is, the direction toward the front side among the directions perpendicular to the front-back direction and the left-right direction. Figure 1 In the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, it is toward the depth side.

[0096] The pair of fastener stringers 2 includes a pair of tapes 4 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of element rows 5L fixed along the opposing side edges of the pair of tapes 4 .

[0097] The belt 4 is in the shape of a belt. Similar to the zipper stringer 2, the belt 4 has a longitudinal direction defined by the front-to-back direction, a width direction defined by the left-to-right direction, and a thickness direction defined by the top-to-bottom direction. Furthermore, the belt 4 has a core portion 4a at one end in the width direction, and a belt body portion 4b at the other end in the width direction relative to the core 4a. Furthermore, the core portion 4a is thicker than the belt body portion 4b. Furthermore, the belt body portion 4b is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the top-to-bottom direction.

[0098] The element rows 5L are formed by a plurality of zipper elements 5 fixed at intervals along the side edges of the tape 4. When the slider 3 is moved forward to close the pair of zipper tapes 2, the zipper elements 5 of the pair of element rows 5L engage with each other. Furthermore, when the slider 3 is moved rearward to open the pair of zipper tapes 2, the zipper elements 5 of the pair of element rows 5L separate from each other. The zipper elements 5 will be described in detail later.

[0099] like Figure 1 or Figure 5 As shown, the slider 3 includes a slider body 31 that is mounted on a pair of element rows 5L and can move forward and backward along the pair of element rows 5L, and a pull tab 32 that is connected to the slider body 31 .

[0100] The slider body 31 includes upper and lower wing plates 33 that face each other vertically with a gap therebetween; a connecting post sandwiched between a pair of element rows 5L, connecting the front portions of the upper and lower wing plates 33 at their midpoints in the horizontal direction so that they face each other (not shown); a flange 34 that projects from the left and right ends of at least one (in the illustrated example, both) of the upper and lower wing plates 33 in a direction that narrows the gap between the upper and lower wing plates 33; and a tab mounting portion 35 that projects from the upper surface of the upper wing plate 33. The tab mounting portion 35 also includes a through-hole (not shown) extending horizontally through the tab mounting portion 35. By inserting a portion of the tab 32 into this through-hole, the tab 32 is connected to the slider body 31.

[0101] The slider body 31 also includes a fastener element passage 36 and a tape passage 37 as its internal space. The fastener element passage 36 extends through the slider body 31 in the front-to-back direction and branches into two at the front. The tape passage 37 communicates with the fastener element passage 36 and opens to the left and right. A pair of fastener element rows 5L pass through the fastener element passage 36, and the tape 4 on the corresponding side passes through each tape passage 37.

[0102] The fastener element 5 includes an element body 5 a fixed to the opposing side edge portions of the tape 4 , and a transfer foil 5 b transferred (fixed) to the upper surface of the element body 5 a .

[0103] The element body 5a is formed by injection molding from a resin and is transparent or the same color as the tape 4. Incidentally, the tape 4 is opaque. The element body 5a includes a trunk portion 51 secured to one side edge of the tape 4 and an engaging portion 52 that engages with the opposing element body 5a and protrudes from the trunk portion 51 toward the opposing tape 4.

[0104] The trunk 51 includes a trunk body 53 fixed to one edge of the belt 4 and a trunk extension 54 extending from the upper portion of the left and right side surfaces of the trunk body 53 on the same side as the meshing portion 52 .

[0105] The trunk body 53 is block-shaped and the trunk extension 54 is plate-shaped. The upper portion of the trunk body 51 formed by the upper portion of the trunk body 53 and the trunk extension 54 is a rectangle with the length and width directions of the belt 4 as the four sides when viewed from above.

[0106] The trunk body 53 also holds one edge of the belt 4 from above and below on one side in the width direction (the side opposite to the meshing portion 52) of the trunk body 53 and is vertically continuous on the other end side in the width direction of the trunk body 53 (the side on which the meshing portion 52 is located). Therefore, a belt insertion groove 53s into which the belt 4 is inserted (buried) is formed on the left and right side surfaces of the trunk body 53 on the side opposite to the meshing portion 52.

[0107] The belt insertion groove 53s is shaped to extend through the belt in the front-to-back direction and open toward one side in the width direction (the side opposite the meshing portion 52). Furthermore, the belt insertion groove 53s is shaped to correspond to the portion of the belt 4 that is inserted (buried). In the following description, the surface parallel to the belt insertion groove 53s is referred to as the reference plane L. More specifically, the reference plane L is a surface parallel to the portion of the belt insertion groove 53s into which the belt main body 4b is inserted.

[0108] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the side surface of the trunk body 53 on the side of the belt insertion groove 53s (the side opposite the meshing portion 52) has a guide surface 53G above the belt insertion groove 53s to guide the upper flange 34 of the slider 3. The guide surface 53G extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt 4. Furthermore, the guide surface 53G is a flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane L. More specifically, it is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the side opposite the meshing portion 52. The inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 53G relative to the reference plane L is 75 degrees ≤ θ < 90 degrees. Incidentally, this inclination angle θ1 is the internal angle formed by the belt insertion groove 53s and the guide surface 53G. Furthermore, the side surface of the trunk body 53 on the side of the belt insertion groove 53s (the side opposite the meshing portion 52) has a guide surface (reference numeral omitted) below the belt insertion groove 53s to guide the lower flange 34 of the slider 3.

[0109] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the upper surface of the engaging portion 52 is positioned below the trunk extension 54. The engaging portion 52 is used to engage the fastener elements 5 of the pair of fastener stringers 2. The engaging portion 52 includes a neck portion 52a that projects from the front-to-back center of the trunk body 53 toward the opposing tape 4, and a head portion 52b that projects from the neck portion 52a toward the opposing tape 4.

[0110] The front-to-back width of the neck portion 52 a is formed to be shorter than that of the trunk portion main body 53 .

[0111] The head portion 52b is shorter in front-to-back width than the trunk body 53 and longer in front-to-back width than the neck portion 52a, and is formed in a shape that protrudes in both front-to-rear directions relative to the neck portion 52a.

[0112] Furthermore, a space portion for accommodating the engaging portions 52 of the opposing fastener tapes 2 is formed between the front and rear adjacent engaging portions 52 in each fastener tape 2. Through this space portion, the engaging portions 52 of the fastener elements 5 in a pair of fastener tapes 2 can be engaged with each other.

[0113] The top surface of the trunk body 53 includes a recessed portion 53a; an outer inclined portion 53b that descends toward the outside of the recess 53a; and an outer edge 53c formed between the recess 53a and the outer inclined portion 53b along the outer periphery of the recess 53a. More specifically, the top surface of the trunk body 53 includes the recess 53a located in the center of the top surface of the trunk body 53; an annular outer edge 53c surrounding the recess 53a along the outer periphery of the recess 53a; and outer inclined portions 53b spaced apart along the outer periphery of the outer edge 53c. Furthermore, the top surface of the trunk body 51 is rectangular, specifically, a rectangle formed by two sides parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt 4 and two sides parallel to the width direction of the belt 4. The recessed portion 53 a and the outer edge portion 53 c are arranged at portions other than the four corners of the rectangle of the trunk body 53 , and the outer inclined portion 53 b is arranged at the four corners of the rectangle that is the upper surface of the trunk body 51 .

[0114] In this embodiment, the outer shape of the recess 53a is a polygon with all interior angles less than 180 degrees, that is, a convex polygon. More specifically, it is a regular polygon or a shape approximating a regular polygon. In the illustrated example, the outer shape of the recess 53a is a shape approximating a regular octagon. Furthermore, the recess 53a includes a recess bottom surface 53e, which is the lowest surface located in the center of the recess 53a, and a plurality of recess inclined surfaces 53f, which are arranged to surround the outer periphery of the recess bottom surface 53e and decrease in depth as they move from the outer periphery toward the recess bottom surface 53e (as they move away from the outer edge 53c).

[0115] The recess bottom surface 53e is a flat surface formed parallel to the belt insertion groove 53s. In addition, the recess bottom surface 53e is a shape obtained by reducing the outer shape of the recess 53a or a shape that is similar to the reduced shape. In the example shown in the figure, the outer shape of the recess bottom surface 53e is a regular octagon. The outer side of the recess bottom surface 53e is surrounded by a plurality of recess inclined surfaces 53f. Moreover, the outer edges of the recess bottom surface 53e are parallel to the outer edges of the recess 53a. In more detail, the outer edges of the recess bottom surface 53e and the outer edges of the recess 53a are parallel in a state facing each other in a radial direction centered on the recess bottom surface 53e. The depth of the recess bottom surface 53e (the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the reference plane L) is less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm.

[0116] The recessed inclined surface 53f and the recessed bottom surface 53e are arranged adjacent to each other. More specifically, the recessed inclined surfaces 53f are arranged adjacent to each other in a radial direction with the recessed bottom surface 53e as the center. Furthermore, the plurality of recessed inclined surfaces 53f arranged circumferentially around the recessed portion 53a are annular in shape as a whole. Every other recessed inclined surface 53f arranged in an annular shape has the same shape in the circumferential direction, and any two adjacent recessed inclined surfaces 53f in the circumferential direction have different shapes. In other words, the recessed inclined surfaces 53f have two different shapes.

[0117] Regardless of the shape, the recessed inclined surfaces 53f are formed so that they extend radially from the sides of the regular octagon that forms the outer shape of the recessed bottom surface 53e, with the recessed bottom surface 53e as the center. Furthermore, the recessed inclined surfaces 53f are symmetrical about the circumference of the recessed portion 53a. Furthermore, the boundary lines between adjacent recessed inclined surfaces 53f in the circumferential direction of the recessed portion 53a extend radially from the vertices of the polygon that forms the outer shape of the recessed bottom surface 53e, with the recessed bottom surface 53e as the center, and reach the sides of the polygon that forms the outer shape of the recessed portion 53a.

[0118] One type of recessed slope 53f is a trapezoid, more specifically, an isosceles trapezoid, comprising two pairs of parallel sides facing each other in a radial direction centered on the recessed portion 53a, and two pairs of symmetrical sides circumferentially around the recessed portion 53a. The isosceles trapezoid is configured such that the shorter of the two parallel sides matches the overall length of one side of the polygonal shape forming the outer perimeter of the recessed bottom surface 53e, while the longer of the two sides is shorter than the overall length of one side of the polygonal shape forming the outer perimeter of the recessed portion 53a, with both ends of the longer side positioned more centrally than the ends of the polygonal shape forming the outer perimeter of the recessed portion 53a.

[0119] The other type of recessed slope 53f is located between two recessed slopes 53f of the first type, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. It is a deformed hexagon. More specifically, the hexagon consists of two pairs of parallel sides that face each other in a radial direction centered on recess 53a; two pairs of symmetrical sides that face each other circumferentially around recess 53a; and two pairs of sides that extend along the outer circumference of recess 53a, located on either side of the longer side of the pair of parallel sides and bent relative to the longer side.

[0120] The recessed inclined surface 53f is a plane inclined vertically relative to the reference plane L. The inclination angle θ2 of the recessed inclined surface 53f relative to the reference plane L is within the range of 0 degrees < θ2 < 30 degrees. The inclination angle θ2 is the acute angle formed by the reference plane L and the recessed inclined surface 53f. Incidentally, the inclination angle θ2 corresponds to the angle at which a plane extending parallel to the reference plane L, which is a side of the recessed inclined surface 53f and constitutes the outer perimeter of the recessed portion 53a, is rotated about the axis.

[0121] The outer inclined portion 53b is a plane inclined in the vertical direction relative to the reference plane L. In addition, the inclination angle θ3 of the outer inclined portion 53b relative to the reference plane L is formed to be larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the recessed inclined surface 53f. Specifically, the inclination angle θ3 of the outer inclined portion 53b is in the range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees. The inclination angle θ3 is an acute angle formed by the reference plane L and the outer inclined portion 53b. In addition, the inclination angle θ3 is also equivalent to the following angle: the angle at which a plane extending from the axis parallel to the reference plane L, which is a side of the outer inclined portion 53b and constitutes the outer periphery of the outer edge portion 53c, is rotated about the axis.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the outer inclined portion 53b is arranged in a state of being inclined also with respect to the guide surface 53G and adjacent to the guide surface 53G.

[0123] The outer inclined portion 53b is part of the element body 5a, so the surface roughness of the outer inclined portion 53b is the same as that of the portion of the element body 5a not covered by the transfer foil 5b, that is, the surface roughness of the front and rear surfaces or the surface roughness of the left and right sides.

[0124] The outer edge portion 53c is formed so as to extend along the entire periphery of the recess 53a, that is, it is annular. More specifically, it is a convex polygon with the same outer shape as the recess 53a. Furthermore, the outer edge portion 53c is a curved surface that smoothly connects the recessed inclined surface 53f and the outer inclined surface 53b. The shape of the circular arc protrusion is a curved surface that is continuous in the circumferential direction. More specifically, assuming that the outer edge portion 53c is cut vertically at any point along the entire circumference in a manner perpendicular to the circumference, the cross-sectional shape of the outer edge portion 53c (curved surface) is a circular arc protrusion, with the outer inclined surface 53b and the recessed inclined surface 53f arranged in the tangent direction of the arc at both ends.

[0125] The color of the transfer foil 5b is different from that of the element body 5a. In addition, as mentioned above, the element body 5a is transparent or the same color as the tape 4. In addition, the transfer foil 5b is a structure formed by laminating a metal film, a resin film, or a metal film and a resin film. As a specific example, it can be a hologram foil. The hologram foil is a structure formed by laminating an adhesive layer, a metal layer, and a coloring layer in sequence. By the way, the transfer foil 5b originally constitutes a part of the transfer film. As an example of a transfer film, it can be a structure formed by laminating an adhesive layer, a metal layer, a coloring layer, a peeling layer, and a base layer in sequence. Moreover, by using the transfer film and the zipper chain tape 2 for the transfer device, a hologram foil (transfer foil 5b) is formed on the element body 5a. In addition, the thickness of the transfer foil 5b is 1μm (0.001mm) to 30μm (0.03mm).

[0126] The zipper chain of the first embodiment is a structure in which the zipper tape 2 of the first embodiment described above is closed by meshing the zipper elements 5. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the zipper tape 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a tape forming step of affixing the element bodies 5a to the tape 4 by injection molding to form the zipper tape 2 (more specifically, a semi-finished zipper tape 2); a chain forming step of meshing a pair of zipper tapes 2 with the zipper elements 5 to form a zipper chain (more specifically, a semi-finished zipper chain); and a transfer step of transferring the transfer foil 5b of the transfer film F to the element bodies 5a of the zipper chain. By transferring the transfer foil 5b to the element bodies 5a in the transfer step, the zipper elements 5 are completed, and thus the zipper tape 2 and the zipper chain are completed. Thus, the manufacturing method of the zipper tape 2 of the first embodiment is also a method for manufacturing a zipper chain.

[0127] The fastener tape forming step and the chain forming step are well-known steps, and their description is omitted.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, in the transfer process, the separately conveyed zipper chain (zipper stringer 2) and transfer film F are passed between a pair of transfer rollers 93 while being sandwiched in the thickness direction of the belt 4. The transfer rollers 93 are elastically deformed, causing the transfer film F to be pressed against the concave portion 53a of the trunk portion 51 and float relative to the outer inclined portion 53b. The transfer foil 5b of the transfer film F is transferred to the concave portion 53a, while the outer inclined portion 53b remains exposed. The transfer process then completes the zipper chain (zipper stringer 2).

[0129] In the transfer process, a transfer device is used. Figure 6An example of a transfer device 9 is shown. The transfer device 9 uses a transfer film roller R1, which is obtained by winding a transfer film F around a winding roller 91, and a fastener tape roller R2, which is obtained by winding a fastener chain (a pair of meshed fastener tapes 2) around a winding roller 92 at a stage before the transfer of the transfer foil 5b.

[0130] The transfer film roll R1 is a roll of transfer film F. The transfer film F is in the form of a long strip. On one side of the transfer film F, a transfer foil 5b (holographic foil) is laminated along its length. The transfer foil 5b has a width wider than the element body 5a. As mentioned above, the transfer foil 5b has an adhesive layer on its surface. This adhesive layer does not function at room temperature, but only within a specified temperature range that is sufficiently higher than room temperature.

[0131] The fastener tape roll R2 is a wound product of a semi-finished zipper chain (semi-finished zipper tape 2) at a stage before the transfer foil 5b is transferred. The semi-finished zipper chain (semi-finished zipper tape 2) is obtained by fixing a plurality of element bodies 5a to the tape 4, and the transfer foil 5b is not formed on the element bodies 5a.

[0132] The transfer device 9 includes: a transfer film roller R1, which is supported in a rotatable manner; a chain tape roller R2, which is supported in a rotatable manner; a pair of transfer rollers 93, which supply the transfer film F and the semi-finished zipper chain (zipper chain tape 2) supplied from the transfer film roller R1 and the chain tape roller R2 in an overlapping state; a film winding roller 94, which is used to wind up the transfer film F passed between the pair of transfer rollers 93; and a chain tape winding roller 95, which is used to wind up the zipper chain passed between the pair of transfer rollers 93.

[0133] One transfer roller 93, for example, the lower transfer roller 93 shown in the figure, is rotated by a drive device (not shown). Specifically, the transfer roller 93 is a drive roller and has a built-in heater. Furthermore, the heater heats the lower transfer roller 93 to a temperature suitable for transferring the transfer foil 5b. The other transfer roller 93, for example, the upper transfer roller 93 shown in the figure, is a driven roller driven to rotate by the rotation of the lower transfer roller 93. The transfer roller 93 is made of a resilient component such as rubber, an elastomer, or silicon. The outer circumference of the transfer roller 93 is cylindrical.

[0134] In addition, in the illustrated example, a guide roller 96 for setting the transport path of the transfer film F is arranged between the upper transfer roller 93 serving as a driven roller and the transfer film roller R1, and a guide roller 97 for setting the transport path of the transfer film F is arranged between the upper transfer roller 93 and the film winding roller 94.

[0135] In addition, in the transfer process using the transfer device 9, the following processes are carried out simultaneously: a process of supplying a semi-finished zipper chain and a transfer film F between a pair of transfer rollers 93, 93 respectively (supply process); a process of overlapping the zipper chain and the transfer film F so that the surface on the concave portion 53a side of the zipper chain (zipper chain tape 2) and the transfer foil 5b of the transfer film F are facing each other, thereby transferring the transfer foil 5b of the transfer film F to the surface (upper surface) on the concave portion 53a side of the chain element body 5a (main process); and a process of winding the zipper chain and the transfer film F respectively (winding process).

[0136] During the feeding process, the film winding roller 94 and the chain stringer winding roller 95 are first driven to rotate in one direction, and a drive device (not shown) is driven to rotate one of the transfer rollers 93 in one direction, while heating the transfer roller. Thus, during the feeding process, the transfer film F is pulled out from the transfer film roller R1, and the semi-finished zipper chain (zipper stringer 2) is pulled out from the stringer roller R2 and directed toward the pair of transfer rollers 93. Furthermore, the semi-finished zipper chain (zipper stringer 2) is fed toward the pair of transfer rollers 93 so that the surface (upper surface) of the concave portion 53a of the semi-finished zipper chain (zipper stringer 2) faces the surface (adhesive layer surface) of the transfer film F.

[0137] The details of the main process are as follows. The semi-finished zipper chain (zipper string 2) and the transfer film F overlap while being clamped by passing between a pair of transfer rollers 93. Heat is applied by the heated transfer rollers 93 between the pair of transfer rollers 93, thereby transferring the transfer foil 5b to the recessed portion 53a and the outer edge portion 53c on the upper surface of the element body 5a. The portion of the transfer foil 5b transferred to the element body 5a is removed from the transfer film F. Then, the zipper element 5 is completed by the transfer foil 5b and the element body 5a, and the zipper string 2 and the zipper chain are completed by completing the zipper element 5. Incidentally, the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 93 is elastic. The transfer roller 93 is pressed against the surface (upper surface) of the outer edge portion 53c and the recessed portion 53a via the transfer film F, causing elastic deformation. This transfers the transfer foil 5b to the recessed portion 53a and the outer edge portion 53c, covering the recessed portion 53a and the outer edge portion 53c with the transfer foil 5b. On the other hand, the transfer film F does not contact the outer inclined portion 53b, exposing the resin of the element body 5a at the outer inclined portion 53b.

[0138] In the winding step, the completed fastener chain (fastener stringer 2 ) is wound around the stringer winding roller 95 , and the remaining transfer film F after removing the transferred portion of the transfer foil 5 b is wound around the film winding roller 94 .

[0139] In the manufacturing method of the fastener stringer 2 of the first embodiment described above, due to the shape of the upper surface of the trunk portion 51 of the element body 5a having the recessed portion 53a, the outer edge portion 53c, and the outer inclined portion 53b, when the fastener stringer 2 and the transfer film F are clamped between the pair of transfer rollers 93, the transfer film F is pressed against the recessed portion 53a and the outer edge portion 53c, causing the transfer film F to float from the outer inclined portion 53b. As a result, the transfer foil 5b of the transfer film F is transferred to the recessed portion 53a and the outer edge portion 53c, while the outer inclined portion 53b remains exposed. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the fastener stringer 2 of this embodiment, the fastener stringer 2 or the fastener element 5 of the first embodiment can be manufactured. Incidentally, the fastener element 5 or the fastener stringer 2 of the first embodiment is a portion of the zipper 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0140] The fastener element 5 of the first embodiment has not only the recessed portion 53a but also an outwardly inclined portion 53b on the upper surface of the trunk portion 51 of the element body 5a. The outwardly inclined portion 53b slopes downward as it approaches outward from the recessed portion 53a. Therefore, compared to a fastener element in which the portion corresponding to the outwardly inclined portion 53b is flat and level with the upper end of the recessed portion 53a, the transfer foil 5b is less likely to be transferred to the outwardly inclined portion 53b. As a result, the portion to which the transfer foil 5b is transferred and the portion where the resin of the element body 5a is exposed are easily formed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 51. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the presence or absence of the transfer foil 5b and the different shapes of the recessed portion 53a and the outwardly inclined portion 53b allows the fastener element 5 to exhibit a design that allows for clearer identification between the portion to which the transfer foil 5b is transferred and the portion where the resin of the element body 5a is exposed.

[0141] Furthermore, the zipper element 5 of the first embodiment includes an outer edge portion 53c formed along the outer periphery of the recessed portion 53a between the recessed portion 53a and the outer inclined portion 53b. Therefore, the outer edge portion 53c is positioned outside the area to which the transfer foil 5b is transferred. This makes it more difficult for the transfer foil 5b to be transferred to the outer inclined portion 53b, compared to, for example, a zipper element without the outer edge portion 53c. As a result, a portion to which the transfer foil 5b is transferred and a portion of the element body 5a that is exposed are easily formed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 51. Furthermore, the outer edge portion 53c is located at the highest position on the trunk portion 51 (a higher position relative to the recessed portion 53a or the outer inclined portion 53b), allowing the transfer foil 5b to be reliably transferred to the outer edge portion 53c. Furthermore, due to the recessed shape of the recessed portion 53a, the transfer foil 5b on the recessed portion 53a is less likely to come into contact with the slider 3, making it less likely to peel off.

[0142] Moreover, since the outer edge portion 53 of the fastener element 5 of the first embodiment is annular, the transfer foil 5b is less likely to be formed on the outer inclined portion 53b compared to a fastener element having a non-annular outer edge portion 53c.

[0143] In addition, the zipper chain element 5 of the first embodiment has a recessed inclined surface 53f in the recessed portion 53a, and the inclination angle θ3 of the outer inclined portion 53b relative to the reference plane L parallel to the tape insertion groove 53s is greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the recessed inclined surface 53f relative to the reference plane L parallel to the tape insertion groove 53s. Therefore, compared with the zipper chain element in which, for example, the inclination angle of the outer inclined portion 53b relative to the reference plane L is less than the inclination angle of the recessed inclined surface 53f relative to the reference plane L parallel to the tape insertion groove 53s, the transfer foil 5b is difficult to be transferred to the outer inclined portion 53b.

[0144] In the fastener element 5 of the first embodiment, the recess 53a has the flat recess bottom surface 53e adjacent to the recess inclined surface 53f. Therefore, compared with a fastener element without the recess bottom surface 53e, for example, the transfer foil 5b is less likely to be transferred to the outer inclined portion 53b.

[0145] In addition, the zipper element 5 of the first embodiment has a guide surface 53G on the main body 51 and the outer inclined portion 53b is arranged in a state inclined relative to the guide surface 53G and adjacent to the guide surface 53G. Therefore, the outer inclined portion 53b is arranged as a clear part different from the guide surface 53G, thereby being able to exhibit a unique appearance design.

[0146] In addition, in the zipper chain tape 2 of the first embodiment, the chain element main body 5a is transparent or the same color as the tape 4, and the transfer foil 5b is a color different from the chain element main body 5a, so the outer inclined portion 53b becomes an appearance that is integrated with the tape 4. As a result, the transfer foil 5b becomes conspicuous and can exert a unique appearance design.

[0147] The fastener element of the present invention is not limited to the fastener element 5 of the first embodiment, and may also be as follows Figure 7 The structures shown in (A) to (E).

[0148] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), for example, the zipper element 5 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the upper surface of the trunk 51 is formed into a rectangle as in the first embodiment, and the outer inclined portion 53b is formed into a concave curved surface (a curved surface that is concave relative to a plane inclined in the vertical direction). The structure is otherwise the same as in the first embodiment. Incidentally, the outer inclined portions 53b are arranged at the four corners of the upper surface of the rectangular trunk 51 when viewed from above, as in the first embodiment. Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of (A) is as Figure 1 II-II line cross-sectional view Figure 2 Corresponding attached drawings.

[0149] The curved surface of the outer inclined portion 53b is a curved surface having a circular arc-shaped concave shape that continues in the circumferential direction. More specifically, based on the state when the zipper element 5 is viewed from above, assuming that the outer inclined portion 53b is in contact with one side of the polygonal shape of the outer edge portion 53c and the zipper element 5 is cut by a perpendicular bisector of the one side, the cross-sectional shape of the outer inclined portion 53b is a circular arc-shaped concave shape.

[0150] In the zipper chain element 5 of the second embodiment, the outer inclined portion 53b is not the inclined plane of the first embodiment, but a curved surface with an arc-shaped recessed shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction. Therefore, compared with the zipper chain element of the first embodiment, the transfer foil 5b is more difficult to be transferred to the outer inclined portion 53b.

[0151] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), the zipper element 5 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the outer edge portion 53c is arranged so that the four sides of the rectangle on the upper surface of the main body 51 are separated from the center of the rectangle, and the outer inclined portion 53b is formed not only at the four corners of the upper surface of the main body 51 but also in the middle of each side of the rectangle of the main body 51. The structure is otherwise the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, eight outer inclined portions 53b are formed on the upper surface of the main body 51.

[0152] like Figure 7 As shown in (C), the zipper element 5 of the fourth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the outer shapes of the recess 53a and the outer edge 53c are formed into a circle, and the recess 53a is composed only of the recess inclined surface 53f. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0153] The concave portion 53a (concave portion slope 53f) may be as follows Figure 7 The concave shape as shown in (D) of FIG. 1 may be a concave shape that is concave in the manner of a part of a spherical surface, or may be a concave shape as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (E), it is in the shape of a conical surface inclined at an inclination angle θ2 relative to the reference plane L. Figure 7 (D) Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of (E) is as Figure 1 II-II line cross-sectional view Figure 2 Corresponding attached drawings.

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified within a scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0155] For example, the trunk 51 and the trunk body 53 are rectangular in the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be a parallelogram, a rectangle, or a parallelogram with at least one side in an arc shape, a triangle, a star, a heart, a circle, an ellipse, etc.

[0156] In addition, the manufacturing method of the zipper chain tape includes the chain tape forming process in the above-mentioned embodiment, the chain forming process (a process of forming a zipper chain by meshing a pair of zipper chain tapes 2 through the zipper teeth 5), and the transfer process (a transfer process with the zipper chain as the object), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the chain forming process may not be provided, that is, it includes the chain tape forming process and the transfer process (a transfer process with a single zipper chain tape 2 as the object).

Claims

1. A zipper element (5), characterized in that: include: A resin-made chain element body (5a); and a transfer foil (5b) which is transferred to the fastener element body (5a), The fastener element body (5a) includes: a main body (51) fixed to the side edge of the belt (4) with the vertical direction as the thickness direction; and an engaging portion (52) protruding from the main body (51) and engaging with the opposite fastener element body (5a). The trunk portion (51) includes, on its upper surface, a recessed portion (53a); and at least one outer inclined portion (53b) which decreases as it approaches the outer side relative to the recess (53a). The recess (53a) is covered by the transfer foil (5b), The outer inclined portion (53b) is exposed, The upper surface of the main body (51) is rectangular, and the outer inclined portion (53b) includes first outer inclined portions arranged at four corners of the upper surface of the main body (51) in a spaced manner. The main body (51) has an outer edge portion (53c) on its upper surface, and the outer edge portion (53c) is formed along the outer periphery of the recess (53a) between the recess (53a) and the outer inclined portion (53b). The recess (53a) has a recess slope (53f) that descends as it moves away from the outer edge (53c). The main body (51) has a belt insertion groove (53s) for inserting the belt (4) on the side opposite to the meshing portion (52) on its side. The inclination angle (θ3) of the outer inclined portion (53b) relative to the reference plane (L) parallel to the belt insertion groove (53s) is greater than the inclination angle (θ2) of the recessed inclined surface (53f) relative to the reference plane (L) parallel to the belt insertion groove (53s).

2. The zipper element (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclination angle (θ3) of the outer inclined portion (53b) relative to a reference plane (L) parallel to the belt insertion groove (53s) is in the range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees.

3. The zipper element (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recessed portion (53a) and the outer edge portion (53c) are covered by the continuous transfer foil (5b).

4. The zipper element (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer edge portion (53c) is annular.

5. The zipper element (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recess (53a) has a flat recess bottom surface (53e) adjacent to the recess slope (53f).

6. The zipper element (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main body (51) has a guide surface (53G) on the side of the belt insertion groove (53s) for guiding the flange (34) of the slider (3). The guide surface (53G) extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt (4), The outer inclined portion (53b) is arranged in a state of being inclined relative to the guide surface (53G) and adjacent to the guide surface (53G).

7. The zipper element (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer inclined portion (53b) further includes a second outer inclined portion, and the second outer inclined portion is located between two adjacent first outer inclined portions.

8. A zipper chain (2), characterized in that: include: The plurality of zipper elements (5) according to claim 1 or 2, and the tape (4) for fixing the plurality of zipper elements (5) along the side edge portions.

9. The zipper stringer (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fastener element main body (5a) is transparent or has the same color as the belt (4), and the transfer foil (5b) has a color different from that of the fastener element main body (5a).

10. A method for manufacturing a zipper stringer (2), characterized in that: The zipper chain tape (2) comprises: the zipper chain element (5) according to claim 1 or 2 and the tape (4) for fixing a plurality of the zipper chain elements (5) along the side edge portion; the zipper chain tape (2) comprises a single zipper chain tape (2) or a pair of the zipper chain tapes (2) in which the zipper chain elements (5) are in a meshed state; The manufacturing method of the zipper chain tape (2) comprises: a chain fastener forming step of forming the zipper chain fastener (2) by fixing the chain element body (5a) to the belt (4) through injection molding; and The transfer process is to pass the separate zipper chain tape (2) and the transfer film (F) or the pair of the zipper chain tape (2) and the transfer film (F) in the meshing state respectively conveyed between a pair of transfer rollers (93) in a state of being clamped in the thickness direction of the tape (4) so ​​that the transfer roller (93) is elastically deformed, so that the transfer film (F) is pressed against the concave portion (53a) of the main body (51) and floats relative to the outer inclined portion (53b), so that the transfer foil (5b) of the transfer film (F) is transferred to the concave portion (53a), and the outer inclined portion (53b) remains exposed as it is.

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