Zipper tape and zipper

Abstract

Provided is a slide fastener tape capable of imparting water repellency to a slide fastener using an organic solvent containing no toluene or MEK as a binder, and a slide fastener using such a slide fastener tape. The present invention relates to a slide fastener tape (10) comprising: a base fabric (11) having a first surface (10a) and a second surface (11b); and a water repellent film (12) attached to at least one of the first surface (10a) and the second surface (11b) of the base fabric (11). The water repellent film (12) has a layered structure comprising a skin layer (14) composed of a polyurethane film and a bonding layer (13) disposed between the skin layer (14) and the base fabric (11) and composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive. The polyurethane-based adhesive is obtained by dissolving a polyurethane resin in a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate and propyl acetate. A slide fastener (1) of the present invention comprises the slide fastener tape (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a zipper tape and a zipper, and particularly relates to a zipper tape having waterproofness and a zipper provided with such a zipper tape. BACKGROUND

[0002] A zipper is used in clothing, bags, shoes, tents, covers for transport containers, and the like. The zipper is provided with a pair of left and right zipper tapes, a chain-stitch row sewn or the like along the opposite edge portions of the respective zipper tapes, and a puller for engaging and disengaging the left and right chain-stitch rows. In order to impart waterproofness to the zipper, a skin layer having waterproofness is provided on a base fabric of the zipper tape via an adhesive.

[0003] In recent years, product manufacturing that takes into account environmental burdens and the health of workers due to organic solvents contained in adhesives used in the manufacture of zippers has been sought. In particular, international standards and the like related to fiber products have become stricter year by year, and toluene or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) contained in solvents of adhesives has also become a restriction target. Therefore, in waterproof zippers as well, environmentally friendly waterproof zippers that exclude toluene or MEK as much as possible have been sought.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5981547 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for imparting waterproofness to a zipper using a water-based solvent that does not contain toluene or MEK in an adhesive. However, there is another technical problem of overcoming the weak solubility in the water-based solvent. If the solubility of the solvent is weak, the dispersion of the resin component contained in the adhesive deteriorates, and as a result, improvement is required to make the resin component contained in the adhesive easily soluble in the water-based solvent, and if such improvement is not made, the adhesive layer can develop blisters or cracks, or the appearance of the zipper tape can deteriorate in texture, or the softness of the zipper tape can be impaired.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5981547 SUMMARY

[0008] The present application was made in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a zipper tape that can impart waterproofness to a zipper using an organic solvent that does not contain toluene or MEK in an adhesive, and a zipper using such a zipper tape.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a zipper tape, comprising: a base fabric having a first surface and a second surface; and a waterproof film attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the base fabric, the zipper tape being characterized in that the waterproof film has a layered structure comprising a skin layer and a bonding layer, wherein the skin layer is composed of a polyurethane film, the bonding layer is provided between the skin layer and the base fabric, and is composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive, and the polyurethane-based adhesive is obtained by dissolving a polyurethane resin in a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate and propyl acetate.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a zipper tape, comprising: a base fabric having a first surface and a second surface; and a waterproof film attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the base fabric, the zipper tape being characterized in that the waterproof film has a layered structure comprising a skin layer and a bonding layer, wherein the skin layer is composed of a polyurethane film, the bonding layer is provided between the skin layer and the base fabric, and is composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive, and the polyurethane-based adhesive is obtained by dissolving a polyurethane resin in a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate, propyl acetate, and butyl acetate.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the polyurethane-based adhesive does not contain toluene or methyl ethyl ketone.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the solvent contains 24 to 28% by weight of dimethyl carbonate, 59 to 63% by weight of propyl acetate, and 11 to 15% by weight of butyl acetate.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the solvent is vaporized at 90°C to 110°C.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a zipper comprising the zipper tape.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present application, as a solvent for a bonding layer of a skin layer of a waterproof film attached to a base fabric of a zipper tape, a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and propyl acetate or a solvent containing DMC, propyl acetate, and butyl acetate is used, whereby even if toluene or MEK is not contained, waterproofness can be imparted to the zipper while maintaining dissolving power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a bottom view of a zipper according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view that exaggerates a cross section of the zipper tape along the A-A line of Figure 1 ​Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 This is a bottom view showing a zipper 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The zipper 1 includes: a pair of left and right zipper teeth straps 2, 2; and a slider 4 for opening and closing between the left and right zipper teeth straps 2, 2. Each zipper tooth strap 2 includes: a long zipper strip 10; and a row of teeth 3 arranged along opposite side edges in the width direction of each zipper strip 10. Figure 1 The back 10a of the zipper tape 10 is shown in the bottom view. The pull tab 4a, which is connected to the zipper pull 4, is disposed on the surface 10b of the zipper tape 10 (see reference). Figure 2 ) side. The left and right chain teeth 3 are connected to one side via the pull head 4 ( Figure 1 The movement of the paper (above) to the other side (by the pull head 4) creates an engaging state. Figure 1 The engagement is disengaged by the movement of the zipper pull 4 (located below the paper surface). The zipper 1 is also provided with an upper stop 5 and a lower stop 6 to restrict the movement of the zipper pull 4 to one side and the other. In this embodiment, the chain teeth 3 are coil-shaped components obtained by winding monofilaments into a spiral, and are installed on opposite side edges of the back surface 10a of each zipper tape 10 using sewing thread. However, the chain teeth 3 are not limited to this, and can be provided on the surface 10b of the zipper tape 10 (see reference). Figure 2 In addition, a large number of metal or synthetic resin teeth can be fastened or injection molded onto the opposite side edges of the front and back surfaces 10a and 10b of the zipper tape 10.

[0020] Figure 2 It is an exaggeration to indicate along for the sake of convenience. Figure 1 A cross-sectional diagram illustrating the cross-section of the AA-line zipper tape 10. Figure 2 The left and right chain teeth 3 are in an engaged state. The zipper tape 10 has a back surface 10a for mounting the chain teeth 3, and a surface 10b on the side opposite to the back surface 10a. Figure 2 The back 10a of the central zipper tape 10 faces downwards, and the surface 10b faces upwards. (Refer to...) Figure 2 In the description of zipper tape 10, it is set to be based on top and bottom. Figure 2 The zipper tape 10 is composed of a base fabric 11 and a waterproof membrane 12 attached to the upper surface (second surface) 11b of the base fabric 11. The lower surface (first surface) of the base fabric 11 is the back surface 10a of the zipper tape 10. The waterproof membrane 12 has a laminated structure consisting of a lower adhesive layer 13 and an upper skin layer 14. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 13 can be described as being located between the base fabric 11 and the skin layer 14. The upper surface of the skin layer 14 becomes the surface 10b of the zipper tape 10. (See reference...) Figure 2The waterproof film 12 is formed so as to generate a slight gap G between the left and right base fabrics 11 in a state where the left and right fastener chains 3 are engaged, and so as not to generate such a gap G between the left and right waterproof films 12 on the base fabric 11, and to make the opposite end surfaces 12a of the left and right waterproof films 12 abut on each other. Thus, the waterproof property of the fastener 1 is improved. In the present embodiment, although the waterproof film 12 is attached only to the upper surface lib of the base fabric 11, it can be attached only to the lower surface 10a of the base fabric 11, or to both the upper surface lib and the lower surface 10a of the base fabric 11.

[0021] Base fabric 11

[0022] As the material of the base fabric 11, a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber generally used in the fastener tape 10 can be used, and there is no particular limitation, and examples include a polyamide fiber, a polyester fiber, an acrylic fiber, and the like. The base fabric 11 can be made by weaving or knitting these synthetic fibers. As a typical example, a polyester fiber can be woven or knitted.

[0023] Bonding layer 13

[0024] The adhesive layer 13 is composed of a main agent as an adhesive component and a solvent for dissolving the main agent. The main agent is composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive, preferably a three-dimensionally cross-linked cured product. The polyurethane-based adhesive suitably contains a polyurethane, an isocyanate compound as a curing agent, and a solvent as a diluent. A viscosity increasing agent can also be added in order to adjust the viscosity. The polyurethane is typically in the form of fine particles, and is provided, for example, in the form of a polyurethane emulsion or a polyurethane dispersion.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present application, the solvent of the adhesive layer 13 contains dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and propyl acetate. According to another embodiment of the present application, the solvent of the adhesive layer 13 contains dimethyl carbonate (DMC), propyl acetate, and butyl acetate. As the composition of the solvent, for example, in the case where dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and propyl acetate are contained, 30 to 40% by weight of DMC and 60 to 70% by weight of propyl acetate can be contained, and in the case where dimethyl carbonate (DMC), propyl acetate, and butyl acetate are contained, 24 to 28% by weight of DMC, 59 to 63% by weight of propyl acetate, and 11 to 15% by weight of butyl acetate can be contained, and most suitably, 26% by weight of dimethyl carbonate, 61% by weight of propyl acetate, and 13% by weight of butyl acetate are contained.

[0026] In addition, in the present embodiment, toluene and MEK are not contained in the solvent. As described above, toluene and MEK are environmental regulation targets, and the amounts thereof need to be strictly controlled. The solvent of the present embodiment has good solubility with respect to the polyurethane as the adhesive component by using DMC, propyl acetate, and butyl acetate, even without using toluene and MEK, and can suppress the occurrence of bubbling or cracking in the adhesive layer 13, or a decrease in the quality of the appearance or a decrease in the softness of the slide fastener tape 10, and the like.

[0027] In addition, it is preferable that the solvent vaporize at 90 to 110°C. As long as it is a solvent that vaporizes at 90 to 110°C, the solvent will evaporate in the middle of the production of the slide fastener tape 10 due to heating and pressurization, or the like, and only the adhesive component such as polyurethane will remain, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of haze or bubbling in the slide fastener tape 10.

[0028] The isocyanate compound used as the curing agent can contain an aliphatic isocyanate, an alicyclic isocyanate, an aromatic isocyanate, or a combination thereof. The isocyanate can be selected from, for example, a dimer, a trimer, an isocyanate derivative, an isocyanate prepolymer, a blocked isocyanate. Since the aromatic isocyanate has a tendency to yellow, and since the aliphatic isocyanate, the alicyclic isocyanate, or the substance combining them are excellent in discoloration resistance, and have a long pot life (also referred to as usable time, which is the time until the viscosity and the state become intolerable for use after the adhesive is mixed with the curing agent or the catalyst, or the like), the latter substances are preferable. As the aliphatic isocyanate, for example, ethylene diisocyanate, tetramethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, dodecamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexane diisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanatomethylhexanoate, isophorone diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, di(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, cyclohexylene diisocyanate, methylcyclohexylene diisocyanate can be listed.

[0029] Regarding the thickness of the adhesive layer 13, since if it is too thin, the hand feeling is impaired, it is preferable to be 0.02 mm or more. On the other hand, if the thickness of the adhesive layer 13 is too thick, since the slider 4 will be in sliding contact therewith when the slide fastener 1 is opened and closed, the sliding properties are impaired, and thus it is preferable to be 0.2 mm or less.

[0030] Skin layer 14

[0031] The skin layer 14 can be formed from a film of an organic solvent-based polyurethane, but is not limited thereto. Here, "organic solvent-based" means that an organic solvent is used as a dispersing agent. The film of the organic solvent-based polyurethane is obtained by drying a solution obtained by dissolving a polyurethane in an organic solvent. Alternatively, the organic solvent-based polyurethane can be configured to undergo a curing reaction by adding a curing agent to a liquid obtained by dissolving a polyurethane in an organic solvent. By adding the curing agent, the strength of the film can be increased. As the curing agent, an isocyanate compound can be suitably used.

[0032] As the polyurethane, any of the polyurethanes known to those skilled in the art can be used, such as polyether-based polyurethanes, polyester-based polyurethanes, polycarbonate-based polyurethanes, polycaprolactone-based polyurethanes. Among these polyurethanes, the polycarbonate-based polyurethane is preferred for the reason of the strength of the film itself.

[0033] As the skin layer 14, in order to prevent the skin layer 14 from being damaged due to sliding with the puller 4, a silicone compound is preferably contained. In order to effectively exert the durability against sliding, the silicone compound is preferably contained in the skin layer 14 in an amount of 2% by weight or more, more preferably 4% by weight or more, calculated as a solid content. However, since there is a case where the skin layer 14 becomes weak if the content of the silicone compound is too much, the silicone compound is preferably contained in the skin layer 14 in an amount of 25% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less. At least a part of the silicone compound is present in a form of being copolymerized with the polyurethane constituting the skin layer 14, which is desirable in terms of improving the wear resistance (durability of reciprocating opening and closing of the slide fastener).

[0034] An example of the attaching order of the waterproof film 12 to the base fabric 11 will be described. A cured product of the skin layer 14 is prepared, and the adhesive layer 13 is applied to the lower surface 14a thereof and dried. Then, the waterproof film 12 is attached to the base fabric 11 by heating and pressing in a state where the adhesive layer 13 of the waterproof film 12 is attached to the back surface lib of the base fabric 11. Then, the curing agent is cured by, for example, performing a curing promotion reaction under conditions of a curing temperature of 40 to 60°C and for 48 hours or more. Thus, the waterproof film 12 is firmly attached to the base fabric 11. The adhesive layer 13 can also be applied to the base fabric 11 side to attach the waterproof film 12 to the base fabric 11.

[0035] Example

[0036] Table 1 is a table obtained by comparing the following properties with respect to solvent 1 (dimethyl carbonate 26% by weight, propyl acetate 61% by weight, and butyl acetate 13% by weight) used in the adhesive layer 13 in the slide fastener tape 10 of the slide fastener 1 described above, solvent 2 (toluene 70% by weight and MEK 30% by weight) containing toluene and MEK in the related art, solvents 3 to 6 as other examples, and solvents 7 and 8 as comparative examples.

[0037] Solvent 3: DMC 30% by weight, propyl acetate 70% by weight

[0038] Solvent 4: DMC 26% by weight, propyl acetate 66% by weight, butyl acetate 8% by weight

[0039] Solvent 5: DMC 31% by weight, propyl acetate 61% by weight, butyl acetate 8% by weight

[0040] Solvent 6: DMC 26% by weight, propyl acetate 61% by weight, ethyl acetate 13% by weight

[0041] Solvent 7: DMC 45% by weight, ethyl acetate 45% by weight, and butyl acetate 10% by weight

[0042] Solvent 8: DMC 40% by weight, ethyl acetate 40% by weight, and PMA (propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate) 20% by weight

[0043] Property A: Low-temperature solution stability (set as O for no solidification when left at 5°C for one day from room temperature, as X for solidification, and as Δ for partial solidification)

[0044] Property B: Repeated application adaptability (set as O for easy repeated application with respect to the skin layer 14, as X for difficult repeated application, and as Δ for neither)

[0045] Property C: Coating properties (set as O for neither foaming nor hardening in coating with respect to the skin layer 14, as X for foaming and hardening, and as Δ for either foaming or hardening)

[0046] Property D: Set as O for difficulty of air mixing when the solvent is stirred with the main agent, as X for ease of air mixing, and as Δ for partial air mixing.

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] A B C D Environmental impact Solvent 1 (Example) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Solvent 2 (Prior product) ○ ○ ○ ○ × Solvent 3 (Example) △ ○ △ △ ○ Solvent 4 (Example) × ○ × × ○ Solvent 5 (Example) × ○ × × ○ Solvent 6 (Example) × ○ × × ○ Solvent 7 (Comparative example) ○ × × × ○ Solvent 8 (Comparative example) △ ○ × △ ○

[0049] As is apparent from Table 1, with respect to the solvent 1, Properties A to D are O, and the environmental impact is also O.

[0050] With respect to the solvent 2, although Properties A to D are O, the environmental impact is X.

[0051] With respect to the solvent 3, Properties A, C, and D are Δ, Property B is O, and the environmental impact is O.

[0052] With respect to the solvents 4 to 6, Property B is O, Properties A, C, and D are X, and the environmental impact is O.

[0053] Regarding solvent 7, property A is O, properties B, C, D are X, and environmental impact is O.

[0054] Regarding solvent 8, properties A, D are Δ, property B is O, property C is X, and environmental impact is O.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] 1 zipper

[0057] 10 zipper tape

[0058] 11 base fabric

[0059] 12 waterproof film

[0060] 13 adhesive layer

[0061] 14 skin layer

[0062] 2 zipper tape

[0063] 3 chain teeth

[0064] 4 pull tab

[0065] 5 upper stop

[0066] 6 lower stop

Claims

1. A zipper tape, comprising: a base fabric (11) having a first surface (10a) and a second surface (lib); and a waterproof film (12) attached to at least one of the first surface (10a) and the second surface (lib) of the base fabric (11), the zipper tape (10) being characterized in that: the waterproof film (12) has a layered structure composed of a skin layer (14) composed of a film of polyurethane and a bonding layer (13) provided between the skin layer (14) and the base fabric (11) and composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive, and the polyurethane-based adhesive is obtained by dissolving a polyurethane resin in a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate and propyl acetate.

2. The zipper tape according to claim 1, wherein: the polyurethane-based adhesive does not contain toluene and methyl ethyl ketone.

3. The zipper tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the solvent is vaporized at 90°C to 110°C.

4. A zipper tape, comprising: a base fabric (11) having a first surface (10a) and a second surface (lib); and a waterproof film (12) attached to at least one of the first surface (10a) and the second surface (lib) of the base fabric (11), the zipper tape (10) being characterized in that: the waterproof film (12) has a layered structure composed of a skin layer (14) composed of a film of polyurethane and a bonding layer (13) provided between the skin layer (14) and the base fabric (11) and composed of a cured product of a polyurethane-based adhesive, and the polyurethane-based adhesive is obtained by dissolving a polyurethane resin in a solvent containing dimethyl carbonate, propyl acetate and butyl acetate.

5. The zipper tape according to claim 4, wherein: the polyurethane-based adhesive does not contain toluene and methyl ethyl ketone.

6. The zipper tape according to claim 4, wherein: the solvent contains 24 to 28% by weight of dimethyl carbonate, 59 to 63% by weight of propyl acetate and 11 to 15% by weight of butyl acetate.

7. The zipper tape according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: the solvent is vaporized at 90°C to 110°C.

8. A zipper comprising the zipper tape (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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