Fixing member, sewing machine and sewing method

Abstract

The fixing member (50) of the present invention is a fixing member (50) used in sewing processing of sewing a slide fastener element (10) in which a slide fastener (13) is attached to a connecting member (12) to a cloth member (5) using a sewing machine, and has a slide fastener holding portion that holds the slide fastener element (10), a cloth holding portion that holds the cloth member (5), and a support member (51) that supports at least the slide fastener holding portion. The slide fastener holding portion has a first slide fastener holding portion (63) that holds one end portion of the slide fastener element (10), and a second slide fastener holding portion (73) that holds the other end portion of the slide fastener element (10). The cloth holding portion has a configuration that holds the cloth member (5) in such a manner that at least a portion of the cloth member (5) is along the slide fastener element (10) held by the slide fastener holding portion. By using the fixing member (50) of the present invention, the slide fastener element (10) can be easily sewn to the cloth member (5) using the sewing machine regardless of the ability and proficiency of the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing component used in sewing processes of sewing zipper teeth components to fabric components using a sewing machine, a sewing machine having the fixing component, and a sewing method of sewing zipper teeth components to fabric components using a sewing machine. Background Technology

[0002] A zipper typically has a pair of zipper teeth on the left and right sides, with rows of teeth formed on the side edges of the zipper tape, and a slider that slides along the rows of teeth. In a typical zipper, the zipper tape is an essential component for its construction.

[0003] On the other hand, for example, International Publication No. 2018 / 142548 (Patent Document 1) discloses a zipper article that forms a zipper without using a zipper tape.

[0004] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the zippered garment 100 described in Patent Document 1 is formed by attaching the zipper tooth component 102 to the fabric component 101 of the garment 100, which serves as the zipper mounting component, using a sewing machine-based sewing process.

[0005] In this case, in the zipper tooth component 102, a plurality of zipper teeth 103 are formed at fixed intervals on the rope-like fixing component 104 by injection molding. A zipper tooth row is formed by directly sewing such a zipper tooth component 102 onto the fabric component 101. Furthermore, a zipper pull (not shown) can be slidably mounted on this formed zipper tooth row. Thus, in Patent Document 1, since a zipper for opening and closing the left and right fabric components 101 of the garment can be formed without using a zipper tape, the weight reduction and improved softness of the product (clothing) can be achieved.

[0006] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-72466 (Patent Document 2) discloses a sewing machine for sewing the aforementioned chain tooth component 102 onto the fabric component 101 of a garment. For example, Figure 9 As shown, the sewing machine 110 of Patent Document 2, as a conveying mechanism for conveying the zipper teeth 102, includes a conveying gear 111 that meshes with the zipper teeth 103 of the zipper teeth 102, a conveying motor (not shown) that drives the conveying gear 111, and a needle plate (zipper guide) 112 that guides the zipper teeth 102. Furthermore, in the sewing machine 110 of Patent Document 2, a feed tooth (not shown) is provided as a feeding mechanism for conveying the fabric part 101. By using such a sewing machine 110 as in Patent Document 2, the zipper teeth 102 described in Patent Document 1 can be directly sewn onto the fabric part 101 of clothing or other products.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 142548

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-72466 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] When sewing the chain tooth component 102 described in Patent Document 1 onto the fabric component 101 using the sewing machine 110 described in Patent Document 2, the chain tooth component 102 is intermittently conveyed by the rotation of the conveyor gear 111 of the sewing machine 110. Simultaneously, while the fabric component 101 is pressed down by the needle plate 112 and the presser foot 113 of the sewing machine 110, the fabric component 101 is conveyed downstream by feed teeth (not shown) that protrude from the needle plate 112. Therefore, the chain tooth component 102 and the fabric component 101 are conveyed separately by their independently driven conveying mechanisms (i.e., the conveyor gear 111 and feed teeth of the sewing machine 110) and sewn together by the needle 114.

[0013] In this case, regarding the zipper tooth component 102, the multiple zipper teeth 103 are fixed to the fixing component 104, making it difficult to produce stretching or contraction in the length direction. On the other hand, the fabric component (zipper mounting component) 101 to which the zipper tooth component 102 is sewn has various properties depending on the characteristics and uses of its product. For example, the properties of the fabric component, such as softness and elasticity, vary depending on the product (clothing).

[0014] Therefore, when sewing the chain tooth component 102 onto the fabric component 101 using a sewing machine 110 as described above, the feeding of the chain tooth component 102 and the feeding of the fabric component 101 may sometimes differ due to the properties of the fabric component 101. As a result, the fabric component 101 with the chain tooth component 102 sewn on may sometimes develop a wavy shape, a partially protruding shape, or a puckering shape. In addition, the fabric component 101 may stretch or contract during sewing, which may cause changes in the length of the sewn portion of the fabric component 101, resulting in deviations in the quality of the finished product.

[0015] Furthermore, in the sewing process of chain links and fabric components, to prevent the aforementioned defects from occurring, operators sometimes perform actions such as pressing down on the fabric component by hand while carefully guiding it downstream. However, this sewing process requires meticulous work and experience, so the quality of the finished product may vary from operator to operator. It also requires time and expense to train operators, and is one of the reasons for increased manufacturing costs.

[0016] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned prior art problems, and its object is to provide a fastening component, a sewing machine and a sewing method that can easily sew a chain tooth component to a fabric component using a sewing machine without depending on the operator's ability and skill.

[0017] Solution for solving the problem

[0018] To achieve the above objective, the fixing member provided by the present invention is a fixing member used in sewing processes where a zipper tooth component with zipper teeth mounted on a connecting component is sewn onto a fabric component using a sewing machine. It is characterized by having: a zipper holding portion for holding the zipper tooth component; a fabric holding portion for holding the fabric component; and a support member for at least supporting the zipper holding portion. The zipper holding portion includes: a first zipper holding portion for holding one end of the zipper tooth component; and a second zipper holding portion for holding the other end of the zipper tooth component. The fabric holding portion has a structure that holds the fabric component such that at least a portion of the fabric component is held along the zipper tooth component held by the zipper holding portion.

[0019] In the fixing component of the present invention, it is preferred that the support component has an elongated shape extending in a straight line, and at least one of the first zipper holding portion and the second zipper holding portion is mounted on the support component in a manner that allows it to move along the length direction of the support component.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, at least one of the first zipper retaining portion and the second zipper retaining portion has a structure for hooking an auxiliary zipper tooth provided at one end or the other end of the zipper tooth component.

[0021] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferred that the fabric holding portion comprises: a first fabric holding portion that holds one end or near the length of the chain tooth mounting edge portion of the fabric component for mounting the chain tooth component; and a second fabric holding portion that holds the other end or near the length of the chain tooth mounting edge portion.

[0022] In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the first fabric holding portion and the second fabric holding portion has a structure that clamps and holds the fabric component in the thickness direction of the fabric component.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, a first retaining block portion integrally provided with the first zipper retaining portion and the first fabric retaining portion, and a second retaining block portion integrally provided with the second zipper retaining portion and the second fabric retaining portion, are supported on the support member. Particularly preferably, at least one of the first retaining block portion and the second retaining block portion is mounted to the support member in a manner capable of moving along the length direction of the support member, and has a stop retaining portion that maintains a stopped position relative to the support member.

[0024] Next, the sewing machine provided by the present invention is characterized by having: the aforementioned fixing member having the aforementioned structure; at least one conveying gear that engages with the zipper teeth of the aforementioned zipper tooth member held on the aforementioned fixing member; and a drive unit that rotates the aforementioned conveying gear.

[0025] Next, the sewing method provided by the present invention is a sewing method for sewing a zipper tooth component, on which zipper teeth are installed, onto a fabric component using a sewing machine. The method is characterized by comprising: preparing a fixing member having a zipper holding portion, a fabric holding portion, and a support member, wherein the zipper holding portion includes a first zipper holding portion for holding one end of the zipper tooth component and a second zipper holding portion for holding the other end of the zipper tooth component; the fabric holding portion holds the fabric component; and the support member at least supports the zipper holding portion; holding one end and the other end of the zipper tooth component on the first and second zipper holding portions of the fixing member and... The aforementioned chain tooth component is held in a straight line to the aforementioned fixing component; the fabric component is held by the fabric holding portion of the aforementioned fixing component in such a way that at least a portion of the fabric component is held along the chain tooth component held by the aforementioned zipper holding portion; the aforementioned fixing component holding the aforementioned chain tooth component and the aforementioned fabric component is placed on the aforementioned sewing machine, and the zipper teeth of the aforementioned chain tooth component are engaged with the conveying gear of the aforementioned sewing machine; and while conveying the aforementioned fixing component by rotating the aforementioned conveying gear, a sewing process is performed to sew the aforementioned chain tooth component held on the aforementioned fixing component and the aforementioned fabric component together, thereby sewing the aforementioned chain tooth component onto the aforementioned fabric component.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the fixing component, sewing machine and sewing method of the present invention, the chain tooth component can be easily sewn onto the fabric component using a sewing machine without depending on the operator's ability and skill. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a top view schematically showing the left and right chain teeth components to be sewn onto the fabric component in an embodiment of the present invention in an engaged state.

[0029] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The top view schematically shows the left and right chain teeth components in their separated state.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view schematically showing the main part of the fixing member of an embodiment of the present invention together with the fabric member held in the fixing member.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A perspective view of the first retaining block of the fixed component shown.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram (rear view) of the first retaining block as viewed from the front and rear directions.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a top view schematically showing the state in which the chain teeth are held on the fixed part.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sewing process performed on the chain teeth and fabric components held in place by the fixed part.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a top view schematically showing the main parts of a conventional zippered product.

[0036] Figure 9 It is a perspective view schematically showing the main parts of a conventional sewing machine for sewing the chain teeth. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a top view schematically showing the left and right chain teeth used in this embodiment in both engaged and disengaged states. Figure 3 This is a top view schematically showing the main part of the fixing component used in this embodiment together with the fabric component held in the fixing component. Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are perspective views and rear views schematically showing the first retaining block of the fixing component.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following description, the front-back direction is the direction along the length of the zipper tooth component or along the direction of the connecting component when the zipper tooth component is held vertically. The left-right direction is the direction along which the pair of zipper tooth components engage and disengage when the pair of zipper tooth components are held such that the engaging heads of the zipper teeth face each other. In this case, the direction in which the pair of zipper tooth components approach each other is defined as the inner direction of the left-right direction, and the direction in which the pair of zipper tooth components disengage each other is defined as the outer direction of the left-right direction. In addition, the left-right direction can also be referred to as the width direction of the zipper tooth component. The up-down direction is the direction orthogonal to both the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The up-down direction can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the zipper tooth component or zipper tooth.

[0040] Additionally, in descriptions related to sewing machines and sewing processes, the front-to-back direction refers to the direction along which the chain tooth component and fabric component, which are the objects being sewn, are conveyed through the sewing machine. In this case, for example, the direction in which the objects being sewn are conveyed (i.e., the direction in which they are conveyed) Figure 7 The top direction on the paper is defined as the front, and its opposite direction as the back. The top and bottom directions are orthogonal to the flat mounting surface of the needle plate in the sewing machine. In this case, the orientation of the side where the needle is positioned relative to the needle plate (i.e., Figure 7 The direction closest to the front of the paper is designated as the upward direction, and its opposite direction as the downward direction. The left and right directions are perpendicular to the feed direction of the workpiece and parallel to the mounting surface of the needle plate. For example, in... Figure 7 In the paper, the direction on the side where the first and second transport gears are arranged relative to the chain tooth component (i.e. Figure 7 The right direction in the paper is set as the right direction, and its opposite direction is set as the left direction.

[0041] The zippered product manufactured in this embodiment is a zippered garment. In this zippered garment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The chain tooth component 10 shown forms a chain tooth row 11 by being directly sewn to the left and right placket portions of the front piece of the garment. Furthermore, a pull tab (not shown) is installed on this chain tooth row 11. In this case, the fabric component 5 constituting the placket portion of the garment (see reference 5) Figure 3 and Figure 7 This is a zipper mounting component for sewing the zipper tooth component 10. A zipper tooth mounting edge is provided on the side edge of the fabric component 5 for mounting the zipper tooth component 10.

[0042] The chain tooth component 10 of this embodiment has a pair of left and right first chain tooth components 10a and second chain tooth components 10b. In addition, the left first chain tooth component 10a and the right second chain tooth component 10b are formed in a manner that allows them to engage and disengage with each other.

[0043] The first zipper tooth component 10a on the left side has a rope-like connecting member 12 and a plurality of individual zipper teeth 13 fixed to the connecting member 12. Additionally, a push bar portion 14, a push bar side guide portion 15, a first stop portion 21, and a first temporary zipper tooth 22 are mounted on the connecting member 12. In this case, the first zipper tooth component 10a includes the connecting member 12, the plurality of zipper teeth 13, the push bar portion 14, the push bar side guide portion 15 having the push bar side guide tooth 15a (described later), the first stop portion 21, and the first temporary zipper tooth 22; for example, the push bar side guide tooth 15a and the first temporary zipper tooth 22 form part of the first zipper tooth component 10a.

[0044] The second zipper tooth component 10b on the right side has a rope-like connecting component 12 and a plurality of individual zipper teeth 13 fixed to the connecting component 12. Additionally, a base bar portion 16, a base bar side guide portion 17, a second stop portion 23, and a second temporary zipper tooth 24 are mounted on the connecting component 12. In this case, the second zipper tooth component 10b includes the connecting component 12, the plurality of zipper teeth 13, the base bar portion 16, the base bar side guide portion 17 having the base bar side guide tooth 17a (described later), the second stop portion 23, and the second temporary zipper tooth 24. For example, the base bar side guide tooth 17a and the second temporary zipper tooth 24 form part of the second zipper tooth component 10b.

[0045] Furthermore, in this invention, the left and right zipper tooth components 10 have at least rope-like connecting components 12 and a plurality of zipper teeth 13, and the shape and structure of the zipper tooth components are not particularly limited as long as they are formed in a manner that allows them to engage and disengage with each other. That is, the zipper tooth components may be formed without providing at least one of the above-mentioned insert bar portion 14, insert bar side guide portion 15, first stop portion 21 and first temporary zipper tooth 22, or they may be formed without providing at least one of the seat bar portion 16, seat bar side guide portion 17, second stop portion 23 and second temporary zipper tooth 24.

[0046] In the first chain tooth component 10a and the second chain tooth component 10b of this embodiment, each connecting component 12 is formed as an elongated dimension along the longitudinal direction and is flexible. Furthermore, the connecting component 12 is formed from an elongated component with a generally circular cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The connecting component 12 is configured to extend further rearward than the insert-side guide portion 15 or the seat-side guide portion 17 with respect to the respective longitudinal direction of the first chain tooth component 10a and the second chain tooth component 10b, and further forward than the first provisional chain tooth 22 or the second provisional chain tooth 24.

[0047] As the connecting member 12, a rope body such as a monofilament, twisted yarn (twisted rope), or a braided rope can be used. In this case, the braided rope is formed by wrapping a core thread composed of aligned multifilaments into a tubular portion woven from multiple braided yarns. In each of the first zipper tooth member 10a and the second zipper tooth member 10b, a plurality of zipper teeth 13 are connected at fixed intervals by the connecting member 12.

[0048] Each zipper tooth 13 is integrally formed with the connecting member 12, for example, by injection molding a thermoplastic resin such as polyacetal onto the connecting member 12. Each zipper tooth 13 is formed in an independent form relative to adjacent zipper teeth 13 along the length direction. Each zipper tooth 13 is formed to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of a portion of the connecting member 12.

[0049] The insert portion 14, insert side guide portion 15, first stop portion 21 and first temporary chain tooth 22 provided in the first chain tooth component 10a, and the seat portion 16, seat side guide portion 17, second stop portion 23 and second temporary chain tooth 24 provided in the second chain tooth component 10b are each formed of synthetic resin. In addition, it is preferable that they are formed of the same synthetic resin as the zipper chain tooth 13.

[0050] Each zipper tooth 13 has: a tooth body portion 13a fixed to the connecting member 12, a tooth neck portion 13b extending from the tooth body portion 13a in the width direction and having a constricted neck shape, an engaging head 13c extending further from the tooth neck portion 13b in the width direction and being generally elliptical when viewed from above, and a pair of front and rear shoulders 13d protruding from the tooth neck portion 13b in the front and rear directions.

[0051] A gap is formed between the main body portions 13a of adjacent zipper teeth 13 along the length direction, in which the connecting member 12 is exposed to the outside. Regarding the first zipper tooth member 10a and the second zipper tooth member 10b, by performing sewing processing based on a sewing machine described later, the connecting member 12 exposed in each gap is held and fixed to the fabric member 5 by the sewing portion of the sewing thread formed during the sewing process.

[0052] Between the engaging heads 13c of adjacent zipper teeth 13 along the length direction, a gap 25 is formed that can be inserted, for example, into the teeth of the first conveyor gear 46 and the second conveyor gear 47 provided in the sewing machine, when sewing the first zipper tooth component 10a or the second zipper tooth component 10b onto the fabric component 5 as described later.

[0053] The insert portion 14 of the first zipper tooth component 10a is the part that forms the zipper's separating insert. This insert portion 14 is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the zipper tooth row 11 of the first zipper tooth component 10a. A gap 25, identical to the gap 25 formed between the insert portion 14 and the zipper tooth 13 disposed on the rearmost side of the zipper tooth row 11, is formed between the insert portion 14 and the aforementioned gap 25 formed between the engaging heads 13c of the zipper tooth 13. Furthermore, the insert portion 14 has an insert body portion 14a fixed to the connecting member 12, and an insert fin portion 14b extending outward from the insert body portion 14a in the width direction. Additionally, three holes 14c are provided on the insert fin portion 14b, through which the insert fin portion 14b passes in the vertical direction. In these holes 14c, a sewing part is formed by piercing a sewing needle to form a sewing thread during the sewing process of attaching the first zipper tooth component 10a to the fabric member 5.

[0054] The first zipper tooth component 10a has a guide portion 15 on its insert side adjacent to the rear end of the insert portion 14, mounted on the connecting member 12. The guide portion 15 has four insert side guide teeth 15a formed separately from each other. The four insert side guide teeth 15a are mounted on the connecting member 12 at a spacing equal to the spacing between the plurality of zipper teeth 13 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, a gap 25 is formed between each of the five insert side guide teeth 15a, for example, allowing the teeth of the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47 of the sewing machine to be inserted. By providing such a guide portion 15 on the first zipper tooth component 10a, the first zipper tooth component 10a can be stably fed using the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47 of the sewing machine during sewing operations. Additionally, one of the guide teeth 15a on the insert side becomes a portion that hooks onto the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50 when the first zipper tooth member 10a is held in the fixing member 50 described later (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, the shape and size of the guide teeth 15a on the insert side are not limited in this invention.

[0055] The first stop portion 21 of the first chain tooth component 10a is disposed adjacent to the front end of the chain tooth row 11 of the first chain tooth component 10a. A gap 25, the same as the gap 25 described above, is also formed between the first stop portion 21 and the front end of the chain tooth row 11.

[0056] The first provisional zipper tooth 22 of the first zipper tooth component 10a is a portion that hooks onto the first zipper holding portion 63 of the fixing member 50, and is mounted on the connecting member 12 at a position away from the first stop portion 21 in the forward direction. In this case, the front-back distance between the first provisional zipper tooth 22 and the first stop portion 21 is larger than the front-back distance between adjacent zipper teeth 13 in the front-back direction. When the first zipper tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 are sewn, the first provisional zipper tooth 22 is held by hooking onto the first zipper holding portion 63 of the fixing member 50 (described later). The first provisional zipper tooth 22 has a provisional zipper tooth body portion 22a formed by enclosing the connecting member 12 inside, and a tab portion 22b protruding outward in the left-right direction from the provisional zipper tooth body portion 22a.

[0057] In this embodiment, the insert-side guide 15 and the first provisional chain tooth 22 of the first chain tooth component 10a form part of the first chain tooth component 10a. The insert-side guide 15 and the first provisional chain tooth 22 are auxiliary components provided in the first chain tooth component 10a to facilitate sewing in the sewing process described later. The insert-side guide chain tooth 15a and the first provisional chain tooth 22 forming such an insert-side guide 15 can also be referred to as auxiliary chain teeth for assisting sewing. The insert-side guide 15 is removed from the first chain tooth component 10a by cutting the connecting member 12 between the insert-side portion 14 and the insert-side guide 15 after sewing. The first provisional chain tooth 22 is removed from the first chain tooth component 10a by cutting the connecting member 12 between the first stop portion 21 and the first provisional chain tooth 22 after sewing. Therefore, garments and other articles manufactured using the first chain tooth component 10a do not include the insert-side guide portion 15 with four insert-side guide teeth 15a and the first provisional chain tooth 22. Therefore, the auxiliary chain tooth can also be defined as a portion that is excluded from the chain tooth component after sewing.

[0058] The base bar portion 16 of the second zipper tooth component 10b forms the zipper's separation insert portion together with the insert bar portion 14. This base bar portion 16 is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the zipper tooth row 11 of the second zipper tooth component 10b. A gap 25 is formed between the base bar portion 16 and the zipper tooth 13 disposed on the rearmost side of the zipper tooth row 11. Furthermore, the base bar portion 16 has a base bar body portion 16a fixed to the connecting member 12, and a base bar fin portion 16b extending outward from the base bar body portion 16a in the width direction. Additionally, the base bar fin portion 16b, like the insert bar fin portion 14b, has three holes 16c.

[0059] The second chain tooth component 10b has a bar-side guide 17 positioned adjacent to the rear end of the bar portion 16, mounted on the connecting component 12. The bar-side guide 17 has three bar-side guide teeth 17a formed separately from each other. A gap 25 is formed between each bar-side guide tooth 17a. Furthermore, a recess is provided on the inner edge of the larger bar-side guide tooth 17a positioned adjacent to the bar portion 16. By providing such a bar-side guide 17 to the second chain tooth component 10b, the second chain tooth component 10b can be stably fed using the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47 of the sewing machine during the sewing process of attaching the second chain tooth component 10b to the fabric component 5. Additionally, one of the bar-side guide teeth 17a becomes a portion that hooks onto the first zipper holding portion 63 of the fixing component 50 when the second chain tooth component 10b is held in the fixing component 50 (described later).

[0060] The second stop portion 23 of the second chain tooth component 10b is disposed adjacent to the front end of the chain tooth row 11 of the second chain tooth component 10b. In addition, the second stop portion 23 has a second stop body portion 23a fixed to the fixing member 50 and an upper protrusion portion 23b protruding upward from the upper surface of the second stop body portion 23a.

[0061] The second provisional chain tooth 24 of the second chain tooth component 10b is the portion that hooks onto the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50, and is mounted on the connecting member 12 at a position away from the second stop portion 23. During sewing of the second chain tooth component 10b and the fabric component 5, the second provisional chain tooth 24 is held in place by hooking onto the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50. Furthermore, in this invention, the shape and size of the first provisional chain tooth 22 and the second provisional chain tooth 24 are not particularly limited.

[0062] In this embodiment, the bar-side guide portion 17 and the second temporary chain tooth 24 of the second chain tooth component 10b form part of the second chain tooth component 10b. Furthermore, similar to the bar-side guide portion 15 and the first temporary chain tooth 22 of the first chain tooth component 10a, they are auxiliary components provided to facilitate sewing during the sewing process. The bar-side guide chain tooth 17a forming the bar-side guide portion 17 and the second temporary chain tooth 24 are formed as auxiliary chain teeth. Therefore, since the bar-side guide portion 17 and the second temporary chain tooth 24 are removed from the second chain tooth component 10b after sewing, they are not included in garments or other articles manufactured using the second chain tooth component 10b.

[0063] The first chain tooth component 10a or the second chain tooth component 10b and the fabric component 5 are sewn together by performing a sewing process based on a sewing machine. The sewing machine used in the sewing process is not particularly limited; for example, a sewing machine capable of creating a zigzag pattern while simultaneously moving the needle in a cross direction relative to the feed direction of the sewing machine can be used. Sewing machines capable of creating a zigzag pattern include those capable of performing a zigzag stitch. Furthermore, the method or means of sewing the chain tooth component 10 and the fabric component 5 is not limited to a zigzag stitch; it can also be sewn together using serging or similar techniques.

[0064] More specifically, the sewing machine of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, there is a sewing machine body 40 that actually performs sewing, and a sewing machine body 40 provided with a sewing machine body 40. Figure 3 The fixing member 50 is shown. The fixing member 50 is configured to hold and fix the first chain tooth member 10a or the second chain tooth member 10b and the fabric member 5.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the sewing machine body 40 is provided with a sewing machine head 41 having a needle plate 42, and a conveying section (feeding mechanism) that conveys the fixing member 50 by engaging and rotating with the fixing member 50 provided on the sewing machine head 41. The sewing machine head 41 is provided with a needle (not shown), a sewing machine presser foot, and feed teeth.

[0066] In this case, the needle is configured to be able to move up and down relative to the needle plate 42 via a needle drive mechanism (not shown), and is configured to be able to move in the aforementioned intersecting directions via a needle swing mechanism (not shown). In the sewing machine of this embodiment, the needle, needle drive mechanism, and needle swing mechanism are substantially the same as those of a conventional sewing machine capable of sewing serrated patterns. The sewing machine presser foot (not shown) is configured to press down on at least one of the chain tooth member 10 and the fabric member 5 held on the fixing member 50. Furthermore, although the sewing machine of this embodiment has a sewing machine presser foot, it may also be formed without a sewing machine presser foot.

[0067] The needle plate portion 42 of the sewing machine head 41 has: a flat upper surface for mounting a fixing member 50 that holds the chain tooth member 10 and the fabric member 5; and a guide protrusion (not shown) that engages with the positioning layer difference portion 52 of the fixing member 50 (described later) and guides the conveyed fixing member 50. The guide protrusion is formed to protrude upwards from the flat upper surface of the needle plate portion 42 and is arranged in a straight line along the front-back direction. A slit-shaped needle hole (not shown) for inserting a sewing needle is provided on the needle plate portion 42 along the left-right direction. A spool-holding mechanism is provided on the lower side of the needle plate portion 42. Feed teeth (not shown) are configured to reciprocate up and down relative to the needle plate portion 42 and reciprocate back and forth along the feed direction in accordance with the movement of the sewing needle.

[0068] The conveying unit, which conveys the fixing member 50 that holds the chain tooth component 10 and the fabric component 5, is positioned away from the positions of the sewing machine presser foot and needle. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the conveying unit includes: a first conveying gear 46 that is rotatably disposed, a second conveying gear 47 that is rotatably disposed in front of (downstream of) the first conveying gear 46, and a rotation drive unit (not shown) that rotates the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47.

[0069] The first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47 are spur gears with multiple teeth on their outer periphery, and are rotatably supported parallel to the upper surface of the needle plate portion 42. The teeth of the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47 are respectively configured to engage with the zipper teeth 13 of the zipper tooth member 10 held by the fixing member 50.

[0070] The first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47 rotate synchronously with the feed teeth of the sewing machine while engaging with the chain tooth member 10 held by the fixing member 50, enabling the fixing member 50, which holds the chain tooth member 10 and the fabric member 5, to move in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, in the sewing machine of this embodiment, to achieve the purpose of conveying the fixing member 50, the aforementioned feed teeth may be omitted, and the fixing member 50 may be conveyed solely by the rotation of the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47. In this embodiment, two gears, the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47, are provided as gears for conveying the fixing member 50, but for example, only one conveying gear may be provided to convey the fixing member 50.

[0071] The rotary drive unit (not shown) of the conveying section includes a conveying motor that imparts rotational motion to the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the conveying motor to the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47. In this invention, the structure of the rotary drive unit is not particularly limited as long as it enables the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47 to rotate respectively and their rotational speeds to be controlled.

[0072] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the fixing member 50 of this embodiment, which is provided on the sewing machine body 40 as described above, has a support member 51 with an elongated dimension in the front-rear direction, and a first retaining block portion 60 mounted on the front side and a second retaining block portion 70 mounted on the rear side of the support member 51.

[0073] The support member 51 is a long, rigid member that extends linearly in one direction (front-to-back direction). The support member 51 is formed as follows: Figure 5The cross-section, as shown, is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the support member 51 and has a fixed shape. A positioning layer difference portion 52 is provided on the lower surface of the support member 51, which engages with a guide protrusion (not shown) provided on the needle plate portion 42 of the sewing machine body portion 40.

[0074] The first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 are mounted in a manner that allows them to move relative to the support member 51 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 are configured such that when they stop moving in the front-to-back direction, they can be held in place by a stop retaining portion described later, thus remaining stationary at that stop position. Additionally, the fixing member 50 of the present invention can also be fixed, for example, in a manner where one of the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 cannot move relative to the support member 51. Furthermore, for example, in the case of mass production of the same type of zippered products, the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 can also be fixed in a manner where neither of them can move relative to the support member 51.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 are formed in a shape symmetrical to each other in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description mainly focuses on the first retaining block portion 60, and the detailed description of the second retaining block portion 70 is omitted by using reference numerals corresponding to those used in the first retaining block portion 60 to indicate the parts or portions formed symmetrically with respect to the first retaining block portion 60 in the front-rear direction.

[0076] The first retaining block portion 60 of this embodiment has a first connecting portion 61 connected to the support member 51, a first fabric retaining portion 62 integrally formed with the first connecting portion 61, and a first zipper retaining portion 63 extending from the first fabric retaining portion 62 in the front-back direction.

[0077] The first connecting portion 61 includes: a connecting portion main body 64 provided in a manner that traverses the support member 51 in a left-right direction; a pushing portion 65 provided in a manner that allows it to move in a left-right direction relative to the connecting portion main body 64; a force-applying member (not shown) that applies force to the pushing portion 65 toward the support member 51; a first gripping portion 66 extending upward from the top end of the pushing portion 65; and a second gripping portion 67 integrally provided with the connecting portion main body 64.

[0078] The connecting body 64 includes left and right column portions 64a disposed on the left and right sides of the support member 51; and a cover portion 64b connected to the upper ends of the left and right column portions 64a and covering the support member 51 from above along the left and right direction. The connecting body 64 has a generally U-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the front-rear direction, allowing the support member 51 to pass between the left and right column portions 64a. Furthermore, the left-right spacing between the left and right column portions 64a is made larger than the left-right dimension of the support member 51.

[0079] The pressing part 65 is configured such that a portion of the pressing part 65 is inserted into a through hole 64c provided on the left side post 64a of the connecting part main body 64, thereby being movable and held on the connecting part main body 64 in the left-right direction. In addition, the pressing part 65 is subjected to force toward the right side post 64a of the connecting part main body 64 by a force-applying member (not shown).

[0080] In the first retaining block portion 60, a stop retaining portion is formed by a post portion 64a on the right side of the connecting main body portion 64, a pushing portion 65, and a force-applying member, which holds the first retaining block portion 60 in place when it is stopped relative to the support member 51, so that it does not move at that stop position. That is, in this first retaining block portion 60, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, with the support member 51 inserted between the pusher 65 and the column 64a on the right side of the connecting body 64, the pusher 65 pushes the support member 51 with the applied force of a force-applying member (not shown). As a result, the support member 51 is clamped by the pusher 65 and the column 64a on the right side of the connecting body 64, thereby holding the first holding block 60 in a way that keeps it stationary relative to the support member 51.

[0081] A first pinching portion 66 is integrally formed on the pressing portion 65, and the first pinching portion 66 protrudes upward from the cover portion 64b via the opening 64d provided on the cover portion 64b. A second pinching portion 67 protruding upward is integrally formed on the cover portion 64b.

[0082] When the first holding block 60, which has the first gripping portion 66 and the second gripping portion 67 as described above, is moved relative to the support member 51 in the front-back direction, the first gripping portion 66 and the second gripping portion 67 are pinched with fingers, causing the first gripping portion 66 to move towards the second gripping portion 67 against the applied force of the force-applying member. As a result, the pushing portion 65 moves away from the support member 51, releasing the holding state of the first holding block 60 based on the stop holding portion, thus allowing the first holding block 60 to move smoothly relative to the support member 51 in the front-back direction.

[0083] Furthermore, after the first retaining block 60 is moved relative to the support member 51 to the desired position, the aforementioned stop retaining portion automatically functions by removing the fingers from the first pinching portion 66 and the second pinching portion 67, thereby holding the first retaining block 60 stationary in the stop position. Moreover, in this invention, the form of the stop retaining portion of the first retaining block 60 is not limited to this. For example, by screwing a bolt or screw into the left-side post portion 64a of the first connecting portion 61 and holding it there, and by clamping the support member 51 from the left and right directions through the tip of the bolt or screw and the right-side post portion 64a of the connecting portion body 64, the first retaining block 60 can also be held stationary in the stop position.

[0084] The first fabric holding portion 62 of the first holding block portion 60 has: a fabric holding portion 62a extending from the first connecting portion 61; a pressing portion 62b that can move up and down relative to the fabric holding portion 62a; an operating portion 62c provided at the upper end of the pressing portion 62b; and a generally L-shaped frame portion 62d supporting the pressing portion 62b.

[0085] The fabric mounting portion 62a is formed into a flat plate shape along the left-right direction from the first connecting portion 61. The upper surface of the fabric mounting portion 62a serves as the mounting surface for the fabric component and is formed into a flat surface orthogonal to the up-down direction.

[0086] The pressing part 62b includes: a cylindrical pressing shaft part 62e that is rotatably held in the frame part 62d; and a pressing plate part 62f integrally provided at the lower end of the pressing shaft part 62e. The pressing plate part 62f is formed into a thin circular plate shape. The lower end surface of the pressing plate part 62f opposite to the fabric mounting part 62a is formed into a flat surface parallel to the upper surface of the fabric mounting part 62a.

[0087] A threaded portion with threads and grooves is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a portion of the pressing shaft portion 62e, and a threaded portion corresponding to the threaded portion of the pressing shaft portion 62e is also formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole of the frame portion 62d through which the pressing shaft portion 62e passes. Therefore, by operating the operating portion 62c to rotate it, the pressing portion 62b can move up and down relative to the fabric mounting portion 62a in a manner of approaching / moving away. Furthermore, by lowering the pressing portion 62b while the fabric component 5 is mounted on the fabric mounting portion 62a, the fabric component 5 can be clamped and held between the fabric mounting portion 62a and the pressing plate portion 62f of the pressing portion 62b.

[0088] The operating part 62c is integrally provided on the upper end of the pressing part 62b, and is circular when viewed from above the first holding block part 60. By rotating the operating part 62c clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above the first holding block part 60 with a finger, the pressing part 62b can be moved up and down as described above. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the operating part 62c is provided with a concave-convex shape to facilitate rotation of the operating part 62c with a finger.

[0089] The frame portion 62d has: a frame column portion extending upward from the fabric placement portion 62a; and a frame extension portion extending in the left and right direction from the upper end of the frame column portion and capable of rotatably supporting the pressing portion 62b, which is approximately L-shaped when the first holding block portion 60 is viewed from the front or rear side.

[0090] Preferably, the first fabric holding portion 62 of the first holding block portion 60 is configured such that, for example, when holding the chain tooth member 10 and the fabric member 5 on the fixing member 50, it can press and hold the front end of the chain tooth mounting edge of the fabric member 5 or its vicinity.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first fabric holding portion 62, when the fixing member 50 is viewed from above, the pressing portion 62b is located within the area between the support member 51 and the first zipper holding portion 63 in the left-right direction. Moreover, when the fixing member 50 is viewed from above, the first fabric holding portion 62 is located at a position where the left-right distance between the pressing portion 62b and the first zipper holding portion 63 is smaller than the left-right distance between the pressing portion 62b and the support member 51. Furthermore, the position of the first fabric holding portion 62 can be changed according to the shape, size, and thickness of the fabric member 5, as well as the intended use of the product to be manufactured.

[0092] Furthermore, in this invention, the structure and means of holding the fabric component 5 using the first fabric holding part 62 are not particularly limited. For example, instead of providing the first fabric holding part 62 on the first holding block part 60, the following structures or means can be used as the fabric holding part to hold the fabric component 5 on the first holding block part 60: that is, clamping and holding the fabric component 5 by providing a component such as a clip on the first holding block part 60, holding the fabric component 5 on the first holding block part 60 by piercing the fabric component 5 with a needle or the like, or bonding the fabric component 5 to the first holding block part 60, etc.

[0093] The first zipper holding part 63 has a base part 63a mounted on the first fabric holding part 62 and a hook part 63b provided at the front end (top end) of the base part 63a. The base part 63a is fixed to the first fabric holding part 62 and extends rearward from the first fabric holding part 62 (in other words, towards the second zipper holding part 73). The hook part 63b is formed by bending upward from the top end of the base part 63a. In addition, a receiving groove 63c is provided at the upper end of the hook part 63b in a downward recessed manner to receive and hold the connecting member 12 of the zipper tooth member 10.

[0094] In the first zipper retaining part 63, for example, Figure 6 As shown, a hook portion 63b of the first zipper holding portion 63 is inserted between the first stop portion 21 and the first temporary zipper tooth 22 in the first zipper tooth member 10a, and the connecting member 12, which protrudes between the first stop portion 21 and the first temporary zipper tooth 22, is received in the receiving groove 63c of the hook portion 63b, thus hooking the first temporary zipper tooth 22 onto the first zipper holding portion 63. Therefore, the front end (one end) of the first zipper tooth member 10a can be held on the first zipper holding portion 63.

[0095] Furthermore, in this invention, the construction of the first zipper retaining portion 63 is not limited to this; the first zipper retaining portion may also be formed by other constructions or means, such as clips, capable of retaining one end of the first zipper tooth member 10a. Additionally, in this embodiment, the first fabric retaining portion 62 and the first zipper retaining portion 63 are integrally formed on the first retaining block portion 60; however, in this invention, the first fabric retaining portion 62 and the first zipper retaining portion 63 may also be formed from separate components.

[0096] The second retaining block portion 70 of this embodiment has: a second connecting portion 71 connected to the support member 51; a second fabric retaining portion 72 integrally formed on the second connecting portion 71; and a second zipper retaining portion 73 extending from the second fabric retaining portion 72 in the front-rear direction. The second connecting portion 71, the second fabric retaining portion 72, and the second zipper retaining portion 73 of the second retaining block portion 70 are formed with a shape and structure that are vertically symmetrical with respect to the first connecting portion 61, the first fabric retaining portion 62, and the first zipper retaining portion 63 of the first retaining block portion 60.

[0097] Next, I will explain how to use the sewing machine described above to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sewing method shown is to sew the first chain tooth component 10a on the left to the fabric component 5 and fix it in place.

[0098] First, prepare the first chain tooth component 10a, the fabric component 5 cut into the prescribed shape for the garment, and... Figure 3 Preparation work for the fixing component 50 shown. Furthermore, in Figure 3An example of fabric component 5 is shown in the figure, but the fabric component 5 with the chain teeth component 10 sewn on is not limited to this in the present invention. The shape, size, material, properties, etc. of the fabric component 5 are not particularly limited.

[0099] Next, a first installation operation is performed to install and hold the first chain tooth component 10a on the prepared fixing component 50. In this first installation operation, it is preferable to move the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 of the fixing component 50 to a position where the gap between the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 is shorter than the length (dimension in the front-rear direction) of the first chain tooth component 10a and support it on the support component 51.

[0100] As the first installation operation, firstly, one end (front end) of the first zipper tooth component 10a is hooked onto and held in the first zipper holding portion 63 of the first holding block portion 60 in the fixing member 50. At this time, the hook portion 63b of the first zipper holding portion 63 is inserted between the first stop portion 21 and the first temporary zipper tooth 22 in the first zipper tooth component 10a, and the connecting member 12 disposed between the first stop portion 21 and the first temporary zipper tooth 22 is inserted into the receiving groove 63c of the hook portion 63b and received. At the same time, the first temporary zipper tooth 22, which forms part of the first zipper tooth component 10a, is brought into contact with and hooked onto the hook portion 63b of the first zipper holding portion 63. As a result, the front end of the first zipper tooth component 10a can be easily fixed to and held in the first zipper holding portion 63 of the first holding block portion 60.

[0101] Additionally, the other end (rear end) of the first zipper tooth component 10a is hooked onto the second zipper retaining portion 73 of the second retaining block portion 70 in the fixing member 50 and held therein. At this time, the hook portion 63b of the second zipper retaining portion 73 is inserted between two adjacent insert-side guide teeth 15a in the front-rear direction in the first zipper tooth component 10a (for example, between the third insert-side guide tooth 15a, which is the third one arranged from the insert portion 14, and the fourth insert-side guide tooth 15a, which is the fourth one arranged from the insert portion 14), and the connecting member 12 disposed between these insert-side guide teeth 15a is inserted into the receiving groove 63c of the hook portion 63b and received therein. At this time, the aforementioned fourth insert-side guide tooth 15a, which forms part of the first zipper tooth component 10a, is brought into contact with and hooked onto the hook portion 63b of the second zipper retaining portion 73. Therefore, the rear end of the first zipper tooth member 10a can be easily fixed to and held in the second zipper retaining part 73 of the second retaining block part 70.

[0102] Furthermore, when the first zipper tooth component 10a is installed on the fixing member 50, and when the first zipper tooth component 10a is held in a state where it extends straight along the front-back direction of the fixing member 50 as described later, the first zipper tooth component 10a is held in the first retaining block portion 60 and the second retaining block portion 70 with each engaging head 13c of the zipper tooth 13 facing the opposite side of the side opposite to the support member 51 in the left-right direction.

[0103] Furthermore, in this first installation operation, it can be performed by holding the rear end of the first zipper tooth component 10a to the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50 and then holding the front end of the first zipper tooth component 10a to the first zipper holding portion 63 of the fixing member 50, or it can be performed by holding both the front end and the rear end of the first zipper tooth component 10a to the first zipper holding portion 63 and the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50 at the same time.

[0104] After holding the front and rear ends of the first zipper tooth member 10a to the first zipper holding portion 63 and the second zipper holding portion 73 of the fixing member 50 respectively, the holding state of the first holding block portion 60 and / or the second holding block portion 70 relative to the support member 51 based on the stop holding portion is released by moving the first gripping portion 66 of the first holding block portion 60 and / or the second holding block portion 70 toward the second gripping portion 67 with fingers. Furthermore, the first holding block portion 60 and / or the second holding block portion 70 are moved along the support member 51 in a manner that moves the first holding block portion 60 and the second holding block portion 70 away from each other. Thus, the first zipper tooth member 10a can be positioned between the first holding block portion 60 and the second holding block portion 70, for example... Figure 6 As shown, it is held in a state where it extends straight out along the front-back direction of the fixing member 50.

[0105] By performing the first installation operation as described above, the first zipper tooth component 10a can be easily and briefly installed and held in the first zipper holding part 63 and the second zipper holding part 73 of the fixing component 50 in a straight-line extension state.

[0106] After the first installation operation described above, a second installation operation is performed, in which the fabric component 5 is installed and held on the fixing member 50 that holds the first chain tooth component 10a. In this second installation operation, the pressing part 62b is raised by rotating the operating part 62c in each of the first fabric holding part 62 of the first holding block part 60 and the second fabric holding part 72 of the second holding block part 70, thereby forming a gap between the fabric placing part 62a and the pressing plate part 62f of the pressing part 62b, which allows the fabric component 5 to be inserted.

[0107] Next, the fabric component 5 is inserted into the gap formed in the first fabric holding portion 62 and the second fabric holding portion 72, and the fabric component 5 is placed on the fabric placement portion 62a of the first fabric holding portion 62 and the second fabric holding portion 72, and the position and orientation of the fabric component 5 are adjusted. At this time, the position and orientation of the fabric component 5 are adjusted such that the zipper tooth mounting edge of the fabric component 5 for mounting the first zipper tooth component 10a is along the straight first zipper tooth component 10a held by the fixing member 50, and in contact with the zipper tooth 13 of the first zipper tooth component 10a.

[0108] After adjusting the position and orientation of the fabric component 5, the pressing part 62b is lowered by rotating the operating part 62c of the first fabric holding part 62 and the second fabric holding part 72, thereby pressing the fabric component 5 toward the fabric mounting part 62a using the pressing plate part 62f of the pressing part 62b. As a result, the front end or vicinity of the zipper tooth mounting edge of the fabric component 5 is clamped and held by the first fabric holding part 62 of the first holding block part 60, and the rear end or vicinity of the zipper tooth mounting edge of the fabric component 5 is clamped and held by the second fabric holding part 72 of the second holding block part 70. Furthermore, at this time, the fabric component 5 is held in contact with the zipper tooth mounting edge of the fabric component 5 and the tooth body part 13a of all the zipper teeth 13 of the first zipper tooth component 10a.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the first installation operation of installing the first chain tooth component 10a onto the fixing component 50 and holding it is performed, the second installation operation of installing the fabric component 5 onto the fixing component 50 and holding it is performed. However, in this invention, the first installation operation of installing the first chain tooth component 10a may be performed after the second installation operation of installing the fabric component 5.

[0110] After performing the first and second installation operations and holding the first chain tooth member 10a and the fabric member 5 on the fixing member 50, the fixing member 50 is installed onto the sewing machine body 40 of the sewing machine. In this case, the first chain tooth member 10a and the fabric member 5 held on the fixing member 50 are placed onto the needle plate 42 of the sewing machine body 40. In addition, the fixing member 50 is aligned relative to the sewing machine body 40 by engaging the positioning layer difference portion 52 on the lower surface of the support member 51 provided in the fixing member 50 with a guide protrusion (not shown) provided on the needle plate 42.

[0111] Furthermore, the first chain tooth member 10a held in the fixing member 50, for example, Figure 7As shown, it meshes with at least one of the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47. In this case, the first chain tooth member 10a and the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47 mesh by inserting the teeth of the first feed gear 46 and the second feed gear 47 into the gap 25 provided in the first chain tooth member 10a. Thus, the fixing member 50 can be properly disposed on the sewing machine body 40.

[0112] Then, a sewing process is performed to sew the first chain tooth member 10a, which is held in place by the fixed member 50, and the fabric member 5 together. In this case, the coordinate data of the needle drop position can be preset on the sewing machine body 40 to make the needle drop, and the sewing process can be performed automatically using a program pre-loaded into the sewing machine body 40. Furthermore, in this invention, the needle drop position of the sewing machine and the stitch pattern formed during the sewing process are not particularly limited.

[0113] In this sewing process, the first conveying gear 46 and the second conveying gear 47 are rotated at a preset speed and time by a rotary drive unit (not shown), thereby moving the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5, which are held in the fixed component 50, as shown in the figure. Figure 7 As shown by arrow 80, it is automatically and intermittently or continuously fed towards the downstream side (front side in the forward and backward direction) of the sewing machine's feed direction.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 can be transported solely by the first transport gear 46 and the second transport gear 47, which rotate at the same speed, without using feed teeth. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to conventional sewing machines where transport is achieved solely by feed teeth, the transport speed and timing can be easily and precisely controlled, thereby ensuring stable transport of the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 under specified conditions.

[0115] In this embodiment, when conveying the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5, the positioning layer difference portion 52 provided on the support member 51 of the fixing member 50 engages with a guide protrusion (not shown) provided on the sewing machine body 40, allowing the fixing member 50 to be conveyed while being guided. Therefore, even without the operator's manual assistance, the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 held on the fixing member 50 can be conveyed stably and linearly forward. Alternatively, the operator can place their hands on the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 to assist in the conveying process.

[0116] In the main body 40 of the sewing machine, the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 are fed forward, and a needle (not shown) is oscillating in a cross direction relative to the feed direction of the sewing machine, while repeatedly reciprocating in the up-down direction, to perform a flat stitch on the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5. This allows a serrated sewing section (sewing thread) to be formed on the surface and back of the fabric component 5 using a sewing thread composed of an upper thread (needle thread) and a lower thread (spindle thread), and simultaneously, the first chain tooth component 10a is fixed to the chain tooth mounting edge of the fabric component 5 through this sewing section.

[0117] Furthermore, after the aforementioned sewing process is completed, the connecting member 12 of the first chain tooth member 10a is cut between the insert bar portion 14 and the insert bar side guide portion 15, thereby removing the insert bar side guide portion 15 from the first chain tooth member 10a. Additionally, the first temporary chain tooth 22 is removed from the first chain tooth member 10a by cutting the connecting member 12 between the first stop portion 21 and the first temporary chain tooth 22.

[0118] By performing the sewing process described above, even without the operator pressing down on and guiding the fabric component 5 and the first chain tooth component 10a by hand during the sewing process, the first chain tooth component 10a can be easily and stably sewn onto the fabric component 5. Thus, it is possible to stably manufacture fabric accessories (e.g., garment components) with the first chain tooth component 10a sewn onto the fabric component 5.

[0119] In particular, in this embodiment, the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5 can be easily mounted and held on the fixing component 50. Furthermore, sewing can be easily and smoothly performed on the first chain tooth component 10a and the fabric component 5, which are held in an appropriate positional relationship by the fixing component 50. Therefore, even if the fabric component 5 is soft or elastic, it is difficult for the fabric component 5 to stretch or contract during sewing, thus enabling automatic and stable sewing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fabric component 5 with the chain tooth component 10 from developing undesirable shapes such as wavy shapes, partially protruding shapes, or wrinkled shapes, thereby properly and securely sewing the chain tooth component 10 to the designated position on the fabric component 5.

[0120] Furthermore, by sewing the zipper tooth component 10 onto the fabric component 5 according to the sewing method of this embodiment, multiple fabric accessories of the same quality with well-processed sewn parts can be stably manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to achieve consistent quality of zippered garments.

[0121] Furthermore, in the sewing method of this embodiment, the fabric component 5 and the zipper tooth component 10 held on the fixing component 50 can be automatically transported by the first transport gear 46 and the second transport gear 47 of the sewing machine body 40. Therefore, even without the operator pressing and guiding the fabric component 5 during sewing as in the past, sewing can be performed smoothly. Thus, the zipper tooth component 10 can be sewn well onto the fabric component 5 regardless of the operator's skill and proficiency. As a result, the quality of zippered products such as clothing is less likely to deviate. In addition, the burden on the operator is significantly reduced, as well as the time and cost required for operator training.

[0122] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments in any way. Various modifications can be made as long as the structure is substantially the same as that of the present invention and achieves the same effect.

[0123] For example, in the above-described embodiments, it is explained that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first chain tooth component 10a on the left side is shown as being sewn onto the fabric component 5 and secured. However, in this embodiment, instead of holding the first chain tooth component 10a on the securing component 50, it is also possible to hold... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second chain tooth component 10b on the right side is shown and is sewn.

[0124] In this case, the second chain tooth component 10b is mounted on the fixing member 50 and held with its orientation opposite to that of the first chain tooth component 10a in the front-to-back direction. In addition, by performing a sewing process substantially the same as the sewing process described above on the second chain tooth component 10b held on the fixing member 50 and the fabric component 5, the second chain tooth component 10b can be easily and stably sewn onto the fabric component 5.

[0125] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described zippered products as zippered clothing, the zippered products of the present invention are not limited to clothing, but include various products such as shoes and bags, industrial materials, and various covers for automobiles, trains, and airplanes. Additionally, the material and shape of the fabric component to which the zipper teeth are sewn are not particularly limited. The application of the fabric component is not limited to fabric components used in clothing. By using the fastening component, sewing machine, and sewing method of the present invention, zipper teeth can be easily sewn onto fabric components used in products other than clothing, or onto fabric components such as zipper tapes for zippers.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 5. Fabric components

[0128] 10 Chain tooth components

[0129] 10a First chain tooth component

[0130] 10b Second chain tooth component

[0131] 11 Chain teeth

[0132] 12 Connecting components

[0133] 13 Zipper teeth

[0134] 13a Chain tooth body

[0135] 13b Chain tooth neck

[0136] 13c Engaging head

[0137] 13D shoulder

[0138] 14 Rod insertion part

[0139] 14a Insert rod body

[0140] 14b Insert fin section

[0141] 14c Hole

[0142] 15. Insertion rod side guide section

[0143] 15a Insert rod side guide chain teeth

[0144] 16 rods

[0145] 16a Main body of the seat rod

[0146] 16b finned section of the base

[0147] 16c Hole

[0148] 17. Side guide section of the seat rod

[0149] 17a Seat bar side guide chain teeth

[0150] 21 First stop code section

[0151] 22 Provisional Chain Teeth 1

[0152] 22a Provisional chain tooth body

[0153] 22b Protuberance

[0154] 23 Second Stop Code Section

[0155] 23a Second stop code main body

[0156] 23b Upper protrusion

[0157] 24 Provisional Chain Teeth No. 2

[0158] 25 gap

[0159] 40 Sewing machine body

[0160] 41 Sewing machine head

[0161] 42 needle plate section

[0162] 46 First conveyor gear

[0163] 47. Second conveyor gear

[0164] 50 Fixed components

[0165] 51 Support components

[0166] 52 Positioning layer difference

[0167] 60 First retaining block

[0168] 61 First connecting part

[0169] 62 First Fabric Holding Section

[0170] 62a Fabric holding section

[0171] 62b Pressing part

[0172] 62c Operation Section

[0173] 62d Frame Section

[0174] 62e Pressing shaft section

[0175] 62f Press Plate Section

[0176] 63 Zipper retainer part 1

[0177] 63a Base section

[0178] 63b Hook

[0179] 63c containment slot

[0180] 64 Connecting Part Main Body

[0181] 64a Column

[0182] 64b Cover

[0183] 64c through hole

[0184] 64d opening

[0185] 65 Pushing section

[0186] 66 First Pinch Section

[0187] 67 Part 2 of the Hand-Holding Technique

[0188] 70 Second retaining block

[0189] 71 Second connecting part

[0190] 72. Second Fabric Holding Section

[0191] 73 Second zipper retaining section

[0192] 80 Arrow.

Claims

1. A fixing component used in sewing processes where a zipper tooth component (10) with zipper teeth (13) mounted on a connecting component (12) is sewn onto a fabric component (5) using a sewing machine, the fixing component (50) being characterized in that, It has: a zipper retaining portion for retaining the zipper tooth component (10); a fabric retaining portion for retaining the fabric component (5); and a support component (51) for at least supporting the zipper retaining portion. The zipper retaining portion includes: a first zipper retaining portion (63) for retaining one end of the zipper tooth component (10); and a second zipper retaining portion (73) for retaining the other end of the zipper tooth component (10). The zipper retaining portion is configured to hold the zipper tooth component (10) in a straight line using the first zipper retaining portion (63) and the second zipper retaining portion (73). The fabric holding portion has a structure that holds at least a portion of the fabric component (5) along the zipper tooth component (10) which is held in a straight line in the zipper holding portion.

2. The fixing component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (51) has an elongated shape that extends in a straight line. At least one of the first zipper retainer (63) and the second zipper retainer (73) is mounted on the support member (51) in such a way that it can move along the length direction of the support member (51).

3. The fixing component as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first zipper retaining part (63) and the second zipper retaining part (73) has a structure for hooking one end or the other end of the zipper tooth component (10) with an auxiliary zipper tooth (15a, 17a, 22, 24).

4. The fixing component as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabric holding portion has: a first fabric holding portion (62) that holds one end or near the length of the chain tooth mounting edge of the fabric component (5) for mounting the chain tooth component (10); and a second fabric holding portion (72) that holds the other end or near the length of the chain tooth mounting edge.

5. The fixing component as described in claim 4, characterized in that, At least one of the first fabric holding part (62) and the second fabric holding part (72) has a structure that clamps and holds the fabric part (5) in the thickness direction of the fabric part (5).

6. The fixing component as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first retaining block (60) integrally provided with the first zipper retaining part (63) and the first fabric retaining part (62), and the second retaining block (70) integrally provided with the second zipper retaining part (73) and the second fabric retaining part (72) are supported on the support member (51).

7. The fixing component as described in claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first retaining block portion (60) and the second retaining block portion (70) is mounted on the support member (51) in a manner that allows it to move along the length direction of the support member (51), and has a stop retaining portion that maintains a stop position relative to the support member (51).

8. A sewing machine, characterized in that, It comprises: a fixing member (50) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; at least one conveying gear (46, 47) that engages with the zipper teeth (13) of the zipper tooth member (10) held on the fixing member (50); and a drive unit that rotates the conveying gear (46, 47).

9. A sewing method comprising sewing a zipper tooth component (10) with zipper teeth (13) mounted on a connecting component (12) to a fabric component (5) using a sewing machine, the sewing method being characterized in that it includes: Prepare a fixing member (50) having a zipper holding part, a fabric holding part and a support member (51), wherein the zipper holding part has a first zipper holding part (63) holding one end of the zipper tooth member (10) and a second zipper holding part (73) holding the other end of the zipper tooth member (10), the fabric holding part holding the fabric member (5), and the support member (51) supporting at least the zipper holding part; One end of the zipper tooth component (10) and the other end of the zipper tooth component (10) are held on the first zipper holding part (63) and the second zipper holding part (73) of the fixing part (50) and the zipper tooth component (10) is held in a straight line on the fixing part (50). The fabric component (5) is held by the fabric holding portion of the fixing member (50) in such a way that at least a portion of the fabric component (5) is held along the zipper tooth component (10) held by the zipper holding portion. The fixing member (50) holding the chain tooth component (10) and the fabric component (5) is set to the sewing machine, and the zipper teeth (13) of the chain tooth component (10) are engaged with the conveying gears (46, 47) of the sewing machine; as well as While the fixed part (50) is being transported by rotating the conveying gears (46, 47), a sewing process is performed to sew the chain tooth part (10) held in the fixed part (50) and the fabric part (5) together, thereby sewing the chain tooth part (10) onto the fabric part (5).

Images