Slider for slide fastener

Abstract

A slider for a slide fastener, which is provided so as to be slidable on a pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) extending in the front-rear direction, and which is provided with a first wing plate (110), a second wing plate (120), and a connecting post (130), the first wing plate (110) comprising: a partition part (113); and a first relief part (111) formed by recessing a facing surface (110a) facing the second wing plate (120), the first relief part (111) being provided at a position close to the center in the left-right direction of the facing surface (110a) and being disposed at least at the front end and the rear end of the first wing plate (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slider for a zipper. Background Art

[0002] As types of zippers, there are known: a normal type of zipper in which a row of teeth is usually installed so as to be visible on the outer side (front side) of a product; a reverse-mounted type of zipper in which the row of teeth is installed on the inner side (back side) of the product and is difficult to see; and a hidden type of zipper in which the side edges of the left and right zipper tapes are folded back into a U shape in the width direction and a row of teeth is installed on the folded-back tape portion, etc.

[0003] Reverse-mounted type or hidden type zippers have the advantage of not interfering with the design of a product due to their concealability, and are suitable for various products such as clothing, shoes, bags, or furniture. In recent years, they have also been used for seat covers for various seats in automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. An example of such a reverse-mounted type of zipper is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-56076 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the zipper described in Patent Document 1, a gap is formed between a pair of left and right zipper tapes. Therefore, when an external force in a direction to move the pair of left and right zipper tapes away from each other acts on the pair of left and right zipper tapes, the row of teeth may be easily visually recognized from the gap, resulting in a deterioration in design.

[0008] As a countermeasure, in addition to using a hidden type of zipper, the following method may also be considered: as Figure 2 shown, one end portion in the width direction of a pair of zipper tapes is formed to be slightly longer, and when the rows of teeth are engaged with each other, the one end portions in the width direction of the pair of zipper tapes are bent into an arc shape and brought into close contact with each other to maintain visibility.

[0009] In this case, the following problem may exist: since one end portion in the width direction of the zipper tape gets stuck inside the slider, the sliding resistance increases, and the slider cannot smoothly open and close the zipper. Therefore, even for a zipper that maintains visibility by bringing the one end portions in the width direction of the zipper tapes into close contact with each other, a slider for a zipper that can reduce the sliding resistance inside the slider and smoothly open and close is desired.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a slider for a zipper that can reduce the sliding resistance inside the slider and smoothly open and close even for a zipper that maintains visibility by bringing the zipper tapes into close contact with each other.

[0011] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following structure.

[0012] (1) A slider for a zipper, which is slidably provided on a pair of left and right zipper tapes 3 and 5 extending in the front-rear direction, can slide forward to engage the pair of left and right zipper tapes 3 and 5, and can slide backward to separate the pair of left and right zipper tapes 3 and 5. The slider for the zipper includes:

[0013] A first wing plate 110 and a second wing plate 120, which are arranged facing each other separately in the up-down direction orthogonal to the left-right direction in which the zipper tapes 3 and 5 are arranged side by side and the front-rear direction in which the zipper tapes 3 and 5 extend; and a connecting column 130, which connects the front ends of the first wing plate 110 and the second wing plate 120.

[0014] The first wing plate 110 includes:

[0015] A partition portion 113, which is provided behind the connecting column 130, protrudes from the first wing plate 110 toward the second wing plate 120, and extends in the front-rear direction; and

[0016] A first avoiding portion 111, which is respectively provided between the connecting column 130 and the partition portion 113 and the left and right edge portions of the first wing plate 110, and is formed by recessing the facing surface 110a facing the second wing plate 120.

[0017] The first avoiding portion 111 is provided near the central position in the left-right direction of the facing surface 110a, and is disposed at least at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the first wing plate 110.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, even for a zipper that maintains visibility by closely adhering the zipper tape, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance inside the slider and smoothly open and close the slider. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 is a top view of a zipper using the slider according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A main part cross-sectional view of the zipper shown, which is a view showing a state where the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth are engaged.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the slider.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the slider.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a side view showing the slider.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a top view showing the slider.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a bottom view showing the slider.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a Figure 5 F - F cross - sectional view of the lower wing plate.

[0028] Figure 9 It is a Figure 5 G - G cross - sectional view of the upper wing plate.

[0029] Figure 10 It is a Figure 7 H - H cross - sectional view of the chain tooth guiding path.

[0030] Figure 11 It is a Figure 1 A - A cross - sectional view showing the state inside the main body of the slider.

[0031] Figure 12 It is a Figure 1 B - B cross - sectional view showing the state inside the main body of the slider.

[0032] Figure 13 It is a Figure 1 C - C cross - sectional view showing the state inside the main body of the slider.

[0033] Figure 14 It is a Figure 1 D - D cross - sectional view showing the state inside the main body of the slider.

[0034] Figure 15 It is a Figure 1 E - E cross - sectional view showing the state inside the main body of the slider.

[0035] Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing the slider of the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 It is a side view showing the slider of the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 18 It is a Figure 17 I - I cross - sectional view of the upper wing plate.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals

[0039] 1 Zipper 3 First chain of zipper teeth

[0040] 5 Second chain of zipper teeth 10 First zipper tape

[0041] One end portion 11 of 10a in the width direction, back surface

[0042] 13, surface, 20, second zipper tape

[0043] One end portion 21 of 20a in the width direction, back surface

[0044] 23, surface, 31, chain teeth

[0045] 31a, engaging head, 31b, first leg portion

[0046] 31c, second leg portion (leg portion), 31d, connecting portion

[0047] 32, core cord, 33, sewing thread

[0048] 40, slider, 42, tab mounting portion

[0049] 43, tab, 50, first row of chain teeth

[0050] 60, second row of chain teeth, 100, main body of slider

[0051] 101, shoulder opening, 102, rear opening

[0052] 103, chain tooth guiding path, 110, upper wing plate (first wing plate)

[0053] 110a, facing surface, 111, first avoiding portion

[0054] 113, separating portion, 113a, front separating portion

[0055] 113b, rear separating portion, 120, lower wing plate (second wing plate)

[0056] 120a, facing surface, 121, protruding portion

[0057] 130, connecting post, 132, stepped portion

[0058] 135, supporting surface, 140a, flange portion

[0059] 140b, flange portion, 200, main body of slider

[0060] 210, upper wing plate, 211, first avoiding portion

[0061] 211a, front first avoiding portion, 211b, rear first avoiding portion

[0062] 212, inclined portion Detailed implementation manners

[0063] (First embodiment)

[0064] Hereinafter, based on the drawings, the zipper using the slider according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0065] In addition, in this specification, regarding the slider, the "front-back direction" refers to the sliding direction of the slider, which is the longitudinal direction of the zipper. In particular, the direction in which the slider slides to engage the left and right rows of teeth is set as the "front", and the direction in which the slider slides to separate the left and right rows of teeth is set as the "rear".

[0066] In addition, the "left-right direction" refers to the direction in which a pair of rows of teeth are arranged side by side, which is a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the slider, and can also be referred to as the width direction of the zipper in other words.

[0067] Furthermore, the "up-down direction" refers to a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the slider or the zipper tape, or the height direction of the row of teeth in other words. The "up-down direction" can also be referred to as the "front-back direction" in other words.

[0068] (Structure of Zipper 1)

[0069] Figure 1 is a top view of the zipper using the slider according to the present invention. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a main part cross-sectional view of the zipper shown, and is a view showing a state in which the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth are engaged.

[0070] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the zipper 1 includes: a pair of left and right zipper tooth tapes 3, 5; and a slider 40 that opens and closes the pair of left and right zipper tooth tapes 3, 5.

[0071] The pair of left and right zipper tooth tapes 3, 5 include: a pair of left and right first zipper tapes 10 and second zipper tapes 20, which are in a long strip shape and respectively have a back surface 11, 21 and a front surface 13, 23; a first row of teeth 50 provided at the back surface 11 of one end portion 10a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10; and a second row of teeth 60 provided at the back surface 21 of one end portion 20a in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20.

[0072] The first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are woven fabrics or knitted fabrics formed of polyester threads or the like and have excellent flexibility. In addition, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 may also be non-woven fabrics.

[0073] The slider 40 engages or separates the pair of left and right first rows of teeth 50 and second rows of teeth 60. The slider 40 includes: a slider main body portion 100; a tab mounting portion 42 provided on the front surface of the slider main body portion 100; and a tab 43 mounted on the tab mounting portion 42.

[0074] AsFigure 2 As shown, by moving the slider 40 forward (above the drawing), the pair of left and right first row of teeth 50 and second row of teeth 60 are engaged. On the other hand, by moving the slider 40 backward (below the drawing), the pair of left and right first row of teeth 50 and second row of teeth 60 are separated. In addition, the zipper 1 may also have an upper stop or a lower stop (not shown). Alternatively, an opening member having a seat bar and a socket body may be provided instead of the lower stop.

[0075] The first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 are spiral zipper rows of teeth formed by winding a synthetic resin monofilament in a fixed direction, and have a plurality of teeth 31.

[0076] The first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 have a core cord 32 inserted inside the plurality of teeth 31 and are sewn to the back surface 11 of one end portion 10a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the back surface 21 of one end portion 20a in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20 by a sewing thread 33 performing double chain stitch. In addition, as the synthetic resin material of the monofilament, for example, there are polyester and nylon.

[0077] The tooth 31 includes: a first leg portion 31b that extends from the front side end portion of the engaging head portion 31a that engages with / separates from the opposing tooth 31 to the other end side in the width direction and contacts the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20; a second leg portion 31c that extends from the back side end portion of the engaging head portion 31a to the other end side in the width direction and does not contact the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20; and a connecting portion 31d that connects the outer end portion in the width direction of the first leg portion 31b and the other end portion in the width direction of the second leg portion 31c of the adjacent tooth 31.

[0078] Therefore, the first leg portion 31b and the second leg portion 31c are formed so as to protrude from the engaging head portion 31a and extend in parallel.

[0079] Figure 2 The engagement center O of the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 is shown. This engagement center O is the center position when the teeth 31, 31 engage with each other and coincides with the center in the width direction of the zipper 1.

[0080] In a state where the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 are separated, one end surface 10b in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 extends more toward the second zipper tape 20 side (one end side in the width direction) than the position of the engagement center O of the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60. Similarly, one end surface 20b in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20 extends more toward the first zipper tape 10 side (one end side in the width direction) than the position of the engagement center O.

[0081] That is, as Figure 2As shown, when the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 overlap with the engagement center O.

[0082] Thus, in the state where the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 (the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60) are separated as shown in the upper part, the slider 40 is moved forward (upward in the drawing), whereby the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged as shown. Figure 1 At this time, one end portion 10a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and one end portion 20a in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction and deformed, and are bent into an arc shape protruding on the front side and are in close contact with each other. Figure 2 According to this structure, when the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged with each other, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are in close contact with each other. Therefore, like the conventional reverse-mounted zipper, no gap (so-called interval) is formed between the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20. Therefore, when the user observes the zipper 1 from the front side, the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 cannot be visually recognized, so the appearance is excellent. Such a zipper 1 is particularly suitable for aesthetic resin-formed articles such as automobile seats, suitcases, and furniture.

[0083] In addition, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are bent into an arc shape and are in close contact with each other. Therefore, even when a force in the direction of separating each other (so-called cross-pull) is applied to the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20, within the range where the engagement gaps between the chain teeth 31, 31 are offset, only the degree of bending is slightly reduced and the close contact state between them is maintained. Therefore, even when a cross-pull is applied to the zipper 1, the good appearance of the zipper 1 can be maintained.

[0084] Furthermore, by performing waterproof processing on the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20, it is possible to efficiently prevent moisture from penetrating from the surface of the zipper 1 to the back surface when the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged, so the waterproof performance is also excellent.

[0085] In addition, as shown, when the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged with each other, the back surfaces 11, 21 of one end surface 10b in the width direction and one end surface 20b in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are separated from the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 (chain teeth 31) in the front-back direction, and the first space T1 and the second space T2 are respectively enclosed between them.

[0086] In addition, as shown Figure 2 when the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged with each other, the back surfaces 11, 21 of one end surface 10b in the width direction and one end surface 20b in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are separated from the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 (chain teeth 31) in the front-back direction, and the first space T1 and the second space T2 are respectively enclosed between them.

[0087] Due to the provision of the first space T1 and the second space T2, when the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 are combined by the slider 40, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 can be easily bent. In addition, the larger the first space T1 and the second space T2 are, the larger the area where the surfaces 13 and 23 of the one end portion 10a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the one end portion 20a in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20 are pressed against each other, and the generation of a gap between the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 can be suppressed. Thereby, the appearance is more excellent and the waterproof property is also improved.

[0088] According to the above-described zipper 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward to engage the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60, the one end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20, which are formed longer than usual, may get stuck inside the main body portion 100 of the slider, resulting in an increase in the sliding resistance.

[0089] Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of the slider 40 that can reduce the sliding resistance even for the zipper 1 that bends the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to improve the waterproof property or the aesthetic property will be described.

[0090] (Structure of the slider 40)

[0091] Hereinafter, based on Figures 3 to 10 , the specific structure of the first embodiment of the main body portion 100 of the slider 40 will be described. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the slider. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the slider. Figure 5 It is a side view showing the slider.

[0092] Figure 6 It is a top view showing the slider. Figure 7 It is a bottom view showing the slider. Figure 8 It is of the lower wing plate Figure 5 F - F cross-sectional view. Figure 9 It is of the upper wing plate Figure 5 G - G cross-sectional view. Figure 10 It is of the tooth guide path Figure 7 H - H cross-sectional view.

[0093] The main body portion 100 of the slider includes: an upper wing plate 110 and a lower wing plate 120, which are arranged facing each other separately in the vertical direction; a connecting post 130 in the vertical direction, which connects the upper wing plate 110 and the lower wing plate 120 at the front end; a flange portion 140a, which protrudes downward along the left and right side edges in the width direction of the upper wing plate 110; and a flange portion 140b, which protrudes upward along the left and right side edges in the width direction of the lower wing plate 120.

[0094] Accordingly, left and right shoulder openings 101 separated by the connecting post 130 are formed at the front of the slider main body 100, and a rear opening 102 is formed at the rear of the slider main body 100. In addition, a substantially Y-shaped tooth guide path 103 that connects the left and right shoulder openings 101 and the rear opening 102 is formed between the upper wing plate 110 and the lower wing plate 120, and the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 are inserted into the tooth guide path 103. The slider main body 100 is formed of metal or synthetic resin.

[0095] On the upper wing plate 110, a front-rear direction dividing portion 113 that is inserted between one end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20, and a first avoidance portion 111 that forms a space for the one end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to retreat are formed on the facing surface (the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110) facing the lower wing plate 120.

[0096] Second avoidance portions 131 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the upper part of the connecting post 130, and the second avoidance portions 131 are used to form a space for the one end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to retreat.

[0097] Supporting surfaces 135 for maintaining the posture of the teeth 31 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the lower part of the connecting post 130.

[0098] On the lower wing plate 120, a protruding portion 121 that supports the second leg portion 31c of each tooth 31 engaged in the tooth guide path 103 is formed on the facing surface (the facing surface 120a of the lower wing plate 120) facing the upper wing plate 110.

[0099] Hereinafter, the structures of the dividing portion 113, the first avoidance portion 111, the second avoidance portion 131, the supporting surface 135, and the protruding portion 121 will be specifically described.

[0100] The dividing portion 113 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction on the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110, and is a protruding piece that protrudes downward from the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110 toward the facing surface 120a of the lower wing plate 120. The dividing portion 113 is formed in a thin plate shape extending in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting post 130 to the rear end portion (rear opening 102) of the upper wing plate 110.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the dividing portion 113 includes a dividing front portion 113a that is formed from the front end to the middle portion in the front-rear direction, and a dividing rear portion 113b that extends from the rear end of the dividing front portion 113a to the rear end portion of the upper wing plate 110 and has a smaller protruding amount downward than the dividing front portion 113a. This structure can be referred to Figure 4 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 etc.

[0102] The downward protrusion amount of the front separating portion 113a is slightly larger than that of the flange portion 140a of the upper wing plate 110. Therefore, the lower end portion of the front separating portion 113a is arranged in such a manner as to be slightly closer to the lower wing plate 120 than the lower end portion of the flange portion 140a of the upper wing plate 110. This structure can be referred to Figure 5 .

[0103] On the other hand, the downward protrusion amount of the rear separating portion 113b is smaller than that of the flange portion 140a of the upper wing plate 110. Therefore, the lower end portion of the rear separating portion 113b is arranged in such a manner as to be closer to the upper wing plate 110 than the lower end portion of the flange portion 140a of the upper wing plate 110.

[0104] In addition, the lower end portion of the separating portion 113 has a smooth R shape. This structure can be referred to Figure 7 .

[0105] In addition, in Figure 9 the illustrated example, the front separating portion 113a is formed slightly longer in the front-rear direction than the rear separating portion 113b.

[0106] Furthermore, the separating portion 113 may be formed in such a manner that the protrusion amount toward the lower wing plate 120 side gradually decreases as it goes toward the rear direction, and is not limited to the illustrated structure.

[0107] According to this structure, by making the downward protrusion amount of the rear separating portion 113b smaller than that of the front separating portion 113a, even when an opening member (not shown) or the like is provided on the zipper 1, a space for accommodating the opening member or the like in the rear portion of the tooth guide path 103 can be ensured. That is, regardless of the presence or absence of the opening member, the separating portion 113 can be provided on the main body portion 100 of the slider.

[0108] The first avoiding portion 111 is a groove portion extending along the front-rear direction formed by concaving the inner side in the left-right direction of the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110. A pair of left and right first avoiding portions 111 are provided adjacent to the left and right outer sides of the connecting column 130 and the separating portion 113, and extend along the front-rear direction from the front end (shoulder opening 101) to the rear end (rear opening 102) of the upper wing plate 110. Thus, the thickness of the portion of the upper wing plate 110 where the first avoiding groove 111 is formed is thinner than that of other portions.

[0109] In other words, the first avoiding portion 111 formed on the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110 is provided near the connecting column 130 or the separating portion 113 between the flange portion 140a provided at the left and right edge portions of the upper wing plate 110 and the connecting column 130 and the separating portion 113 provided at the left and right central positions of the upper wing plate 110.

[0110] In addition, the first avoiding portion 111 is formed by bending respectively along the flange portion 140a of the upper wing plate 110 toward the front and toward the left and right outer sides. In other words, the pair of left and right first avoiding portions 111 are formed by bending from the rear opening 102 toward the shoulder opening 101 in a direction away from each other. This structure can be referred to Figure 9 . In addition, regarding the width of the first avoiding portion 111, the width of the shoulder opening 101 is larger than the width of the rear opening 102.

[0111] According to this structure, the first avoiding portion 111 is a space for avoiding the end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 on the left and right inner sides above the chain tooth guiding path 103 in such a manner that they do not come into strong contact with the upper wing plate 110 within the main body portion 100 of the slider. This structure can be referred to Figure 9 , Figures 12 to 15 .

[0112] The width of the first avoiding portion 111 is formed such that the width at the shoulder opening 101 is larger than the width at the rear opening 102. Therefore, it is difficult for the end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the unmeshed chevron-shaped first zipper tape 10 and second zipper tape 20 to interfere with the shoulder opening 101 and the connecting post 130.

[0113] In addition, by forming the first avoiding portion 111 from the front end of the upper wing plate 110, it is possible to support (guide) the end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the chevron-shaped first zipper tape 10 and second zipper tape 20 to smoothly enter the shoulder opening 101 of the slider 40.

[0114] Similarly, since the first avoiding portion 111 extends to the rear end of the upper wing plate 110, it is possible to support (guide) the end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the closely attached chevron-shaped first zipper tape 10 and second zipper tape 20 to smoothly leave from the rear opening 102.

[0115] The second avoiding portion 131 is formed by cutting out the upper side of the rear portion of the connecting post 130 having a rectangular cross section (elliptical shape) that is long in the front-rear direction toward the rear and toward the left and right inner sides.

[0116] By forming a pair of left and right second avoiding portions 131 in the connecting post 130, the upper side of the rear portion of the connecting post 130 has an acute chevron shape or V shape. In addition, a stepped portion 132 is formed at the middle portion in the up-down direction of the upper side of the rear portion of the connecting post 130, and the stepped portion 132 extends in the front-rear direction along the lower end side of the pair of second avoiding portions 131. This structure can be referred to Figure 8 .

[0117] Through the stepped portion 132, a plane extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting column 130 is formed at a middle portion in the vertical direction at the rear of the connecting column 130. The plane forming the stepped portion 132 contacts the end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20, and thus also functions as a guiding surface for guiding the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to be smoothly bent into a mountain shape.

[0118] It is desirable that the vertical position of the stepped portion 132 in the connecting column 130 is formed within the range of 30% to 70% from the lower end of the connecting column 130. In other words, the vertical position of the stepped portion 132 is formed to be about half of the vertical height position of the engaging teeth 31 guided by the engaging tooth guiding path 103.

[0119] According to this structure, the end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are likely to contact the stepped portion 132. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 from entering and being caught between the engaging head portion 31a of the engaging teeth 31 and the connecting column 130.

[0120] In addition, in the illustrated example, the guiding surface of the stepped portion 132 faces the outer sides in the left and right directions and is slightly inclined toward the lower wing plate 120 side. However, depending on the material of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 or the length of the end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction, etc., it may also face the outer sides in the left and right directions and be inclined toward the upper wing plate 110 so that the end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are smoothly bent, or it may be formed parallel to the upper wing plate 110 and the lower wing plate 120.

[0121] According to this structure, since the second avoiding portion 131 is formed by trimming the upper side of the rear portion of the connecting column 130, the second avoiding portion 131 is easy to process and has a low cost.

[0122] The supporting surface 135 is a curved surface provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower portion of the connecting column 130 and extending in the front-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of the connecting column 130. The supporting surface 135 is formed in such a manner that it is bent along the back side end portion of the engaging head portion 31a of the engaging teeth 31, thereby supporting the left and right inner sides of the engaging teeth 31 guided from the shoulder opening 101 to the engaging tooth guiding path 103.

[0123] Within the slider guide path 103, as the slider 31 moves from the shoulder opening 101 towards the rear, the engaging head 31a inclines towards the lower wing plate 120 side. As a result, one end portion 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first slider tape 10 and the second slider tape 20 may be caught between the slider 31 and the connecting post 130. Consequently, there is a situation where the first slider tape 10 and the second slider tape 20 overlap within the slider guide path 103, causing a sharp increase in the sliding resistance of the slider 40.

[0124] Regarding this problem, during the period until the first slider row 50 and the second slider row 60 are engaged by the support surface 135 formed on the connecting post 130, by supporting the slider 31 to maintain the posture of the slider 31, it is possible to efficiently prevent the situation where the sliding resistance of the slider 40 increases. This structure can be referred to the following Figure 15 etc.

[0125] The protrusion 121 is formed by extending from the rear end of the connecting post 130 along the front-rear direction to the rear opening 102 at the center in the left-right direction of the facing surface 120a of the lower wing plate 120 and protruding from the facing surface 120a of the lower wing plate 120 towards the upper wing plate 110.

[0126] The protrusion 121 is a guide surface for placing the second leg portion 31c of the slider 31 after the sliders 31 constituting the first slider row 50 and the second slider row 60 are engaged by the slider main body 100. The left-right width of the protrusion 121 is formed such that it has substantially the same left-right width as the connecting post 130 directly behind the connecting post 130, and gradually decreases in left-right width as it approaches the rear opening 102 at the rear. This structure can be referred to Figure 8 。

[0127] (Function and effect)

[0128] Next, based on Figure 1 、 Figures 11 to 15 the opening and closing operations of the first slider row 50 and the second slider row 60 performed by the slider main body 100 will be described. Figure 11 is an A-A cross-sectional view of Figure 1 showing the state inside the slider main body. Figure 12 is a B-B cross-sectional view of Figure 1 showing the state inside the slider main body. Figure 13 is a C-C cross-sectional view of Figure 1 showing the state inside the slider main body. Figure 14 is a D-D cross-sectional view of Figure 1 showing the state inside the slider main body. Figure 15 is an E-E cross-sectional view of Figure 1 showing the state inside the slider main body.

[0129] When the slider 40 slides forward along the zipper 1 for closing operation, the main body portion 100 of the slider can engage the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 that are separated left and right.

[0130] Specifically described, when the slider 40 performs a closing operation, first, the first row of teeth 50 is guided from one shoulder 101 to the tooth guiding path 103, and the second row of teeth 60 is guided from the other shoulder 101 to the tooth guiding path 103.

[0131] At this time, since the first avoidance portion 111 is formed on the upper wing plate 110, the tooth guiding path 103 has a space for the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to retreat toward the upper wing plate 110 side. Therefore, even when the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to which the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 are sewn are formed longer than usual and bent into a mountain shape (U shape), the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 will not get stuck, but are smoothly guided from the shoulder 101 to the tooth guiding path 103. This structure can be referred to Figure 11 .

[0132] In addition, since the first avoidance portion 111 extends from the front end to the rear end of the upper wing plate 110, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are less likely to contact the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110, so the sliding of the slider 40 becomes smooth. This structure can be referred to Figures 11 to 15 .

[0133] Next, the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 guided from the shoulder 101 to the tooth guiding path 103 are guided in such a way that they gradually approach each other in the left - right direction as they move rearward. By guiding the first row of teeth 50 and the second row of teeth 60 to the location where the Y - shaped tooth guiding path 103 converges (the rear end of the connecting post 130), the teeth 31 of each other can be engaged.

[0134] At this time, since the second avoidance portion 131 is formed on the connecting post 130, the tooth guiding path 103 has a space for the one - end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 to retreat toward the inner side (the connecting post 130) in the left - right direction where they face each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the one - end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 from strongly contacting the upper wing plate 110 or the connecting post 130 and increasing the sliding resistance. This structure can be referred to Figure 12 and Figure 15 .

[0135] Next, the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 are engaged behind the connecting post 130 of the chain tooth guiding path 103. Therefore, one end portion 10a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and one end portion 20a in the width direction of the second zipper tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction and deformed, being bent into an arc shape protruding on the front side.

[0136] At this time, the partitioning portion 113 provided on the upper wing plate 110 is inserted between the one end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 in a sandwiching manner. Therefore, the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 can be reliably bent. Thus, it is possible to efficiently and reliably prevent a situation where the one end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 overlap each other in the up-down direction without being bent, resulting in a sharp increase in sliding resistance. This structure can be referred to Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0137] In addition, behind the connecting post 130 of the chain tooth guiding path 103, the chain teeth 31 engaged through the main body portion 100 of the slider can be brought closer to the opposing surface of the upper wing plate 110 by the protruding portion 121 provided on the opposing surface 120a of the lower wing plate 120. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 from overlapping and entering the gap formed between the lower end of the partitioning portion 113 and the first leg portion 31b of the engaged chain teeth 31. That is, the partitioning portion 113 can be inserted between the one end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 more reliably, and the one end portions 10a and 20a in the width direction of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 can be smoothly bent. This structure can be referred to Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0138] Furthermore, when the slider 40 slides backward along the zipper 1 for an opening operation, the main body portion 100 of the slider can change the engaged state of the first chain tooth row 50 and the second chain tooth row 60 to a state of being separated left and right. That is, through the main body portion 100 of the slider, the opening and closing states of the pair of left and right zipper tooth chains 3 and 5 can be switched. This structure can be referred to Figure 1 .

[0139] Thus, even for a zipper 1 in which the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 are formed to be long, the slider 40 can be smoothly opened and closed.

[0140] (Second Embodiment)

[0141] Next, based on Figures 16 to 18 the differences from the above example in the structure of the main body portion 200 of the slider in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the slider of the second embodiment.Figure 17 It is a side view showing the slider of the second embodiment. Figure 18 It shows the upper wing plate Figure 17 I-I sectional view of

[0142] The main body part 200 of the slider includes an upper wing plate 210, a lower wing plate 120, a connecting column 130, and flange parts 140a, 140b.

[0143] On the facing surface of the upper wing plate 210, there are formed: a partitioning part 113 that extends rearward from the connecting column 130 along the front-rear direction; and a first avoiding part 211 that is formed on the left and right outer sides of the partitioning part 113.

[0144] The first avoiding part 211 includes: a pair of first avoiding front parts 211a that are provided at the shoulder openings 101; and a pair of first avoiding rear parts 211b that are arranged along the partitioning part.

[0145] The first avoiding front part 211a is a groove part formed by notching the front end edge of the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110 in an arc shape at the left and right pair of shoulder openings 101 respectively. The first avoiding rear part 211b is arranged on the left and right sides of the connecting column 130 with some space therebetween. This structure can be referred to Figure 18 .

[0146] The first avoiding rear part 211b is a groove part formed by recessing the facing surface 210a of the upper wing plate 210 along the partitioning part 113 in the front-rear direction, and is arranged adjacent to the left and right sides of the partitioning part 113. Specifically, the first avoiding rear part 211b extends from the rear end of the connecting column 130 along the front-rear direction to the rear end of the partitioning part 113.

[0147] The left and right inner sides of the first avoiding rear part 211b are erected in the up-down direction along the partitioning part 113 and the rear end part of the connecting column 130. On the other hand, the left and right outer sides are connected to the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110 via inclined parts 212. This structure can be referred to Figure 18 .

[0148] According to this structure, when the first zipper chain tape 3 and the second zipper chain tape 5 in the left and right separated states are guided to the shoulder openings 101 of the main body part 100 of the slider, the first avoiding front part 211a can prevent the width direction end parts 10a, 20a of the first zipper tapes 10, 20 from contacting the upper wing plate 110 and deforming or generating sliding resistance.

[0149] In addition, through the first avoiding rear part 211b, it is difficult for the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 in the main body part 100 of the slider to contact the facing surface 210a of the upper wing plate 210, so the sliding of the slider 40 becomes smooth.

[0150] In addition, different from the first embodiment, the first avoidance portion 211 extending in the front-rear direction is not formed on the entire facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110. Instead, by dividing it into a first front avoidance portion 211a and a first rear avoidance portion 211b, the processing of the first avoidance portion 211 becomes easier.

[0151] In addition, some space is provided between the left and right sides of the connecting post 130 and the first front avoidance portion 211a. As a result, the width-direction end portions 10a, 20a of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 come into contact with the wall portion of the groove-shaped first front avoidance portion 211a, supporting the formation of a mountain shape. The mountain-shaped portions of the width-direction end portions 10a, 20a of the first zipper tape 10 and the second zipper tape 20 formed in a mountain shape are smoothly received in the first front avoidance portion 211a.

[0152] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0153] (1) A slider for a zipper, which is slidably provided on a pair of left and right zipper chains 3, 5 extending in the front-rear direction, can slide forward to engage the pair of left and right zipper chains 3, 5, and can slide backward to separate the pair of left and right zipper chains 3, 5. The slider for a zipper includes:

[0154] A first wing plate 110 and a second wing plate 120, which are arranged facing each other separately in the up-down direction orthogonal to the left-right direction in which the zipper chains 3, 5 are arranged side by side and the front-rear direction in which the zipper chains 3, 5 extend; and a connecting post 130 that connects the first wing plate 110 and the second wing plate 120 at the front end.

[0155] The first wing plate 110 includes:

[0156] A partition portion 113, which is provided behind the connecting post 130, protrudes from the first wing plate 110 toward the second wing plate 120, and extends in the front-rear direction; and

[0157] A first avoidance portion 111, which is respectively provided between the connecting post 130 and the partition portion 113 and the left and right edge portions of the first wing plate 110, and is formed by recessing the facing surface 110a facing the second wing plate 120.

[0158] The first avoidance portion 111 is provided near the center position in the left-right direction of the facing surface 110a, and is disposed at least at the front end and the rear end of the first wing plate 110.

[0159] According to this structure, a space can be formed at the shoulder opening 101 and the rear opening 102 of the slider 40 to prevent the widthwise end portions 10a and 20a of the left and right zipper tapes 10 and 20 from getting stuck. Therefore, an increase in the sliding resistance of the slider 40 can be prevented, and the slider 40 can be smoothly opened and closed.

[0160] (2) In the slider for a zipper according to (1) above, the partition portion 113 extends from the rear end portion of the connecting post 130 to the rear end portion of the first wing plate 110.

[0161] According to this structure, the partition portion 113 is inserted between the left and right zipper tapes 10 and 20 behind the connecting post. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the left and right zipper tapes 10 and 20 from overlapping in the vertical direction within the slider 40 and increasing the sliding resistance.

[0162] (3) In the slider for a zipper according to (1) or (2) above, a second relief portion 131 is formed on the rear side surface of the connecting post 130 near the first wing plate 110 by being cut out rearward and inward in the left and right directions.

[0163] According to this structure, a space can be formed at the rear portion of the connecting post for the widthwise end portions of the left and right zipper tapes to retreat. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the left and right zipper tapes from getting stuck within the slider and increasing the sliding resistance.

[0164] (4) In the slider for a zipper according to (3) above, a stepped portion 132 is formed at the mid-portion of the connecting post 130 in the vertical direction, and the stepped portion 132 extends in the front-rear direction along the lower end of the second relief portion 131.

[0165] According to this structure, the stepped portion 132 functions as a guiding surface for smoothly bending the left and right zipper tapes 10 and 20 into a mountain shape.

[0166] (5) In the slider for a zipper according to any one of (1) to (4) above, a support surface 135 is formed at the boundary edge portion between the left and right side surfaces of the connecting post 130 and the second wing plate 120, and the support surface 135 supports the chain teeth 31 constituting the zipper chain tape 3 and 5.

[0167] According to this structure, the attitude of the chain teeth 31 within the slider 40 can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent a situation where, along with the inclination of the chain teeth 31 within the slider 40, the zipper tapes 10 and 20 are caught between the chain teeth 31 and the connecting post 130, resulting in an increase in the sliding resistance of the slider 40.

[0168] (6) In the slider for a zipper according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the partition portion 113 includes: a front partition portion 113a; and a rear partition portion 113b, the amount of protrusion of which toward the second wing plate 120 is smaller than that of the front partition portion 113a.

[0169] According to this structure, even when the slider is provided with an opening member (not shown) or the like, a space for accommodating the opening member or the like within the slider 40 can be ensured.

[0170] (7) In the slider for a zipper according to any one of (1) to (6), the width of the first avoiding portion 111 at the front end of the first wing plate 110 is larger than the width at the rear end of the first wing plate 110.

[0171] According to this structure, the width of the shoulder opening 101 of the slider 40 can be made larger, so that even when the one end portions 10a, 20a in the width direction of the left and right zipper tapes 10, 20 are long, it is possible to prevent jamming at the shoulder opening 101.

[0172] (8) In the slider for a zipper according to any one of (1) to (7), the first avoiding portion 111 extends from the front end to the rear end of the first wing plate 110.

[0173] According to this structure, the left and right zipper tapes 10, 20 are less likely to come into contact with the facing surface 110a of the upper wing plate 110 within the slider 40, so that the sliding of the slider 40 becomes smooth.

[0174] (9) In the slider for a zipper according to any one of (1) to (8), the second wing plate 120 has a protruding portion 121 which extends rearward from the rear end of the connecting post 130 at the center in the left - right direction of the facing surface 120a facing the first wing plate 110, and serves as a guiding surface for guiding the leg portion 31c of the chain teeth 31.

[0175] According to this structure, the attitude of the chain teeth 31 passing through the slider 40 can be stabilized. In addition, by appropriately maintaining the gap formed between the partition portion 113 and the chain teeth 31, it is possible to prevent the pair of zipper tapes 10, 20 from overlapping each other within this gap.

Claims

1. A zipper slider, which is freely slidably arranged on a pair of left and right zipper chain tapes (3, 5) extending in the front-back direction, can slide forward to mesh the left and right zipper chain tapes (3, 5), and can slide backward to separate the left and right zipper chain tapes (3, 5), the zipper slider being characterized by comprising: A first wing plate (110) and a second wing plate (120) are arranged to face each other in a left-right direction parallel to the zipper chain tapes (3, 5) and in a top-bottom direction orthogonal to the front-back direction in which the zipper chain tapes (3, 5) extend; and a connecting column (130) connecting the first wing plate (110) and the second wing plate (120) at the front end. The first wing plate (110) comprises: a partition (113) disposed behind the connecting column (130), protruding from the first wing plate (110) toward the second wing plate (120), and extending along the front-rear direction; and a first avoidance portion (111), which is respectively disposed between the connecting column (130) and the partition portion (113) and the left and right edges of the first wing plate (110), and is formed by making the facing surface (110a) facing the second wing plate (120) concave, The first avoidance portion (111) is arranged close to the central position of the facing surface (110a) in the left-right direction, and is configured at least at the front end and the rear end of the first wing plate (110).

2. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (113) extends from a rear end portion of the connecting column (130) to a rear end portion of the first wing panel (110).

3. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second escape portion (131) is formed on a rear side surface of the connection column (130) close to the first wing plate (110) by cutting out toward the rear and toward the left and right inner sides.

4. The zipper slider according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection column (130) is formed with a step portion (132) at a midway portion in the up-down direction, and the step portion (132) extends in the front-back direction along the lower end of the second escape portion (131).

5. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support surface (135) is formed on the boundary edge portions of the left and right sides of the connecting column (130) and the second wing plate (120), and the support surface (135) supports the fastener elements (31) constituting the fastener stringers (3, 5).

6. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition portion (113) includes: a partition front portion (113a); and a partition rear portion (113b) whose protrusion amount toward the second wing plate (120) is smaller than that of the partition front portion (113a).

7. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the first avoidance portion (111) at the front end of the first wing plate (110) is greater than the width at the rear end of the first wing plate (110).

8. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first avoidance portion (111) extends from the front end to the rear end of the first wing plate (110).

9. The zipper slider according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second wing plate (120) has a protrusion (121) which extends backward from the rear end of the connecting column (130) at the left-right center of the facing surface (120a) facing the first wing plate (110) to form a guide surface for guiding the foot (31c) of the chain element (31).

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