Slider for slide fastener, and slide fastener

Abstract

In the slider (3) for a slide fastener, one wing plate (7) is provided with an extending part (30) extending forward relative to the front edge (8a) of the other wing plate (8), and the front edge of the inner surface of the extending part is provided with a pair of inclined surfaces (72) arranged on the left and right relative to a connecting column (9). The inclined surface (72) is inclined with respect to the horizontal in a state of approaching the other wing plate (8) as the inclined surface moves rearward, and is provided with a first inclined surface part (721) located on the extending part (30). When viewed from the vertical direction, the first inclined surface portion is formed in a shape in which the area on the center side is larger than the areas on the left and right end sides. The extension and the ramp are utilized to improve sprocket rolling. Element rolling refers to the phenomenon that in the action of closing the zipper, an alias element of the zipper element tends to enter the front side of the zipper element passage (14) while inclining relative to the horizontal, and the zipper element makes contact with the wing plate, so that the action of closing the zipper is hindered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slider in which an inclined surface inclined with respect to the horizontal is formed at either an edge portion on the front side of the lower surface of an upper wing plate or an edge portion on the front side of the upper surface of a lower wing plate, and a zipper including the slider. Background Art

[0002] As an example of the slider for the zipper described above, there is known a slider for a zipper in which upper and lower wing plates facing each other vertically have the same shape when viewed from the vertical direction, and inclined surfaces are provided on the front edge portions of both the upper and lower wing plates, specifically, on the lower surface of the upper wing plate and the upper surface of the lower wing plate (Patent Document 1). The inclined surfaces are inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the vertical interval between the upper wing plate and the lower wing plate becomes narrower toward the rear.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6240222 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Moreover, in Patent Document 1, in order to improve so-called tooth roll (Japanese: ムシ転び), the inclined surfaces of the upper and lower wing plates having the same shape are configured to have inclined angles that form a prescribed relationship. Tooth roll refers to the following phenomenon: in the operation of closing the zipper, the teeth, which are another name for the chain teeth, tend to enter the front side of the chain tooth passage while being in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal, and the teeth come into contact with the front edge portions of the upper and lower wing plates, thereby hindering the operation of closing the zipper.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and an object thereof is to improve tooth roll by using a structure different from the above structure.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The zipper slider of the present invention comprises: a first wing and a second wing, the first wing and the second wing being opposed to each other with a gap in the upper and lower directions; a connecting post connecting the first wing and the second wing at the front side; a flange protruding from the left and right edges of the first wing and the second wing in a manner narrowing the gap; and a tooth path, which is a tooth path divided by the first wing, the second wing, and the flange in the upper and lower directions, respectively, and the tooth path is shaped so as to branch left and right at the front side by the connecting post, and is used to engage or disengage the teeth. The surface of the first wing and the second wing facing the tooth path is set as the inner surface. One of the first and second wing has a protrusion on the left and right relative to the connecting post, which protrudes forward relative to the front edge of the other wing, and the front edge of the inner surface of the one wing has a pair of inclined surfaces arranged on the left and right sides relative to the connecting post. The inclined surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane so as to approach the other wing plate as it moves toward the rear. In addition, the inclined surface includes a first inclined surface portion located at the protruding portion. When viewed from the top and bottom, the first inclined surface portion is formed such that the area of the central side is larger than the area of the left and right end sides.

[0011] Furthermore, the “front-rear direction” generally refers to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0012] However, regarding the "front-back direction" of matters related to the leading edge of the slider, it is more strictly speaking the direction in which the chain teeth pass through the leading edges of the first and second wing plates as the slider moves when the zipper is opened and closed when viewed from the top and bottom directions, that is, the direction in which the chain teeth pass. Matters related to the leading edge of the slider refer to matters related to the edges of the front sides of the first and second wing plates, and to the inclined surfaces formed by the edges of the front sides of the first and second wing plates. Furthermore, the "rear" in the direction in which the chain teeth pass refers to the direction in which the chain teeth enter the chain tooth passage from the leading edges of the first and second wing plates. In addition, the "front" in the direction in which the chain teeth pass refers to the direction in which the chain teeth escape from the leading edges of the first and second wing plates to the outside of the chain tooth passage.

[0013] In order to improve the rolling of the sprocket teeth, the inclined surface is preferably arranged as follows.

[0014] That is, the inclined surface includes, in addition to the first inclined surface, a second inclined surface that is located rearward of the protruding portion and continues to the first inclined surface.

[0015] In order to improve the rolling of the sprocket teeth, the inclined surface is preferably arranged as follows.

[0016] That is, the inclined surface is a strip extending along the front edge of one wing plate between the flange and the connecting column, and the center side of the rear edge of the second inclined surface portion is located rearward of the left and right end sides.

[0017] There are no specific requirements for the shape of the other wing plate, but in order to improve the rolling of the sprocket teeth, it is preferably arranged as follows.

[0018] That is, the other wing plate includes recessed portions that are recessed rearward on the left and right sides relative to the connecting column.

[0019] The shape of the recessed portion is not limited, but is preferably provided as follows in order to improve the rolling of the fastener elements.

[0020] That is, the recessed portion has an arc-shaped recessed shape toward the rear.

[0021] When viewed from the top and bottom, there is no requirement for the width of the first inclined surface portion, but in order to improve the rolling of the fastener elements, it is preferably provided as follows.

[0022] That is, the maximum width of the first inclined surface portion when viewed from the top and bottom is more than half the thickness of the fastener element.

[0023] In order to improve the rolling of the fastener elements, it is preferable to set the inclination angle of the inner surface (first inclined surface) of the protruding portion as follows.

[0024] First, assuming the element path is viewed from above and below, a pair of reference lines are imagined within the element path, connecting the front end of the connecting post and the front ends of the left and right flanges in a straight line. Furthermore, assuming the reference line is divided into four equal parts, the three points on the inner surface of one wing plate, representing the points of division, are referred to as the 1 / 4 point, the 1 / 2 point, and the 3 / 4 point, starting from the connecting post and moving toward the front end of the flange. Based on this, the front-to-back inclination angle at the 1 / 4 point of the first inclined surface is set to be steeper than the front-to-back inclination angle at the 1 / 2 point.

[0025] The present invention includes not only a slider for a slide fastener but also a slide fastener to which the slider for a slide fastener is attached.

[0026] The zipper of the present invention comprises the zipper slider, a pair of tapes facing each other on the left and right, and a chain element array fixed along the opposite side edges of the left and right tapes, and the chain element array is mounted with the zipper slider. The tape comprises a tape body portion and a core portion in a continuous state on the left and right. The core portion is thicker than the tape body portion in the up and down directions. The chain element array comprises a plurality of chain elements, and the plurality of chain elements are fixed to the tape in a state of being spaced apart and independent from each other in the front and back. The chain elements comprise: a main body portion, which is fixed to the opposite side edges of the tape in a manner of clamping the core portion and the tape body portion; and an engaging portion, which protrudes from the main body portion and engages with and separates from other chain elements.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] In the present invention, the slider includes a protrusion on the left and right front edges of one of the first and second wing plates, extending forward relative to the front edge of the other wing plate. This creates a void, or space, in the portion of the other wing plate corresponding to the protrusion of the first wing plate. Furthermore, during the action of moving the slider forward (closing the zipper), it is assumed that the chain element located in front of the slider is about to enter the chain element passage and reach the protrusion, or the space. In this situation, since the chain element and the space do not need to contact the other wing plate, the chain element rolling can be improved. Furthermore, in the present invention, when the chain element is about to contact the first inclined surface of the protrusion while tilted relative to the horizontal and enter the chain element passage, the chain element tends to rotate from the tilted state relative to the horizontal to the horizontal as it moves forward. This rotation is not hindered by the space corresponding to the protrusion of the first wing plate, thereby improving the chain element rolling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a bottom view showing a state where the slide fastener according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from below.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pair of fastener tapes pass through the interior of the slider in the slide fastener according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the slider as viewed from below.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of the slider viewed from above.

[0033] Figure 5 This is the rear view of the slider as viewed from the front.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a side view of the slider viewed from the right.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 VII-VII line cross-sectional view.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII.

[0037] Figure 9 (A) and Figure 9 (B) are all Figure 8 The explanatory drawings used for enlarging a part of the figure are drawings for easily identifying the parts indicated by the reference numerals.

[0038] Figure 10 It will Figure 7 An enlarged view of a part of the diagram.

[0039] Figure 11 (A) is a top view showing the state of the fastener element viewed from above, Figure 11 (B) is a front view showing a state viewed from the rear.

[0040] Figure 12 (A)~ Figure 12 (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the step in which the fastener element enters the slider while rotating. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the slide fastener 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pair of fastener tapes 2, the pair of fastener tapes 2 being opposite to each other on the left and right and extending forward and backward; and a slider 3, which can move forward and backward along the opposite side edges of the pair of fastener tapes 2 and open and close the pair of fastener tapes 2. In addition, Figure 2 The pair of fasteners 2 is shown in a horizontal position, with the opposing side edges of the pair of fasteners 2 partially inserted into the slider 3. This horizontal position is an ideal position in which the pair of fasteners 2 can be closed by operating the slider 3 with relatively light force. The "opposing side edges" refer to the right edge in the case of the left fastener 2 and the left edge in the case of the right fastener 2.

[0042] The directions are set as follows when the slide fastener 1 is placed on a flat surface.

[0043] The "front direction" is the direction in which a pair of fastener tapes 2 are closed. Figure 2 The middle is the upward direction.

[0044] The "rear direction" is the direction in which a pair of fastener belts 2 are opened. Figure 2 The middle is the downward direction.

[0045] However, regarding the "front-rear direction" of the matters related to the front edge of the slider 3 as described above, it is more strictly the passing direction of the fastener element 5a described later. Figure 2 Relative to Figure 2 Tilt up and down.

[0046] The "left-right direction" refers to the direction in which a pair of fastener tapes 2 are arranged. Figure 2 The middle direction is the direction perpendicular to the front and back directions on the paper. Figure 2 The left direction is in the middle. The right direction is in Figure 2 Middle is right direction.

[0047] The "upper and lower directions" refer to directions perpendicular to the front-back direction and the left-right direction. Figure 2The direction of the paper perpendicular to the paper plane is the direction toward the front. Figure 2 The direction toward the depth side among the directions perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0048] The pair of fastener stringers 2 includes a pair of tapes 4 facing each other on the left and right, and a pair of element rows 5 fixed along the facing side edges of the pair of tapes 4 .

[0049] The belt 4 is a long belt-like shape, with its thickness extending vertically. When viewing the fastener stringer 2 from above, the element rows 5 are fixed to the opposing side edges of the belt 4, extending leftward or rightward from the belt 4. The belt 4 comprises a belt body 4a and a core 4b, with the belt body 4a and the core 4b continuous in a horizontal manner. The core 4b forms the opposing side edges of the belt 4, while the belt body 4a forms the portion of the belt 4 excluding the core 4b (the portion of the belt 4 opposite the opposing side edges). The core 4b is thicker than the belt body 4a in the vertical direction and extends in the front-to-back direction along the opposing side edges of the belt body 4a.

[0050] The slider 3 is attached to a pair of element rows 5 so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions. The element rows 5 are composed of a plurality of elements 5a arranged in a row in the forward and backward directions. The plurality of elements 5a are fixed to the belt 4 in an independent state, spaced apart from each other in the forward and backward directions. That is, among all the elements 5a constituting the element rows 5, the adjacent elements 5a are separated and independent.

[0051] The fastener element 5a includes a main body portion 5b fixed to the tape 4 and an engaging portion 5c protruding from the main body portion 5b and engaging with and disengaging from another fastener element 5a.

[0052] The main body portion 5b is fixed to the opposing side edge portions of the belt 4 so as to sandwich the belt main body portion 4a and the core portion 4b from above and below.

[0053] The engaging portion 5c protrudes from the main body 5b toward the opposing fastener element 5a. The engaging portion 5c has uneven front and back surfaces, and engages with the engaging portion 5c of another fastener element 5a to be positioned in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0054] The fastener element 5a is made of metal or resin.

[0055] like Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 5 , the thickness dimension 5t of the fastener element 5a refers to the maximum dimension in the up-down direction of the fastener element 5a in a state where the fastener tape 2 is set horizontally.

[0056] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the slider 3 includes a main body 6 that is guided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the pair of element rows 5 , and a pull tab (not shown) that operates the main body 6 .

[0057] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the main body 6 includes: a first wing plate 7 and a second wing plate 8, which face each other vertically with a gap therebetween; a connecting post 9 that connects the first and second wing plates 7 and 8 to each other at the front; and flanges 11 that protrude from the left and right edges of the first and second wing plates 7 and 8, respectively, to narrow the gap therebetween. Hereinafter, the first wing plate 7 will be referred to as the upper wing plate 7, and the second wing plate will be referred to as the lower wing plate 8.

[0058] The connecting column 9 extends in the up-down direction and connects the upper blade 7 and the lower blade 8 at the left and right intermediate portions on the front sides thereof.

[0059] The left-right interval between the left-right opposing flanges 11 expands leftward and rightward as it goes forward.

[0060] The main body 6 also includes a tab mounting portion 12. In the illustrated example, the tab mounting portion 12 protrudes from the front side of the upper surface of the upper wing plate 7 and extends above the upper wing plate 7 in the front-to-back direction, facing the upper wing plate 7. The top end of the tab mounting portion 12 is adjacent to the upper surface of the upper wing plate 7. A through hole 12h extending horizontally is formed between the tab mounting portion 12 and the upper wing plate 7. By inserting a portion of the tab through this through hole 12h, the tab is connected to the main body 6.

[0061] The main body 6 also includes an element passage 14 extending from front to back within the internal space of the main body 6, and a pair of belt grooves 15 connecting the element passage 14 and the external space of the main body 6 in the left-right direction at the left and right edges of the main body 6. The pair of element rows 5 pass through the element passage 14, and the left or right belt 4 passes through each belt groove 15.

[0062] The belt groove 15 is a space formed between the upper and lower opposing flanges 11 .

[0063] The tooth path 14 is divided into a state where it is clamped by the upper wing plate 7, the lower wing plate 8 and the flange 11 in the upper, lower and left and right directions respectively. In addition, the front side of the tooth path 14 is in a shape that branches to the left and right by the connecting column 9. In more detail, the tooth path 14 is divided to the upper and lower sides by the upper wing plate 7 and the lower wing plate 8, and to the left and right sides by the flange 11, and the middle part of the left and right sides of the front side of the tooth path 14 is divided by the connecting column 9 in the front and back. In addition, the tooth path 14 is a path for engaging or disengaging the tooth 5a, and the tooth path 14 is in a shape where the front side branches to the left and right by the connecting column 9 and the rear side extends straightly rearward relative to the connecting column 9.

[0064] In the following description, the surfaces of the upper wing plate 7 (first wing plate) and the lower wing plate 8 (second wing plate) facing the element path 14 in the vertical direction are referred to as inner surfaces. The inner surface of the upper wing plate 7 is the lower surface 71, and the inner surface of the lower wing plate 8 is the upper surface 81. In this embodiment, one of the first and second wing plates referred to in the present invention is the upper wing plate 7. Furthermore, the other of the first and second wing plates referred to in the present invention is the lower wing plate 8 in this embodiment. Regarding the first and second wing plates, "edge" refers to the outer periphery, that is, the line, of each wing plate when viewed from the top and bottom, conceptually representing a portion with no area. Regarding the first and second wing plates, "edge" refers to the range, that is, the surface, extending along the outer periphery toward the center point of each wing plate when viewed from the top and bottom, representing a portion with an area.

[0065] like Figure 10 As shown, the left and right front edges 8a of the lower wing plate 8, relative to the connecting post 9, are designed to curve, or more specifically, to undulate, as they move to the left or right away from the connecting post 9 toward the rear. Furthermore, the left and right front edges 8a each have a convex portion 8b protruding forward (more specifically, forward in the direction in which the fastener element 5a passes) on both sides (the flange 11 side and the connecting post 9 side), and a concave portion 8c recessed rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the fastener element 5a passes) in the middle of each side. The concave portion 8c is shaped like a circular arc toward the rear. Furthermore, the convex portion 8b bulges forward in an arc shape. The inner surface (top surface) of the lower wing plate 8 will be described later.

[0066] For the upper wing plate 7, if Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the left and right front edges 7a relative to the connecting column 9 are also shaped so as to move away from the connecting column 9 to the left and right. However, the front edge 7a of the upper wing plate 7 is shaped differently from the front edge 8a of the lower wing plate 8. Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from the top and bottom, the upper wing plate 7 has protruding portions 30 on the left and right sides relative to the connecting column 9, respectively, which protrude forward (more specifically, forward in the direction of passage of the fastener element 5a) relative to the left and right front edges 8a of the lower wing plate 8. Figure 9In the embodiment, the ends of the left and right front edges 7a of the upper wing panel 7 on the flange 11 side are positioned so as to overlap vertically with the edges of the left and right front edges 8a of the lower wing panel 8 on the flange 11 side. The portions of the left and right front edges 7a of the upper wing panel 7 excluding the ends on the flange 11 side are aligned with the front edge 30a of the extension 30. Therefore, the front edge 7a of the upper wing panel 7 includes the front edge 30a of the extension 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the upper wing panel 7 and the lower wing panel 8 have bilaterally symmetrical shapes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shapes of the upper wing panel 7 and the lower wing panel 8 when viewed from above and below are identical, except for the left and right front edges 7a and 8a relative to the connecting column 9.

[0067] The front edge 30a of the extension 30 is mountain-shaped with a top 31. More specifically, the front edge 30a of the extension 30 includes the top 31 and a pair of oblique sides 32 extending from the top 31 toward the front ends of the connecting column 9 and the flange 11, respectively.

[0068] The pair of oblique sides 32 extend so as to widen their ends (so as to widen the distance between the pair of oblique sides 32 ) as they go from the top 31 toward the front end of the flange 11 and the front end of the connecting column 9 . The pair of oblique sides 32 are straight lines.

[0069] The top portion 31 is an arc in a state of protruding forward (more specifically, forward in the passing direction of the fastener elements 5 a ).

[0070] In order to determine the details of the extension portion 30, the following settings are made. Figure 9 As shown, assuming that the tooth path 14 is viewed from the top and bottom, a pair of reference lines L are envisioned that connect the front end of the connecting post 9 and the front ends of the left and right flanges 11 straightly within the range of the tooth path 14. The reference line L is a straight line. The front end of the flange 11 is located rearward relative to the front end of the connecting post 9. Therefore, the reference line L is inclined relative to the left and right directions in a state of moving rearward as it moves from the connecting post 9 to the flange 11. Incidentally, the tooth path 14 is a portion through which the tooth 5a may pass. Therefore, the portion that becomes the front end of the connecting post 9 and the front ends of the left and right flanges 11 within the range of the tooth path 14 is limited to the range through which the tooth 5a may pass.

[0071] In addition, assuming that the tooth path 14 is observed from the top and bottom directions, imagine arbitrary points on each reference line L, a pair of strip-shaped paths M in which the left and right tooth elements 5a enter the tooth path 14 in a horizontal state from the front of the slider 3 through a pair of reference lines L and complete the engagement, and a passing line N obtained by linearizing the path M in a state passing through an arbitrary point on the reference line L. In addition, since the left and right dimensions of the tooth element 5a are slightly longer than the shortest distance between the connecting post 9 and the flange 11, the path M is configured to be slightly offset in the left and right directions when the tooth element 5a is in contact with the flange 11 and when the tooth element 5a is in contact with the connecting post 9. Similarly, the passing line N passing through an arbitrary point on the reference line L also becomes a shape corresponding to the path M. Therefore, the path M is variable between the connecting post 9 and the flange 11, and the passing line N is also variable. Figure 9 In the figure, a pair of dashed lines indicates a path M, where the fastener element 5a enters the element passage 14 with a small gap to the left and right of the front end of the flange 11. A dashed line also indicates a path M, which is assumed to be a passing line N passing through the midpoint of the reference line L (the midpoint). Furthermore, assuming that the reference line L is divided into four equal parts, the three points on the lower surface 71 (inner surface) of the upper wing plate 7 (one wing plate) are referred to as the 1 / 4 point P1, the midpoint 1 / 2 point P2, and the 3 / 4 point P3, respectively, from the connecting post 9 side toward the front end of the flange 11. The direction in which the passing line N extends is the passing direction of the fastener element 5a. The passing direction of the fastener element 5a is inclined relative to the front-back direction.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the inner surface (lower surface 71) of the upper wing plate 7 formed with a pair of protruding portions 30 includes: a pair of front inclined surfaces 72, which are located at the left and right front edges relative to the connecting column 9; a horizontal surface 73, which is continuous with the pair of front inclined surfaces 72 and extends toward the rear of the connecting column 9; and a rear inclined surface 74, which is located at the rear edge of the upper wing plate 7 and is continuous with the horizontal surface 73 and extends toward the rear. In addition, the rear inclined surface 74 is inclined relative to the horizontal in a state of moving away from the lower wing plate 8 as it goes toward the rear. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the boundary between the front inclined surface 72 and the horizontal surface 73 , and the boundary between the horizontal surface 73 and the rear inclined surface 74 are shown by solid lines.

[0073] The pair of front inclined surfaces 72 form a pair of inclined surfaces on one wing plate in the present invention. Furthermore, the front inclined surfaces 72 are inclined relative to the horizontal, approaching the lower wing plate 8 (the other wing plate) as they move rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the fastener elements 5a pass). Furthermore, the front inclined surfaces 72 are strip-shaped, extending along the front edge 7a of the upper wing plate 7. Furthermore, the front inclined surfaces 72 extend along the entire length between the connecting post 9 and the flange 11.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the rear edge 72b of the front inclined surface 72 is located rearward of the rear edge of the extension 30 (the front edge 8a of the lower wing plate 8), more specifically, rearward of the reference line L. Therefore, the front inclined surface 72 is formed not only within the extension 30 but also rearward of the extension 30. Specifically, the front inclined surface 72 includes a first inclined surface 721 located rearward of the extension 30 and a second inclined surface 722 located rearward of the extension 30 (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the fastener elements 5a pass) and continuous with the first inclined surface 721.

[0075] When viewed from above and below, the first sloped surface 721 is formed within the area enclosed by the front edge 8a of the lower blade 8 and the front edge 7a of the upper blade 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear edge 721b of the first sloped surface 721 is aligned with the left or right front edge 8a of the lower blade 8 when viewed from above and below. Furthermore, the front edge of the first sloped surface 721 (the left or right front edge 30a of the extension 30) is shaped to move forward (more specifically, forward in the direction of passage of the fastener elements 5a) relative to the rear edge 721b of the first sloped surface 721 as it moves from the left or right ends toward the center. Furthermore, the width 30w of the first sloped surface 721 increases as it moves from the left or right ends of the front edge 7a of the upper blade 7 toward the center. Therefore, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, the first slope portion 721 is formed in a shape in which the area on the center side is larger than the area on the left and right end sides.

[0076] Furthermore, when measuring the width 30w, the following is performed. In this embodiment, when viewed from above and below, the front edge 7a of the upper wing plate 7 is a shape formed by combining a straight line and a curve. A perpendicular line is drawn relative to the straight line. The distance in the direction of the perpendicular line between the front edge 8a of the lower wing plate 8 (the rear edge 721b of the first inclined surface portion 721) and the straight line is the width 30w. Furthermore, at each point in the curve, a tangent line and a perpendicular line to the tangent line are drawn relative to the curve. The distance in the direction of the perpendicular line between the front edge 8a of the lower wing plate 8 (the rear edge 721b of the first inclined surface portion 721) and the curve is the width 30w.

[0077] The maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface portion 721, when viewed from above and below, is preferably at least half the thickness 5t of the coupling element 5a (a preferred lower limit). The maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface portion 721 is further preferably less than the thickness 5t of the coupling element 5a (a preferred upper limit). The maximum value of the width 30w measured at each point along the entire length of the rear edge 721b of the first inclined surface portion 721 is the maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface portion 721.

[0078] The rear edge 72b of the second inclined surface 722 has a wavy shape that curves rearward as it moves leftward or rightward away from the connecting post 9. The wavy shape of the rear edge 72b of the second inclined surface 722 comprises a pair of protrusions 72d and a recessed portion 72e. The protrusions 72d protrude forward (more specifically, forward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) at both ends of the rear edge 72b, and the recessed portion 72e is recessed rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) between the protrusions 72d. The recessed portion 72e is arc-shaped, recessed rearward, while the protrusion 72d is arc-shaped, protruding forward. Furthermore, the recessed portion 72e is located further rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) than the protrusions 72d. Therefore, in the rear edge 72 b of the second inclined surface portion 722 , the center side is located rearward (more specifically, rearward in the passing direction of the fastener element 5 a ) of the left and right end sides.

[0079] In addition, in the front side inclined surface 72, the middle part in the front-back direction (more specifically, the passing direction of the fastener element 5a) is set as a central surface 76 inclined relative to the horizontal, and the front end and the rear end are set as curved surfaces 77 and 78 in a state commonly known as chamfering (a state of protruding in an arc shape). Figure 9 In FIG, the boundary between the central surface 76 tilted relative to the horizontal and the pair of curved surfaces 77 and 78 is shown by a thin line. For the curved surface 78 at the rear end, the tilted central surface 76 and the other horizontal surface 73 are arranged in the tangent direction of the two ends of the arc. For the curved surface 77 at the front end, the tilted central surface 76 is arranged in the tangent direction of the rear end of the arc. Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , the boundary between the front curved surface 77 and the central surface 76 and the boundary between the central surface 76 and the rear curved surface 78 are shown by thin lines.

[0080] The inclination angle of the front inclined surface 72 is the angle formed when the upper blade 7 is cut vertically along the front-to-back direction (more specifically, the direction in which the fastener elements 5a pass) at various points. Strictly speaking, the inclination angle of the front inclined surface 72 is the acute angle formed by the middle portion (the inclined center surface 76) of the front inclined surface 72 and the horizontal line in the cross-section of the cut. Furthermore, the inclination angles of the front inclined surface 72, including the first inclined surface portion 721 and the second inclined surface portion 722, are steeper at the left and right ends than at the center. More specifically, the inclination angle of the front inclined surface 72 gradually becomes steeper as it moves from the center toward the left and right ends. In other words, the center surface 76 is a surface with varying inclination angles along the length of the reference line L. More specifically, in this embodiment, it is a surface formed by arranging multiple planes with varying inclination angles adjacent to each other along the length of the reference line L, rather than a single plane. Furthermore, the inclination angles of the front slope 72 relative to the horizontal are as follows at the aforementioned 1 / 4 point P1, the aforementioned 1 / 2 point P2 as the midpoint, and the 3 / 4 point P3.

[0081] Regarding the inclination angle relative to the horizontal, the front-to-back inclination angle at the quarter point P1 and the three-quarter point P3 (more specifically, the direction in which the element 5a passes) on the first inclined surface 721 are set to be steeper than the front-to-back inclination angle at the half point P2. Furthermore, the front-to-back direction at each point is more specifically the direction in which the element 5a passes, and is also the direction in which the passage line N extending through each point extends. The passage line N can be considered a straight line near each point. Furthermore, the passage line N is variable as described above. Furthermore, the inclination angles are measured for all of the variable passage lines N at the quarter point P1, the half point P2, and the three-quarter point P3. Furthermore, regarding the maximum inclination angle at each point, the front-to-back inclination angles at the quarter point P1 and the three-quarter point P3 on the first inclined surface 721 are set to be steeper than the front-to-back inclination angle at the half point P2. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the central surface 76 partially including the first slope portion 721 is a surface in which multiple planes with different inclination angles are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the reference line L. Therefore, by measuring the inclination angle of each surface, the maximum inclination angle at each point is measured.

[0082] When viewed from above and below, the extension 30 is formed in a wider range in the left-right direction than the range between the pass line passing through the 1 / 4 point P1 and the pass line passing through the 3 / 4 point P3. Therefore, the extension 30 is also formed at the pass line passing through the 1 / 4 point P1, the 1 / 2 point P2, and the 3 / 4 point P3. Furthermore, when viewed from above and below, the recess 8c of the lower wing panel 8 is formed in a narrower range in the left-right direction than the range between the pass line passing through the 1 / 4 point P1 and the pass line passing through the 3 / 4 point P3. Furthermore, the recess 8c is formed in a wider range in the left-right direction relative to the pass line N passing through the 1 / 2 point P2.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the inner surface (upper surface 81) of the lower wing panel 8 includes: a pair of front inclined surfaces 82 located at the left and right front edges relative to the connecting column 9; a horizontal surface 83 that is continuous with the pair of front inclined surfaces 82 and extends rearward of the connecting column 9; and a rear inclined surface 84 located at the rear edge of the lower wing panel 8, continuous with the horizontal surface 83, and extending rearward. Furthermore, the rear inclined surface 84 is inclined relative to the horizontal, moving away from the upper wing panel 7 as it moves rearward.

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, the front sloped surface 82 of the lower wing panel 8 is strip-shaped and extends along the front edge 8a of the lower wing panel 8. Furthermore, the front sloped surface 82 of the lower wing panel 8 extends along the entire length between the connecting post 9 and the flange 11. The rear edge 82b of the front sloped surface 82 of the lower wing panel 8 has a wavy shape that curves rearward as it moves leftward or rightward away from the connecting post 9. In the illustrated example, the rear edge 82b of the front sloped surface 82 of the lower wing panel 8 has a shape that is substantially identical to the rear edge 72b of the front sloped surface 72 of the upper wing panel 7. Furthermore, the wavy shape of the rear edge 82b of the front inclined surface 82 of the lower wing plate 8 is formed by a pair of protrusions 82d and a recessed portion 82e. The protrusions 82d protrude forward (more specifically, forward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) at both ends of the rear edge 82b, while the recessed portion 82e is recessed rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) between the protrusions 82d. The recessed portion 82e is arc-shaped, recessed rearward, while the protrusion 82d is arc-shaped, protruding forward. Furthermore, the recessed portion 82e is located further rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) than the protrusions 82d. Therefore, on the rear edge 82b of the front inclined surface 82 of the lower wing plate 8, the center is located further rearward (more specifically, rearward in the direction in which the elements 5a pass) than the left and right end portions.

[0085] The front inclined surface 82 is inclined relative to the horizontal so as to approach the upper wing plate 7 as it goes to the rear. In addition, the middle portion of the front inclined surface 82 in the front-to-back direction (more specifically, the direction in which the fastener element 5a passes) is formed as a central surface 86 inclined relative to the horizontal, and the front and rear ends are formed as curved surfaces 87 and 88 in a state commonly known as chamfering (protruding in an arc shape). Figure 10 In the figure, the boundary between the central surface 86, which is inclined relative to the horizontal, and the pair of curved surfaces 87 and 88 is shown by a thin line. Regarding the curved surface 88 at the rear end, the inclined central surface 86 and the horizontal surface 83 are arranged in the tangential direction of the two ends of the arc. Regarding the curved surface 87 at the front end, the inclined central surface 86 is arranged in the tangential direction of the rear end of the arc.

[0086] Furthermore, similar to the inclination angle of the front inclined surface 72 of the upper wing plate 7, the inclination angle of the front inclined surface 82 is made steeper at the left and right end sides than at the center. More specifically, the inclination angle of the front inclined surface 82 gradually becomes steeper as it moves from the center toward the left and right end sides. In other words, the center surface 86 is a surface with varying inclination angles within the longitudinal direction of the reference line L. More specifically, in this embodiment, it is a surface formed by arranging multiple planes with varying inclination angles adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the reference line L, rather than a single plane.

[0087] The slide fastener 1 and the slider 3 of the first embodiment described above have the following effects.

[0088] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the slider 3 includes projections 30 on the left and right front edges of the upper blade 7, extending forward relative to the front edge 8a of the lower blade 8. This creates a void, or space, in the portion of the lower blade 8 corresponding to the projections 30 of the upper blade 7. Furthermore, during the forward movement of the slider 3 (closing the zipper 1), it is assumed that the fastener element 5a located in front of the slider 3 attempts to enter the element passage 14 and reach the projections 30 and the space. In the first embodiment, in this situation, the fastener element 5a does not need to contact the lower blade 8 in response to the space, thereby improving element rolling. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the fastener element 5a attempts to enter the element passage 14 while tilted relative to the horizontal, contacting the first inclined surface 721 of the projection 30 and entering the element passage 14, the fastener element 5a attempts to rotate from the tilted position relative to the horizontal to the horizontal position as it advances. The space corresponding to the projections 30 of the lower blade 8 prevents this rotation from being hindered, thereby improving element rolling. In addition, in the first embodiment, when viewed from the top and bottom directions, the first inclined surface portion 721 is formed into a shape in which the area of the central side is larger than the area of the left and right end sides. Therefore, compared with the left and right end sides of the first inclined surface portion 721, the chain tooth 5a is more likely to contact the central side of the first inclined surface portion 721, and the chain tooth rolling can be improved while making such contact.

[0089] based on Figure 12 The following describes an example of improving the relationship between the slider 3 and the fastener element 5a during tooth rolling. When the slider 3 is pulled upward while moving forward to close the zipper 1 of the first embodiment, the closest fastener element 5a to the front of the slider 3 may behave as follows, depending on the pulling situation and the condition of the zipper 1.

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown in (A), the fastener element 5a is arranged in a state close to or in contact with the extension portion 30 of the upper blade 7 in the front. The fastener element 5a is tilted relative to the horizontal, and the meshing portion 5c is located above the main body 5b.

[0091] When the slider 3 moves slightly forward, Figure 12 As shown in (B), the meshing portion 5c of the fastener element 5a contacts and is guided by the inclined surface 72 on the front side of the extension 30 of the upper blade 7. The fastener element 5a rotates slightly while moving slightly downward and approaching horizontality. The main body 5b of the fastener element 5a is positioned close to the front edge 8a of the lower blade 8. In other words, there is a space in front of the front edge 8a of the lower blade 8 and directly below the extension 30, and the fastener element 5a can freely move or rotate in accordance with this space.

[0092] When the slider 3 moves slightly further forward, Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 5(C) , the fastener element 5 a is guided along the inclined surface 72 on the front side of the projecting portion 30 and rotates in a nearly horizontal manner.

[0093] When the slider 3 moves further forward, Figure 12 As shown in (D), the fastener element 5 a becomes substantially horizontal and enters the fastener element passage 14 .

[0094] In the first embodiment, since the inclined surface 72 on the front side of the upper wing plate 7 has a second inclined surface 722 in addition to the first inclined surface 721, during the action of closing the zipper 1, the chain tooth 5a located in front of the slider 3 can continuously contact the second inclined surface 722 from the first inclined surface 721 and enter the chain tooth passage 14, which can improve the rolling of the chain teeth.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the inclined surface 72 on the front side of the upper wing plate 7 is in the shape of a strip extending along the edge 7a of the front side of the upper wing plate 7 between the flange 11 and the connecting column 9, and the central side of the edge 72b on the rear side of the second inclined portion 722 is located rearward of the left and right end sides (more specifically, rearward of the passing direction of the chain element 5a). Therefore, when the chain element 5a in a state inclined relative to the horizontal contacts the connecting column 9 and wants to enter the chain element passage 14, or contacts the flange 11 and wants to enter the chain element passage 14, one of the left and right ends of the chain element 5a (the side not in contact with the connecting column 9 and the flange 11) will be guided at a longer distance on the central side of the second inclined portion 722, which can improve the rolling of the chain element.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the lower wing plate 8 has a recessed portion 8c on its front edge 8a, on the left and right sides relative to the connecting post 9, that is recessed rearward. Therefore, the fastener element 5a, corresponding to the recess of the recess 8c, does not need to contact the lower wing plate 8, thereby improving the rolling of the fastener element. Furthermore, because the recess 8c is recessed rearward in an arc shape, in the slider 3 of the first embodiment, when the fastener element 5a contacts the recess 8c, it smoothly enters the fastener element passage 14 along the arc of the recess 8c, thereby improving the rolling of the fastener element.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface portion 721, when viewed from the top and bottom, is set to be at least half the thickness 5t of the element 5a (a preferred lower limit) and at most the thickness 5t of the element 5a (a preferred upper limit). This improves element rolling. The lower and upper limits of this maximum value are values obtained through verification.

[0098] Extending the maximum width 30w of the first sloped surface 721 increases the distance the fastener element 5a is guided while in contact with the first sloped surface 721. This is therefore preferable for improving the rolling motion of the fastener element. However, extending the maximum width 30w of the first sloped surface 721 increases the size of the slider 3, adversely affecting its appearance and weakening the extension 30, making it more susceptible to breakage. Furthermore, verification has shown that setting the maximum width 30w of the first sloped surface 721 to be less than the thickness 5t of the fastener element 5a maintains both the appearance of the slider 3 and the desired strength.

[0099] Furthermore, there is a range of assumed speeds for advancing the slider 3 when closing the zipper 1. The faster the slider 3 advances, the shorter the time from when the element 5a contacts the first inclined surface 721, tilted relative to the horizontal, to when it becomes approximately horizontal and enters the element passage 14. This shortens the time, making it more difficult to improve element rolling. Furthermore, verification has shown that even when the maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface 721 is less than half the thickness 5t of the element 5a, element rolling can be improved. However, within the assumed range of slider 3 advance speeds, improving element rolling is most effective when the maximum width 30w of the first inclined surface 721 is greater than half the thickness 5t of the element 5a (the preferred lower limit).

[0100] In addition, in the first embodiment, with respect to the inclined surface 72 on the front side of the upper wing plate 7, the inclination angle in the front-to-rear direction at the 1 / 4 point P1 and the 3 / 4 point P3 is set to an angle that is steeper than the inclination angle in the front-to-rear direction at the 1 / 2 point P2. Therefore, when the chain tooth 5a is in contact, compared with the 1 / 4 point P1 and the 3 / 4 point P3, at the 1 / 2 point P2, the chain tooth 5a can enter the chain tooth passage 14 in a manner that becomes horizontal while slowly rotating, which can improve the rolling of the chain tooth.

[0101] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the front slope 82 is also arranged at the front edge of the lower blade 8, the front slope 82 of the lower blade 8 can also improve the element rolling.

[0102] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the upper wing panel 7 is provided with the extension portion 30 , the front edge 8 a of the lower wing panel 8 is hidden by the upper wing panel 7 when viewed from above, resulting in a good appearance.

[0103] Furthermore, in the slide fastener 1 of the first embodiment, since the element row 5 includes a plurality of elements 5a, the front and rear adjacent elements 5a can independently tilt relative to the horizontal within the elastic range of the tape 4, creating a condition that easily causes element rolling. In the slide fastener 1 of the first embodiment, since the slider 3 of the first embodiment is used under such conditions, it is preferable to improve element rolling.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, the extension portion 30 is formed on the upper wing plate 7, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the extension portion 30 may also be formed on the lower wing plate 8.

[0105] Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1. Zipper; 2. Chain tape; 3. Slider; 4. Belt; 4a. Belt body; 4b. Core wire; 5. Element row; 5a. Element; 5b. Main body; 5c. Engaging portion; 5t. Thickness; 6. Main body; 7. Upper wing; 7a. Front edge of upper wing; 71. Lower surface of upper wing; 72, 82. Front inclined surface; 721. First inclined surface; 721b. Rear edge; 722. Second inclined surface; 72b. Rear edge; 72d. Protrusion; 72e. Recess; 73. Horizontal surface; 74. Rear inclined surface; 76. Center surface; 77, 78. Curved surface; 8. Lower wing; 8a. Lower wing Front edge; 8b, convex portion; 8c, concave portion; 81, upper surface; 82, inclined surface on the front side; 82b, rear edge; 82d, convex portion; 82e, concave portion; 83, horizontal surface; 84, inclined surface on the rear side; 86, central surface; 87, 88, curved surface; 9, connecting column; 11, flange; 12, pull-tab mounting portion; 12h, through hole; 14, chain tooth passage; 15, belt groove; 30, extension portion; 30a, front edge of extension portion; 30w, width; 31, top; 32, hypotenuse; L, reference line; M, path; N, through line; P1, 1 / 4 point; P2, 1 / 2 point; P3, 3 / 4 point.

Claims

1. A slider (3) for a zipper, characterized in that: The zipper slider (3) comprises: a first wing plate (7) and a second wing plate (8), the first wing plate (7) and the second wing plate (8) being opposed to each other with a gap in the upper and lower parts; a connecting column (9), which connects the first wing plate (7) and the second wing plate (8) at the front side; a flange (11), which protrudes from the left and right edges of the first wing plate (7) and the second wing plate (8) in a manner that narrows the gap; and a chain tooth path (14), which is a chain tooth path (14) formed by being divided in a state of being sandwiched by the first wing plate (7), the second wing plate (8) and the flange (11) at the upper and lower parts, respectively, and the chain tooth path (14) is shaped to branch left and right at its front side by using the connecting column (9), and the chain tooth path (14) is used to engage or disengage the chain teeth (5a). The surfaces of the first wing plate (7) and the second wing plate (8) facing the upper and lower directions, which faces the element passage (14) are set as inner surfaces, One of the first wing plate (7) and the second wing plate (8) has a protruding portion (30) protruding forward from an edge of the front side of the other wing plate (8) relative to the connecting column (9) on the left and right sides, and the one wing plate (7) has a pair of inclined surfaces (72) arranged on the left and right sides relative to the connecting column (9) on the edge of the front side of its inner surface. The inclined surface (72) is inclined relative to the horizontal in a state of approaching the other wing plate (8) as it moves toward the rear, and has a first inclined surface (721) located at the extending portion (30). When viewed from the top and bottom directions, the first inclined surface portion (721) is formed in a shape in which the area of the central side is larger than the area of the left and right end sides.

2. The zipper slider (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: In addition to the first inclined surface (721), the inclined surface (72) also includes a second inclined surface (722), which is located behind the extension portion (30) and is continuous with the first inclined surface (721).

3. The zipper slider (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inclined surface (72) is in the shape of a strip extending along the front edge of the one wing plate (7) between the flange (11) and the connecting column (9). In the rear edge (72b) of the second inclined surface portion (722), the center side is located further rearward than the left and right end sides.

4. The zipper slider (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The other wing plate (8) has a recessed portion (8c) recessed toward the rear on the left and right sides relative to the connecting column (9).

5. The zipper slider (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The recess (8c) is in the shape of an arc recessed toward the rear.

6. The zipper slider (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The maximum value of the width (30w) of the first inclined surface portion (72) when viewed from the top and bottom directions is more than half of the thickness dimension (5t) of the fastener element (5a).

7. The zipper slider (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The maximum value of the width (30w) is less than the thickness dimension (5t) of the link element (5a).

8. The zipper slider (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Assuming that the fastener element passage (14) is viewed from the top and bottom, a pair of reference lines (L) are assumed to connect the front end of the connecting column (9) and the front ends of the left and right flanges (11) straightly within the range of the fastener element passage (14). Assuming that the reference line (L) is divided into four equal parts, the three points arranged on the inner surface of the one wing plate (7) as equal division points are called the 1 / 4 point (P1), the 1 / 2 point (P2), and the 3 / 4 point (P3) from the side of the connecting column (9) toward the front end of the flange (11). In the first inclined surface portion (721), the inclination angle in the front-back direction at the 1 / 4 point (P1) is set to be steeper than the inclination angle in the front-back direction at the 1 / 2 point (P2).

9. A zipper (1), characterized in that: The slide fastener (1) comprises a slide fastener slider (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a pair of tapes (4) facing each other on the left and right, and a chain element row (5) fixed along the facing side edges of the left and right tapes (4), wherein the slide fastener slider (3) is mounted on the chain element row (5). The belt (4) comprises a belt main body portion (4a) and a core portion (4b) which are continuous on the left and right sides. The core portion (4b) is thicker than the belt body portion (4a) in the vertical direction. The fastener element row (5) includes a plurality of fastener elements (5a), and the plurality of fastener elements (5a) are fixed to the belt (4) in a state of being independently spaced apart from each other at front and rear ends. The link element (5a) comprises: a main body portion (5b) fixed to opposite side edges of the belt (4) by clamping the core wire portion (4b) and the belt main body portion (4a); and an engaging portion (5c) protruding from the main body portion (5b) and engaging with and separating from other link elements (5a).

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