Fastener element and fastener stringer

Abstract

The utility model provides zipper teeth and a zipper tooth chain belt. The metal fastener element (10) has an engaging head portion (20) provided with a convex portion (22) and a concave portion (23), the proportion of the total width (Wo) of the fastener element (10) with respect to the total length (Lo) is 40-50%, and the proportion of the total width (Wo) of the fastener element (10) with respect to the total thickness (Do) is 130-145%. According to the zipper tooth (10), the manufacturing cost of the zipper (1) can be reduced. In addition, the slide fastener (1) can be reduced in weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a metal zipper chain tooth and a zipper chain belt with a plurality of metal zipper chain teeth. Background Art

[0002] Copper-zinc alloys have excellent workability and have been widely used in various fields. Generally, since zinc is cheaper than copper, increasing the zinc content in the alloy can reduce material costs.

[0003] For example, International Publication No. 2012 / 004841 (Patent Document 1) discloses a metal zipper element formed from a copper-zinc alloy having a dual-phase structure of α and β phases. The zipper element of Patent Document 1 is formed from a copper-zinc alloy containing more than 35% zinc by mass and having a dual-phase structure of α and β phases. The β-phase ratio in the copper-zinc alloy is controlled to be greater than 10% and less than 40%. The α and β phase grains are crushed into a flattened shape and arranged in layers along the outer surface of the zipper element.

[0004] The zipper element of Patent Document 1 contains a high amount of zinc, which reduces material costs. Furthermore, the flat, hard β-phase grains arranged along the outer surface of the zipper element effectively suppress crack propagation from the outer surface of the zipper element. This prevents seasonal cracking and stress corrosion cracking in the zipper element.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2012 / 004841 Utility Model Content

[0008] Since the fastener element of Patent Document 1 is formed of a copper-zinc alloy containing zinc in an amount exceeding 35% by mass, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and weight of the slide fastener.

[0009] However, simply changing the composition of the metal material of the fastener elements as in Patent Document 1 has a limit in terms of reduction in manufacturing cost and weight reduction.

[0010] On the other hand, in zippers with multiple metal elements, changes in the weight of the elements significantly impact the transportation of the metal material forming the elements and the delivery of zipper products with multiple elements. Therefore, there is a desire to reduce the weight of zipper elements. Furthermore, further reductions in the amount of metal used in zipper elements are sought to reduce environmental impact.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fastener element capable of reducing the manufacturing cost and weight of a slide fastener without changing the composition of a metal material, and a fastener stringer having the fastener element.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the zipper tooth of the present invention is a metal zipper tooth installed on the zipper tape of the zipper, and the zipper tooth has an engaging head, which has a convex portion and a concave portion. When the dimensions of the zipper tooth as a whole in the length direction of the tooth and in the width direction of the tooth are respectively specified as the full length and full width of the zipper tooth, the ratio of the full width of the zipper tooth to the full length is greater than 40% and less than 50%. When the dimensions of the part of the zipper tooth other than the engaging head in the thickness direction of the tooth are specified as the full thickness, the ratio of the full width of the zipper tooth to the full thickness is greater than 130% and less than 145%.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the zipper chain element has: a main body extending from the engaging head toward the length direction of the chain element; a pair of legs branching out and extending from the main body; and a pair of claws extending from the distal end of each of the legs toward the inner side in the width direction of the chain element, the inner peripheral surface of each of the claws being inclined relative to the inner peripheral surface of the leg via a curved portion, and the dimension of each of the legs in the width direction of the chain element gradually decreases from the connecting portion of the leg connected to the main body to the position of the curved portion.

[0014] In this case, it is preferred that, when the dimension in the width direction of the chain tooth at the connecting portion of each of the legs is specified as a first width dimension and the dimension in the width direction of the chain tooth at the position of the bending portion of each of the legs is specified as a second width dimension, the ratio of the first width dimension to the full width of the zipper chain tooth is greater than 35% and less than 45%, the ratio of the second width dimension to the full width of the zipper chain tooth is greater than 10% and less than 35%, and the ratio of the second width dimension to the first width dimension is greater than 55% and less than 70%.

[0015] Furthermore, when the difference between the full width of the fastener element and twice the first width dimension is defined as the inner web width dimension, it is preferable that the ratio of the inner web width dimension to the full width of the fastener element is 0% to 46%.

[0016] In the zipper chain element of the present invention, it is preferred that, when the dimension in the length direction of the chain element from the position of the connecting portion of the leg to the position of the bent portion is specified as the first length dimension, and the maximum value of the dimension in the length direction of the chain element from the position of the bent portion to the outer end surface of the claw portion facing the length direction of the chain element is specified as the second length dimension, the ratio of the first length dimension to the total length of the zipper chain element is greater than 25% and less than 35%, the ratio of the second length dimension to the total length of the zipper chain element is greater than 10% and less than 25%, and the ratio of the second length dimension to the first length dimension is greater than 55% and less than 80%.

[0017] Preferably, the engaging head has a first surface facing the chain element thickness direction of the engaging head, and the recess is provided on the first surface, and the recess has an opening portion opening on the first surface, and when the dimension in the chain element length direction at the center portion of the opening in the chain element width direction is specified as the center opening length, and the dimension in the chain element width direction at the center portion of the opening in the chain element length direction is specified as the center opening width, the ratio of the center opening width to the center opening length is greater than 100% and less than 130%, and when the convex portion of the engaging head is cut off at a position of the second surface of the leg facing the chain element thickness direction, when the dimension in the cross-section of the convex portion in the chain element length direction is specified as the head cutting length, and the dimension in the cross-section of the convex portion in the chain element width direction is specified as the head cutting width, the ratio of the head cutting width to the head cutting length is greater than 95% and less than 115%.

[0018] Preferably, the recessed portion of the engaging head comprises: a longitudinal inner peripheral surface on the concave side, which comprises a portion inclined along the length direction of the chain tooth from the bottom surface portion of the concave portion toward the distal end portion of the engaging head; and a transverse inner peripheral surface on the concave side, which comprises a portion inclined along the width direction of the chain tooth from the bottom surface portion of the concave portion toward the side edge portion of the engaging head, the longitudinal inner peripheral surface on the concave side is inclined at an angle of not less than 70° and not more than 85° relative to the length direction of the chain tooth, and the transverse inner peripheral surface on the concave side is inclined at an angle of not less than 65° and not more than 85° relative to the width direction of the chain tooth. The convex portion of the engaging head is inclined at an oblique angle, and has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface, which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion toward the distal end portion of the engaging head along the length direction of the chain tooth; and a convex side transverse inclined surface, which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion toward the side edge portion of the engaging head along the width direction of the chain tooth, the convex side longitudinal inclined surface is inclined at an inclination angle of not less than 50° and not more than 65° relative to the length direction of the chain tooth, and the convex side transverse inclined surface is inclined at an inclination angle of not less than 60° and not more than 75° relative to the width direction of the chain tooth.

[0019] In this case, it is preferred that the concave side transverse inner circumferential surface has: a first transverse inner circumferential surface adjacent to the end face of the side edge portion of the engaging head; and a second transverse inner circumferential surface formed between the first transverse inner circumferential surface and the bottom face portion of the concave portion, the first transverse inner circumferential surface being formed to have a larger angle of intersection with the width direction of the chain tooth than the second transverse inner circumferential surface.

[0020] According to the utility model, a zipper stringer is provided, which comprises a plurality of the above-mentioned zipper elements and the zipper tape for mounting the zipper elements.

[0021] In the fastener stringer of the present invention, preferably, when the average value of the full width of the fastener elements is 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm, the attachment strength of each fastener element to the fastener tape is 60 N or more.

[0022] Next, the zipper chain tape of the present invention is a zipper chain tape having a plurality of metal zipper teeth and a zipper tape for installing the zipper teeth. In the zipper chain tape, when the average value of the overall dimension of the zipper teeth in the length direction of the teeth is not less than 2.8 mm and not more than 3.0 mm, the total weight of the plurality of zipper teeth installed on the zipper chain tape per 10 m length in the length direction of the zipper tape is not more than 93 g.

[0023] In the zipper chain tape of the present invention, preferably, the metal is a copper-zinc alloy, the copper content in the copper-zinc alloy is 59 mass % to 71.5 mass %, and the zinc content in the copper-zinc alloy is 28.5 mass % to 41 mass %.

[0024] Utility model effect

[0025] According to the zipper element and the zipper stringer of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the zipper can be reduced, and the weight of the zipper can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a front view which schematically shows the slide fastener which has the fastener element which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

[0027] Figure 2 It will Figure 1 An enlarged view showing the main parts of the zipper enlarged and schematically represented.

[0028] Figure 3 This is the front view when the zipper elements are viewed from the front side of the zipper.

[0029] Figure 4 This is the rear view of the zipper elements when viewed from the rear side of the zipper.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a top view of the zipper elements as viewed from the upper side of the zipper.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side view of the zipper elements as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction of the zipper.

[0032] Figure 7 Yes Figure 2 An explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of a fastener element taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 1 and illustrating rotation of the fastener element.

[0033] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a method of measuring the attachment strength (pull-off strength) of a fastener element to a fastener tape.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1 zipper

[0036] 2 zipper chain ties

[0037] 3 zipper ties

[0038] 3a Belt body

[0039] 3b Core wire

[0040] 4 chain teeth

[0041] 5 1st stop

[0042] 6 2nd stop

[0043] 7 Slider

[0044] 10 zipper teeth

[0045] 20 Engagement Head

[0046] 21 base

[0047] 21a Distal end surface of chain element

[0048] 21b Side of head

[0049] 21c Gradual

[0050] 22 Engaging protrusion

[0051] 22a Top surface (top end)

[0052] 22b Convex side inclined surface

[0053] 22c Convex side longitudinal inclined surface

[0054] 22d Convex side horizontal inclined surface

[0055] 23 Engagement recess

[0056] 23a Bottom

[0057] 23b Concave inner surface

[0058] 23c Concave side longitudinal inner surface

[0059] 23d Concave side transverse inner surface

[0060] 23e 1st transverse inner surface

[0061] 23f 2nd transverse inner surface

[0062] 24 opening

[0063] 25 Edge

[0064] 25a distal edge

[0065] 25b proximal edge

[0066] 25c side edge

[0067] 26 Upward sloping part

[0068] 30 Main body

[0069] 31 Connection

[0070] 32 Internal Equity Department

[0071] 40 Legs

[0072] 41 Bend

[0073] 42 Diminishing part

[0074] 42a First Decrease

[0075] 42b Second Decrement

[0076] 50 claws

[0077] 70 tensile testing machine

[0078] 71 Clamp

[0079] 72 fixtures

[0080] Do Full Thickness

[0081] L1 1st length dimension

[0082] L2 Second length dimension

[0083] Lc Center opening length

[0084] Lh head cutting length

[0085] Lo Full Length

[0086] W1 1st width dimension

[0087] W2 Second width dimension

[0088] Wc center opening width

[0089] Wh head cutting width

[0090] Wi inner strand width

[0091] Wo Full Width

[0092] θ1~θ4 tilt angle

[0093] θ5 Angle

[0094] θ6 Tilt angle

[0095] θ7 rotation angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] In a slide fastener, the overall size of the fastener elements is generally changed depending on the application of the slide fastener and the like.

[0097] On the other hand, when attempting to reduce the manufacturing cost and weight of a slide fastener using means other than changing the metal material forming the fastener elements, one of the means is, for example, making each fastener element smaller.

[0098] However, when the size of the zipper elements is reduced to form a zipper, while the weight of the zipper elements can be reduced, this affects the zipper's functionality. Furthermore, this can affect the mounting strength of the zipper elements relative to the zipper tape, the meshing strength of the left and right zipper elements, and the sliding resistance and operability of the slider when the zipper is formed.

[0099] For example, in conventional metal zipper elements, when the zipper element is formed so that the dimension of the zipper element in the longitudinal direction (the total length of the zipper element) is a certain size (for example, a size of 2.8 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less), in order to attach the zipper element to the zipper tape with appropriate attachment strength, the total width and total thickness of the zipper element must also be set to a certain size or above. Therefore, in order to ensure appropriate attachment strength for each zipper element, it is extremely difficult to reduce at least one of the total width and total thickness relative to the total length of the zipper element.

[0100] In response to the above-mentioned issues, the inventors of the present application repeatedly conducted various experiments and studies, and as a result, discovered a structure of the zipper teeth that can provide the zipper teeth with appropriate installation strength relative to the zipper tape even if the full width of the zipper teeth is reduced. The present invention was further completed by clarifying the conditions for ensuring appropriate installation strength.

[0101] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] Figure 1 It is a front view schematically showing a slide fastener including the fastener elements according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 This is an enlarged view schematically showing the main part of the zipper. Figures 3 to 6 They are the front view, rear view, top view and side view of the zipper teeth.

[0103] In the following description of the zipper, the front-back direction refers to the direction along the length of the zipper tape and the direction along the sliding direction of the slider (see Figure 2 ). In this case, the direction in which the slider is slid when the zipper is closed is set to the front, and the direction in which the slider is slid when the zipper is opened is set to the rear.

[0104] The left-right direction refers to the width of the zipper tape, which is parallel to the tape surface and perpendicular to the tape length direction (see Figure 2 The inner side in the left-right direction is the direction in which the left and right zipper tapes are brought closer together. The outer side in the left-right direction is the direction in which the left and right zipper tapes are pulled apart from each other.

[0105] The up-down direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the zipper tape's tape surface, perpendicular to the tape's length and width. In this context, the direction exposed to the outside when the zipper is in use, or the direction in which the slider tab is positioned relative to the zipper tape, is considered up. The direction opposite to the upside is considered down.

[0106] In the description of zipper elements, the front-back direction (belt length direction), left-right direction (belt width direction), and top-bottom direction (belt front-back direction) of the zipper are sometimes shown as the element thickness direction, element length direction, and element width direction of the zipper elements, respectively (see Figures 3 to 6 ).

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, the zipper 1 of this embodiment comprises: a pair of left and right zipper tapes 2 having chain tooth rows 4 formed on opposite side edges of the zipper tape 3; a first stop 5 and a second stop 6 installed at the front and rear ends of the left and right zipper tapes 2; and a slider 7 that can be slidably installed on the left and right chain tooth rows 4.

[0108] The element row 4 of each fastener stringer 2 is formed by attaching a plurality of metal fastener elements 10 to the fastener tape 3. The first stopper 5 and the second stopper 6 are sometimes referred to as an upper stopper and a lower stopper.

[0109] The zipper 1 of this embodiment has key features in the fastener tape 2, particularly the zipper elements 10. For example, the first and second stoppers 5 and 6 of this embodiment are formed substantially similarly to the first and second stoppers used in conventional zippers having metal zipper elements. Therefore, a detailed description of the first and second stoppers 5 and 6 will be omitted.

[0110] The slider 7 of this embodiment has a slider body and a pull tab attached to the slider body. In addition, in the present invention, the slider 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed so as to be able to engage / disengage the left and right element rows 4 by sliding the slider 7 along the element rows 4.

[0111] Each of the left and right fastener stringers 2 includes a long and narrow fastener tape 3 formed in a strip shape and a plurality of metal fastener elements 10 attached to mutually opposing tape side edges (tape inner side edges) of the fastener tape 3 .

[0112] Each of the left and right zipper tapes 3 comprises a tape body that is sewn onto a zipper-attached product, such as clothing, and a tape side edge portion (sometimes referred to as an element attachment portion) that extends inward in the width direction from one side edge of the tape body and onto which the zipper elements 10 are attached. The zipper tape 3 comprises a tape body 3a having an upper surface (first surface) and a lower surface (second surface), and a core portion 3b disposed along the inner edge of the tape body 3a in the front-to-back direction. The core portion 3b bulges upward and downward relative to the upper and lower surfaces of the tape body 3a.

[0113] Each zipper element 10 is formed from a copper-zinc alloy containing copper and zinc. The copper-zinc alloy of the zipper element 10 is a binary alloy containing copper and zinc as main components. The copper content of the copper-zinc alloy is preferably 59% by mass or more and 71.5% by mass or less. The zinc content is preferably 28.5% by mass or less and 41% by mass or less.

[0114] By setting the copper content of the copper-zinc alloy to 59% by mass or greater and the zinc content to 41% by mass or less, the ductility and corrosion resistance of the copper-zinc alloy can be improved. By setting the copper content to 71.5% by mass or less and the zinc content to 28.5% by mass or greater, material costs can be reduced and the zipper element 10 can be lightweight. For example, the zipper element 10 of this embodiment is formed from a copper-zinc alloy having a copper content of 65% by mass and a zinc content of 35% by mass.

[0115] The copper-zinc alloy of the present embodiment is preferably a copper-zinc alloy (brass) of C2600, C2680, C2700, C2720, or C2800 specified in JIS, or a copper-zinc alloy of C26000, C26800, C27000, C27200, or C28000 specified in ASTM.

[0116] The copper-zinc alloy that forms the zipper elements may contain elements such as tin (Sn), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and unavoidable impurities, as long as the copper content or the contents of copper and zinc are set within the range specified in JIS or ASTM.

[0117] By including trace amounts of at least one of Sn (e.g., 1.5 mass % or less), Mn (e.g., 3.0 mass % or less), Al (e.g., 2.0 mass % or less), and Si (e.g., 1.5 mass % or less) in the copper-zinc alloy, it is possible to achieve effects such as improved strength and / or hardness of the copper-zinc alloy. Furthermore, even if the copper-zinc alloy contains the aforementioned elements and unavoidable impurities, their individual and total contents are minimal, and therefore do not substantially affect the weight of the copper-zinc alloy.

[0118] When the fastener element 10 is viewed from the element thickness direction (front-back direction of the slide fastener 1), Figure 3and Figure 4 As shown, each fastener element 10 attached to the fastener tape 3 is long in the element length direction (lateral direction of the slide fastener 1 ) and has a substantially symmetrical shape in the element width direction (vertical direction of the slide fastener 1 ).

[0119] The zipper chain element 10 has: an engaging head 20 having an engaging protrusion 22 and an engaging recess 23; a main body 30 extending from the engaging head 20 toward one side of the length direction of the chain element (outside in the left and right directions); a pair of legs 40 branching from the main body 30 and extending toward one side of the length direction of the chain element; and a pair of claws 50 extending from the distal end of each of the left and right legs 40 toward the inside in the width direction of the chain element.

[0120] The zipper chain element 10 of this embodiment is manufactured by performing the following process as described later, which includes: forming a wire material called a Y-shaped wire material having a roughly Y-shaped cross-section; forming a chain element raw material by slicing the wire material (Y-shaped wire material) with a specified thickness; and forming an engaging head 20 by stamping the chain element raw material in the direction of the chain element thickness.

[0121] Here, regarding the fastener element 10 of this embodiment, the dimension of the entire fastener element 10 in the element length direction is defined as the full length Lo of the fastener element 10. The dimension of the entire fastener element 10 in the element width direction is defined as the full width Wo of the fastener element 10 (refer to Figure 3 The dimension of the portion of the fastener element 10 excluding the engaging head 20 in the element thickness direction (front-back direction) is defined as the total thickness Do of the fastener element 10 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0122] When compared with conventional metal fastener elements such as those described in Patent Document 1, for example, the fastener element 10 of this embodiment has a smaller overall width Wo than conventional fastener elements while having the same overall length Lo and overall thickness Do.

[0123] Specifically, in the case of conventional metal zipper elements, regarding the shape of the zipper elements when attached to the zipper tape, generally, the ratio of the full width Wo of the zipper elements to the full length Lo is 65% or more, and the ratio of the full width Wo to the full thickness Do is 190% or more.

[0124] On the other hand, the fastener element 10 of this embodiment is as follows, for example Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the shape of the fastener element 10 when attached to the fastener tape 3 is formed so that the ratio of the full width Wo to the full length Lo is 40% to 50% and the ratio of the full width Wo to the full thickness Do is 130% to 145%.

[0125] That is, the fastener element 10 of this embodiment is formed with the same size as that of the conventional metal fastener element in the overall length Lo and overall thickness Do when the zipper 1 is viewed from above (for example, referring to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) can have an appearance that is substantially unchanged from previous zipper elements.

[0126] Furthermore, in the fastener element 10 of this embodiment, the overall width Wo of the fastener element 10 is formed to have the above-mentioned ratios relative to the overall length Lo and overall thickness Do. As a result, the overall width Wo of the fastener element 10 of this embodiment can be reduced by approximately 30% compared to conventional metal fastener elements.

[0127] For example, in the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment, when the average value of the total length Lo of the plurality of fastener elements 10 is 2.8 mm to 3.0 mm, and / or the average value of the total thickness Do of the plurality of fastener elements 10 is 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, the average value of the total width Wo of the plurality of fastener elements 10 can be set to 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm. It should be noted that the average values ​​of the total length Lo, total thickness Do, and total width Wo of the fastener element 10 may include an error of ±0.05 mm.

[0128] Therefore, the zipper 1 having the zipper elements 10 of this embodiment can have a similar appearance to conventional zippers having metal zipper elements, while being lighter in weight. Furthermore, by reducing the overall width Wo of the zipper elements 10, the unit consumption of the zipper elements 10 can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the zipper 1. Furthermore, the reduced weight of the zipper can reduce the costs associated with transporting the zipper and zipper products (e.g., clothing), and can also reduce the environmental impact of transport.

[0129] Specifically, the zipper tape 2 having the plurality of zipper elements 10 of the present embodiment can be formed such that, for example, when the average value of the overall length Lo of the zipper elements 10 is 2.8 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, the total weight of the plurality of zipper elements 10 attached per 10 m length (i.e., tape length) in the front-to-back direction of the zipper tape 2 is 93 g or less due to the weight reduction achieved by reducing the overall width Wo of the zipper elements 10. It should be noted that in this case, the total weight of the plurality of zipper elements 10 in the zipper tape 2 does not include the weight of the zipper tape 3.

[0130] Furthermore, the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment has a unique shape and / or size as described below in order to ensure the mounting strength when the fastener element 10 is mounted on the fastener tape 3 while reducing the overall width Wo of the fastener element 10 as described above.

[0131] The engaging head 20 of the fastener element 10 includes a base 21 , an engaging recess 23 recessed forward from a flat rear end surface (first surface) of the base 21 , and an engaging projection 22 projecting forward from a front end portion of the base 21 .

[0132] The base 21 of the engaging head 20 has: an element distal end surface 21a facing inward in the left-right direction of the zipper 1; and a pair of head side surfaces 21b arranged on both sides in the width direction of the element. The base 21 has a curved surface, which is curved in the front view ( Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) in such a manner that the element distal end surface 21a of the base 21 and the head side surface 21b are smoothly curved and continuous.

[0133] The head side surface 21b of the base portion 21 has a gradually increasing portion 21c, which is formed when the fastener element 10 is viewed from the upper side of the slide fastener 1, for example. Figure 5 ) is configured so that the size of the head side surface 21b in the element thickness direction gradually increases toward the main body portion 30.

[0134] The engagement recess 23 has: for example, in the rear view of the fastener element 10 ( Figure 4 ) is provided at the center of the engaging recess 23; a concave inner peripheral surface 23b is formed between the bottom portion 23a and the rear end surface of the base 21; and an opening 24 is opened at the rear end surface of the base 21. Furthermore, an edge portion 25 is formed between the concave inner peripheral surface 23b and the rear end surface of the base 21 so as to surround the opening 24.

[0135] The bottom surface portion 23a of the engagement recess 23 is Figure 4 ) has an elliptical or oblong shape long in the width direction of the element, or a shape close thereto. The bottom portion 23a is formed to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the element.

[0136] The concave inner circumferential surface 23b includes a concave longitudinal inner circumferential surface 23c having a portion inclined along the element length direction from the bottom portion 23a of the engaging recess 23 toward the distal end of the engaging head 20; and a concave transverse inner circumferential surface 23d having a portion inclined along the element width direction from the bottom portion 23a toward the side edge of the engaging head 20. The distal end of the engaging head 20 refers to the end of the zipper element 10 on the engaging head 20 side in the element length direction. The side edge of the engaging head 20 refers to one or the other end of the engaging head 20 in the element width direction.

[0137] In this case, the concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface 23c is inclined at an inclination angle θ1 of 70° to 85° with respect to the length direction of the fastener element (see Figure 5 ). In addition, when the inclined portion of the concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface 23c is formed into a curved surface shape such as a concave curve, the inclination angle θ1 can be expressed as the following angle, that is, the angle at which an imaginary tangent line tangent to the center of the inclined portion in the concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface 23c in the element height direction is inclined relative to the element length direction when observing the longitudinal section of the zipper element 10 passing through the center of the opening 24 in the element width direction.

[0138] The concave side inner peripheral surface 23d has two surfaces that intersect the element width direction at different angles when viewed in a cross section of the fastener element 10 passing through the center of the opening 24 in the element length direction (see FIG. Figure 6 Specifically, the concave side lateral inner peripheral surface 23d includes: a first lateral inner peripheral surface 23e adjacent to the rear end surface of the side edge portion (base portion 21) of the meshing head 20; and a second lateral inner peripheral surface 23f formed between the first lateral inner peripheral surface 23e and the bottom portion 23a.

[0139] The first transverse inner circumferential surface 23e is formed so as to intersect the width direction of the coupling element at a larger angle than the second transverse inner circumferential surface 23f. A curved portion is provided between the first transverse inner circumferential surface 23e and the second transverse inner circumferential surface 23f. For example, in the present embodiment, the first transverse inner circumferential surface 23e is arranged at an angle that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the coupling element. In other words, the first transverse inner circumferential surface 23e is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the coupling element. The second transverse inner circumferential surface 23f is arranged, for example, at an angle that is inclined at a degree of not less than 55° and not more than 85° relative to the width direction of the coupling element.

[0140] That is, the concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface 23c of the engaging recess 23 along the length direction of the chain element in this embodiment is formed by a surface with one inclination angle, but the concave side transverse inner peripheral surface 23d along the width direction of the chain element has two surfaces with different inclination angles separated by a curved portion.

[0141] By having two surfaces (inner circumferential surfaces) with different angles on the concave side lateral inner circumferential surface 23d, it is possible to easily form a larger internal space of the engaging recess 23. Thus, in the manufacturing process of the zipper element 10 described later, when the element raw material is subjected to the stamping process to form the engaging protrusion 22 and the engaging recess 23, even if the element raw material is formed thin as a whole so that the full width Wo of the zipper element is small, the formation of the engaging recess 23 can move an appropriate amount of metal material. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 22 can be formed into a shape that stably protrudes forward with an appropriate amount of protrusion relative to the position of the front end surfaces of the main body 30 and the leg 40.

[0142] Here, when observing the cross section of the zipper element 10 at the center portion of the opening portion 24 in the length direction of the element, for example, an imaginary straight line is drawn in such a manner as to connect the portion where the rear end face of the base portion 21 intersects with the first transverse inner peripheral surface 23e (the side edge portion 25c described later) and the portion where the second transverse inner peripheral surface 23f intersects with the bottom portion 23a, the inclination angle of the imaginary straight line with respect to the width direction of the element is defined as the inclination angle θ2 of the concave side transverse inner peripheral surface 23d (refer to Figure 6 In this case, the concave side lateral inner peripheral surface 23d is formed so that the inclination angle θ2 is not less than 65° and not more than 85°.

[0143] like Figure 4 As shown, the edge portion 25 of the engaging recess 23 includes: a distal edge portion 25a arranged at the distal end of the engaging head 20; a base edge portion 25b arranged at the base end of the engaging head 20 close to the main body 30; and a pair of side edge portions 25c arranged between the two ends of the distal edge portion 25a and the two ends of the base edge portion 25b.

[0144] The pair of side edges 25c of the engaging recess 23 are formed into a straight or substantially straight shape along the length direction of the element. The distal edge 25a and the base edge 25b of the engaging recess 23 are formed into a curved shape that smoothly bends convexly toward the distal end of the fastener element 10 by pressing the pair of leg portions 40 toward the inner side in the element width direction as described later during the installation process of the fastener element 10 with a reduced overall width Wo to the fastener tape 3.

[0145] By forming the distal edge portion 25a and the base edge portion 25b into a curved shape, the engaging protrusion 22 of the fastener element 10 of the engaging side can be engaged with the engaging recess 23 at the portion of the engaging head 20 closer to the distal end portion. As a result, as will be described later, the left and right fastener stringers 2 that are engaged with each other can be easily rotated around the engaging portion of the engaging protrusion 22 and the engaging recess 23 (see FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0146] In addition, the distal edge portion 25a and the base edge portion 25b of the engaging recess 23 are formed into a convex curved line in the same direction, and the pair of side edge portions 25c are arranged in parallel with each other, thereby, the opening portion 24 of the engaging recess 23 is formed in the rear view ( Figure 4 ) has a quadrilateral curved shape. Thus, when the left and right zipper elements 10 are engaged, even if the zipper elements 10 have a small element width, the engaging protrusion 22 of the opposing zipper element 10 can be stably inserted into the engaging recess 23 of each zipper element 10 to an appropriate depth, thereby ensuring the engaging strength of the left and right zipper elements 10 (or the horizontal pulling strength of the zipper 1) appropriately and stably.

[0147] Here, regarding the opening portion 24 of the engaging recess 23 opened at the rear end surface of the base 21, the dimension in the length direction of the tooth at the center portion of the opening portion 24 in the tooth width direction (or the center portion of the bottom surface portion 23a in the tooth width direction) is defined as the center opening length Lc, and the dimension in the length direction of the tooth at the center portion of the opening portion 24 in the tooth length direction (or the center portion of the bottom surface portion 23a in the tooth length direction) is defined as the center opening width Wc (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0148] In this case, the ratio of the central opening width Wc to the central opening length Lc in the opening portion 24 is set to 100% or more and 130% or less. By setting the ratio of the central opening width Wc to the central opening length Lc to 100% or more, the left and right fastener elements 10 that mesh with each other can be made to be as Figure 7 As shown, the belt is rotated to a large rotation angle θ7 in each of the front and back directions about the engagement portion between the engagement protrusion 22 and the engagement recess 23 .

[0149] For example, in the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment, the left and right fastener elements 10 can be rotated largely and smoothly toward the tape surface side and the tape back side, respectively, until the rotation angle θ7 of the fastener element 10 becomes within the range of ±45° or more, preferably within the range of ±90° or more. Figure 7 In the figure, the rotation angle θ7 when the right zipper element 10 is rotated upward relative to the left zipper element 10 is represented by a positive angle, and the rotation angle θ7 when the right zipper element 10 is rotated downward relative to the left zipper element 10 is represented by a negative angle.

[0150] Furthermore, the rotation angle θ7 of the fastener elements 10 is preferably ±125° or less. Specifically, if the left and right fastener elements 10 rotate until the rotation angle θ7 exceeds ±125°, each fastener element 10 may come into contact with the opposing fastener tape 3 and become unable to rotate further. Therefore, if the rotation angle θ7 is within the range of ±125° or less, the left and right fastener elements 10 can rotate smoothly.

[0151] By setting the ratio of the center opening width Wc to the center opening length Lc to be 130% or less, the pair of side edges of the engaging head 20 can stably have appropriate strength. In the present invention, appropriate strength means strength that allows the slide fastener 1 to be used stably for a long period of time.

[0152] The engaging convex portion 22 has a distal end surface (distal end portion) 22a disposed farthest from the rear end surface of the base portion 21 in the element thickness direction, and a convex side inclined surface (convex side outer peripheral surface) 22b formed between the distal end surface 22a and the base portion 21 .

[0153] The front view of the fastener element 10 when the fastener element 10 is viewed from the front side of the slide fastener 1 ( Figure 3 ) under the shape of an oblong or rounded quadrilateral or a shape close to them. The top end face 22a is formed to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the fastener element. The top end face 22a is formed with an area smaller than the bottom face 23a of the fastening recess 23. The top end face 22a of the fastening protrusion 22 is arranged on the front side (refer to the position of the front end face (second face) of the main body 30 and the leg 40 of the zipper element 10 in the thickness direction of the fastener element. Figure 5 ).

[0154] The convex side inclined surface 22b has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c that is inclined along the length direction of the fastener element from the top end surface 22a of the engaging convex portion 22 toward the distal end portion of the engaging head 20; and a convex side transverse inclined surface 22d that is inclined along the width direction of the fastener element from the top end surface 22a toward the side edge portion of the engaging head 20. In this case, the convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c is inclined at an inclination angle θ3 of 50° to 65° relative to the length direction of the fastener element (see Figure 5 The convex side transverse inclined surface 22d is inclined at an inclination angle θ4 of 60° to 75° with respect to the element width direction (refer to Figure 6 ) In addition, the inclination angle θ4 of the convex side lateral inclined surface 22d is set to be larger than the inclination angle θ3 of the convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c.

[0155] In addition, when the convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c or the convex side transverse inclined surface 22d is formed into a curved surface such as a convex curve, the inclination angle θ3 or the inclination angle θ4 can be expressed by the following angle, that is, the angle at which the imaginary tangent line tangent to the center part of the convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c or the convex side transverse inclined surface 22d in the chain element height direction is inclined relative to the chain element length direction or the chain element width direction when observing the longitudinal section or cross section of the zipper chain element 10, for example.

[0156] In the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment, as described above, the inclination angle θ1 of the concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface 23c of the engaging concave portion 23 is 70° or more and 85° or less, and the inclination angle θ3 of the convex side longitudinal inclined surface 22c of the engaging convex portion 22 is 50° or more and 65° or less (see FIG. Figure 5 ). Thus, the engaging recess 23 and the engaging protrusion 22 having appropriate sizes in the length direction of the element can be stably formed on the fastener element 10. In addition, the strength of the distal end portion of the engaging head 20 can be stably ensured.

[0157] The inclination angle θ2 of the concave-side lateral inner peripheral surface 23d of the engaging recess 23 is 65° to 85°, and the inclination angle θ4 of the convex-side lateral inclined surface 22d of the engaging protrusion 22 is 60° to 75°. Thus, even in a zipper element 10 having a small overall width Wo, the engaging recess 23 and engaging protrusion 22 can be stably formed to have appropriate dimensions in the element width direction. Furthermore, the strength of the pair of side edges of the engaging head 20 can be stably maintained.

[0158] Furthermore, by setting the inclination angle θ1 to be 70° or greater, the inclination angle θ2 to be 65° or greater, the inclination angle θ3 to be 50° or greater, and the inclination angle θ4 to be 60° or greater, the engaging protrusion 22 of the mating fastener element 10 can be smoothly inserted into the engaging recess 23 of the fastener element 10 to an appropriate depth. Consequently, the left and right fastener elements 10 can be securely engaged. Furthermore, the engaged state of the left and right fastener elements 10 can be stably maintained.

[0159] The inclination angle θ1 is greater than the inclination angle θ3, and the difference between the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ3 is greater than 20°. The inclination angle θ2 is greater than the inclination angle θ4, and the difference between the inclination angle θ2 and the inclination angle θ4 is greater than 5°. Thus, when the left and right zipper teeth 10 are engaged, it is easy to set a desired gap between the inner peripheral surface of the mutually engaged engaging recess 23 and the outer surface of the engaging protrusion 22. In particular, the gap can be gradually increased from the edge portion 25 toward the bottom surface portion 23a of the engaging recess 23. Thus, it is easy to make the mutually engaged left and right zipper teeth 10 as Figure 7 As shown, it rotates more smoothly.

[0160] In this embodiment, when the engaging protrusion 22 of the engaging head 20 is cut off at the position of the front end surface of the leg portion 40 in the thickness direction of the fastener element, the maximum value of the dimension of the engaging protrusion 22 in the length direction of the fastener element in the cross section is defined as the head cut length Lh, and the maximum value of the dimension of the engaging protrusion 22 in the width direction of the fastener element in the cross section is defined as the head cut width Wh (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0161] In this case, the ratio of the head cut width Wh to the head cut length Lh in the engaging protrusion 22 is set to 95% or more and 115% or less, preferably 98% or more and 110% or less. By setting the ratio of the head cut width Wh to the head cut length Lh to 95% or more, the appropriate meshing strength of the zipper elements 10 can be stably ensured when the left and right zipper elements 10 are engaged with each other. By setting the ratio of the head cut width Wh to the head cut length Lh to 115% or less, the left and right zipper stringers 2 can be rotated so that the rotation angle θ7 becomes 45° or more after being engaged with each other.

[0162] In the engaging head 20 of the present embodiment, an upwardly inclined portion 26 is provided between the convex side inclined surface 22b and the main body portion 30, and the zipper element 10 is viewed from the top and bottom directions of the zipper 1. Figure 5 ) or when viewed from above, the upwardly inclined portion 26 is inclined upwardly from the convex side inclined surface 22b toward the main body portion 30.

[0163] The upwardly inclined portion 26 of the engaging head 20 is formed together with the engaging protrusion 22 and the engaging recess 23 by stamping the element raw material during the manufacturing process of the zipper element 10. Forming this upwardly inclined portion 26 makes it difficult for the metal material forming the engaging head 20 to move toward the main body 30 during the stamping process. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 22 and the engaging recess 23 can be stably formed in the predetermined shape on the engaging head 20.

[0164] The main body 30 of the fastener element 10 is provided between the engaging head 20 and the pair of legs 40. The main body 30 has flat front and rear surfaces facing the front-rear direction of the slide fastener 1 and a pair of main body side surfaces facing the top-bottom direction of the slide fastener 1.

[0165] The main body side surfaces of the main body 30 form a continuous single plane by meshing with the head side surface 21b of the head 20 and the leg outer side surface (described later) of the leg 40. In this case, the head side surface 21b, main body side surface, and leg outer side surface arranged on one side in the vertical direction of the zipper 1 and the head side surface 21b, main body side surface, and leg outer side surface arranged on the other side in the vertical direction are arranged along the length direction of the fastener elements and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0166] The main body 30 of the fastener element 10 includes a pair of connecting portions 31 connected to the pair of leg portions 40, and an inner leg portion 32 disposed between the pair of connecting portions 31 (see FIG. Figure 3 Here, the dimension of the inner strand portion 32 of the main body portion 30 in the element width direction is defined as the inner strand width dimension Wi (refer to Figure 4 In this case, the inner strand width dimension Wi can be represented by the difference between the full width Wo of the zipper element 10 and twice the dimension in the element width direction at the connecting portion 31 (the first width dimension W1 described later). In addition, the inner strand width dimension Wi can also be replaced by the minimum value of the dimension in the element width direction in the interval between the pair of legs 40.

[0167] In the fastener element 10 of this embodiment, the inner strand width Wi of the main body 30 is set to be between 0% and 46% of the total width Wo of the fastener element 10, preferably between greater than 0% and 46%, and more preferably between 5% and 30%. Furthermore, the inner strand width Wi of the main body 30 is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the dimension of the top end surface 22a of the engaging protrusion 22 in the element width direction.

[0168] By making the inner strand width dimension Wi greater than 0% of the full width Wo, the main body 30 can be stably arranged between the meshing head 20 and the leg 40. In addition, the strength of the main body 30 can be properly ensured. Therefore, the main body 30 can stably support the pair of leg 40, and the zipper element 10 with a small full width Wo can be firmly fixed to the zipper tape 3. In addition, since the meshing head 20 can be stably supported by the main body 30, when the left and right zipper elements 10 are meshed, the appropriate meshing strength (lateral tensile strength) can be stably ensured. In addition, the zipper element of the present invention can also be formed without providing the inner strand 32, and the pair of leg 40 can be formed adjacent to each other.

[0169] By setting the inner strand width Wi to be 46% or less of the full width Wo, or being smaller than the maximum dimension in the element width direction at the top end surface 22a of the engaging protrusion 22, the pair of legs 40 can be formed to have an appropriate dimension in the element width direction (first width dimension W1) at the connecting portion 31, even if the full width Wo of the fastener element 10 is reduced. Therefore, the fastener element 10 can be securely attached to the fastener tape 3 with an appropriate attachment strength (pull-off strength).

[0170] The pair of legs 40 extend from a position spaced apart from each other in the element width direction of the main body 30 toward one side in the element length direction (outward in the left-right direction). The core portion 3b of the fastener tape 3 is clamped and held between the pair of legs 40. Each leg 40 has a rear end surface (first surface) and a front end surface (second surface) facing the element thickness direction; an outer side surface positioned outward in the element width direction; and an inner peripheral surface positioned inward in the element width direction.

[0171] The front and rear faces of each leg 40 are perpendicular to the element thickness direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The front and rear faces of the leg 40 and the front and rear faces of the main body 30 form a single flat surface.

[0172] The inner peripheral surface of each leg portion 40 contacts the core portion 3b of the zipper tape 3 and is arranged to face each other across the core portion 3b. Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) below, a curved portion 41 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion and the inner peripheral surface of the claw portion 50 described later. By the curved portion 41, the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion and the inner peripheral surface of the claw are arranged at different inclination angles relative to the length direction of the fastener element.

[0173] Here, the dimension in the element width direction at the position of the connecting portion 31 of the leg portion 40 is defined as the first width dimension W1, and the dimension in the element width direction at the position of the bent portion 41 of the leg portion 40 is defined as the second width dimension W2. In this case, the ratio of the first width dimension W1 of the leg portion 40 to the full width Wo of the fastener element 10 is 35% to 45%, preferably 39% to 44%.

[0174] By setting the ratio of the first width dimension W1 of the leg portion 40 to the overall width Wo to be 35% or greater, the strength of the leg portion 40 can be stably ensured, and the core portion 3b of the fastener tape 3 can be firmly clamped by the leg portion 40. Therefore, the fastener element 10 can be firmly fixed to the fastener tape 3 with appropriate attachment strength.

[0175] Furthermore, when the pair of legs 40 are pressed inward in the width direction of the elements to attach the fastener element 10 to the zipper tape 3, the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 and its vicinity can be made less likely to bend than the portion of the leg 40 closer to the claw portion 50 (or the portion of the leg 40 at and near the bent portion 41). This reduces the load applied to the engaging head 20 and the main body 30 of the fastener element 10 due to the pressing. Consequently, the plurality of fastener elements 10 (particularly the engaging heads 20 of the fastener elements 10) can stably maintain the same shape.

[0176] When the ratio of the first width dimension W1 of the leg portion 40 to the full width Wo is 45% or less, the fastener element 10 having a small full width Wo can be stably formed.

[0177] The ratio of the second width dimension W2 of the leg portion 40 to the total width Wo of the fastener element 10 is 10% to 35%, preferably 20% to 30%. When the ratio of the second width dimension W2 of the leg portion 40 to the total width Wo is 10% or more, the leg portion 40 can stably have appropriate strength.

[0178] By setting the ratio of the second width dimension W2 of the leg portion 40 to the overall width Wo to be 35% or less, the leg portion 40 can be made thinner. This allows for cost reduction and weight reduction of the fastener element 10. Furthermore, when the pair of legs 40 are pressed inward in the element width direction to attach the fastener element 10 to the fastener tape 3, the portion of the leg portion 40 closer to the claw portion 50 can be more easily bent than the connecting portion 31 of the leg portion 40 and its vicinity.

[0179] Therefore, the fastener element 10 can be stably attached to the fastener tape 3. In addition, by pressing the leg portion 40, the portion of the leg portion 40 close to the claw portion 50 can be actively bent, so the load applied to the meshing head 20 and the main body 30 of the fastener element 10 due to the pressing can be reduced.

[0180] In the leg portion 40 of this embodiment, the ratio of the second width dimension W2 to the first width dimension W1 is 55% or more and 70% or less, preferably 60% or more and 67% or more. By setting the ratio of the second width dimension W2 to the first width dimension W1 to 55% or more, the strength of the leg portion 40 and the mounting strength of the fastener element 10 to the fastener tape 3 can be improved.

[0181] By setting the ratio of the second width dimension W2 to the first width dimension W1 to be 70% or less, the portion of the leg 40 near the claw portion 50 can be stably thinned, thereby more effectively achieving cost reduction and lightweighting of the fastener element 10. Furthermore, when a pressing force is applied to the pair of legs 40, the legs 40 can be appropriately plastically deformed. In particular, the portion of the leg 40 near the claw portion 50 can be made more easily bendable than the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 and its vicinity. Consequently, the fastener element 10 can be securely and stably fixed to the fastener tape 3.

[0182] The maximum dimension of the gap formed between the pair of legs 40 in the element width direction is at least 20% and no more than 60% of the full width Wo of the zipper element 10. By setting the maximum dimension of the gap in the element width direction at least 20%, each leg 40 can be easily formed thinner in the element width direction. Furthermore, the core portion 3b of the zipper tape 3 can be stably accommodated and held between the pair of legs 40. By setting the maximum dimension of the gap in the element width direction at least 60%, the second width dimension W2 of the zipper element 10 can be stably maintained, thereby improving the strength of the legs 40.

[0183] Each leg 40 has a tapered portion 42, which is, for example, Figure 4 As shown, the dimension of the leg 40 in the element width direction gradually decreases toward the position of the bent portion 41 within the range in the element length direction from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the position where the bent portion 41 is provided. By providing such a tapering portion 42 in the leg 40, the strength of the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 and its vicinity can be appropriately ensured, and the portion of the leg 40 close to the claw portion 50 can be formed to be easily bent by pressing.

[0184] In particular, in the present embodiment, the tapering portion 42 of the leg 40 is continuously provided throughout the entire length from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the position where the bent portion 41 is provided. In other words, each leg 40 is formed so that the dimension of the leg 40 in the element width direction continuously decreases from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the position where the bent portion 41 is provided.

[0185] In this case, the tapered portion 42 of the leg 40 includes: a first tapered portion 42a extending from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40; and a second tapered portion 42b extending from the first tapered portion 42a to the bent portion 41 and causing the dimension of the leg 40 in the element width direction to gradually decrease more gradually than the first tapered portion 42a. In this case, the first tapered portion 42a is formed so as to be smaller than the first tapered portion 42a in the front view ( Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) The inner peripheral surface of the lower leg is configured in a straight line or a curved line. The second tapering portion 42b is formed so that in the main view of the fastener element 10 ( Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) The inner peripheral surface of the lower leg is configured in a straight line.

[0186] By providing such a tapered portion 42 on the leg portion 40, the strength of the leg portion 40 can be more appropriately ensured, and when the leg portion 40 is pressed from the outside in the width direction, the portion of the leg portion 40 close to the claw portion 50 can be easily and stably bent. As a result, the fastener element 10 can be mounted on the fastener tape 3 with increased strength.

[0187] Furthermore, in the present invention, each leg 40 of the zipper element 10 may be formed so as to have a portion having a gradually decreasing dimension in the element width direction. That is, each leg 40 may have a portion having a constant dimension in the element width direction from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the location where the bend 41 is provided. Furthermore, the gradually decreasing portion 42 may be formed so that the inner circumference of the leg 40 is arranged in a continuous straight line or a curved line with a constant curvature from the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the location of the bend 41.

[0188] In the zipper element 10 of this embodiment, the leg-forming angle θ5 formed between the inner circumferential surface of the inner leg portion 32 of the main body 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the leg portion 40 is 105° or greater and 125° or less. By setting the leg-forming angle θ5 to 105° or greater, the leg portion 40 can be easily formed thinner in the element width direction. Consequently, the zipper element 10 can be easily reduced in weight.

[0189] By setting the leg angle θ5 to 125° or less, the legs 40 can be prevented from becoming excessively thin, ensuring stable strength. Furthermore, the dimension in the element length direction (the first length dimension L1, described below) from the connecting portion 31 to the curved portion 41 of the legs 40 can be appropriately maintained. Therefore, when the pair of legs 40 are pressed inwardly in the element width direction to attach the zipper element 10 to the zipper tape 3, the legs 40 can be plastically deformed smoothly and stably. As a result, the attachment strength of the zipper element 10 to the zipper tape 3 can be improved.

[0190] A pair of claws 50 extends inward in the element width direction from the distal end of each leg 40. Each claw 50 is formed to have the same dimension in the element thickness direction as the leg 40. The fastener tape 3 (tape body 3a) is sandwiched between the pair of claws 50.

[0191] Each claw portion 50 has: a rear end face (first face) and a front end face (second face) that are orthogonal to the thickness direction of the chain element; an inner peripheral surface of the claw that contacts the core wire portion 3b of the zipper tape 3; a distal end face of the claw facing inward in the width direction of the chain element; and an outer end face of the chain element facing in a direction away from the meshing head 20 in the length direction of the chain element (outside in the left-right direction of the zipper 1).

[0192] The inner peripheral surface of the claw portion 50 is in the front view of the fastener element 10 ( Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion 40 and the distal end surface of the claw. The inner peripheral surface of the claw is inclined relative to the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion 40 via the curved portion 41.

[0193] The inner circumferential surface of the claw is inclined relative to the length direction of the element at an angle θ6 of 50° to 70°, preferably 55° to 65°. By setting the angle θ6 to 50° or greater, and particularly by setting the angle θ6 to be greater, the claw portion 50 of the zipper element 10 can be used to strongly press against the core wire. This allows the zipper element 10 to be securely fixed to the zipper tape 3, thereby increasing the mounting strength of the zipper element 10 relative to the zipper tape 3.

[0194] By setting the inclination angle θ6 to 70° or less, it is possible to easily process the substantially Y-shaped wire material (Y-shaped wire material) used in the manufacture of the zipper element 10. Furthermore, the cross-section of the wire material can be stably formed into a substantially Y-shaped, constant shape, thereby enabling the stable manufacture of multiple zipper elements having a predetermined shape. Specifically, the claw portion 50 of the zipper element 10 of this embodiment has an inner circumferential surface formed thereon with an inclination angle θ6 of 60°.

[0195] The distal end surfaces of the claw portions 50 are formed along the length direction of the fastener element. The fastener tape 3 is clamped and held between the distal end surfaces of the pair of claw portions 50. In this case, the distance between the distal end surfaces of the claw portions 50 is formed so that the dimension in the width direction of the fastener element is smaller than the inner strand width dimension Wi of the main body portion 30 described above.

[0196] The outer end surface of the element of the claw portion 50 is in the main view of the fastener element 10 ( Figure 3 ) or backsight ( Figure 4 ) is arranged along the width direction of the element (vertical direction) and is perpendicular to the claw distal end surface of the claw portion 50. The outer end surface of the element is continuous with the outer side surface of the leg portion 40 via a curved surface.

[0197] In the fastener element 10 of this embodiment, the dimension in the element length direction from the position of the connecting portion 31 of the leg 40 to the position of the bent portion 41 is defined as the first length dimension L1. The maximum value of the dimension in the element length direction from the position of the bent portion 41 to the element outer end surface of the claw portion 50 is defined as the second length dimension L2 (see Figure 4 ).

[0198] In this case, the ratio of the first length dimension L1 to the overall length Lo of the fastener element 10 is 25% or more and 35% or less. By setting the ratio of the first length dimension L1 to the overall length Lo to 25% or more and setting the ratio of the second width dimension W2 of the leg portion 40 to the first width dimension W1 to 70% or less, each leg portion 40 can be easily formed to be slender in the element length direction. Furthermore, when the pair of legs 40 are pressed inward in the element width direction to attach the fastener element 10 to the fastener tape 3, the legs 40 can be easily plastically deformed.

[0199] When the ratio of the first length L1 to the total length Lo is 35% or less, the dimension in the element longitudinal direction of the engaging head 20 in the fastener element 10 and the second length L2 can be appropriately ensured.

[0200] The ratio of the second length dimension L2 to the total length Lo of the fastener element 10 is 10% to 25%, preferably 15% to 20%. By setting the ratio of the second length dimension L2 to the total length Lo to be 10% or more, the strength of the claw portion 50 can be appropriately ensured. This allows the fastener element 10 to be securely fixed to the fastener tape 3, thereby improving the strength with which the fastener element 10 is attached to the fastener tape 3.

[0201] Since the ratio of the second length L2 to the total length Lo is 25% or less, the first length L1 of the fastener element 10 can be appropriately ensured, and thus the leg portion 40 can be easily plastically deformed when the fastener element 10 is attached to the fastener tape 3 .

[0202] In the fastener element 10 of this embodiment, the ratio of the second length dimension L2 to the first length dimension L1 is 55% to 80%, preferably 60% to 75%. By setting the ratio of the second length dimension L2 to the first length dimension L1 to 55% or more, the strength of the claw portion 50 can be appropriately ensured, thereby improving the strength of the fastener element 10 when attached to the fastener tape 3. By setting the ratio of the second length dimension L2 to the first length dimension L1 to 80% or less, the first length dimension L1 can be appropriately ensured, thereby enabling stable plastic deformation of the leg portion 40 of the fastener element 10.

[0203] In the zipper element 10 of the present embodiment, in order to ensure the installation strength of the zipper element 10 relative to the zipper tape 3, as described above, the shape of the main body 30, the shape of the leg 40, the shape of the claw 50, the ratio of the inner width dimension Wi of the main body 30, the ratios of the first width dimension W1 and the second width dimension W2 of the leg 40, the size of the interval between the legs 40, the leg formation angle θ5, the inclination angle θ6 and the ratios of the first length dimension L1 and the second length dimension L2 of the zipper element 10 are controlled.

[0204] However, in the present invention, by controlling at least one item, preferably two or more items, related to the leg portion 40 and the claw portion 50 of the fastener element 10 among the plurality of items described above, it is possible to appropriately ensure the mounting strength of the fastener element 10 relative to the fastener tape 3. For example, in the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment, by appropriately setting at least one of the dimensions of the leg portion 40 in the element width direction and the element length direction and the inclination angle θ6, the fastener element 10 can have an appropriate mounting strength (for example, a mounting strength of 60N or more).

[0205] A method for manufacturing the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment as described above will be described.

[0206] First, a long metal wire containing copper and zinc at the predetermined content is prepared. In this embodiment, a metal wire having a circular cross-section is prepared. The cross-sectional shape of the prepared metal wire is not particularly limited in the present invention.

[0207] Next, the prepared metal wire is rolled multiple times to form a metal wire having a substantially Y-shaped cross-section (Y-shaped wire). The resulting metal wire is then sliced ​​to a predetermined thickness, as described in Patent Document 1, to form a substantially Y-shaped element material. The element material is then subjected to a stamping process, for example, using an element forming device equipped with a forming punch and a forming die, to produce the zipper elements 10.

[0208] Then, the plurality of manufactured fastener elements 10 are sent to the tape attaching step and attached to the fastener tape 3 .

[0209] In this tape attaching step, with the tape side edge portion of the fastener tape 3 including the core portion 3 b inserted between the pair of legs 40 of the fastener element 10 , the pair of legs 40 are pressed toward the inside in the element width direction so as to approach each other.

[0210] As a result, the leg portion 40 of the fastener element 10 is plastically deformed, and the fastener element 10 has Figures 3 to 6 The shape shown in FIG. 1 is formed, and a portion of the fastener tape 3 is sandwiched and held between the pair of leg portions 40 of the fastener element 10. Thereby, the fastener element 10 can be attached to the fastener tape 3.

[0211] In this tape attaching step, the fastener stringer 2 having the element rows 4 formed on the tape side edge portions of the fastener tape 3 can be manufactured by attaching the plurality of fastener elements 10 to the tape side edge portions of the fastener tape 3 at regular intervals.

[0212] Thereafter, the manufactured fastener stringers 2 are combined into a group of two, and the first stopper 5, the second stopper 6, and the slider 7 are attached to the combined fastener stringers 2 to manufacture a fastener stringer. Figure 1 The slide fastener 1 of this embodiment is shown.

[0213] In the present invention, there is no particular limitation on the method for manufacturing each of the fastener element 10, the fastener tape 2, and the slide fastener 1. The fastener element 10, the fastener tape 2, and the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment may be manufactured using methods other than the above-described methods.

[0214] In the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment manufactured by the above-described method, each fastener element 10 is formed in the above-described shape and size, thereby being firmly and securely attached to the fastener tape 3. Therefore, the fastener element 10 can be stably attached to the fastener tape 3 with an appropriate size during use of the slide fastener 1.

[0215] For example, even when the fastener element 10 has an elongated shape in which the average value of the entire length Lo is 2.8 mm to 3.0 mm and the average value of the entire width Wo is 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), each zipper element 10 can also stably have an appropriate mounting strength of more than 60N relative to the zipper tape 3.

[0216] Furthermore, the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment has a smaller ratio of the full width Wo to the full length Lo and a smaller ratio of the full width Wo to the full thickness Do than conventional general metal fastener elements.

[0217] As a result, the zipper 1 can be made lighter. For example, compared to conventional zipper elements 10 having the same overall length Lo and overall thickness Do and made of the same copper-zinc alloy, each zipper element 10 of this embodiment can be made lighter by more than 15%, preferably more than 19%. As a result, the costs required for transporting metal materials and zipper products can be reduced. In addition, the unit consumption of the zipper elements 10 can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the zipper 1. Furthermore, the environmental burden caused by transportation, etc. can be reduced, contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

[0218] In addition, sometimes, for example, jeans and other clothing are provided with a front opening portion called a placket, and the zipper 1 is used on the front opening portion. In addition, the zipper 1 is sometimes used on the opening portion of a pocket of clothing, and a pocket flap is attached to cover the opening portion.

[0219] By attaching the zipper 1 of this embodiment to the front opening or pocket opening of such a garment, the zipper element 10 of this embodiment has a reduced overall width Wo as described above. This allows the thickness of the front opening and the portion where the pocket flap is attached to be reduced. Furthermore, as will be described later, the zipper 1 of this embodiment exhibits excellent flexibility. Therefore, by using the zipper 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide garments that are more comfortable to wear than conventional garments and are easier to wear.

[0220] In the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment, the full width Wo of the fastener element 10 is small, and the engaging concave portion 23 and the engaging convex portion 22 of the fastener element 10 are formed in the above-mentioned shape and size. As a result, when the left and right fastener elements 10 are engaged, one of the left and right fastener elements 10 can be moved relative to the other. Figure 7 As shown, the fastener element 10 is rotated to a wide angle range toward the front and back direction of the fastener tape 3 around the engaging portion between the engaging protrusion 22 and the engaging recess 23 of the fastener element 10 .

[0221] Specifically, in the zipper element 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the engaging recess 23 is formed so that the ratio of the center opening width Wc of the opening 24 of the engaging recess 23 to the center opening length Lc is set to 100% or more and 130% or less. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 22 is formed so that the ratio of the head cut width Wh to the head cut length Lh is set to 95% or more and 115% or less.

[0222] By forming the engaging recessed portion 23 and the engaging convex portion 22 on the engaging head portion 20 of each fastener element 10 in this manner, when the left and right fastener elements 10 are engaged, the engaging convex portion 22 of the engaging counterpart can be easily rotated in the engaging recessed portion 23 of the fastener element 10. Therefore, the left and right fastener elements 10 can be smoothly rotated with a light force around the engaging portion between the engaging convex portion 22 and the engaging recessed portion 23.

[0223] In the present embodiment, by reducing the full width Wo of the fastener element 10 , when the fastener element 10 is rotated as described above, the fastener element 10 can increase the rotatable angle until it interferes with the fastener tape 3 of the meshing partner.

[0224] For example, in the zipper 1 of this embodiment, one of the left and right zipper elements 10 can be greatly rotated relative to the other zipper element 10 toward the respective directions of the tape surface side and the tape back side until the rotation angle θ7 of the zipper element 10 becomes greater than 45°, preferably greater than 90°.

[0225] As described above, in the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment, even when the left and right element rows 4 are firmly engaged with each other, each zipper element 10 can be easily rotated relative to the other zipper element 10. Therefore, when the slide fastener 1 is twisted with the left and right element rows 4 in the engaged state, the above-mentioned rotation of the zipper elements 10 can be utilized, making it easy to twist the slide fastener 1.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the full width Wo of the fastener elements 10 is smaller than that of conventional zipper elements made of metal, when the zipper 1 is folded toward the front and back of the tape with the left and right element rows 4 engaged, for example, the fastener elements 10 are less likely to interfere with the fastener elements 10 engaged before and after the fastener elements 10. As a result, the zipper 1 can be folded toward the front and back of the tape more easily.

[0227] As described above, the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment is formed to be easily twisted by allowing each fastener element 10 to rotate, and is also formed to be easily bent in the tape front-back direction, thereby exhibiting excellent flexibility.

[0228] Example

[0229] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

[0230] (Examples and Comparative Examples)

[0231] As the slide fastener 1 of the embodiment and the slide fastener of the comparative example, each slide fastener 1 was manufactured, each having a pair of left and right fastener tapes 2, wherein a plurality of fastener elements 10 having a full length Lo, a full width Wo, and a full thickness Do as shown in Table 1 below were attached to a fastener tape 3. In this case, the fastener elements 10 of both the embodiment and the comparative example were formed of a copper-zinc alloy having a copper content of 59.0% by mass to 71.5% by mass and a zinc content of 28.5% by mass to 41.0% by mass (specifically, a copper-zinc alloy having a copper content of 65% by mass and a zinc content of 35% by mass).

[0232] (Installation Strength Test of Zipper Element 10)

[0233] Next, regarding the manufactured slide fastener 1 of the embodiment and the slide fastener of the comparative example, the left and right fastener stringers 2 were separated. Figure 8 The tensile testing machine 70 shown measures the attachment strength of the fastener elements 10 of the fastener tape 3 in the following manner.

[0234] First, the fastener tape 3 is fixed by the clamp 71 of the tensile testing machine 70. This holds the fastener stringer 2 on the tensile testing machine 70. At this time, the fastener stringer 2 is held so that the length of the fastener tape 3 is horizontal and the width of the fastener tape 3 is vertical.

[0235] Next, the engaging head 20 of one fastener element 10 is gripped and fixed by the jig 72 of the tensile testing machine 70. At this time, fastener elements 10 other than the fastener element 10 to be measured may be removed from the fastener tape 3.

[0236] Thereafter, the jig 72 holding the fastener element 10 was pulled vertically upward at a constant pulling speed, and the resistance value applied to the jig 72 was measured until the fastener element 10 was pulled off the fastener tape 3. The maximum value of the measured resistance value was defined as the attachment strength (pull-off strength) of the fastener element 10.

[0237] Regarding each fastener stringer 2 of the example and the comparative example, the above-mentioned mounting strength test was performed on six fastener elements 10 , and the average value of the measured mounting strengths of the six fastener elements 10 was calculated.

[0238] Generally, if the fastener elements in a slide fastener have a mounting strength of 55N or more, the fastener elements are firmly fixed to the fastener tape and the slide fastener function can be properly performed. Therefore, the slide fastener can be circulated on the market as a qualified product that meets the quality standard of the mounting strength.

[0239] Therefore, the fastener stringers 2 of the examples and comparative examples were evaluated as acceptable products "○" when the average value of the mounting strength calculated by the above method was 55 N or more, and as defective products "×" when the average value was less than 55 N. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0240] (Total weight of zipper elements 10 per 10m)

[0241] Each fastener stringer 2 of the Example and the Comparative Example was cut so that the fastener tape 3 had a tape length of 10 m. Next, all fastener elements 10 were pulled out from the fastener tape 3 on the cut fastener stringer 2. The total weight of all the pulled-out fastener elements 10 was then measured. The measured total weight of the fastener elements 10 is again shown in Table 1 below.

[0242] [Table 1]

[0243]

[0244] As shown in Table 1 above, the ratio of the full width Wo to the full length Lo and the ratio of the full width Wo to the full thickness Do of the zipper element 10 of the example were 48.8% and 140.0%, respectively, which are within the range of the present invention. Furthermore, for the zipper stringer 2 of the example, the average value of the attachment strength of the zipper element 10 to the zipper tape 3 was calculated, and the result confirmed that the zipper stringer 2 of the example was a qualified product with an average attachment strength of 55N or more.

[0245] Moreover, in the fastener stringer 2 of the Example, it was confirmed that the total weight of the several fastener elements 10 attached to the fastener stringer 2 per 10m was 93g.

[0246] On the other hand, it was confirmed that the ratio of the full width Wo to the full length Lo in the comparative example zipper elements was greater than 50%, and the ratio of the full width Wo to the full thickness Do was greater than 145%. In addition, in the comparative example zipper stringer, due to the large full width Wo of the zipper elements, although the average value of the zipper element installation strength showed a value that meets the requirements of qualified products, the total weight of the multiple zipper elements installed in the zipper stringer per 10m exceeded 100g.

[0247] From the results of the above examples and comparative examples, it was confirmed that in the slide fastener 1 of the example, the fastener elements 10 were firmly fixed to the fastener tape 3 and that the overall width Wo of the fastener elements 10 was reduced, thereby reducing the weight compared to the slide fastener of the comparative example.

[0248] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment at all, and various modifications are possible as long as the present invention has substantially the same structure and exhibits the same functions and effects.

[0249] For example, the fastener element 10 of the present embodiment is formed of a copper-zinc alloy. However, in the present invention, the material of the fastener element is not particularly limited as long as it is metal, and the fastener element may be formed of a metal other than the copper-zinc alloy, such as an aluminum alloy.

Claims

1. A zipper element, which is a metal zipper element mounted on a zipper tape (3) of a zipper (1), characterized in that: The zipper element (10) has an engaging head (20), and the engaging head (20) has a convex portion (22) and a concave portion (23). When the dimensions of the zipper element (10) as a whole in the length direction of the element and in the width direction of the element are respectively defined as the full length (Lo) and full width (Wo) of the zipper element (10), the ratio of the full width (Wo) of the zipper element (10) to the full length (Lo) is not less than 40% and not more than 50%, When the dimension of the portion of the zipper element (10) other than the engaging head (20) in the element thickness direction is specified as the total thickness (Do), the ratio of the total width (Wo) of the zipper element (10) to the total thickness (Do) is greater than 130% and less than 145%.

2. The zipper element according to claim 1, wherein: The zipper element (10) comprises: a main body (30) extending from the engaging head (20) in the length direction of the element; a pair of legs (40) branching and extending from the main body (30); and a pair of claws (50) extending from the distal end of each leg (40) toward the inner side in the width direction of the element. The inner peripheral surface of each claw portion (50) is inclined relative to the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion (40) via the curved portion (41). The size of each leg portion (40) in the width direction of the fastener element gradually decreases from the connecting portion (31) of the leg portion (40) connected to the main body portion (30) to the position of the bent portion (41).

3. The zipper element according to claim 2, wherein: When the dimension in the width direction of the chain element at the connecting portion (31) of each leg (40) is specified as a first width dimension (W1), and the dimension in the width direction of the chain element at the position of the bent portion (41) of each leg (40) is specified as a second width dimension (W2), the ratio of the first width dimension (W1) to the full width (Wo) of the zipper chain element (10) is not less than 35% and not more than 45%, The ratio of the second width dimension (W2) to the full width (Wo) of the zipper element (10) is not less than 10% and not more than 35%, The ratio of the second width dimension (W2) to the first width dimension (W1) is 55% or more and 70% or less.

4. The zipper element according to claim 3, wherein: When the difference between the full width (Wo) of the zipper chain element (10) and twice the first width dimension (W1) is defined as the inner width dimension (Wi), the ratio of the inner width dimension (Wi) to the full width (Wo) of the zipper chain element (10) is greater than 0% and less than 46%.

5. The zipper element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: When the dimension in the length direction of the chain element from the position of the connecting portion (31) of the leg portion (40) to the position of the bent portion (41) is specified as a first length dimension (L1), and the maximum value of the dimension in the length direction of the chain element from the position of the bent portion (41) to the outer end surface of the claw portion (50) facing the length direction of the chain element is specified as a second length dimension (L2), the ratio of the first length dimension (L1) to the total length (Lo) of the zipper chain element (10) is not less than 25% and not more than 35%, The ratio of the second length dimension (L2) to the total length (Lo) of the zipper element (10) is not less than 10% and not more than 25%, The ratio of the second length dimension (L2) to the first length dimension (L1) is 55% or more and 80% or less.

6. The zipper element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The engaging head (20) has a first surface, the first surface facing the thickness direction of the coupling element of the engaging head (20), and the recess (23) is provided on the first surface. The recess (23) has an opening (24) opened on the first surface, When the dimension of the opening portion (24) in the direction of the length of the chain element at the center portion in the direction of the width of the chain element is defined as the center opening length (Lc), and the dimension of the opening portion (24) in the direction of the width of the chain element at the center portion in the direction of the length of the chain element is defined as the center opening width (Wc), the ratio of the center opening width (Wc) to the center opening length (Lc) is not less than 100% and not more than 130%, When the protrusion (22) of the engaging head (20) is cut at the position of the second surface of the leg (40) facing the thickness direction of the chain element, when the dimension of the cross-section of the protrusion (22) in the length direction of the chain element is specified as the head cutting length (Lh), and the dimension of the cross-section of the protrusion (22) in the width direction of the chain element is specified as the head cutting width (Wh), the ratio of the head cutting width (Wh) to the head cutting length (Lh) is greater than 95% and less than 115%.

7. The zipper element according to claim 5, wherein: The engaging head (20) has a first surface, the first surface facing the thickness direction of the coupling element of the engaging head (20), and the recess (23) is provided on the first surface. The recess (23) has an opening (24) opened on the first surface, When the dimension of the opening portion (24) in the direction of the length of the chain element at the center portion in the direction of the width of the chain element is defined as the center opening length (Lc), and the dimension of the opening portion (24) in the direction of the width of the chain element at the center portion in the direction of the length of the chain element is defined as the center opening width (Wc), the ratio of the center opening width (Wc) to the center opening length (Lc) is not less than 100% and not more than 130%, When the protrusion (22) of the engaging head (20) is cut at the position of the second surface of the leg (40) facing the thickness direction of the chain element, when the dimension of the cross-section of the protrusion (22) in the length direction of the chain element is specified as the head cutting length (Lh), and the dimension of the cross-section of the protrusion (22) in the width direction of the chain element is specified as the head cutting width (Wh), the ratio of the head cutting width (Wh) to the head cutting length (Lh) is greater than 95% and less than 115%.

8. The zipper element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The recess (23) of the engaging head (20) comprises: a recessed longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) having a portion inclined along the length direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the distal end of the engaging head (20); and a recessed transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) having a portion inclined along the width direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the side edge of the engaging head (20). The concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ1) of not less than 70° and not more than 85° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The concave side lateral inner peripheral surface (23d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ2) of 65° to 85° relative to the width direction of the fastener element. The convex portion (22) of the meshing head (20) has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the distal end portion of the meshing head (20) along the length direction of the chain element; and a convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the side edge portion of the meshing head (20) along the width direction of the chain element, The convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ3) of 50° to 65° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ4) of not less than 60° and not more than 75° relative to the width direction of the fastener element.

9. The zipper element according to claim 5, wherein: The recess (23) of the engaging head (20) comprises: a recessed longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) having a portion inclined along the length direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the distal end of the engaging head (20); and a recessed transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) having a portion inclined along the width direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the side edge of the engaging head (20). The concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ1) of not less than 70° and not more than 85° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The concave side lateral inner peripheral surface (23d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ2) of 65° to 85° relative to the width direction of the fastener element. The convex portion (22) of the meshing head (20) has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the distal end portion of the meshing head (20) along the length direction of the chain element; and a convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the side edge portion of the meshing head (20) along the width direction of the chain element, The convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ3) of 50° to 65° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ4) of not less than 60° and not more than 75° relative to the width direction of the fastener element.

10. The zipper element according to claim 6, wherein: The recess (23) of the engaging head (20) comprises: a recessed longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) having a portion inclined along the length direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the distal end of the engaging head (20); and a recessed transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) having a portion inclined along the width direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the side edge of the engaging head (20). The concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ1) of not less than 70° and not more than 85° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The concave side lateral inner peripheral surface (23d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ2) of 65° to 85° relative to the width direction of the fastener element. The convex portion (22) of the meshing head (20) has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the distal end portion of the meshing head (20) along the length direction of the chain element; and a convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the side edge portion of the meshing head (20) along the width direction of the chain element, The convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ3) of 50° to 65° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ4) of not less than 60° and not more than 75° relative to the width direction of the fastener element.

11. The zipper element according to claim 7, wherein: The recess (23) of the engaging head (20) comprises: a recessed longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) having a portion inclined along the length direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the distal end of the engaging head (20); and a recessed transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) having a portion inclined along the width direction of the chain element from the bottom surface (23a) of the recess (23) toward the side edge of the engaging head (20). The concave side longitudinal inner peripheral surface (23c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ1) of not less than 70° and not more than 85° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The concave side lateral inner peripheral surface (23d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ2) of 65° to 85° relative to the width direction of the fastener element. The convex portion (22) of the meshing head (20) has: a convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the distal end portion of the meshing head (20) along the length direction of the chain element; and a convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) which is inclined from the top end surface of the convex portion (22) toward the side edge portion of the meshing head (20) along the width direction of the chain element, The convex side longitudinal inclined surface (22c) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ3) of 50° to 65° relative to the length direction of the fastener element. The convex side transverse inclined surface (22d) is inclined at an inclination angle (θ4) of not less than 60° and not more than 75° relative to the width direction of the fastener element.

12. The zipper element according to claim 8, wherein: The concave side transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) comprises: a first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) adjacent to the end surface of the side edge portion of the engaging head (20); and a second transverse inner peripheral surface (23f) formed between the first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) and the bottom portion (23a) of the concave portion (23). The first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) is formed to have a larger angle of intersection with the width direction of the fastener element than the second transverse inner peripheral surface (23f).

13. The zipper element according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The concave side transverse inner peripheral surface (23d) comprises: a first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) adjacent to the end surface of the side edge portion of the engaging head (20); and a second transverse inner peripheral surface (23f) formed between the first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) and the bottom portion (23a) of the concave portion (23). The first transverse inner peripheral surface (23e) is formed to have a larger angle of intersection with the width direction of the fastener element than the second transverse inner peripheral surface (23f).

14. A zipper chain, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a plurality of the fastener elements (10) described in any one of claims 1 to 13; and the fastener tape (3) to which the fastener elements (10) are attached.

15. The zipper stringer according to claim 14, wherein: When the average value of the full width (Wo) of the fastener elements (10) is 1.3 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, the mounting strength of each of the fastener elements (10) relative to the fastener tape (3) is 60 N or more.

16. A zipper chain, comprising a plurality of metal zipper elements (10) and a zipper tape (3) for mounting the zipper elements (10), characterized in that: When the average value of the overall dimension of the zipper teeth (10) in the length direction of the teeth is greater than or equal to 2.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm, the total weight of the plurality of zipper teeth (10) installed on each 10 m length of the zipper tape (3) in the length direction of the tape is less than or equal to 93 g.

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