Three-way zipper, puller for three-way zipper, and zipper tape for three-way zipper

Abstract

The utility model discloses a three -way zipper, three -way zipper is used to pull head and three -way zipper are used zipper chain belt. Three -way zipper is through pull head (70) and is combined from three directions with 3 zipper chain belts (11) and constitutes, 3 zipper chain belts (11) include zipper belt (20) and along one side edge department of zipper belt (20) are configured into a column with multiple chain teeth (12). The chain tooth (12) includes the engagement portion (13) and the belt fixed part (14), and the convex part (24) is formed on the engagement upper surface (22) of the engagement portion (13), and the recess (50) is formed on the engagement lower surface (23) of the engagement portion (13), and the recess (50) opens to the direction that is orthogonal with the face that the zipper belt (20) constitutes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a three-way zipper, a zipper pull for a three-way zipper, and a zipper tooth belt for a three-way zipper. The three-way zipper combines a zipper tooth belt with zipper teeth fixed in place from three directions. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of apparel and industrial materials, zippers with two zipper teeth have been widely used in the past. However, sometimes, in products with designs that divide space into three parts or products with special purposes, it is required to combine three zipper teeth. The concept of such a three-way zipper has been proposed in previous patent documents such as Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, or Patent Document 3, but it has not yet been mass-produced and put into practical use.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-way zipper comprising: two zipper teeth arranged at 180-degree intervals, and a zipper tooth arranged at a 90-degree interval between the two zipper teeth. Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a three-way zipper using three zipper teeth arranged at 120-degree intervals.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 4112552

[0007] Patent Document 2: Description of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110013081

[0008] Patent Document 3: Chinese Utility Model No. 204949778 Specification

[0009] However, in the three-way zipper described in Patent Document 1, the zipper teeth at the 90-degree intervals use teeth with different shapes than the other two zipper teeth, requiring two different zipper chains. Furthermore, the teeth at the 90-degree intervals themselves have complex shapes, making them difficult to manufacture. Additionally, the tooth shape described in Patent Document 2 also requires two interlocking protrusions in one tooth, making it more complex. Generally speaking, components with complex tooth shapes are not suitable for mass production.

[0010] Furthermore, the teeth of the three-way zipper described in Patent Document 3 are only conceptually described in terms of shape. It is not difficult to imagine that even if it is implemented exactly as shown in the drawings, the meshing strength would not be sufficient.

[0011] In addition, as another problem, when using a mold to manufacture the chain teeth described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 by injection molding, the mold parting becomes complicated and cannot be manufactured by simply parting the upper and lower molds. Utility Model Content

[0012] Therefore, this utility model was made in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a zipper tooth chain that can make three zipper tooth chains engage with one tooth shape.

[0013] In addition, another objective of this utility model is to provide a zipper tooth belt that can be injection molded into the shape of the zipper teeth using only upper and lower molds, and has excellent mass production capability.

[0014] That is, the three-way zipper of this invention is constructed by combining three zipper teeth from three directions using a zipper pull. The three zipper teeth include a zipper tape and a plurality of zipper teeth arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper tape.

[0015] The zipper teeth include: a retaining portion, which is fixed to one side edge of the zipper tape of any one of the three zipper teeth; and an engaging portion, which extends from the retaining portion and is capable of engaging with the zipper teeth of the other zipper tapes.

[0016] The engaging portion includes an engaging upper surface and an engaging lower surface facing each other along the long side of the zipper tape, and a protrusion protruding along the long side of the zipper tape is formed on the engaging upper surface.

[0017] A recess is formed on the lower surface of the engaging portion, the recess being recessed along the long side of the zipper tape and having an opening on the lower surface of the engaging portion.

[0018] The recess has a recess opening, which opens in a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the zipper tape, and the opening of the recess on the engaging lower surface is continuous with the recess opening.

[0019] Additionally, in some cases, the belt fixing portion includes: a belt fixing main body portion, on which the engaging portion is provided; an upper shoulder portion extending from the belt fixing main body portion along the side edge of the zipper belt; and a lower shoulder portion located on the opposite side to the upper shoulder portion, extending from the belt fixing main body portion along the side edge of the zipper belt, the upper shoulder portion having an upper shoulder engaging surface extending upward from the upper surface of the engaging portion, the lower shoulder portion having a lower shoulder engaging surface, the upper shoulder engaging surface and the lower shoulder engaging surface abutting against the surfaces of the teeth of adjacent zipper teeth forming engaging portions.

[0020] In addition, under certain circumstances, when adjacent zipper teeth are engaged with each other, the upper shoulder engagement surface and the lower shoulder engagement surface face each other to the surfaces forming the engagement portion of the adjacent zipper teeth, and each facing surface can make surface contact with each other.

[0021] In addition, in some cases, the recess is provided in the shape of a straight groove on the lower surface of the engaging part, and the recess opening is formed only from one direction on the side of the engaging part.

[0022] Additionally, in some cases, the engaging portion is formed such that its tip gradually tapers away from the belt fixing portion. The engaging portion includes: a second side surface extending along the width and thickness direction of the zipper tape; a third side surface extending along the width and thickness direction of the zipper tape and disposed on the side opposite to the second side surface; and a first side surface connecting the second and third side surfaces and extending along the long side of the zipper tape. The recessed opening opens only from the second side surface and is continuous with the opening on the lower surface of the engaging portion.

[0023] Additionally, in some cases, the protrusion is generally cylindrical in shape, including a cylindrical side surface and a curved upper surface covering the cylindrical side surface.

[0024] Additionally, in some cases, a notched surface is formed on a portion of the protrusion, the notched surface being formed across the cylindrical side surface and the curved upper surface of the protrusion.

[0025] Furthermore, the three-way zipper pull of this invention is used to combine three zipper teeth from three directions. The three zipper teeth include a zipper strip and multiple zipper teeth arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper strip. The three-way zipper pull includes a central post, a first flange, a second flange, and a third flange.

[0026] Between the central post and the first flange, the second flange, and the third flange, there are respectively a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage for the chain teeth to pass through.

[0027] The first flange, the second flange, and the third flange are arc-shaped and protrude outwards.

[0028] Furthermore, in the three-way zipper tooth tape of this utility model, the three-way zipper is formed by combining three zipper tooth tapes from three directions using a zipper head. Each of the three zipper tooth tapes includes a zipper tape and a plurality of chain teeth arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper tape. In the three-way zipper tooth tape...

[0029] The zipper teeth include: a retaining portion, which is fixed to one side edge of the zipper tape of any one of the three zipper teeth; and an engaging portion, which extends from the retaining portion and is capable of engaging with the zipper teeth of the other zipper tapes.

[0030] The engaging portion includes an engaging upper surface and an engaging lower surface facing each other along the long side of the zipper tape, wherein a protrusion is formed on the engaging upper surface that protrudes along the long side of the zipper tape.

[0031] A recess is formed on the lower surface of the engaging portion, the recess being recessed along the long side of the zipper tape and having an opening on the lower surface of the engaging portion.

[0032] The recess has a recess opening, which faces a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the zipper tape.

[0033] Utility Model Effect

[0034] According to the present invention, a zipper tooth chain is provided that can engage three zipper teeth with a single tooth shape.

[0035] In addition, according to this utility model, a zipper tooth chain can be provided that can be injection molded into the shape of the chain teeth using only upper and lower molds and has excellent mass production performance. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the engaged state of the three-way zipper involved in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a front view of the zipper teeth involved in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a top view of the zipper teeth involved in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the zipper teeth involved in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a right-side view of the zipper teeth involved in this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 This diagram shows the engagement state of zipper teeth 11A, 11B, and 11C when viewed from the X direction.

[0042] Figure 7 This diagram shows the state with zipper tooth tape 11A facing forward when zipper tooth tape 11A is engaged, with zipper tooth tape 11B and 11C in the correct position.

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 7The left-side view.

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The right-side view.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a 3D model of the 70mm zipper head.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a side view of the zipper puller 70.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a top view of the 70mm puller head.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the 70mm diameter puller.

[0049] Figure 14 Show Figure 12 A-A sectional view.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0051] 13・Kahobu 14. Strap fixing part (shoulder) 16. Upper shoulder 17. Lower shoulder 18・With fixed main body 19. Grooved 20. Zipper tape 21. Core Rope 22・Clamping upper surface 23・Lower surface of the engagement 24・Protrusion 25・Cut-out facet 31・First side of the card section 32・Second side of the card part 33・The third side of the card part 34・Fourth side of the card fitting 35・Fifth side of the card part 37・First side view of the shoulder 38. Second side of the shoulder 39. Third side of the shoulder 41・Upper shoulder joint 42・Lower shoulder fitting surface 50・Concave 51・The first side of the concave part 52・Second side of the concave part 53・Third side of the concave part 54・The upper surface of the concave part 55・Recess opening 70・Pull the head 71A・First Exit 71B・Second Front Exit 71C・Third Front Exit 75A・First Passage 75B • Second Passage 75C • Third Pathway 78・Back Mouth 81A • First flange 81B Second Flange 81C - Third Flange 85A・First Gap 85B - Second Gap 85C・Third Gap 88・Central Column 91AB・First Connecting Section 91BC・Second Connecting Section 91AC・Third Connector 95AB・First Postorbital Wall 95 BC・Second posterior mouth wall 95AC・Third Rear Mouth Wall 97AB・First rear opening bottom surface 97BC・Second Rear Bottom 97AC・Third Rear Bottom Detailed Implementation

[0052] (Structure of this embodiment)

[0053] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out this utility model will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this utility model is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0054] In the following description, for ease of explanation, the orientation of the zipper teeth 11 and zipper teeth 12 is defined as follows: up and down (X direction), left and right (Y direction), and back and front (Z direction).

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the main view of the zipper teeth 12, the plane formed by the zipper tape is set as the XY plane, and the direction of zipper closure (from...) Figure 2 The direction from below to above is set as the upward direction (+X direction), and the direction the zipper opens (from...). Figure 2 The direction from top to bottom is defined as the down direction (-X direction). In addition, this up-down direction is sometimes also referred to as the direction of the long side of the zipper tape.

[0056] Moreover, in Figure 2 In the XY plane formed by the zipper tape, the direction orthogonal to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, which is the direction from the zipper tooth mounting side towards the non-mounting side (from...). Figure 2 The direction from the right side to the left is defined as the left direction (-Y direction), and the opposite direction is defined as the right direction (+Y direction). In addition, this left and right direction is sometimes referred to as the width direction of the zipper tape.

[0057] In addition, the direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned up-down and left-right directions is defined as the back direction, such as Figure 4 As shown, the side with the opening of the recess 50 of the chain tooth 12 is defined as the front side (+Z direction), and its opposite side (-Z direction) is defined as the back side.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the engaged state of the three-way zipper 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, "three-way zipper" refers to a zipper belt with zipper teeth fixed to it, which is assembled from three directions. More specifically, it refers to a zipper as follows: comprising three zipper teeth belts with zipper teeth fixed to them, the zipper teeth of these three belts engaging in a sequentially alternating, overlapping manner, and gradually combined to form a linear assembly, thereby creating a state where the zipper belt faces three different directions from this linear assembly outwards. The three-way zipper 1 includes zipper teeth belts 11A, 11B, and 11C, which are of the same shape, and teeth 12 are installed on the strip-shaped zipper belt 20 having both long and short sides. Furthermore, although... Figure 1 Not shown, but the three-way zipper 1 has a zipper pull 70 that can move along the side edges of the zipper teeth 11A, 11B and 11C. Figure 9 (This will be explained later). Also, although... Figure 1 Although not shown in the diagram, the following situation also exists: the three-way zipper 1 has a stop or opening part at both ends of the long side direction of the zipper teeth 11A, 11B and 11C for determining the range of movement of the zipper head 70.

[0059] Zipper toothed straps 11A, 11B, and 11C are all the same shape. Each zipper toothed strap includes: the zipper strap 20 described later; and a toothed row, which includes a plurality of teeth 12 fixed to the side ends of the zipper strap 20.

[0060] Zipper tooth tapes 11A, 11B and 11C (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a set of zipper tooth tapes 11) extend along the X direction and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the YZ plane.

[0061] Each zipper tape 20 is strip-shaped, with the X direction as the long side, the Y direction as the short side, and the Z direction as the thickness direction or the back side direction. In addition, each zipper tape 20 has a core cord 21 on its side edge in the short side direction.

[0062] The zipper tooth row is formed by a plurality of zipper teeth 12 arranged in a row along the side edge of the zipper tape 20. Each of the plurality of zipper teeth 12 is independently installed on the zipper tape 20. Figure 1 In this case, the chain teeth 12 are fixed to the zipper tape 20 at intervals in the X direction.

[0063] Furthermore, in order to close a set of zipper teeth 11A, 11B, 11C, the zipper pull 70 (see reference) Figure 9 (In the following diagrams) When moving in the +X direction, the chain teeth 12, 12, 12 engage with each other. Additionally, when the zipper head 70 moves in the -X direction to open a set of zipper teeth 11A, 11B, 11C, the engagement of the chain teeth 12, 12, 12 is released, and the set of zipper teeth separates in the three directions.

[0064] use Figures 2 to 5 The following describes the chain tooth 12.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a view of the zipper tooth 12 as seen from the front side; this view is used as the main view. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a top view of zipper tooth 12 (a diagram showing the main view from above). Furthermore, Figure 4 This is a bottom view of zipper tooth 12 (a view of the main view from below). Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a right-side view of the zipper tooth 12 (a view of the main view from the right). Furthermore, in each figure, the tooth 12 is depicted as being installed on the zipper tape 20.

[0066] The zipper teeth 12, which are fixed to the zipper tape 20, are made of resin, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a belt fixing part 14 (hereinafter, sometimes also referred to as shoulder 14), which is fixed to the side edge of the zipper belt 20; and a locking part 13, which extends from the belt fixing part 14 along the Y direction (the direction of the short side of the zipper belt 20).

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the shoulder portion 14 includes: an upper shoulder portion 16, which is disposed above the zipper strap 20 in the X direction; a lower shoulder portion 17, which is disposed below the zipper strap 20 in the X direction; and a strap fixing body portion 18, which connects the upper shoulder portion 16 and the lower shoulder portion 17. The upper shoulder portion 16 is a portion extending upward from the upper surface (upper in the X direction) of the engaging portion 13, and the lower shoulder portion 17 is a portion extending downward from the lower surface (lower in the X direction) of the engaging portion 13.

[0068] In addition, from Figure 2 When viewed from the front, the upper outer edge of the upper shoulder 16 slopes towards the left side (-Y direction) of the zipper tape 20, and the lower outer edge of the lower shoulder 17 also slopes slightly towards the left side (-Y direction) of the zipper tape 20. In this way, by setting it at an angle, the zipper tape 20 can move as freely as possible, making the zipper teeth 11 more flexible.

[0069] Additionally, the shoulder 14 has a groove 19 in the X direction of the upper shoulder 16, the fixed body part 18, and the lower shoulder 17. The groove 19 is used to accommodate the zipper tape 20 and the core cord 21 provided on the side edge of the zipper tape 20.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper shoulder portion 16 has an upper shoulder engagement surface 41 extending upward from the upper surface of the engagement portion 13. The upper shoulder engagement surface 41 is orthogonal to the left-right direction (width direction, Y direction) of the zipper tape 20, and is also parallel to the thickness direction (front and back direction, Z direction) of the tape. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the upper shoulder 16 has a generally trapezoidal shape, including a first shoulder side 37, a second shoulder side 38, a third shoulder side 39, and an upper shoulder engagement surface 41. The first shoulder side 37 is parallel to the upper shoulder engagement surface 41. Furthermore, the length of the first shoulder side 37 in the Z direction is shorter than the length of the upper shoulder engagement surface 41 in the Z direction. Moreover, the angles formed by the first shoulder side 37 and the third shoulder side 39, and the angles formed by the first shoulder side 37 and the second shoulder side 38, are equal. In this embodiment, the angles involved are approximately 120 degrees.

[0071] Furthermore, the angle formed by the upper shoulder engagement surface 41 and the third shoulder side surface 39 and the angle formed by the upper shoulder engagement surface 41 and the second shoulder side surface 38 are both equal. In addition, the angles involved in this embodiment are approximately 60 degrees.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the first side of the shoulder 37 has a groove 19 for holding the zipper tape 20 and the core cord 21. The groove 19 is shaped to accommodate the zipper tape 20 and the core cord 21, which is formed in a manner that it is positioned approximately at the center of the upper shoulder 14.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first side of the shoulder 37 is roughly rectangular in shape with the X direction as the long side and the Y direction as the short side.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second side surface 38 of the shoulder is a surface that is continuous with the upper shoulder 16, the lower shoulder 17 and the fixed main body part 18 with the X direction as the long side and the Y direction as the short side.

[0075] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the third side surface 39 of the shoulder has the same shape as the second side surface 38 of the shoulder. It is a continuous surface of the shoulder 16, the lower shoulder 17 and the fixed main body part 18 with the X direction as the long side and the Y direction as the short side.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the Y direction, the upper shoulder engagement surface 41 is roughly rectangular in shape with the Z direction as the long side and the X direction as the short side.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower shoulder portion 17 has a lower shoulder engagement surface 42 extending downward from the lower surface of the engagement portion 13. The lower shoulder engagement surface 42 is orthogonal to the left-right direction (width direction, Y direction) of the zipper tape 20, and is also parallel to the thickness direction (front and back direction, Z direction) of the tape. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the lower shoulder 17 and upper shoulder 16 have the same shape, approximately trapezoidal, and when viewed from the X direction, include: a first shoulder side 37, a second shoulder side 38, a third shoulder side 39, and a lower shoulder mating surface 42. The first shoulder side 37 is parallel to the lower shoulder mating surface 42. Furthermore, the length of the first shoulder side 37 in the Z direction is shorter than the length of the lower shoulder mating surface 42 in the Z direction. Moreover, the angles formed by the first shoulder side 37 and the third shoulder side 39, and the angles formed by the first shoulder side 37 and the second shoulder side 38, are equal. In this embodiment, the angles are approximately 120 degrees. The angles formed by the lower shoulder mating surface 42 and the third shoulder side 39, and the angles formed by the lower shoulder mating surface 42 and the second shoulder side 38, are also equal. In this embodiment, the angles are approximately 60 degrees.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the Y direction, the lower shoulder mating surface 42 and the upper shoulder mating surface 41 have the same shape, which is a roughly rectangular shape with the Z direction as the long side and the X direction as the short side. In addition, the lower shoulder mating surface 42 and the upper shoulder mating surface 41 are approximately the same size.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the engaging portion 13 includes a first engaging side surface 31, a second engaging side surface 32, a third engaging side surface 33, a fourth engaging side surface 34, and a fifth engaging side surface 35, and has an engaging upper surface 22 on its upper surface side in the X direction. These surfaces are the surfaces on which the zipper teeth 12 form the engaging portion 13. Furthermore, a protrusion 24 is provided on the engaging upper surface 22. The protrusion 24 is generally cylindrical, including a cylindrical side surface and a curved upper surface covering the cylindrical side surface, and the portion connecting the cylindrical side surface and the upper surface is smoothly chamfered. Moreover, a notched surface 25 larger than the chamfered portion is formed on a portion of the protrusion 24. This notched surface 25 is formed across the cylindrical side surface and the curved upper surface of the protrusion 24. Therefore, the portion of the zipper teeth 12 in contact with each other during the engagement action is reduced, thus reducing the sliding resistance during the opening and closing operation of the zipper.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the engaging portion 13 has an engaging lower surface 23 formed by the engaging first side surface 31, the engaging second side surface 32, the engaging third side surface 33, the engaging fourth side surface 34, and the engaging fifth side surface 35. Furthermore, the engaging lower surface 23 and the engaging second side surface 32 have recesses 50.

[0081] Furthermore, the second side surface 32 and the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion abut against the previously described upper shoulder engaging surface 41 or lower shoulder engaging surface 42, thereby preventing lateral displacement or disengagement of the chain teeth when they are engaged. Moreover, the contact method between the second side surface 32 and the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion and the upper shoulder engaging surface 41 or lower shoulder engaging surface 42 is preferably surface contact as in this embodiment, but curved surface contact or contact with concave and convex surfaces is also possible.

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the engaging portion 13 is viewed from the X direction, the length of the first side surface 31 of the engaging portion is approximately equal to the length of the first side surface 37 of the shoulder, and the lengths of the second side surface 32 of the engaging portion and the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion are also approximately equal.

[0083] Furthermore, the fourth side 34 of the engaging portion and the second side 38 of the shoulder portion are formed continuously, and the sum of their lengths is approximately equal to the length of the second side 32 of the engaging portion.

[0084] Furthermore, the fifth side surface 35 of the engaging portion and the third side surface 39 of the shoulder are formed continuously, and the sum of their lengths is approximately equal to the length of the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion.

[0085] Furthermore, the angles formed by the second side 32 and the fourth side 34 of the engaging portion, and the angles formed by the third side 33 and the fifth side 35 of the engaging portion, are all equal. In addition, the angles involved in this embodiment are approximately 120 degrees.

[0086] On the other hand, the angles formed at both ends of the first side surface 31 of the engaging portion with the second side surface 32 and the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion are also equal. Furthermore, the angle involved in this embodiment is approximately 120 degrees.

[0087] Therefore, the chain teeth 12 formed by the shoulder 14 and the engaging portion 13 are roughly hexagonal when viewed from the X direction.

[0088] Furthermore, the continuous surfaces of the fourth side 34 of the engaging portion and the second side 38 of the shoulder, and the continuous surfaces of the fifth side 35 of the engaging portion and the third side 39 of the shoulder, do not necessarily have to be planar; they can also be curved surfaces, which are surfaces with shape change freedom according to design requirements. On the other hand, since the second side 32 and the third side 33 of the engaging portion must make surface contact with the upper shoulder engaging surface 41 or the lower shoulder engaging surface 42 to perform the function of preventing lateral displacement or engagement disengagement, they need to be all simple straight planes as in this embodiment, or the surfaces that contact each other should be surfaces with matching shapes (which can also be curved or concave-convex surfaces).

[0089] From Figure 2 When observed in the Z or Y direction, the lengths of the first side 31, the second side 32, the third side 33, the fourth side 34, and the fifth side 35 of the engaging part are all equal in the X direction.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the engaging portion 13 extends from the strap fixing body portion 18 of the shoulder portion 14 along the Y direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the engaging portion 13 is shaped such that its height (length in the X direction) is greater than the height (length in the X direction) of both the upper shoulder engaging surface 41 and the lower shoulder engaging surface 42. This relative height setting allows the overall flexibility of the zipper to be maintained by setting the spacing between the zipper teeth in the X direction to an appropriate size when the zipper teeth 11 are engaged, and also suppresses the offset of the zipper teeth in the YZ direction.

[0092] The protrusion 24 and the recess 50 are components used to engage the overlapping chain teeth 12, 12, 12 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the chain teeth 12, 12, 12 are engaged, the engaging upper surface 22 of the lower chain teeth and the engaging lower surface 23 of the upper chain teeth, which overlap in the vertical direction, are in contact with each other while being offset from each other by 120 degrees around the X-axis.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the protrusion 24 is approximately cylindrical in shape, and the outer edge of its upper surface is chamfered. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the notched portion 25 is formed by cutting off a portion of the upper surface of the protrusion 24 at an angle. Additionally, as... Figure 5As shown, the notch 25 is formed by cutting off a portion of the protrusion 24 at a height approximately one-third of its height in the X direction. This notch 25 is positioned to contact the periphery of the first side surface 31 of the engaging portion of the zipper tooth that rotates from above when the upper and lower zipper teeth are engaged. Therefore, when the zipper teeth 11 are engaged, the notch 25 functions as a buffer against interference from the upper and lower zipper teeth, allowing the protrusion 24 to easily enter the recess 50.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the recess 50 is configured as a straight groove in the Z direction from the front side to the back side on the engaging lower surface 23 side of the engaging portion 13, and a recess opening 55 is formed at the opening of the second side surface 32 of the engaging portion, which is a side surface of the engaging portion 13. The opening of the recess 50 on the engaging lower surface 23 and the recess opening 55 are continuous. Furthermore, the recess opening 55 opens only on one side surface of the engaging portion 13.

[0095] More specifically, the recessed opening 55 is open only on the second side 32, which is located on the side with the fixing part 14, among the five sides of the engaging portion from the first side 31 to the fifth side 35, while the third side 33 on the other side is not open. Alternatively, it can be configured in the opposite way, with the recessed opening 55 opening only on the third side 33, which is located on the side with the fixing part 14, among the five sides of the engaging portion from the first side 31 to the fifth side 35, while the second side 32 on the other side is not open. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the recess 50 has an opening 55 in the Z-direction at the recess opening 55 of the second side surface 32 of the engaging portion. The first side surface 51 and the second side surface 52 of the recess extend facing each other along the Z-direction from the recess opening 55. The end of the recess 50 is closed by the third side surface 53 of the recess, and the upper surface of the recess is the upper surface 54 of the recess. Therefore, the height of the recess 50 in the X-direction is the height of the first side surface 51, the second side surface 52, and the third side surface 53 of the recess, which is higher than the height of the protrusion 24. Furthermore, strictly speaking, the first side surface 51 and the second side surface 52 of the recess, extending from the recess opening 55, extend facing each other along the Z-direction as inclined surfaces with draft angles, making it easy for the mold to disengage from the recess opening 55 during resin injection molding.

[0096] As described above, since the protrusions 24 and the recesses 50 are formed, the overlapping chain teeth 12 can be made to mesh with each other.

[0097] Furthermore, since the recess 50 extends in a direction orthogonal to the zipper tape 20, i.e., the front-to-back direction (Z direction), it can disengage from the recess 50 during injection molding when the mold moves in a direction orthogonal to the zipper tape 20. Therefore, when the zipper tooth 12 is injection molded using only upper and lower molds, the recess 50 does not become an undercut, and no other part of the zipper tooth 12 becomes an undercut. Therefore, the zipper tooth 12 can be injection molded using only a pair of upper and lower molds without the need for an additional sliding mold. Moreover, Figure 5 The P-P line in the diagram shows the parting line of the mold.

[0098] Next, use Figures 6 to 9 The engagement status of zipper teeth 11A, 11B and 11C is explained. Figure 6 This diagram shows the engagement state of zipper teeth 11A, 11B, and 11C when viewed from the X direction. Figure 6 In the middle, there is a zipper tooth 11A at the top, a zipper tooth 11B below the zipper tooth 11A, and a zipper tooth 11C below the zipper tooth 11B. This sequence is repeated so that the zipper teeth are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction.

[0099] in addition, Figure 7 This indicates that with zipper teeth 11A, 11B, and 11C engaged, the zipper tape 20 of zipper tooth 11A is positioned in conjunction with... Figure 7 A diagram showing the state of the paper in the direction orthogonal to the paper. Figure 8 Viewed from the left side of the paper Figure 7 The diagram at that time Figure 9 Viewed from the right side of the paper Figure 7 The diagram at that time. In addition, Figures 7 to 9 The diagram shows any part of a three-way zipper in the engaged state, where the zipper teeth of zipper tooth chain 11A are the uppermost teeth in each diagram, and the zipper teeth of zipper tooth chain 11C are the lowermost teeth in each diagram.

[0100] The following is a detailed explanation of the engagement status of each zipper tooth and belt.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the zipper tooth belts 11A, 11B, and 11C engage with the tooth of zipper tooth belt 11B at the position reached by rotating 120 degrees to the right (clockwise) from zipper tooth belt 11A, with the tooth protrusion 24 of each zipper tooth belt as the center. The tooth of zipper tooth belt 11C engages at the position reached by rotating 120 degrees to the right (clockwise) from zipper tooth belt 11B.

[0102] Next, use Figures 7 to 9 The engagement states of zipper teeth 11A, 11B, and 11C will be explained. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the explanation will begin with the lowest tooth 12 of zipper tooth 11C.

[0103] First, regarding the teeth of zipper tooth chain 11C and zipper tooth chain 11B, the concave portion 50 of zipper tooth chain 11B is engaged by rotating 120 degrees to the left (counterclockwise) with the convex portion 24 of zipper tooth chain 11C as the center.

[0104] In the engaged state, the upper engaging surface 22 of the zipper chain 11C and the lower engaging surface 23 of the zipper chain 11B are in contact with each other. In addition, the upper shoulder engaging surface 41 of the zipper chain 11C and the third side surface 33 of the engaging portion of the zipper chain 11B are in contact with each other.

[0105] Next, above the teeth of the zipper chain 11B, the teeth of the zipper chain 11A are stacked in the same manner as described above.

[0106] Next, above the teeth of zipper chain 11A, the teeth of zipper chain 11C are stacked in the same manner as described above.

[0107] Next, above the teeth of zipper chain 11C, the teeth of zipper chain 11B are stacked in the same manner as described above. This action is repeated to engage the zipper chain.

[0108] As explained above, the zipper teeth 11A, 11B and 11C are configured to be offset from the adjacent teeth by 120 degrees so that their respective protrusions 24 engage with the recesses 50, and offset in the XYZ direction can be suppressed by making each surface of the shoulder 14 contact each surface of the engaging portion 13.

[0109] use Figures 10 to 14 The zipper head 70 used in the three-way zipper of this utility model will be described.

[0110] Figure 10 A perspective view of the slider 70 is shown. Figure 11 A side view of the slider 70 is shown. Figure 12 This is a top view of the 70mm puller (viewed from above). Figure 11 (Image) Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the 70mm puller head (viewed from below). Figure 11 (Image) Figure 14 Show Figure 12 Sectional view A-A in the diagram.

[0111] like Figure 10As shown, the overall shape of the zipper pull 70 is a combination of the cylindrical shape of the zipper tooth exit side and the truncated conical shape of the zipper tooth entrance side. Additionally, a rear opening 78 is formed on the cylindrical side, although... Figure 10 Not shown, but a first front opening 71A, a second front opening 71B and a third front opening 71C are formed on the truncated conical side.

[0112] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown, on the side of the zipper pull 70, a first slit 85A, a second slit 85B, and a third slit 85C are formed in the entire vertical direction for the zipper strips 20 of the zipper teeth strips 11A, 11B, and 11C to pass through.

[0113] like Figure 10 As shown, the cylindrical portion of the slider 70 is formed by a first rear opening wall portion 95AB and a first rear opening bottom surface 97AB, a second rear opening wall portion 95BC and a second rear opening bottom surface 97BC, and a third rear opening wall portion 95AC and a third rear opening bottom surface 97AC. The two ends of the first rear opening wall portion 95AB and the first rear opening bottom surface 97AB are a first slit 85A and a second slit 85B, the two ends of the second rear opening wall portion 95BC and the second rear opening bottom surface 97BC are a second slit 85B and a third slit 85C, and the two ends of the third rear opening wall portion 95AC and the third rear opening bottom surface 97AC are a first slit 85A and a third slit 85C.

[0114] The overall shape of the rear opening 78 is formed by the straight portion formed by the inner ends of the first rear opening bottom surface 97AB, the second rear opening bottom surface 97BC, and the third rear opening bottom surface 97AC, and is roughly triangular in outline. More precisely, the overall shape of the rear opening 78 is similar to... Figure 6 The zipper teeth 11A, 11B, and 11C shown have approximately the same shape when engaged. Specifically, they are formed as follows: an edge consisting of a continuous fifth side 35 of the engagement portion, a third side 39 of the shoulder portion, and a second side 38 of the shoulder portion; an edge consisting of a continuous fourth side 34 of the engagement portion, a second side 38 of the shoulder portion, and a third side 39 of the shoulder portion; and an edge consisting of a continuous fifth side 35 of the engagement portion, a second side 38 of the shoulder portion, and a third side 39 of the shoulder portion, with each edge having a first gap 85A, a second gap 85B, and a third gap 85C at both ends. Furthermore, the overall shape of the rear opening 78 is formed in this way, thereby... Figure 6 The zipper straps 20, 20, 20 shown can pass through the first gap 85A, the second gap 85B, and the third gap 85C.

[0115] like Figure 11As shown, in the truncated cone-shaped portion of the slider 70, a first flange 81A, a second flange 81B, and a third flange 81C are formed in an arc shape. The first flange 81A, the second flange 81B, and the third flange 81C are arc-shaped and protrude outward from the central column portion 88 located in the center of the slider 70 toward each of the first flange 81A, the second flange 81B, and the third flange 81C.

[0116] Additionally, a first connecting portion 91AB is formed for connecting the first flange 81A and the second flange 81B, a second connecting portion 91BC is formed for connecting the second flange 81B and the third flange 81C, and a third connecting portion 91AC is formed for connecting the third flange 81C and the first flange 81A. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 91AB, the second connecting portion 91BC, and the third connecting portion 91AC are formed in a manner that is recessed inward compared to the arcuate shape formed by the first flange 81A, the second flange 81B, and the third flange 81C, but it is not necessary for them to be recessed; they can also be arcuate trajectories that match the arcuate shape.

[0117] A first front opening 71A, a second front opening 71B, and a third front opening 71C are formed on each flange. To make... Figure 3 The zipper teeth 12 pass through, and the shapes of the front openings involved are approximately the same. In addition, a first slit 85A, a second slit 85B, and a third slit 85C are formed in the first front opening 71A, the second front opening 71B, and the third front opening 71C, respectively. Therefore, the zipper teeth 11 can pass through each front opening and each slit.

[0118] A central column 88 is formed in the frustum-shaped portion of the pull head 70. For example... Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the central column 88 is formed to extend inward toward the zipper pull 70, and the top part of the central column 88 is triangular. In addition, a first passage 75A, a second passage 75B, and a third passage 75C are formed between the central column 88 and the first flange 81A, the second flange 81B, and the third flange 81C, respectively, for the zipper teeth of the zipper chain 11A, 11B, and 11C to pass through.

[0119] Thus, the zipper pull 70 includes: a passage connected to the rear opening 78 side in a manner that engages the chain teeth 12; and three branch passages 75A, 75B, and 75C, which are formed in a radially extending manner connected to the aforementioned passage, with a central post 88 disposed at their center. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the zipper pull on the rear opening 78 side is approximately circular, with first to third flanges 81 formed in a generally arcuate (imaginary) shape extending radially toward the central post 88 side. Here, the flanges of the first passage 75A, second passage 75B, and third passage 75C are divided by first connecting portions 91AB, second connecting portions 91BC, and third connecting portions 91CA, which are recessed relative to them in a generally arcuate (imaginary) shape.

[0120] Since the zipper pull 70 is configured as described above, each row of zipper teeth 11A, 11B and 11C enters the first front opening 71A, the second front opening 71B and the third front opening 71C respectively, and is then guided along the central post 88 and the first passage 75A, the second passage 75B and the third passage 75C in a way that brings them close to each other. While overlapping and engaging in the vertical direction, they become engaged with each other at the inner positions of the bottom surfaces 97AB, 97BC and 97AC of the first rear opening, and exit from the rear opening 78 as a single engaged zipper.

[0121] By employing a zipper including the zipper teeth 11 and the zipper pull 70 as described above, it is possible to achieve a zipper with a simpler construction that allows for three-way engagement, a feature that was previously more complex in shape and difficult to mass-produce. In particular, it has the advantage of being able to fully engage the three zipper teeth using a single tooth shape.

[0122] In addition, since the zipper teeth can be injection molded using only upper and lower molds, this three-way zipper also has excellent mass production capabilities.

[0123] Furthermore, this utility model is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above. As for technologies that are substantially the same as the technical matters described in the embodiments of this utility model or have the same effect, technologies known to those skilled in the art can also be appropriately used, used as alternative technologies, or added to it.

[0124] For example, the chain teeth of the three-way zipper of this invention can also be metal chain teeth formed by allowing molten metal to flow into a mold.

[0125] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the parts marked with reference numerals and described in the figures are described as the minimum structural parts required in various embodiments of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is composed only of the parts marked with reference numerals and described in the figures.

Claims

1. A three-way zipper, wherein the three-way zipper is constructed by combining three zipper teeth (11) from three directions using a zipper pull (70), characterized in that: The three zipper teeth (11) include a zipper tape (20) and a plurality of teeth (12) arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper tape (20). The zipper tooth (12) includes: a belt fixing part (14) which is fixed to one side edge of the zipper tape (20) of any one of the three zipper tooth zipper tapes (11); and an engaging part (13) which extends from the belt fixing part (14) and is capable of engaging with the zipper teeth (12) of the other zipper tapes (20). The engaging portion (13) includes an engaging upper surface (22) and an engaging lower surface (23) facing each other along the long side of the zipper tape. A protrusion (24) is formed on the engaging upper surface (22) protruding along the long side of the zipper tape. A recess (50) is formed on the engaging lower surface (23) of the engaging portion (13). The recess (50) is recessed along the long side of the zipper tape (20) and has an opening on the engaging lower surface. The recess (50) has a recess opening (55) which opens in a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the zipper tape (20). The opening of the recess (50) of the engaging lower surface (23) and the recess opening (55) are continuous.

2. The three-way zipper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The strap fixing part (14) includes: a strap fixing main body part (18), on which the engaging part (13) is provided; an upper shoulder part (16) extending from the strap fixing main body part (18) along the side edge of the zipper strap; and a lower shoulder part (17) located on the opposite side to the upper shoulder part, extending from the strap fixing main body part (18) along the side edge of the zipper strap. The upper shoulder (16) has an upper shoulder engagement surface (41) extending upward from the upper surface of the engagement portion (13). The lower shoulder (17) has a lower shoulder engagement surface (42). The upper shoulder engagement surface (41) and the lower shoulder engagement surface (42) abut against the surfaces of the engagement portions (13) of the teeth (12) of the adjacent zipper teeth (11).

3. The three-way zipper according to claim 2, characterized in that: When adjacent zipper teeth are engaged with each other, the surfaces of the upper shoulder engagement surface (41) and the lower shoulder engagement surface (42) and the teeth (12) of the adjacent zipper tooth belt (11) forming the engagement portion (13) face each other, and the facing surfaces can make surface contact with each other.

4. The three-way zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recess (50) is provided in the shape of a straight groove on the engaging lower surface (23) of the engaging part (13). The recessed opening (55) is formed in only one direction on the side of the engaging portion (13).

5. The three-way zipper according to claim 4, characterized in that: The engaging portion (13) is formed such that its tip gradually tapers away from the belt fixing portion (14). The engaging portion (13) includes: a second side surface (32) extending along the width and thickness direction of the zipper tape; a third side surface (33) extending along the width and thickness direction of the zipper tape and disposed on the side opposite to the second side surface; and a first side surface (31) connecting the second side surface (32) and the third side surface (33) and extending along the long side of the zipper tape. The recessed opening (55) opens only from the second side (32) of the engaging portion and is continuous with the opening of the engaging lower surface (23).

6. The three-way zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protrusion (24) is generally cylindrical in shape, including a cylindrical side surface and a curved upper surface covering the cylindrical side surface.

7. The three-way zipper according to claim 6, characterized in that: A notched surface (25) is formed on a portion of the protrusion (24), the notched surface (25) being formed across the cylindrical side surface and the curved upper surface of the protrusion (24).

8. A three-way zipper pull, said three-way zipper pull (70) for combining three zipper teeth (11) from three directions, characterized in that: The three zipper teeth (11) include a zipper tape (20) and a plurality of teeth (12) arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper tape (20). The three-way zipper pull (70) includes a central post (88), a first flange (81A), a second flange (81B), and a third flange (81C). Between the central post (88) and the first flange (81A), the second flange (81B) and the third flange (81C), there are respectively a first passage (75A), a second passage (75B) and a third passage (75C) for the chain tooth (12) to pass through. The first flange (81A), the second flange (81B) and the third flange (81C) are arc-shaped protruding outwards.

9. A zipper tooth tape for a three-way zipper, characterized in that: The three-way zipper is formed by combining three zipper teeth (11) from three directions using a zipper head (70). The three zipper teeth (11) include a zipper strip (20) and a plurality of teeth (12) arranged in a row along one side edge of the zipper strip (20). The zipper tooth (12) includes: a belt fixing part (14) which is fixed to one side edge of the zipper tape (20) of any one of the three zipper tooth zipper tapes (11); and an engaging part (13) which extends from the belt fixing part (14) and is capable of engaging with the zipper teeth (12) of the other zipper tapes (20). The engaging portion (13) includes an engaging upper surface (22) and an engaging lower surface (23) facing each other in the long side direction of the zipper tape, and a protrusion (24) protruding along the long side direction of the zipper tape is formed on the engaging upper surface (22). A recess (50) is formed on the lower surface (23) of the engaging portion (13). The recess (50) is recessed along the long side of the zipper tape (20) and has an opening on the lower surface of the engaging portion. The recess (50) has a recess opening (55) which opens in a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the zipper tape (20).

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