Zipper closure element, and zipper

Abstract

A closure element (21) for a metal zipper comprises: a toothed head (30); and a first half (32) and a second half (33) branching off from and extending from the toothed head (30). The facing surfaces of the first half (32) and the second half (33) are provided with retaining grooves (39) formed along the width direction of the closure element. The branching of the first half (32) and the second half (33) is directed more towards the locking head than the clamping grooves (39a, 39b). This makes it possible to attach new closure elements to missing closure element sections cost-effectively and quickly, without sending the zipper to a repair shop, and to achieve a satisfactory external appearance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure element for a zipper and a zipper. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the prior art, in a state where the left and right rows of elements are interlocked and a zipper is closed, if excessive lateral tensile force is applied to the left and right zipper tapes, a zipper element may be detached from a fastener tape or damaged. Therefore, a new fastener element is applied to repair the area where the fastener element is missing due to detachment or damage.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a manual injection molding machine capable of injecting a new fastener element at a location where a fastener element is missing. Furthermore, in a fastener element described in Patent Literature 2, a fastener element is clamped by a pair of element halves separated at a tape front side and a tape back side in a region where the fastener element is damaged and missing, and a fastener element for repair is attached by performing fastening using mechanical fasteners such as a screw element and a nut element.

[0004] Furthermore, a slide fastener is known from the prior art in which a metallic fastener element is formed by die casting by placing a mold on a fastener tape and allowing molten metal to flow into the mold (see, for example, Patent Literature 3). CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: JP S53-71661 U Patent Literature 2: JP 5430674 B Patent Literature 3: JP H05-123209 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] However, in a method of manufacturing a metal member or a plastic member by die casting or injection molding, a special molding machine is required, and garments and the like in need of repair must be sent to a repair shop, and thus there is a problem that the time and cost for repair are increased.

[0006] Furthermore, for the fastener member for repair disclosed in Patent Literature 2, a method for a large slide fastener in which aesthetics is not important, such as fishing nets, is used, but is not preferred for applications in which aesthetics are required, such as clothing, and improvement is desired.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fastener element for a slide fastener which can be attached to a part of a missing fastener element in a short time and at a low cost without being sent to a repair shop and which can have a good appearance, and a slide fastener. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is achieved by the following embodiments. (1) A metallic fastener element for a zipper, which includes a gear head area; and a first half-region and a second half-region extending in a branched manner in which both the first half-region and the second half-region have a clamping groove in their mutually facing surface which extends along a width direction of the closure element, and the first half-area and the second half-area are branched on one side of the tooth head area with respect to the clamping grooves. (2) The closure element according to (1), wherein an inner convex portion is provided in each of the clamping grooves and projects into a space formed by the clamping grooves. (3) The closure element according to (1) or (2), further comprising a neck portion which continues from the toothed head portion and which is narrower than the toothed head portion, wherein at least one of the first half region and the second half region is branched from a region between a region of the toothed head region which is widest in the width direction of the fastener element and a region of the neck region which is narrowest in the width direction of the fastener element. (4) The fastener member according to (3), further comprising a projection projecting from the tooth head portion and provided between the first half portion and the second half portion. (5) The fastener element according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first half portion includes a neck portion and a first leg portion extending from the neck portion thereof to a side opposite the toothed head portion and which is wider than the neck portion thereof, and / or the second half portion includes a neck portion and a second leg portion extending from the neck portion thereof to the side opposite the toothed head portion and which is wider than the neck portion thereof, a groove portion extending along the width direction is formed in a front surface of the tooth head portion, and at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion has a pair of shoulder portions extending in the width direction between the neck portion thereof and the first leg portion or the second leg portion and configured to engage with the groove portion. (6) The fastener element according to (5), wherein the shoulder portions are provided on either the first half portion or the second half portion. (7) The fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the inner convex portion has a cross shape including a first inner convex portion extending along the width direction and a second inner convex portion intersecting the first inner convex portion and extending along a longitudinal direction. (8) The fastener element according to (7), wherein the second inner convex portion of the first half portion and the second inner convex portion of the second half portion are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element. (9) The fastener member according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the inner convex portion has at least three claw portions each provided at an intermediate portion in the width direction and at both end portions in the width direction, and the positions of the at least three claw portions are different in a longitudinal direction. (10) The fastener element according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein each of the facing surfaces of the first half portion and the second half portion is provided with an outer convex portion on a side of the clamping grooves opposite to the tooth head portion. (11) The fastener element according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the maximum opening distance between the first half region and the second half region is 85% to 90% of the diameter of a core strand of the fastener tape. (12) The closure element according to any one of (1), (2) and (7) to (11), wherein the gear head portion has a first head portion provided on one side of the first half portion in a front-to-back direction and tapered toward a front surface thereof, and a second head portion provided on one side of the second half portion in the front-to-back direction and wider than the first head portion the first half region has a first leg region which is continuously formed from the first head region, and the second half region includes a neck region that is narrower than the second head region, and a second leg region that extends from the neck region to a side opposite the second head region and is wider than the neck region. (13) A zipper comprising: a pair of fastener tapes each formed by injection molding a plurality of polymer zipper elements on the carrier tape; and a slider configured to open and close the pair of fastener tapes, wherein in at least one of the pair of fastener tapes, the fastener element is crimped according to any one of items (1) to (12) and attached to a tape side edge region of the carrier tape between the polymer fastener elements. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the fastener element for a slide fastener and the slide fastener of the present invention, the fastener element can be attached to a portion of a missing fastener element in a short time and at a low cost without having to send it to a repair shop, and can have a good appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view of a zipper according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a closure element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the Fig. 2 shown closure element. Fig. 4 is a front view of the Fig. 2 shown closure element and a carrying strap. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI of Fig. 3. Fig. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the shutter member is fixed at a position along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3 is crimped to the carrying strap. Fig. Figure 8 is a front view of the closure element after crimping, without the carrying strap of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a front view of the Fig. 9 shown closure element. Fig. 11 is a side view of the Fig. 9 shown closure element. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XII-XII in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XIII-XIII in Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the shutter member is cut along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 10 is crimped to a carrying strap. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a front view of the Fig. 15 shown closure element. Fig. 17 is a side view of the Fig. 15 shown closure element. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a front view of the Fig. 18 shown closure element. Fig. 20 is a side view of the Fig. 18 shown closure element. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a front view of the Fig. 21 shown closure element. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXIII-XXIII in Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a front view of the Fig. 24 shown closure element. (a) of Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 25, and (b) of Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVI'-XXVI' of Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a closure member according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a plan view of the Fig. 27 shown closure element. Fig. 29 is a front view of the Fig. 27 shown closure element. (a) of Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXX-XXX in Fig. 29. Fig. 31 is a front view of the closure element after crimping, except for a carrying strap made of Fig. 27. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following, a fastener element for a slide fastener and a slide fastener according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0011] In the following description regarding the zipper, a direction in which a slider is slid to close the left and right fastener tapes is referred to as the upper direction, and a direction in which the slider is slid to open the left and right fastener tapes is referred to as the lower direction. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the upper and lower directions and parallel to a fastener tape is referred to as the left-right direction, and a right side in Fig. 1 as right direction, a left side as left direction, and in Fig. 1, a front side of the paper is called the front direction and a back side of the paper is called the back direction.

[0012] Regarding the fastener element, the left-to-right direction of the zipper is called the longitudinal direction, and the top-to-bottom direction is called the width direction. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the fastener element, a direction toward the opposite fastener element is called a front side, and a direction away from the opposite fastener element is called a back side. (First embodiment)

[0013] As in Fig. 1, a zipper 10 comprises a pair of left and right fastener tapes 11, 12 and a slider 13 that can open and close the fastener tapes 11, 12.

[0014] The left and right fastener tapes 11, 12 include a pair of left and right support tapes 14, element rows 15 provided at the mutually facing tape-side edge portions 14c of the pair of support tapes 14, upper stoppers 16 fixed to the tape-side edge portions 14c at the upper ends of the element rows 15, and a lower stopper 17 fixed to the tape-side edge portions 14c at the lower ends of the element rows 15. The upper stopper 16 and the lower stopper 17 prevent the slider 13 from falling off the element rows 15. The lower stopper 17 may be a separable end stopper having a separable pin and a housing body. Furthermore, the configuration described above is an example, and the upper stopper 16 or the lower stopper 17 may not necessarily be provided.

[0015] Each of the support tapes 14 includes a tape portion 14a and a core cord 14b provided at one side edge of the tape portion 14a, and the core cord 14b and a part of the tape portion 14a on one side of the core cord 14b serve as the tape side edge portion 14c.

[0016] Each of the left and right element rows 15 is formed by a plurality of polymer fastener elements 20 that are injection-molded onto the tape side edge region 14c of the fastener tape 14. A polymer material such as polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate, or nylon can be used for the polymer fastener element 20.

[0017] In such a slide fastener 10, in a state where the left and right element rows 15 are engaged with each other, if an excessive force is applied in one direction (left-right direction) to separate the left and right fastener tapes 11, 12 from each other, the fastener elements 20 may be damaged, and a portion may be generated where the fastener elements 20 are peeled off from the fastener tape 14 and are missing.

[0018] As in Fig. 1 by shaded lines, a metallic fastener element 21 of the present embodiment is crimped to a part of the fastener tape 14 where the polymer fastener element 20 is missing and used to repair the fastening tapes 11, 12.

[0019] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the fastener element 21 attached to the missing portion is made of a metal such as a copper or zinc alloy. The fastener element 21 includes a serrated head portion 30 having a substantially elliptical shape in a plan view, in the front surface of which a groove portion 31 having a substantially U-shaped cross section extending along the width direction is formed; and a first half portion 32 and a second half portion 33 extending from a substantially central position of the fastener element 21 in a front-to-back direction and branching into a substantially V-shape.

[0020] The closure element 21 further comprises a neck region 34 which adjoins the toothed head region 30 and is narrower than the toothed head region 30. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the neck portion 34 includes a portion B having a narrowest width WS and being the narrowest in the width direction of the fastener element 21. Meanwhile, the toothed head portion 30 includes, in front of the neck portion 34, a portion A that is the widest in the width direction of the fastener element 21, which refers to at least a portion in front of the portion A.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the first half region 32 and the second half region 33 branch between the region A of the Fig. 5, which is the widest in the width direction of the closure element 21, and the region B of the neck region 34, which is the narrowest in the width direction of the closure element 21. In particular, a branching region P, in which the first half region 32 and the second half region 33 branch, is provided along the width direction of the closure element 21 between the region A and the region B in the longitudinal direction of the closure element 21. The branching region P, in which the first and second half regions 32, 33 branch, is located closer to one side of the toothed head region than the clamping grooves 39a, 39b described later (see Fig. 4).

[0022] The first half-region 32 has a neck region 34 and a first leg region 35a extending from the neck region 34 to a side opposite the tooth head region 30, is wider than the neck region 34, and is substantially rectangular in a plan view. The second half-region 33 has a neck region 34 and a second leg region 35b extending from the neck region 34 to the side opposite the tooth head region 30, is wider than the neck region 34, and is substantially rectangular in plan view.

[0023] Furthermore, the first half portion 32 is provided with a pair of wing-shaped shoulder portions 36, 36 extending in the width direction between the neck portion 34 and the first leg portion 35a. Each of the two shoulder portions 36, 36 is shaped to straddle a center line C of the front-back direction (thickness) when the fastener element 21 is pressed and fastened onto the fastener tape 14 as described later (see Fig. 8). Therefore, a thickness W1 of the neck portion 34 of the first half portion 32 with the pair of shoulder portions 36, 36 is formed thicker than a thickness W2 of the neck portion 34 of the second half portion 33 (see Fig. 4).

[0024] In this case, the branch P, at which the first and second halves 32, 33 branch, is located closer to the side of the wire mesh head than the pair of shoulder parts 36.

[0025] The pair of shoulder portions 36, 36 engage with the groove portions of the mating interlocking fastener elements 20 or 21 to prevent positional displacement in the front-to-back direction. The pair of shoulder portions 36, 36 can be formed symmetrically in the front-to-back direction on both the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 (see a fifth embodiment), but by forming the shoulder portions only on the first half portion 32 as described above, the thickness of the shoulder portion 36 is increased, making it easier to form the fastener element 21.

[0026] In the present embodiment, it is desirable that a front-to-back central portion 29 of the serration head portion 30 be plastically deformed mainly by the crimping described later, and that a flat appearance of a front surface 43 and a rear surface 44 can be maintained even after crimping. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the branch portion P is preferably located between the portion A of the serration head portion 30, which is widest in the width direction of the fastener element 21, and the portion B of the neck portion 34, which is narrowest in the width direction of the fastener element 21, and preferably in the longitudinal direction forward of the pair of shoulder portions 36.

[0027] In the mutually facing surfaces of the leg portions 35a, 35b of the first and second half portions 32, 33, substantially U-shaped clamping grooves 39a, 39b are provided along the width direction, each recessed in the front-to-back direction. The clamping grooves 39a, 39b of the first and second half portions 32, 33 cooperate to receive the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14. Furthermore, flat portions 37, 38 are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the leg portions 35a, 35b at the rear end portions (opening end portions) of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b, respectively, which clamp the tape portion 14a when the fastener element 21 is crimped.

[0028] A maximum opening distance L between the pair of substantially V-shaped open leg portions 35a, 35b is set to 85% to 90% of a diameter d of the core strand 14b of the support band 14. For example, if the diameter d of the core cord 14b is 1.30 mm to 1.40 mm, the maximum opening distance L is set to 1.2 mm.

[0029] In each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, an inner convex portion 40 is provided, which projects into a space S formed by the clamping grooves 39a, 39b and is capable of cutting into the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14. Specifically, the inner convex portion 40 includes a substantially columnar first inner convex portion 41 protruding in the front-back direction from a bottom surface of each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b and extending along the width direction over both side surfaces of each of the leg portions 35a, 35b in the width direction; and a rib-shaped second inner convex portion 42 perpendicularly intersecting the first inner convex portion 41 substantially at the center of the first inner convex portion 41 in the longitudinal direction (width direction) thereof and extending along the longitudinal direction over both wall surfaces of each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b in the longitudinal direction.The first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42 intersect substantially crosswise in the center of each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b.

[0030] The metal fastener element 21 of the present embodiment is fastened to the part where the polymer fastening element 20 is missing on the fastening bands 11, 12 by means of a crimping tool (not shown).

[0031] In this case, first, the tape side edge portion 14c of the fastener tape 14 is inserted between the flat surfaces 37, 38 of the pair of V-shaped open leg portions 35a, 35b, and the core cord 14b is placed between the pair of clamping grooves 39a, 39b. Since the maximum opening distance L between the pair of leg portions 35a, 35b is set to 85% to 90% of the diameter d of the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14, the core cord 14b is inserted into the clamping grooves 39a, 39b while being slightly compressed. After the core cord 14b is temporarily fixed in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b before crimping, the fastener tape 14 can be prevented from falling out between the pair of leg portions 35a, 35b.

[0032] Next, the metallic fastener element 21 is positioned at a predetermined position in the width direction (top-bottom direction) so that the fastener elements 20, 21 and 20 have the same distance between a pair of polymer fastener elements 20 adjacent to the area where the fastener element 20 is missing.

[0033] By pressing the leg portions 35a, 35b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 from the front and rear directions by the pressing tool, the central portion 29 of the toothed head portion 30 is plastically deformed in the front and rear directions. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 7, the tape portion 14a is clamped by the flat portions 37, 38 of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, and at the same time, the pair of inner convex portions 40 in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b are bitten into the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14, and the fastener element 21 is crimped and fixed to the fastener tape 14. A central portion of the fastener tape 14 is pressed and deformed by the pair of inner convex portions 40. In a state where the fastener tape 14 is crimped, a gap S1 is provided between a portion at a serration head portion 30 on the side of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b and the branch portion P in the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 of the fastener element 21. The core cord 14b is not provided in the gap S1.By providing the gap S1, damage or unintentional deformation due to a force exerted on the area on the side of the toothed head portion 30 of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b during crimping can be prevented. This is also advantageous when the closure element 21 is released from a mold.

[0034] Since the fastener tape 14 is clamped by plastic deformation of the front-rear direction center portion 29 of the serration head portion 30, the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 are naturally deformed and maintain a good appearance, compared to a case where the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 are plastically deformed. That is, the front surface 43 from the serration head portion 30 to the first half portion 32 and the rear surface 44 from the serration head portion 30 to the second half portion 33 are flat and parallel to each other after crimping.

[0035] Since the first inner convex portion 41 of the inner convex portion 40 in each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b extends in the width direction and clamps the core cord 14b in a longitudinal direction thereof, wobbling of the fastener element 21 due to a force in the left-right direction acting on the fastener element 21 can be mainly prevented to improve stability, and further, the fastener element 21 is prevented from falling off the fastener tape 14. Furthermore, since the rib-shaped second inner convex portion 42 clamps the core cord 14b from a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, the fastener element 21 is mainly prevented from shifting in the width direction (up-down direction) with respect to the fastener tape 14.That is, the fastener element 21 is firmly fixed to the fastener tape 14 by an anchoring effect of the pressure and deformation of the core cord 14b by the first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42 having a cross shape.

[0036] As described above, the slide fastener 10 according to the fastener element 21 of the present embodiment can be easily repaired by crimping and attaching the new metal fastener element 21 to the area where the polymer fastener element 20 is missing from the fastener tape 14. Furthermore, it is not necessary to send garments or the like in need of repair to a factory, and the time and cost for repairing the damaged fastener element can be significantly reduced, and the repair can be easily performed on-site.

[0037] Furthermore, since the metal fastener element 21 has substantially the same appearance as the plastic fastener element 20, the overall appearance of the slide fastener 10 including the metal fastener element 21 and the plastic fastener element 20 can be maintained. (Second embodiment)

[0038] Next, a closure element according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to 14 described in detail.

[0039] In a closure member 21A according to the present embodiment, the second inner convex portion 42 of the first half portion 32 is formed to extend from a center WC in the width direction of the closure member 21A (see Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) is offset to one side in the width direction. Meanwhile, the second inner convex portion 42 of the second half portion 33 is shaped to be offset from the width direction center WC of the fastener element 21A to another side in the width direction. That is, the second inner convex portion 42 of the first half portion 32 and the second inner convex portion 42 of the second half portion 33 are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element 21A.

[0040] Accordingly, the second inner convex portions 42 of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 press the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14 to deform the core cord 14b in a shearing direction when the fastener element 21A is pressed against the fastener tape 14, as shown in Fig. 14. As a result, the fastener element 21A can improve the effect of preventing displacement of the fastener element 21A in the width direction with respect to the fastener tape 14.

[0041] Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the shutter member 21 according to the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0042] Next, a closure element according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to 17 described in detail.

[0043] In addition to the configuration of the fastener member 21 according to the first embodiment, a fastener member 21B according to the present embodiment further includes an outer convex portion 50. The outer convex portion 50 includes a first outer convex portion 51 extending in the width direction on the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32 along an end portion on one side (front side) of the gear head portion 30, and a second outer convex portion 52 extending in the width direction on the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33 along an end portion on a side (rear side) opposite the gear head portion 30. The first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52 are formed at positions separated from each other in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0044] When the fastener element 21B is crimped and fastened to the fastener tape 14, in addition to a fastening force from the inner convex portions 40, 40 in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b, the tape portion 14a is deformed into a substantially cranked shape in the left-right direction and clamped by the first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52, so that the fastening force is further enhanced and it is difficult for the fastener element 21B to detach from the fastener tape 14. Since the tape portion 14a is clamped by the first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52 over the entire length of each of the leg portions 35a, 35b in the width direction, in addition to the effects of the fastener element 21 of the first embodiment, the wobble of the fastener element 21B with respect to the supporting tape 14 (rotation in a plane of the supporting tape 14) can be further prevented. (Fourth embodiment)

[0045] Hereinafter, a closure element according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the Fig. 18 to 20 described in detail.

[0046] A closure member 21C according to the present embodiment includes an outer convex portion 55 having a different shape than the outer convex portion 50 of the closure member 21B of the third embodiment.

[0047] The outer convex portion 55 includes a first outer convex portion 56 provided on the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32, and a second outer convex portion 57 provided on the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33. In the first outer convex portion 56, a part of the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32 is provided on one side in the width direction to protrude toward the flat portion 38, and in the second outer convex portion 57, a part of the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33 is provided on another side in the width direction to protrude toward the flat portion 37. The first outer convex portion 56 and the second outer convex portion 57 are formed at positions separated from each other in the width direction when viewed from the front and rear directions.

[0048] When the fastener element 21C is crimped and attached to the fastener tape 14, the tape portion 14a is deformed substantially curved in the upper-lower direction and firmly clamped by the first outer convex portion 56 and the second outer convex portion 57. Since the tape portion 14a is clamped over the entire length of each of the leg portions 35a, 35b in the width direction, similar to the fastener element 21B of the third embodiment, the wobble of the fastener element 21C with respect to the fastener tape 14 can be prevented. (Fifth embodiment)

[0049] Next, a closure element according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 21 to 23 described in detail.

[0050] A fastener element 21D of the present embodiment includes an inner convex portion 60 having three claw portions 61a, 62a, 63a and an inner convex portion 60 having three claw portions 61b, 62b, 63b forming a pair, instead of the pair of inner convex portions 40 in the fastener element 21 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The inner convex portion 60 of the first half portion 32 includes a first claw portion 61a, a second claw portion 62a, and a third claw portion 63a provided in the clamping groove 39a, and the inner convex portion 60 of the second half portion 33 includes a first claw portion 61b, a second claw portion 62b, and a third claw portion 63b provided in the clamping groove 39b.

[0052] The first claw portion 61a and the first claw portion 61b are respectively provided in the longitudinal direction at an end portion of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b in the width direction (a front side of the paper in Fig. 22) are provided separately from each other, the first claw portion 61a is formed in the clamping groove 39a closer to the toothed head portion 30, and the first claw portion 61b is formed in the clamping groove 39b closer to an opening-side end portion. The second claw portion 62a and the second claw portion 62b are provided so as to oppose each other in the front-back direction at intermediate portions of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b in the width direction and in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the third claw portion 63a and the third claw portion 63b are provided in the longitudinal direction at the other end portions of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b in the width direction (a deep side of the paper in Fig. 22) are provided spaced apart from each other, the third claw portion 63a is formed in the clamping groove 39a closer to an opening end portion, and the third claw portion 63b is formed in the clamping groove 39b closer to the tooth head portion 30. The first claw portions 61a, 61b and the third claw portions 63a, 63b are integrally formed from the bottom surfaces of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b to the side surfaces in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] Accordingly, when the fastener element 21D of the present embodiment is crimped and attached to the fastener tape 14, the core cord 14b is clamped between the first claw portions 61a, 61b, between the second claw portions 62a, 62b, and between the third claw portions 63a, 63b at different positions in the width direction and in a balanced manner at three portions different in the clamping direction, and the fastener tape 14 is firmly held.

[0054] In the closure element 21D of the present embodiment, the shoulder portion 36 described in the first embodiment (see Fig. 3) is divided into two parts, including a first shoulder region 36a and a second shoulder region 36b. Specifically, a pair of the first shoulder regions 36a extend in the width direction in a wing shape between the neck region 34 and the first leg region 35a of the first half region 32, and a pair of the second shoulder regions 36b extend in the width direction in a wing shape between the neck region 34 and the second leg region 35b of the second half region 33.

[0055] Then, when the fastener element 21D is crimped and attached to the fastener tape 14, the shoulder portion 36 is formed in which the first shoulder portion 36a and the second shoulder portion 36b are overlapped and fitted into the groove portion 31.

[0056] Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the shutter member 21 of the first embodiment. (Sixth Embodiment)

[0057] Next, a closure element according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 24 to 26 described in detail.

[0058] A fastener element 21E of the present embodiment includes the toothed head portion 30, and the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, which branch from a substantially central position of the toothed head portion 30 in the front-to-back direction into a substantially V-shape. The toothed head portion 30 includes a first head portion 30a formed on one side of the first half portion 32 and a second head portion 30b formed on one side of the second half portion 33. The first head portion 30a has a substantially triangular shape that tapers toward its front side, and the second head portion 30b is wider than the first head portion 30a and has a substantially elliptical shape in a planar view.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first half portion 32, the first leg portion 35a, which has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, is continuously formed from the first head portion 30a. In the second half portion 33, the neck portion 34, which continues from the second head portion 30b and is narrower than the second head portion 30b, is continuously formed by hanging from the second head portion 30b. Furthermore, the second leg portion 35b, which extends from the neck portion 34 to a side opposite the second head portion 30b, is wider than the neck portion 34, and has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, is formed. That is, the second head portion 30b and the second half portion 33 (the neck portion 34 and the second leg portion 35b) have similar shapes to a half portion of the interlocking head portion 30, the neck portion 34, and the second leg portion 35b of the first embodiment.The first leg part 35a of the first half-region 32 is opposite the neck part 34 and the second leg part 35b of the second half-region 33.

[0060] Furthermore, the fastener element 21E of the present embodiment does not include the groove portion 31 and the shoulder portion 36 described in the first embodiment, and when the left and right element rows 15 are engaged with each other, when the left and right element rows 15 mesh with each other, a front surface 65 of the second head portion 30b of the fastener element 21E and a rear surface 66 of the first leg portion 35a of the first head portion 30a abut against a rear surface of the leg portion of the first head portion of another fastener element 20 and a front surface of the second head portion, respectively, thereby preventing positional displacement in the front-rear direction.

[0061] Similar to the first embodiment, the substantially U-shaped clamping grooves 39a, 39b are provided so as to extend in the width direction, respectively, in the mutually facing surfaces of the leg portions 35a, 35b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33. The flat portions 37, 38 are respectively formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the leg portions 35a, 35b at rear end portions (opening end portions) of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b. In each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, the inner convex portion 40 is provided, which includes the first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42, which can penetrate the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14.

[0062] In such a fastener element 21E in which the serration head portion 30 has different shapes in the front-back direction, since the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 each have the clamping grooves 39a, 39b with the inner convex portion 40 on the mutually facing surfaces 37, 38, the inner convex portions 40 also press and deform the core cord 14b when crimping is performed, and the fastener element 21 is also firmly fixed to the fastener tape 14.

[0063] Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the shutter member 21 of the first embodiment.

[0064] For example, the above description is made in which the inner convex portion 40 (the first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42) is provided in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b, but the convex portion in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b is not limited to the inner convex portion 40, may be the outer convex portions 50, 55 and the inner convex portion 60 described in the second embodiment to fifth embodiment, or may be a combination of the convex portions. (Seventh Embodiment)

[0065] Hereinafter, a closure element according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the Fig. 27 to 31 described in detail.

[0066] In a closure member 21F of the present embodiment, a wing-shaped projection 26 is provided which projects from the toothed head portion 30 between the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, separated from the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33.

[0067] That is, the projection portion 26 includes a base portion 28 extending rearward from a rear surface of the front-rear direction center portion 29 of the tooth head portion 30, and a pair of shoulder portions 36 extending from a tip end portion of the base portion 28 to both sides in the width direction of the slide fastener and formed into a substantially T-shape by the base portion 28 and the pair of shoulder portions 36.

[0068] Since in the closure element 21F having such a projection portion 26, a tension generated when the closure element 21F is moved as shown in Fig. 31 is distributed to three regions including the groove region 31 of the serration head region 30 and the neck regions 34 of the first half region 32 and the second half region 33, the occurrence of crimp cracks can be prevented.

[0069] As in Fig. 29, hollowed portions 34a are formed in the neck portions 34 of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, respectively, whose inner surfaces facing each other are hollowed, and the thickness of each of the neck portions 34 is reduced.

[0070] Accordingly, at the neck portions 34 of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, a stress generated when the fastener element 21F is crimped is increased due to the hollowed portions 34a, so that a stress concentration in the groove portion 31 of the tooth head portion 30 can be more reliably dispersed.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, a step portion 27 constituting a front surface of each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b is formed at substantially the same height as the hollowed portion 34a, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the step portion 27 may protrude inward than the hollowed portion 34a at substantially the same height as the second inner convex portion 42.

[0072] Regardless of the height at which the step region 27 is formed, there is no significant impact on a functional aspect of the fastening of the closure element 21F to the support band 14 (see Fig.7) by crimping. However, in the manufacture of the fastener element 21F, e.g., in a surface treatment, it is advantageous that the height of the step portion 27 be substantially the same as the height of the hollowed portion 34a to prevent two fastener elements 21F from naturally engaging with each other before crimping and being difficult to separate.

[0073] Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the shutter member 21 of the first embodiment.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiments, a description is given that one of the metal fastening elements 21 to 21E is attached to repair the portion where the plastic fastening element 20 is missing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, a slide fastener may be configured in consideration of the design features in which the plastic fastener element 20 and one of the metal fastener elements 21 to 21E are mixed by manufacturing the plastic fastening bands 11, 12 in a state where the plastic fastener element 20 is missing in advance, and attaching one of the metal fastener elements 21 to 21E to the missing portion.

[0076] In addition, the closure elements 21 to 21E may be kept in a metallic color of the material and may also be subjected to a surface treatment such as coating to be converted into another color.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the inner convex portion 40 or 60 in each of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b is described as including the first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42 having a cross shape, or the claw portions 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b. However, the inner convex portion of the present invention is not limited to this and may have any other shape as long as the inner convex portion protrudes into the space S formed by the clamping grooves 39a, 39b and can bite into the core cord 14b of the fastener tape 14.

[0078] As described above, the following items are disclosed in this specification.

[0079] (1) A metallic fastener element for a zipper, comprising an interlocking head section; and a first half-region and a second half-region extending in a branched manner in which both the first half-region and the second half-region have, in their mutually facing surface, a clamping groove extending along a width direction and designed to receive a core thread of the fastener tape, and the first half-area and the second half-area are branched on one side of the tooth head area with respect to the clamping grooves.

[0080] According to the configuration, the fastener can be attached to a part of a missing fastener in a short time and at a low cost without having to send it to a repair shop, and since the first half area and the second half area are branched on the side of the gear head area of ​​the clamping grooves, the fastener can have a good appearance even in the crimped state.

[0081] (2) The closure element according to (1), wherein an inner convex portion is provided in each of the clamping grooves, which protrudes into a space formed by the clamping grooves.

[0082] According to the configuration, the fastener element can be firmly connected to the fastener tape.

[0083] (3) The fastener element according to (1) or (2), further including a neck portion which is continuous from the tooth head portion and which is narrower than the tooth head portion, in which at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion is branched from a portion between a portion of the tooth head portion which is widest in the width direction of the fastener element and a portion of the neck portion which is narrowest in the width direction of the fastener element.

[0084] According to the configuration, because the first half and the second half are branched between the widest part of the head part and the narrowest part of the neck part, the fastener element is easy to deform naturally when crimping and looks good.

[0085] (4) The fastener member according to (3), further comprising a protrusion portion protruding from the tooth head portion and provided between the first half portion and the second half portion.

[0086] According to the configuration, since the protrusion portion is separated from the first half portion and the second half portion, the stress during crimping is distributed to the intermeshing head portion and the neck portions of the first half portion and the second half portion, thereby preventing crimp cracks.

[0087] (5) The closure element according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the first half-region has a neck region and a first leg region extending from its neck region to a side opposite the toothing head region and being wider than its neck region, and / or the second half-region has a neck region and a second leg region extending from its neck region to the side opposite the toothing head region and being wider than its neck region, a groove portion extending along the width direction is formed in a front surface of the tooth head portion, and at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion has a pair of shoulder portions extending in the width direction between the neck portion thereof and the first leg portion or the second leg portion and configured to engage with the groove portion.

[0088] According to the configuration, the metal fastener member including the interlocking head portion, the neck portion, and the leg portion on both sides in the front-back direction can be attached to a zipper including a plastic fastener member having the same shape.

[0089] (6) The fastener element according to (5), wherein the shoulder portions are provided on either the first half portion or the second half portion.

[0090] Depending on the configuration, a thickness of each of the shoulder areas can be increased, and the closure element can be easily shaped.

[0091] (7) The fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the inner convex portion has a cross shape including a first inner convex portion extending along the width direction and a second inner convex portion intersecting the first inner convex portion and extending along a longitudinal direction.

[0092] According to the configuration, the fastener element can be firmly connected to the fastener tape, and displacement of the fastener element at least in the width direction can be prevented.

[0093] (8) The fastener element according to (7), wherein the second inner convex portion of the first half portion and the second inner convex portion of the second half portion are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element.

[0094] The configuration can better prevent displacement of the closure element in the width direction relative to the closure band.

[0095] (9) The fastener member according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the inner convex portion has at least three claw portions each provided at an intermediate portion in the width direction and at both end portions in the width direction, and the positions of the at least three claw portions are different in a longitudinal direction.

[0096] Depending on the configuration, the fastener element can be firmly connected to the fastener tape, and displacement of the fastener element in the longitudinal and width directions can be prevented.

[0097] (10) The fastener element according to any one of items (1) to (9), wherein each of the facing surfaces of the first half portion and the second half portion is provided with an outer convex part on a side of the clamping grooves which is opposite to the tooth head portion.

[0098] Depending on the configuration, the fastener element can be more firmly connected to the fastener tape and wobble of the fastener element can be prevented.

[0099] (11) The fastener element according to any one of items (1) to (10), wherein the maximum opening distance between the first half region and the second half region is 85% to 90% of the diameter of a core strand of the fastener tape.

[0100] After the core strand is temporarily fixed in the clamping grooves before crimping, according to the configuration, the fastener tape can be prevented from falling off from a portion between the pair of leg portions.

[0101] (12) The closure element according to any one of (1), (2) and (7) to (11), wherein the interlocking head portion comprises a first head portion provided on one side of the first half portion in a front-to-back direction and tapered toward a front surface thereof, and a second head portion provided on one side of the second half portion in the front-to-back direction and wider than the first head portion the first half region has a first leg region which is continuously formed from the first head region, and the second half region has a neck region which is narrower than the second head region, and a second leg region which extends from the neck region to a side opposite the second head region and is wider than the neck region.

[0102] According to the configuration, the metal fastener element including the interlocking head portion and the leg portion on one side in the front-back direction and the interlocking head portion, the neck portion, and the leg portion on another side in the front-back direction can be attached to a zipper including a plastic fastener element having the same shape.

[0103] (13) A zipper containing: a pair of zipper tapes each formed by injection molding a plurality of polymer zipper elements on the carrier tape; and a slider configured to open and close the pair of fastener tapes, in which in at least one of the pair of fastener tapes, the fastener element according to any one of (1) to (12) is folded and attached to a tape side edge portion of the carrier tape between the polymer fastener elements.

[0104] According to the configuration, it is possible to obtain a zipper that includes a fastener element that can be attached to a part of a missing fastener element in a short time and at low cost without having to send it to a repair shop, and that has a good appearance even when squeezed. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 zipper 11, 12 closure tape 13 sliders 14 carrying strap 14a band area 14b core cord 14c Band side edge area 20 polymer closure element 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21E Metal locking element 30 Gear head area 30a first head area 30b second head area 31 Groove area 32 first half area 33 second half area 34 Neck area 35a first thigh area 35b second leg area 36, 36a shoulder area 37, 38 flat area 39a, 39b clamping groove 40, 60 inner convex area 41 first inner convex area 42 second inner convex area 50, 55 outer convex area 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, 63b claw area d Diameter of the core cord L maximum opening distance between the first half-range and the second half-range S room QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP S53-71661 U

[0004] JP 5430674

[0004] JP H05-123209 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] A metallic closure element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) for a zipper, comprising: a toothing head region (30); and a first half-region (32) and a second half-region (33) extending in a branched manner, wherein both the first half-region and the second half-region have in their mutually facing surface a clamping groove (39a, 39b) extending along a width direction of the closure element, and the first half-region and the second half-region are branched on one side of the toothing head region (30) with respect to the clamping grooves (39a, 39b). [2] Closure element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to claim 1, wherein in each of the clamping grooves (39a, 39b) an inner convex portion (40, 60) is provided which projects into a space (S) formed by the clamping grooves. [3] Closure element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a neck region (34) which is continuously connected to the toothing head region (30) and which is narrower than the toothing head region (30), wherein at least one of the first half-region (32) and the second half-region (33) is branched off from a region between a region of the toothed head region (30) which is widest in the width direction of the closure element and a region of the neck region (34) which is narrowest in the width direction of the closure element. [4] The closure member (21F) according to claim 3, further comprising a projection portion (26) projecting from the toothed head portion (30) and provided between the first half portion (32) and the second half portion (33). [5] Closure element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first half-region has a neck region (34) and a first leg region (35a) which extends from the neck region thereof to a side opposite the toothing head region and which is wider than the neck region thereof, and / or the second half-region has a neck region (34) and a second leg region (35b) which extends from the neck region thereof to the side opposite the toothing head region and which is wider than the neck region thereof, a groove portion (31) extending along the width direction is formed in a front surface of the tooth head portion, and at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion has a pair of shoulder portions (36) extending in the width direction between the neck portion thereof and the first leg portion or the second leg portion and configured to engage with the groove portion. [6] The closure member (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) according to claim 5, wherein the shoulder portions are provided on either the first half portion or the second half portion. [7] The closure member (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21E, 21F) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the inner convex portion (40) has a cross shape including a first inner convex portion (41) extending along the width direction and a second inner convex portion (42) intersecting the first inner convex portion and extending along a longitudinal direction. [8] The closure member (21A) according to claim 7, wherein the second inner convex portion (42) of the first half portion and the second inner convex portion (42) of the second half portion are offset from each other in the width direction of the closure member. [9] The fastener element (21D) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the inner convex portion (60) comprises at least three claw portions (61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, 63b) each provided at an intermediate portion in the width direction and at both end portions in the width direction, and the positions of the at least three claw portions are different in a longitudinal direction. [10] A closure member (21B, 21C) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the facing surfaces of the first half portion and the second half portion is provided with an outer convex portion (50, 55) on a side of the clamping grooves opposite to the tooth head portion. [11] The fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a maximum opening distance (L) between the first half region and the second half region is 85% to 90% of a diameter (d) of a core cord of the fastener tape. [12] Closure element (21E) according to one of claims 1, 2 and 7 to 11, wherein the interlocking head portion includes a first head portion (30a) provided on one side of the first half portion in a front-to-back direction and tapered toward a front surface thereof, and a second head portion (30b) provided on one side of the second half portion in the front-to-back direction and wider than the first head portion, the first half region has a first leg region (35a) which is continuous with the first head region, and the second half region has a neck region (34) which is narrower than the second head region, and a second leg region (35b) which extends from the neck region to a side opposite the second head region and which is wider than the neck region. [13] Zipper (10), comprising: a pair of zipper tapes (11, 12) each formed by injection molding a plurality of polymer zipper elements (20) on the carrier tape; and a slider (13) configured to open and close the pair of closure elements, wherein in at least one of the pair of closure elements, the closure element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is crimped and attached to a tape side edge region of the carrier tape between the polymer fastening elements.

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