Slider and fastener

Abstract

To provide a slider and fastener capable of improving smoothness when sliding the slider on a fastener stringer, thereby reducing damage to the fastener stringer and having excellent operability.SOLUTION: A slider 100 comprises a lower blade 110, an upper blade 120, a guide post 130 and a pair of flanges, where the pair of flanges are respectively disposed on both opposing side edges of one of the lower blade and the upper blade, and an inner side face of the other of the lower blade and the upper blade and an end face of the flange face each other with a gap therebetween. Here, the guide post includes a first groove 132, on the side face thereof, and the first groove corresponds to the gap in the vertical direction. The fastener includes a pair of fastener stringers and a slider attached to the pair of fastener stringers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology in the field of fasteners, and particularly to sliders and fasteners.

Background Art

[0002] A general fastener usually consists of a fastener chain composed of a pair of fastener stringers including a strip-shaped fastener tape and a plurality of element columns arranged on the fastener tape, and a slider that is attached to the fastener stringer and slides to open and close the element column. Optionally, a tab pull can be installed on the slider. When the slider is attached to the fastener stringer, the element column on the fastener stringer passes through an element passage formed between the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate of the slider, and is guided and opened and closed by the guide post of the slider during the sliding process of the slider. In this process, friction occurs when the inner edge of the fastener tape abuts against the side surface of the guide post of the slider, which makes the fastener tape prone to damage. In addition, when a waterproof layer is provided on the surface of the fastener tape and the fastener tape is thick, the sliding resistance received by the slider during the sliding process also increases, making it difficult to perform the opening and closing operation smoothly. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structures of the slider and the fastener.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention can improve the smoothness when the slider slides on the fastener stringer, thereby reducing the damage to the fastener stringer and providing a slider and a fastener with excellent operability.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0004] The present invention is a slider attached to a pair of fastener stringers and suitable for the configuration of a fastener, comprising a lower wing plate, an upper wing plate installed opposite to the upper side of the lower wing plate, a guide post installed between the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and connecting the front end portions of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate in the front-rear direction, and a pair of flanges respectively provided on opposite side edges in the width direction of one of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and extending toward the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate. The inner side surfaces of the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and the end surfaces of the flanges face each other with a gap therebetween. A first groove is provided on the side surface of the guide post, and the first groove provides a slider corresponding to the gap in the vertical direction.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider further comprises a handle attachment post installed above the upper wing plate, and the first groove is installed at one end of the guide post close to the handle attachment post.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first groove is installed on opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the guide post.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first groove is installed on the rear side surface in the front-rear direction of the guide post.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a second groove is provided on the inner side surface of the upper wing plate facing the lower wing plate, and the second groove is located at a position close to the guide post on the inner side surface of the upper wing plate.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the front edge of the front end portion of the lower wing plate is located behind the front edge of the front end portion of the upper wing plate in the front-rear direction. The guide post connects the front edge of the front end portion of the lower wing plate and the front end portion of the upper wing plate, with a distance therebetween, and a relief portion is formed between the front end side of the guide post and the front edge of the upper wing plate.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion, and a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction. The front edge is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and the shoulder side edges are formed in an arc shape recessed inward. Avoidance portions are formed on opposite sides in the width direction of the lower wing plate.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion, and a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction. The front edge is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and the shoulder side edges are formed in an arc shape protruding outward.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion, a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction, and a rear mouth side edge located rearward of the shoulder side edges in the front-rear direction. The front edge and the rear mouth side edge are each formed in a straight line extending in the width direction, and the pair of shoulder side edges are formed in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

[0013] The present invention further provides a fastener including a pair of fastener stringers, a slider attached to the pair of fastener stringers for opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers, the fastener stringer including a fastener tape and a coil element row attached to a first surface of the fastener tape, wherein a boundary between the first groove and a side surface of the guide post forms a stepped portion, and the stepped portion is located between a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface of the fastener tape and an end surface on a side opposite to the fastener tape of the coil element row.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] As described above, in the slider of the present invention, a pair of flanges are provided on opposite side edges in the width direction of one of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate, and the inner surface of the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and the end surface of the flange face each other with a gap therebetween, and a first groove corresponding to the gap in the vertical direction is provided on the side surface of the guide post. When the slider is attached to the fastener stringer to form a fastener, the outer edge of the fastener tape passes through the gap of the slider, and the inner edge of the fastener tape corresponds to the first groove provided on the side surface of the guide post of the slider. Thus, by providing the first groove, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape and the side surface of the guide post can be reduced, and the sliding resistance of the slider in the fastener stringer can be reduced. Thereby, the slider and the fastener of the present invention can improve the smoothness when sliding the slider on the fastener stringer, thereby reducing the damage of the fastener stringer and having excellent operability.

[0015] In order to more clearly and easily understand the above features and advantages of the present invention, embodiments will be given below and described in detail together with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Here, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be referred to in detail. Examples of the exemplary embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a slider according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of the slider shown in FIG. 1 viewed from another perspective, FIG. 3 is a front schematic view of the slider shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of the slider shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a fastener applying the slider of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of the fastener shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a rear schematic view of the fastener shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a front schematic view of the fastener shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of a reverse-opening fastener applying two sliders of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a first modification of the slider shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view after cutting a guide post along the front-rear direction of the slider shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 12 is a side schematic view of a second modification of the slider shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view of a third modification of the slider shown in FIG. 1 viewed from another perspective. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 in combination, the specific structures of the slider 100, the fastener stringer 50 applied thereto, and the fastener 20 constituted by them, and their modifications in one embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to these and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the present embodiment, the slider 100 is suitable for being attached to a pair of fastener stringers 50 to constitute a fastener 20. The fastener 20 includes a pair of fastener stringers 50 and a slider 100, and the slider 100 is attached to the pair of fastener stringers 50 to open and close the pair of fastener stringers 50. Here, the fastener stringer 50 includes, for example, a fastener tape 52 and a coil element row 54 attached to the first surface 52a of the fastener tape 52 (shown in FIG. 5). The coil element row 54 is not provided on the second surface 52b opposite to the first surface 52a of the fastener tape 52, but a bonding layer (not shown) such as a waterproof film may be provided as needed, and the present invention does not limit whether or not to provide a bonding layer on the second surface 52b. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the fastener stringer 50 has a coil element row 54 will be described as an example, but the present invention does not limit the type of the fastener stringer 50 applicable to the slider 100, and a fastener stringer having other types of element rows may be applied.

[0019] Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the slider 100 includes a lower wing plate 110, an upper wing plate 120, a guide post 130, and a pair of flanges (for example, a lower flange 140 described later). The lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 are each configured as a plate-like member, and the upper wing plate 120 is installed to face above the lower wing plate 110. The guide post 130 is installed between the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 and connects the front end portions E1 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120. Correspondingly, the rear end portions E2 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 are configured to be in an open state. Thereby, the slider 100 forms an element passage 102 through which a pair of fastener stringers 50 pass between the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 and on both opposite sides in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction W) of the guide post 130.

[0020] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a pair of flanges (for example, the lower flange 140) are respectively provided at opposite side edges in the width direction W of one of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (for example, the lower wing plate 110), and extend toward the other of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (for example, the upper wing plate 120). That is, in the present embodiment, the flange is the lower flange 140 provided at opposite side edges in the width direction W of the lower wing plate 110. Correspondingly, a pair of upper flanges 150 may be correspondingly provided at opposite side edges in the width direction W of the upper wing plate 120 of the present embodiment. The upper flange 150 is opposite to the aforementioned lower flange 140 in the vertical direction (that is, the thickness direction T). However, in other embodiments not shown, it is also possible to provide only the pair of lower flanges 140 on the lower wing plate 110, or only the pair of upper flanges 150 on the upper wing plate 120. It is only necessary to provide a flange on one of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120. Thereby, a pair of flanges (for example, the lower flange 140 and / or the upper flange 150) are located outside the aforementioned element passage 102, so that the coil element row 54 of the pair of fastener stringers 50 can be restricted within the element passage 102, and thus the slider 100 can open and close the coil element row 54 on the fastener stringer 50. However, the present invention does not limit the number, position, and installation method of the flanges, and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0021] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when a pair of flanges (i.e., the lower flange 140 and the upper flange 150) are provided on the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 respectively, the end faces of the lower flange 140 on the lower wing plate 110 and the end faces of the upper flange 150 on the upper wing plate 120 face each other and are separated by a gap G. That is, the end faces of the lower flange 140 and the upper flange 150 are separated from each other and not in contact. The gap G refers to the space between the end face of the lower flange 140 on the lower wing plate 110 and the end face of the upper flange 150 on the upper wing plate 120. Thereby, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer edges of the fastener tape 52 of the pair of fastener stringers 50 extend outward from the gap G and slide on the fastener tape 52 of the fastener stringer 50 so as to attach the slider 100 to the coil element row 54, and the coil element row 54 can be opened and closed. When a pair of flanges (e.g., the lower flange 140) are installed only on one of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (not shown), the inner surface of the other of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (e.g., the upper wing plate 120) and the end face of the flange (i.e., the lower flange 140) face each other and are separated by a gap G. However, the present invention does not limit the method of installing the flange and the position of the gap G, and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0022] As an example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the size (height) of the lower flange 140 in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T) is larger than the size (height) of the upper flange 150 in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T), the gap G is closer to the upper wing plate 120. Thus, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is preferable that the coil element row 54 (i.e., the first surface 52a) provided on the fastener tape 52 faces the lower wing plate 110, whereby it becomes convenient to limit the coil element row 54 with the larger-sized lower flange 140. In this case, since the coil element row 54 is hidden inside the fastener tape 52 (i.e., on the side opposite to the upper wing plate 120), the fastener 20 can be used as a concealed fastener. When only the lower wing plate 110 is provided with the lower flange 140 (not shown), similarly, it is preferable that the coil element row 54 (i.e., the first surface 52a) provided on the fastener tape 52 faces the lower wing plate 110, whereby it becomes convenient to limit the coil element row 54 with the lower flange 140. Correspondingly, when the height of the lower flange 140 is smaller than the height of the upper flange 150 (not shown), or when only the upper wing plate 120 is provided with the upper flange 150 (not shown), it is preferable that the coil element row 54 (i.e., the first surface 52a) provided on the fastener tape 52 faces the upper wing plate 120, whereby it becomes convenient to limit the coil element row 54 with the upper flange 150. However, the present invention does not limit the position of the gap G and the relative position when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50, and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0023] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first groove 132 is provided on the side surface of the guide post 130, and the first groove 132 corresponds to the gap G in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T). That is, in the viewing angle of the slider 100 viewed from the front or side surface, the horizontal height of the first groove 132 in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T) is substantially the same as the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T) of the gap G. Since the first groove 132 forms a recess on the side surface of the guide post 130, the size of the portion of the guide post 130 where the first groove 132 is provided becomes smaller in the width direction W. In this way, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer edges of the fastener tapes 52 of the pair of fastener stringers 50 pass through the gap G of the slider 100 and extend outward, and the inner edges of the fastener tapes 52 correspond to the first groove 132 provided on the side surface of the guide post 130 of the slider 100.

[0024] With the above arrangement, in the slider 100 of the present embodiment, a pair of flanges (for example, lower flanges 140) are provided on opposite side edges in the width direction W of one of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (for example, the lower wing plate 110). The inner surface of the other of the lower wing plate 110 and the upper wing plate 120 (for example, the upper wing plate 120) and the end surface of the flange (for example, the lower flange 140) face each other with a gap G therebetween. A first groove 132 corresponding to the gap G in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction T) is provided on the side surface of the guide post 130. When the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, the outer edge of the fastener tape 52 passes through the gap G of the slider 100, and the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 corresponds to the first groove 132 provided on the side surface of the guide post 130 of the slider 100. Thus, by providing the first groove 132, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 and the side surface of the guide post 130 can be reduced, and the sliding resistance of the slider 100 in the fastener stringer 50 can be reduced. As a result, the slider 100 and the fastener 20 can improve the smoothness when the slider 100 is slid on the fastener stringer 50, thereby reducing the damage to the fastener stringer 50 and having excellent operability.

[0025] More specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slider 100 further includes a handle mounting post 160, and the handle mounting post 160 is installed above the upper wing plate 120. Also, the first groove 132 is installed at one end of the guide post 130 close to the handle mounting post 160 (that is, one end close to the upper wing plate 120 in the thickness direction T). In this way, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the slider 100 uses the upper wing plate 120 provided with the handle mounting post 160 as the operation appearance surface, and the fastener stringer 50 is preferably attached so that the coil element row 54 (that is, the first surface 52a) provided on the fastener tape 52 faces the lower wing plate 110. Since the coil element row 54 is hidden inside the fastener tape 52 (that is, on the side opposite to the upper wing plate 120), the fastener 20 can be used as a concealed fastener. At this time, the outer edge of the fastener tape 52 passes through the gap G close to the upper wing plate 120, and the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 corresponds to the first groove 132 close to the upper wing plate 120. In this way, in the process of sliding the slider 100 relative to the fastener stringer 50, the fastener tape 52 does not need to bend significantly in the vertical direction (that is, the thickness direction T), thereby reducing the sliding resistance of the slider 100 in the fastener stringer 50. However, in other embodiments not shown, the installation of the handle mounting post 160 may be omitted, and the lower wing plate 110 may be used as the operation appearance surface. However, the present invention is not limited to these and can be adjusted as needed.

[0026] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the first groove 132 extends from the boundary between the guide post 130 and the upper wing plate 120 toward the lower wing plate 110. In this way, the size (width) in the width direction W of the upper end portion of the guide post 130 close to the upper wing plate 120 is smaller than the size (width) in the width direction W of the lower end portion close to the lower wing plate 110, and the boundary between the first groove 132 and the side surface of the guide post 130 (for example, the lower end surface of the first groove 132) forms a stepped portion 134. In this case, when the stepped portion 134 is located above the second surface 52b of the fastener tape 52 in the vertical direction (that is, the thickness direction T), that is, when the size of the first groove 132 is too small and the first groove 132 is located above the inner edge of the fastener tape 52, the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 contacts the side surface of the guide post 130 or the stepped portion 134, and the fastener tape 52 is likely to be damaged by friction. In particular, when a bonding layer (not shown) such as a waterproof film is provided on the second surface 52b of the fastener tape 52, the bonding layer is likely to be peeled off by friction, causing a problem of reduced waterproof performance. Similarly, when the stepped portion 134 is located below the end surface (that is, the lower end surface 54a) on the side opposite to the fastener tape 52 of the coil element row 54 in the vertical direction (that is, the thickness direction T), that is, when the size of the first groove 132 is too large and the first groove 132 covers the fastener tape 52 and the coil element row 54, the side surface of the guide post 130 cannot effectively guide and limit the coil element row 54, and thus a problem that the sliding of the slider 100 becomes unstable is likely to occur.

[0027] Based on the above considerations, in this embodiment, a step portion 134 formed by the boundary between the first groove 132 and the side surface of the guide post 130 is further installed corresponding to the positions of the fastener tape 52 and the coil element row 54 of the fastener stringer 50 applied to the slider 100. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the step portion 134 is located between (i.e., within the range R) the second surface 52b opposite to the first surface 52a of the fastener tape 52 and the end surface (i.e., the lower end surface 54a) opposite to the fastener tape 52 of the coil element row 54. As can be seen from this, when the first groove 132 extends from the boundary between the guide post 130 and the upper wing plate 120 toward the lower wing plate 110, by designing the installation of the lower end portion of the first groove 132, i.e., the step portion 134, as described above, it is possible to eliminate the cases where the size of the first groove 132 is too small or too large. In this way, the first groove 132 can better play its role (reduction of friction and sliding resistance) due to the above installation. Thereby, the slider 100 and the fastener 20 can reduce the damage of the fastener stringer 50 and have excellent operability. However, in other embodiments not shown, the first groove 132 may be installed at one end close to the lower wing plate 110 in the thickness direction T of the guide post 130, or may be installed at an intermediate portion of the guide post 130. The present invention is not limited thereto and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0028] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the lower wing plate 110 has a front edge 112 located at the front end portion E1 and a pair of shoulder-side edges 114 extending rearward from the front edge 112 on opposite sides in the width direction W. Here, the front edge 112 is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and the shoulder-side edges 114 are formed in an arc shape concave inward. Avoidance portions 116 (shown in FIG. 7) are formed on opposite sides in the width direction W of the lower wing plate 110. With the above arrangement, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the lower wing plate 110 of the slider 100 corresponds to the first surface 52a provided with the coil element row 54 of the fastener tape 52. The coil element row 54 of the fastener stringer 50 is guided by the guide post 130 of the slider 100, passes through the element passage 102, and passes through the avoidance portion 116 formed by the shoulder-side edge 114 of the lower wing plate 110 during the process of sliding the slider 100 relative to the fastener stringer 50. Thus, the avoidance portion 116 formed by the shoulder-side edge 114 of the lower wing plate 110 can reduce the friction between the lower wing plate 110 and the lower end surface 54a of the coil element row 54, and can reduce the sliding resistance of the slider 100 in the fastener stringer 50. Thereby, the slider 100 and the fastener 20 can reduce the damage to the fastener stringer 50 and have excellent operability. However, the present invention does not limit the shape of the lower wing plate 110 (that is, does not limit whether to provide the avoidance portion 116), and is not limited only to the case where the fastener stringer 50 having the coil element row 54 is applied to the slider 100, and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0029] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the upper wing plate 120 has a front edge 122 located at the front end portion E1, a pair of shoulder-side edges 124 extending rearward from the front edge 122 on opposite sides in the width direction W, and a rear opening-side edge 126 located rearward of the shoulder-side edges 124 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L). Here, the front edge 122 and the rear opening-side edge 126 are each formed in a straight line extending in the width direction W, and the pair of shoulder-side edges 124 are formed in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L). By the above arrangement, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, since the upper wing plate 120 of the slider 100 corresponds to the second surface 52b of the fastener tape 52 that does not have the coil element row 54, the upper wing plate 120 configured to be substantially rectangular can abut against the second surface 52b of the fastener tape 52, and the stability when the slider 100 is slid with respect to the fastener stringer 50 can be improved. Further, since the front edge 122 of the upper wing plate 120 of the slider 100 is parallel to the front edge of the fastener tape 52 (extending in the width direction W), when the fastener stringer 50 is closed by the slider 100, the front edge 122 of the upper wing plate 120 and the front edge of the fastener tape 52 correspond to each other and further overlap (as shown in FIG. 8). Therefore, the gap between the slider 100 and the end portion of the fastener stringer 50 can be reduced, and the aesthetic appearance of the slider 100 with the upper wing plate 120 as the operation appearance surface in the fastener stringer 50 can be improved.

[0030] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the front edge 112 of the front end portion E1 of the lower wing plate 110 is located rearward of the front edge 122 of the front end portion E1 of the upper wing plate 120 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L). The guide post 130 connects the front edge 112 of the lower wing plate 110 and the front end portion E1 of the upper wing plate 120, separates a distance D from the front edge 122 of the upper wing plate 120, and a clearance portion 136 is formed between the front end side of the guide post 130 and the front edge 122 of the upper wing plate 120. With the above arrangement, when the two sliders 100 are attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the reverse-opening fastener 20A, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the two sliders 100 are attached such that the front end portions E1 face each other. Thereby, when the fastener stringer 50 is closed by the two sliders 100, the front edges 112 of the lower wing plates 110 of the two sliders 100 abut against each other, and the front edges 122 of the upper wing plates 120 abut against each other. Therefore, the gaps between the two sliders 100 and the fastener stringer 50 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) and the up-down direction (i.e., the thickness direction T) can be reduced. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, when the upper wing plate 120 of the slider 100 has a straight front edge 122 extending in the width direction W, the upper wing plates 120 of the two sliders 100 abut against each other with the straight front edges 122. Therefore, the gaps between the two sliders 100 and the fastener stringer 50 in the width direction W and the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) can be reduced, and the aesthetic property of the fastener stringer 50 with the upper wing plate 120 as the operation appearance surface of the slider 100 can be improved. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where the sliders 100 are installed in pairs. As shown in FIG. 6, the slider 100 may be installed alone on the fastener stringer 50, and as shown in FIG. 8, the gap between the slider 100 and the end portion of the fastener stringer 50 may be reduced. Further, the present invention does not limit whether or not to install the clearance portion 136, and it can be adjusted as necessary.

[0031] Correspondingly, in the first modification example shown in FIG. 10, the slider 100A has a structural arrangement similar to that of the aforementioned slider 100. The main difference is that the upper wing plate 120A of the slider 100A is different from the upper wing plate 120 of the aforementioned slider 100. For other parts (such as the lower wing plate 110, the guide post 130, the lower flange 140, the upper flange 150, the handle mounting post 160, and the first groove 132, etc.), the aforementioned description can be referred to, so they will not be described in detail here. Specifically, in the modification example shown in FIG. 10, the upper wing plate 120A has a front edge 122A located at the front end E1, and a pair of shoulder side edges 124A extending rearward from the front edge 122A on both opposite sides in the width direction W. Here, the front edge 122A is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and the shoulder side edge 124A is formed in an arc shape protruding outward. With the above arrangement, when the slider 100A is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, the upper wing plate 120A of the slider 100A can abut against the second surface 52b of the fastener tape 52 with a smaller area, thereby reducing the friction when sliding the slider 100A relative to the fastener stringer 50. As can be seen from this, the present invention does not limit the shapes of the upper wing plates 120 and 120A, and can be adjusted as needed. The slider 100A in the modification example shown in FIG. 10 may be provided with a relief portion 136, and may be installed opposite to the fastener stringer 50 to form a reverse-opening fastener 20A, thereby reducing the gap between the two sliders 100A and the fastener stringer 50. However, the present invention does not limit the application of the slider 100A and can be adjusted as needed.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, in the present embodiment, the guide post 130 includes a front side surface S1, opposite side surfaces S2 and S3 that are separated in the width direction W and parallel to each other, and a pair of inclined rear side surfaces S4 and S5, and is configured to have a columnar structure with a substantially pentagonal (diamond-shaped) cross section. As an example, the first groove 132 is installed on the opposite side surfaces S2 and S3 in the width direction W of the guide post 130, and on the rear side surfaces S4 and S5 (for example, the dotted area in FIG. 11) in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) of the guide post 130. That is, the first groove 132 is not installed on the front side surface S1 (because the fastener stringer 50 does not contact the front side surface S1). With the above installation, when the slider 100 is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the fastener stringer 50 passes through the opposite side surfaces S2 and S3 and the rear side surfaces S4 and S5 of the guide post 130 during the sliding process of the slider 100 and separates from each other. In this way, by installing the first groove 132, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 and the side surfaces of the guide post 130 (i.e., the opposite side surfaces S2 and S3 and the rear side surfaces S4 and S5) can be reduced, and the sliding resistance of the slider 100 in the fastener stringer 50 can be reduced. Thereby, the slider 100 and the fastener 20 can improve the smoothness when the slider 100 is slid on the fastener stringer 50, thereby reducing the damage of the fastener stringer 50 and having excellent operability.

[0033] Correspondingly, in the second modification example shown in FIG. 12, the slider 100B has a structure and arrangement similar to that of the aforementioned slider 100. The main difference is that the first groove 132B of the slider 100B is not installed on the opposite side surfaces S2 and S3 in the width direction W of the guide post 130B (shown in FIG. 12), but is installed only on the rear side surfaces S4 and S5 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the length direction L) of the guide post 130B. For other parts (such as the lower wing plate 110, the upper wing plate 120, the lower flange 140, the upper flange 150, and the handle mounting post 160, etc.), the foregoing description can be referred to, so details are not provided here. With the above installation, when the slider 100B is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, the fastener stringer 50 passes through the rear side surfaces S4 and S5 of the guide post 130B and separates from each other during the sliding process of the slider 100B. In this way, by installing the first groove 132B, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape 52 and the side surfaces (i.e., the rear side surfaces S4 and S5) of the guide post 130B can be reduced. Also, compared with the slider 100 of the foregoing embodiment, the slider 100B may have a worse effect of reducing friction. However, in subsequent processes, the first groove 132B can be installed within a range that does not affect the adjustment of the guide post 130B (i.e., on the rear side surfaces S4 and S5) and can be used for performing subsequent processes. However, in other embodiments not shown, the first groove 132 may be installed only on the opposite side surfaces S2 and S3, or may be installed on all side surfaces (including the front side surface S1) of the guide post 130 to form an annular groove. The present invention does not limit the installation position and size of the first groove 132 and can be adjusted as needed.

[0034] Also, in the third modification example shown in FIG. 13, the slider 100C has a structural arrangement similar to that of the aforementioned slider 100. The main difference is that a second groove 128 is provided on the inner surface of the upper wing plate 120C of the slider 100C facing the lower wing plate 110, and the second groove 128 is located at a position close to the guide post 130 on the inner surface of the upper wing plate 120C. That is, the second groove 128 is installed at a position close to the first groove 132 on the upper wing plate 120C, whereby the first groove 132 and the second groove 128 correspond to each other (furthermore, they may be connected to each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto). Preferably, the second groove 128 extends from the part connected to the guide post 130 of the upper wing plate 120C toward the rear end portion E2, and gradually narrows in the width direction W and gradually concentrates on the central portion. For other parts (for example, the lower wing plate 110, the guide post 130, the lower flange 140, the upper flange 150, the handle mounting post 160, and the first groove 132, etc.), the foregoing description can be referred to, so details are not provided here. By the above installation, when the slider 100C is attached to the fastener stringer 50 to form the fastener 20, by providing the second groove 128, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape 52, the guide post 130, and the boundary of the upper wing plate 120C can be reduced. Thereby, the slider 100C and the fastener 20 can improve the smoothness when sliding the slider 100C on the fastener stringer 50, thereby reducing the damage to the fastener stringer 50 and having excellent operability. However, the present invention does not limit the shape of the second groove 128 and whether or not to install it, and can be adjusted as needed.

[0035] Summarizing as above, in the slider of the present invention, a pair of flanges are provided on opposite both side edges in the width direction of one of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate, and the inner surface of the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and the end surface of the flange face each other with a gap therebetween, and a first groove corresponding to the gap in the vertical direction is provided on the side surface of the guide post. When the slider is attached to the fastener stringer to form a fastener, the outer edge of the fastener tape passes through the gap of the slider, and the inner edge of the fastener tape corresponds to the first groove provided on the side surface of the guide post of the slider. Thus, by providing the first groove, the friction between the inner edge of the fastener tape and the side surface of the guide post can be reduced, and the sliding resistance of the slider in the fastener stringer can be reduced. Preferably, the boundary between the first groove and the side surface of the guide post forms a stepped portion, and the stepped portion is further installed corresponding to the positions of the fastener tape and the coil element row of the fastener stringer applied to the slider. Thereby, the slider and the fastener of the present invention can improve the smoothness when sliding the slider on the fastener stringer, thereby reducing the damage to the fastener stringer and having excellent operability.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for explaining the technical solutions of the present invention and do not limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, as can be understood by those skilled in the art, still, modifications can be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent replacements can be made to some or all of their technical features. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0037] 20, 20A Fastener 50 Fastener Stringer 52 Fastener Tape 52a First Surface 52b Second Surface 54 Coil element array 54a Lower end surface 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Sliders 102 Element passage 110 Lower wing plate 112, 122, 122A Front edge 114, 124, 124A Shoulder side edge 116 Avoidance part 120, 120A, 120C Upper wing plate 126 Rear opening side edge 128 Second groove 130, 130B Guide post 132, 132B First groove 134 Step part 136 Relief part 140 Lower flange 150 Upper flange 160 Handle mounting post D Distance E1 Front end part E2 Rear end part G Gap L Length direction R Range S1 Front side surface S2, S3 Side surfaces S4, S5 Rear side surfaces T Thickness direction W Width direction

Claims

1. A slider attached to a pair of fastener stringers and suitable for the configuration of a fastener, comprising: a lower wing plate; an upper wing plate installed opposite to and above the lower wing plate; a guide post installed between the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and connecting the front end portions of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate in the front-rear direction; a pair of flanges respectively provided on opposite side edges in the width direction of one of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and extending toward the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate; and comprising: the inner surfaces of the other of the lower wing plate and the upper wing plate and the end surfaces of the flanges face each other and are spaced apart by a gap; a first groove is provided on the side surface of the guide post, and the first groove corresponds to the gap in the vertical direction. A slider characterized by this.

2. further comprising a handle mounting post installed above the upper wing plate, the first groove is installed at one end of the guide post close to the handle mounting post. The slider according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. the first groove is installed on opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the guide post. The slider according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. the first groove is installed on the rear side surface of the guide post in the front-rear direction. The slider according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

5. a second groove is provided on the inner surface of the upper wing plate facing the lower wing plate, and the second groove is located at a position close to the guide post on the inner surface of the upper wing plate. The slider according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

6. the front edge of the front end portion of the lower wing plate is located behind the front edge of the front end portion of the upper wing plate in the front-rear direction, the guide post connects the front edge of the front end portion of the lower wing plate and the front end portion of the upper wing plate, and is spaced apart from the front edge of the upper wing plate, and a relief portion is formed between the front end side of the guide post and the front edge of the upper wing plate. The slider according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

7. the lower wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion and a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction, the front edge is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and the shoulder side edges are formed in an arc shape concave inward, and avoidance portions are formed on opposite sides in the width direction of the lower wing plate. The slider according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

8. The upper wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion and a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction. The front edge is formed in an arc shape protruding outward, and The slider according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shoulder side edges are formed in an arc shape protruding outward.

9. The upper wing plate has a front edge located at the front end portion, a pair of shoulder side edges extending rearward from the front edge on opposite sides in the width direction, and a rear opening side edge located rearward of the shoulder side edges in the front-rear direction. The front edge and the rear opening side edge are each formed in a straight line extending in the width direction, and The slider according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of shoulder side edges are formed in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

10. A pair of fastener stringers; The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 9, attached to the pair of fastener stringers and opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers. Comprising: The fastener stringer includes a fastener tape and a coil element row attached to the first surface of the fastener tape. The boundary between the first groove and the side surface of the guide post forms a step portion, and The step portion is located between the second surface on the side opposite to the first surface of the fastener tape and the end surface on the side opposite to the fastener tape of the coil element row. A fastener characterized by the above.

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