Fastener elements and slide fasteners

Abstract

To provide a fastener element that can suppress the occurrence of cracks and fissures during crimping. [Solution] The fastener element 1 is made of metal and comprises an interlocking portion 2 and a first extension portion 3 and a second extension portion 4 that extend from the interlocking portion 2 and face each other. Each of the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 has a retaining portion 31, 41 that holds the side edge of the fastener tape between them, and a thin-walled portion 33, 43 formed on the interlocking portion 2 side of the retaining portion 31, 41 in the extension direction of the first extension portion 3 or the second extension portion 4. Each of the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to its own extension direction DS1, DS2 and the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, respectively. In each of the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4, the minimum thickness T3a, T4a of the thin-walled portion 33, 43 is smaller than the maximum thickness T3b, T3b of the retaining portion 31, 41.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastener element and a slide fastener.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a repair fastener element that is attached to a missing part of a fastener element in a slide fastener. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a metal fastener element having an appearance substantially the same as that of a resin fastener element as a repair fastener element. This metal fastener element can be attached to a slide fastener to be repaired by caulking.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the fastener element disclosed in Patent Document 1, distortion during caulking occurs concentrated in one place, so cracks or splits may occur.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener element that can be used for repairing a slide fastener and can suppress the occurrence of cracks and splits during caulking.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [1] A fastener element according to one aspect of the present invention is a metal fastener element attached to a fastener tape, comprising: an interlocking portion; a first extended portion and a second extended portion extending from the interlocking portion and facing each other, wherein each of the first extended portion and the second extended portion has a holding portion that holds the side edge of the fastener tape between them, and a thin-walled portion formed on the side of the interlocking portion that is closer to the holding portion than the holding portion in the extending direction of the first extended portion or the second extended portion, wherein each of the first extended portion and the second extended portion has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to its own extending direction and length direction, respectively, and in each of the first extended portion and the second extended portion, the minimum dimension of the thickness of the thin-walled portion is smaller than the maximum dimension of the thickness of the holding portion.

[0007] [2] In the above [1], when viewing the projection view obtained by projecting the fastener element along the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the minimum thickness of the thin-walled portion in each of the first extended portion and the second extended portion is smaller than the minimum thickness of the holding portion.

[0008] [3] In the above [1] or [2], each of the first extended portion and the second extended portion further has a groove formed such that the thin-walled portion is the bottom, and it is preferable that the groove of the first extended portion and the groove of the second extended portion open opposite each other so as to form a groove space between them.

[0009] [4] In the above [3], when viewed along the length direction, it is preferable that the bottom surface of each groove of the first extension and the second extension has a concave arc shape.

[0010] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the meshing portion preferably comprises a first head to which the first extension portion is connected, a second head to which the second extension portion is connected, a connecting portion connecting the first head and the second head, and a head groove portion formed between the first head and the second head and opening on the side opposite to the groove space side.

[0011] [6] In the above [5], when viewed along the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the connecting portion extends to be continuous with the inner surface of each of the grooves of the first extended portion and the second extended portion, and has a curved surface that is curved to protrude toward the groove space side.

[0012] [7] In the above [5] or [6], it is preferable that the first head has a tapered shape in which the lengthwise dimension decreases toward the side opposite to the first extension, and the second head has an enlarged shape that protrudes more from both sides in the lengthwise direction than the first head.

[0013] [8] In the above [7], it is preferable that the second head portion comprises a groove side surface that forms part of the inner surface of the head groove portion, and a pair of locking surfaces that are located on the first head portion side of the groove side surface and on both sides in the longitudinal direction with respect to the connecting portion.

[0014] [9] The fastener element according to claim 7, wherein, when viewed along the direction in which the first extended portion and the second extended portion face each other, the thin-walled portion of the first extended portion partially constitutes a pair of shoulder portions located on both sides of the second extended portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0015]

[10] In the above [9], the minimum dimension of the thickness of the thin-walled portion of the first stretched portion is greater than the minimum dimension of the thickness of the thin-walled portion of the second stretched portion.

[0016]

[11] In any of the above [1] to

[10] , the first extended portion and the second extended portion have outer surfaces facing opposite sides to each other, and each of the outer surfaces of the first extended portion and the second extended portion is provided with convex portions having different pattern shapes.

[0017]

[12] A slide fastener according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fastener element formed in any of the above [1] to

[11] . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the slide fastener of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] Partial enlarged view showing the slide fastener of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] Side view showing the existing fastener element of the slide fastener of the present embodiment alone. [Figure 4] Perspective view showing the fastener element of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the fastener element of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] Side view showing the fastener element of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] Plan view showing the fastened fastener element of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] Plan view showing the fastened fastener element of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] Side view showing the fastened fastener element of the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the fastener element 1 of the present embodiment can form a part of the slide fastener 10 and can be used for repairing the slide fastener 10. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, a screened line is applied to the fastener element 1 in the slide fastener 10.

[0020] (Configuration of Slide Fastener 10) First, the configuration of the slide fastener 10 that can utilize the fastener element 1 of this embodiment will be briefly described. As shown in Figure 1, the slide fastener 10 comprises a pair of fastener stringers 11 and 12, and a slider 13 that can open and close the fastener stringers 11 and 12.

[0021] In the description of the slide fastener 10, the direction in which the fastener stringers 11 and 12 are aligned is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction in which the slider 13 slides relative to the left and right pair of fastener stringers 11 and 12 is defined as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the left-right and up-down directions is defined as the front-back direction.

[0022] Each of the fastener stringers 11 and 12 comprises a fastener tape 14 and a row of elements 15 provided on the fastener tape 14.

[0023] The fastener tape 14 comprises a tape portion 142 and a core cord 141 provided on one side edge of the tape portion 142. The tape portion 142 is arranged along the vertical direction and has a width in the horizontal direction and a thickness in the front-back direction. The core cord 141 is arranged along the vertical direction and has a diameter larger than the thickness of the tape portion 142 in the front-back direction.

[0024] The core cord 141 and the area of ​​the tape portion 142 adjacent to the core cord 141 constitute the side edge portion 14a of the fastener tape 14. The side edges 14a of the fastener stringers 11 and 12 are arranged facing each other.

[0025] The element row 15 is composed of multiple resin fastener elements 16, each fastener element 16 being injection molded onto the side edge 14a of the fastener tape 14. Examples of materials for the fastener elements 16 include synthetic resin materials such as polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate, or nylon.

[0026] Furthermore, the fastener element 16 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but has substantially the same configuration as the fastener element of the waterproof fastener disclosed in International Publication No. WO2011 / 064893.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fastener element 16 integrally comprises a surface portion 16A positioned on the front side of the fastener tape 14 and a back portion 16B positioned on the back side of the fastener tape 14. The surface portion 16A comprises a first base portion 161 attached to the fastener tape 14 and a roughly triangular first head portion 162 that tapers from the first base portion 161 toward the opposing fastener tape 14. The back portion 16B comprises a second base portion 163 attached to the fastener tape 14 and a bulging second head portion 164 that protrudes from the second base portion 163 toward the opposing fastener tape 14. The back portion 16B also includes a neck portion 165 that is constricted vertically between the second base portion 163 and the second head portion 164, and the first base portion 161 includes a pair of shoulder portions 166 that protrude on both sides in the vertical direction relative to the neck portion 165.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, when the pair of zipper stringers 11 and 12 are closed, the zipper elements 16 of zipper stringer 11 and the zipper elements 16 of zipper stringer 12 interlock with each other. At this time, the first head 162 fits between the shoulder portions 166 of adjacent zipper elements 16 on the other side and contacts the core cord 141 on the other side. The second head 164 fits between the neck portions 165 of adjacent zipper elements 16 on the other side and abuts against the shoulder portion 166 of each zipper element 16 in the front-back direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the slider 13 slides upward relative to the fastener stringers 11 and 12, thereby engaging the element rows 15 of the fastener stringers 11 and 12. Conversely, the slider 13 slides downward relative to the fastener stringers 11 and 12, thereby disengaging the element rows 15 of the fastener stringers 11 and 12.

[0030] The slide fastener 10 may include a pair of upper fasteners 17 provided on the side edges 14a of the fastener stringers 11 and 12 above the row of elements 15, and lower fasteners 18 provided on the side edges 14a of the fastener stringers 11 and 12 below the row of elements 15. The upper fasteners 17 and lower fasteners 18 are configured to prevent the slider 13 from falling off the row of elements 15. The lower stopper 18 may be an opening and closing insert consisting of a hinge and a box body. Furthermore, the upper stopper 17 and lower stopper 18 may be omitted.

[0031] In the slide fastener 10 described above, if excessive lateral pulling force is applied to the fastener stringers 11 and 12 while the element rows 15 of the fastener stringers 11 and 12 are interlocked, some of the fastener elements 16 may detach from the fastener tape 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fastener element 1 is attached by crimping to the portion of the fastener tape 14 where the fastener element 16 is missing. This makes it possible to repair the slide fastener 10.

[0032] (Configuration of fastener element 1) The configuration of the fastener element 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. Figures 4 to 8 show the fastener element 1 before crimping, and Figures 9 to 11 show the fastener element 1 after crimping.

[0033] In the description of the fastener element 1, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are used. When the fastener element 1 is attached to the slide fastener 10, the X direction corresponds to the left-right direction of the slide fastener 10 (i.e., the width direction of the fastener tape 14), the Y direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the slide fastener 10 (i.e., the length direction of the fastener tape 14), and the Z direction corresponds to the front-back direction of the slide fastener 10 (i.e., the thickness direction of the fastener tape 14).

[0034] The fastener element 1 of this embodiment is a metal element having substantially the same appearance as the resin fastener element 16 described above, and is configured to be crimpable to the fastener tape 14 (see Figures 1 and 2). The type of metal material constituting the fastener element 1 is not particularly limited, but examples include copper alloys and zinc alloys.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the fastener element 1 of this embodiment comprises an interlocking portion 2 and a first extension portion 3 and a second extension portion 4 that extend from the interlocking portion 2 and face each other.

[0036] The interlocking portion 2 comprises a first head portion 21 to which the first extension portion 3 is connected, a second head portion 22 to which the second extension portion 4 is connected, a head groove portion 23 formed between the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22, and a connecting portion 24 that connects the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22.

[0037] The first head 21 and the second head 22 are the parts that engage with the existing fastener element 16 when the fastener element 1 is attached to the slide fastener 10. In this embodiment, the first head 21 and the second head 22 have different shapes from each other in order to achieve engagement with the fastener element 16. Specifically, the first head 21 has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the Y direction decreases toward the +X direction. On the other hand, the second head 22 has a bulging shape that protrudes more on both sides in the Y direction than the first head 21.

[0038] The second head portion 22 has a groove side surface 221 facing the first head portion 21 side (i.e., the +Z side) and a pair of locking surfaces 222A and 222B. The groove side surface 221 forms part of the inner surface of the head groove portion 23, which will be described later. The pair of locking surfaces 222A and 222B are positioned on the first head portion 21 side of the groove side surface 221 and on both sides in the Y direction relative to the connecting portion 24. A step in the Z direction is formed between these locking surfaces 222A and 222B and the groove side surface 221. Furthermore, it is preferable that after crimping, the locking surfaces 222A and 222B are positioned in approximately the same position as the arrangement range of the fastener tape 14 in the Z direction (see Figure 11).

[0039] The head groove 23 is formed between the first head 21 and the second head 22. This head groove 23 opens on the opposite side (for example, in the +X direction) from the groove space GS side, which will be described later, and penetrates the meshing portion 2 in the Y direction. The bottom surface of the head groove 23 has a concave arc shape when viewed in the Y direction.

[0040] The connecting portion 24 is connected to the -Z side of the first head portion 21 and to the +Z side of the second head portion 22, thereby connecting the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22. This connecting portion 24 is the starting point for bending the fastener element 1 when crimping is performed.

[0041] The connecting portion 24 is formed as the bottom of the head groove portion 23. Therefore, the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22 are formed to protrude further than the connecting portion 24 towards the opening side of the head groove portion 23 (for example, in the +X direction). In other words, the connecting portion 24 has a smaller dimension in the X direction than each of the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting portion 24 is not particularly limited, but the Y-direction dimension of the connecting portion 24 is smaller than the Y-direction dimension of the second head portion 22.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the connecting portion 24 has a curved surface 241 facing the opposite side from the head groove portion 23, that is, the groove space GS side (for example, in the -X direction), which will be described later. In a view in the Y direction, this curved surface 241 extends to be continuous with the inner surfaces of the groove portions 32 and 42 of the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4, which will be described later, and is curved to protrude toward the groove space GS side.

[0043] The first extension portion 3 extends from the first head portion 21 toward the -X side, and the second extension portion 4 extends from the second head portion 22 toward the -X side. The first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 face each other in the Z direction. In other words, the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 extend away from the engagement portion 2, which is the bending starting point of the fastener element 1 when crimped.

[0044] Before crimping, the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 extend in different directions. For the sake of explanation, the extension direction DS2 of the second extended portion 4 before crimping will be assumed to be aligned with the X direction, and the extension direction DS1 of the first extended portion 3 before crimping will be assumed to be aligned with a direction intersecting the X direction. After crimping, the extension directions DS1 and D22 of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 will both be aligned with the X direction.

[0045] The first extension portion 3 has a retaining portion 31 that holds the side edge portion 14a of the fastener tape 14 between itself and the second extension portion 4, a groove portion 32 that opens toward the second extension portion 4 on the side of the engagement portion 2 (i.e., the +X side) from the retaining portion 31 in the extension direction DS1, and a thin-walled portion 33 which is the bottom of the groove portion 32. The first extension portion 3 also has an outer surface 34 that faces the side opposite to the second extension portion 4 (the +Z side), and a protrusion 35 provided on the outer surface 34.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the holding portion 31 includes a base surface 311 facing the second extension portion 4, a tip projection 312 protruding from the base surface 311, a base projection 313 protruding from the base surface 311 on the +X side of the tip projection 312, a bridge portion 314 protruding from the center of the base surface 311 in the Y direction and extending along the extension direction DS1 to connect the tip projection 312 and the base projection 313, and a crossing projection 315 protruding from the center of the base surface 311 in the X direction and extending along the Y direction to intersect with the bridge portion 314.

[0047] The tip projection 312 and the base projection 313 are positioned with a gap in the extension direction DS1 between them. Therefore, a clamping groove CG opening towards the second extension 4 is formed between the tip projection 312 and the base projection 313. The bridge portion 314 and the intersecting projection 315 are positioned within this clamping groove CG. Furthermore, each of the tip projection 312 and the base projection 313 has a flat portion 312T, 313T facing towards the second extension 4.

[0048] When the base surface 311 is used as a reference, it is preferable that the protruding heights of the tip protrusion 312 and the base protrusion 313 are higher than the protruding heights of the bridge portion 314 and the intersecting protrusion 315. Furthermore, it is preferable that the protruding height of the bridge portion 314 is higher than the protruding height of the intersecting protrusion 315.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the groove 32 is formed between the base projection 313 and the first head portion 21 in the extension direction DS1 of the first extension portion 3. This groove 32 opens towards the second extension portion 4 and penetrates the first extension portion 3 in the Y direction. The groove 32 also has groove depth in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the extension direction DS1. The bottom surface 321 of the groove 32 has a concave arc shape when viewed in the Y direction.

[0050] The thin-walled portion 33 is formed as the bottom of the groove portion 32 and is located on the meshing portion 2 side (i.e., the +X side) of the retaining portion 31 in the extension direction DS1. This thin-walled portion 33 connects the base end projection 313 and the first head portion 21.

[0051] The first extended portion 3 has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction DS1 from which the first extended portion 3 extends from the meshing portion 2. In this specification, the "thickness" of the first stretched portion 3 refers to the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction DS1 of the first stretched portion 3 and the width direction of the first stretched portion 3 (the length direction of the fastener tape 14, i.e., the Y direction). In this first extended portion 3, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 is smaller than the maximum thickness T3b of the holding portion 31. Furthermore, when viewing the projection of the fastener element 1 projected along the Y direction (the figure corresponding to the outer edge of the fastener element 1 shown in Figure 6), it is preferable that the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 is smaller than the minimum thickness T3c of the holding portion 31.

[0052] In this embodiment, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 is determined by the shortest distance from the outer surface 34 to the bottom surface 321 of the groove portion 32. The maximum thickness T3b of the holding portion 31 is determined by the shortest distance from the outer surface 34 to the flat portion 312T of the tip projection 312, and the minimum thickness T3c of the holding portion 31 is determined by the shortest distance from the outer surface 34 to the tip of the projection of the bridge portion 314.

[0053] The outer surface 34 is formed continuously along the stretching direction DS1 from the holding portion 31 to the thin-walled portion 33. The protrusions 35 are small projections provided on the outer surface 34 and have any pattern shape when viewed in the Z direction.

[0054] The second extension portion 4 has a retaining portion 41 that holds the side edge portion 14a of the fastener tape 14 between itself and the first extension portion 3, a groove portion 42 that opens toward the first extension portion 3 on the side of the engagement portion 2 (i.e., the +X side) from the retaining portion 41 in the extension direction DS2, and a thin-walled portion 43 which is the bottom of the groove portion 42. The second extension portion 4 is also formed continuously from the retaining portion 41 to the thin-walled portion 43 along the extension direction DS2 and has an outer surface 44 facing the +Z side and a protrusion 35 provided on the outer surface 34.

[0055] The holding portion 41, groove portion 42, thin-walled portion 43, outer surface 44, and protrusion portion 45 of the second extension portion 4 are configured substantially the same as the holding portion 31, groove portion 32, thin-walled portion 33, outer surface 34, and protrusion portion 35 of the first extension portion 3 described above. Therefore, for a specific explanation of each component of the second extension portion 4, the explanation of the first extension portion 3 described above can be reused by replacing terms such as "second extension portion 4 side," "extension direction DS1," and "first head portion 21" with terms such as "first extension portion 3 side," "extension direction DS2," and "second head portion 22," and changing the leftmost digit in the symbol from "3" to "4." It is preferable that the protrusion portions 35 and 45 have different pattern shapes.

[0056] The grooves 32 of the first extension 3 and the grooves 42 of the second extension 4 open opposite each other, forming a groove space GS between them. The presence of this groove space GS is maintained before and after crimping. For example, after crimping, it is preferable that the maximum dimension H1 of the groove space GS in the Z direction is greater than the maximum dimension H2 of the head groove 23 in the Z direction (see Figure 11).

[0057] The first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 form an opening OP of the fastener element 1 between them. Here, the base surface 311 of the first extension portion 3 and the base surface 411 of the second extension portion 4 face each other. Furthermore, the opening angle θ of the fastener element 1 in the Y direction is formed between a first reference line L1 passing through the planar portions 312T and 313T of the holding portion 31 of the first extension portion 3 and a second reference line L2 passing through the planar portions 412T and 413T of the holding portion 41 of the second extension portion 4. It is preferable that this opening angle θ is set to such an extent that the core cord 141, which is positioned between the holding portions 31 and 41 before crimping, can contact the first reference line L1 and the second reference line L2, respectively.

[0058] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 of this embodiment have different shapes in a Z-direction view in order to ensure engagement with the existing fastener element 16 when the fastener element 1 is attached to the fastener tape 14.

[0059] Specifically, the first extension 3 has a pair of shoulder portions 36A and 36B located on both sides in the Y direction compared to the second extension 4 when viewed in the Z direction. In Figure 7, the areas of the shoulder portions 36A and 36B are enclosed by dotted lines. These shoulder portions 36A and 36B are composed of a part of the thin-walled portion 33 and a part of the base end projection 313 of the first extension 3. In the shoulder portions 36A and 36B, the planar portion 313T of the base end projection 313 is partially exposed on the +Z side. The first extension 3 also has a base end portion 37 formed to be continuous with the first head portion 21. Together with the first head portion 21, this base end portion 37 forms a roughly triangular shape that tapers toward the +X direction.

[0060] The second extension portion 4 has a neck portion 46 that is constricted in the Y direction in the area adjacent to the second head portion 22. In other words, the second extension portion 4 has a pair of recesses 47A and 47B formed by the neck portion 46. These recesses 47A and 47B expose the aforementioned shoulder portions 36A and 36B to the +Z side.

[0061] In this embodiment, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 of the first extended portion 3 and the minimum thickness T4a of the thin-walled portion 43 of the second extended portion 4 are different dimensions. For example, the relative thicknesses of the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 are determined to be the opposite of the relative thicknesses of the Y-direction dimensions at the respective tips of the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22 (specifically, the portions on the -X side of the shoulder portions 36A, 36B and the neck portion 46). In this embodiment, since the first head portion 21 has a tapered shape and the second head portion 22 has a daruma shape, the Y-direction dimension of the tip of the first head portion 21 is small and the Y-direction dimension of the tip of the second head portion 22 is large. For this reason, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 of the first extended portion 3 is designed to be large, and the minimum thickness T4a of the thin-walled portion 43 of the second extended portion 4 is designed to be small. In other words, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 of the first stretched portion 3 is designed to be larger than the minimum thickness T4a of the thin-walled portion 43 of the second stretched portion 4.

[0062] (Example of using fastener element 1) In this embodiment, the fastener element 1 is attached to the slide fastener 10 in place of the fastener element 16 if the fastener element 16 is missing or damaged.

[0063] An example of how to attach the fastener element 1 to the slide fastener 10 is described below. First, prepare the fastener element 1 before crimping, as shown in Figure 6. The opening angle θ of the fastener element 1 is set according to the diameter of the core cord 141 of the fastener tape 14.

[0064] Next, the side edge 14a of the fastener tape 14 is inserted into the opening OP of the fastener element 1, and the core cord 141 is positioned between the holding parts 31 and 41. At this time, the fastener tape 14 comes into contact with the holding parts 31 and 41, which suppresses rattling of the fastener element 1 relative to the fastener tape 14.

[0065] Subsequently, a crimping tool is used to apply force to the fastener element 1 in the thickness direction of the slide fastener 10, thereby crimping the fastener element 1 to the fastener tape 14. At this time, the fastener element 1 undergoes plastic deformation with the connecting portion 24 as the bending starting point, so that the stretching directions DS1 and DS2 of the first stretching portion 3 and the second stretching portion 4 become parallel to each other.

[0066] When the fastener element 1 is crimped, as shown in Figure 11, the planar portions 312T, 412T of the tip projections 312, 412 clamp the tape portion 142 in the Z direction. In addition, the bridge portions 314, 414 and the intersecting projections 315, 415 each clamp the core cord 141 in the Z direction. At this time, the bridge portions 314, 414 become embedded in the core cord 141. Furthermore, the tip projections 312, 412 and the base projections 313, 413 clamp the core cord 141 between them in the X direction. Note that a portion of the core cord 141 may be inserted between the base projections 313, 413. As described above, the fastener element 1 is attached to the slide fastener 10.

[0067] After the fastener element 1 is attached to the slide fastener 10, when the pair of fastener stringers 11 and 12 are closed, the fastener element 1 interlocks with the opposing fastener element 16.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first head portion 21 fits between the shoulder portions 166 of the opposing zipper elements 16, which are adjacent to each other vertically, and contacts the core cord 141 of the opposing side. In addition, the pair of shoulder portions 36A and 36B of the first extension portion 3 (specifically the flat portion 313T, see Figure 10) abut against the second head portions 164 of the opposing zipper elements 16, which are adjacent to each other vertically, in the front-back direction. The second head portion 22 fits between the neck portions 165 of adjacent fastener elements 16 on the mating side, one above the other. The second head portion 22 (specifically the locking surfaces 222A, 222B, see Figure 9) also abuts against the shoulder portions 166 of adjacent fastener elements 16 on the mating side, one above the other, one above the other, in the front-to-back direction.

[0069] As a result, the fastener element 1 can achieve substantially the same interlocking as the existing fastener element 16 in the slide fastener 10.

[0070] (effect) The fastener element 1 of this embodiment is a metal fastener element 1 attached to the fastener tape 14, as described above, and comprises an interlocking portion 2, and a first extension portion 3 and a second extension portion 4 extending from the interlocking portion 2 and facing each other, and each of the first extension portion 3 and the second extension portion 4 has a holding portion 31, 41 that holds the side edge portion 14a of the fastener tape 14 between them, and the extension direction DS1,D of the first extension portion 3 or the second extension portion 4 In S2, the fastener has thin-walled portions 33 and 43 formed on the meshing portion 2 side of the holding portions 31 and 41, and each of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 has thickness in a direction perpendicular to its own extending direction DS1 and DS2 and the length direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14, and in each of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4, the minimum thickness dimensions T3a and T4a of the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 are smaller than the maximum thickness dimensions T3b and T4b of the holding portions 31 and 41.

[0071] Such a fastener element 1 can be attached to the fastener tape 14 by crimping, thereby allowing the slide fastener 10 to be repaired. When the fastener element 1 is crimped, a force is applied to the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4 in a direction that brings them closer together, and the fastener element 1 undergoes plastic deformation with the meshing portion 2 as the bending starting point. Here, the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4 have small thickness in the bending direction, so bending stress is easily generated. Therefore, the bending stress of the fastener element 1 does not concentrate on the meshing portion 2, which is the bending starting point, but is distributed to each of the thin-walled portions 33 and 43. In other words, in the fastener element 1, strain (plastic deformation) occurs not only in the meshing portion 2, which is the bending starting point, but also in the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4. As a result, the fastener element 1 of this embodiment can suppress the occurrence of cracks and other defects during crimping.

[0072] In this embodiment, when viewing a projection of the fastener element 1 along the length direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14, the minimum thickness dimensions T3a and T4a of the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 in the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 are smaller than the minimum thickness dimensions T3c and T4c of the holding portion 31. With this configuration, the occurrence of cracks or fissures in the fastener element 1 during crimping can be more effectively suppressed.

[0073] In this embodiment, each of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 further has grooves 32 and 42 formed such that the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 form the bottom, and the grooves 32 of the first extended portion 3 and the grooves 42 of the second extended portion 4 open opposite each other to form a groove space GS between them. In this configuration, the areas where compressive stress concentrates during crimping are removed by the grooves 32 and 42 in both the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4. Therefore, the occurrence of cracks and fissures in the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 can be effectively suppressed.

[0074] In this embodiment, when viewed along the length direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14, the bottom surfaces 321 and 421 of the grooves 32 and 42 of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 have a concave arc shape. In this configuration, stress concentration can be suppressed in the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4. Therefore, the occurrence of cracks and fissures in the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0075] In this embodiment, the meshing portion 2 comprises a first head portion 21 to which the first extension portion 3 is connected, a second head portion 22 to which the second extension portion 4 is connected, a connecting portion 24 connecting the first head portion 21 and the second head portion 22, and a head groove portion 23 formed with the connecting portion 24 as the bottom and opening on the opposite side (+X direction) from the groove space GS side. In this configuration, during crimping, the connecting portion 24 of the interlocking portion 2 becomes the bending starting point of the fastener element 1. Here, because the thickness in the bending direction is small at the connecting portion 24, bending stress is easily generated. Therefore, the bending stress of the fastener element 1 is suitably distributed between the connecting portion 24 of the interlocking portion 2 and the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of cracks and other damage to the fastener element 1 during crimping.

[0076] In this embodiment, when viewed along the length direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14, the connecting portion 24 extends to the inner surfaces of the grooves 32, 42 of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4, and has a curved surface 241 that curves to protrude toward the groove space GS side (-X direction). In this configuration, during crimping, the bending stress of the fastener element 1 is suitably distributed between the connecting portion 24 of the interlocking portion 2 and the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4. Therefore, the occurrence of cracks and other damage to the fastener element 1 during crimping can be more effectively suppressed.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first head 21 has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14 decreases toward the side opposite to the first extension portion 3, and the second head 22 has a bulging shape that protrudes more than the first head 21 on both sides in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape. In this configuration, the fastener element 1 of this embodiment can be suitably used for repairing irregularly shaped fasteners such as waterproof fasteners.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second head portion 22 includes a groove side surface 221 that forms part of the inner surface of the head groove portion 23, and a pair of locking surfaces 222A and 222B that are located on the side of the first head portion 21 that is closer to the connecting portion 24 and on both sides in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the fastener tape 14. In this configuration, when the fastener element 1 is attached to the fastener tape 14, the pair of locking surfaces 222A and 222B of the second head 22 can come into contact with the mating fastener element 16 in the Z direction. This allows for a suitable engagement between the fastener element 1 and the existing fastener element 16. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the groove side surface 221 and the locking surfaces 222A and 222B in the second head portion 22 are formed separately from each other so as to form a step. Therefore, the groove width of the head groove portion 23 can be secured for stress distribution while the above-mentioned interlocking can be suitably achieved.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 are viewed along the direction (Z direction) in which they face each other, the thin-walled portion 33 of the first extended portion 3 partially constitutes a pair of shoulder portions 36A and 36B located on both sides of the fastener tape 14 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) than the second extended portion 4. In this configuration, when the fastener element 1 is attached to the fastener tape 14, the shoulder portions 36A and 36B of the first extension portion 3 can come into contact with the opposing fastener element 16 in the Z direction. This allows for a suitable engagement between the fastener element 1 and the existing fastener element 16. Furthermore, in the above configuration, a portion of the shoulder portions 36A and 36B, which have a large dimension in the Y direction, is formed in a thin-walled shape, which improves the ease with which bending stress is generated in the first extended portion 3. As a result, the bending stress of the fastener element 1 can be suitably distributed to the first extended portion 3, while the above-mentioned interlocking can be suitably achieved.

[0080] In this embodiment, the minimum thickness T3a of the thin-walled portion 33 of the first stretched portion 3 is greater than the minimum thickness T4a of the thin-walled portion 43 of the second stretched portion 4. In this configuration, when the fastener element 1 is compatible with a non-standard fastener, the bending stress generated in the interlocking portion 2 during crimping can be evenly distributed to the thin-walled portions 33 and 43 of the first stretched portion 3 and the second stretched portion 4.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 have outer surfaces 34, 44 facing opposite sides to each other, and each outer surface 34, 44 of the first extended portion 3 and the second extended portion 4 is provided with convex portions 35, 45 having different pattern shapes. In this configuration, during the manufacturing of the fastener element 1, the presence of the protrusions 35 and 45 after painting the fastener element 1 reduces the occurrence of multiple fastener elements 1 sticking together. Furthermore, since the protrusions 35 and 45 have different pattern shapes, it is easy to visually distinguish the front and back sides of the fastener element 1 when attaching it to the fastener tape 14.

[0082] The fastener element 1 described above can constitute a part of the slide fastener 10 as a replacement for the fastener element 16. For this reason, the slide fastener 10 can be suitably used as a repair part for the slide fastener 10. In other words, if a defect occurs in the slide fastener 10, such as the loss of a fastener element 16, it is not necessary to replace the entire slide fastener 10, and it is possible to repair it by attaching the fastener element 1 in place of the existing fastener element 16.

[0083] (modified version) The above embodiment describes a case where the slide fastener 10 to be attached is a waterproof fastener, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the fastener element 1 can be configured to be attached to any slide fastener. For example, if the slide fastener 10 to be attached is a general resin fastener, the first head 21 and the second head 22 of the fastener element 1 may have the same shape as each other.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the head groove portion 23 in the meshing portion 2 may be changed to match the slide fastener 10 to be attached. Also, the head groove portion 23 may be omitted.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the groove 32 of the first extension 3 and the groove 42 of the second extension 4 open facing each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the groove 32 of the first extension 3 may open towards the second extension 4, or it may open on the opposite side from the second extension 4. Similarly, the groove 42 of the second extension 4 may open towards the first extension 3, or it may open on the opposite side from the first extension 3. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the bottom surfaces 321,421 of the grooves 32,42 of the first extension 3 and the second extension 4 may have shapes other than arc shapes.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the maximum thickness dimensions T3b and T4b of the holding portions 31 and 41 are the shortest distance from the outer surface 34 to the flat portion 312T of the tip projection 312, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the maximum thickness dimensions T3b and T4b of the holding portions 31 and 41 may be the shortest distance from the outer surface 34 to the flat portion 313T of the base projection 313.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the specific configuration of the retaining parts 31 and 41 is such that it can hold at least the side edge portion 14a of the fastener tape 14, and each element of the retaining parts 31 and 41 may be changed or omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1... Fastener element, 10... Slide fastener, 11, 12... Fastener stringer, 13... Slider, 14... Fastener tape, 141... Core cord, 142... Tape part, 14a... Side edge part, 15... Element row, 16... Fastener element, 161... First base part, 162... First head part, 163... Second base part, 164... Second head part, 165... Neck part, 166... ​​Shoulder part, 16A... Surface part, 16B... Back part, 17... Upper stopper, 18... Lower stopper, 2... Interlocking part, 21... First head part, 22... Second head part, 221... Groove side, 222A, 222B... Locking surface, 23... Head groove part, 24... Connecting part, 241... Curved surface, 3... 1 extension part, 4...second extension part, 31,41...holding part, 311,411...base surface, 312,412...tip projection part, 312T,412T...plane part, 3 13,413...Proximal protrusion, 313T,413T...Plane part, 314,414...Bridge part, 315,415...Cross protrusion, 32,42...Groove part, 32 1,421...bottom surface, 33,43...thin wall part, 34,44...outer surface, 35,45...convex part, 36A,36B...shoulder part, 37...base end part, 46...neck part, 47A ,47B...Concavity, CG...Holding groove, DS1,DS2...Stretching direction, GS...Groove space, L1...First reference line, L2...Second reference line, OP...Opening, θ...Opening angle.

Claims

1. A metal fastener element (1) attached to a fastener tape (14), The interlocking part (2) and It comprises a first extension portion (3) and a second extension portion (4) that extend from the aforementioned interlocking portion (2) and face each other, Each of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) is, Between them are holding parts (31, 41) that hold the side edge (14a) of the fastener tape (14), The first extended portion (3) or the second extended portion (4) has thin-walled portions (33, 43) formed on the side of the interlocking portion (2) that is closer to the holding portion (31, 41) in the extending direction, Each of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) has thickness in a direction perpendicular to its own extending direction and the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (14), A fastener element in which, in each of the first stretched portion (3) and the second stretched portion (4), the minimum thickness dimension (T3a, T4a) of the thin-walled portion (33, 43) is smaller than the maximum thickness dimension (T3b, T4b) of the holding portion (31, 41).

2. The fastener element according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed as a projection of the fastener element (1) along the longitudinal direction, the minimum thickness dimensions (T3a, T4a) of the thin-walled portions (33, 43) in each of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) are smaller than the minimum thickness dimensions (T3c, T4c) of the holding portions (31, 41).

3. Each of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) further has grooves (32, 42) formed such that the thin-walled portion (33, 43) becomes the bottom, The fastener element according to claim 1, wherein the groove (32) of the first extension portion (3) and the groove (42) of the second extension portion (4) open opposite each other so as to form a groove space (GS) between them.

4. The fastener element according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the bottom surfaces (321, 421) of the grooves (32, 42) of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) have a concave arc shape.

5. The aforementioned interlocking portion (2) is The first extension portion (3) is connected to the first head portion (21), The second extension portion (4) is connected to the second head portion (22), A connecting portion (24) that connects the first head (21) and the second head (22), The fastener element according to claim 3, comprising a head groove (23) formed between the first head (21) and the second head (22) and opening on the side opposite to the groove space (GS).

6. The fastener element according to claim 5, wherein, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the connecting portion (24) extends to be continuous with the inner surfaces of the groove portions (32, 42) of the first extending portion (3) and the second extending portion (4), and has a curved surface (241) that curves to protrude toward the groove space (GS).

7. The first head portion (21) has a tapered shape in which the lengthwise dimension decreases toward the side opposite to the first extension portion (3), The fastener element according to claim 5, wherein the second head (22) has an enlarged shape that protrudes more than the first head (21) on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

8. The second head (22) is The groove side surface (221) forms a part of the inner surface of the head groove (23), The fastener element according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of locking surfaces (222A, 222B) positioned on the first head (21) side of the groove side (221) and on both sides in the longitudinal direction relative to the connecting portion (24).

9. The fastener element according to claim 7, wherein when the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) are viewed along directions in which they face each other, the thin-walled portion (33) of the first extended portion (3) partially constitutes a pair of shoulder portions (36A, 36B) located on both sides of the second extended portion (4) in the longitudinal direction.

10. The fastener element according to claim 9, wherein the minimum thickness (T3a) of the thin-walled portion (33) of the first stretched portion (3) is greater than the minimum thickness (T4a) of the thin-walled portion (43) of the second stretched portion (4).

11. The first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) have outer surfaces (34, 44) facing opposite sides from each other, The fastener element according to claim 1, wherein each of the outer surfaces (34, 44) of the first extended portion (3) and the second extended portion (4) is provided with convex portions (35, 45) having different pattern shapes.

12. A slide fastener comprising a fastener element (1) formed according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images