Fastener element for slide fastener and slide fastener

Abstract

A fastener element (21) for a metal slide fastener comprises: an interlocking head (30); and a first half (32) and a second half (33) that branch and extend from the interlocking head (30). The surfaces of the first half (32) and the second half (33) facing each other are provided with holding grooves (39) formed along the width direction of the fastener element. The branching of the first half (32) and the second half (33) is more toward the interlocking head than are the holding grooves (39a, 39b). As a result, it is possible to attach new fastener elements to missing fastener element sections at low cost and in a short time without sending the slide fastener to a repair shop, and also possible to achieve a satisfactory outer appearance.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a state where the left and right element rows are engaged and the slide fastener is closed, when an excessive lateral pulling force acts on the left and right fastener strings, the fastener element may come out of the fastener tape or be damaged. Therefore, a new fastener element is attached by post - attachment to repair the part of the fastener element that has come out, been damaged, or fallen off.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a manual injection molding machine capable of injection - molding a new fastener element for a portion where the fastener element is missing. Also, the fastener element described in Patent Document 2 sandwiches the fastener tape with a pair of element halves separated on the tape surface side and the tape back side at a portion where the fastener element is damaged and missing, and attaches a repair fastener element by fastening using mechanical fastening means such as a bolt member and a nut member. Furthermore, conventionally, a slide fastener is also known in which a mold is set on a fastener tape, and molten metal is poured into the mold to form a metal fastener element by die - casting (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the methods of manufacturing metal elements and resin elements by die casting or injection molding, a dedicated molding machine is required in each case, and furthermore, since it is necessary to send clothing etc. that requires repair to a repair factory, there has been a problem that the time and cost for repair increase. In addition, the repair fastener element described in Patent Document 2 is a method for large slide fasteners such as for fishing nets that do not care about aesthetics, and is not preferred for applications that require aesthetics such as apparel, and improvement has been desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to be able to be attached to the portion of the missing fastener element in a short time and at low cost without sending it to a repair factory, and to have a good appearance. It is to provide a fastener element for a slide fastener and a slide fastener.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration. (1) A fastener element for a slide fastener made of metal, comprising an engaging head, and a first half portion and a second half portion that branch and extend, the first half portion and the second half portion each have a clamping groove along the width direction of the fastener element on the surfaces facing each other, the first half portion and the second half portion branch on the side closer to the engaging head than the clamping groove, a fastener element for a slide fastener. (2) The fastener element according to (1), wherein an inner convex portion protruding into the space formed by the clamping groove is provided in each of the clamping grooves. (3) Further having a neck portion that is continuous from the engaging head and narrower in width than the engaging head, at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion, The fastener element according to (1) or (2), which branches between the widest part of the engaging head in the width direction of the fastener element and the narrowest part of the head part in the width direction of the fastener element. (4) The fastener element according to (3), further comprising a protruding part protruding from the engaging head and provided between the first half part and the second half part. (5) The first half part has a head part and a first leg part extending from the head part to the side opposite to the engaging head and wider than the head part, and / or the second half part has a head part and a second leg part extending from the head part to the side opposite to the engaging head and wider than the head part. A groove part extending along the width direction is formed on the front surface of the engaging head. The fastener element according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one of the first half part and the second half part is provided with a pair of shoulders extending in the width direction across between the head part and the first leg part or the second leg part and engaging with the groove part. (6) The fastener element according to (5), wherein the shoulder is provided on either the first half part or the second half part. (7) The inner convex part has a cross shape including a first inner convex part extending along the width direction and a second inner convex part intersecting with the first inner convex part and extending along the longitudinal direction. The fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6). (8) The second inner convex part of the first half part and the second inner convex part of the second half part are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element. The fastener element according to (7). (9) The inner convex part is provided with at least three claw parts respectively provided at the middle part in the width direction and both ends in the width direction, and the positions of the at least three claw parts are different from each other in the length direction. The fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6). (10) The opposing surfaces of the first half and the second half each have an outer convex portion on the side opposite to the meshing head with respect to the clamping groove, the fastener element according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The maximum opening distance between the first half and the second half is 85% to 90% of the diameter of the core string of the fastener tape, the fastener element according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The meshing head has a first head provided on the first half side in the front-back direction and tapering toward the front surface, and a second head provided on the second half side in the front-back direction and wider than the first head. The first half has a first leg portion continuously formed from the first head. (13) The second half has a neck portion narrower than the second head, and a second leg portion extending from the neck portion to the side opposite to the second head and wider than the neck portion, the fastener element according to any one of (1), (2), (7) to (11). (13) A pair of fastener stringers in which a plurality of resin-made fastener elements are injection-molded on the fastener tape, A slider capable of opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers, A slide fastener comprising: At least one of the pair of fastener stringers has a fastener element according to any one of (1) to (12) clamped and attached to the tape side edge portion of the fastener tape between the resin-made fastener elements, the slide fastener.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the fastener element for a slide fastener and the slide fastener of the present invention, it can be attached to the portion of the missing fastener element in a short time and at low cost without sending it to a repair factory, and can have good appearance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a fastener element for a slide fastener and a slide fastener according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, with respect to the slide fastener, the direction in which the slider slides to close the left and right fastener strings is defined as upward, and the direction in which the slider slides to open is defined as downward. Also, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and parallel to the fastener tape is defined as the left-right direction, the right side in FIG. 1 is defined as the right direction, the left side is defined as the left direction, the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 is defined as the front direction, and the back side of the paper is defined as the back direction. Furthermore, with respect to the fastener element, the left-right direction of the slide fastener is defined as the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction is defined as the width direction. Also, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener element, the direction toward the opposing fastener element is defined as the front side, and the direction away from the opposing fastener element is defined as the back side.

[0011] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the slide fastener 10 has a pair of left and right fastener strings 11, 12 and a slider 13 that can open and close the fastener strings 11, 12.

[0012] The left and right fastener strings 11, 12 have a pair of left and right fastener tapes 14, an element row 15 provided at the opposing tape side edges 14c of the pair of fastener tapes 14, an upper stopper 16 fixed to the tape side edge 14c at the upper end of the element row 15, and a lower stopper 17 fixed to the tape side edge 14c at the lower end of the element row 15. The upper stopper 16 and the lower stopper 17 prevent the slider 13 from falling off the element row 15. Note that the lower stopper 17 may be a separable fitting consisting of a butterfly bar and a box. Also, the above configuration is an example, and the upper stopper 16 and the lower stopper 17 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0013] The fastener tape 14 includes a tape portion 14a and a core string 14b provided on one side edge of the tape portion 14a, and a part of the core string 14b and the tape portion 14a on the core string 14b side forms the tape side edge 14c.

[0014] The left and right element rows 15 are formed by a plurality of resin fastener elements 20 injection-molded on the tape side edges 14c of the fastener tape 14. As the resin fastener elements 20, a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate, or nylon can be used.

[0015] In such a slide fastener 10, when an excessive force is applied in the direction of separating the left and right fastener stringers 11 and 12 from each other (left-right direction) while the left and right element rows 15 are engaged, the fastener elements 20 may be damaged, and a portion where the fastener elements 20 are detached from the fastener tape 14 and missing may occur.

[0016] Therefore, the metal fastener element 21 of the present embodiment is attached by caulking the portion where the resin fastener element 20 is missing from the fastener tape 14, as shown by the shaded line in FIG. 1, and is used to repair the fastener stringers 11 and 12.

[0017] The fastener element 21 attached to this missing portion is formed of a metal such as a copper alloy or a zinc alloy, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. The fastener element 21 has an engaging head 30 that is substantially elliptical in plan view and has a groove portion 31 with a substantially U-shaped cross section extending along the width direction on the front surface, and a first half portion 32 and a second half portion 33 that branch from the approximate center in the front-back direction of the fastener element 21 and extend in a substantially V shape.

[0018] Further, the fastener element 21 further has a neck portion 34 that is continuous from the engaging head 30 and is narrower in width than the engaging head 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the neck portion 34 includes the portion of the narrowest point B in the width direction of the fastener element 21 where the narrowest width WS is obtained. On the other hand, the engaging head 30 includes the widest point A in the width direction of the fastener element 21 in front of the neck portion 34 and refers to at least the portion in front of the point A.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 branch between the widest point A in the width direction of the fastener element 21 among the meshing heads 30 in FIG. 5 and the narrowest point B in the width direction of the fastener element 21 among the neck portions 34. Specifically, the branch portion P where the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 branch is provided along the width direction of the fastener element 21 between the point A and the point B in the longitudinal direction of the fastener element 21. The branch portion P where the first and second half portions 32, 33 branch is located closer to the meshing head side than the clamping grooves 39a, 39b described later (see FIG. 4).

[0020] The first half portion 32 is formed with a neck portion 34 and a first leg portion 35a that extends from the neck portion 34 to the side opposite to the meshing head 30, is wider than the neck portion 34, and is substantially rectangular in plan view. The second half portion 33 is formed with a neck portion 34 and a second leg portion 35b that extends from the neck portion 34 to the side opposite to the meshing head 30, is wider than the neck portion 34, and is substantially rectangular in plan view.

[0021] Furthermore, the first half portion 32 is provided with a pair of wing-shaped shoulders 36, 36 that extend in the width direction across the neck portion 34 and the first leg portion 35a. The pair of shoulders 36, 36 are formed so as to straddle the center line C in the front-back direction (thickness) when the fastener element 21 is clamped and fixed to the fastener tape 14 as described later (see FIG. 8). For this reason, the thickness W1 of the neck portion 34 of the first half portion 32 having the pair of shoulders 36 is formed to be thicker than the thickness W2 of the neck portion 34 of the second half portion 33 (see FIG. 4). In this case, the branch portion P where the first and second half portions 32, 33 described above branch is located closer to the meshing head side than the pair of shoulders 36.

[0022] The pair of shoulders 36, 36 engage with the groove portions of the mating fastening element 20 or 21 to prevent displacement in the front-back direction between each other. Note that the pair of shoulders 36, 36 can be formed symmetrically with respect to the front-back direction on both the first half 32 and the second half 33 (see the fifth embodiment), but as described above, by forming them only on the first half 32, the thickness of the shoulder 36 increases and the molding of the fastening element 21 becomes easier.

[0023] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the central portion 29 in the front-back direction of the engaging head 30 is mainly plastically deformed by caulking described later, so that the flat appearance of the front surface 43 and the back surface 44 can be maintained even after caulking. For this reason, the branch portion P is preferably located between the widest portion A in the width direction of the fastening element 21 of the engaging head 30 and the narrowest portion B in the width direction of the fastening element 21 of the neck portion 34, as in this embodiment, and is more preferably located forward in the longitudinal direction than the pair of shoulders 36.

[0024] On the mutually facing surfaces of the respective leg portions 35a, 35b of the first and second halves 32, 33, substantially U-shaped clamping grooves 39a, 39b recessed in the front-back direction are provided along the width direction. The clamping grooves 39a, 39b of the first and second halves 32, 33 cooperate with each other to accommodate the core string 14b of the fastening tape 14. Further, on the mutually facing surfaces of the respective leg portions 35a, 35b, flat portions 37, 38 are formed at the rear end portions (open end portions) rather than the clamping grooves 39a, 39b, and the flat portions 37, 38 clamp the tape portion 14a when the fastening element 21 is caulked.

[0025] Also, the maximum opening distance L between the pair of leg portions 35a, 35b that open in a substantially V shape is set to 85% to 90% of the diameter d of the core string 14b of the fastening tape 14. For example, when the diameter d of the core string 14b is 1.30 to 1.40 mm, the maximum opening distance L is set to, for example, 1.2 mm.

[0026] In each of the clamping grooves 39a and 39b of the first half 32 and the second half 33, an inner convex portion 40 is provided which protrudes into the space S formed by the clamping grooves 39a and 39b and can bite into the core string 14b of the fastener tape 14. Specifically, the inner convex portion 40 protrudes in the front-back direction from the bottom surface of the clamping grooves 39a and 39b, and has a substantially cylindrical first inner convex portion 41 extending along the width direction across both side surfaces in the width direction of each of the leg portions 35a and 35b, and a rib-shaped second inner convex portion 42 intersecting the first inner convex portion 41 perpendicularly at substantially the center in the length direction (width direction) of the first inner convex portion 41 and extending along the longitudinal direction across both wall surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the clamping grooves 39a and 39b. The first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42 intersect in a substantially cross shape at substantially the center of the clamping grooves 39a and 39b.

[0027] Such a metal fastener element 21 of the present embodiment is attached to the portion where the resin fastener element 20 is missing from the fastener stringers 11 and 12 using a caulking tool (not shown).

[0028] In this case, first, the tape side edge portion 14c of the fastener tape 14 is inserted between the flat surfaces 37 and 38 of the pair of leg portions 35a and 35b that open in a V shape, and the core string 14b is positioned between the pair of clamping grooves 39a and 39b. At this time, since the maximum opening distance L of the pair of leg portions 35a and 35b is set to 85% - 90% of the diameter d of the core string 14b of the fastener tape 14, the core string 14b is inserted into the clamping grooves 39a and 39b while being slightly compressed, and after the core string 14b is temporarily fixed in the clamping grooves 39a and 39b before caulking, the fastener tape 14 can be prevented from falling off between the pair of leg portions 35a and 35b. [[ID=io]]

[0029] Next, a metal fastener element 21 is positioned at a predetermined position in the width direction (vertical direction) so that the fastener elements 20, 21, and 20 have equal pitches between the pair of resin fastener elements 20 adjacent to the portion where the fastener element 20 is missing.

[0030] Then, by pressing the leg portions 35a and 35b of the first half 32 and the second half 33 from the front and back directions with a fastening tool, the central portion 29 of the meshing head 30 in the front and back directions is plastically deformed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the tape portion 14a is sandwiched between the flat portions 37 and 38 of the first half 32 and the second half 33, and at the same time, a pair of inner convex portions 40 in the clamping grooves 39a and 39b are bitten into the core string 14b of the fastener tape 14, and the fastener element 21 is clamped and fixed to the fastener tape 14. The fastener tape 14 is pressed and deformed at the central portion by a pair of inner convex portions 40. In addition, in a state where the fastener tape 14 is clamped, a gap S1 is provided between the portions of the first half 32 and the second half 33 of the fastener element 21 on the meshing head 30 side from the clamping grooves 39a and 39b up to the branching portion P. The core string 14b is not provided in the gap S1. By providing this gap S1, it is possible to suppress breakage or unintentional deformation caused by a force being applied to the portion on the meshing head 30 side from the clamping grooves 39a and 39b in the clamping process. It is also advantageous when the fastener element 21 is released from the mold.

[0031] Since the first half 32 and the second half 33 sandwich the fastener tape 14 when the central portion 29 of the meshing head 30 in the front and back directions is plastically deformed, compared with the case where the first half 32 and the second half 33 are plastically deformed, they are deformed in a natural shape and good appearance is maintained. That is, the front surface 43 from the meshing head 30 to the first half 32 and the back surface 44 from the meshing head 30 to the second half 33 are each flat and parallel to each other.

[0032] The first inner convex portion 41 of the inner convex portion 40 extends in the width direction within the clamping grooves 39a and 39b and clamps the core string 14b along its length direction. Therefore, mainly with respect to the lateral force acting on the fastener element 21, the wobbling of the fastener element 21 can be suppressed and the stability can be improved, and furthermore, it can be suppressed that the fastener element 21 falls off from the fastener tape 14. Also, since the rib-shaped second inner convex portion 42 clamps the core string 14b from a direction intersecting the length direction, mainly, it can prevent the fastener element 21 from shifting in the width direction (vertical direction) with respect to the fastener tape 14. That is, due to the anchor effect in which the cross-shaped first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42 press and deform the core string 14b, the fastener element 21 is firmly fixed to the fastener tape 14.

[0033] As described above, according to the fastener element 21 of the present embodiment, by caulking and attaching a new metal fastener element 21 to the portion where the resin fastener element 20 is missing from the fastener tape 14, the slide fastener 10 can be easily repaired. Also, there is no need to send clothing or the like that requires repair to a factory, and the time and cost for repairing the damaged fastener element can be significantly reduced, and it can be easily repaired on-site.

[0034] Furthermore, since the metal fastener element 21 has substantially the same good appearance as the resin fastener element 20, the slide fastener 10 having the metal fastener element 21 and the resin fastener element 20 can maintain the overall aesthetic appearance.

[0035] (Second Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. In the fastener element 21A according to the present embodiment, the second inner convex portion 42 of the first half portion 32 is formed offset toward one side in the width direction from the center WC in the width direction of the fastener element 21A (see FIGS. 12 and 13). On the other hand, the second inner convex portion 42 of the second half portion 33 is formed offset toward the other side in the width direction from the center WC in the width direction of the fastener element 21A. That is, the second inner convex portion 42 of the first half portion 32 and the second inner convex portion 42 of the second half portion 33 are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element 21A.

[0036] As a result, when the fastener element 21A is fastened to the fastener tape 14, as shown in FIG. 14, the second inner convex portions 42 of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 press against the core string 14b of the fastener tape 14, respectively, and deform the core string 14b in the shearing direction. Therefore, the fastener element 21A can improve the effect of preventing displacement of the fastener element 21A in the width direction with respect to the fastener tape 14. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the fastener element 21 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] (Third Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. The fastener element 21B according to the present embodiment is provided with an outer convex portion 50 in addition to the configuration of the fastener element 21 according to the first embodiment. The outer convex portion 50 includes a first outer convex portion 51 extending in the width direction along the end portion on the meshing head portion 30 side (front side) in the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32, and a second outer convex portion 52 extending in the width direction along the end portion on the side opposite to the meshing head portion 30 (rear side) in the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33. The first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52 are formed at positions separated in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the front and back directions.

[0038] When the fastener element 21B is clamped and fixed to the fastener tape 14, in addition to the fixing force by the inner convex portions 40, 40 in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b, the first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52 deform the tape portion 14a into a substantially crank shape in the left-right direction and clamp it, so that the fixing force is further strengthened and it becomes difficult to come off from the fastener tape 14. Further, since the tape portion 14a is clamped by the first outer convex portion 51 and the second outer convex portion 52 over the entire length in the width direction of each leg portion 35a, 35b, in addition to the effect of the fastener element 21 of the first embodiment, the wobbling (rotation in the plane of the fastener tape 14) of the fastener element 21B with respect to the fastener tape 14 can be further suppressed.

[0039] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 to . The fastener element 21C according to the present embodiment includes an outer convex portion 55 having a shape different from that of the outer convex portion 50 of the fastener element 21B of the third embodiment.

[0040] The outer convex portion 55 includes a first outer convex portion 56 provided on the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32 and a second outer convex portion 57 provided on the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33. The first outer convex portion 56 is provided such that a part of one side in the width direction of the flat portion 37 of the first half portion 32 protrudes toward the flat portion 38, and the second outer convex portion 57 is provided such that a part of the other side in the width direction of the flat portion 38 of the second half portion 33 protrudes toward the flat portion 37. The first outer convex portion 56 and the second outer convex portion 57 are formed at positions separated in the width direction when viewed from the front-back direction.

[0041] When the fastener element 21C is clamped and fixed to the fastener tape 14, the first outer convex portion 56 and the second outer convex portion 57 deform the tape portion 14a into a substantially crank shape in the up-down direction and firmly clamp it. Further, since the tape portion 14a is clamped over the entire length in the width direction of each leg portion 35a, 35b, similar to the fastener element 21B of the third embodiment, the wobbling of the fastener element 21C with respect to the fastener tape 14 can be suppressed.

[0042] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. The fastener element 21D of the present embodiment includes a pair of inner convex portions 60, 60 having three claw portions 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b instead of the pair of inner convex portions 40 in the fastener element 21 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The inner convex portion 60 of the first half portion 32 includes a first claw portion 61a, a second claw portion 62a, and a third claw portion 63a provided in the clamping groove 39a, and the inner convex portion 60 of the second half portion 33 includes a first claw portion 61b, a second claw portion 62b, and a third claw portion 63b provided in the clamping groove 39b.

[0044] The first claw portion 61a and the first claw portion 61b are provided apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at one end in the width direction of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b (the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 22). The first claw portion 61a is closer to the engagement head portion 30 of the clamping groove 39a, and the first claw portion 61b is formed closer to the opening side end portion of the clamping groove 39b. The second claw portion 62a and the second claw portion 62b are provided to face each other in the front-back direction at the middle portion in the width direction and the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b. Further, the third claw portion 63a and the third claw portion 63b are provided apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at the other end in the width direction of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b (the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 22). The third claw portion 63a is closer to the opening end portion of the clamping groove 39a, and the third claw portion 63b is formed closer to the engagement head portion 30 of the clamping groove 39b. The first claw portions 61a, 61b and the third claw portions 63a, 63b are integrally formed from the bottom surface to the longitudinal side surface of the clamping grooves 39a, 39b.

[0045] Thereby, when the fastener element 21D of the present embodiment is clamped and fixed to the fastener tape 14, the core string 14b is evenly clamped at three different positions in the width direction and at three different clamping directions between the first claw portions 61a, 61b, between the second claw portions 62a, 62b, and between the third claw portions 63a, 63b, and the fastener tape 14 is firmly held.

[0046] Also, in the fastener element 21D of the present embodiment, the shoulder portion 36 described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3) is formed by being divided into two, a first shoulder portion 36a and a second shoulder portion 36b. Specifically, the pair of first shoulder portions 36a extends in a wing shape in the width direction across between the neck portion 34 and the first leg portion 35a of the first half portion 32, and the pair of second shoulder portions 36b extends in a wing shape in the width direction across between the neck portion 34 and the second leg portion 35b of the second half portion 33.

[0047] When the fastener element 21D is fastened and fixed to the fastener tape 14, the first shoulder portion 36a and the second shoulder portion 36b are overlapped to form the shoulder portion 36 that fits into the groove portion 31. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the fastener element 21 in the first embodiment.

[0048] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. The fastener element 21E of the present embodiment includes an engagement head portion 30, a first half portion 32 and a second half portion 33 that branch off in a substantially V shape from substantially the center in the front-back direction of the engagement head portion 30. The engagement head portion 30 includes a first head portion 30a formed on the first half portion 32 side and a second head portion 30b formed on the second half portion 33 side. The first head portion 30a is formed in a substantially triangular shape that tapers toward the front surface, and the second head portion 30b is wider than the first head portion 30a and is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in plan view.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first half portion 32, a first leg portion 35a that is substantially rectangular in plan view is continuously formed from the first head portion 30a. In the second half portion 33, a neck portion 34 that is narrower in width than the second head portion 30b is continuously formed from the second head portion 30b with a constriction from the second head portion 30b. Furthermore, from the neck portion 34, a second leg portion 35b that extends to the side opposite to the second head portion 30b and is wider in width than the neck portion 34 and is substantially rectangular in plan view is formed. That is, the second head portion 30b and the second half portion 33 (neck portion 34, second leg portion 35b) have the same shape as the half portion of the engaging head portion 30, the neck portion 34, and the second leg portion 35b of the first embodiment. The first leg portion 35a of the first half portion 32 faces the neck portion 34 and the second leg portion 35b of the second half portion 33.

[0050] Also, the fastener element 21E of the present embodiment does not include the groove portion 31 and the shoulder portion 36 described in the first embodiment. When the left and right element rows 15 are engaged, the surface 65 of the second head portion 30b and the back surface 66 of the first leg portion 35a of the first head portion 30a of the fastener element 21E are respectively in contact with the back surface of the leg portion of the first head portion and the surface of the second head portion of the other fastener element 20, thereby preventing the positional deviation in the front and back directions of each other.

[0051] On the surfaces of the respective leg portions 35a, 35b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33 that face each other, substantially U-shaped clamping grooves 39a, 39b are respectively provided so as to extend in the width direction, similar to the first embodiment. On the surfaces of the respective leg portions 35a, 35b that face each other, flat portions 37, 38 are respectively formed at the rear end portions (open end portions) with respect to the clamping grooves 39a, 39b. Also, inside the respective clamping grooves 39a, 39b of the first half portion 32 and the second half portion 33, an inner convex portion 40 including a first inner convex portion 41 and a second inner convex portion 42 that can bite into the core string 14b of the fastener tape 14 is provided.

[0052] Even in such a fastener element 21E where the shape of the engaging head 30 is different in the front-back direction, the first half 32 and the second half 33 each have a clamping groove 39a, 39b with an inner convex portion 40 on the opposing surfaces 37, 38. When crimped, the inner convex portion 40 presses and deforms the core string 14b, and the fastener element 21 is firmly fixed to the fastener tape 14.

[0053] Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the fastener element 21 of the first embodiment. For example, in the above description, it was described that the inner convex portions 40 (the first inner convex portion 41 and the second inner convex portion 42) are provided in the clamping grooves 39a, 39b. However, it is not limited to the inner convex portion 40, and it can also be the outer convex portions 50, 55 and the inner convex portion 60 described in the second to fifth embodiments, and furthermore, they can be provided in combination.

[0054] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, the fastener element according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 27 to 31. In the fastener element 21F of the present embodiment, a wing-shaped protruding portion 26 is provided so as to protrude from the engaging head 30 between the first half 32 and the second half 33, separately from the first half 32 and the second half 33.

[0055] That is, the protruding portion 26 includes a base portion 28 extending rearward from the rear surface of the central portion 29 in the front-back direction of the engaging head 30, and a pair of shoulder portions 36 extending from the tip of the base portion 28 to both sides in the width direction of the slide fastener, and is formed in a substantially T shape by the base portion 28 and the pair of shoulder portions 36.

[0056] In the fastener element 21F having such a protruding portion 26, as shown in FIG. 31, the stress generated when crimped is dispersed at three locations: the groove portion 31 of the engaging head 30 and the respective head portions 34 of the first half 32 and the second half 33. Therefore, the occurrence of crimping cracks can be suppressed.

[0057] Also, as shown in Fig. 29, in each of the first half part 32 and the second half part 33, a cut-out part 34a is formed by cutting out the inner surfaces facing each other in the respective head parts 34, thinning the thickness of each head part 34. As a result, in each of the head parts 34 of the first half part 32 and the second half part 33, the stress generated when the fastener element 21F is clinched is increased by the cut-out part 34a, so that the stress concentration in the groove part 31 of the engaging head 30 can be more reliably dispersed.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, the stepped part 27 forming the front surfaces of the clamping grooves 39a and 39b is formed to be substantially equal in height to the cut-out part 34a, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be formed at a height substantially equal to that of the second inner convex part 42 and may protrude inward from the cut-out part 34a. Note that no matter what height the stepped part 27 is formed at, there is no substantial influence on the functional surface when the fastener element 21F is clinched and fixed to the fastener tape 14 (see Fig. 7). However, when manufacturing the fastener element 21F, such as in the surface treatment process, in order to suppress the natural engagement and difficulty in separation between the two fastener elements 21F before clinching, the height of the stepped part 27 is preferably formed to be substantially equal to the height at the cut-out part 34a. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the fastener element 21 in the first embodiment.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in the above embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the metal fastener elements 21 to 21E are attached and repaired to the missing part of the resin fastener element 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the resin fastener strings 11 and 12 are manufactured in a state where the resin fastener element 20 is missing in advance, and the metal fastener elements 21 to 21E are attached to the missing part, thereby constituting a slide fastener considering the design property in which the resin fastener element 20 and the metal fastener elements 21 to 21E are mixed. Further, the fastener elements 21 to 21E may remain the metallic color of the material, but may also be changed to other colors by performing surface treatment such as plating. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the first inner convex portions 41 and 42 having a cross shape and the claw portions 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b are provided as the inner convex portions 40 and 60 in the sandwiching grooves 39a and 39b has been described. However, the inner convex portion of the present invention is not limited to this, and may have other shapes as long as it protrudes into the space S formed by the sandwiching grooves 39a and 39b and can bite into the core string 14b of the fastener tape.

[0060] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification. (1) A fastener element for a slide fastener made of metal, comprising an engaging head, and a first half portion and a second half portion that branch and extend, wherein the first half portion and the second half portion each have a sandwiching groove along the width direction capable of accommodating the core string of the fastener tape on the surfaces facing each other, and the first half portion and the second half portion branch on the engaging head side rather than on the sandwiching groove side, the fastener element for a slide fastener. According to this configuration, it can be attached to the portion of the missing fastener element in a short time and at low cost without sending it to a repair factory, and since the first half portion and the second half portion branch on the engaging head side rather than on the sandwiching groove side, good appearance can be obtained even when crimped.

[0061] (2) The fastener element according to (1), wherein an inner convex portion protruding into the space formed by the sandwiching groove is provided in each of the sandwiching grooves. According to this configuration, the fastener element can be firmly fixed to the fastener tape.

[0062] (3) Further having a neck portion that is continuous from the engaging head and narrower in width than the engaging head, At least one of the first half portion and the second half portion is the fastener element according to (1) or (2), which branches between the widest portion in the width direction of the fastening head portion among the engaging head portions and the narrowest portion in the width direction of the head portion among the head portions. According to this configuration, since the first half portion and the second half portion branch between the widest portion of the engaging head portion and the narrowest portion of the head portion, they can be easily deformed into a natural shape when fastened, and can have a good appearance.

[0063] (4) The fastener element according to (3), further comprising a protruding portion that protrudes from the engaging head portion and is provided between the first half portion and the second half portion. According to this configuration, since the protruding portion is separated from the first half portion and the second half portion, the stress during fastening is dispersed to the engaging head portion and the respective head portions of the first half portion and the second half portion, and fastening cracks can be suppressed.

[0064] (5) The first half portion has a head portion and a first leg portion that extends from the head portion to the side opposite to the engaging head portion and is wider than the head portion, and / or the second half portion has a head portion and a second leg portion that extends from the head portion to the side opposite to the engaging head portion and is wider than the head portion. A groove portion extending along the width direction is formed on the front surface of the engaging head portion. The fastener element according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one of the first half portion and the second half portion is provided with a pair of shoulder portions that extend in the width direction across between the head portion and the first leg portion or the second leg portion and engage with the groove portion. According to this configuration, a metal fastener element having an engaging head portion, a head portion, and leg portions in the front-back direction can be applied to a slide fastener including a resin fastener element having a similar shape.

[0065] (6) The fastener element according to (5), wherein the shoulder portion is provided on either the first half portion or the second half portion. According to this configuration, the thickness of the shoulder portion can be increased, and the formation of the fastener element becomes easy.

[0066] (7) The inner convex portion has a cross shape including a first inner convex portion extending along the width direction and a second inner convex portion intersecting the first inner convex portion and extending along the longitudinal direction, and the fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6). According to this configuration, the fastener element can be firmly fixed to the fastener tape, and at least the displacement of the fastener element in the width direction can be suppressed.

[0067] (8) The second inner convex portion of the first half portion and the second inner convex portion of the second half portion are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element, and the fastener element according to (7). According to this configuration, the effect of preventing the displacement of the fastener element in the width direction with respect to the fastener tape can be improved.

[0068] (9) The inner convex portion includes at least three claw portions provided at the width direction intermediate portion and both ends in the width direction, respectively, and the at least three claw portions have different positions in the length direction, and the fastener element according to any one of (2) to (6). According to this configuration, the fastener element can be firmly fixed to the fastener tape, and the displacement of the fastener element in the longitudinal direction and the width direction can be prevented.

[0069] (10) The opposing surfaces of the first half portion and the second half portion are provided with outer convex portions on the side opposite to the meshing head portion with respect to the clamping groove, and the fastener element according to any one of (1) to (9). According to this configuration, the fastener element can be more firmly fixed to the fastener tape, and the wobbling of the fastener element can be suppressed.

[0070] (11) The maximum opening distance between the first half and the second half is 85% to 90% of the diameter of the core string of the fastener tape, and the fastener element according to any one of (1) to (10). According to this configuration, before crimping, after the core string is temporarily fixed in the clamping groove, it is possible to prevent the fastener tape from falling off between the pair of legs.

[0071] (12) The engaging head is provided on the first half side in the front-back direction, and has a first head that tapers toward the front, and a second head that is provided on the second half side in the front-back direction and is wider than the first head. The first half has a first leg portion that is continuously formed from the first head. The second half has a neck portion that is narrower than the second head, and a second leg portion that extends from the neck portion to the side opposite to the second head and is wider than the neck portion, and the fastener element according to any one of (1), (2), (7) to (11). According to this configuration, a metal fastener element having an engaging head and legs on one side in the front-back direction and an engaging head, a neck portion, and legs on the other side in the front-back direction can be applied to a slide fastener including a resin fastener element having a similar shape.

[0072] (13) A pair of fastener strings in which a plurality of resin fastener elements are injection-molded on the fastener tape. A slider capable of opening and closing the pair of fastener strings. A slide fastener comprising: At least one of the pair of fastener strings has a fastener element according to any one of (1) to (12) clamped and attached to the tape side edge of the fastener tape between the resin fastener elements. According to this configuration, a slide fastener provided with a fastener element can be obtained, which can be attached to the portion of the missing fastener element in a short time and at low cost without sending it to a repair shop, and which also has good appearance when crimped.

[0073] This application is based on an international patent application (PCT / JP2022 / 012478) filed on March 17, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] 10 Slide fastener 11, 12 Fastener stringer 13 Slider 14 Fastener tape 14a Tape portion 14b Core string 14c Tape side edge portion 20 Resin fastener element 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21E Metal fastener element 30 Engaging head 30a First head 30b Second head 31 Groove portion 32 First half portion 33 Second half portion 34 Head portion 35a First leg 35b Second leg 36, 36a Shoulder 37, 38 Flat portion 39a, 39b Clamping groove 40, 60 Inner convex portion 41 First inner convex portion 42 Second inner convex portion 50, 55 Outer convex portion 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, 63b Claw portion d Diameter of the core string L Maximum opening distance between the first half portion and the second half portion S Space

Claims

1. A fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E) for a metal slide fastener, comprising: an engaging head (30), and a first half part (32) and a second half part (33) that branch and extend; the first half part and the second half part each have clamping grooves (39a, 39b) along the width direction of the fastener element on the surfaces facing each other; the first half part and the second half part branch on the side of the engaging head (30) rather than the clamping grooves (39a, 39b); further having a neck part (34) that is continuous from the engaging head (30) and narrower in width than the engaging head (30); at least one of the first half part (32) and the second half part (33) branches between the widest part of the engaging head (30) in the width direction of the fastener element and the narrowest part of the neck part (34) in the width direction of the fastener element. A fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) for a slide fastener.

2. The fastener element (21F) according to claim 1, further comprising a protruding part (26) that protrudes from the engaging head (30) and is provided between the first half part (32) and the second half part (33).

3. The first half part has the neck part (34) and a first leg part (35a) that extends from the neck part to the side opposite to the engaging head and is wider than the neck part, and / or the second half part has the neck part (34) and a second leg part (35b) that extends from the neck part to the side opposite to the engaging head and is wider than the neck part. A groove part (31) extending along the width direction is formed on the front surface of the engaging head. The fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first half part and the second half part is provided with a pair of shoulder parts (36) that extend in the width direction across between the neck part and the first leg part or the second leg part and engage with the groove part.

4. The fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) according to claim 3, wherein the shoulder part is provided on either the first half part or the second half part.

5. The engaging head is provided on the first half side in the front-back direction, and includes a first head (30a) that tapers toward the front surface and is provided on the first half side in the front-back direction, and a second head (30b) that is provided on the second half side in the front-back direction and is wider than the first head. The first half has a first leg portion (35a) formed continuously from the first head. The second half has a neck portion (34) that is narrower than the second head, and a second leg portion (35b) that extends from the neck portion to the side opposite to the second head and is wider than the neck portion. The fastener element (21E) according to claim 1.

6. A fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E) for a metal slide fastener, comprising an engaging head (30), and a first half portion (32) and a second half portion (33) that branch and extend. The first half portion and the second half portion each have a clamping groove (39a, 39b) along the width direction of the fastener element on the surfaces facing each other. The first half portion and the second half portion branch on the side of the engaging head (30) rather than the clamping groove (39a, 39b). Inside each of the clamping grooves (39a, 39b), an inner convex portion (40, 60) protruding into the space (S) formed by the clamping groove is provided. The inner convex portion (40) has a cross shape including a first inner convex portion (41) extending along the width direction and a second inner convex portion (42) intersecting with the first inner convex portion and extending along the longitudinal direction. The fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21E, 21F).

7. The second inner convex portion (42) of the first half portion and the second inner convex portion (42) of the second half portion are offset from each other in the width direction of the fastener element. The fastener element (21A) according to claim 6.

8. The surfaces of the first half portion and the second half portion facing each other are provided with outer convex portions (50, 55) on the side opposite to the engaging head with respect to the clamping groove. The fastener element (21B, 21C) according to claim 6.

9. The maximum opening distance (L) between the first half portion and the second half portion is 85% to 90% of the diameter (d) of the core string of the fastener tape. The fastener element (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to claim 6.

10. A pair of fastener stringers (11, 12) in which a plurality of resin fastener elements (20) are injection-molded onto a fastener tape, A slider (13) capable of opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers, A slide fastener comprising: At least one of the pair of fastener stringers has the fastener elements (21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 clamped and attached to the tape side edge portion of the fastener tape between the resin fastener elements. A slide fastener (10).

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