Watertight stringers and watertight zippers

Abstract

A waterproof stringer (2m, 2n) comprises: a tape (3m, 3n) woven from a warp (38) and a weft (39); a coiled element (4m, 4n) stitched onto a lower surface (31) of the tape (3m, 3n) with a machine-sewing thread (5); and a waterproof film (6m, 6n) layered on an upper surface (32) of the tape (3m, 3n). The machine-sewing thread (5) comprises a plurality of floating portions (52). Each floating portion (52) includes two sinking ends (52a, 52b) carried by a machine-sewing needle (8) piercing a base texture of the tape (3m, 3n) and sunk to the lower surface (31) side. The base texture of the tape (3m, 3n) includes a twilled texture formed across a boundary (P1) between an element attachment portion (33) and a tape body (34). The floating portion (52) extends to intersect with a rib (26) of the twilled texture in the element attachment portion (33) and / or a groove (27) between the ribs (26). A dent (7) is formed between the floating portions (52), corresponding to a piercing position of the machine-sewing needle (8). The dent (7) may be positioned between the adjacent ribs (26).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof stringer and a waterproof fastener. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a waterproof film is laminated to the base fabric of a fastener tape via an adhesive layer to impart waterproof properties to the fastener tape. Patent Document 1 uses a polyurethane film as the waterproof film and an aqueous polyurethane adhesive as the adhesive layer. Similar to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 relates to a slide fastener provided with waterproof properties, and in particular, discloses a 1 / 1 weave structure for the element attachment portion of the fastener tape to reduce the sliding resistance of the slider during opening and closing of the slide fastener. Paragraph 0025 of Patent Document 2 explains that if the element attachment portion is made of a twill weave, poor thread tightening occurs when sewing the coiled element. Paragraph 0053 of Patent Document 2 discloses that the element attachment portion and the tape main body are made of a twill weave. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose various weave structures for fastener tapes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 010019 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-65919 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 189918 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2019 / 106857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a waterproof film is laminated on the side opposite the coiled element to the ground structure of a fastener tape with a sewn-on coiled element, gaps formed between the waterproof film and the ground structure can degrade the appearance of the waterproof stringer (for example, gaps may be incompletely filled with adhesive, leaving air there and appearing cloudy). To improve the appearance of such waterproof stringers, the present inventors carefully considered the relationship between the ground structure of the fastener tape and the sewing thread, and came up with the following invention. Note that simply increasing the amount of adhesive applied would result in the waterproof stringer becoming harder and less flexible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A waterproof stringer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fastener tape woven with at least one weft thread and multiple warp threads, a coil element sewn to the fastener tape with sewing thread so as to be positioned on the underside of the fastener tape, and a waterproof film laminated on the upper surface of the fastener tape opposite the coil element. The fastener tape includes an element attachment portion that overlaps the coil element in the thickness direction of the fastener tape, and a tape main portion that is the remaining portion other than the element attachment portion. The sewing thread includes multiple raised portions that each protrude above the upper surface of the fastener tape from the ground weave of the fastener tape, and each raised portion has two sunken ends that are carried by a sewing needle that is inserted into the ground weave of the fastener tape and sink into the underside of the fastener tape. The ground weave of the fastener tape includes a twill weave formed across the boundary between the element attachment portion and the tape main portion. The raised portions extend across the ridges and / or grooves between the ridges of the twill weave in the element attachment portion. The waterstop stringer has a plurality of recesses each formed between the floats corresponding to a puncture position of a sewing needle, and the plurality of recesses includes one or more recesses located between adjacent ridges.

[0006] In some embodiments, the raised portions are linearly arranged, and the ridges extend linearly at an angle relative to the direction of the raised portions. The angle between the direction of the raised portions and the direction of the ridges may be in the range of 10° to 30°. Alternatively, the angle may be in the range of 15° to 30°, or in the range of 20° to 30°.

[0007] In some embodiments, in an image showing the unevenness of the upper surface of the fastener tape, each of the plurality of depressions is 0.2 mm 2 It is observed as a depression with the following area:

[0008] In some embodiments, in an image showing the unevenness of the upper surface of the fastener tape, the average area of ​​the plurality of depressions is 0.1 mm 2 ~0.2mm 2 is within the range.

[0009] In some embodiments, in an image showing the concave and convex portions on the upper surface of the fastener tape, the median of the distribution of the areas of the plurality of concave portions is 0.3 mm 2 ~0.6mm 2 is within the range.

[0010] In some embodiments, in an image showing the unevenness of the upper surface of the fastener tape, the plurality of depressions includes at least one depression observed surrounded by a raised portion and a ridge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the twill weave is formed over the entire area of ​​the element mounting portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the twill weave is formed over the entire area of ​​the tape main body except for the tape end region on the opposite side of the element attachment portion of the tape main body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the twill weave includes sub-areas with different rib extension directions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sewing thread is thicker than the width of the warp threads included in the twill weave.

[0015] In some embodiments, (a) and / or (b) are satisfied: (a) The arrangement direction of the floats is aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the waterstop stringer; (b) The coiled element is sewn to the fastener tape by a double chainstitch, and the sewing thread is a double chainstitch needle thread.

[0016] In some embodiments, each recess included in the plurality of recesses is at least partially filled with adhesive for laminating the waterstop film to the fastener tape.

[0017] A waterproof fastener according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a pair of waterproof stringers, each of which is one of the waterproof stringers described above, and a slider for engaging and disengaging the pair of waterproof stringers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the appearance of a waterstop stringer is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial top view of a waterproof fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial bottom view of a waterproof fastener. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of left and right waterstop stringers in an engaged state, in which the engaging heads of the left and right coil elements are alternately interlocked in the front-to-rear direction. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic side view of a waterstop stringer, showing a state in which a coiled element is sewn to a ground structure of a fastener tape by a sewing thread. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a structure diagram showing the weave structure of the fastener tape. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the woven structure of the element mounting portion and the position of a sewing needle. FIG. [Figure 8] This is a photograph of the top surface of a waterproof chain, and you can see the unevenness on both sides of the center line of the chain, which corresponds to the floating part of the sewing thread. [Figure 9] This image was taken by observing the top surface of the fastener tape before laminating the waterproof film using a 3D shape measuring device, and the depth is indicated by color difference (shade on black and white printed paper). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the weave of an element mounting portion of a fastener tape according to a comparative example. [Figure 11] This is a photograph of the top surface of a watertight chain according to a comparative example, and unevenness corresponding to the floating parts of the sewing thread can be observed on the left and right sides of the center line of the chain. [Figure 12] This is an image obtained by observing the upper surface of a fastener tape before laminating a water-stop film according to a comparative example using a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and the depth is indicated by color difference (shade on a black-and-white printed paper). [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a waterstop stringer. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic process diagram showing the process of laminating a waterstop film onto a waterstop chain. [Figure 15] 10 is a schematic process diagram showing how a waterstop film laminated on a waterstop chain is cut with a cutter. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Various embodiments and features will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments and / or features without excessive explanation and will also be able to understand the synergistic effects of such combinations. Duplicate explanations between embodiments will generally be omitted. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention and are simplified for ease of illustration. Each feature is not only valid for the waterstop stringer and related manufacturing method disclosed in this application, but is also understood as a universal feature applicable to various other waterstop stringers and related manufacturing methods not disclosed in this specification.

[0021] In this specification, the movement direction of the slider 9 that opens and closes the waterproof fastener 1 is referred to as the front-to-rear direction (see the double-headed arrow FB in Figure 1). The direction parallel to the width direction of the waterproof fastener 1 is referred to as the left-to-right direction (see the double-headed arrow LR in Figure 1). The direction parallel to the thickness direction of the waterproof fastener 1 is referred to as the up-to-down direction. Note that the up-to-down direction is perpendicular to both the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The up-to-down direction does not necessarily mean the vertical direction (direction of gravity). For example, when the longitudinal direction of the waterproof fastener 1 is arranged vertically, the up-to-down direction with respect to the waterproof fastener 1 is included in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the vertical direction). In this way, the directions referred to in this specification are unrelated to the vertical direction. Note that directions other than the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions may also be referred to as appropriate, as explained below.

[0022] The waterproof fastener 1 is a long, flexible part that extends longitudinally with a predetermined width. It includes a pair of left and right waterproof stringers 2m, 2n and a slider 9 for engaging and disengaging the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n. Like the waterproof fastener 1, the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n are also long, flexible parts that extend longitudinally with a predetermined width. When the slider 9 moves forward, the left and right waterproof stringers 2m, 2n (more specifically, the coiled elements 4m, 4n described below) engage with each other, forming a waterproof seal by butting the opposing side edges 65 of the waterproof films 6m, 6n (see FIG. 4). When the slider 9 moves backward, the left and right waterproof stringers 2m, 2n (more specifically, the coiled elements 4m, 4n described below) disengage, and the opposing side edges of the waterproof films 6m, 6n no longer abut against each other. Although the butting of the opposing side edges 65 of the waterstop films 6m, 6n does not provide high resistance to water pressure, it is possible to achieve simple watertightness. The butting of the opposing side edges 65 of the waterstop films 6m, 6n can also be omitted, in which case even weaker watertightness can be achieved.

[0023] The waterproof stringers 2m, 2n each include a fastener tape 3m, 3n, a coil element 4m, 4n sewn to the fastener tape 3m, 3n with a sewing thread 5 so as to be positioned on the tape underside 31 of the fastener tape 3m, 3n, and a waterproof film 6m, 6n laminated on the tape upper side 32 of the fastener tape 3m, 3n on the side opposite the coil element 4m, 4n. The waterproof stringers 2m, 2n have hardness and flexibility according to the laminated structure of the fastener tape 3m, 3n and the waterproof film 6m, 6n. The waterproof film 6m, 6n supports the fastener tape 3m, 3n, expanding the options for the base fabric of the fastener tape 3m, 3n. In some cases, a weave that enhances the flexibility of the fastener tape 3m, 3n is adopted, and this enhanced flexibility of the fastener tape 3m, 3n is compensated for by the hardness of the waterproof film 6m, 6n.

[0024] Each fastener tape (3m, 3n) includes an element mounting portion (33) on which the coil elements (4m, 4n) are placed, overlapping the coil elements (4m, 4n) in the thickness direction of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), and a tape main portion (34) that is the remaining portion other than the element mounting portion (33). The element mounting portion (33) may be narrower than the tape main portion (34). The boundary (P1) between the element mounting portion (33) and the tape main portion (34) is parallel to the center plane (CP) of the waterproof fastener (1) and may be defined by a plane tangent to the inverted portions (44) of the coil elements (4m, 4n) (described later). The center plane (CP) of the waterproof fastener (1) includes an axis that defines the path of movement of the slider (9) and is perpendicular to the width direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the waterproof fastener (1). When the left and right coil elements (4m, 4n) are engaged, a gap is formed between the opposing side edges (36) of the left and right fastener tapes (3m, 3n). This gap is completely or partially covered by the waterproof film (6m, 6n), thereby achieving simple waterproofing.

[0025] The fastener tapes 3m, 3n are highly flexible woven fabrics woven from at least one weft yarn 38 and multiple warp yarns 39. An automatic loom can be used to weave the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. The weft yarns 38 and warp yarns 39 are yarns (e.g., monofilament yarns or multifilament yarns) having desired properties (denier, color). The weft yarns 38 and warp yarns 39 can be dyed before weaving the fastener tapes 3m, 3n, or can be dyed after weaving the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. The weft yarns 38 are straddled by the warp yarns 39, with two weft portions aligned in the weft direction as a group, but this is not a limitation. It is also possible for one weft portion of the weft yarn 38 to be straddled by the warp yarns 39. Note that, because the fastener tapes 3m, 3n are woven from the weft yarns 38 and warp yarns 39 as described above, water permeates the yarns themselves and through gaps between the yarns.

[0026] The tape lower surface 31 and tape upper surface 32 of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n are depicted as flat surfaces in Fig. 4, but are actually non-flat surfaces. All or each warp thread 39 included in the fastener tapes 3m, 3n alternately crosses the weft thread 38 on its upper side (i.e., on the tape upper surface 32 side) and then crosses the weft thread 38 on its lower side (i.e., on the tape lower surface 31 side). As each warp thread 39 in the width direction of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n rises and falls as described above, unevenness is formed on the tape lower surface 31 and tape upper surface 32 with a two-dimensional spread.

[0027] Each of the coiled elements 4m, 4n is typically formed by winding a monofilament into a coil and includes a continuous array of units U1, each of which includes an upper leg 41, a lower leg 42, an engaging head 43, and an inverted portion 44 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). The upper leg 41 and the lower leg 42 extend in the width direction of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n and have an outer tape end and an inner tape end. The engaging head 43 extends in the vertical direction to connect the outer tape end of the upper leg 41 with the outer tape end of the lower leg 42. The inverted portion 44 extends in a curved manner between adjacent units U1 to connect the inner tape end of the lower leg 42 with the inner tape end of the upper leg 41. Note that, with respect to a single fastener tape, the outer tape end refers to the direction from a point located on the tape surface of the fastener tape to a point located outside the tape surface of the fastener tape, and in some cases, it may intersect (e.g., be perpendicular to) the opposite side edge 36. The term "inward of the tape" refers to the direction from a point located outside the tape surface of one fastener tape to a point located on the tape surface of the fastener tape, and in some cases may intersect (for example, perpendicular to) the opposing side edge 36. The engaging head 43 has an engaging portion formed to be wide in the front-to-rear direction by plastic deformation of the monofilament, and enables engagement of the left and right coil-shaped elements 4m, 4n.

[0028] The coiled elements 4m, 4n may be sewn to the fastener tapes 3m, 3n with a sewing thread 5 in various ways. Including the illustrated example, typically, the coiled elements 4m, 4n are sewn to the fastener tapes 3m, 3n by a double chainstitch or a lockstitch based on the operation of a sewing machine. The sewing needle of the sewing machine moves vertically to penetrate the fastener tapes 3m, 3n, and the looper of the sewing machine moves longitudinally so that the looper thread entangles the lower loop of the needle thread. Furthermore, the fastener tapes 3m, 3n and the coiled elements 4m, 4n are fed longitudinally continuously or intermittently by a feed mechanism of the sewing machine. In the case of a double chainstitch, preferably, two sewing needles are used to form two perforations on the tape upper surface 32, but the number of sewing needles can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] The insertion of the sewing needle into the fastener tapes 3m, 3n deforms the ground weave of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n, causing, for example, the weft yarns 38 to move slightly in the front-to-back direction (feed direction) (i.e., escape) and / or the warp yarns 39 to move slightly in the tape width direction (left-to-right direction) (i.e., escape). The feed speed of the sewing machine is set constant, and the sewing needles are inserted into the fastener tapes 3m, 3n at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. However, the insertion position of the sewing needles varies slightly depending on the feed accuracy of the sewing machine, slippage, tape flexibility, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, the sewing needles are inserted into and removed from the fastener tapes 3m, 3n while the transport is stopped.

[0030] In the above-described case, the sewing thread 5 includes at least two different threads, namely, a needle thread 51 and a looper thread 56, which are regularly intertwined to secure the coil elements 4m, 4n to the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. The needle thread 51 includes a plurality of raised portions 52, each of which protrudes from the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n onto the tape upper surface 32 (see FIG. 5). Each raised portion 52 has two recessed ends 52a, 52b that are carried by a sewing needle 8 pierced into the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n and sink into the tape lower surface 31 of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. The plurality of raised portions 52 are typically arranged in a direction that coincides with or is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n (i.e., linearly), but this is not necessarily the case. The waterproof stringers 2m, 2n have a plurality of recesses 7 formed between the raised portions 52, each corresponding to the piercing positions of the sewing needle 8. The recesses 7 will be described in more detail below.

[0031] In addition to the floats 52 described above, the needle thread 51 includes a thread portion 53 extending downward to connect the sunken ends 52a and 52b of two adjacent floats 52, a thread portion 54 entangled with the looper thread 56, and a thread portion 55 extending upward. In other words, the needle thread 51 is a serpentine thread consisting of alternating upper loops including the floats 52 and lower loops including the thread portion 54. While the thread portions 53 and 54 are shown as being in direct contact with each other, this is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the intertwining point 57 where the needle thread 51 and the looper thread 56 are entangled is located closer to the lower leg 42 than to the upper leg 41 in the vertical direction, but is not limited to this.

[0032] The tension of the needle thread 51 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of needle thread 51 supplied with each up-and-down movement of the sewing needle 8, and this also applies to the looper thread 56. In either case, the entanglement of the needle thread 51 and the looper thread 56 generates a predetermined tension or tension within a predetermined range in the needle thread 51 and the looper thread 56. As a result, in addition to the penetration of the sewing needle 8 (escape from the sewing needle 8), the needle thread 51 itself also deforms the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. For example, the weft thread 38 is pushed and moved (typically slightly) in the front-to-back direction, and / or the warp thread 39 is pushed and moved (typically slightly) in the left-to-right direction. These localized thread movements promote the formation of the depression 7, which will be described later. Note that it is not essential to lower the sewing needle 8 for each coiled element unit U1 to entangle the needle thread 51 and the looper thread 56. For example, it is possible to lower the sewing machine needle 8 for every two or three units U1 to intertwine the needle thread 51 and the looper thread 56.

[0033] The waterstop films 6m, 6n are typically films of a predetermined thickness made of a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl alcohol. The waterstop films 6m, 6n are typically laminated onto the fastener tapes 3m, 3n via an adhesive, but they can also be laminated onto the fastener tapes 3m, 3n by welding, coating, or the like. That is, methods other than adhesion can also be used to laminate the waterstop films 6m, 6n onto the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. One suitable example is disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which the waterstop film contains polyurethane and the adhesive contains a water-based polyurethane adhesive (Patent Document 1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0034] 6, the base weave of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n includes a twill weave 35 formed across the boundary P1 between the element attachment portion 33 and the tape main body 34. Preferably, the twill weave 35 includes a plurality of ridges 26 extending across the boundary P1 between the element attachment portion 33 and the tape main body 34. This reduces the difference in the lamination state between the base weave of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n and the waterstop films 6m, 6n on both sides of the boundary P1, thereby improving the uniformity of the appearance of the waterstop stringers 2m, 2n and / or the flatness of their surfaces. The flatness of the surfaces can be determined by calculating the surface roughness of the waterstop films 6m, 6n.

[0035] More specifically, the twill weave 35 includes a first region 35a formed across the boundary P1 between the element attachment portion 33 and the tape main body 34, and a remaining second region 35b. The first region 35a includes multiple ribs 26 extending across the boundary P1. The second region 35b includes a tape end region 35r on the opposite side of the tape main body 34 from the element attachment portion 33, and multiple subregions 35p and 35q in which the ribs 26 extend in different (e.g., opposite) directions. While the tape end region 35r is formed of a plain weave weave, other weaves are also possible. In the subregion 35p, the ribs 26 extend obliquely away from the element attachment portion 33 as they extend in the warp direction. In the subregion 35q, the ribs 26 extend obliquely toward the element attachment portion 33 as they extend in the warp direction. That is, the ribs 26 in the subregions 35p and 35q are mirror images of each other. In this way, the flexibility of the ground weave can be adjusted by sub-areas with different extending directions of the ribs 26. By using a twill weave, it is possible to obtain a certain degree of hardness while maintaining high flexibility.

[0036] In some cases, the entire area of ​​the element mounting portion 33 is formed with a twill weave, but this is not necessarily the case. Additionally or alternatively, the entire area of ​​the tape main body 34 except for the tape end region 35r is formed with a twill weave, but this is not necessarily the case. Increasing the area of ​​the twill weave can ensure that the sewing thread is reliably inserted into the twill weave, while also promoting increased surface flatness of the waterstop stringers 2m, 2n (and thus improved appearance), as can be seen from a comparison of Figures 8 and 11. The fastener tapes 3m, 3n shown in Figure 8 are formed with a twill weave throughout the entire area except for the tape end region 35r. The fastener tape shown in Figure 11 does not include a twill weave in the tape main body, and therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the surface of the waterstop stringer is more noticeably uneven and less flat than that shown in Figure 8.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows the weave of the tape upper surface 32 of the fastener tapes 3m and 3n. In the weave diagram of FIG. 7, squares are arranged two-dimensionally in the row and column directions. The row direction corresponds to the weft direction in which the weft yarns extend, and the column direction corresponds to the warp direction in which the warp yarns extend. Note that when two weft yarns aligned in the tape width direction are straddled by a warp yarn, two weft yarns are included in one square. The number of warp yarns included in one square is one, but this is not limited to this. The hatched rectangular squares indicate the floats 52 of the warp yarns 39. The ribs 26 are formed by the floats 52 of the warp yarns 39 continuing diagonally relative to the weft yarns 38. The extension direction D1 of the ribs 26 can be determined by connecting the front-to-rear center points of each float 52 with a straight line. Between adjacent ribs 26 in the warp direction, grooves 27 are formed, which extend diagonally like the ribs 26.

[0038] In FIG. 7, a needle thread 51 of a predetermined thickness is indicated by two parallel dotted lines, and the stitching position of the sewing needle 8 is indicated by a dotted circle. A float 52 of the needle thread 51 is located between the dotted circles. The stitching position of the sewing needle 8 is assumed to be located within the dotted circle, but it may be slightly outside the dotted circle. In the weave diagram of FIG. 7, the float 52 extends across the twill weave ribs 26 (and similarly the grooves 27 between the ribs 26) in the element attachment portion 33. Furthermore, because the stitching position of the sewing needle 8 exists between adjacent ribs 26 in the warp direction (see, for example, P1 to P5 in FIG. 7), a depression 7 is located between the adjacent ribs 26. The bulging of the ribs 26 reduces the spatial size (volume) of the depression 7, and the depression 7 is formed with a smaller area when viewed from above. On the other hand, if the element attachment portion 33 is a plain weave, there are no ribs at all. Therefore, the size and area of ​​the recess 7 will not be reduced by the ribs. If the element mounting portion 33 is made of a ribbed weave, when tension is applied to the sewing thread 5 to secure the coiled element, the weft thread will easily move in the warp direction, increasing the spatial size of the recess 7. Therefore, the same effect as in this embodiment cannot be obtained. Note that the above-mentioned recess 7 appears cloudy when observed from the top of the waterstop chain as shown in Figure 8.

[0039] In this embodiment, the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n have a plurality of recesses 7 formed between the floating portions 52 in correspondence with the puncture positions of the sewing needle 8. The plurality of recesses 7 includes one or more (typically, a plurality of) recesses 7 located between adjacent ridges 26. According to this embodiment, the recesses 7 are formed with a smaller size and area between the floating portions 52 due to the ridges 26 of the base structure of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. This prevents air from remaining in the recesses 7 and deteriorating the appearance of the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n (e.g., appearing cloudy at the recesses), regardless of whether an adhesive is used, when the waterproof film 6m, 6n is laminated to the tape upper surface 32 of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. This prevents or reduces a decrease in yield due to poor appearance of the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n, while at the same time imparting a premium feel to the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n. As an additional or alternative effect, the sewing thread 5 extends along the ribs 26 (i.e., does not extend perpendicular to the ribs 26), reducing the degree to which the sewing thread 5 appears to float above the ground weave. As an additional or alternative effect, because the depressions 7 are formed with a smaller area as described above, it is possible to use a thicker (i.e., larger fineness) sewing thread 5, which would otherwise result in the formation of larger depressions 7. The use of a thicker sewing thread 5 increases the attachment strength of the coiled elements or allows for the attachment of larger-sized coiled elements. In some cases, the sewing thread 5 is a thread that is bulkier than the width of the warp yarns included in the above-described twill weave, and is preferably a twisted multifilament thread. Typically, the sewing thread 5 is a twisted multifilament thread having a substantially circular cross section. Note that the ribs 26, which contribute to the small size and area of ​​the depressions 7, may be located on both sides of the depressions 7 in the tape width direction (weft direction).

[0040] The various effects will be further explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a photograph of the top surface of a waterproof chain, and unevenness corresponding to the floating sewing thread can be observed on both sides of the chain center plane CP. Figure 9 is an image obtained by observing the top surface of the fastener tape before the waterproof film is laminated using a three-dimensional shape measuring device (Keyence's One-Shot 3D Shape Measuring Device (VR-3200)). Depth is indicated by color difference (density difference in black and white). To facilitate understanding, a comparative example will also be referenced. In the comparative example, the element attachment portion of the fastener tape has the weave shown in Figure 10 (i.e., does not include a twill weave). In the comparative example, the tape main body also does not include a twill weave. Figure 11 is a photograph of the top surface of a waterproof chain according to the comparative example. Figure 12 is an image obtained by observing the top surface of the fastener tape before the waterproof film is laminated using a three-dimensional shape measuring device (the same as in the example). Depth is indicated by color difference (density difference in black and white). In both the Examples and Comparative Examples, the waterstop films 6m and 6n were laminated to the fastener tapes 3m and 3n via an adhesive. Except for the difference in the weave of the fastener tapes, the Examples and Comparative Examples were manufactured using the same materials and methods, and observed under the same conditions and with the same equipment. In both the Examples and Comparative Examples, sewing threads (needle thread and looper thread) thicker than the warp and weft threads were used.

[0041] In both Figures 8 and 11, undulations corresponding to the needle thread floats are observed on both sides of the center plane CP of the watertight chain. In Figure 11, cloudy areas have occurred around many of the floats. In Figure 11, cloudy areas have occurred not only between the floats but also along the floats. On the other hand, in Figure 8, there are slight cloudy areas between the floats, but the area is smaller than that shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, in Figure 8, there are no cloudy areas that extend along the floats.

[0042] In both Figures 9 and 12, it can be seen that depressions 7 are formed between the floating portions 52. In Figures 9 and 12, dotted lines are drawn along the outline of each floating portion 52 adjacent in the radial direction, and solid lines are drawn along the outline of the depressions 7 between these floating portions 52. Although dotted and solid lines are not drawn for all floating portions and depressions, they can be understood in the same way. As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 9 and 12, the area of ​​the depressions 7 observed in Figure 9 is smaller than the area of ​​the depressions observed in Figure 12. The area comparison can be made using the average area value.

[0043] More specifically, in both the example and the comparative example, two rows of perforations L1, L2 (composed of an array of floats) are formed in one of the waterstop stringers 2m, 2n. In FIG. 9, a depression 7 is formed between adjacent floats 52 on each of the perforations L1, L2. In FIG. 12, a small number of depressions 7 are formed on the perforation L1, and many large depressions 7 are formed on the perforation L2. Even if the number and area of ​​depressions on one of the perforations L1 in FIG. 12 are reduced, many depressions are formed with a large area on the other perforation L2, resulting in a poor overall appearance of the waterstop stringer. In the example, the depressions 7 are formed with small areas on both of the perforations L1, L2, thereby improving the appearance of the waterstop stringer. There is a significant practical benefit in achieving an improved appearance of the waterstop stringer by changing the weave structure of the fastener tape without changing the amount of adhesive used. Increasing the amount of adhesive used may result in an increase in the hardness of the waterstop stringer.

[0044] The ridges 26 extend linearly at an angle relative to the arrangement direction of the raised portions 52 (i.e., the extension direction of the perforations), and the angle θ between the arrangement direction of the raised portions 52 and the extension direction of the ridges 26 (i.e., D1) is preferably any angle within the range of 10° to 30° (i.e., 10°, 30°, or an angle equal to an intermediate value therebetween). (Note that the intermediate value is not limited to natural numbers such as 11°, 12°, 28°, and 29°.) In this case, the difference in angle between the raised portions 52 and the ridges 26 is reduced (i.e., the two become closer to parallel), which increases the flatness of the surface of the waterstop stringers 2m and 2n and improves their appearance. Reducing the angle of the ridges 26 reduces the flexibility of the fastener tape (i.e., makes it harder), which may increase the sliding resistance of the slider when in contact with the fastener tape. Therefore, the angle θ is preferably 15° or greater, or 20° or greater. Advantageously, the angle θ formed between the arrangement direction of the raised portions 52 and the extension direction of the ridges 26 is any angle within the range of 15° to 30°, or within the range of 20° to 30°.

[0045] The number of warp threads included in a unit width (for example, 4 mm) is appropriately set to set the angle of the ribs 26. In some cases, 12 to 20 warp threads, preferably 14 to 18 warp threads, are introduced into the element mounting portion 33 in a unit width of 4 mm.

[0046] The following features can be read from the image of Figure 9 acquired by the three-dimensional shape measuring machine (specifically, an image showing the unevenness of the tape upper surface 32 of the fastener tapes 3m, 3n before the waterstop films 6m, 6n are laminated). Of course, even after the waterstop films 6m, 6n are laminated, similar optical observations can be made by peeling off the waterstop films 6m, 6n with an appropriate solvent. Depending on the type and settings of the three-dimensional shape measuring machine, similar optical observations can also be made without peeling off the waterstop films 6m, 6n.

[0047] (a) Each (or all) of the plurality of recesses is 0.2 mm 2This is observed as a depression with an area of ​​0.05 mm. This feature is the result of the depression space being reduced by the bulging ridges. This increases the likelihood that the depression will be filled with adhesive without increasing the amount of adhesive used, which may result in an improved appearance of the waterstop stringer.

[0048] (b) The average area of ​​the multiple depressions is 0.1 mm 2 ~0.2mm 2 This facilitates more effective improvement of the appearance of the waterstop stringer.

[0049] (c) The median of the area distribution of multiple dents is 0.3 mm 2 ~0.6mm 2 This facilitates more effective improvement of the appearance of the waterstop stringer.

[0050] (d) At least one depression surrounded by a raised portion and a ridge is observed. In Figure 9, the depression surrounded by the solid line on perforation L1 is surrounded by raised portions 52 located at the front and rear in the warp direction and ridges 26 located at the left and right in the weft direction. Due to the difference in the weave of the element mounting portion, a depression surrounded by raised portions and ridges as described above is not observed in Figure 12. Note that this feature can also be identified from images other than the image in Figure 9 or by observation with a microscope.

[0051] Advantageously, but not limited to, all of the recesses 7 are at least partially filled with adhesive for laminating the waterproof films 6m, 6n to the fastener tapes 3m, 3n. It is also conceivable that some recesses in a group of recesses 7 are not filled with adhesive at all. For example, a waterproof stringer, which is an intermediate product in the manufacture of the waterproof fastener 1, may be partially removed for the attachment of the slider 9. In such removed portions, no adhesive or a smaller amount of adhesive may be applied, which may result in the waterproof stringer having a locally deteriorated appearance.

[0052] Finally, a method for manufacturing a waterstop stringer will be briefly described. Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart showing the method for manufacturing a waterstop stringer. Fig. 14 is a schematic process diagram for laminating a waterstop film onto a waterstop chain. Fig. 15 is a schematic process diagram for cutting the waterstop film laminated on the waterstop chain with a cutter.

[0053] First, the fastener tape is woven with weft and warp threads (S1). Advantageously, the entire tape main body 34 is formed with a twill weave except for the tape end regions. The twill weave can include multiple areas with different rib directions, as described above. Next, a coil element is sewn to the fastener tape (S2). An industrial sewing machine can be used for this purpose. The coil element is sewn to the fastener tape using a double chain stitch or a lock stitch, for example. Next, a waterproof film is laminated to the fastener tape (S3). A layer of adhesive can be applied to the upper surface of the fastener tape before lamination. The ribs 26 allow multiple depressions to be formed over a small area, which allows the depressions to be more thoroughly filled with adhesive. A similar effect can be achieved when the waterproof film is welded.

[0054] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a waterproof film can be laminated on the fastener chain to which the waterproof stringers 2m, 2n are engaged, and then the waterproof film can be cut with a cutter 81 at a position above the gap between the left and right fastener tapes 3m, 3n.

[0055] In light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The reference numerals included in the claims are for reference purposes only and should not be used to limit the interpretation of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1:Waterproof zipper 2m, 2n: Water-stop stringer 3m, 3n: Zipper tape 4m, 4n: Coil element 5: Sewing thread 6m, 6n: Water-stopping film 7: Dent 8: Sewing needle 9: Slider 26: ridge 27: Groove 31: Underside of tape 32: Top of tape 33: Element mounting part 34: Main body of tape 35: Twill weave 35p: Sub-area 35q: Sub-area 35r: Tape edge area 38: Weft 39: Warp thread 51: Needle thread 52: Floating 52a: Sunken end 52b: Sunken end

Claims

1. The fastener tape (3m, 3n) is woven with at least one weft thread (38) and a plurality of warp threads (39), and a coil-shaped element (4m, 4n) is sewn to the fastener tape (3m, 3n) with a sewing thread (5) so as to be disposed on the tape lower surface (31) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), and a water-stop film (6m, 6n) is laminated on the tape upper surface (32) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n) on the side opposite to the coil-shaped element (4m, 4n), The fastener tape (3m, 3n) includes an element attachment portion (33) that overlaps the coil-shaped element (4m, 4n) in the thickness direction of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), and a tape main body portion (34) that is the remaining portion other than the element attachment portion (33), The sewing thread (5) includes a plurality of raised portions (52) each protruding from the ground structure of the fastener tape (3m, 3n) onto the tape upper surface (32), and each raised portion (52) is carried by a sewing needle (8) that is pierced into the ground structure of the fastener tape (3m, 3n) and has two sunken ends (52a, 52b) that sink into the tape lower surface (31) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), forming a waterproof stringer (2m, 2n), The ground weave of the fastener tapes (3m, 3n) includes a twill weave formed across a boundary (P1) between the element attachment portion (33) and the tape main body portion (34), The floating portion (52) extends across the twill weave ridges (26) and / or the grooves (27) between the ridges (26) in the element mounting portion (33), The water-stopping stringers (2m, 2n) have a plurality of recesses (7) each formed between the floating portions (52) corresponding to the puncture positions of the sewing needles (8), and the plurality of recesses (7) include one or more recesses (7) located between adjacent ridges (26); The plurality of floating portions (52) are linearly arranged, The ridges (26) extend linearly and obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction of the floating portions (52), A waterstop stringer in which the angle formed between the arrangement direction of the floating portions (52) and the extension direction of the ridges (26) is within a range of 10° to 30°.

2. In the image showing the unevenness of the tape upper surface (32) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), each of the plurality of depressions (7) is 0.2 mm 2 2. A waterstop stringer according to claim 1, observed as a depression (7) having an area of:

3. In the image showing the unevenness of the tape upper surface (32) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), the average area of ​​the plurality of depressions (7) is 0.1 mm 2 ~0.2 mm 2 The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the waterstop stringer is within the range of

4. In the image showing the unevenness of the tape upper surface (32) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), the median of the distribution of the areas of the plurality of depressions (7) is 0.3 mm 2 ~0.6mm 2 The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the waterstop stringer is within the range of

5. 2. The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein in an image showing the unevenness of the tape upper surface (32) of the fastener tape (3m, 3n), the plurality of depressions (7) includes at least one depression (7) observed surrounded by the raised portion (52) and the ridge (26).

6. The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein the twill weave is formed over the entire area of ​​the element mounting portion (33).

7. 2. The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein the twill weave is formed over the entire area of ​​the tape main body (34) except for a tape end region (35r) on the opposite side of the tape main body (34) from the element mounting portion (33).

8. 8. The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein the twill weave includes a plurality of sub-areas in which the ribs (26) extend in different directions.

9. The waterproof stringer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sewing thread (5) is thicker than the width of the warp threads included in the twill weave.

10. (a) and / or (b) are satisfied: (a) The arrangement direction of the floating portions (52) is aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the waterstop stringers (2m, 2n); (b) The waterproof stringer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coil elements (4m, 4n) are sewn to the fastener tapes (3m, 3n) by double chain stitching, and the sewing thread (5) is a needle thread for the double chain stitching.

11. 8. The waterstop stringer according to claim 1, wherein each recess (7) included in the plurality of recesses (7) is at least partially filled with an adhesive for laminating the waterstop film (6m, 6n) to the fastener tape (3m, 3n).

12. a pair of waterstop stringers (2m, 2n), each of which is defined in any one of claims 1 to 7; The waterproof fastener is provided with a slider (9) for engaging and disengaging the pair of waterproof stringers (2m, 2n).

Images