Slide fastener and method for manufacturing fastener stringer

Abstract

At least one core portion (6, 6') includes a first alternate arrangement portion (63, 63') in which first portions (61, 61') to which fastener elements (4, 4') are attached and second portions (62, 62') extending between the fastener elements (4, 4') adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of fastener tapes (3, 3') are alternately arranged. The core portions (6, 6') include at least one water-soluble yarn (7). The second portions (62, 62') are configured to have greater flexibility than the first portions (61, 61') in response to dissolution of the at least one water-soluble yarn (7) in the second portions (62, 62'). Additionally or alternatively, an anchoring tissue (10, 10') of the core (6, 6') may have similar features.

Description

Method for manufacturing slide fastener and fastener stringer

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a fastener stringer.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fastener element that is shaped to ease the sliding of a slider in a slide fastener.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses that a water-soluble thread is introduced into the side edge of a fastener tape, and a warp thread exclusion area is formed by dissolving the thread, and then the leg portion of a synthetic resin fastener element is formed by penetrating the exclusion area (see Figures 1 and 2 of the same document).

[0004] Patent No. 6891272 Patent No. 4312676

[0005] When providing a core portion on the side edge of a fastener tape, the number of threads or thread density of the core may be increased to increase the hardness of the core. This increases the attachment strength of the fastener elements to the side edge of the fastener tape and increases the lateral pull strength of the slide fastener. However, this reduces the flexibility of the fastener tape, inhibiting the free movement of the fastener elements attached thereto, resulting in heavy slider sliding. The same applies to the structure of the fastener tape used to fix the core portion. As such, improving the attachment strength of the fastener elements to the side edge of the fastener tape and improving the slider sliding (i.e., being able to slide the slider and open and close the slide fastener with less force) are in a trade-off relationship, and the options for the number of threads or thread density introduced into the core are limited.

[0006] A slide fastener according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fastener tape, a pair of fastener stringers each including a plurality of fastener elements attached to a longitudinal side edge of the fastener tape, and at least one slider attached to the pair of fastener stringers, the at least one slider being movable for engaging and disengaging each of the fastener elements of the pair of fastener stringers. In each fastener stringer of the pair of fastener stringers, the side edge of the fastener tape includes at least one core extending along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape and a structure for fixing the at least one core. The at least one core includes a first alternating arrangement in which a first portion to which a fastener element is attached and a second portion extending between adjacent fastener elements in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape are alternately arranged. The structure includes a second alternating arrangement in which a first region on the outer periphery of the first portion of the at least one core and a second region on the outer periphery of the second portion of the at least one core are alternately arranged. At least one of the following conditions (i) and (ii) is satisfied: (i) at least one core portion includes one or more water-soluble threads, and the second portion has a configuration that is more flexible than the first portion in response to dissolution of the one or more water-soluble threads in the second portion; and (ii) the tissue includes one or more water-soluble threads, and the second region has a configuration that is more flexible than the first region in response to dissolution of the one or more water-soluble threads in the second region.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a fastener stringer according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of manufacturing a fastener tape having at least one core portion fixed to an elongated side edge portion by a fixing structure, wherein at least one of the at least one core portion and the structure includes one or more water-soluble threads, and a step of manufacturing a fastener stringer by attaching a plurality of fastener elements to the at least one core portion, wherein the at least one core portion includes a first alternating arrangement portion of first portions and second portions, the first portion being a portion to which the fastener elements are attached and the second portion being a portion to which the fastener elements are attached along the length of the fastener tape. The process includes a step of forming a structure including a second alternating portion in which a first region on the outer periphery of at least one first portion of the core and a second region on the outer periphery of at least one second portion of the core are alternately arranged, and a step of exposing the fastener stringer to hot water or high-temperature steam in which the water-soluble thread dissolves, thereby partially dissolving one or more water-soluble threads and configuring the second portion to be more flexible than the first portion and / or the second region to be more flexible than the first region while maintaining the fastener elements attached to the first portion and the first region.

[0008] The following features may be applied alone or in any combination to the above-described embodiment or other embodiments of the present disclosure: The water-soluble yarn may be made of a material that dissolves in hot water or high-temperature steam, and in some cases may be made of one material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) synthetic fibers, alkali-soluble copolyester yarns, and alkali-soluble yarns such as polylactic acid yarns, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is smaller than the total area of ​​all yarns in the first portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape. Additionally or alternatively, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is smaller than the total area of ​​all yarns in the first region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape.

[0010] In some embodiments, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is 9 / 10 or less, or 4 / 5 or less, of the total area of ​​all yarns in the first portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape. Additionally or alternatively, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is 9 / 10 or less, or 4 / 5 or less, of the total area of ​​all yarns in the first region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape.

[0011] In some embodiments, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is at least one-third, at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the total area of ​​all yarns in the first portion in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape. Additionally or alternatively, the total area of ​​all yarns in the second region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape is at least one-third, at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the total area of ​​all yarns in the first region in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape.

[0012] In some embodiments, one or more water soluble threads extend across the first interleaved portion and have a smaller thread diameter or width in the second portion compared to their thread diameter or width in the first portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one core portion includes a plurality of water-soluble threads as the one or more water-soluble threads, and the plurality of water-soluble threads includes one or more water-soluble threads bonded or fused to another thread in the second portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one core portion further comprises one or more water-insoluble threads, and the one or more water-insoluble threads have a substantially constant thread diameter or thread width in the first alternating portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of water-soluble threads in the second portion is less than the number of water-soluble threads in the first portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the structure is a hollow weave portion of the fastener tape, and the core is inserted into the hollow weave portion of the fastener tape. Alternatively, the structure includes multiple thread portions for fixing the core, and the core is woven or knitted into the structure of the fastener tape by the multiple thread portions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the core portion includes a plurality of core yarns and a plurality of sheath yarns disposed around the plurality of core yarns.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of core yarns includes at least one water-soluble yarn and / or at least one water-insoluble yarn of the one or more water-soluble yarns.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of skin threads includes at least one water-soluble thread and / or at least one water-insoluble thread of the one or more water-soluble threads.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a technology for improving both the attachment strength of fastener elements to side edge portions of a fastener tape and the sliding of a slider. Additionally or alternatively, there is provided a technology for relaxing restrictions on the selection range of the number of threads or thread density of a core portion.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a slide fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a fastener stringer, showing a state in which a plurality of fastener elements are attached to a core portion of a first side edge portion of the fastener tape. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of a first side edge portion of the fastener tape, showing a state in which a core portion is inserted into a hollow woven portion of the fastener tape at the first side edge portion. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of a first side edge portion of the fastener tape, showing a state in which a pair of upper and lower core portions are woven into the fabric of the fastener tape by bead weaving. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a fastener element. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an engagement state of left and right fastener elements. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener stringer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a first portion of the core portion. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the fastener stringer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a second portion of the core portion. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fastener stringer in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing that the first portion and the second portion have the same thickness in the core portion. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener stringer in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing that the second portion is bulkier than the first portion in the core portion. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener stringer in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing that the second portion is narrower than the first portion in the core portion. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener stringer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing the cross-sectional configuration of the first portion of the core portion. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener stringer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing the cross-sectional configuration of the second portion of the core portion. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener stringer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape, showing the cross-sectional configuration of the second portion of the core portion. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the core portion.

[0022] 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 the need for excessive explanation, and will also be able to understand the synergistic effects of such combinations. Duplicate descriptions 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 effective in the slide fastener and fastener stringer manufacturing method disclosed in this specification, but is also understood as a universal feature applicable to various other slide fastener and fastener stringer manufacturing methods not disclosed in this specification.

[0023] With respect to the slide fastener 1, the movement direction of the slider 5 coincides with the front-to-rear direction. One direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the slider 5 is the left-to-right direction, which is parallel to the fastener tapes 3, 3' (or the tape surface defining the thickness thereof). Another direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the slider 5 is the up-to-down direction, which is perpendicular to the fastener tapes 3, 3' (or the tape surface defining the thickness thereof). The front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction may alternatively be interpreted as the longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction, respectively. Directions may also be defined in other ways in light of the contents of this disclosure.

[0024] First, a description will be given with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The slide fastener 1 has a pair of left and right fastener stringers 2 and at least one slider 5 attached to the pair of left and right fastener stringers 2, 2'. Each fastener stringer 2 includes a fastener tape 3, 3' and a plurality of fastener elements 4, 4' attached to elongated first side edges 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. The slider 5 is movable (for example, along the center line FC of the slide fastener 1) to engage and disengage each fastener element 4, 4' of the pair of left and right fastener stringers 2, 2'. The slide fastener 1, fastener stringers 2, 2', and fastener tapes 3, 3' are elongated in a predetermined direction along the center line FC, namely, in the front-to-rear direction. As the slider 5 advances, the left and right fastener elements 4, 4' engage with each other, resulting in engagement of the left and right fastener stringers 2, 2' (in a range rearward of the slider 5). When the slider 5 moves backward, the left and right fastener elements 4, 4' are disengaged, and as a result, the left and right fastener stringers 2, 2' are disengaged (in the range forward of the slider 5).

[0025] The fastener tapes 3, 3' are highly flexible strips that extend longitudinally in a predetermined direction with a predetermined width. Specifically, the fastener tapes 3, 3' have first side edges 31, 31' and second side edges 32, 32' that extend parallel to a predetermined direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) along a centerline FC to define the width of the fastener tapes 3, 3', and tape main bodies 33, 33' between the first side edges 31, 31' and the second side edges 32, 32'. In some cases, the first side edges 31, 31' are first ears of the fastener tapes 3, 3' to which fastener elements 4, 4' are attached, and the second side edges 32, 32' are second ears of the fastener tapes 3, 3' to which fastener elements 4, 4' are not attached. The ears may have a different structure (e.g., a different weave or knit structure) from the tape main body. The fastener tapes 3, 3' may have a weave formed from multiple warp threads and at least one weft thread. The fastener tapes 3, 3' are not limited to a woven structure, but may have a knitted structure.

[0026] The first side edge 31, 31' of the fastener tape 3, 3' includes at least one core 6, 6' extending along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' and a structure 10, 10' for securing the at least one core 6, 6' (see FIG. 2). At least one of the core 6, 6' and the structure 10, 10' includes one or more water-soluble threads 7 and, optionally, one or more water-insoluble threads 8. This will be described later. The structure 10, 10' is composed of one or more securing threads or multiple securing threads. Preferably, the securing threads are ground threads of the ground structure of the fastener tape 3, 3'. The core 6, 6' also forms one or two protruding portions 6a, 6b protruding above, below, on one or both sides relative to the tape main body 33, 33'. Specifically, the tape main body 33 has tape surfaces 33a, 33b that define its thickness. The core 6 has a protrusion 6a protruding from the tape surface 33a of the tape main body 33, and further has a protrusion 6b protruding (on the opposite side to the protrusion 6a) from the tape surface 33b of the tape main body 33. The protrusion height of the protrusion 6a and the protrusion height of the protrusion 6b are usually approximately equal, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0027] The core portion 6, 6' includes a first alternating arrangement portion 63, 63' in which first portions 61, 61' and second portions 62, 62' are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' (see FIG. 2). The first portions 61, 61' are portions to which the fastener elements 4, 4' are attached, and the second portions 62, 62' are portions extending between adjacent fastener elements 4, 4' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3'. Note that the first portions 61, 61' and the fastener elements 4, 4' do not need to be in direct contact with each other. Typically, the length of the first portions 61, 61' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' is equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the second portions 62, 62' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3'.

[0028] The core portions 6, 6' have end portions 64, 64' extending between the fastener elements 4, 4' located at the ends of the fastener tapes 3, 3' in the longitudinal direction. Fasteners 9, 9' (see FIG. 1) made of the same or different material as the fastener elements 4, 4' are attached to the end portions 64, 64'. The end portions 64, 64' can include attached portions to which the fasteners 9, 9' are attached and non-attached portions to which the fasteners 9, 9' are not attached (extending between the fasteners 9, 9' and the fastener elements 4, 4'), and these portions can function similarly to the first portions 61, 61' and the second portions 62, 62', respectively (this point will become clear from the description below). The fastener elements 4, 4' and the fasteners 9, 9' may be collectively referred to as "attachment members."

[0029] The structure 10, 10' includes a second alternating arrangement portion 13, 13' in which first regions 11, 11' on the outer periphery of the first portion 61, 61' of the core 6, 6' and second regions 12, 12' on the outer periphery of the second portion 62, 62' of the core 6, 6' are alternately arranged. The first regions 11, 11' of the structure 10, 10' are also portions to which the fastener elements 4, 4' are attached and are covered thereby. The second regions 12, 12' of the structure 10, 10' are also portions extending between adjacent fastener elements 4, 4' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' and are exposed between them. The structure 10, 10' has a different configuration depending on the manner in which the core 6, 6' is fixed to the first side edge portion 31, 31' of the fastener tape 3, 3'. When the cores 6, 6' are inserted into the hollow weave portions 35, 35' of the fastener tapes 3, 3' (see FIG. 3), the hollow weave portions 35, 35' correspond to or form the fixing structure 10, 10' of the cores 6, 6'. On the other hand, when the cores 6, 6' are woven into the first side edges 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3' by bead weaving (see FIG. 4), a plurality of weft yarn portions 37 of the weft yarns 36 of the fastener tapes 3, 3' that cross the cores 6, 6' correspond to or form the fixing structure 10, 10' of the cores 6, 6'. When warp yarns are inserted so as to overlap the cores 6, 6', the structure 10, 10' may also include the warp yarns. Other configurations of the structure 10, 10' are also possible.

[0030] In FIG. 2 , the cores 6, 6′ are shown with a substantially circular cross section, but this is merely a schematic diagram to facilitate reader understanding. The specific configuration of the cores 6, 6′ is not particularly limited. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the cores 6, 6′ are inserted into the hollow weave portions 35, 35′ of the fastener tapes 3, 3′ formed on the first side edge portions 31, 31′ of the fastener tapes 3, 3′. That is, the cores 6, 6′ are fixed to the fastener tapes 3, 3′ by the ground yarns of the ground weave of the fastener tapes 3, 3′. Water-soluble yarns may be used as these fixing yarns. The cores 6, 6′ include multiple threads inserted into the hollow weave portions 35, 35′. In the illustrated example, the cores 6, 6′ include multiple core yarns 66 and multiple skin yarns 65 arranged around the core yarns 66. The knitted (or woven) structure of the multiple skin yarns 65 forms a tubular portion 67, and the multiple core yarns 66 are inserted into the tubular portion 67. Of course, the cores can have other configurations.

[0031] The cores 6, 6' are covered by the hollow woven portions 35, 35' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3' and are not exposed to the outside, but they still include the above-mentioned alternating arrangement of the first portions 61, 61' and the second portions 62, 62'. Also, the fastener elements 4, 4' do not directly contact the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6', and the structure of the hollow woven portions 35, 35' is interposed between them, but the fastener elements 4, 4' are still attached to the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6'. Just to be clear, the hollow woven portions 35, 35' include second alternating arrangement portions 13, 13' in which the first regions 11, 11' and the second regions 12, 12' are alternately arranged.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the cores 6, 6' are also fixed to the fastener tapes 3, 3' by ground yarns of the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. Water-soluble yarns may be used as the ground yarns. More specifically, the cores 6, 6' are woven or knitted into the fastener tapes 3, 3' by ground yarns (fixing yarns) included in the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. Water-soluble yarns may be used as the ground yarns (fixing yarns). In some cases, as shown in the illustrated example, the cores 6, 6' are woven into the fastener tapes 3, 3' by bead weaving as warp yarns 6c, 6d. When the fastener tapes 3, 3' have a knitted structure rather than a woven structure, the cores 6, 6' are knitted into the fastener tapes 3, 3' as wale strips. Although two warp yarns 6c, 6d are shown, only one warp yarn may be used. A non-limiting example of the configuration of the core portion 6, 6' is similar to that described with reference to Fig. 3, and the core portion 6, 6' includes a plurality of core threads 66 and a plurality of sheath threads 65 arranged therearound. A tubular portion 67 is formed by knitting (or weaving) the plurality of sheath threads 65, and a plurality of core threads 66 are inserted into the tubular portion 67. Of course, the core portion can have a different configuration. For example, a twisted cord composed of a plurality of threads may be used as the core portion 6, 6'.

[0033] The cores 6, 6' are partially covered by the weft yarns of the fastener tapes 3, 3', but are used solely for fastening to the fastener tapes 3, 3', with the remainder exposed to the outside. Regardless of the manner in which the cores 6, 6' are exposed, the cores 6, 6' include alternating first portions 61, 61' and second portions 62, 62'. The fastener tapes 3, 3' (or more simply, their ground weave) include second alternating portions 13, 13' in which the first regions 11, 11' and the second regions 12, 12' are alternately arranged. When the fastener tapes 3, 3' have a knitted weave, the cores 6, 6' may be partially covered by satin yarns, tricot yarns, weft-insertion yarns, or any combination thereof. Other ways of introducing the cores 6, 6' into the first side edges 31, 31' may also be employed.

[0034] The fastener elements 4, 4' are arranged at a predetermined pitch with respect to the long first side edge portions 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. A gap is formed between the fastener elements 4, 4' adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3', through which the mating fastener element 4, 4' can enter. There is no limitation on the material of the fastener elements 4, 4', but they are typically made of metal or resin.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the fastener element 4, 4' has a head 41 and a pair of legs 42, 43 connected to the head 41. The first side edge 31, 31' and core 6, 6' of the fastener tape 3, 3' are arranged between the pair of legs 42, 43. When the fastener element 4, 4' is made of metal, the pair of legs 42, 43 are crimped to sandwich the first side edge 31, 31' and core 6, 6'. When the fastener element 4, 4' is a resin element, the head 41 and legs 42, 43 of the fastener element 4, 4' are fixed to the first side edge 31, 31' and core 6, 6'. In either case, the core 6, 6' increases the attachment strength of the fastener element 4, 4' to the first side edge 31, 31'.

[0036] FIG. 6 schematically shows the engagement state of the left and right fastener elements 4, 4'. The head 41 has an engagement protrusion 41a and an engagement recess 41b. The engagement protrusion 41a protrudes forward, and the engagement recess 41b is recessed forward. As shown in the partial cross section in the same figure, the engagement protrusion 41a of the left fastener element 4 loosely fits into the engagement recess 41b of the mating right fastener element 4'. This engagement between the left and right fastener elements 4, 4' occurs continuously in the front-to-rear direction, thereby achieving engagement between the left and right fastener stringers 2, 2'. It is also possible for the left and right fastener elements 4, 4' to have other engagement structures and to engage in a manner different from that shown in the figure. For example, it is also possible for the head 41 to have a pair of engagement protrusions protruding in opposite directions in the front-to-rear direction. The engagement process of the left and right fastener elements 4, 4' within the slider 5 will not be described in detail, but is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0037] If the fastener elements 4, 4' are metal elements, the fastener elements 4, 4' are crimped to the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6' of the first side edges 31, 31', and therefore the first portions 61, 61' can be at least partially compressed (typically in the vertical and / or horizontal directions). On the other hand, the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' are not compressed by the fastener elements 4, 4' because they are not attached to them. However, as a result of the fastener elements 4, 4' being attached to the first portions 61, 61' at a narrow pitch, the second portions 62, 62' can also be indirectly compressed.

[0038] When the fastener elements 4, 4' are resin elements, the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6' may be compressed by the molten resin pressure during injection molding of the fastener elements 4, 4'. On the other hand, the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' are not exposed to the molten resin during injection molding of the fastener elements 4, 4' and are not directly subjected to pressure therefrom. Therefore, there may be a difference in the degree of compression between the first portions 61, 61' and the second portions 62, 62'. The material of the fastener elements 4, 4' is not limited to those mentioned above, and the fastener elements 4, 4' may be elements containing at least a ceramic material in part.

[0039] As described above, the core 6, 6' includes one or more water-soluble yarns 7, typically including a plurality of yarns including one or more water-soluble yarns 7. By exposing (e.g., immersing) the fastener stringer 2, 2' to hot water or high-temperature steam in which the water-soluble yarn 7 can be dissolved, and partially dissolving the water-soluble yarn 7, the second portion 62, 62' can be made more flexible than the first portion 61, 61' while maintaining the fastener elements 4, 4' attached to the first portion 61, 61' and the first region 11, 11'. In addition to or instead of the above, the structure 10, 10' can include one or more water-soluble yarns 7. For example, one or more ground yarns (fixing yarns) of the hollow weave may be water-soluble yarns. Alternatively, the ground yarns (fixing yarns) of the fastener tapes 3, 3' that cross the core 6, 6' for weaving or knitting the fastener tapes 3, 3' into the structure may be water-soluble yarns. Even in such a case, by exposing (e.g., immersing) the fastener stringers 2, 2' to hot water or a solution in which the water-soluble thread 7 can be dissolved, and partially dissolving the water-soluble thread 7, the fastener elements 4, 4' can be maintained attached to the first portions 61, 61' and the first regions 11, 11' while increasing the flexibility of the second regions 12, 12' compared to the first regions 11, 11'.

[0040] More specifically, by immersing the fastener stringers 2, 2' in hot water or a solution, the water-soluble thread 7 dissolves preferentially in the second portions 62, 62' and / or second regions 12, 12' that are not covered by the fastener elements 4, 4', rather than in the first portions 61, 61' and / or first regions 11, 11' that are covered by the fastener elements 4, 4'. This increases the flexibility of the second portions 62, 62' compared to the first portions 61, 61', and / or increases the flexibility of the second regions 12, 12' compared to the first regions 11, 11'.

[0041] The hot water may be acidic, neutral, or alkaline, but is typically neutral or slightly alkaline. Additives for promoting dissolution of the water-soluble yarn and / or other types of additives (e.g., pH adjusters) may be added to the hot water.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second portions 62, 62' have a configuration that is more flexible than the first portions 61, 61' in response to dissolution of the water-soluble thread 7 in the second portions 62, 62'. This increases the flexibility of the second portions 62, 62' while maintaining the hardness of the first portions 61, 61'. As a result, the attachment strength of the fastener elements 4, 4' to the first side edge portions 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3' and the sliding of the slider 5 are simultaneously improved. Additionally or alternatively, restrictions on the selection range of the number of threads or thread density of the core portions 6, 6' are relaxed. A configuration with high flexibility may include a thinner water-soluble thread and / or a smaller number of water-soluble threads.

[0043] In addition to or in place of the above-described features, the second regions 12, 12' of the tissues 10, 10' have a configuration that is more flexible than the first regions 11, 11' in response to dissolution of the water-soluble thread 7 in the second regions 12, 12'. This increases the flexibility of the second regions 12, 12' while maintaining the hardness of the first regions 11, 11'. As a result, improved attachment strength of the fastener elements 4, 4' to the first side edges 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3' and improved sliding of the slider 5 are simultaneously promoted. The more flexible configuration may include thinner water-soluble threads and / or fewer water-soluble threads.

[0044] In some cases, the total area of ​​all threads in the second portions 62, 62' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' is smaller than the total area of ​​all threads in the first portions 61, 61' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3'. The total area of ​​all threads in the second portions 62, 62' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' can be calculated by adding up the areas of all constituent threads in the second portions 62, 62' in that cross section. Similarly, the total area of ​​all threads in the first portions 61, 61' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3' can be calculated by adding up the areas of all constituent threads in the first portions 61, 61' in that cross section. For this purpose, a cross-sectional photograph of the fastener tape 3, 3' (optionally, image processing using a computer) can be used. The above points also apply to the total area of ​​all threads in the second region 12, 12' of the structure 10, 10' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3', and the total area of ​​all threads in the first region 11, 11' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 3, 3'.

[0045] In some cases, the total area of ​​all threads in the second portions 62, 62' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3' is 9 / 10 or less or 4 / 5 or less (and / or 1 / 3 or more, 1 / 2 or more, 2 / 3 or more, or 3 / 4 or more) of the total area of ​​all threads in the first portions 61, 61' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. In this way, it is facilitated to simultaneously improve the attachment strength of the fastener elements 4, 4' to the first side edge portions 31, 31' of the fastener tapes 3, 3' and improve the sliding of the slider 5. The above-mentioned points also apply to the total area of ​​all threads in the second regions 12, 12' of the structures 10, 10' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3' and the total area of ​​all threads in the first regions 11, 11' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'.

[0046] In addition to or as an alternative to the above-mentioned feature regarding the total area of ​​all threads between the first and second portions, the mass per unit length of the second portions 62, 62' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3' is smaller than the mass per unit length of the first portions 61, 61' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. In some cases, the mass per unit length of the second portions 62, 62' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3' may be 9 / 10 or less or 4 / 5 or less (and / or 1 / 3 or more, 1 / 2 or more, 2 / 3 or more, or 3 / 4 or more) of the mass per unit length of the first portions 61, 61' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. This achieves or promotes the same effect as described above.

[0047] The use of water-soluble yarn 7 facilitates a wider range of choices for the number of threads or thread density in the core portion. For example, when the total number of threads in the core portions 6, 6', which include the water-soluble yarn 7 and the water-insoluble yarn 8, is increased, the hardness of the first portions 61, 61' is increased. The hardness of the second portions 62, 62' is also increased in a similar manner, but the flexibility of the second portions 62, 62' can be increased by selectively dissolving the water-soluble yarn in hot water or the like in the second portions 62, 62'.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener stringers 2, 2' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3', showing the cross-sectional configuration of the first portions 61, 61' of the core portions 6, 6'. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener stringers 2, 2' in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3', showing the cross-sectional configuration of the second portions 62, 62' of the core portions 6, 6'.

[0049] The cores 6, 6' can include a plurality of water-soluble yarns 7 and a plurality of water-insoluble yarns 8 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). By including the water-soluble yarns 7 in the cores 6, 6', the cores 6, 6' are softened selectively in positions before and after the fastener stringers 2, 2' are immersed in hot water.

[0050] Before the fastener stringers 2, 2′ are immersed in hot water, the water-soluble yarns 7 and the water-insoluble yarns 8 extend uniformly throughout the first alternating arrangement portions 63, 63′ (the entire area) along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3′. The water-soluble yarns 7 and the water-insoluble yarns 8 may have a substantially constant yarn diameter or yarn width throughout the first alternating arrangement portions 63, 63′.

[0051] When the fastener stringers 2, 2' are immersed in hot water, the water-soluble yarns 7 in the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' dissolve in the hot water at a faster dissolution rate than the water-soluble yarns 7 in the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6'. As a result, the water-soluble yarns 7 in the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' are thinned, and the water-soluble yarns 7 have a smaller diameter or width in the second portions 62, 62' compared to the diameter or width in the first portions 61, 61'. On the other hand, the water-soluble yarns 7 in the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6' are protected from contact with hot water by the fastener elements 4, 4', so they are not thinned as much. Thus, the above-mentioned feature regarding the total area of ​​all yarns between the first and second portions is realized. The same applies when the tissue 10, 10' contains water-soluble thread 7, and the water-soluble thread 7 may have a smaller thread diameter or width in the second region 12, 12' compared to its thread diameter or width in the first region 11, 11'.

[0052] The hot water has a temperature equal to or higher than the dissolution temperature of the water-soluble thread 7 (for example, a temperature of 80°C, 85°C, or 95°C or higher). The time for immersing the fastener stringers 2, 2' in hot water is appropriately set for the above-mentioned purpose, so that the fastener elements 4, 4' remain attached to the first portions 61, 61' and do not fall off from the first portions 61, 61'. Preferably, the pull-out strength of the fastener elements 4, 4' is 60 N or higher after the fastener stringers 2, 2' are exposed (for example, immersed) in hot water and dried. Unlike the water-insoluble thread 7, the water-insoluble thread 8 can have a substantially constant thread diameter or thread width throughout the alternating arrangement portions 63, 63' regardless of whether the fastener stringers 2, 2' are immersed in hot water.

[0053] It is possible that at least one water-soluble thread 7 in the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' will be completely dissolved in the hot water, depending on the immersion time of the water-soluble thread 7 in the hot water or the diameter or width of the water-soluble thread 7. In this case, the number of water-soluble threads 7 remaining in the second portions 62, 62' will be smaller than the number of water-soluble threads in the first portions 61, 61'.

[0054] There is also technical significance in that the cores 6, 6' include water-insoluble yarn 8 in addition to water-soluble yarn 7, which makes it easier to impart the necessary strength and flexibility to the cores 6, 6'. The water-insoluble yarn 8 does not dissolve when immersed in hot water at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the water-soluble yarn 7 (e.g., 80°C, 85°C, or 95°C). If the water-insoluble yarn 8 is made of a thermoplastic resin, it melts when heated to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin (e.g., 200°C or higher for polyester). However, as described above, it does not dissolve when immersed in hot water at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the water-soluble yarn material (e.g., 95°C). Therefore, the "water-insoluble yarn" can be said to be a yarn that does not dissolve under the dissolving conditions of the "water-soluble yarn." It should be noted that physical, chemical, or structural changes (e.g., thermal shrinkage) may occur in the water-insoluble yarn 8 when immersed in hot water at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the water-soluble yarn 7 (e.g., 95°C). However, this prototype development was undertaken despite such concerns. The maximum temperature of the hot water is assumed to be 100°C, but the use of high-temperature steam above 100°C is not excluded. The water-soluble yarn is dissolved by exposure to hot water or high-temperature steam. The high-temperature steam is set at a temperature below the temperature at which the water-insoluble yarn melts.

[0055] 7 and 8, all of the core yarns 66 are water-soluble yarns 7, and all of the sheath yarns 65 are water-insoluble yarns 8. As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8, the water-soluble yarns 7 in the second portions 62, 62' are dissolved in hot water and thinned before and after the fastener stringers 2, 2' are immersed in hot water. The area of ​​the bundle of core yarns 66 (the sum of the areas of the core yarns) is smaller than that before immersion. When the tubular portion 67 contains water-soluble yarns 7, the area of ​​the tubular portion 67 (the sum of the areas of the sheath yarns) is smaller than that before immersion. Of course, it is not necessary for all of the core yarns 66 to be water-soluble yarns 7. Similarly, some or all of the sheath yarns 65 can also be water-soluble yarns 7. The number of core yarns 66 contained in the core portion 6, 6' is, for example, 20 or more, 25 or more, and / or 50 or less, or 40 or less.

[0056] It is also assumed that the dissolution rate of the water-soluble thread 7 varies depending on the position in the cross section of the core 6, 6', and that each water-soluble thread 7 has a different cross-sectional diameter or width. It is also assumed that the water-soluble thread 7 is bonded or fused to another thread. For example, it is also assumed that the water-soluble threads 7 are bonded or fused to each other to form a bundle of water-soluble threads 7. If the core 6, 6' contains a thread of a different type than the water-soluble thread 7 (e.g., a water-insoluble thread), it is also assumed that the water-soluble thread 7 is bonded or fused to that thread. As such, Figures 7 and 8 are merely schematic diagrams for explanation. The same is true when the tissue 10, 10' contains water-soluble threads 7; it is also assumed that each water-soluble thread 7 has a different cross-sectional diameter or width, and that the water-soluble threads 7 are bonded or fused to another thread and / or that the water-soluble threads 7 are bonded or fused to each other to form a bundle of water-soluble threads 7.

[0057] To reiterate, using the core yarn 66 of the core portion 6, 6' as the water-soluble yarn 7 and the sheath yarn 65 as the water-insoluble yarn 8 is merely one example. The core yarn 66 may also be the water-insoluble yarn 8 and the sheath yarn 65 may be the water-soluble yarn 7. Both the sheath yarn 65 and the core yarn 66 may all be water-soluble yarn 7. Furthermore, some of the core yarns 66 may be the water-soluble yarn 7 and the remaining core yarns 66 may be the water-insoluble yarn 8. Some of the sheath yarns 65 may be the water-soluble yarn 7 and the remaining sheath yarns 65 may be the water-insoluble yarn 8. The water-soluble yarns described herein also include blended yarns of water-soluble and water-insoluble fibers. Blended yarns of water-soluble and water-insoluble fibers may be partially dissolved by immersion in hot water and may no longer be able to maintain their shape as a yarn. In some cases, a higher ratio of water-soluble fiber is used than that of water-insoluble fiber.

[0058] As described above, when at least one or more water-soluble threads 7 in the second portions 62, 62' disappear due to thinning or dissolution in hot water, the state of the first portion 61 (e.g., the cross-sectional state of the first portion 61 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3') will differ from the state of the second portion 62 (e.g., the cross-sectional state of the second portion 62 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'). In this regard, FIG. 9 schematically shows that the first portions 61, 61' and the second portions 62, 62' have the same thickness in terms of the thickness of the core portions 6, 6'. The effect of thinning or disappearance of the water-soluble threads 7 can be complemented or compensated for by an increase in the bulkiness of the other threads. FIG. 10 schematically shows that the second portions 62, 62' have a bulkier thickness in terms of the thickness of the core portions 6, 6' compared to the first portions 61, 61'. The effect of the thinning or disappearance of the water-soluble thread 7 may be dominated by the increase in bulkiness of the other threads. Figure 11 schematically shows that the second portions 62, 62' are narrower than the first portions 61, 61' in terms of the thickness of the core portions 6, 6'. The effect of the thinning or disappearance of the water-soluble thread 7 may be dominated by other factors (for example, the increase in bulkiness of the other threads). The states shown in Figures 8 to 10 may be controllable by the thickness, number, proportion, and presence or absence of twist of the water-soluble thread 7 contained in the core portion 6.

[0059] Although there are no particular limitations on the materials of the water-soluble yarn and the water-insoluble yarn, in some cases the water-soluble yarn is made of one material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) synthetic fibers, alkali-soluble copolymer polyester yarns, and alkali-soluble yarns such as polylactic acid yarns, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the water-insoluble yarn is made of one material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and rayon, or any combination thereof.

[0060] There are no particular limitations on the yarn properties and / or yarn structure of the water-soluble yarn and the water-insoluble yarn. In some cases, the water-soluble yarn and / or the water-insoluble yarn is a multifilament yarn formed by twisting together monofilament yarns, but this type is not intended to be limiting. The water-soluble yarn may be a yarn that loses weight by 50% by mass or more when left standing for 10 minutes in water at 95°C with a bath ratio (yarn weight:liquid weight) of 1:50. The water-soluble yarn preferably loses weight by 50% by mass or more when left standing for 10 minutes in water at 95°C with a bath ratio (yarn weight:liquid weight) of 1:50. More preferably, the water-soluble yarn loses weight by 80% by mass or more when left standing for 10 minutes in water at 95°C with a bath ratio (yarn weight:liquid weight) of 1:50.

[0061] The tensile strength of the water-soluble thread can be 3 cN / dtx or more, for example, 3 to 5 cN / dtx. When used as a suture, the water-soluble thread preferably has a high tensile strength, such as a seam tensile strength of 350 N or more, for example, 350 to 500 N. The tensile strength of the thread refers to the single yarn tensile strength (standard time) measured by the JIS method specified in JIS L1095:2010. The seam tensile strength refers to the grab method (seam horizontal method, standard time seam tensile strength) specified in JIS L1093:2011.

[0062] 12 and 13 relate to the fastener tapes 3, 3' shown in Fig. 4, and the same explanation as that given for Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 applies. Therefore, redundant explanation will be omitted. Just to be clear, as in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the state of the first portion 61 of the core 6, 6' (for example, the state of the first portion 61 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3') is different from the state of the second portion 62 (for example, the state of the second portion 62 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'), and the second portion 62 is configured to have high flexibility.

[0063] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a core 6, 6, showing that the core yarn 66 of the core 6, 6 contains water-soluble yarn 7 and water-insoluble yarn 8. The water-soluble yarn 7 and water-insoluble yarn 8 can be arranged randomly or regularly. It is expected that the water-soluble yarn 7 will dissolve faster in hot water toward the outside in the cross section of the core 6, 6. Therefore, to avoid excessive dissolution of the water-soluble yarn 7, the water-soluble yarn 7 may be arranged more densely in the center of the cross section of the core 6 than in the outer periphery (see the dotted line yarn in Figure 14). Conversely, to promote dissolution of the water-soluble yarn 7, the water-soluble yarn 7 may be arranged more densely in the outer periphery of the cross section of the core 6 than in the center (see the solid line yarn in Figure 14).

[0064] Fig. 15 is a schematic front view of a slide fastener 1 according to another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, the fastener elements 4, 4' may be resin elements. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the same effects as those described above can be obtained in such a case.

[0065] A method for manufacturing the above-described fastener stringers 2, 2' will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above description. For clarity, the method includes (i) manufacturing (e.g., by an automated machine) fastener tapes 3, 3' having at least one core 6, 6' secured to elongated side edges 31, 31' by fastening structures 10, 10'. At least one of the core 6, 6' and the structures 10, 10' includes one or more water-soluble threads 7 (optionally, one or more water-insoluble threads 8). The method further includes attaching a plurality of fastener elements 4, 4' to the at least one core 6, 6' to manufacture the fastener stringer 2. This process results in at least one core 6, 6' including first alternating portions 63, 63' of first portions 61, 61' and second portions 62, 62'. The first portions 61, 61' are portions to which the fastener elements 4, 4' are attached, and the second portions 62, 62' are portions extending between the adjacent fastener elements 4, 4' in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 3, 3'. Furthermore, by this process, the structures 10, 10' include second alternating arrangement portions 13, 13' in which the first regions 11, 11' on the outer periphery of the first portions 61, 61' of the cores 6, 6' and the second regions 12, 12' on the outer periphery of the second portions 62, 62' of the cores 6, 6' are alternately arranged. The method may further include exposing (e.g., immersing) the fastener stringer 2 to hot water or a solution in which the water-soluble yarn 7 is soluble to partially dissolve one or more of the water-soluble yarns 7 and configure the second portions 62, 62' to be more flexible than the first portions 61, 61' while maintaining the fastener elements 4, 4' attached to the first portions 61, 61' and the first regions 11, 11'. The dissolution rate of the water-soluble yarn 7 in the second portions 62, 62' is greater than the dissolution rate of the water-soluble yarn 7 in the first portions 61, 61'.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include exposing (e.g., immersing) the fastener stringer 2 to hot water or a solution in which the water-soluble yarn 7 is soluble to preferentially dissolve the one or more water-soluble yarns 7 in the second regions 12, 12' relative to the first regions 11, 11', thereby rendering the second regions 12, 12' more flexible than the first regions 11, 11' while maintaining the fastener elements 4, 4' attached to the first portions 61, 61' and the first regions 11, 11'. The dissolution rate of the water-soluble yarn 7 in the second regions 12, 12' is greater than the dissolution rate of the water-soluble yarn 7 in the first regions 11, 11'.

[0067] The water-soluble yarn 7 is commercially available. The dissolution conditions for the water-soluble yarn 7 (the amount of hot water per unit amount of the water-soluble yarn 7, the temperature of the hot water, and the immersion time in hot water) can also be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0068] In light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The reference numerals used in the claims are for reference purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the claims. The structures 10, 10' are not limited to the ground threads of the ground structure of the fastener tapes 3, 3', but may also be made of sewing threads for fixing the cores 6, 6' to the fastener tapes 3, 3'.

[0069] 1: Slide fastener 2, 2': Fastener stringer 3, 3': Fastener tape 4, 4': Fastener element 5: Slider 6, 6': Core 7: Water-soluble thread 8: Water-insoluble thread 31: First side edge 61, 61': First portion 62, 62': Second portion 63, 63': Alternately arranged portion 65: Sheath thread 66: Core thread

Claims

1. A fastener tape (3, 3') and a pair of fastener stringers (2, 2') each containing a plurality of fastener elements (4, 4') attached to the long side edges (31, 31') of the fastener tape (3, 3'), A slide fastener (1) comprising at least one slider (5) attached to the pair of fastener stringers (2, 2'), the slider (5) being movable for engaging and disengaging each fastener element (4, 4') of the pair of fastener stringers (2, 2'), In each of the pair of fastener stringers (2, 2'), the side edge (31, 31') of the fastener tape (3, 3') includes at least one core (6, 6') extending along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') and a fixing structure (10, 10') for the at least one core (6, 6'), The at least one core portion (6, 6') includes a first portion (61, 61') to which the fastener elements (4, 4') are attached, and a first alternating arrangement portion (63, 63') in which second portions (62, 62') extending between adjacent fastener elements (4, 4') in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') are alternately arranged. The structure (10, 10') includes a second alternating arrangement portion (13, 13') in which a first region (11, 11') on the outer circumference of the first portion (61, 61') of at least one core portion (6, 6') and a second region (12, 12') on the outer circumference of the second portion (62, 62') of at least one core portion (6, 6') are alternately arranged. The following conditions (i) and (ii) must be satisfied: (i) The at least one core portion (6, 6') contains one or more water-soluble threads (7), and the second portion (62, 62') has a configuration that is more flexible than the first portion (61, 61') depending on the dissolution of the one or more water-soluble threads (7) in the second portion (62, 62'), and (ii) A slide fastener wherein the tissue (10, 10') contains one or more water-soluble threads (7), and the second region (12, 12') has a configuration that is more flexible than the first region (11, 11') depending on the dissolution of the one or more water-soluble threads (7) in the second region (12, 12').

2. The total area of ​​all threads in the second portion (62, 62') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is smaller than the total area of ​​all threads in the first portion (61, 61') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3'), or The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the total area of ​​all threads in the second region (12, 12') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is smaller than the total area of ​​all threads in the first region (11, 11') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3').

3. The total area of ​​all threads in the second portion (62, 62') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is 9 / 10 or less, or 4 / 5 or less, of the total area of ​​all threads in the first portion (61, 61') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3'), or The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the total area of ​​all threads in the second region (12, 12') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is 9 / 10 or less, or 4 / 5 or less, of the total area of ​​all threads in the first region (11, 11') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3').

4. The total area of ​​all threads in the second portion (62, 62') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is 1 / 3 or more, 1 / 2 or more, 2 / 3 or more, or 3 / 4 or more of the total area of ​​all threads in the first portion (61, 61') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3'), or A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total area of ​​all threads in the second region (12, 12') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3') is 1 / 3 or more, 1 / 2 or more, 2 / 3 or more, or 3 / 4 or more of the total area of ​​all threads in the first region (11, 11') in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape (3, 3').

5. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the above (i) is satisfied, The slide fastener wherein the one or more water-soluble threads (7) extend across the first alternating arrangement section (63, 63') and have a smaller thread diameter or width in the second section (62, 62') compared to the thread diameter or width in the first section (61, 61').

6. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the above (i) is satisfied, the at least one core portion (6, 6') includes a plurality of water-soluble threads (7) as the one or more water-soluble threads (7), and the plurality of water-soluble threads (7) includes one or more water-soluble threads (7) joined or fused to another thread in the second portion (62, 62').

7. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one core portion (6, 6') further comprises one or more water-insoluble threads (8), The slide fastener wherein the one or more water-insoluble threads (8) have a substantially constant thread diameter or width in the first alternating arrangement section (63, 63').

8. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of water-soluble threads (7) in the second portion (62, 62') is less than the number of water-soluble threads (7) in the first portion (61, 61').

9. The aforementioned structure (10, 10') is the woven portion of the fastener tape (3, 3'), and the core portion (6, 6') is inserted into the woven portion of the fastener tape, or The slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structure (10, 10') includes a plurality of thread portions for fixing the core portion (6, 6'), and the core portion (6, 6') is woven or knitted into the structure of the fastener tape (3, 3') by the plurality of thread portions.

10. The slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the core portion (6, 6') includes a plurality of core threads (66) and a plurality of leather threads (65) arranged around the plurality of core threads (66).

11. The slide fastener according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of core threads (66) include at least one water-soluble thread (7) of the one or more water-soluble threads (7), and / or at least one non-water-soluble thread (8).

12. The slide fastener according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of leather threads (65) include at least one water-soluble thread (7) of the one or more water-soluble threads (7), and / or at least one non-water-soluble thread (8).

13. A step in manufacturing a fastener tape (3, 3') in which at least one core portion (6, 6') is fixed to a long side edge portion (31, 31') by a fixing tissue (10, 10'), wherein at least one of the at least one core portion (6, 6') and the tissue (10, 10') includes one or more water-soluble threads (7), A process for manufacturing a fastener stringer (2, 2') by attaching a plurality of fastener elements (4, 4') to at least one core portion (6, 6'), wherein the at least one core portion (6, 6') includes a first alternating arrangement portion (63, 63') of a first portion (61, 61') and a second portion (62, 62'), the first portion (61, 61') being the portion to which the fastener elements (4, 4') are attached, and the second portion (62, 62') being the fastener The process comprises a portion of the fastener tape (3, 3') extending between adjacent fastener elements (4, 4') in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the structure (10, 10') includes a second alternating arrangement portion (13, 13') in which a first region (11, 11') on the outer periphery of the first portion (61, 61') of the at least one core portion (6, 6') and a second region (12, 12') on the outer periphery of the second portion (62, 62') of the at least one core portion (6, 6') are alternately arranged, A method for manufacturing a fastener stringer, comprising the steps of: exposing the fastener stringer (2, 2') to hot water or high-temperature steam in which the water-soluble yarn (7) dissolves, partially dissolving one or more water-soluble yarns (7), and maintaining the state in which the fastener elements (4, 4') are attached to the first portion (61, 61') and the first region (11, 11'), while configuring the second portion (62, 62') to be more flexible than the first portion (61, 61') and / or the second region (12, 12') to be more flexible than the first region (11, 11').

14. The aforementioned structure (10, 10') is the woven portion of the fastener tape (3, 3'), and the core portion (6, 6') is inserted into the woven portion of the fastener tape, or The method for manufacturing a fastener stringer according to claim 13, wherein the structure (10, 10') includes a plurality of thread portions for fixing the core portion (6, 6'), and the core portion (6, 6') is woven or knitted into the structure of the fastener tape (3, 3') by the plurality of thread portions.

15. The method for manufacturing a fastener stringer according to claim 13, wherein the core portion (6, 6') includes a plurality of core threads (66) and a plurality of leather threads (65) arranged around the plurality of core threads (66).

16. The method for manufacturing a fastener stringer according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of core threads (66) include at least one water-soluble thread (7) of the one or more water-soluble threads (7), and / or at least one non-water-soluble thread (8).