Slider for slide fastener

Abstract

Provided is a slider for a slide fastener that is slidably provided to a pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) extending in the front-rear direction, wherein: the slider for a slide fastener has a first blade plate (110), a second blade plate (120), and a connecting column (130); the first blade plate (110) has a middle partition part (113) and first relief parts (111) formed by recessing a facing surface (110a) facing the second blade plate (120); and the first relief parts (111) are provided near the center in the left-right direction on the facing surface (110a) and disposed at least at the front end part and the rear end part of the first blade plate (110).

Description

Slider for slide fastener

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

[0002] Known types of slide fasteners include normal slide fasteners in which the element row is generally attached so that it is visible on the outside (front side) of the product, reverse-use slide fasteners in which the element row is attached to the inside (back side) of the product so that it is less visible, and hidden slide fasteners in which the side edges of the left and right fastener tapes are folded back in a U-shape in the width direction and the element row is attached to the folded back tape portion.

[0003] Reverse-use and concealed-type slide fasteners are advantageous in that they do not interfere with the design of the product due to their concealment, and are therefore suitable for use in various types of clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, etc. In recent years, they have also been used in seat covers for various types of seats in automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. An example of such a reverse-use slide fastener is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-56076

[0005] In the slide fastener described in Patent Document 1, a gap is formed between a pair of left and right fastener tapes, and therefore, when an external force acts on the pair of left and right fastener tapes in a direction that moves them apart, the element row becomes easily visible through the gap, which may deteriorate the design. As a countermeasure to this, in addition to the hidden type slide fastener, a method can be considered in which one widthwise end portion of the pair of fastener tapes is formed slightly longer, and when the element rows are engaged with each other, one widthwise end portion of the pair of fastener tapes is buckled in an arched shape to bring them into close contact, thereby maintaining visibility, as shown in Figure 2.

[0006] In this case, there is a problem that one end in the width direction of the fastener tape gets caught inside the slider, increasing sliding resistance and making it impossible to smoothly open and close the slide fastener with the slider. Therefore, even in a slide fastener in which one end in the width direction of the fastener tape is brought into close contact with each other to maintain visibility, there is a demand for a slider for a slide fastener that reduces sliding resistance within the slider and enables smooth opening and closing.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a slider for a slide fastener that reduces sliding resistance within the slider and enables smooth opening and closing, even in the case of a slide fastener in which the fastener tape is closely attached to maintain visibility.

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following configuration. [1] A slider for a slide fastener is provided slidably on a pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) extending in the front-to-rear direction, and slides in a front direction to engage the pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) and in a rear direction to separate the pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5), the slider having: a first vane (110) and a second vane (120) arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in a vertical direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction in which the fastener stringers (3, 5) are arranged and the front-to-rear direction in which the fastener stringers (3, 5) extend; and a connecting post (130) connecting the first vane (110) and the second vane (120) at their front ends, the first vane (110) being provided behind the connecting post (130), and having a middle partition (113) that projects from the first vane (110) toward the second vane (120) and extends in the front-to-rear direction; a first recess (111) provided between the connecting post (130) and the partition (113) and between the left and right edge portions of the first blade (110), respectively, and formed by recessing an opposing surface (110a) that faces the second blade (120); the first recess (111) is provided near the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (110a), and is positioned at least at the front end and rear end of the first blade (110).

[0009] According to the present invention, even in a slide fastener in which visibility is maintained by closely adhering the fastener tape, sliding resistance within the slider is reduced, allowing the slider to be opened and closed smoothly.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a surface view showing a slider fastener using a slider according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are engaged. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slider. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the slider. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the slider. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the slider. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 5 showing the lower blade. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 5 showing the upper blade. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 7 showing the element guideway. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a slider according to a second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side view showing a slider according to the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in Fig. 17, showing the upper blade.

[0011] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a slide fastener to which a slider for a slide fastener according to each embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the "front-rear direction" of the slider refers to the sliding direction of the slider, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener. In particular, the direction in which the slider slides to engage the left and right element rows is referred to as the "forward direction," and the direction in which the slider slides to separate the left and right element rows is referred to as the "rearward direction." The "left-right direction" refers to the direction in which a pair of element rows are arranged, a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider, and can also be referred to as the width direction of the slide fastener. Furthermore, the "up-down direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the slider or fastener tape, or the height direction of the element rows. The "up-down direction" can also be referred to as the "front-rear direction."

[0012] (Configuration of slide fastener 1) Fig. 1 is a surface view showing a slider fastener using a slider according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener shown in Fig. 1, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are engaged with each other.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide fastener 1 includes a pair of left and right fastener stringers 3 and 5, and a slider 40 that opens and closes the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3 and 5.

[0014] The pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 are long and comprise a pair of first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 each having a back surface 11, 21 and a front surface 13, 23, a first element row 50 provided on the back surface 11 of one widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10, and a second element row 60 provided on the back surface 21 of one widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20.

[0015] The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are woven or knitted fabrics made of polyester yarn or the like and have excellent flexibility. The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may also be made of nonwoven fabric.

[0016] The slider 40 engages and separates the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60. The slider 40 includes a slider body 100, a pull tab attachment portion 42 provided on the surface of the slider body 100, and a pull tab 43 attached to the pull tab attachment portion 42. When the slider 40 moves forward (upward in the drawing), the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 engage with each other as shown in FIG. 2 . On the other hand, when the slider 40 moves backward (downward in the drawing), the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 separate. The slide fastener 1 may also include an upper stop portion and a lower stop portion (not shown). Instead of the lower stop portion, an opening device having a box pin and a box body may be provided.

[0017] The first and second element rows 50, 60 are coil-shaped fastener element rows formed by winding a synthetic resin monofilament in a certain direction, and include a plurality of elements 31. The first and second element rows 50, 60 have a core cord 32 inserted inside the plurality of elements 31, and are sewn to the back surface 11 of one widthwise end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the back surface 21 of one widthwise end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 by a sewing thread 33 that is double chain stitched. In addition, examples of the synthetic resin material of the monofilament include polyester and nylon.

[0018] The element 31 includes a first leg 31b extending from the front end of the interlocking head 31a, which interlocks with and separates from the mating element 31, toward the other end in the width direction and in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, a second leg 31c extending from the back end of the interlocking head 31a toward the other end in the width direction and not in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a connecting portion 31d connecting the outer end of the first leg 31b in the width direction to the other end in the width direction of the second leg 31c of the adjacent element 31. Therefore, the first leg 31b and the second leg 31c are formed to protrude from the interlocking head 31a and extend parallel to each other.

[0019] 2 shows the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. This meshing center O is the central position when the elements 31, 31 mesh with each other, and coincides with the center of the slide fastener 1 in the width direction.

[0020] When the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, one widthwise end face 10b of the first fastener tape 10 extends toward the second fastener tape 20 (one widthwise end side) from the position of the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. Similarly, one widthwise end face 20b of the second fastener tape 20 extends toward the first fastener tape 10 (one widthwise end side) from the position of the meshing center O. In other words, as shown in Fig. 2 , the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap the meshing center O when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are meshed with each other.

[0021] As a result, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward (upward in the drawing) from a state in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 (first and second element rows 50, 60) are separated, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked as shown in Fig. 2. At this time, one widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and one widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20 press against each other in the width direction, deform, and buckle into a convex arch on the front side, thereby coming into close contact with each other.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 come into close contact with each other, so that no gap (so-called partition) is formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 as in conventional reverse-operated slide fasteners. Therefore, when a user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, resulting in an excellent appearance. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for articles whose aesthetic appearance is made of resin, such as car seats, bags, and furniture.

[0023] Furthermore, because the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 buckle archingly to adhere to each other, even if a force (so-called lateral pulling) acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 in a direction that moves them apart, the degree of buckling weakens slightly and the adherence state is maintained to the extent that the meshing gap between the elements 31, 31 is canceled. Therefore, even if a lateral pulling force acts on the slide fastener 1, the slide fastener 1 can maintain a good appearance.

[0024] Furthermore, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are waterproofed, which effectively prevents moisture from penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the slide fastener 1 when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are engaged, thereby providing excellent waterproofing.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the back surfaces 11, 21 of the widthwise end faces 10b, 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are spaced apart from the first and second element rows 50, 60 (elements 31) in the front-to-back direction, and first and second spaces T1, T2 are defined between them. The provision of the first and second spaces T1, T2 allows the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to easily buckle when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are combined with the slider 40. Furthermore, the larger the first and second spaces T1, T2, the larger the crimping area between the surfaces 13, 23 of the widthwise end faces 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and the less likely gaps are to form between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. This results in a superior appearance and improved waterproofing.

[0026] With the above-described slide fastener 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward to engage the first and second element rows 50, 60, the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, which are formed longer than usual, may get caught inside the slider body 100, resulting in increased sliding resistance. For this reason, the following describes the configuration of the slider 40 that can reduce sliding resistance even in a slide fastener 1 in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are buckled to improve waterproofness and aesthetics.

[0027] (Configuration of slider 40) Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the first embodiment of the slider body 100 constituting the slider 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 10. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the slider. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the slider. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the slider. Fig. 7 is a bottom view showing the slider. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in Fig. 5 showing the lower blade. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in Fig. 5 showing the upper blade. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in Fig. 7 showing the element guideway.

[0028] The slider body 100 includes upper and lower blades 110 and 120 arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, a vertical connecting column 130 connecting the upper and lower blades 110 and 120 at their front ends, flanges 140a projecting downward along both left and right widthwise edges of the upper blade 110, and flanges 140b projecting upward along both left and right widthwise edges of the lower blade 120. As a result, left and right shoulder openings 101 separated by the connecting column 130 are formed in the front of the slider body 100, and a rear opening 102 is formed in the rear of the slider body 100. Furthermore, a substantially Y-shaped element guide path 103 is formed between the upper blade 110 and the lower blade 120, connecting the left and right shoulder openings 101 and the rear opening 102, and the first and second element rows 50 and 60 are inserted through this element guide path 103. The slider body 100 is made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0029] The upper wing 110 has, on its surface (opposing surface 110a of the upper wing 110) facing the lower wing 120, a front-to-rear partition 113 inserted between the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a first relief portion 111 forming a space for retracting the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Second relief portions 131 for forming a space for retracting the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the upper part of the connecting post 130. Support surfaces 135 for maintaining the orientation of the element 31 are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the lower part of the connecting post 130. The lower blade 120 has a protrusion 121 formed on a surface (opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120) facing the upper blade 110, which supports the second leg 31c of each element 31 meshed in the element guide passage 103. The configurations of the middle partition 113, the first recess 111, the second recess 131, the support surface 135, and the protrusion 121 will be described in detail below.

[0030] The partition 113 is located at the center of the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 in the left-right direction and is a protruding piece that protrudes downward from the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 toward the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120. The partition 113 is formed as a narrow plate extending in the front-to-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting post 130 to the rear end (rear opening 102) of the upper blade 110. In the illustrated example, the partition 113 has a front partition portion 113a that extends from the front end to the midpoint in the front-to-rear direction, and a rear partition portion 113b that extends from the rear end of the front partition portion 113a to the rear end of the upper blade 110 and protrudes downward less than the front partition portion 113a. For details of this configuration, please refer to Figures 4, 9, 10, etc.

[0031] The partition front portion 113a protrudes downward slightly more than the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, the lower end of the partition front portion 113a is located slightly closer to the lower blade 120 than the lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 5 . On the other hand, the partition rear portion 113b protrudes downward less than the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, the lower end of the partition rear portion 113b is located closer to the upper blade 110 than the lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. The lower end of the partition portion 113 has a smooth R-shape. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 7 . In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the partition front portion 113a is slightly longer in the front-to-rear direction than the partition rear portion 113b. The partition 113 need only be formed so that the amount of protrusion toward the lower blade 120 gradually decreases toward the rear, and is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawing.

[0032] According to this configuration, by making the partition rear portion 113b protrude downward less than the partition front portion 113a, even if an opening device or the like (not shown) is provided on the slide fastener 1, a space can be secured to accommodate the opening device or the like at the rear of the element guide path 103. In other words, the partition portion 113 can be provided on the slider body 100 regardless of whether an opening device is provided or not.

[0033] The first recesses 111 are grooves extending in the front-rear direction formed by recessing the inner lateral side of the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110. A pair of first recesses 111 are provided adjacent to the outer lateral sides of the connecting posts 130 and the partition 113, and extend in the front-rear direction from the front end (shoulder 101) to the rear end (rear opening 102) of the upper blade 110. This makes the thickness of the portion of the upper blade 110 where the first recesses 111 are formed thinner than the thickness of the remaining portions. In other words, the first recesses 111 formed in the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 are located between the flanges 140a provided on the left and right edges of the upper blade 110 and the connecting posts 130 and the partition 113 provided in the center of the upper blade 110, near the connecting posts 130 or the partition 113.

[0034] The first recesses 111 are curved outward toward the left and right along the flanges 140a of the upper blades 110. In other words, the pair of left and right first recesses 111 are curved away from each other from the rear opening 102 toward the shoulder opening 101. This configuration can be seen in Figure 9. The width of the first recesses 111 is wider at the shoulder opening 101 than at the rear opening 102.

[0035] According to this configuration, the first relief portions 111 provide spaces on the left and right inner sides of the upper portion of the element guide path 103 for allowing the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to escape so as not to come into strong contact with the upper wing 110 inside the slider body 100. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15. The width of the first relief portions 111 is formed wider at the shoulder opening 101 than at the rear opening 102, so that the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the unengaged mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 29 are less likely to interfere with the shoulder opening 101 and the connecting post 130. Furthermore, since the first relief portions 111 are formed from the front end of the upper wing 110, the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be supported (guided) so as to smoothly enter the shoulder opening 101 of the slider 40. Similarly, the first escape portion 111 extends to the rear end of the upper wing plate 110, and therefore can support (guide) the smooth exit of the widthwise one end portions 10a, 20a of the closely-attached mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from the rear opening 102.

[0036] The second recesses 131 are formed by cutting out the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130, which is formed in a rectangular (elliptical) cross section that is long in the front-to-rear direction, inwardly to the left and right as it extends rearward. By forming the pair of left and right second recesses 131 in the connecting post 130, the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130 is formed into an acute-angled mountain shape or V-shape. In addition, a step 132 is formed in the middle of the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130 in the vertical direction, extending in the front-to-rear direction along the lower ends of the pair of second recesses 131. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 8 .

[0037] The step portion 132 forms a flat surface extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting column 130 at the vertical midpoint of the rear part of the connecting column 130. The flat surface forming the step portion 132 comes into contact with one widthwise end portion 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and thereby also functions as a guide surface that guides the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 so that they buckle smoothly into a mountain shape.

[0038] The vertical position of the step 132 on the connecting pillar 130 is desirably formed within a range of 30 to 70% from the lower end of the connecting pillar 130. In other words, the vertical position of the step 132 is formed so as to be approximately half the vertical height position of the element 31 guided in the element guide path 103. With this configuration, the one widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can easily come into contact with the step 132. This makes it possible to prevent the one widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from getting caught between the coupling head portion 31a of the element 31 and the connecting pillar 130.

[0039] In the example shown, the guide surface, which is the step portion 132, is slightly inclined toward the lower wing plate 120 toward the left and right outward, but depending on the material of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the length of the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a, etc., it may be inclined toward the upper wing plate 110 toward the left and right outward, or may be formed parallel to the upper wing plate 110 and the lower wing plate 120 so that the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 buckle smoothly.

[0040] According to this configuration, the second recess 131 is formed by trimming the upper rear side of the connecting post 130, so that the processing of the second recess 131 is easy and inexpensive.

[0041] The support surfaces 135 are curved surfaces provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower part of the connecting column 130 and extending in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of the connecting column 130. The support surfaces 135 are curved along the rear end of the engaging head 31 a of the element 31, and are formed so as to support the left and right inner sides of the element 31 guided from the shoulder 101 to the element guide path 103.

[0042] In the element guide path 103, as the element 31 moves rearward from the shoulder 101, the engagement head 31a may tilt toward the lower blade 120, and one widthwise end portion 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may become caught between the element 31 and the connecting post 130. As a result, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may overlap in the element guide path 103, causing a sudden increase in sliding resistance of the slider 40. To address this problem, the support surface 135 formed on the connecting post 130 supports the element 31 and maintains the position of the element 31 until the first and second element rows 50, 60 are engaged, thereby efficiently preventing an increase in sliding resistance of the slider 40. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 15 , etc., which will be described later.

[0043] The protrusion 121 is formed at the left-right center of the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120, extending in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting post 130 to the rear opening 102, and protruding from the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120 toward the upper blade 110. The protrusion 121 serves as a guide surface on which the second leg 31c of each element 31 constituting the first and second element rows 50, 60 is placed after the elements 31 are engaged by the slider body 100. The left-right width of the protrusion 121 is approximately the same as that of the connecting post 130 directly behind the connecting post 130, and becomes narrower toward the rear opening 102. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 8 .

[0044] (Operations and Effects) Next, the opening and closing operations of the first and second element rows 50, 60 via the slider body portion 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Figs. 11 to 15. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion.

[0045] When the slider 40 is operated to slide forward along the slide fastener 1 to close the slider body 100, the slider body 100 can engage the first and second element rows 50, 60 spaced apart on the left and right.

[0046] Specifically, when the slider 40 is closed, the first element row 50 is first guided from one side of the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103, and the second element row 60 is guided from the other side of the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103. At this time, the element guide path 103 has a space for retracting the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 on the upper wing 110 side due to the first escape portion 111 formed in the upper wing 110. Therefore, even if the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are sewn are formed longer than usual and curved in a mountain shape (U-shape), the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are smoothly guided from the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103 without getting caught. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 11 . Furthermore, since the first relief portion 111 extends from the front end to the rear end of the upper blade 110, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are less likely to come into contact with the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110, which allows smooth sliding of the slider 40. This configuration can be seen in Figures 11 to 15.

[0047] Next, the first and second element rows 50, 60, guided from the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103, are guided so as to gradually approach each other in the left-right direction as they move rearward. The first element row 50 and the second element row 60 are guided to the point where the Y-shaped element guide path 103 joins (the rear end of the connecting column 130), thereby allowing the elements 31 to mesh with each other. At this time, the element guide path 103 has a space for the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to retreat toward the inside (connecting column 130) in the left-right direction, where they face each other, due to the second relief portion 131 formed in the connecting column 130. This prevents the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from coming into strong contact with the upper wing 110 or the connecting column 130, thereby preventing an increase in sliding resistance. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 15 .

[0048] Next, behind the connecting column 130 of the element guide path 103, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked, so that the widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction, deforming and buckling into a convex arch on the front side. At this time, the middle partition portion 113 provided on the upper blade 110 is inserted between the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, so that the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be reliably buckled. Therefore, the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 overlap each other in the vertical direction without buckling, efficiently and reliably preventing a sudden increase in sliding resistance. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 .

[0049] Additionally, behind the connecting pillar 130 of the element guideway 103, the protrusion 121 provided on the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120 allows the element 31 engaged by the slider body 100 to approach the opposing surface of the upper blade 110. This prevents the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from overlapping in the gap formed between the lower end of the partition 113 and the first leg 31b of the engaged element 31. In other words, the partition 113 can be more reliably inserted between the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, allowing the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to be smoothly buckled. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 .

[0050] When the slider 40 is opened by sliding it rearward along the slide fastener 1, the slider body 100 can switch the first and second element rows 50, 60, which are in an interlocked state, to a state in which they are spaced apart to the left and right. In other words, the open and closed states of the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 can be switched via the slider body 100. This configuration can be seen in Figure 1. As described above, even with a slide fastener 1 in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed long, the slider 40 can be smoothly opened and closed.

[0051] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of the slider body 200 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19, focusing on differences from the above-described examples. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the slider of the second embodiment. Figure 17 is a side view showing the slider of the second embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 17, showing the upper blade.

[0052] The slider body 200 includes an upper blade 210, a lower blade 120, a connecting post 130, and flange portions 140a and 140b.

[0053] On the opposing surface of the upper wing 210, there is formed a middle partition section 113 extending in the front-to-rear direction from the connecting post 130 toward the rear, and a first recess section 211 formed on the left and right outer sides of the middle partition section 113.

[0054] The first recess 211 has a pair of first front recess portions 211a provided at the shoulder 101 and a pair of first rear recess portions 211b provided along the middle partition portion.

[0055] The first front relief portions 211a are grooves formed in the pair of left and right shoulders 101 by cutting out arcuate notches in the front edge of the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110. The first rear relief portions 211b are arranged with a small space between them on both the left and right sides of the connecting post 130. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 18.

[0056] The first rear relief portions 211b are grooves formed by recessing the opposing surface 210a of the upper blade 210 in the front-rear direction along the partition 113, and are arranged adjacent to both the left and right sides of the partition 113. Specifically, the first rear relief portions 211b extend in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting pillar 130 to the rear end of the partition 113. The left and right inner sides of the first rear relief portions 211b are formed to rise in the vertical direction along the partition 113 and the rear end of the connecting pillar 130, while the left and right outer sides are connected to the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 via inclined portions 212. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 18 .

[0057] According to this configuration, when the first and second fastener stringers 3, 5 spaced apart from each other on the left and right are guided to the shoulder 101 of the slider body 100, the first escape front portion 211a prevents the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first fastener tapes 10, 20 from contacting the upper wing 110 and being deformed or from generating sliding resistance. Also, the first escape rear portion 211b makes it difficult for the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 in the slider body 100 to contact the opposing surface 210a of the upper wing 210, thereby smoothing the sliding of the slider 40. Also, unlike the first embodiment, the first escape portion 211 extending in the front-to-rear direction is not formed over the entire opposing surface 110a of the upper wing 110, but is divided into the first escape front portion 211a and the first escape rear portion 211b, which makes it easier to process the first escape portion 211. Furthermore, since a small space is provided between the first escape front portion 211a and both the left and right sides of the connecting pillar 130, the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are brought into contact with the wall portions of the groove-shaped first escape front portion 211a, thereby supporting the formation into a mountain shape. The mountain-shaped portions of the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 formed into a mountain shape are smoothly accommodated within the first escape front portion 211a.

[0058] As described above, the present specification discloses the following: (1) A slider for a slide fastener is provided slidably on a pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) extending in the front-to-rear direction, and slides in a front direction to engage the pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5) and in a rear direction to separate the pair of left and right fastener stringers (3, 5), the slider having: a first vane (110) and a second vane (120) arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in a vertical direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction in which the fastener stringers (3, 5) are arranged and the front-to-rear direction in which the fastener stringers (3, 5) extend; and a connecting post (130) connecting the first vane (110) and the second vane (120) at their front ends, the first vane (110) being provided behind the connecting post (130), and having a middle partition (113) that projects from the first vane (110) toward the second vane (120) and extends in the front-to-rear direction; a first relief portion (111) provided between the connecting post (130) and the partition portion (113) and between the left and right edges of the first blade (110) and formed by recessing an opposing surface (110a) facing the second blade (120), the first relief portion (111) being provided near the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (110a) and being disposed at least at the front and rear ends of the first blade (110). According to this configuration, a space can be formed at the shoulder opening 101 and the rear opening 102 of the slider 40 to prevent one widthwise end portion 10a, 20a of the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 from getting caught, thereby preventing an increase in sliding resistance of the slider 40 and allowing the slider 40 to be opened and closed smoothly.

[0059] (2) The slider for a slide fastener according to (1), wherein the partition (113) extends from the rear end of the connecting post (130) to the rear end of the first blade (110). According to this configuration, the partition (113) is inserted between the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 behind the connecting post, so that the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 can be prevented from overlapping vertically within the slider 40, thereby preventing an increase in sliding resistance.

[0060] (3) The slider for a slide fastener according to (1) or (2), wherein a second relief portion (131) is formed on the rear side surface of the connecting post (130) near the first blade (110) by cutting out the left and right inward toward the rear. According to this configuration, a space for retracting one end of the left and right fastener tapes in the width direction can be formed at the rear of the connecting post, so that the left and right fastener tapes can be prevented from getting caught inside the slider, thereby preventing an increase in sliding resistance.

[0061] (4) The slider for a slide fastener according to (3), wherein the connecting pillar (130) has a step (132) formed in the vertical midpoint, the step (132) extending in the front-rear direction along the lower end of the second relief portion (131). According to this configuration, the step (132) functions as a guide surface for smoothly buckling the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 into a mountain shape.

[0062] (5) The slider for a slide fastener according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein support surfaces (135) for supporting the elements (31) constituting the fastener stringers (3, 5) are formed at the boundary edges between the left and right side surfaces of the connecting column (130) and the second vanes (120). According to this configuration, the orientation of the elements 31 within the slider 40 can be maintained, and therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent the fastener tapes 10, 20 from getting caught between the elements 31 and the connecting column 130 as the elements 31 tilt within the slider 40, thereby preventing an increase in the sliding resistance of the slider 40.

[0063] (6) The slider for a slide fastener according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the partition portion (113) has a partition front portion (113a) and a partition rear portion (113b) that protrudes more toward the second blade (120) than the partition front portion (113a). According to this configuration, even if an opening device or the like (not shown) is provided on the slide fastener, a space for accommodating the opening device or the like can be secured within the slider 40.

[0064] (7) The slider for a slide fastener according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the width of the first relief portion (111) is larger at the front end of the first blade (110) than at the rear end. With this configuration, the width of the shoulder 101 of the slider 40 can be widened, so that even if one end portions 10a, 20a of the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 in the width direction are long, they can be prevented from getting caught at the shoulder 101.

[0065] (8) The slider for a slide fastener according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first relief portion (111) extends from the front end to the rear end of the first blade (110). With this configuration, the left and right fastener tapes 10, 20 are less likely to come into contact with the opposing surfaces 110a of the upper blades 110 inside the slider 40, thereby allowing the slider 40 to slide smoothly.

[0066] (9) The slider for a slide fastener according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the second blade (120) has a protrusion (121) extending rearward from the rear end of the connecting post (130) at the left-right center of the surface (120a) facing the first blade (110) and serving as a guide surface for guiding the leg portion (31c) of the element (31). This configuration stabilizes the posture of the element 31 passing through the slider 40. Furthermore, by maintaining an appropriate gap between the partition portion 113 and the element 31, it is possible to prevent the pair of fastener tapes 10, 20 from overlapping within the gap.

[0067] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slide fastener 3 First fastener stringer 5 Second fastener stringer 10 First fastener tape 10a One end in width direction 11 Back surface 13 Front surface 20 Second fastener tape 20a One end in width direction 21 Back surface 23 Front surface 31 Element 31a Interlocking head 31b First leg portion 31c Second leg portion (leg portion) 31d Connecting portion 32 Core string 33 Sewing thread 40 Slider 42 Pull tab attachment portion 43 Pull tab 50 First element row 60 Second element row 100 Slider body portion 101 Shoulder opening 102 Rear opening 103 Element guide path 110 Upper blade (first blade) 110a Opposing surface 111 First relief portion 113 Intermediate partition portion 113a Intermediate partition front portion 113b Rear part of middle partition 120 Lower blade (second blade) 120a Opposing surface 121 Protruding part 130 Connecting pillar 132 Step part 135 Support surface 140a Flange part 140b Flange part 200 Slider body part 210 Upper blade 211 First relief part 211a First relief front part 211b First relief rear part 212 Inclined part

Claims

1. A slider for a slide fastener that is slidably provided on a pair of left and right fastener strings (3, 5) extending in the front-rear direction, and slides in a front direction in which the pair of left and right fastener strings (3, 5) are engaged and a rear direction in which the pair of left and right fastener strings (3, 5) are separated. The slider for a slide fastener has a first wing plate (110) and a second wing plate (120) that are spaced apart and opposed to each other in the vertical direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in which the fastener strings (3, 5) are arranged and the front-rear direction in which the fastener strings (3, 5) extend, and a connecting column (130) that connects the front ends of the first wing plate (110) and the second wing plate (120). The first wing plate (110) is provided behind the connecting column (130), has a partition portion (113) that protrudes from the first wing plate (110) toward the second wing plate (120) and extends in the front-rear direction, and a first escape portion (111) formed by recessing an opposing surface (110a) facing the second wing plate (120) between the connecting column (130), the partition portion (113), and the left and right edge portions of the first wing plate (110). The first escape portion (111) is provided closer to the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (110a) and is disposed at least at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the first wing plate (110).

2. The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the partition portion (113) extends from the rear end portion of the connecting column (130) to the rear end portion of the first wing plate (110).

3. The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein a second escape portion (131) that is notched inward in the left and right directions toward the rear is formed on the rear side surface of the connecting column (130) closer to the first wing plate (110).

4. The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 3, wherein a stepped portion (132) that extends in the front-rear direction along the lower end of the second escape portion (131) is formed at a midway portion in the vertical direction of the connecting column (130).

5. The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein a support surface (135) that supports an element (31) constituting the fastener string (3, 5) is formed at the boundary edge portion of the left and right side surfaces of the connecting column (130) with the second wing plate (120).

6. The partition portion (113) includes a front partition portion (113a) and a rear partition portion (113b) having a larger protrusion amount toward the second wing plate (120) than the front partition portion (113a). The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1.

7. The width of the first relief portion (111) is such that the front end of the first wing plate (110) is larger than the rear end. The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1.

8. The first relief portion (111) extends from the front end to the rear end of the first wing plate (110). The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1.

9. The second wing plate (120) has a protrusion portion (121) that extends rearward from the rear end of the connecting column (130) at the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (120a) with the first wing plate (110), and serves as a guide surface for guiding the leg portion (31c) of the element (31). The slider for a slide fastener according to claim 1.