Slider for slide fastener and method for operating same

Abstract

A slider (4) includes an elastic part (50) having at least one contact part (55) that contacts a first fastener element (7) in at least a first passage (61) of a Y-shaped element passage (60) and prevents movement thereof. The elastic part (50) is elastically deformable between an initial state in which the passage width of the first passage (61) is reduced by the at least one contact part (55), and a displacement state in which the at least one contact part (55) is displaced in a direction away from a first wall surface (11a) and the passage width of the first passage (61) is increased.

Description

Slider for slide fastener and its operating method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slider for a slide fastener and a method of operation thereof.

[0002] In slide fasteners, a locking member is incorporated into the slider to prevent the slider from moving freely (see, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1). However, the incorporation of the locking member increases the vertical height of the slider, which is inconsistent with the overall flatness of the slide fastener.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses providing a stopper on the side of the connecting rod of the slider to prevent the slide fastener from opening easily. The stopper does not displace on the connecting rod, so the slide fastener does not open easily, but it has the disadvantage that the slider always slides hard.

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 157146 Taiwan Patent Application Publication No. 201927193

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing a novel structure for the self-positioning function of a slider for a slide fastener.

[0006] A slider according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first vane, a second vane, and a connecting post connecting the first and second vanes. The first vane has first and second flanges protruding toward the second vane at both side edges in the slider width direction. The first and second flanges, together with the connecting post, define Y-shaped element passages for the first and second fastener elements. The first flange includes a first wall surface facing the connecting post and defining the first passage for the first fastener element. The second flange includes a second wall surface facing the connecting post and defining the second passage for the second fastener element. The slider further includes an elastic portion having at least one contact portion that contacts the first fastener element in at least the first passage to prevent its movement. The elastic portion is elastically deformable between an initial state in which the passage width of the first passage is reduced by the at least one contact portion, and a displaced state in which the passage width of the first passage is increased by displacing the at least one contact portion in a direction away from the first wall surface.

[0007] A slider operation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a slider for a slide fastener having a first wing, a second wing, and a connecting post connecting the first and second wing, wherein the first wing has first and second flanges protruding toward the second wing at first and second side edges in the slider width direction, the first and second flanges defining Y-shaped element passages for the first and second fastener elements together with the connecting post, the first flange including a first wall surface facing the connecting post defining the first passage for the first fastener element, and the second flange including a second wall surface facing the connecting post defining the second passage for the second fastener element. The slider further includes an elastic portion having at least one contact portion that contacts the first fastener element in at least the first passage to prevent its movement. The slider operation method includes a step of deforming the elastic portion from an initial state to a displaced state, and a step of elastically returning the elastic portion from the displaced state to the initial state. In the initial state, the at least one contact portion reduces the passage width of the first passage, and in the displaced state, the at least one contact portion displaces in a direction away from the first wall surface, increasing the passage width of the first passage.

[0008] With respect to the above or other aspects disclosed herein, the following features or features recited in the dependent claims may be applicable alone or in any combination.

[0009] In some cases, the resilient portion is a metal or resin leaf spring. The leaf spring may have a bent or curved shape at at least one location. The leaf spring has at least one free end, which may be configured, shaped, or positioned to prevent collision with the first fastener element passing through the first passage.

[0010] In some cases, the contact portion is a displaceable protrusion that projects toward the first wall surface.

[0011] In some cases, the contact portion has a pressed surface that is pressed by the first fastener element in a direction away from the first wall surface, and the pressed surface is formed so as to gradually approach the first wall surface and then gradually move away from the first wall surface as it extends in the direction of movement of the first fastener element in the first passage.

[0012] In some cases, the connecting post may have a receiving space that at least partially receives the elastic portion. The slider may further include at least one through-hole that penetrates the first blade, the connecting post, and the second blade in the slider thickness direction, and the at least one through-hole may include at least a portion of the receiving space or spatially communicate with the receiving space. When the first blade of the slider is viewed from the front, at least a portion of the elastic portion may be visible within the outline of the through-hole.

[0013] In some cases, the connecting post is configured or shaped to have an elastic portion. The slider may further include at least one through-hole penetrating the first vane, the connecting post, and the second vane in the slider thickness direction, and the elastic portion may be operable by a string threaded through the through-hole. The elastic portion has a loop portion located within the through-hole, and the string may be threaded through the loop portion. The center of the loop portion may be offset toward the first passage from the centerline of the slider.

[0014] In some cases, the maximum thickness of the slider is defined by the first and second vanes, and / or the slider does not have a locking member with a locking end that protrudes from a through hole formed in the first or second vane into the Y-element passage to prevent movement of the first or second fastener element. In some cases, the slider may be pull-tab-less.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a slider can be provided with a self-positioning function in a novel manner.

[0016] 1 is a top view of a slide fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a partial top view of a fastener stringer; FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a fastener stringer; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a slider body; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a slider formed by attaching attachment parts to a slider body; FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view of a slider; FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a slider, schematically showing the lower half of the slider body and the attachment parts to be attached to the connecting posts of the slider body; FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slider body at the center in the height direction of the connecting post, showing a state in which the attachment parts are not attached to the connecting post; FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slider with attachment parts attached to the connecting post; FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the elastic part of the slider in an initial state, and the passage width of the first passage being reduced by the contact part; FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the elastic part of the slider in a displaced state, and the passage width of the first passage being increased by the displacement of the contact part; FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of a slider according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slider at the connecting post. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the elastic portion of the slider in an initial state and the passage width of the first passage being reduced by the contact portion. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the elastic portion of the slider in a displaced state and the passage width of the first passage being increased by the displacement of the contact portion. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the slider. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the mounting part. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the slider. FIG. 25 is a top view of a slide fastener according to another aspect of the present disclosure, showing a form in which a conventional slider and a slider according to the present disclosure are used together. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the conventional slider shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a further modified example of the slider.

[0017] Various embodiments and features will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the embodiments and / or features without excessive explanation and will be able to understand the synergistic effects of such combinations. Duplicate descriptions between embodiments will be omitted as a general rule. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention and are simplified for ease of illustration. Each feature is not only applicable to the slider and its operating method disclosed in this specification, but is also understood as a universal feature applicable to various other sliders and their operating methods not disclosed herein.

[0018] The following directions will be used for explanation. The front-to-rear direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener. The left-to-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the slide fastener. The up-to-down direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the slide fastener. The front corresponds to the movement direction of the slider to engage the left and right fastener stringers. The rear corresponds to the movement direction of the slider to disengage the left and right fastener stringers. The up-to-down direction does not necessarily correspond to the vertical direction (direction of gravity) and is unrelated to it.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, slide fastener 1 is a long member that extends longitudinally with a constant left-right width and is attached to an object such as clothing, a bag, or a shoe by sewing, heat sealing, or the like, to enable opening and closing of an opening in the object. Slide fastener 1 has left and right fastener stringers 2, 3 and a slider 4 (without a pull tab in the illustrated case) for engaging and disengaging the left and right fastener stringers 2, 3. Fastener stringers 2, 3 include a plurality of fastener elements 5, 7 and fastener tapes 6, 8 to the side edges of which the plurality of fastener elements 5, 7 are attached.

[0020] The multiple fastener elements 5, 7 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the side edge portions 6a, 8a of the fastener tapes 6, 8. Each fastener element 5, 7 is typically an island portion made of resin or metal. The fastener tapes 6, 8 are woven or knitted fabrics or a mixture thereof, and have high flexibility. The fastener tapes 6, 8 have opposite side edge portions 6a, 8a to which the multiple fastener elements 5, 7 are attached. Core portions 6b, 8b are provided on the opposite side edge portions 6a, 8a, thereby increasing the attachment strength of each fastener element 5, 7. For example, the core portions 6b, 8b may include multiple core yarns enclosed in the hollow weave of the fastener tapes 6, 8.

[0021] The method of attaching the fastener elements 5, 7 to the fastener tapes 6, 8 can be an optimum method depending on the type of the fastener elements 5, 7. When the fastener elements 5, 7 are made of resin, molten resin adheres to the side edge portions 6a, 8a of the fastener tapes 6, 8 in the mold cavity during the injection molding process, hardens, and fixes them. When the fastener elements 5, 7 are made of metal, fastener elements (before plastic deformation) cut out from a metal rod are crimped to the side edge portions 6a, 8a of the fastener tapes 6, 8. Of course, a coil-shaped member can also be used as an alternative to the multiple fastener elements 5, 7 provided as the above-mentioned multiple island portions. The coil-shaped member is formed by spirally winding a monofilament and forming an engaging head in each spiral unit, and one spiral unit of the coil-shaped member corresponds to one fastener element.

[0022] As the slider 4 advances along the center line CL of the slide fastener 1, the left and right fastener elements 5, 7 alternately engage with each other, and the left and right fastener stringers 2, 3 become engaged. As the slider 4 moves backward, the left and right fastener elements 5, 7 are disengaged, and the left and right fastener stringers 2, 3 are disengaged. The slide fastener 1 can optionally have front stops 9a, 9b and / or rear stops 9c, which prevent the slider 4 from falling off, but these can be omitted.

[0023] 2 and 3, the fastener element 5 will be described, but the same description applies to the fastener element 7, and a duplicated description will be omitted. The fastener element 5 is attached to a core 6b provided on a side edge 6a of the fastener tape 6, and extends in a direction away from the fastener tape 6. The width direction of the fastener element 5 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 6. The length direction of the fastener element 5 coincides with the width direction of the fastener tape 6. Typically, the fastener element 5 is shaped symmetrically with respect to an element central axis CL'' parallel to the width direction (left-right direction) of the fastener tape 6, but this is not necessarily limited to this.

[0024] The fastener element 5 has a base 5a, a neck 5b, and a head 5c. The neck 5b is formed narrower than the base 5a and the head 5c. The head 5c has a top surface 5j facing the outside of the fastener tape 6 (facing the fastener stringer 3 in the state of the slide fastener 1). When the fastener element 5 is viewed from above, the top surface 5j has a curved outline that gradually moves away from the fastener tape 6 and then gradually approaches it (typically gradually) as it extends along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 6.

[0025] The fastener element 5 can have fins 5d and 5e on both sides of the neck 5b and a groove 5f on the top surface 5j of the head 5c. The head 5c has an upper head 5p and a lower head 5q on both the upper and lower sides of the groove 5f. The top surface 5j of the head 5c is divided into a top surface 5m of the upper head 5p and a top surface 5n of the lower head 5q.

[0026] When the slider 4 advances, the head of the mating fastener element 7 enters between the neck portions 5b of the adjacent fastener elements 5 inside the slider 4, thereby ensuring engagement between the fastener elements 5, 7. In addition, the fin portions 5d, 5e of the fastener element 5 enter the grooves 5f of the mating fastener element 7, thereby strengthening the engagement resistance of the fastener elements 5, 7 against external forces in the vertical direction.

[0027] The structure and function of the slider 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 . FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the slider body 4′ of the slider 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the slider 4 configured by attaching the mounting part 40 to the slider body 4′. FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view of the slider 4. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the slider 4, illustrating the lower half of the slider body 4′ and the mounting part 40 to be attached to the connecting post 30 of the slider body 4′. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slider body 4′ at the connecting post 30, showing the state before the mounting part 40 is attached to the connecting post 30. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slider 4 after the mounting part 40 is attached to the connecting post 30. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the elastic portion 50 of the slider 4 in its initial state, with the passage width of the first passage 61 reduced by the contact portion 55. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing that the elastic portion 50 of the slider 4 is in a displaced state and the passage width of the first passage 61 is increased due to the displacement of the contact portion 55.

[0028] The slider 4 is configured by attaching the attachment part 40 to the slider main body 4', thereby enabling the slider 4 to be provided with an elastic portion 50, which will be described later. Preferably, both the slider main body 4' and the attachment part 40 are metal parts. The slider main body 4' is typically formed by die-casting. The attachment part 40 is typically manufactured by bending a metal plate and / or cutting a metal block.

[0029] One advantage of using the mounting part 40 is the easy implementation of the elastic portion 50. When a metal mounting part 40 is used, a metal leaf spring (functioning as the elastic portion 50) can be easily incorporated into a portion of the mounting part 40 (for example, during a process such as bending the mounting part 40). An additional or alternative advantage is the flexibility in the manner in which the mounting part 40 is attached to the slider body 4'. In short, the mounting part 40 can be firmly attached to the slider body 4' so that it cannot be displaced, or it can be attached with some play so that the mounting part 40 can be slightly displaced on the slider body 4'. Other advantages can also be explored or predicted.

[0030] The slider 4 (also referred to as the slider body 4') has a first vane 10, a second vane 20, and a connecting post 30 connecting the first vane 10 and the second vane 20. The first vane 10 and the second vane 20 are arranged facing each other with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction. The connecting post 30 extends vertically and connects the front end of the first vane 10 to the front end of the second vane 20. The first vane 10 has first and second flanges 11, 12 that protrude upward toward the second vane 20 at both edges in the slider width direction. Similarly, the second vane 20 has first and second flanges 21, 22 that protrude downward toward the first vane 10 at both edges in the slider width direction.

[0031] The connecting post 30, together with the first and second flanges 11, 12 (similarly, the first and second flanges 21, 22), defines a Y-shaped element passage 60 for the fastener elements 5, 7. The Y-shaped element passage 60 has two front openings M1, M2 on both the left and right sides of the connecting post 30 and one rear opening M3 located rearward of the connecting post 30. The Y-shaped element passage 60 has a first passage 61 for the fastener element 7, a second passage 62 for the fastener element 5, and a third passage 63 for the engaged fastener elements 5, 7. The first passage 61 and the second passage 62 are located on both the left and right sides of the connecting post 30 (and the optional mounting part 40). The third passage 63 is located rearward of the connecting post 30 (and the optional mounting part 40). When the mounting part 40 is attached to the slider body 4′, the mounting part 40 is positioned in the Y-shaped element passage 60.

[0032] The connecting column 30 has a tapered portion 35 whose width gradually decreases toward the engagement position of the fastener elements 5, 7 in the Y-shaped element passage 60, and a front portion 36 located in front of the tapered portion 35. The tapered portion 35 has a first inclined surface 31 on the first passage 61 side, a second inclined surface 32 on the second passage 62 side, and a rear end surface 33 formed between the first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 32. The front portion 36 has a first side surface 36a on the first passage 61 side, a second side surface 36b on the second passage 62 side, and a front surface 63c. The front portion 36 is formed with a receiving space 37 that receives the elastic portion 50 of the mounting part 40, and a locking groove 38 into which a locked protrusion 45c (described below) of the mounting part 40 fits.

[0033] The first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 32 are oriented approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line CL' of the slider 4. Preferably, the front end position of the first inclined surface 31 is offset rearward from the front end position of the second inclined surface 32. This allows the receiving space 37 to have a larger spatial size. The first side surface 36a is disposed farther away from the center line CL' of the slider 4 than the second side surface 36b, and is located forward of the front end of the first flange 11 (also the first flange 21). This allows the receiving space 37 to have a sufficient depth while avoiding contact with the fastener element 7.

[0034] The receiving space 37 is recessed in the first side surface 36a and opens to the right and rear. The receiving space 37 has a bottom surface 37a and side surfaces 37b extending from the bottom surface 37a in a direction away from the center line CL' of the slider 4. The bottom surface 37a extends approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the slider 4 and / or approximately parallel to the center line CL' of the slider 4, but this is not necessarily the case. The locking groove 38 is recessed rearward from the front surface 63c. The locking groove 38 has a first bottom surface 38a and a second bottom surface 38b, with the first bottom surface 38a located rearward of the second bottom surface 38b, forming a step between them. Preferably, the boundary between the first bottom surface 38a and the second bottom surface 38b (the intermediate surface 38c between them) coincides with the center line CL' of the slider 4. This ensures sufficient attachment strength of the mounting part 40 to the connecting post 30, and at the same time ensures sufficient mechanical strength of the mounting part 40 itself. The combination of the intermediate surface 38c, the second side surface 61b, and the second bottom surface 38b forms a protrusion 39 that protrudes forward and extends in the vertical direction.

[0035] The first and second flanges 11, 12 are shaped symmetrically with respect to the center line CL' of the slider 4. In some cases, the first and second flanges 11, 12 extend substantially parallel to each other at the rear of the slider 4 and taper from the rear to the front of the slider 4 so that the distance between them increases. The first flange 11 and the first flange 21 are oriented and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a first slit SL1 is formed between them. The first slit SL1 is a passage for the fastener tape 8.

[0036] The explanation given for the first and second flanges 11, 12 also applies to the first and second flanges 21, 22. The first and second flanges 11, 12 should be read as the first and second flanges 21, 22, the first slit SL1 should be read as the second slit SL2, and the fastener tape 8 should be read as the fastener tape 6. Note that one of the first flange 11 and the second flange 21 may be omitted, and one of the second flanges 12 and the second flange 22 may be omitted. The following explanation will mainly focus on the first and second flanges 11, 12, but the same explanation also applies to the first and second flanges 21, 22 (unless otherwise specified).

[0037] The front end of the first flange 11 is offset rearward from the right shoulder 10a (for example, its front end) of the first blade 10, and a front opening M1 opens to the right. Similarly, the front end of the second flange 12 is offset rearward from the left shoulder 10b of the first blade 10, and a front opening M2 opens to the left. This ensures a wide reception width for the fastener elements 5, 7, and promotes smooth sliding of the slider 4. The rear end of the first flange 11 is at the same position in the front-to-rear direction as the rear end of the first blade 10. The same is true for the second flange 12.

[0038] The first flange 11 includes a first wall surface 11a that faces the connecting post 30 and defines a first passage 61 for the first fastener element. The second flange 12 includes a second wall surface 12a that faces the connecting post 30 and defines a second passage 62 for the second fastener element. The first wall surface 11a and the second wall surface 12a are oriented symmetrically with respect to the center line CL' of the slider 4. The first wall surface 11a and the second wall surface 12a are oriented so that the distance between them tapers forward. The first flange 11 has a third wall surface 11b behind the first wall surface 11a, and the second flange 12 has a fourth wall surface 12b behind the second wall surface 12a, with the third and fourth wall surfaces 11b, 12b being oriented approximately parallel.

[0039] The mounting part 40 is an elastically deformable frame that surrounds the connecting post 30 and preferably has a notch 49 along its circumference (see FIG. 7). The width of the notch 49 along the circumference of the mounting part 40 is variable, allowing the mounting part 40 to be easily attached to the connecting post 30. Furthermore, thanks to the above-described shape, the mounting part 40 can have an elastic portion 50 on at least one end. The height of the mounting part 40 preferably substantially matches the vertical distance W1 between the first vane 10 and the second vane 20 (see FIG. 6).

[0040] The mounting part 40 has a V-shaped portion 41 and a hook portion 45. The V-shaped portion 41 is fitted onto the tapered portion 35 of the connecting post 30 from the rear. The hook portion 45 is engaged with the engaging groove 38 in the front portion 36 of the connecting post 30, covering the connecting post 30 from the left and front sides. The V-shaped portion 41 includes a first plate portion 41a supported by the first inclined surface 31 of the connecting post 30 and a second plate portion 41b supported by the second inclined surface 32 of the connecting post 30, and the first plate portion 41a and the second plate portion 41b are connected to form a V shape. The V-shaped portion 41 further has an elastic portion 50 extending forward from the front end of the first plate portion 41a. The elastic portion 50 is elastically deformable between an initial state and a displaced state, as described below. The hook portion 45 has a side plate 45a connected to the front end of the second plate portion 42, a front plate 45b extending rightward from the front end of the side plate 45a, and a latching projection 45c protruding rearward from the right end of the front plate 45b.

[0041] When the mounting part 40 is attached to the connecting post 30, the connecting post 30 is sandwiched between the front plate 45b and the V-shaped portion 41 in the front-to-rear direction. The tapered portion 35 is sandwiched between the first plate portion 41a and the second plate portion 41b in the width direction. Furthermore, the front plate 45b and the engaging projection 45c fit into the engaging groove 38, restricting displacement of the mounting part 40 relative to the connecting post 30 in the width direction of the slider 4. In this way, the mounting part 40 can be firmly fixed to the connecting post 30. Furthermore, because the mounting part 40 has a sufficient height, the mounting part 40 will not easily displace in the up-down direction between the first vane 10 and the second vane 20.

[0042] In this embodiment, the slider 4 includes an elastic portion 50 having at least one contact portion 55 that contacts the fastener element 7 at least in the first passage 61 to prevent its movement. The elastic portion 50 is elastically deformable between an initial state (see FIG. 10 ) in which the passage width of the first passage 61 is reduced by the at least one contact portion 55, and a displaced state (see FIG. 11 ) in which the at least one contact portion 55 is displaced away from the first wall surface 11a to increase the passage width of the first passage 61. This allows the slider 4 to have a self-position-maintaining function in a novel manner. In some cases, the self-position-maintaining function can be provided to the slider 4 without necessarily increasing the vertical height of the slider 4 and in a manner that ensures smooth sliding of the slider 4. Note that in the initial state, movement of the fastener element 7 is prevented by the contact portion 55. In the displaced state, the fastener element 7 can move beyond the contact portion 55. The elastic portion 50 can be switched from the initial state to the displaced state by a human sliding the slider 4.

[0043] Preferably, the elastic portion 50 is a metal or resin leaf spring, eliminating the need for a separate introduction space for a spring. The leaf spring may have a bent or curved shape at at least one location. The free end of the leaf spring (e.g., the free end received in the receiving space 37 described below) may be configured, shaped, or positioned so as not to collide with the fastener element 7 passing through the first passage 61. This prevents or suppresses the fastener element 7 from contacting the free end of the leaf spring and causing the leaf spring to buckle when the slider 4 slides. Just to be clear, the leaf spring may also have a free end other than the one described above (e.g., one inserted through the locking groove 38).

[0044] The contact portion 55 is a displaceable convex portion that protrudes toward the first wall surface 11a. The contact portion 55 has a pressed surface 56 that is pressed by the fastener element 7 in a direction away from the first wall surface 11a. The pressed surface 56 includes a front region 57 and a rear region 58. The front region 57 gradually approaches the first wall surface 11a as it extends in the movement direction of the first fastener element in the first passage 61. The rear region 58 gradually moves away from the first wall surface 11a as it extends in the same direction. The contact portion 55 has an opposite surface 59 on the opposite side of the pressed surface 56, and preferably the opposite surface 59 is separated from the connecting post 30 and is not in contact with the connecting post 30 (when the pressed surface 56 is not pressed by the fastener element 7).

[0045] The maximum height H5 of the contact portion 55 from the reference plane PL31 including the first inclined surface 31 is less than 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the distance W2 between the reference plane PL31 and the first wall surface 11a, thereby preventing or suppressing excessively heavy sliding of the slider 4. Preferably, the relationship 0.15 < (H5 / W2) < 0.5 or 0.2 < (H5 / W2) < 0.4 is satisfied. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum height H5 may be less than 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the maximum length L7 of the fastener element 7. Note that the maximum height H5 refers to the height of the elastic portion 50 when it is in its initial state. The maximum length L7 of the fastener element 7 is typically the length at the center of the fastener element 7 in the width direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, the elastic part 50 is in its initial state, the pressed surface 56 of its contact part 55 is not pressed by the fastener element 7, and the passage width of the first passage 61 is narrow enough for the fastener element 7 to pass through (satisfying (L7 + H5) > W2). Also, the free end of the elastic part 50 is away from the bottom surface 37a of the receiving space 37 and is not in contact with it. As shown in FIG. 11, the elastic part 50 is in a displaced state, the pressed surface 56 of its contact part 55 is pressed by the fastener element 7 (toward the center line CL' of the slider 4), and the passage width of the first passage 61 is sufficient for the fastener element 7 to pass through (satisfying (L7 + H5) = W2). At this time, the free end of the elastic part 50 can contact the bottom surface 37a of the receiving space 37. When the elastic part 50 changes from the initial state to the displaced state, the maximum height H5 described above decreases to the minimum height H5'. Similarly, the maximum height H6 of the contact portion 55 from a reference plane PL36 including a side surface (e.g., the first side surface 36a) of the connecting post 30 decreases to a minimum height H6'. Preferably, (minimum height H5' / maximum height H5) is 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less, and / or 0.5 or more, 0.6 or more. Preferably, the minimum height H6' is zero or close to zero. The minimum height H6' may be located closer to the center line CL' than the reference plane PL36, i.e., it may have a negative value (e.g., this promotes an improvement in the strength of the connecting post 30).

[0047] Even if a force directed vertically toward the ground is applied to the slider 4 due to gravity, this force is not sufficient to cause elastic deformation of the elastic portion 50. Therefore, the contact portion 55 of the elastic portion 50 contacts the fastener element 7, preventing the slider 4 from moving. On the other hand, when the slider 4 is manually slid, a force sufficient to deform the elastic portion 50 is applied to the slider 4. The elastic portion 50 is pressed by the fastener element 7 and elastically deforms, and the passage width of the first passage 61 between the contact portion 55 and the first flange 11 increases, which is sufficient for the fastener element 7 to pass through. The pressed surface 56 of the contact portion 55 is pressed by the fastener element 7, and the contact portion 55 elastically deforms into a flatter shape. The fastener element 7 is compressed between the contact portion 55 and the first flange 11 (also the first flange 21), making the slider 4 slide slightly harder, but thanks to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 50 (or the displaceable contact portion 55), the increase in the sliding resistance of the slider 4 is slight or almost imperceptible to humans. If the fastener element 7 has a top surface 7j similar to the top surface 5j described at the beginning, smooth sliding of the slider 4 is promoted regardless of the contact of the fastener element 7 with the contact portion 55.

[0048] Additional or alternative features will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. In the above description, the slider 4 has a slider body 4' and a mounting part 40, and the mounting part 40 has an elastic portion 50. However, as shown in Figures 12 to 15, the connecting post 30 itself may have an elastic portion 50. In short, the slider 4 is an injection-molded product made of resin, and is injection-molded to have an elastic portion 50. Even in such an embodiment, effects similar to those of the above-described features can be obtained to the extent that they do not contradict the above description. Descriptions that overlap with those above will be omitted.

[0049] The connecting column 30 is configured or shaped to have an elastic portion 50. For this purpose, a slide core can be utilized in an injection molding mold apparatus. The elastic portion 50 is a so-called resin spring, and is elastically pivotable toward the center line CL' of the slider 4 when pressed by the fastener element 7. The elastic portion 50 may be a cantilever beam connected to the wall surface of the receiving space 37. The opening of the receiving space 37 on the side of the first passage 61 is partially closed by the elastic portion 50. When the elastic portion 50 is pressed toward the center line CL' of the slider 4 by the fastener element 7, the elastic portion 50 pivots around its base end (toward the bottom surface 37a), reducing the width of the receiving space 37 in the width direction of the slider 4. The free end of the elastic portion 50 does not contact the wall surface (e.g., the bottom surface 37a, the side surface 37b) of the connecting column 30, regardless of the state of the elastic portion 50.

[0050] The slider 4 may further include a through-hole 70 that penetrates the first blade 10, the connecting post 30, and the second blade 20 in the thickness direction of the slider 4. This through-hole 70 includes at least a portion of the receiving space 37 or is spatially connected to the receiving space 37. In this manner, the slider 4 can be thinned while allowing the attachment of a string 75 for operating the slider 4. The through-hole 70 can be used as at least a portion of the receiving space 37, and can also be used as a molding die part (slide core). Preferably, when the slider (e.g., the first blade 10 or the second blade 20) is viewed from the front, at least a portion of the elastic portion 50 is visible within the outline of the through-hole 70, allowing the normal state of the elastic portion 50 to be confirmed from the outside.

[0051] Variations will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 20. In some cases, multiple elastic portions can be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 16, in addition to the elastic portion 50 on the first passage 61 side, an elastic portion 50' can also be provided on the second passage side. In such a case, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, movement of the slider 4 can be more reliably prevented. It goes without saying that the features shown in Figure 16 can also be used in Figure 13.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 17, the free end of the elastic portion 50 may face the first passage 61. As shown in Fig. 18, the free end of the elastic portion 50 may be a cylindrical portion extending vertically. As shown in Fig. 19, a raised portion 80 may be formed on at least one of the first blade 10 and the second blade 20, thereby allowing the slider 4 to be operated more smoothly. As shown in Fig. 20, the slider 4 may be used together with a non-thin slider 400 to open and close a single slide fastener 1. By using the slider 4 as an auxiliary slider, its less-than-ideal operability is complemented by the slider 400.

[0053] 21 shows a slider 450 having a locking member 800 whose locking end protrudes from a through hole formed in the second blade 20 into the Y-shaped element passage 60 to prevent movement of the fastener elements 5, 7. The slider 4 of the present disclosure does not have such a locking member 800 and can therefore be configured to be thin. In short, the maximum thickness of the slider 4 is defined by the first blade 10 and the second blade 20. In this way, the slider can be configured to be thin while still being provided with a simple self-positioning function.

[0054] The operation method of the slider 4 is clear from the above description. To be clear, the method includes a step of deforming the elastic member 50 from an initial state to a displaced state, and a step of elastically returning the elastic member 50 from the displaced state to the initial state. In the initial state, the contact member 55 reduces the passage width of the first passage 61. In the displaced state, the contact member 55 displaces away from the first wall surface 11a, increasing the passage width of the first passage 61.

[0055] Figure 22 shows a slider 4 according to a further modification. The slider 4 has a through-hole 70 that penetrates the first blade 10, the connecting post 30, and the second blade 20 in the thickness direction of the slider 4. Furthermore, the elastic portion 50 of the connecting post 30 can be operated by a string 75 threaded through the through-hole 70. As the string 75 is pulled forward or backward, the elastic portion 50, particularly the contact portion 55, elastically deforms as described above. This not only provides the above-mentioned benefits, but also promotes smoother sliding of the slider 4. Note that the elastic portion 50 is a cantilever beam connected to the wall surface of the receiving space 37, similar to that shown in Figure 12, etc.

[0056] Typically, the elastic portion 50 has a ring-shaped portion 51 positioned within the through-hole 70, and the string 75 is threaded through the ring-shaped portion 51, but this is not limited to this. The string 75 can also be engaged with or fixed to the elastic portion 50 by other methods. Preferably, the center of the ring-shaped portion 51 is offset toward the first passage 61 from the center line CL' of the slider 4. This allows the elastic portion 50 to deform more sufficiently when the string 75 is pulled forward or backward. In the illustrated example, the ring-shaped portion 51 has an elliptical shape, and the intersection P51 of the major axis and the minor axis is offset toward the first passage 61 from the center line CL'. The ring-shaped portion can also have other ring-shaped shapes, such as a triangle, a rectangle, or a circle.

[0057] Based on the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The symbols included in the claims are for reference only and should not be used for the purpose of limiting the scope of the claims. They can be read by inverting the left and right directions. The same applies to the up and down directions and the front and back directions. The contact portion interferes with the movement of the fastener element, and can also be named an interference portion. The degree of interference is set so as not to completely prevent the movement of the fastener element.

[0058] 4: Slider 4': Slider body 8: Fastener tape 10: First blade 11: First flange 11a: First wall surface 12: Second flange 12a: Second wall surface 20: Second blade 30: Connecting column 31: First inclined surface 32: Second inclined surface 40: Mounting part 50: Elastic portion 55: Contact portion 56: Pressurized surface 60: Y-shaped element passage 61: First passage 62: Second passage

Claims

1. A slider (4) for a slide fastener, comprising a first wing plate (10), a second wing plate (20), and a connecting column (30) connecting the first wing plate (10) and the second wing plate (20), wherein the first wing plate (10) has first and second flanges (11, 12) protruding toward the second wing plate (20) at both side edges in the slider width direction, and the first and second flanges (11, 12) define a Y-shaped element passage (60) for first and second fastener elements (7, 5) together with the connecting column (30). The first flange (11) includes a first wall surface (11a) facing the connecting column (30) and defining a first passage (61) for the first fastener element (7), and the second flange (12) includes a second wall surface (12a) facing the connecting column (30) and defining a second passage (62) for the second fastener element (5). The slider (4) further includes an elastic part (50) having at least one contact part (55) that contacts the first fastener element (7) in at least the first passage (61) and prevents its movement. The elastic part (50) is elastically deformable between an initial state in which the passage width of the first passage (61) is reduced by the at least one contact part (55) and a displaced state in which the at least one contact part (55) is displaced in a direction away from the first wall surface (11a) and the passage width of the first passage (61) is increased.

2. The slider according to claim 1, wherein the elastic part (50) is a leaf spring made of metal or resin.

3. The slider according to claim 2, wherein the leaf spring has a shape bent or curved at at least one location.

4. The slider according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the leaf spring has at least one free end, and the free end is configured, shaped, or positioned such that the first fastener element (7) passing through the first passage (61) does not collide with it.

5. The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact part (55) is a displaceable convex part protruding toward the first wall surface (11a).

6. The contact portion (55) has a surface to be pressed (56) that is pressed in a direction away from the first wall surface (11a) by the first fastener element (7), and the surface to be pressed (56) gradually approaches the first wall surface (11a) as it extends in the moving direction of the first fastener element (7) in the first passage (61), and then is formed to gradually separate from the first wall surface (11a). The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The connecting column (30) has a receiving space (37) that at least partially receives the elastic portion (50). The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further provided with at least one through hole (70) penetrating the first wing plate (10), the connecting column (30), and the second wing plate (20) in the slider thickness direction, and the at least one through hole (70) includes at least a part of the receiving space (37) or is spatially communicated with the receiving space (37). The slider according to claim 7.

9. When the first wing plate (10) of the slider is viewed from the front, at least a part of the elastic portion (50) is visible within the contour of the through hole (70). The slider according to claim 8.

10. The connecting column (30) has a tapered portion (35) whose width gradually decreases toward the engagement positions of the first and second fastener elements (7, 5) in the Y-shaped element passage (60), and the tapered portion (35) has a first inclined surface (31) on the side of the first passage (61) and a second inclined surface (32) on the side of the second passage (62). The maximum height (H5) of the contact portion (55) from the reference plane (PL31) including the first inclined surface (31) is less than 1 / 2 or less than 1 / 3 of the distance between the reference plane (PL31) and the first wall surface (11a). The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further including an attachment part (40) attached to the slider body (4') including the first wing plate (10), the second wing plate (20), and the connecting column (30), and the attachment part (40) includes the elastic portion (50). The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The connecting column (30) is configured or shaped to have the elastic portion (50). The slider according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Further comprising at least one through hole (70) penetrating the first wing plate (10), the connecting column (30), and the second wing plate (20) in the slider thickness direction, and the elastic part (50) is operable by a string (75) passed through the through hole (70), the slider according to claim 12.

14. The elastic part (50) has an annular part (51) located in the through hole (70), and the string (75) is passed through the annular part (51), the slider according to claim 13.

15. The center of the annular part (51) is offset toward the first passage (61) side from the center line (CL') of the slider (4), the slider according to claim 14.

16. The maximum thickness of the slider (4) is defined by the first wing plate (10) and the second wing plate (20), and / or the slider (4) does not have a locking member (800) whose locking end protrudes from the through hole formed in the first or second wing plate (10, 20) into the Y-shaped element passage (60) to prevent the movement of the first or second fastener element (7, 5), the slider according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A method of operating a slider (4) for a slide fastener, the slider (4) comprising a first wing plate (10), a second wing plate (20), and a connecting post (30) connecting the first wing plate (10) and the second wing plate (20), wherein the first wing plate (10) has first and second flanges (11, 12) protruding toward the second wing plate (20) at first and second side edges in the slider width direction, and the first and second flanges (11, 12) define, together with the connecting post (30), a Y-shaped element passage (60) for first and second fastener elements (7, 5), the first flange (11) includes a first wall surface (11a) defining a first passage (61) for the first fastener element (7) facing the connecting post (30), and the second flange (12) includes a second wall surface (12a) defining a second passage (62) for the second fastener element (5) facing the connecting post (30). The method of operating the slider (4) for a slide fastener further includes an elastic part (50) having at least one contact part (55) that contacts the first fastener element (7) in at least the first passage (61) to prevent its movement. The method of operating the slider (4) includes a step of deforming the elastic part (50) from an initial state to a displaced state, and a step of elastically returning the elastic part (50) from the displaced state to the initial state. In the initial state, the passage width of the first passage (61) is reduced by the at least one contact part (55), and in the displaced state, the at least one contact part (55) is displaced in a direction away from the first wall surface (11a) to increase the passage width of the first passage (61).

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