CN107549939B

CN107549939B - Slide fastener manufacturing apparatus and slide fastener manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: CN107549939B
Application number: CN201610507465.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杉本笃纪; 梅川道; 佐佐木真敏; 中一妙子
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2021-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-30
Also published as: CN107549939A

Abstract

The invention provides a zipper manufacturing device and a zipper manufacturing method. The zipper manufacturing device comprises: a rotating unit in which a plurality of gripper pairs configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain obtained by cutting a first fastener chain are provided along a circumferential direction; and a fixing section provided with a plurality of processing units that process a second fastener chain held by a pair of grippers that are displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with rotation of the rotating section. The plurality of processing units includes: a first processing unit including a space forming part for forming a space part in the coupling element of the second fastener chain; and a second processing unit configured to be able to dispose the slider near an end of the remaining engaging element of the second fastener chain through the space portion. The device of the invention can promote the miniaturization of a zipper manufacturing system.

Description

Slide fastener manufacturing apparatus and slide fastener manufacturing method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a slide fastener (slider fastener) manufacturing apparatus and a slide fastener manufacturing method.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. The zipper manufacturing apparatus disclosed in this document includes a fixed table (table) portion provided with a plurality of processing portions, and a rotating body. The rotating body is provided with a holding device for holding a zipper chain (fastener chain). The gripping device has a pair of left and right gripping portions. The pair of left and right grips can be moved toward and away from each other in accordance with the actuator.

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent document ]

[ patent document 1] Japanese patent No. 4064326

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

In the manufacturing apparatus of patent document 1, it is assumed that a fastener chain (fastener chain) in which a space portion is formed and a bottom stopper is provided adjacent to the space portion is supplied. In this case, the space forming device and the bottom stop attaching device must be provided upstream of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus disclosed in patent document 1, which results in an increase in size of the slide fastener manufacturing system.

The space portion is a region of the fastener chain from which the engaging element is functionally or physically removed. The engaging element is functionally removed in a state where the engaging function of each element portion constituting the engaging element is lost. Therefore, the functional removal of the engaging element also includes a case where a broken piece of each element portion constituting the engaging element remains on the fastener tape (fastener tape).

[ means for solving problems ]

The zipper manufacturing apparatus 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

a rotating unit 510 in which a plurality of gripper pairs 200 are provided along a circumferential direction, the plurality of gripper pairs 200 being configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting a first fastener chain 101; and

a fixing portion 520 provided with a plurality of processing units 300 that process the second fastener chain 102, the second fastener chain 102 being held by the pair of grippers 200 that are displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion 510,

the plurality of processing units 300 includes:

a first processing unit 320 including a space forming portion 320k for forming a space portion 116 in the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102; and

the second processing unit 330 is configured to be able to dispose the slider 115 near the end of the remaining coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 through the space portion 116.

In some cases, the first processing unit 320 further includes an elevating portion 320j, and the elevating portion 320j is configured to be capable of elevating the space forming portion 320k between a position where the space forming portion interferes with the movement trajectory of the pair of grippers 200 along the circumferential direction and a position where the space forming portion does not interfere with the movement trajectory.

In some cases, the space forming portion 320k is configured to pull out the pair of fastener tapes 111 in opposite directions in response to the operation of the pair of grippers 200 and to break the exposed coupling elements 112m of the second fastener chain 102.

In some cases, the space forming portion 320k includes at least a cutter 321 and a die 323, and the die 323 is provided with a groove 323g into which the engaging element 112m can be arranged, and a slit 323s into which the cutter 321 can enter.

In some cases, the plurality of processing units 300 further includes a third processing unit 310,

the third processing unit 310 includes:

a lower stopper mounting part 420 for mounting the lower stopper 113 to the first fastener chain 101; and

and a cutting part 430 for cutting the first fastener chain 101 to obtain the second fastener chain 102 to which the lower stopper 113 is attached.

A method for manufacturing a slide fastener according to another embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a slide fastener using a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 including:

the manufacturing method of the zipper comprises the following steps:

a step of forming a space portion 116 in the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 by using the first processing unit 320 included in the plurality of processing units 300; and

and a step of disposing the slider 115 in the vicinity of the end of the remaining coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 through the space portion 116 by using the second processing unit 330 included in the plurality of processing units 300.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to an embodiment of the present invention, miniaturization of a slide fastener manufacturing system can be promoted.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2(a) to 2(e) are schematic diagrams illustrating the processing of the first fastener chain by the first processing unit of the fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic horizontal end view showing the structure and operation of a bottom stop mounting part included in a first processing unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are schematic views showing a finish processing of the second fastener chain by the fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the operation of a gripper pair for a second fastener chain disposed directly below a second processing unit of the fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a change of the second fastener chain before and after the operation of the gripper pair shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9(a) to 9(c) are schematic views showing the operation of a second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the operation of a cutter included in a space forming part of the second processing unit;

FIG. 11 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the operation of a cutter included in a space forming part of the second processing unit;

fig. 12 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the configuration of a cutter, a cutter guide and a die (die) included in a space forming portion of the second processing unit;

FIG. 13 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the constitution of a cutter, a cutter guide and a die included in a space forming part of the second processing unit, the cutter being positioned after the engaging element is broken;

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and selectively shows in cross section a slider through-hole for holding a slider fastener;

fig. 15 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a slider through-hole is lowered in a closed state;

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a slider through-hole in an open state;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a slide fastener of an example manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which each fastener tape is gripped by a pair of grippers;

FIG. 18 is a schematic front view of a slider included in an example of a slide fastener manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 19 is a schematic side view of a slider included in an example of a slide fastener manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Description of reference numerals:

100: a zipper;

101: a first zipper chain;

102: a second zipper chain;

102 j: an upper end portion;

102 k: a lower end portion;

110: a fastener stringer;

111: a zipper tape;

111 m: a first belt surface;

111 n: a second belt surface;

111 k: a side edge portion;

112: a zipper tooth;

112m, and (2): engaging the zipper teeth;

113: a lower stop;

113 f: a wire piece;

114: an upper stop member;

115: a slider;

115 a: a lower wing plate;

115 b: a side wall;

115 c: edge folding;

115 d: a connecting column;

115 e: an upper wall;

115 f: a pull tab mounting post;

115g 1: a first path;

11592: a second path;

11593: a third path;

116: a space section;

117: cutting off the line;

118: sewing;

119: a reinforcing portion;

200: a pair of grippers;

300: a processing unit;

310: a first processing unit (third processing unit);

320: a second processing unit (first processing unit);

320 k: a space forming part;

320j, 330 j: a lifting part;

321: a cutter;

322: a cutter guide;

322s, 323 s: a slit;

323. 424: a mold;

323 g: a groove part;

324: a first link;

325: pivoting the link;

326: a second link;

327: a cylinder;

330: a third processing unit (second processing unit);

330 k: a slider through-hole;

331: a first holder;

331p, 332 p: an inclined surface;

332: a second holder;

333: a third holder;

334: pivoting the link;

334 r: a protrusion portion;

335: a substrate;

336: a pusher member;

336 r: a tapered portion;

340: a fourth processing unit;

350: a fifth processing unit;

420: a lower stopper mounting portion;

421: a punch;

422: a punch guide;

430: a cutting part;

431: a cutting knife;

440: a conveying mechanism;

441: a drive roller;

442: pressing the roller;

450: a distance measuring unit;

460: a chain guide;

470: a wire stock accumulation section;

480: a wire processing section;

510: a rotating part;

511: a flat plate portion;

520: a fixed part;

530: a pillar;

540: a substrate;

600: a zipper manufacturing device;

AX 10: an axis.

Detailed Description

Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 19. The features included in one or more embodiments of the present invention are not independent of each other. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine embodiments and/or features without undue experimentation. Moreover, the synergistic effect achieved by the combination can also be understood by the skilled person. In principle, the overlapping description between the embodiments is omitted. The drawings are mainly for describing the invention and may be simplified for convenience of drawing.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 2(a) to 2(e) are schematic diagrams showing the processing of the first fastener chain by the first processing unit of the fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 4 is a schematic horizontal end view showing the structure and operation of a bottom stop mounting portion included in a first process unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 5(a) to 5(d) are schematic diagrams showing the finish processing of the second fastener chain by the fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the gripper pair for the second fastener chain disposed just below the second processing unit of the fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a change of the second fastener chain before and after the operation of the gripper pair shown in fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 9(a) to 9(c) are schematic views showing the operation of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 10 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the operation of the cutter included in the space forming portion of the second processing unit. Fig. 11 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the operation of the cutter included in the space forming portion of the second processing unit. Fig. 12 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the structure of the cutter, the cutter guide, and the mold included in the space forming portion of the second processing unit. Fig. 13 is a schematic partially enlarged view showing the structure of the cutter, the cutter guide, and the mold included in the space forming portion of the second process unit, and the cutter is positioned after the engaging element is broken. Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus, and selectively shows in cross section a fastener for holding a slider in a slider through-hole. Fig. 15 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus, and shows a state in which the slider through-hole is lowered in a closed state. Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of a third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus, and shows a slider through-hole in an open state. Fig. 17 is a schematic view of a slide fastener of an example manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus, and shows a state in which each fastener tape is gripped by a pair of grippers. Fig. 18 is a schematic front view of a slider included in an example of a slide fastener manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 19 is a schematic side view of a slider included in an example of a slide fastener manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus.

The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 operates to manufacture the slide fastener 100 shown by way of example in fig. 17, but is not limited thereto. Before describing the specific configuration and operation of the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the configuration of the fastener 100 will be described with reference to fig. 17 to 19. However, the slide fastener 100 described with reference to fig. 17 to 19 is merely an example, and it is needless to say that a slide fastener having a configuration other than that shown in fig. 17 to 19 can be manufactured by using the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1.

The zipper 100 shown in fig. 17 is referred to as a concealed zipper. As shown in fig. 17, the slide fastener 100 includes: a pair of fastener stringers (fastener stringers) 110, and a slider (slider)115 for opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers 110. Each fastener stringer 110 includes a fastener tape 111 and a fastener element (fastener) 112. The fastener tape 111 has a first tape surface 111m and a second tape surface 111n on the opposite side of the first tape surface 111 m. The fastener tape 111 has a side edge portion 111k curved so that a first tape surface 111m appears on the front and back surfaces. The fastener element 112 is provided on the first tape surface 111m of the curved side edge 111k, and the reinforcing portion 119 of a single-layer or multi-layer structure is provided on the second tape surface 111n of the curved side edge 111 k. The fastener element 112 and the reinforcing portion 119 arranged in this manner are sewn to the fastener tape 111 by a common sewing thread 118. The curved side edge portion 111k is processed to maintain its curved shape in some cases.

The slider 115 includes a lower wing plate 115a, a pair of side walls 115b, a pair of flanges 115c, a coupling post 115d, an upper wall 115e, and a pull tab mounting post 115 f. The passage of the fastener element 112 to be engaged is defined by the lower wing plate 115a and the pair of side walls 115 b. The coupling post 115d is disposed so that the engaged fastener elements 112 are not engaged. A passage of one of the fastener elements 112 is defined between the coupling post 115d and one of the side walls 115 b. A passage of the other fastener element 112 is defined between the coupling post 115d and the other side wall 115 b. The laminated portion of the fastener element 112, the fastener tape 111, and the reinforcing portion 119 is sandwiched between the lower wing plate 115a and each flange 115 c. Each fastener element 112 is sandwiched between the lower wing plate 115a and the upper wall 115 e.

Between one of the flanges 115c and the upper wall 115e, a first passage 115g1 is provided for one of the fastener strips 111, in particular for the curved side edge portion 111k thereof. Between the other fold 115c and the upper wall 115e, a second passage 115g2 is provided for the other fastener strip 111, in particular for its curved side edge portion 111 k. A third path 115g3 for the pair of fastener tapes 111 of the pair of fastener stringers 110 in a closed state is provided between the pair of flanges 115 c. The first passage 115g1 and the second passage 115g2 communicate with the third passage 115g3 in a Y-shape. The pair of fastener stringers 110 are closed by the advance of the slider 115. The pair of fastener stringers 110 are opened by the retreat of the slider 115.

Referring to fig. 5(d), the slide fastener 100 includes a lower stopper 113 connecting the pair of fastener stringers 110 and an upper stopper 114 provided on the upper end side of each fastener stringer 110. The slider 115 is prevented from advancing by the upper stopper 114, and the slider 115 is prevented from retreating by the lower stopper 113.

The fastener tape 111 is a flexible fabric, and at least partially includes a woven fabric or a knitted fabric. The fastener element 112 is a coil element (coil element) in which a monofilament is spirally wound, for example. In another example, a fastener element made of metal or resin is used. Fig. 17 shows an engaging element 112m with which the fastener elements 112 of the fastener stringers 110 engage. The engaging element 112m is not engaged by the retraction of the slider 115.

The lower stopper 113 or the upper stopper 114 is formed by attaching a metal material to the fastener tape 111, or by partially melting the fastener element 112, or by applying and curing another molten resin. The slider 115 may be a slider made of metal or resin.

As is apparent from fig. 1, the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 can perform one or more finishing processes on the second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101. For example, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 performs, as finishing processing, processing for passing the slider 115 through the second fastener stringer 102, processing for attaching the upper stopper 114, inspection of the insertion state of the slider 115, and inspection of the attachment state of the lower stopper 113 and the upper stopper 114. In another example, the one or more processes may be omitted.

As will be understood from the description below, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 of the present embodiment includes: a processing unit 320 including a space forming portion 320k for forming the space portion 116 in the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102; and a processing unit 330 configured to be able to dispose the slider 115 near the end of the remaining coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 through the space portion 116. It is not necessary to provide a space forming device on the upstream side of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, and the size reduction of the slide fastener manufacturing system can be promoted.

Further, although being an alternative, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 can perform a process of mounting the bottom stopper to the first fastener chain 101 as a finishing process. It is not necessary to provide a bottom stop mounting device on the upstream side of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, and the size reduction of the slide fastener manufacturing system can be promoted.

In this case, the operation speed of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus is not restricted by the relationship with the different space portion forming apparatus and/or the different bottom stop attaching apparatus, and thus it is possible to contribute to the high efficiency of the slide fastener manufacturing. The space for disposing the other space forming means and/or the other lower stopper mounting means can be saved, and the space utilization efficiency in the factory can be improved. The second fastener chain 102 is obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101 subjected to the bottom stop attaching process in the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600.

The first fastener chain 101 and the second fastener chain 102 include a pair of fastener stringers 110 in a closed state, in other words, a pair of fastener stringers 110 including engaging elements 112 m. The first fastener chain 101 is very long in size. On the other hand, the second fastener chain 102 is obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101, and is very short in size compared to the first fastener chain 101. The second fastener chain 102 is finished by the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 to be a slide fastener.

As shown in fig. 1, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 includes: a rotating unit 510 in which a plurality of gripper pairs 200 are provided along a circumferential direction, the plurality of gripper pairs 200 being configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting a first fastener chain 101; and a fixing portion 520 in which a plurality of process units 300 are provided, the plurality of process units 300 processing the second fastener chain 102 held by the gripper pair 200 that is displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion 510. In the illustrated example of fig. 1, the plurality of processing units 300 includes a first processing unit 310 to a fifth processing unit 350.

The rotating portion 510 is rotated by a rotational force from a not-shown driving source. Each gripper pair 200 of the rotating portion 510 is displaced in the circumferential direction in response to the rotation of the rotating portion 510. The fixing portion 520 is a stationary member. Each processing unit 300 of the fixing portion 520 can process the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200 that is displaced in the circumferential direction as described above. The process of each processing unit 300 for the second fastener chain 102 is any one of the finishing processes.

Fig. 1 shows an axis AX10 that is coincident with, parallel to, or substantially parallel to the vertical. The rotating part 510 includes: a flat plate portion 511 having a substantially hexagonal shape as viewed along the axis AX10, and a pair of grippers 200 provided at 6 positions in total at the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 511 at equal intervals. Further, the respective portions of the pair of grippers 200 are provided, and as shown in fig. 2(a) to 2(e), the pair of grippers 200 are provided on the upper stage and the lower stage in order to grip the common second fastener chain 102.

The flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is provided so as to be orthogonal to the axis AX 10. The flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is rotatable with respect to the stay 530 erected on the base 540 of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600. The flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is rotatable about the axis AX10 as a rotation center by receiving a rotational force from a drive source, not shown.

The flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is intermittently rotationally driven. In response to the rotation driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, each gripper pair 200 is displaced in the circumferential direction, and similarly, the second fastener chain 102 gripped by each gripper pair 200 is also displaced in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, by each rotational drive of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 rotates by 60 °, each gripper pair 200, and similarly, the second fastener chain 102 gripped by each gripper pair 200 is displaced in the circumferential direction by 60 °.

Specifically, one of the gripper pairs 200 is displaced from a position below one of the process units 300 to a position below another process unit 300 adjacent in the circumferential direction in accordance with one rotation of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510. When the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is rotated for the second time, the pair of grippers 200 is further displaced in the circumferential direction and displaced to the lower position of the other process unit 300. The second fastener chain 102 held by the gripper pair 200 is displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotational drive of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, similarly to the gripper pair 200, and is used for processing by different kinds of processing units 300 arranged in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 can finish-machine the second fastener chain 102 into the slide fastener 100 efficiently and in a space-saving manner. For the sake of convenience of illustration, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 is shown in a very simplified manner. In some cases, a slider supplying portion or the like is provided on the upper surface of the fixing portion 520.

With reference to fig. 2(a) to 2(e) to 4, the processing of the first fastener chain 101 by the first processing unit 310 in the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 will be schematically described. As will be understood with reference to fig. 3 and 4, the first processing unit 310 includes: a bottom stop mounting part 420 for mounting the bottom stop 113 to the first fastener chain 101, and a cutting part 430 for cutting the first fastener chain 101 to obtain the second fastener chain 102 with the bottom stop 113 mounted thereon.

The bottom stop attachment portion 420 is disposed so that the bottom stop 113 is attached to the first fastener chain 101, and the bottom stop 113 is the bottom stop 113 of the second fastener chain 102 obtained by the next operation of the cutting portion 430. In some cases, the influence of the error in the conveying distance of the first fastener chain 101 is further reduced, and the problem of the attachment displacement of the bottom stop 113 or the cutting displacement of the first fastener chain 101 can be avoided.

In the present embodiment, the lower stopper attachment portion 420 and the cutting portion 430 are sequentially provided in a conveying section of the first fastener chain 101 which is conveyed in the vertical direction. In the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the lower stopper attachment portion 420 and the cutting portion 430 can be appropriately combined with the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 by effectively utilizing the section in which the first fastener chain 101 is conveyed in the vertical direction.

The operation of the first processing unit 310 will be schematically described with reference to fig. 2(a) to 2 (e). Fig. 2(a) shows the bottom stopper 113 formed by the previous operation of the bottom stopper mounting portion 420, and will be referred to as the previous bottom stopper 113 hereinafter. Fig. 2(a) shows a wavy cutting line 117 formed by the previous operation of the cutting unit 430, and will be referred to as the previous cutting line 117 hereinafter. Fig. 2(a) shows a gripper pair 200 newly provided below the first process unit 310 in response to the rotation of the rotating part 510.

As will be understood from a comparison of fig. 2(a) and 2(b), by the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101, the previous cutting line 117 and the previous lower stop 113 pass through the pair of grippers 200 in an open state where the fastener tape 111 is not sandwiched. As will be understood from a comparison between fig. 2(b) and 2(c), the lower stop 113 is attached to the first fastener chain 101 by the operation of the lower stop attaching portion 420. As is understood from comparison between fig. 2(c) and 2(d), the region of the first fastener chain 101 adjacent to the lower side of the lower stopper 113 at this time is supplied to the cutting section 430 by the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101. Before the region of the first fastener chain 101 is cut by the cutting portion 430, the gripper pair 200 grips both left and right end portions of the first fastener chain 101 below the cutting portion 430 in the vertical direction.

As will be understood from a comparison of fig. 2(d) and 2(e), the first fastener chain 101 is cut by the operation of the cutting portion 430. If the first fastener chain 101 is cut, an area below the first fastener chain 101 in the vertical direction is provided as the second fastener chain 102. The second fastener chain 102 is held by the pair of grippers 200, and has a vertically downward hanging posture. In response to the rotation of the rotating portion 510, the gripper pair 200 is displaced in the circumferential direction from the position below the first process unit 310 to the position below the second process unit 320. Similarly, another gripper pair 200 passing below the fifth process unit 350 is newly provided at a position below the first process unit 310.

The second fastener chain 102 has an upper end 102j and a lower end 102k in the vertical direction. The second fastener chain 102 has engaging elements 112m spanning the entire region from the upper end portion 102i to the lower end portion 102 k.

The first processing unit 310 of the example shown in fig. 3 includes a chain guide 460, a distance measuring unit 450, a chain guide 460, a bottom stop mounting unit 420, a conveying mechanism 440, and a cutting unit 430 in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first fastener chain 101 moving in the vertical direction. The pair of grippers 200 can be disposed below the cutting portion 430 in the vertical direction.

The lower stopper mounting part 420 has at least a punch 421 to mount the lower stopper 113 to the first fastener chain 101. The cutting section 430 includes at least a cutting blade 431 for cutting the first fastener chain 101. The cutting blade 431 has a blade length longer than the width of the first fastener chain 101, and has a blade width very small compared to the blade length. An exemplary structure of the lower stopper attachment portion 420 will be described later with reference to fig. 4.

The punch 421 of the lower stopper mounting portion 420 is displaceable between a standby position shown by a solid line in fig. 3 and an operating position shown by a broken line in fig. 3. The punch 421 is provided so as to be displaceable in response to a driving force from a not-shown driving source, such as a cylinder. The cutting blade 431 of the cutting section 430 is displaceable between a standby position shown by a solid line in fig. 3 and an operating position shown by a broken line in fig. 3. The cutting knife 431 is provided so as to be displaceable in response to a driving force from a not-shown driving source, for example, a cylinder. The cylinder described in the present application includes various cylinders such as an electric cylinder, an air cylinder, and a hydraulic cylinder.

The distance measuring unit 450 includes at least a detector that detects the rotation amount of one or both of the pair of rollers that rotate in accordance with the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101. As the detector, a rotary encoder (rotary encoder) or the like can be used. The output of the detector is connected to the controller. The distance measuring unit 450 does not need to have the structure described in this paragraph. In another example, the distance measuring unit 450 counts marks (marking) formed on the fastener tape 111 of the first fastener chain 101, and calculates the conveying distance of the first fastener chain 101 based on the count result.

The conveyance mechanism 440 includes a driving roller 441, a pressing roller 442 that sandwiches the first fastener chain 101 in cooperation with the driving roller 441, and a driving section for driving the driving roller 441. The driving section controls the rotation of the driving roller 441 in accordance with a control command supplied from the controller.

As can be understood by referring to fig. 2(c) and 2(d) added, the conveying mechanism 440 conveys the first fastener chain 101 so that the lower stopper 113 is disposed in the vicinity above the cutting section 430 this time. The bottom stop attachment portion 420 and the cut-off portion 430 can be disposed at different positions in the vertical direction, and the space restriction that may occur between the bottom stop attachment portion 420 and the cut-off portion 430 can be avoided or reduced.

The controller controls the operation timing of the punch 421 of the bottom stop mounting part 420 and the operation timing of the cutting blade 431 of the cutting part 430 based on the input from the distance measuring part 450. The specific control procedure is self-explanatory to those skilled in the art as long as it is based on the contents of the present invention, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The chain guide 460 is a member provided with a concave portion that guides the engaging element 112m of the first fastener chain 101 and extends in the vertical direction.

As will be understood with reference to fig. 3, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 further includes one or more thread accumulating portions 470 and one or more thread processed portions 480. The wire accumulating section 470 accumulates the wire supplied to the wire processing section 480. The wire processing section 480 processes the wire supplied from the wire accumulating section 470. The wire piece processed by the wire processing portion 480 is supplied to the bottom stop mounting portion 420. The lower stopper attachment portion 420 is configured as shown in fig. 4, for example.

The bottom stopper mounting portion 420 of the example shown in fig. 4 includes a punch 421, a punch guide 422, and a die 424, and the die 424 is provided with a recess portion for bending a leg portion of the wire piece 113 f. When the wire piece 113f is supplied to the punch guide 422, the punch 421 and the punch guide 422 are displaced in the lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The wire piece 113f also advances in the punch guide 422 as the punch 421 advances. The leg portion of the wire piece 113f penetrates the fastener tape 111 of the first fastener chain 101 in response to further advancement of the punch 421, and is plastically deformed by the recess of the die 424. Thereby, the common bottom stopper 113 is attached to the pair of fastener stringers 110. In the case where another lower stop is used, another device or mechanism is used.

Fig. 5(a) to 5(d) schematically show an example in which the finishing process is performed on the second fastener chain 102 held by the gripper pair 200 in a vertically downward hanging posture. Fig. 5(a) shows the gripper pair 200 and the second fastener chain 102 disposed vertically below the first processing unit 310. Fig. 5(b) shows the gripper pair 200 and the second fastener chain 102 disposed vertically below the second processing unit 320. Fig. 5(c) shows the gripper pair 200 and the second fastener chain 102 disposed vertically below the third processing unit 330. Fig. 5(d) shows the gripper pair 200 and the second fastener chain 102 disposed vertically below the fourth process unit 340.

As shown in fig. 5(b), the second processing unit 320 includes a space forming portion that forms the space portion 116 in the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102. As shown in fig. 5(c), the third processing unit 330 is configured to be able to dispose the slider 115 near the end of the remaining coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 through the space portion 116. As shown in fig. 5(d), the fourth processing unit 340 is configured to be able to supply the upper stopper 114 to the second fastener chain 102. The fifth processing unit 350 is a processing unit for checking the finish state of the second fastener chain 102. In some cases, a sixth processing unit is provided for screening good or bad products based on the inspection result of the fifth processing unit 350.

Without being limited thereto, as shown in fig. 6, the fastener tapes 111 of the second fastener chain 102 fed below the second processing unit 320 are forcibly pulled out in opposite directions by the upper end portions 102j of the second fastener chain 102 in accordance with the opening operation of the gripper pairs 200. In response to the pulling of each fastener tape in the opposite direction, each fastener tape 111 of the second fastener chain 102 is displaced so as to be separated from the other fastener tape 111 as schematically shown by the broken line in fig. 7. As a result, a gap is generated between the curved side edge portions 111k of the pair of fastener tapes 111, and the engaging element 112m is exposed through the gap. The pair of grippers included in the gripper pair 200 are configured to be able to approach and separate from each other.

In the present embodiment, the space forming portion included in the second processing unit 320 is configured to pull out the pair of fastener tapes 111 in the opposite directions in response to the operation of the gripper pair 200, and to break the exposed engaging element 112m of the second fastener chain 102. In this case, it is possible to avoid the need to separately dispose a space forming device on the upstream side of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, and to form the space 116 just for the coupling element 112m by using the existing pair of grippers 200.

As shown in fig. 8, the second processing unit 320 includes a space forming unit 320k and an elevating unit 320j for elevating and lowering the space forming unit 320 k. The elevating portion 320j is configured to be able to elevate the space forming portion 320k between a position interfering with the movement trajectory of the gripper pair 200 in the circumferential direction and a position not interfering with the movement trajectory. In the illustrated example, the space forming unit 320k is vertically displaceable in accordance with the operation of the elevating unit 320 j. The elevating portion 320j includes, for example, an air cylinder. The position of the space forming portion 320k can be adjusted by controlling the expansion and contraction of the cylinder. In another example, another mechanism may be used.

In fig. 9(a), the space forming portion 320k is located at a non-interference position where it does not interfere with the movement trajectory of the gripper pair 200 along the circumferential direction. In fig. 9(b), the space forming portion 320k is located at an interference position where it interferes with the movement locus of the gripper pair 200 in the circumferential direction. As can be seen from a comparison between fig. 9(a) and 9(b), the space forming unit 320k can be lowered and displaced from the non-interference position to the interference position based on the operation of the raising and lowering unit 320 j. Fig. 9(b) and 9(c) show: at the interference position, the space forming portion 320k is operated, and the space forming portion 320k is formed in the coupling element 112m of the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102.

The space forming unit 320k illustrated in fig. 8 includes a cutter 321 and a die 323. More specifically, the space forming portion 320k includes a cutter 321, a cutter guide 322, a mold 323, a first link 324, a pivoting link 325, a second link 326, and a cylinder 327. The first link 324 is rotatably coupled to a first end of the pivoting link 325 and the second link 326 is rotatably coupled to a second end of the pivoting link 325. The cylinder 327 is coupled to a second end of the pivoting chain ring 325 by a second chain ring 326. The cutter 321 is coupled to a first end of the pivoting link 325 by a first link 324. If the cylinder 327 extends, the cutter 321 advances within the slot of the die 323. The space 116 is formed in the coupling element 112m of the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102 disposed in the mold 323. The cutter 321 functions to break the engaging element 112m at the center of the width of the narrow engaging element 112 m. The cutter 321 has a long blade length in the vertical direction and a short blade width perpendicular to the vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 10 to 13, the cutter guide 322 is provided with the cutter 321, and has a slit 322s for guiding the movement of the cutter 321. The mold 323 has: a groove 323g for guiding the coupling element 112m and/or for arranging the coupling element 112m, and a slit 323s for allowing the cutter 321 to enter and advance. The slit 323s may be bottomed or ungrooved. The cutter 321 advances toward the die 323 in accordance with the operation of the air cylinder 327, and the cutter 321 advances in the slit 322s of the cutter guide 322, passes through the groove 323g of the die 323, and continues along the slit 323 s. When the engaging element 112m is disposed in the slit 323s of the mold 323, the cutter 321 breaks the center of the width of the engaging element 112m, and the engaging function of each fastener element 112 of the engaging element 112m is broken. In this way, a space 116 is formed in the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102.

In the example shown in fig. 12 and 13, the coupling element 112m is sandwiched between the cutter guide 322 and the die 323, and displacement of the coupling element 112m when the cutter 321 breaks the coupling element 112m is suppressed or reduced.

The third processing unit 330 shown in fig. 14 is configured to be able to dispose the slider 115 near the end of the remaining coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 through the space portion 116. In other words, the third processing unit 330 is configured and operates so that the second processing unit 320 supplies the slider 115 to the second fastener chain 102 in which the space portion 116 is formed.

The third processing unit 330 of the illustrated example of fig. 14 includes a slider through-hole 330k and an elevating portion 330j for elevating and lowering the slider through-hole 330 k. The slider penetration portion 330k can be vertically displaced in response to the operation of the raising/lowering portion 330 j. The elevating portion 330j includes, for example, a cylinder. The position of the slider through-hole 330k can be adjusted by controlling the expansion and contraction of the air cylinder.

In fig. 14, the slider through-portion 330k is located at a non-interference position where it does not interfere with the gripper pair 200 that is displaced in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, in fig. 15, the slider penetrating portion 330k is lowered from the non-interference position to the interference position by the operation of the raising and lowering portion 320 j. The slider 115 passes through the coupling element 112m of the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 with the lowering of the slider through-portion 330 k. The gripper pair 200 is controlled in synchronization with the lowering of the slider through-hole 330k in order to facilitate the retraction of the slider 115. Control to increase the spacing of the gripper pairs 200 may be performed.

In some cases, the slider 115 is disposed near the end of the remaining engaging element 112m, and the engaging element 112m is not engaged. In another case, the slider 115 is disposed only near the end of the remaining engaging element 112m, and does not move to disengage the engaging element 112 m. In fig. 16, the slider through-hole 330k at the interference position is moved from the closed state to the open state, and the slider 115 is placed on the upper end 102i of the second fastener chain 102.

The slider through-portion 330k of the illustrated example of fig. 14 to 16 includes: a first holder 331 to a third holder 333 for holding the slider 115, a pair of pivoting links 334 for connecting the first holder 331 and the second holder 332 to the lower end portions thereof, a base 335 on which each pivoting link 334 is pivotally provided, and a pusher 336 for opening and closing the pair of pivoting links 334.

The first anchor 331 is configured to receive and/or hold the slider 115 by the lower blade side thereof. The second anchor 332 is configured to receive and/or hold the slider 115 by its flange and upper wall side. The third anchor 333 is configured to be received and/or retained near the pull-tab mounting post and/or the coupling post of the slider 115.

The third holder 333 is provided so as to be displaceable between an open position shown by a broken line and a closed position shown by a solid line in fig. 14. For example, the third anchor 333 is coupled to the pivoting link 334 by a cylinder and is displaceable between a closed position and an open position in response to actuation of the cylinder. In this case, the slider 115 is surely held by the first to third retainers 331 to 333, and the slider 115 is allowed to further surely pass through the engaging element 112m of the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200.

The pusher 336 has a tapered portion 336r that is tapered so as to narrow downward in the vertical direction. Each of the pivoting links 334 has a protrusion 334r provided so as to approach each other downward in the vertical direction. With the above configuration, the distance between the first anchor 331 and the second anchor 332 can be gradually widened by lowering the pusher 336.

The operation of the processing unit 330 will be further explained. In addition, it is assumed that the slider 115 is held by the first to third holders 331 to 333 in advance.

The second fastener chain 102 is disposed below the third processing unit 330 in association with the circumferential displacement of the gripper pair 200. The raising and lowering portion 330j of the third processing unit 330 vertically displaces the slider through-hole portion 330k downward from the non-interference position to the interference position. In this process, the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102 is inserted into the gap between the first fastener 331 and the second fastener 332. With the further lowering of the slider through-hole 330k, the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 enters the slider 115. Finally, a slider 115 is disposed near the end of the engaging element 112m, and the end of the engaging element 112m is disengaged by the slider 115.

Then, the slider penetrating portion 330k is changed from the closed state to the open state. Specifically, the pusher 336 moves downward in the vertical direction, and the pair of pivotal links 334 pivot so as to separate from each other. The slider through-portion 330k can place the slider 115 on the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 as described above. The driving source for vertically displacing the pusher 336 may be, for example, an air cylinder or the like.

When the slider through-hole 330k is in the closed state, an insertion path of the second fastener chain 102 is provided between the first anchor 331 and the second anchor 332. The insertion route is defined by the facing surfaces of the first holder 331 and the second holder 332. An inclined surface 331p is provided on the facing surface of the first retainer 331. The second holder 332 has an inclined surface 332p on its opposite surface. The

inclined surfaces

331p and 332p are arranged in a tapered shape, so that a wider insertion opening for the insertion path can be ensured.

There are various embodiments and methods for supplying the slider 115 to the slider through-hole 330 k. In one example, after the slider 115 is supplied to the first anchor 331, the slider 115 is sandwiched between the first anchor 331 and the second anchor 332, and finally the third anchor 333 is disposed above the slider 115.

In the present application, the second processing unit 320 is referred to as a first processing unit, the third processing unit 330 is referred to as a second processing unit, and the first processing unit 310 is referred to as a third processing unit. The first, second, third, etc. are identifiers (identifiers) used for convenience. The first, second, third, and the like do not indicate the order of processing or actions, except when the order is explicitly indicated.

The following method for manufacturing a slide fastener is also disclosed based on the above apparatus.

A method for manufacturing a slide fastener using a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 comprising:

the manufacturing method of the zipper comprises the following steps:

Based on the description, a person skilled in the art can add various modifications to the embodiments. Reference signs in the claims are provided for reference and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) comprising:

a rotating unit (510) in which a plurality of gripper pairs (200) are provided along the circumferential direction, the plurality of gripper pairs (200) being configured so as to be able to grip a second fastener chain (102) obtained by cutting a first fastener chain (101); and

a fixed part (520) on which a plurality of processing units (300) for processing the second fastener chain (102) are provided, the second fastener chain (102) being held by the pair of grippers (200) that are circumferentially displaced in accordance with rotation of the rotating part (510),

the zipper manufacturing device is characterized in that:

the plurality of processing units (300) comprises:

a first processing unit (320) including a space forming portion (320k) that forms a space portion (116) in the coupling element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102), the space forming portion (320k) forming the space portion (116) by breaking a portion of the coupling element (112 m); and

and a second processing unit (330) configured to be able to dispose a slider (115) near an end of the remaining coupling element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102) through the space portion (116), the second processing unit (330) being disposed adjacent to the first processing unit (320) in the circumferential direction.

2. The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the first processing unit (320) further includes an elevating unit (320j), and the elevating unit (320j) is configured to be capable of elevating the space forming unit (320k) between a position where the space forming unit interferes with a movement trajectory of the gripper pair (200) along the circumferential direction and a position where the space forming unit does not interfere with the movement trajectory.

3. The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the space forming portion (320k) is configured to pull out the pair of fastener tapes (111) in opposite directions in response to the operation of the pair of grippers (200) and break the exposed coupling element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102).

4. The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the space forming part (320k) includes at least a cutter (321) and a die (323), and the die (323) is provided with a groove part (323g) into which the engaging element (112m) can be arranged, and a slit (323s) into which the cutter (321) can enter.

5. The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the plurality of processing units (300) further comprises a third processing unit (310),

the third processing unit (310) comprises:

a bottom stop attachment part (420) to which a bottom stop (113) is attached to the first fastener chain (101); and

and a cutting unit (430) for cutting the first fastener chain (101) to obtain the second fastener chain (102) to which the lower stopper (113) is attached.

6. A method for manufacturing a slide fastener using a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600), the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) comprising:

the method for manufacturing a slide fastener is characterized by comprising:

a step of forming a space portion (116) in the coupling element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102) by using a first processing unit (320) included in the plurality of processing units (300), the space portion (116) being formed by the space forming portion (320k) breaking a portion of the coupling element (112 m); and

a step of disposing a slider (115) in the vicinity of an end portion of the remaining engaging element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102) through the space portion (116) using a second process unit (330) included in the plurality of process units (300), wherein the second process unit (330) is arranged adjacent to the first process unit (320) in the circumferential direction.