CN109068815B

CN109068815B - Slide fastener manufacturing apparatus and slide fastener manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: CN109068815B
Application number: CN201680084541.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杉本笃纪; 梅川道
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2016-04-19
Publication date: 2021-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-19
Also published as: CN109068815A; WO2017183119A1; TW201737833A; TWI619447B

Abstract

The invention provides a zipper manufacturing device (600), comprising: a space forming part (410) for forming a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101); a bottom stop attachment part (420) for attaching a bottom stop (113) to the first fastener chain (101) in the vicinity of the end of the space part (116); and a cutting unit (430) for cutting the first fastener chain (101) in the space (116) in order to obtain the second fastener chain (102) with the bottom stop (113) attached thereto. The space forming section (410) is arranged such that the space section (116) formed in the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101) places the bottom stop (113) near the end of the space section (116) by the next operation of the bottom stop mounting section (420). The bottom stopper mounting section (420) is configured to mount a bottom stopper (113) to the first fastener chain (101), the bottom stopper (113) being the bottom stopper (113) of the second fastener chain (102) obtained by the next operation of the cutting section (430).

Description

Slide fastener manufacturing apparatus and slide fastener manufacturing method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus and a slide fastener manufacturing method.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. The zipper manufacturing apparatus of this document includes a fixed base portion 12 provided with a plurality of processing portions and a rotating body 13. The rotating body includes a gripping unit that grips the fastener chain. The gripping means includes a pair of left and right gripping portions 17. The pair of left and right gripping portions 17 can be moved closer to and away from the operation means.

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent document ]

[ patent document 1] Japanese patent No. 4064326

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

In the manufacturing apparatus of patent document 1, it is premised that a fastener chain in which a space portion is formed and a bottom stop is provided adjacent to the space portion is supplied. In this case, since the space forming device and the bottom stop attaching device need to be provided on the upstream side of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus disclosed in patent document 1, the slide fastener manufacturing system is increased in size.

The space portion means a region in the fastener chain from which the coupling element is "functionally" removed. The meaning that the coupling element is functionally removed is a state in which the coupling function of each fastener element portion constituting the coupling element is lost. Therefore, the meaning that the engaging element is functionally removed is not that the broken piece of each element portion constituting the engaging element does not remain on the fastener tape.

[ means for solving the problems ]

A slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes:

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

a fixed section (520) provided with a plurality of processing units (300), the plurality of processing units (300) processing the second fastener chain (102) gripped by the gripper pair (200), the gripper pair (200) being displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating section (510),

the zipper manufacturing apparatus (600) further comprises:

a space forming part (410) that forms a space (116) in the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101);

a bottom stop attachment part (420) for attaching a bottom stop (113) to the first fastener chain (101) in the vicinity of an end of the space part (116); and

a cutting unit (430) for cutting the first fastener chain (101) in the space (116) by the cutting unit (430) in order to obtain the second fastener chain (102) to which the bottom stop (113) is attached,

the space forming part (410) is configured to form a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first zipper chain (101), and the lower stop (113) is configured near the end part of the space part through the next action of the lower stop mounting part (420),

the bottom stopper mounting part (420) is configured to mount a bottom stopper (113) to the first fastener chain (101), the bottom stopper (113) being the bottom stopper (113) of the second fastener chain (102) obtained by the next operation of the cutting part (430).

In some cases, the space forming portion (410), the lower stopper mounting portion (420), and the cutting portion (430) are disposed in order in a conveying section of the first fastener chain (101) that is conveyed non-horizontally.

In some cases, the device is further provided with a conveying mechanism (440) for conveying the first fastener chain (101),

the conveying mechanism (440) operates to transfer the space (116) in which the bottom stopper (113) is disposed near the end thereof to the cutting unit (430).

In some cases, the plurality of processing units (300) includes:

a processing unit (320) configured to be able to dispose a slider (115) near an end of the coupling element (112m) of the second fastener chain (102); and

and a processing unit (330) configured to be able to push the slider (115) and at least partially make the coupling element (112m) non-coupled.

In some cases, the device further comprises a wire accumulating part (470) for supplying the wire (113k) to the lower stopper mounting part (420),

the wire accumulation section (470) has:

a reel (471) wound by the wire (113 k); and

and a pressing mechanism (475) that presses the wire (113k) wound on the spool (471) by a pressing member (472) that is biased radially inward of the spool (471).

A slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes:

the zipper manufacturing apparatus (600) further comprises:

the space forming portion (410), the lower stopper mounting portion (420), and the cutting portion (430) are disposed in this order in a conveying section of the first fastener chain (101) that is conveyed non-horizontally.

A method for manufacturing a slide fastener according to another aspect of the present disclosure uses a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600), the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) including: a rotating unit (510) which is provided with a plurality of gripper pairs (200) along the circumferential direction, wherein the plurality of gripper pairs (200) are configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain (102) obtained by cutting a first fastener chain (101); and

the manufacturing method of the zipper comprises the following steps:

forming a space (116) in the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101) by using a space forming section (410) of the fastener manufacturing apparatus (600);

a step of attaching a bottom stop (113) to the first fastener chain (101) in the vicinity of an end of the space section (116) by using a bottom stop attachment section (420) of the fastener manufacturing apparatus (600); and

a step of cutting the first fastener chain (101) in the space section (116) by using a cutting section (430) of the fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) to obtain the second fastener chain (102) to which the bottom stop (113) is attached,

the space forming part (410) forms a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101), and the lower stopper (113) is arranged near the end of the space part (116) by the next action of the lower stopper mounting part (420),

the lower stopper mounting section (420) mounts a lower stopper (113) to the first fastener chain (101), the lower stopper (113) being the lower stopper (113) of the second fastener chain (102) obtained by the next operation of the cutting section (430).

Further comprising a step of transferring a space (116) in which the bottom stopper (113) is disposed near an end thereof to the cutting unit (430).

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, downsizing 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 disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a slide fastener according to an example manufactured by the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of the first fastener chain performed by the fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view schematically illustrating a wire stock section for supplying a wire to a bottom stop attachment section included in a first processing unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view schematically illustrating a wire stock section for supplying a wire to a bottom stop attachment section included in a first process unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing an operation of a bottom stop attaching portion included in a first process unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of the second fastener chain by the fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a schematic side view schematically showing the operation of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a schematic side view schematically showing the operation of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode in which a slider is disposed in the vicinity of a coupling element in the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a mode in which a slider is disposed in the vicinity of a coupling element in the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the slider in the normal posture is pushed to the lower stopper side in the third process unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the slider in the abnormal posture is pushed to the lower stopper side in the third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to the one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 is a schematic side view showing the configuration and operation of the fourth processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[ description of reference numerals ]

101: a first zipper chain;

102: a second zipper chain;

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

113: a lower stop;

116: a space section;

200: a pair of grippers;

510: a rotating part;

520: a fixed part;

410: a space forming part;

420: a lower stopper mounting portion;

430: and a cutting part.

Detailed Description

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a slide fastener as an example of a slide fastener produced by the slide fastener producing apparatus. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the processing of the first fastener chain by the fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view schematically illustrating a wire stock section for supplying a wire to a bottom stop attachment section included in a first process unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a wire stock section for supplying a wire to a bottom stop attachment section included in a first process unit of a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 8 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing the operation of a bottom stop attaching part included in a first processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the processing of the second fastener chain by the fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 11 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 12 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a mode in which a slider is disposed in the vicinity of a coupling element in the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a mode in which a slider is disposed in the vicinity of a coupling element in the second processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 15 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 16 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the third processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the slider in the normal posture is pushed to the lower stopper side in the third process unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the slider in the abnormal posture is pushed to the lower stopper side in the third process unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus. Fig. 19 is a schematic side view showing the configuration and operation of the fourth processing unit of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus.

The slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 is not necessarily limited to this, and operates to manufacture the slide fastener 100 shown as an example in fig. 2. Before describing the specific configuration and operation of the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the fastener 100 will be described in advance with reference to fig. 2. However, the slide fastener 100 shown in fig. 2 is merely an example, and it is needless to say that a slide fastener having a structure other than that shown in fig. 2 can be manufactured by using the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1.

The slide fastener 100 shown in fig. 2 includes a pair of fastener stringers 110 and a slider 115 for opening and closing the pair of fastener stringers 110. Each fastener stringer 110 has a fastener tape 111 and fastener elements 112 provided at opposite side edges of the tape 111.

The slide fastener 100 has a lower stopper 113 connected to a pair of fastener stringers 110 and provided near a lower end of each fastener element 112. The slide fastener 100 has an upper stop 114 provided near an upper end of each fastener element 112. The pair of fastener stringers 110 are closed by the advance of the slider 115 to the upper stopper 114. The pair of fastener stringers 110 are opened by retreating the slider 115 toward the lower stopper 113. 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.

In the following description, the slide fastener 100 is used as a reference regardless of the apparatus shown in fig. 1, and the pair of fastener stringers 110 includes the left fastener stringer 110 and the right fastener stringer 110. An upper stopper 114 is provided on each of the left and right fastener stringers 110. The lower stoppers 113 are provided in common on the left and right fastener stringers 110.

The zipper strip 111 is a flexible cloth that at least partially comprises a fabric or knit. The fastener element 112 is illustrated as an example of a nylon element in which a monofilament is wound in a spiral shape. In another example, a fastener element made of metal or resin is used. In some cases, the fastener element 112 is placed on one surface of the fastener tape 111, and is sewn with respect to the fastener tape 111. In another example, the fastener element 112 is attached to a tape structure of the fastener tape 111. In fig. 2, coupling elements 112m with which the fastener elements 112 of the fastener stringers 110 are coupled are illustrated. The coupling element 112m is in a non-coupling state by the retraction of the slider 115.

The lower stopper 113 or the upper stopper 114 may be a plastically deformed metal material for attachment with respect to the fastener tape 111. In another example, the lower stopper 113 and the upper stopper 114 may be resin stoppers. The slider 115 may be a slider made of metal or resin. The slider 115 is not limited to this, and may include an upper wing plate, a lower wing plate, and a connecting column connecting the upper wing plate and the lower wing plate.

The fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 performs one or more finishing processes on the second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101. For example, as the finishing process, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 performs a process of threading the slider 115 through the second fastener stringer 102, a process of attaching the upper stopper 114, an inspection of the insertion state of the slider 115, and an inspection of the attachment state of the lower stopper 113 and the upper stopper 114. In other examples, one or more of the processes described herein may be omitted.

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 coupling elements 112 m. The first fastener chain 101 is very long. On the other hand, the second fastener chain 102 is obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101, and is much shorter than the first fastener chain 101.

The fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment is configured to form a space portion in the first fastener chain 101 as a finishing process and to be able to perform a process of attaching the bottom stop. It is not necessary to provide a separate space forming device or bottom stop attaching 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. The operation speed of the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus that executes one or more finishing processes is not limited by the relationship with another space forming apparatus or bottom stop attaching apparatus, and can contribute to the efficiency of manufacturing the slide fastener. The arrangement space of the space forming device or the bottom stop mounting device can be omitted, and the space utilization rate in the factory can be improved. In the example shown in the figure, the second fastener chain 102 is obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101 subjected to the space portion forming process and the bottom stop attaching process in the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600.

As shown in fig. 1, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 includes: a rotating unit 510 provided in a circumferential direction with a plurality of gripper pairs 200, the plurality of gripper pairs 200 being configured to be able to grip the second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101; and a fixing portion 520 provided with a plurality of process units 300, the plurality of process units 300 processing the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200, the gripper pair 200 being circumferentially displaced in accordance with rotation of the rotating portion 510. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the plurality of processing units 300 includes first through fifth processing units 310-350. Additionally, the first, second, third, etc. are convenient identifiers. The first, second, third, and the like are not identifiers indicating the order of processing or operations, except when explicitly stated as such.

The rotating portion 510 rotates by receiving a rotational force from a drive source not shown in the figure, for example, a motor. Each gripper pair 200 of the rotating portion 510 is displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with 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 displaced in the circumferential direction as described above. The processing of the second fastener chain 102 by each processing unit 300 may include any one of the finishing processes described above.

In the illustrated example, the rotating portion 510 includes: a substantially hexagonal flat plate portion 511 viewed along an axis AX10 that is coincident with, parallel to, or substantially parallel to the vertical direction; and a pair of grippers 200 provided at six locations in total at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 511. In addition, as shown in fig. 3, in each portion provided with the pair of grippers 200, the pair of grippers 200 is provided at an upper stage and a lower stage in order to grip the common second fastener chain 102.

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

The flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is intermittently rotationally driven. Each gripper pair 200 is displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotational driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, 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 driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 rotates by 60 °, and each of the pair of grippers 200 and the second fastener chain 102 are displaced by 60 ° in the circumferential direction.

Specifically, one pair of grippers 200 is displaced from a position below one process unit 300 to a position below another process unit 300 adjacent in the circumferential direction in accordance with the first rotational driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510. When the second rotation driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510 is performed, the pair of grippers 200 is further displaced in the circumferential direction and is also displaced to a position below the other process units 300.

The second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200 is moved in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotational driving of the flat plate portion 511 of the rotating portion 510, similarly to the gripper pair 200, and is supplied to the processing performed by the different kinds of processing units 300 arranged in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 can finish the second fastener chain 102 into the slide fastener 100 efficiently and in a space-saving manner.

For convenience of illustration, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 shown in fig. 1 is shown in an extremely simplified manner. In some cases, a slider supply portion, a lower stopper, or a wire stock portion for an upper stopper is provided on the upper surface of the fixing portion 520.

The processing of the first fastener chain 101 by the fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, or more directly by the first processing unit 310, is schematically described with reference to fig. 3 to 8. As can be seen from fig. 3 and 4, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, or more directly, the first processing unit 310 includes: a space forming portion 410 for forming a space portion 116 in the coupling element 112m of the first fastener chain 101; a bottom stop attachment part 420 for attaching the bottom stop 113 to the first fastener chain 101 in the vicinity of the end of the space part 116; and a cutting unit 430 for cutting the first fastener chain 101 in the space portion 116 to obtain the second fastener chain 102 with the bottom stopper 113 attached thereto.

The space portion 116 may be a portion where the coupling elements 112m do not engage in the longitudinal direction of the first fastener chain 101. The space portion 116 may be formed by cutting off the coupling head of the coupling element 112 m. In this case, portions of the engaging elements 112m other than the engaging head portions remain on the fastener tape 111. When the engaging head is selectively cut off, the space forming device is not enlarged, and the space is saved. The coupling element 112m in the space portion 116 may be removed from the fastener tape 111 so as not to remain.

In the present embodiment, the space formation portion 410 is arranged as follows: a space 116 is formed in the coupling element 112m of the first fastener chain 101, and the space 116 is configured such that the bottom stop 113 is disposed near an end of the space 116 by the next operation of the bottom stop mounting portion 420. In addition, the lower stopper mounting part 420 is configured in such a manner that: a lower stopper 113 is attached to the first fastener chain 101, and the lower stopper 113 is the lower stopper 113 of the second fastener chain 102 obtained by the next operation of the cutting section 430.

The formation of the space and the installation of the bottom stop are incorporated in the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus, and the miniaturization of the slide fastener manufacturing system is promoted compared with the conventional one. By adjusting the distance between the space forming portion and the bottom stop attaching portion, the length change of the second fastener chain can be easily coped with. In some cases, the influence of the error in the conveying distance of the first fastener chain 101 can be further reduced, and the problems of the mounting position shift of the bottom stop 113 and the cutting position shift of the first fastener chain 101 can be avoided from becoming more significant.

In the present embodiment, the space forming portion 410, the bottom stop mounting portion 420, and the cutting portion 430 are provided in this order in the conveying section of the first fastener chain 101 that is conveyed non-horizontally. In the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600, the space forming portion 410, the bottom stop attaching portion 420, and the cutting portion 430 can be appropriately assembled to the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 by effectively utilizing the section in which the first fastener chain 101 is conveyed non-horizontally.

In the illustrated example, the space forming portion 410, the bottom stopper mounting portion 420, and the cutting portion 430 are provided in this order in the conveying section of the first fastener chain 101 conveyed in the vertical direction. The second fastener chain 102 obtained by cutting the first fastener chain 101 assumes a posture of hanging down in the vertical direction in a state of being gripped by the gripper pair 200. The space forming portion 410, the bottom stopper mounting portion 420, and the cutting portion 430 are arranged in the vertical direction, and a roller for adjusting the conveying direction of the first fastener chain 101 can be omitted.

The operation of the first processing unit 310 will be schematically described with reference to fig. 3, or more directly, (a) to (e) thereof. Fig. 3(a) shows the space portion 116 formed by the previous operation of the space forming portion 410, and will be referred to as the previous space portion 116 hereinafter. Fig. 3(a) shows the bottom stop 113 attached by the previous operation of the bottom stop attaching part 420, and will be referred to as the previous bottom stop 113 hereinafter. Fig. 3(a) shows the 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. 3(a) shows the gripper pair 200 newly provided below the first process unit 310 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part 510.

As is clear from a comparison between fig. 3(a) and fig. 3(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 the opened state which do not grip the fastener tape 111. The previous space portion 116 is moved vertically downward to the bottom stopper attachment portion 420. The coupling element 112m before the space portion 116 is formed is supplied to the space forming portion 410.

As is apparent from a comparison between fig. 3(b) and 3(c), the space portion 116 of the current time is formed in the first fastener chain 101 by the operation of the space forming portion 410 and the bottom stopper mounting portion 420, and the bottom stopper 113 of the current time is mounted in the vicinity of the end of the space portion 116 of the previous time in the first fastener chain 101.

As is clear from a comparison between fig. 3(c) and fig. 3(d), the previous space portion 116 is supplied to the cutting portion 430 by the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101. The lower stopper 113 of this time is disposed vertically above the cutting portion 430. The pair of grippers 200 grips both left and right end portions of the first fastener chain 101 before the first fastener chain 101 is cut by the cutting portion 430.

As is clear from a comparison between fig. 3(d) and fig. 3(e), the first fastener chain 101 is cut in the space portion 116 at the previous time by the operation of the cutting portion 430. The cutting section 430 cuts the first fastener chain 101 at a vertically intermediate position of the space section 116. When the first fastener chain 101 is cut, the gripper pair 200 grips a region below the first fastener chain 101 in the vertical direction as the second fastener chain 102. The second fastener chain 102 is gripped by the gripper pair 200 and takes a posture of hanging down in the vertical direction. In accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion 510, the gripper pair 200 is circumferentially displaced from the lower position of the first process unit 310 to the lower position of the second process unit 320. Also, other gripper pairs 200 passing below the fifth process unit 350 are newly provided at a lower position of 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 upper end portion 102j has a residual region having a space portion 116. The lower end 102k also has a residual region having a space 116.

The first processing unit 310 according to the illustrated example of fig. 4 includes a chain guide 460, a space forming portion 410, a length measuring portion 450, a chain guide 460, a bottom stop mounting portion 420, a conveying mechanism 440, and a cutting portion 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 gripper pair 200 is provided below the cutting portion 430 in the vertical direction.

The space forming portion 410 has at least a cutter 411 for forming the space portion 116 in the coupling element 112 m. As is clear from additional reference to fig. 13, the cutter 411 functions to break the coupling element 112m at the center of the width of the narrow coupling element 112 m. In some cases, the space formation portion 410 includes a mold provided with a concave-shaped guide groove that guides the engaging element 112m broken by the cutter 411. A slit communicating with the guide groove may be provided on the mold. According to this structure, the cutter 411 having broken the engaging element 112m is allowed to enter the slit. The cutter 411 has a long cutter length along the conveying direction of the first fastener chain 101 conveyed in the vertical direction, and has a short cutter width orthogonal to the conveying direction.

The bottom stop mounting part 420 has at least a punch 421 for mounting the bottom stop 113 to the first fastener chain 101 in the vicinity of the end of the space part 116. The cutting section 430 includes at least a cutting blade 431 for cutting the first fastener chain 101 in the space section 116. The cutting blade 431 has a blade length longer than the width of the first fastener chain 101, and has a blade width sufficiently smaller than the blade length. An exemplary structure of the lower stopper mounting part 420 will be described later with reference to fig. 8.

The cutter 411 of the space forming portion 410 is coupled to a drive source via a power transmission mechanism 415 shown in fig. 4. The power transmission mechanism 415 operates to displace the knife 411 in a lateral direction intersecting with or perpendicular to the axis AX10 between the operating position shown in fig. 5(a) and the standby position shown in fig. 5 (b). The power transmission mechanism 415 of the illustrated example includes: a first link connected to the cutter 411; a second link connected to a cylinder of the driving source; and a pivot link having a first end to which the first link is rotatably coupled and a second end to which the second link is rotatably coupled. The displacement of the cutter 411 can be controlled by the expansion and contraction of the cylinder. In other cases, other power transmission mechanisms and drive sources may be employed.

The punch 421 of the lower stopper mounting portion 420 is provided to be displaceable between an operating position shown in fig. 5(a) and a standby position shown in fig. 5 (b). For example, a cylinder is used to reciprocate the punch 421 in this manner. The cutting blade 431 of the cutting section 430 is provided so as to be displaceable between a standby position shown in fig. 5(a) and an operating position shown in fig. 5 (b). For example, a cylinder is used to reciprocate the cutting blade 431 in this manner. In addition, the cylinder described in the present application includes various types of cylinders such as an electric cylinder, a cylinder, and a cylinder.

The length measuring unit 450 includes at least a pair of rollers that rotate in accordance with the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101, and a detector that detects the amount of rotation of either or both of the rollers. As the detector, a rotary encoder or the like can be used. The output of the detector is connected to the controller. The length measuring section 450 does not need to have the structure described in this paragraph. In another example, the length measuring section 450 counts the number of marks 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 portion for driving the driving roller 441. The driving section controls the driving roller 441 to rotate in accordance with a control command supplied from the controller.

As can be understood from the additional reference to fig. 3(c) and (d), the conveying mechanism 440 operates to transfer the space portion 116 in which the bottom stopper 113 is disposed near the end portion to the cutting portion 430. In this case, the bottom stopper attachment portion 420 and the cutting portion 430 can be disposed at different positions in the conveying direction of the first fastener chain 101, that is, in the vertical direction. It is possible to avoid or reduce the problem of a space limitation that may occur between the lower stopper mounting part 420 and the cut-off part 430.

The controller performs various controls. For example, the controller controls the operation timing of the cutter 411 of the space forming portion 410, the operation timing of the punch 421 of the bottom stopper mounting portion 420, and the operation timing of the cutting blade 431 of the cutting portion 430. The specific timing is apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The chain guide 460 is a member provided with a recessed groove portion extending in the vertical direction for guiding the coupling element 112m of the first fastener chain 101. By providing the chain guide 460, it is possible to avoid or reduce an unexpected deviation of the first fastener chain 101 accompanying the conveyance of the first fastener chain 101.

As is apparent from reference to fig. 4, the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus 600 includes one or more thread accumulating portions 470 and one or more thread processed portions 480. The wire accumulating section 470 accumulates the wire 113k supplied to the wire processing section 480. For example, the wire stock accumulation section 470 is configured as shown in fig. 6 and 7. The wire material processing section 480 processes the wire material 113k supplied from the wire material accumulating section 470. The wire piece 113f processed at the wire processing portion 480 is supplied to the bottom stop mounting portion 420.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the wire accumulating portion 470 includes a spool 471 in which the wire 113k is wound, and a pressing mechanism 475 which presses the wire 113k wound on the spool 471 by a pressing member 472, and the pressing member 472 is biased radially inward of the spool 471. In the illustrated example, the pair of pressing members 472 are disposed so as to sandwich the spool 471. Each pushing member 472 is provided at one end of each pivot link 473. The pivot links 473 are coupled to each other by a spring 474, and the urging member 472 at one end of the pivot link 473 is constantly urged radially inward of the spool 471. The pressing member 472 extends along the rotation axis of the spool 471 and can press the wire 113k wound on the spool 471 radially inward within a sufficient range.

When the wire stock 470 is oriented such that the rotation axis of the spool 471 coincides with the vertical direction, the wire 113k wound on the spool 471 may unwind and the wound state of the wire 113k may not be maintained. In the present embodiment, the state of winding and mounting the wire 113k can be appropriately maintained by the operation of the pressing tool 472. The wire piece 113f drawn out from the spool 471 is supplied to the wire processing portion 480 via one or more relay rollers 477.

The wire material processing section 480 processes the wire material 113k supplied from the wire material accumulating section 470. The wire material piece 113f provided with one or more legs is obtained by the processing performed by the wire material processing portion 480. The wire piece 113f is supplied from the wire processing portion 480 to the lower stopper mounting portion 420 by an arbitrary method or manner. By aligning the rotation axis of the spool 471 with the vertical direction, the wire 113k can be supplied in parallel to the front surface and the back surface of the second fastener chain 102, and the wire piece 113f can be processed in a posture attached to the second fastener chain 102.

The lower stopper mounting part 420 according to the example shown in fig. 8 includes a punch 421, a first guide 422, a second guide 423, and a die 424. The punch 421 is displaceable between the standby position of fig. 8(a) and the operating position of fig. 8(b) in accordance with a driving force from a driving source, not shown, such as a cylinder. The first guide 422 and the second guide 423 are cylindrical members configured to guide the movement of the punch 421. The die 424 is provided with a concave portion for bending the leg portion of the wire piece 113 f.

When the wire sheet 113f is fed to the first guide 422, the punch 421 and the first guide 422 are displaced in the lateral direction intersecting with or orthogonal to the axis AX 10. The first guide 422 is displaced in the lateral direction until colliding with the second guide 423. When the punch 421 travels in the first and

second guides

422 and 423, the wire piece 113f also travels in the first and

second guides

422 and 423. In correspondence with further advancement of the punch 421, the leg portion of the wire piece 113f penetrates the fastener tape 111 of the first fastener chain 101 disposed on the die 424, and is plastically deformed in the recess of the die 424. Thus, the lower stopper 113 is attached to the end of each fastener element 112. In the case where other kinds of bottom stops are used, other kinds of devices or mechanisms are used.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a mode of performing finishing processing on the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200 and taking a posture of hanging down in the vertical direction. Fig. 9(a) shows a state in which the gripper pair 200 is disposed vertically below the first processing unit 310. Fig. 9(b) shows a state in which the gripper pair 200 is disposed vertically below the second processing unit 320. Fig. 9(c) shows a state in which the gripper pair 200 is disposed vertically below the third processing unit 330. Fig. 9(d) shows a state in which the gripper pair 200 is disposed vertically below the fourth processing unit 340.

As can be seen from fig. 9(b), the second processing unit 320 arranges the slider 115 near the end of the coupling element 112 m. In some cases, the slider 115 is disposed so that the upper end portion of the coupling element 112m is slightly disposed in the slider 115. As is clear from fig. 9(c), the third processing unit 330 pushes the slider 115 of the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 and at least partially causes the engaging elements 112m to be disengaged. As can be seen from fig. 9(d), the fourth processing unit 340 attaches the upper stopper 114 to each fastener tape 111 of the second fastener chain 102. The fifth process unit 350 is a process unit for checking the finish state of the second fastener chain 102. In some cases, a sixth processing unit for sorting good or defective products according to the inspection result of the fifth processing unit 350 is provided.

The second processing unit 320 according to the illustrated example of fig. 10 is configured to be able to dispose the slider 115 near the end of the coupling element 112m of the second fastener chain 102. The second process unit 320 includes a slider supplying part 320k, and an elevating part 320j for elevating the slider supplying part 320 k. The slider supplying portion 320k can be vertically displaced in accordance with the operation of the raising and lowering portion 320 j. In fig. 10, the slider feeding portion 320k is located at a non-interference position where it does not interfere with the gripper pair 200 displaced in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, in fig. 11, the slider supplying portion 320k is lowered and displaced from the non-interference position to the interference position based on the operation of the raising and lowering portion 320 j. The slider 115 is disposed near the end of the coupling element 112m of the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 in accordance with the lowering displacement of the slider supplying portion 320 k.

As shown in fig. 12, at the interference position, the slider feeding portion 320k is shifted from the closed state to the open state, and the slider 115 is left at the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102. The slider supply portion 320k is configured to hold the slider 115 in the closed state and release the slider 115 in the open state. The specific structure of the elevating portion 320j may be various. For example, the elevating unit 320j includes a cylinder. The vertical position of the slider supply portion 320k can be adjusted by controlling the expansion and contraction of the cylinder.

The slider supply portion 320k according to the illustrated example includes: first and

second brackets

321, 322 for holding the slider 115; a pair of pivotal links 323 having lower ends connected to the

respective brackets

321, 322; a base 324 to which each pivotal link 323 is pivotally provided; and a pushing member 325 for opening and closing the pair of pivoting links 323.

The first bracket 321 is configured to receive and/or hold the lower wing plate of the slider 115. The second bracket 322 is configured to receive and/or retain the upper wing plate of the slider 115. The second bracket 322 is provided with a notch for avoiding interference with the handle of the slider 115. In some cases, a driving source, such as a cylinder, for displacing the pusher 325 up and down is provided. In addition, the pusher 325 is relatively displaceable with respect to the pedestal 324. The feeding of the slider 115 to the first and

second supports

321 and 322 of the slider feeding portion 320k may be achieved by various methods.

When the slider supply portion 320k is in the closed state, the slider 115 is held by the first holder 321 and the second holder 322, and an insertion path for the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102 is provided between the first holder 321 and the second holder 322. When the slider supplying portion 320k is lowered, the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200 is inserted through the insertion path between the first bracket 321 and the second bracket 322. By further lowering of the slider supply 320k, the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 passes through the slider 115, in the example of the drawing, between the upper wing plate and the lower wing plate thereof. In some cases, the slider 115 is disposed at a position where the upper end portion of the coupling element 112m in the vertical direction slightly enters the slider 115.

The insertion path is defined by the opposing surfaces of the first bracket 321 and the second bracket 322. An inclined surface 321j is provided on the facing surface of the first bracket 321. An inclined surface 322j is provided on the opposite surface of the second bracket 322. As shown in fig. 11, when the slider 115 is held by the first holder 321 and the second holder 322, the

inclined surfaces

321j, 322j are oriented in a tapered shape, and a wider insertion opening of the insertion path can be secured.

As can be understood from a comparison of fig. 13 and 14, the second bracket 322 for holding the upper wing plate includes

guide portions

322m, 322n, and the

guide portions

322m, 322n guide the coupling element 112m and the remnants of the fastener elements remaining on both the left and right sides of the space portion 116. The

guide portions

322m and 322n are provided at intervals in a lateral direction intersecting with or orthogonal to the vertical direction. The respective opposing surfaces of the

guide portions

322m and 322n are arranged in a tapered shape so as to spread downward in the vertical direction. The more smooth insertion of the remnant of the fastener element or the engaging element 112m is ensured.

By lowering the pusher 325, the space between the pair of

stays

321 and 322 is expanded, and the slider 115 inserted through the upper end 102j of the second fastener stringer 102 can be separated from the

stays

321 and 322 and left on the second fastener stringer 102 side.

As shown in fig. 11, the pusher 325 in the illustrated example has a tapered portion 325r tapered so as to narrow in width toward the lower side in the vertical direction. Each pivot link 323 has a protrusion 323r provided to be close to each other in the vertical direction downward. With this configuration, the distance between the first holder 321 and the second holder 322 can be gradually increased by lowering the pusher 325.

As is apparent from fig. 15 and 16, the third processing unit 330 includes a movable rod 331 vertically displaceable and a pushing projection 332 projecting radially outward from the outer periphery of the movable rod 331. The third processing unit 330 has an elevating unit for elevating the movable rod 331, as in the second processing unit 320, but the illustration and description thereof are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

By the lowering of the movable lever 331, the pushing projection 332 is lowered and collides with the slider 115 arranged on the upper end portion 102j of the second fastener chain 102 gripped by the gripper pair 200. Next, the slider 115 is pushed downward in the vertical direction by the pushing projection 332, and the engaging elements 112m are disengaged within a certain range. The gripper pair 200 is controlled in synchronization with the lowering of the movable lever 331 in order to facilitate the retraction of the slider 115. Or more directly, a control of increasing the interval of the gripper pair 200 is performed.

In the present embodiment, in the second process unit 320, the slider 115 is disposed near the end of the engaging element 112m, and the slider is pushed by the third process unit 330, and at least the engaging element 112m is partially made non-engaged. That is, the arrangement of the slider and the pushing of the slider are assigned to different process units. In this case, it is allowed to simply detect an abnormality related to the feeding of the slider. In some cases, after the third processing unit 330 is operated, it is determined whether or not the slider 115 is displaced downward within a predetermined range using an image sensor and a computer.

As is apparent from comparison between fig. 17 and 18, when the fastener elements 112 of both are inserted into the slider 115 and the slider 115 takes an appropriate posture, the slider 115 is pushed straight vertically downward. On the other hand, if one of the fastener elements 112 is not inserted into the slider 115 and the slider 115 takes an abnormal posture, the slider 115 is not pushed straight vertically downward. By detecting the position of the slider 115, an abnormality related to the supply of the slider can be easily detected. Various detection units such as a metal sensor and a reflection sensor can be used.

As can be seen from fig. 19, the fourth processing unit 340 includes at least a pair of upper stopper mounting portions. Each upper stop mounting portion has the same structure as the lower stop mounting portion 420 shown in fig. 8. The upper stopper mounting portion includes a punch 341, a first guide 342, a second guide 343, and a die 344. The punch 341 is displaceable between a standby position of fig. 19(a) and an operating position of fig. 19(b) in accordance with a driving force from a driving source, not shown, such as a cylinder. The first guide 342 and the second guide 343 are cylindrical members configured to guide the movement of the punch 341. The die 344 is provided with a concave portion for bending the leg portion of the wire piece 114 g.

When the wire piece 114g is fed to the first guide 342, the punch 341 and the first guide 342 are displaced in the lateral direction intersecting with or orthogonal to the axis AX 10. The first guide 342 is displaced in the lateral direction until colliding with the second guide 343. When the punch 341 travels inside the first and

second guides

342, 343, the wire piece 114g also proceeds inside the first and

second guides

342, 343. In correspondence with further advancement of the punch 341, the leg portion of the wire piece 114g penetrates the fastener tape 111 of the second fastener chain 102 disposed on the die 344, and is plastically deformed in the recess of the die 344. Thus, the upper stoppers 114 are attached to the ends of the respective fastener elements 112. In the case of using other kinds of top stops, other kinds of devices or mechanisms are used. The wire piece 114g can be supplied to the top dead center mounting portion in the same manner as the wire piece 113 f. Fig. 19 shows a state where the upper stopper 114 is attached to the fastener stringer 110 on one side. The attachment of the upper stopper 114 to the other fastener stringer 110 can be similarly configured.

From the above disclosure, a method of manufacturing a slide fastener described in the following supplementary notes is also substantially disclosed.

[ accompanying notes ]

A method for manufacturing a slide fastener using a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600), the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) comprising: a rotating unit (510) which is provided with a plurality of gripper pairs (200) along the circumferential direction, wherein the plurality of gripper pairs (200) are configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain (102) obtained by cutting a first fastener chain (101); and

the manufacturing method of the zipper comprises the following steps:

the space forming part (410) forms a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101), and the lower stopper (113) is arranged in the space part (116) near the end part of the space part (116) by the next action of the lower stopper mounting part (420),

From the above teaching, those skilled in the art can apply various modifications to the embodiments. Reference signs in the claims are included for reference and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. In the first processing unit 310, the first fastener chain 101 is conveyed in the vertical direction, and in another mode, the first fastener chain 101 is conveyed in another mode.

Claims

1. A slide fastener manufacturing apparatus includes:

the zipper manufacturing apparatus (600) further comprises:

the space forming part (410) is configured to form a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first zipper chain (101), and the lower stop (113) is configured near the end part of the space part (116) through the next action of the lower stop mounting part (420),

2. The zipper manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

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

further comprises a conveying mechanism (440) for conveying the first zipper chain (101),

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

the plurality of processing units (300) comprises:

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

further comprises a wire accumulating part (470) for supplying the wire (113k) to the lower stopper mounting part (420),

the wire accumulation section (470) has:

a reel (471) wound by the wire (113 k); and

6. A slide fastener manufacturing apparatus includes:

a fixed unit (520) provided with a plurality of processing units (300), wherein the plurality of processing units (300) include one processing unit that processes the first fastener chain (101) and another processing unit that processes the second fastener chain (102) held by the gripper pair (200) and that has a space forming unit (410), a bottom stop mounting unit (420), and a cutting unit (430), and the gripper pair (200) is displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating unit (510),

the space forming part (410) forms a space part (116) on the coupling element (112m) of the first fastener chain (101),

the bottom stopper attachment part (420) attaches a bottom stopper (113) to the first fastener chain (101) in the vicinity of an end of the space part (116),

in order to obtain the second fastener chain 102 to which the lower stopper 113 is attached, the cutting section 430 cuts the first fastener chain 101 at the space section 116,

7. A method for manufacturing a slide fastener using a slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600), the slide fastener manufacturing apparatus (600) comprising: a rotating unit (510) which is provided with a plurality of gripper pairs (200) along the circumferential direction, wherein the plurality of gripper pairs (200) are configured to be able to grip a second fastener chain (102) obtained by cutting a first fastener chain (101); and

the manufacturing method of the zipper comprises the following steps:

8. The method of manufacturing a slide fastener according to claim 7,