FI95648B - Method for forming an intermediate part without coupling elements in a continuous zipper strip - Google Patents

Description

! 95648

The present invention relates to an improved method of forming spacers without coupling elements at predetermined distances in a zipper strip consisting of a series of continuous rows of coupling elements connected to each other.

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Various methods have been proposed for automatically and continuously forming spacers without coupling elements, which spacers are arranged at predetermined distances in a zipper strip formed by a pair of continuous rows of coupling elements connected to each other.

Because the zipper straps are made from a piece of fabric, they locally stretch or shrink. Thus, these conventional methods produce cumulative errors in element size and the zipper cannot always be made to stop at the desired position to accurately form the spacer. If the zipper with the intermediate part were handled under such element conditions, the result would be that the end coupling elements at either one or both ends of the spacer and one or both of the coupling elements 25 adjacent to such end coupling elements would only be partially cut off. Fig. 18 shows an element B which is • · .. adjacent to the end element of the intermediate part A and which is only partially cut away. Due to such defective elements, high quality products cannot be obtained. Methods for preventing the production of such elements are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,428,264 and JP Patent 63-44363.

- * In the description of the present invention, viewed from the above side, the downstream side of the zipper is said to be downstream. Then the next side is called the upstream side.

U.S. patent 4,428,264 device, due to the distribution device *, which is set just upstream of the perforating blade, a two part 95648 of the upstream end elements, which becomes the continuous slide fastener strip intermediate part, can be brought to stop at a desired position. The zipper tape is then cut with a punch blade after it has been stretched. However, as shown in Figs. 5 above, the zipper strap is elongated or contracted locally. the downstream end of the elements then there · be brought to stop at another desired position. Thus, the intermediate part cannot always be formed in the desired position. On the other hand, a pair of auxiliary parts 10 are formed at opposite ends of the punch blade to protect the coupling elements located adjacent the coupling elements at the end of the intermediate part from being cut by the punch blade. However, since the auxiliary parts are not always precisely positioned for the rows of coupling elements to protect them, there is a fear that the punch blade will damage the top surface of these coupling elements.

In the device of JP patent 63-44363, due to the two dividers, the part of the continuous zipper strip which becomes the intermediate part can be placed under the mechanism which removes the rows of fastening-20 elements from the zipper. The two manifolds are placed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the mechanism, respectively, and are operated simultaneously.

However, as described earlier, the zipper strap lengthens or shrinks locally, thus allowing for a change in the length of the 25 parts. In this case, one of the two splitters works accurately with the desired elements • · ..: while the other splitter cannot operate accurately with the other desired elements. Therefore, there is a fear that a defective element will also be produced in this device, as described above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method by which, even if the zipper strip is locally stretched or shrunk, a spacer can be formed without coupling elements 35 to the continuous zipper accurately and securely without forming a defective element on opposite adjacent sides of the spacer.

3,95648 According to the present invention, there is provided a method of repeatedly forming spacers one at a time without coupling members in a continuous zipper provided with a pair of coupling members connected to each other. This method of forming one intermediate section in one section comprises the following steps.

The part which becomes the intermediate part of the zipper is transported under the element removing device and the transport of the zipper is stopped.

The downstream alignment means, viewed from the feed direction of the zipper, is connected to the fastener element of the normal part, which does not become an intermediate part, the part which becomes the intermediate part next to the downstream side end. In this case, a small tension is applied to the zipper so that a pair of rows of interconnected coupling elements on the downstream side of the part is located under the cutting means of the element removing device. Thus, if the length of the part 20 which will be the intermediate part is changed due to the stretching or shrinking of the zipper strip, a pair of rows of elements on the downstream side of the part is made to stop precisely to be removed in the next step.

25 Delete a pair of rows of interconnected coupling elements on the downstream side of the section.

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The downstream alignment means and the cutting means are returned to positions where neither means is used, respectively.

The upstream locating means is connected to the normal portion, which is not - be an intermediate portion of the fastener element adjacent the upstream portion, which becomes an intermediate portion. In this case, a small tension is applied to the zipper 35 so that the indelible residue of the pair of rows of interconnected coupling elements upstream of the part is located below the cutting means of the element removing device. Thus, if the length of the portion φ 4,95648 that will be the intermediate portion is changed due to stretching or shrinking of the zipper strip, the indelible residue of the pair of rows of elements upstream of the portion is stopped exactly to be removed in the next step.

The indelible residue of the pair of rows of interconnected coupling elements on the upstream side of the part is removed.

10 The upstream alignment means and the cutting means are returned to positions where neither means is used, respectively.

Then, when one cycle of the above-mentioned steps has been completed, the next cycle can be started by transporting the zipper again as the first stage of the next cycle.

As a result, the spacers are repeatedly formed one at a time in the zipper at predetermined intervals accurately and securely without forming a defective element on adjacent opposite sides 20 of the spacer.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which clearly illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention.

* Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view, partially in section, of an apparatus as an example relating to the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged schematic vertical longitudinal sectional views showing the step of cutting and removing the coupling ends of the fastener elements with a punch; Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are schematic elevational views, in partial section, showing an important part of the device of Figure 1 in the order of operation;

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5,95648

Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged schematic elevational views showing the operation of the operation of the downstream alignment pin in order; Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are enlarged schematic plan views showing the part which becomes the intermediate part according to the order of operation of the downstream and upstream alignment pins and the punch; Fig. 14 is an enlarged schematic elevational view of a punch in another embodiment;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged schematic elevational view of the punch of yet another embodiment; 15

Fig. 16 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of the zipper prior to forming the intermediate portion;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of the zipper 20 after the intermediate portion is formed;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged schematic elevational view of one end of an intermediate member formed by a conventional method and having a defective element.

The method of the present invention is practiced with a device such as that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the rows 34 of the coupling elements of the part 8 are removed from the continuous zipper 2 30 to be an intermediate part 7 having a predetermined length L. ~

The base 1 has a longitudinal guide path 3 on its upper surface, along which the zipper 2 is moved periodically in the direction indicated by the arrow C using the drive roller 4 35 and the pressure roller 5.

The sensor 6 is provided on the guide path 3 to detect that the part 8 has been brought into the desired position to form an intermediate part 7 6 under the element removing device 9, which will be described below. In the case that the fastening elements are made of metal, the metal sensor is adapted as a sensor 6.

The sensor detects that the part 8 has been brought to the desired position 5 under the element removing device 9 by counting the number of fastener elements to be fed over the sensor. The metal sensor then transmits signals so that the drive roller 4 stops. On the other hand, in the case where the fastening elements are made of synthetic resin 10, a photoelectric cell or a roll, respectively, is arranged as a sensor. In case a roller is used, it rotates in contact with the zipper and is connected to the counter so that the length of the zipper is detected.

In the element removing device 9, a connector 12 is connected to a motor (not shown) mounted on a support frame 10 by means of a wheel between them or eccentric.

The movable block 13 is then attached to the connector 12 to move vertically under the guidance of a guide rod 14 provided in the support frame 10.

The punch 15 acts as a cutting member and is connected to the underside of the movable block 13. The longitudinal length W of the punch 15, viewed from the feed direction of the zipper 2, is set to be shorter than the longitudinal length L of the intermediate part 7 and longer than half the length L.

The air cylinders 19, 20 are mounted on a bracket 16 attached to a support frame 10. The downstream alignment pin 17 30 and the upstream alignment pin 18 act as downstream alignment means and upstream alignment means, respectively. The pins 17, 18 are operated separately by cylinders. * 19, respectively 20 and are attached to the piston rods 21, respectively 22.

As shown in Fig. 1, the downstream alignment pin 17 and the upstream alignment pin 18-are set to contact both sides of the punch 15, respectively, over the guide path 3 of the zipper 2 so as not to interfere with each other. They then move through holes 23, 24 and 25 formed in the vertically movable block 13 by means of air cylinders 19, respectively 20. The vertical movement of the punch 15 does not interfere with the movements of the alignment pins 17, 18.

The zipper weight bar 26 and the chain stretching bar 27 are vertically movably provided at the downstream side end of the movable block 13 to be located on the guides 3 of the stand 1. The rods 26, 27 are then forced downwards by helical springs 28, respectively 29, and the length of their downwardly projecting portions from the movable block 13 can be adjusted by means of double nuts 30, respectively 31.

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As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a pair of mating pieces 32, 33 are placed on each side of the guides 3 of the stand 1 to support the undersides of the legs of the zipper 2 attached to the zipper strap. Even the extended counterpart 32, 33 has the same longitudinal length 20, which corresponds to the longitudinal length W of the punch 15. The edges 35, 36 are formed along each of the zipper train strips. The ends 37, 37 of the two rows 34, 34 of the coupling elements are fastened to each other. Stamp 15 decreases. to cut and remove the group of interconnected ends 37, 37 formed between the edges 35, 36, while the front and back surfaces of the punch 15 having a longitudinal length W contact the edges 35, respectively.

The legs of the elements of the rows 34, 34 which have not been cut and which have remained attached to the edges 35, respectively, 36 are removed by brushing or the like later.

Both alignment pins 17, 18 are provided with tip ends 38 and 39, respectively. Each tip end 38, 39 is positioned 35 so as to be spaced apart from each end of the punch 15 by a predetermined element division length. When cutting and removing the fasteners of the part, use a chain weighting bar 26 and a chain stretching bar 27.

Γ 8 95648 In this case, as shown in Figs. 9, 11 and 13, each tip end 38, 39 is made to join each leg 43, 42 of the fastening element 41, 42 of the zipper strip 40 of one zipper 2. These fastening elements 41, 42 are 5 , next to the downstream side end and the upstream side end, respectively.

The front end pad 45 of the chain weight bar 26 is provided to face the flat top surface 46 of the base 1. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, as the bar 26 lowers, the pad 45 pinches the guide passage 3 of the zipper 2 on its surface 46 to compress and tighten the zipper 2.

On the other hand, a recess 48 is formed on the upper surface 15 of the base 1 transversely across the guides 3 under the front end pad 47 of the chain stretching rod 27. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, as the bar 27 lowers, the pad 47 pushes the zipper 2 into the recess 48 to provide a small tension to the zipper 2. Both pads 45, 47 are positioned to protrude 20 down deeper than the cutting edge of the punch 15 prior to cutting and removing.

The method of the present invention with these devices is applied in practice as follows.

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As shown in Figure 1, the continuous slide fastener chain 2 is transported intermittently along the guide path 3 of the support 1 in the direction of the arrow C to denote a drive roller 4 and the press roll 5 activity. When the part 8, which becomes the intermediate part 7, 30 is brought under the element removing device 9, the sensor 6 detects this. The rotation of the rollers 4, 5 is then stopped in response to the signals of the sensor 6. Thus, the transfer of the zipper «stops.

Next, as shown in Figs. 8 * and 10, an air cylinder 19 is used to move the downstream alignment pin 17 downward to strike against the leg of the fastener element adjacent the fastener element 41.

9 95648

As shown in Figs. 11, 12, 16 and 17, this fastening element 41 is adjacent to the end element of the normal part 50, which does not become the intermediate part 7, and the part 8, which becomes the intermediate part 7, downstream.

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Although in Figs. 8 and 10 the downstream alignment pin 17 strikes the upper surface of the foot of the fastener element adjacent to the fastener element 41, the tip end 38 could be placed between the foot 43 of the fastener element 41 and the foot of the above fastener member 10 due to the position where the zipper 2 is brought. to stop.

A motor (not shown) is then used to move the movable block 13 downward through the center 15 of the connector 12. As shown in Fig. 5, the zipper 2 is pressed and pressed between the front end pad 45 of the chain pressing bar 26 and the flat upper surface 46 of the base 1, the chain 2 is further pushed slightly into the recess 48 by the front end pad 47 of the chain stretching bar 27.

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As described above, the tip end 38 of the downstream alignment pin is struck against the upper surface of the leg of the fastener element 41, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10, or is interposed between the leg 25 of the fastener element 41 and the leg of the fastener element 41, although not shown. However, by the above-mentioned operation of both pads 45, 47, the tip end 38 engages the leg 43 of the fastener element 41, as shown in Figs. Thus, the downstream side end 49 of the part 8, which becomes the intermediate part 7, is precisely positioned.

The connector 12 is used to move the punch 15 in the manner shown in Figures * 2, 3, 5 and 11 so that a group of interconnected ends 37 of fastener rows 34 of length 11 # set downstream of the portion 8 is cut at the cutting edge of the punch 15. to be removed from the zipper 2.

Next, the connector 12 and the air cylinder 19 are moved 5 upward and the punch 15, the downstream alignment pin 17, the chain weight bar 26 and the chain stretching bar 27 are returned to their original positions where they cannot operate. This action is the method of forming the fastener chain intermediate portion downstream of the completion.

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the zipper 2 is then moved again in the direction of arrow C, to denote direction. When the rest of the rows 34 of fastening elements in the part 8, which becomes the intermediate part 7, have been brought under the punch 15, the sensor 6 detects this. Therefore, following the signals from the sensor 6 15, the rotations of the rollers 4, 5 are stopped. Thus, the transport of the zipper 2 stops.

Next, as shown in Figs. 6 and 12, an air cylinder 20 is used to move the tip 20 39 of the end of the upstream alignment pin 18 downward to strike the foot of the fastener element 42 adjacent to the normal portion 52, which does not become the intermediate portion 7. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, this element is adjacent to the upstream side end 51 of the part 8 which becomes the intermediate part 7.

This impact action of the tip end 39 on the elements is the same as the action of the tip end 38 of the downstream alignment pin 17. That is, the tip end 39 strikes the top surface of the fastener element adjacent the fastener element 42, as shown in Fig. 12, or is placed between the foot of the fastener element 42 and the foot of the fastener element adjacent to the fastener element 42.

Then, as shown in Figure 7, a connector 12 operative-35 * Ia affect the chain-pressuring rod 26 and the chain-stretching rod 27 of the fastener chain 2 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned forming process, the intermediate portion of the downstream-side end portion of *. Thus, as shown in Figure 13, the upstream end 11 of IL 95648 side portion 8 to be the space section 7, 12 is located precisely, even if the slide fastener chain 2 will extend or shrink the length locally.

The connector 12 is used to move the punch 15 in the manner shown in Figures 7 and 13 so that an array of interconnected ends 37 of fastener rows 34 of length 12 located upstream of portion 8 is cut at the cutting edge of the punch 15 and removed from the zipper 2.

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Next, the joint 12 and the air cylinder 19 are moved upward and the punch 15, the upstream alignment pin 18, the chain weight bar 26 and the chain stretching bar 27 are returned to their original positions where they cannot be used.

15 This activity is completed half of the intermediate portion of the upstream method of forming a continuous fastener chain. In the above mentioned two forming method of the intermediate portion and the downstream side respectively for the upstream part of the completion of a sequence of one intermediate section 20 forming seven one.

Therefore, the continuous zipper 2 is transported again as the first stage so that the next cycle begins. As a result, the intermediate parts 7 are repeatedly formed one at a time on the zipper 2 at predetermined distances. -: In the above-mentioned embodiment, the zipper strip 2 is moved inside the part of the guides 3, the longitudinal length of the path of which corresponds to the length L of the intermediate part 7, and the punch is moved only by 30 vertical lines. On the other hand, in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the continuous zipper strip 2 is held in one position during the cutting and removing operation of the rows of fastening elements. Then, the die-cutting machin surgical instrument consists of a downstream punch 53 and an upstream punch 54 to 35, respectively, both of which act as cutting kauseliminä and both of which have the same length, corresponding to half the length of the intermediate section side of the L section downstream of the forming method used in the downstream targeting i2 pin 17 downstream 95648 the targeting tool and downstream of the die, then a portion of the upstream-side muodostusmenetelmäs groups are used upstream of the upstream locating pin 18 in the media and applied and upstream of the die 54. the heavy chain of 5 bar and a chain-stretching rod used in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiment.

In yet another embodiment, in Fig. 15, the continuous zipper strip 2 is held in one position during the cutting and removing operation of the fastener element-10, while the punch 55 moves downstream and upstream (back and forth) within a portion having a length corresponding to the longitudinal length L of the intermediate portion. .

In this case, the longitudinal length of the punch 55 is shorter than 15 and longer than half the longitudinal length L of the intermediate part. The downstream alignment pin and the upstream alignment pin, both of which act as alignment means, respectively, the chain weight bar and the chain stretching bar are used in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

Although preferred embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to its specific embodiments.

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Claims (4)

A method of forming intermediate portions (7) without coupling elements recurring one by one at a continuous tension band (2) which exhibits a pair of rows of interconnected coupling elements using a device (9) which removes an element after the part (8) which will constitute an intermediate part of the drawstring belt (2) has been transported under the device (9) which removes an element, the drawstring belt (2) has been stopped and the part (8) has been aligned so that forming an intermediate portion (7) at the aforesaid for a period, characterized in that a) a downstream alignment means (17) is coupled, as seen in the feed direction of the drawbar (2), at the normal portion (50), which will not constitute an intermediate portion (7), fastening element (41), next to the downstream side end (49) at the portion (8) which will constitute an intermediate portion (7), and a small tension is provided at the zipper band (2) so that the pair of rows (34) coupling elements connected to each other on the downstream side of the member (8) has been aligned under a cutting means (15, 53, 55) of the device (9) which removes an element; b) removing the pair of rows (34) coupling elements connected to each other on the downstream side of the portion (8); c) downstream the alignment means (17) and the cutting means (15, 53, 55) to their stations there, respectively. neither means (17, 15, 53, 55) was used; d) an upstream alignment means (18) is coupled, at the normal part (52), which will not form an intermediate part (7), fastener (42), next to the end (51) upstream at the part 30 (8) which will constitute an intermediate member (7), and at the drawstring belt (2) a small tension is obtained so that a non-removed residue of the pair of rows (34) coupling elements connected to each other on the upstream side of the member (8) is aligned under the cutting member ( 15, 53, 55) for the device (9) which removes an element; e) removing a non-removable residue of the pair of rows (34) coupling elements connected to each other on the upstream side of the portion (8); f) upstream of the alignment means (18) and the cutting means (15, 54, 55) are delivered to their stations, at which, respectively. neither means (18, 15, 54, 55) was used. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting means (15) comprises a cutting means (15), whose longitudinal length (W) as seen in the feed direction of the drawbar (2) is shorter than that of the intermediate (7). longitudinal length (L) and longer than half the length (L) of the intermediate (7), and that a stage is added between the stage c) and the stage d); c ') wherein a non-removed residue 15 of the pair of rows (34) coupling elements connected to each other on the upstream side of the portion (8), which will constitute an intermediate portion (7), is moved below the cutting means (15); Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (9) which removes an element is on the upper side of the part (8), which will constitute an intermediate part (7), and that the cutting means (9) 53, 54) comprise two cutting means (53, 54), one of which is downstream of the cutting means (53) used in stage b) and the other of which is upstream of the cutting means (54) used in stage e). which have the same longitudinal length corresponding to respectively. half the longitudinal length (L) of the intermediate (7). 30 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (9) which removes an element is located above the part (8), which will form an intermediate part (7), and that the cutting means (55) comprises a cutting means (55) having a longitudinal length 35 shorter than the longitudinal length (L) of the intermediate member (7). · 95648 17 and longer than half the length (L) of the intermediate (7) and moving in the downstream and upstream directions within a portion whose length corresponds to the length (L) of the intermediate (7). . · • ·