Slide fastener and seat for vehicle

The present invention relates to a slide fastener and a vehicle seat, and in particular, a slide fastener having an open area in which the left and right fastener elements in a meshed state can be separated by a predetermined force without depending on a slider when required, and the slide. It relates to a vehicle seat configured by a fastener attached to an opening of a seat cover.

Generally, a side airbag device mounted on an automobile or the like has an inflator that generates an expansion gas and an airbag that expands and expands by supplying gas from the inflator, and the side airbag device does not normally operate. In the state, the airbag is stored in the seat back side of the vehicle seat in a state of being folded by a predetermined procedure.

This side airbag device senses the impact when the vehicle collides and receives a large impact, generates high-pressure gas from the inflator and introduces it into the airbag, and inflates the airbag instantly. As a result, the airbag bulges out from the opening provided on the side of the seat and expands to the side of the occupant to buffer and support the occupant's head, chest, waist, etc., thereby joining the human body in the event of a collision. Since the impact force is greatly reduced, the safety of the occupants is ensured.

Usually, the vehicle seat containing the side airbag device is covered with a seat cover. This seat cover has an opening for inflating the airbag of the side airbag device and a slide fastener for closing the opening, and the left and right element rows of the slide fastener inflate the airbag. It is configured to be separable when pressure is applied.

When the seat cover provided with such a slide fastener is put on the vehicle seat, the position of the slide fastener attached to the seat cover is aligned with the position of the airbag swelling opening provided on the side of the vehicle seat. .. As a result, the seat opening can be hidden from the outside by the closed slide fastener. In addition, when the side airbag device is activated, the element row of the slide fastener receives the expansion pressure of the airbag and separates to the left and right to open, so that the airbag can be expanded from the same opening to the side of the occupant. it can.

An example of a slide fastener attached to a seat opening of such a vehicle seat is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-298641 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-15158 (Patent Document 2). As shown in FIG. 17A, the slide fastener 100 described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of fastener elements 104 (hereinafter, simply abbreviated as elements) on opposite side edges of a pair of left and right fastener tapes 102. ) Is attached.

More specifically, the plurality of elements 104 are arranged in rows at predetermined intervals in the first region 106 and the second region 107, which are separately provided in the length direction of the fastener tape 102. Form the element row 105. The element row 105 is formed so as to engage and separate by sliding a slider (not shown). Further, in Patent Document 1, each element 104 is configured as a single element attached to the fastener tape 102 independently.

On the other hand, a gap 110 is provided between the first region 106 and the second region 107 as a region in which the element 104 is not arranged. The gap 110 is arranged at the center of the element row 105 of the slide fastener in the tape length direction, and at the center of the gap 110, a connecting link made of synthetic resin as shown in FIG. 17 (b). 115 is arranged.

The connecting link 115 connects the left and right fastener tapes 102 at the center of the gap 110 in order to prevent the left and right element rows 105 in the meshed state from being unintentionally separated. Further, the connecting link 115 has a shape in which the central portion in the left-right direction is constricted, and when a predetermined force is applied, the confined central portion is cut and separated into left and right. The connecting link 115 is formed by, for example, attaching the two link halves constituting the connecting link 115 to the tape side edges of the fastener tape, and then connecting the end faces of the link halves facing each other by an ultrasonic welding method. Can be formed.

The slide fastener 100 of Patent Document 1 in which the gap 110 is formed at the center of the element row 105 and the connecting link 115 is arranged at the center of the gap 110 is formed on the seat cover of the vehicle seat. It is sewn into the opened opening, and the seat cover is aligned and covered with the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is housed. As a result, in the normal state when the side airbag device does not operate, the airbag swelling opening provided in the vehicle seat is hidden by the closed slide fastener 100 of Patent Document 1 to make it difficult to see from the outside.

Further, when the side airbag device is activated, the central constriction portion of the connecting link 115 is broken by the expansion pressure of the airbag, and then the left and right element rows 105 in the meshed state arranged in the first region 106 and the second region 107. Sequentially separates from the end on the gap 110 side and opens. This makes it possible to expand and deploy the airbag through the opening of the slide fastener.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the slide fastener described in Patent Document 2 has a plurality of core cord portions 129 provided on the side edges of the pair of left and right fastener tapes 128 facing each other. Elements are arranged in a row on the side edge of the fastener tape 128 so as to sandwich the core cord portion 129 as a single element. The left and right element rows formed on these tape side edges are configured to mesh and separate by sliding a slider (not shown).

In Patent Document 2, the left and right element rows have four first elements 130 having different shapes on the front and back sides and a general second element 150 having symmetrical shapes on the front and back sides (FIG. 2). See 20). As shown in FIG. 18A, the first element 130 extends in the tape width direction so as to be tied to the leg portion 132 fixed to the fastener tape 128 and the leg portion 132 on the tape surface side. It has a neck portion 136 and a head portion 138 formed in an oval shape on the tip end side of the neck portion 136.

Further, on the tape back surface side of the first element 130, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), the leg portion 132 formed on the tape surface portion side, the leg portion 140 formed symmetrically on the front and back sides, and the leg portion 140 contracted from the leg portion 140. A neck 142 extending in the tape width direction so as to be wide, a narrow nose 144 formed linearly on the tip side of the neck 142, and a flat shoulder extending linearly from the neck 142 in the tape length direction. It has a part 146. In this case, the width dimension (dimension in the tape length direction) of the nose portion 144 formed on the back surface side of the tape is such that it does not interfere with the shoulder portion 146 of the other element 130 when the left and right element rows are engaged. It is set to the size.

The second element 150 has a shape similar to that of an element generally used conventionally. Specifically, the head that meshes with the other party's element, the constricted neck, the leg that is fixed to the fastener tape, the shoulder that protrudes from the leg in the tape width direction, and the other party's element. It has a groove formed on the tip surface of the head so that the shoulder can be fitted.

Then, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 2, four first elements 130 having the above-mentioned shape are attached to the left and right element rows so as to mesh with each other. Further, the plurality of second elements 150 are arranged in a row with a required length so as to sandwich four first elements 130 in the tape length direction.

In the case of such a slide fastener of Patent Document 2, for example, when the element row receives a force from the back surface side of the tape toward the front surface side, the four first elements 130 are provided on the back surface side of the nose portion. As 144 passes between the shoulders 146 of the first element 130 of the mating partner, it rotates toward the tape surface side around the legs 132 and 140 as shown in FIG. 20, and the left and right first elements 130 are disengaged. .. Further, since these first elements 130 are arranged in the middle portion of the left and right element rows, it is possible to promote the separation of the left and right element rows in the tape length direction starting from the first element 130 which is disengaged. ..

On the other hand, when the element row receives a force from the tape front surface side to the back surface side, the head portion 138 formed on the front surface side of each first element 130 is formed on the shoulder portion formed on the mating partner element 130. Supported by 146 respectively. As a result, each of the first elements 130 is prevented from rotating toward the back surface side of the tape around the legs 132 and 140, so that the meshed state of the left and right first elements 130 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the slide fastener of Patent Document 2 is sewn to, for example, an opening provided in a seat cover and the seat cover is covered with a vehicle seat, the left and right element rows are received even when pressed from the seat surface side. Separation is prevented. Further, when the side airbag device housed in the vehicle seat is activated, the left and right element rows of the slide fastener receive the expansion pressure of the airbag from the back surface side of the seat. As a result, the left and right first elements 130 rotate as shown in FIG. 20, and the meshing thereof is disengaged. Therefore, the element rows are sequentially separated and opened starting from the relevant points, and the airbag is appropriately opened through the same openings. Can be expanded and expanded.

Further, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a slide fastener capable of separating an element row in a meshed state by a predetermined force without depending on a slider is published in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-2842 (Patent Document 3). ) Is also disclosed. The slide fastener described in Patent Document 3 is used, for example, for an opening / closing part of a tent, a curtain, etc., an emergency escape exit, or the like, and one emergency that does not have an element-original meshing function in the middle part of the element row of the fastener. It has an open part. This emergency opening portion is configured by, for example, missing a plurality of left and right elements that mesh with each other, or weakening the meshing strength of the left and right elements.

With the slide fastener of Patent Document 3 having such an emergency opening portion, when an emergency situation such as a fire occurs, the emergency opening portion in the element row in the meshed state is strongly pressed with a fingertip to bend. By doing so, it is possible to separate the left and right element rows from the emergency opening portion and accurately open the slide fastener without performing the sliding operation of the slider.

Further, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 3, a reinforcing body having rigidity for reinforcing the emergency opening portion formed in the element row is provided on both left and right sides of the emergency opening portion in the tape length direction from the emergency opening portion. It is arranged long. Thereby, for example, even if a lateral gravitational force acts on the emergency opening portion via the adherend in normal times other than an emergency, it is possible to prevent the emergency opening portion from bending or opening by the reinforcing body. is there. Therefore, even if the emergency opening portion is formed in the element row as described above, it is possible to secure the closing function of the slide fastener.<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-298641</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-15158</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-2842</text></patcit>

<p> The slide fastener attached to the seat cover of the vehicle seat that houses the side airbag device is a slider that receives the expansion pressure of the airbag as described above in order to smoothly expand and deploy the airbag. It is required that the left and right element rows are surely separated regardless of this. For this reason, the slide fastener used for the vehicle seat is formed by intentionally weakening the meshing strength of the element (for example, setting the meshing strength to 300 N or less) as compared with a commonly used ordinary slide fastener. Is required.</p><p> On the other hand, since the seat cover is tensioned when covering the cushioned vehicle seat, the slide fastener attached to the seat cover always receives a certain amount of lateral attraction. There is. Further, when the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat, the occupant (particularly a child) may inadvertently press or twist the slide fastener from the outer surface with a fingertip or the like.</p><p> For this reason, the slide fastener attached to the vehicle seat is laterally provided by the tension as described above in order to stably maintain the meshed state when the left and right element rows are meshed in the normal state when the airbag device does not operate. On average, it has a meshing strength (for example, a meshing strength of 100N or more) that does not separate the left and right element rows even when it receives an attractive force or a pressing force or twist from a fingertip or the like. You are required to do it.</p><p> That is, the slide fastener used for the vehicle seat cover has a desired meshing strength so that the meshing state of the element row can be stably maintained at normal times and can be reliably separated when the expansion pressure of the airbag is applied. It is required to have a special property of controlling within a range, which is not so required in the conventional general slide fastener.</p><p> Further, for such a slide fastener, in order to further enhance the safety of the occupant, the element row is quickly and surely separated when the airbag is inflated, and the airbag is inflated instantly. It is also required that the elements do not come off the fastener tape and scatter toward the occupants when the element rows are separated. Further, in order to improve the appearance quality of the vehicle seat, it is desirable that, for example, a so-called hidden slide fastener that can make the slide fastener itself invisible from the seat surface side is attached to the vehicle seat cover.</p><p> On the other hand, for example, the slide fastener 100 (see FIG. 17) described in Patent Document 1 has a gap 110 in which the element 104 is not arranged at the center of the element row 105 in the tape length direction as described above. Is formed. Therefore, the slide fastener 100 can break the connecting link 115 by the expansion pressure of the airbag when the side airbag device is operated, and can easily separate the element row 105 from the gap 110.</p><p> However, the slide fastener 100 is arranged in the first region 106 and the second region 107 when, for example, the slide fastener is pressed or twisted from the outer surface side by a fingertip or the like in a normal time when the airbag does not operate. There is a drawback that the element row 105 is easily separated. Further, in this slide fastener 100, since the single element 104 is arranged in a row on the fastener tape 102 to form the element row 105, the element 104 itself cracks when the element row 105 is separated by the expansion pressure of the airbag. There was a risk that it would scatter.</p><p> Further, in the slide fastener 100 of Patent Document 1, after the connecting link 115 arranged in the gap 110 is broken, the element rows 105 arranged in the first and second regions 106 and 107 are sequentially separated from the gap 110 side and opened. However, when the element row 105 is sequentially separated from the gap 110 side in this way, a slight time lag may occur between the bulging of the airbag and the separation of the element row. Therefore, the expansion and deployment of the airbag may be disturbed by the element row 105 that is not completely separated and affect the deployment behavior of the airbag. Therefore, considering the safety of the occupant, the expansion of the airbag It has been desired to separate the element row 105, which serves as an opening for, more quickly.</p><p> In the slide fastener described in Patent Document 2 (see FIGS. 18 to 20), as described above, the element rows can be easily separated by the expansion pressure of the airbag when the side airbag device is operated. Is. Moreover, since the first element 130 arranged in the left and right element rows is formed in a different shape on the front and back sides, even if the slide fastener is pressed from the outer surface side, the separation of the element rows can be effectively prevented. Can be done.</p><p> On the other hand, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 2, the element row is separated only from the first element 130 when the expansion pressure of the airbag is applied. Therefore, in the area where the second element is arranged, the first element is separated. After the elements are separated, they are sequentially separated from the end on the first element side.</p><p> When the element rows are separated stepwise between the first element and the second element in this way, there is a time lag between the bulging of the airbag and the separation of the element rows, as in the slide fastener 100 of Patent Document 1. This may affect the deployment time and deployment behavior of the airbag. Further, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 2, since individual elements are arranged in a row on the fastener tape, there is a possibility that the elements may crack and scatter when the element rows are separated by the expansion pressure of the airbag.</p><p> Although it is not described that the slide fastener of Patent Document 3 is used for a vehicle seat cover in the first place, the left and right element rows are separated from the emergency opening portion formed in the element row when a predetermined pressing force is applied. It is possible to do. However, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 3, the element rows are separated in order from the emergency opening portion. Therefore, for example, when the slide fastener is applied to a vehicle seat cover, the element is the same as in Patent Documents 1 and 2. It is desirable to separate the columns more quickly.</p><p> Further, in the slide fastener of Patent Document 3, an emergency opening portion is formed by missing a plurality of left and right elements that mesh with each other, and reinforcing bodies are provided on both left and right sides of the emergency opening portion. ing. As a result, although the slide fastener has a closing function against lateral attraction from the adherend as described above, when the emergency opening portion is pressed or twisted from the outer surface side by a fingertip or the like. , The element row is easy to separate from the emergency opening part. Therefore, the slide fastener of Patent Document 3 has a drawback that the closing property of the element row is inferior when used as a slide fastener for a seat cover.</p><p> Further, since none of the slide fasteners of Patent Documents 1 to 3 is formed as a hidden slide fastener, the slide fastener itself is visible from the surface of the seat cover, and the appearance is good when sewn to the seat cover. It also had the drawback of getting worse.</p><p> The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a specific object thereof is a pressing force on which the left and right element rows in a predetermined area have a predetermined magnitude or more such as an expansion pressure of an airbag. A slide with a desired range of meshing strength that can be separated quickly and reliably when received, and can prevent the element row from separating even if it receives pressing pressure or twisting from the outer surface side with a fingertip or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slide fastener which can be suitably used for a fastener, particularly a seat cover of a vehicle seat containing a side airbag device, and to provide a vehicle seat provided with the slide fastener.</p>

<p> In order to achieve the above object, the slide fastener provided by the present invention has, as a basic configuration, a large number of fastener elements having a head and a leg on the tape side edge of a pair of left and right fastener tapes having a tape length. A pair of left and right fastener stringers attached along the longitudinal direction to form an element row and a slider for engaging and disengaging the left and right element rows are provided, and the element row is the left and right fastener elements in a meshed state. Is a slide fastener having at least a part of an open area that can be separated by a predetermined force without depending on the slider, and at least one of the element rows has the left and right fastener elements predetermined in the open area. A normal meshing portion that meshes alternately and regularly in a form, and a non-meshing portion that does not mesh with the fastener element of the other party in an element row region in which at least one or two or more of the fastener elements can be arranged, or a partner's It has a plurality of separation starting points formed by the fastener element and a weakly meshing portion that meshes weaker than the normal meshing portion, and the normal meshing portion and the separation starting point are alternately arranged in the open area. It is the most important feature of being done.</p><p> In the slide fastener according to the present invention, it is preferable that the separation starting points are arranged in the element row at a predetermined pitch. Further, the element row is formed by attaching a continuous fastener element made of synthetic resin formed by stamping, or the element row is provided with a single fastener element integrally molded with a fastener tape. It is preferable that it is formed.</p><p> The non-meshing portion is preferably configured by excluding the head of the fastener element, and the weakly meshing portion is configured by excluding a part of the head of the fastener element. Is preferable. Further, the non-meshing portion may be configured such that the fastener element itself is excluded from the tape side edge portion.</p><p> In the slide fastener of the present invention, it is preferable that the separation starting point is formed only on the element row of one of the fastener stringers. Further, it is preferable that the separation starting point portion is formed in the element row for each of the ten or less number of the fastener elements.</p><p> Further, it is preferable that the average lateral pull strength in the open area is controlled to 100 N or more and 300 N or less, particularly 150 N or more and 200 N or less. Furthermore, in the present invention, the slide fastener is formed by folding the side edge portion of the fastener tape into a U shape and projecting the head of the fastener element outward from the U-shaped folded portion. , It is preferable that the element row is a hidden slide fastener configured so as not to be visible from the tape surface side.</p><p> According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat in which a seat cover having a slide fastener having the above-described configuration attached to an opening is covered and a side airbag device is internally provided.</p>

<p> The element row of the slide fastener according to the present invention has an open area formed so as to be separable by a predetermined force, and in this open area, a normal meshing portion that meshes regularly and a non-meshing portion or a weak meshing portion are formed. A plurality of separation starting points formed by the portions are alternately arranged. As a result, in the slide fastener of the present invention, the number, arrangement position, size (length), etc. of the separation starting points formed in the element row can be arbitrarily set according to the application of the slide fastener. It is possible to control the average meshing strength in the open area to a predetermined size.</p><p> Therefore, the slide fastener of the present invention can reliably separate the element row in the meshed state when it receives a pressing force or a lateral pulling force of a predetermined magnitude or more such as the expansion pressure of the airbag, while the slide fastener of the present invention can reliably separate the element rows in the meshed state. Even if the separation starting point is subjected to pressing pressure or twisting from the outer surface side of the fastener with a fingertip or the like, it can be easily configured to have a desired meshing strength so that the element rows do not separate at each separation starting point.</p><p> Moreover, the slide fastener of the present invention is provided with a plurality of separation starting points in the open area. Therefore, when a pressing force or a lateral pulling force of a predetermined size or more is applied over the entire open area, the element rows are separated from the respective separation starting points, and the element rows in the open area are surely separated. It can be separated quickly. Therefore, when the slide fastener of the present invention is attached so as to close the opening of the airbag device, for example, when the airbag expands and expands, the influence on the deployment time and deployment behavior of the airbag is extremely reduced. be able to.</p><p> In the present invention, the open area is an area in which element rows are separably formed by a predetermined force, and specifically, constitutes a separation starting point portion arranged on the frontmost end side in the fastener meshing direction. Between an element or an element having a predetermined pitch away from the separation starting point on the front side and an element constituting the separation starting point arranged on the rearmost end side or an element having a predetermined pitch away from the separation starting point on the rear side. Refers to the sandwiched area.</p><p> This open area may be formed in at least a part of the element row in the slide fastener, and its length is not particularly limited. That is, the open area in the present invention can be formed only in a part of the element row depending on the use of the slide fastener, or can be formed over the entire length of the element row of the slide fastener. Is.</p><p> For example, in a hidden slide fastener, if the meshing strength of the entire slide fastener is weak, the element row is easily visible from the tape surface side, and the concealing property is inferior. Therefore, for example, when the slide fastener of the present invention is configured as a hidden slide fastener, the meshing strength in the open area is set to a desired size by the separation starting point, and the entire slide fastener is used to obtain the desired concealing property. Since it is required to secure high meshing strength, it is preferable that the open area is formed only in a part of the element row.</p><p> In this case, since the separation starting points are arranged in the element row at a predetermined pitch, the meshing strength in the open area can be controlled accurately and stably. Further, if the separation starting points are arranged at a predetermined pitch, the lengths of the normal meshing portions arranged in the open area are also the same, so that the element rows can be separated more quickly and smoothly. Become.</p><p> Further, in the slide fastener of the present invention, if the element row is formed by continuous fastener elements, even if some elements are broken when the element rows are separated, adjacent elements are connected to each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the element from scattering from the slide fastener.</p><p> On the other hand, if the element row is formed by a single fastener element integrally molded with the fastener tape, it is easy to attach each fastener element to the fastener tape, and the non-meshing portion or the weakly meshing portion is opened. It can be easily and surely formed at a predetermined position inside.</p><p> In the present invention, the non-meshing portion can be configured by eliminating the head of the fastener element. Further, the weakly meshed portion can be configured by eliminating a part of the head portion of the fastener element. Further, the non-meshing portion can be configured by removing the fastener element itself from the tape side edge portion. By forming the non-meshing portion or the weakly meshing portion by such means, a plurality of separation starting points can be easily arranged in the open area. Further, when the open area receives a force of a predetermined magnitude or more, the element trains can be surely separated.</p><p> In the present invention, each separation starting point arranged in the open area may be configured by forming a non-meshing portion or a weakly meshing portion in a region where one fastener element can be arranged, or. It may be configured by forming a non-meshing portion or a weakly meshing portion in a region where two or more continuous fastener elements can be arranged.</p><p> Further, in the slide fastener of the present invention, when the separation starting point is formed only on the element row of one fastener stringer, the separation starting point can be easily and highly accurately formed at the time of manufacturing the slide fastener. Further, it becomes easy to control the interval (pitch of the non-meshing portion or the weakly meshing portion) forming the separation starting point.</p><p> In particular, the slide fastener of the present invention is preferably used as a seat cover for a vehicle seat accommodating a side airbag device because the average lateral pull strength in the open area is controlled to be 100 N or more and 300 N or less. be able to. That is, if the average lateral pull strength in the open area is 100 N or more, particularly 150 N or more, for example, even if the separation starting point in the open area receives pressing force or twisting from the outer surface side of the fastener with a fingertip or the like, each separation starting point The element rows are not easily separated from each other, and the meshed state of the left and right element rows can be stably maintained. If the average lateral pull strength in the open area is 300 N or less, especially 200 N or less, for example, when the airbag of the side airbag device expands, the expansion pressure of the airbag ensures that the element row is separated from each separation starting point. Can be separated into.</p><p> In this case, although it depends on the shape and size of each fastener element, it is preferable that the separation starting point portion is formed for each of 10 or less number of fastener elements. This makes it possible to control the average lateral pull strength of the element row in the open area within a range suitable for a seat cover (for example, 100N or more and 300N or less, particularly 150N or more and 200N or less).</p><p> Further, if the slide fastener of the present invention is formed as a hidden slide fastener, the slide fastener itself can be made invisible from the seat surface side when the hidden slide fastener is sewn on the seat cover. As a result, the appearance of the vehicle seat can be improved.</p><p> Further, if the seat cover in which the slide fastener according to the present invention is attached to the opening is covered and the side airbag device is installed internally as described above, the meshing strength of the slide fastener in the open area is increased. Properly controlled, for example, even if the occupant presses or twists the slide fastener with his fingertips during normal times when the side airbag device does not operate, it is possible to prevent the element rows from being accidentally separated, and the left and right sides can be prevented. The meshed state of the element row can be stably maintained.</p><p> Further, when the side airbag device is activated, the slide fastener receives the expansion pressure of the airbag to cause the element row to be separated from a plurality of separation starting points arranged in the open area of the element row almost at the same time. Can be done. This makes it possible to reliably and quickly separate the element trains in the open area. Therefore, the airbag can be expanded and deployed instantly and smoothly, and the influence of the slide fastener on the deployment time and deployment behavior of the airbag can be extremely reduced.</p>

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described below, and various modifications are made as long as the present invention has substantially the same configuration as the present invention and exhibits the same effects. Is possible.

For example, the slide fasteners according to the first to fourth embodiments describe the case where the separation starting point is formed only in one element row in the open area, but in the present invention, for example, the open area It is possible to dispose the separation starting point in both the left and right element rows.

(First Embodiment) First, the slide fastener according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view showing a slide fastener according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part schematically showing the separation starting point portion of the slide fastener by partially enlarging it, and FIG. 3 shows a state of the separation starting point portion when the left and right elements of the slide fastener are engaged. It is sectional drawing which shows typically.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to make it easier to understand the features of the present invention, the weft and various warp threads are shown relatively thinly, and the woven structure (woven structure) is shown roughly. However, in reality, in consideration of the function as a slide fastener, threads having a required thickness are used for various wefts and warp threads, and the woven structure is also finely configured.

The slide fastener 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed as a hidden woven slide fastener configured so that the element row 5 cannot be seen from the seat surface side when attached to the vehicle seat cover. This slide fastener 1 meshes a pair of left and right fastener stringers 2 in which coiled fastener elements 4 are woven into each of the left and right woven fastener tapes 3 along the tape length direction, and left and right element rows 5. It is equipped with a slider 6 to be separated. At this time, as the slider 6, the same slider as a general slider used in a conventional hidden slide fastener can be used.

The fastener tape 3 has a tape main body portion 3a and an element mounting portion 3b formed on a side edge of the tape main body portion 3a and into which an element row 5 is woven. The weaving structure of the fastener tape 3 is formed by reciprocating the carrier bar into the opening of the warp to weft the ground weft, and the tape main body 3a is formed of the ground weft 11 and the ground warp 12 made of twin threads. It is woven by.

Further, the element mounting portion 3b of the fastener tape 3 travels in the warp direction on the upper fixing warp thread 13 running in the warp direction on the upper surface side of the upper leg portion of each element 4 and on the lower surface side of the lower leg portion of each element 4. To regulate the positions of the lower fixing warp 14 and the tightening warp 15 running in the warp direction so as to intersect between the upper and lower legs 22 and 23 of the element 4 and the upper and lower fixing warp 13 and 14 in the weft direction. It is composed of a warp thread 16 for positioning arranged in the warp thread 16 and a ground weft thread 11 wefted from the tape main body portion 3a.

In the first embodiment, each single yarn of the ground weft yarn 11 and various warp yarns 12 to 16 arranged in the tape main portion 3a and the element mounting portion 3b of the fastener tape 3 is processed with polyester having a thickness of 330 decitex. Thread is used. In the present invention, the weaving structure of the fastener tape 3 and the thickness and material of the weft and warp threads are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed according to the use of the slide fastener, the size of the fastener element, and the like.

The element row 5 is a coil-shaped continuous element formed by pressing a monofilament made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide or polyester at predetermined intervals by stamping to form a meshing head, and then winding it in a coil shape. It is configured using 4. Further, the coil-shaped continuous element 4 is formed by being attached to the element mounting portion 3b of the fastener tape 3 and then processing the element 4 at a predetermined position into a non-meshing portion 9 described later.

A part of the element row 5 is provided with an open area 17 capable of separating the left and right elements 4 in the meshed state without sliding the slider 6 when a force larger than a predetermined value is applied. ing. The open area 17 is provided with a predetermined length along the tape length direction of the element row 5. Further, the position of the open area 17 is arranged so as to correspond to the position of the airbag swelling opening when the slide fastener 1 is attached to the seat cover of the vehicle seat equipped with the side airbag device. ing.

For example, in the case of the first embodiment, the total length of the slide fastener 1 is set to 60 to 80 cm, and the open area 17 is an element row area of 30 to 40 cm along the tape length direction of the slide fastener 1. It is provided in. Further, the arrangement position of the open area 17 is set to a position facing the side airbag device 92 when the vehicle seat 91 of FIG. 4 as described later is configured.

Further, in the open area 17 of the element row 5, a normal meshing portion 7 in which the left and right elements 4 are alternately and regularly meshed, and a separation starting point formed as a non-meshing portion 9 by cutting off the head of the element 4. Part 8 and parts 8 are arranged alternately in the element row 5 on the right side. As shown in FIG. 2, the normal meshing portion 7 includes a meshing head 21, upper and lower legs 22, 23 extending from the meshing head 21, and extended ends of the upper and lower legs 22, 23. It is composed of a plurality of elements 4 having a connecting portion 24 connected to any of the upper and lower leg portions 22 and 23 of the elements 4 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

On the other hand, the separation starting point 8 is composed of a non-meshing portion 9 formed by cutting off the meshing head 21 of the element 4 forming the normal meshing portion 7, and the element serving as the non-meshing portion 9. A cut end face 25 is formed at the tips of the upper and lower legs 22 and 23 of 4. As a result, when the left and right element rows 5 of the slide fastener 1 are closed, the element 4 constituting each separation starting point 8 does not mesh with the meshing head 21 of the other element 4, so that the meshing strength of the element row 5 is increased. Can be lowered. The element row 5 on the left side in the open area 17 does not have a separation starting point portion, and is formed only by the element 4 constituting the normal meshing portion 7.

In the first embodiment, the separation starting point 8 formed by the non-meshing portion 9 is only the element row 5 on the right side so that the average meshing strength in the open area 17 of the element row 5 is 150 N or more and 200 N or less. It is arranged for every 10 elements. In the present invention, the number of pitches of the separation starting point 8 formed in the element row 5 is not particularly limited, and is arbitrarily set according to the size of each element, the required meshing strength, and the like. be able to. Further, the separation starting points 8 do not have to be arranged at a predetermined pitch, and may be randomly arranged in the open area 17 if necessary.

On the other hand, each element forming the element row 5 other than the open area 17 has the same shape as the element 4 constituting the normal meshing portion 7, so that the left and right elements 4 are alternately and regularly meshed with each other. Is formed in. Therefore, the average meshing strength in the element row 5 other than the open area 17 is higher than that in the open area 17.

The hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment can be easily manufactured by using the following method. That is, first, the coiled continuous element formed by stamping is woven into the element mounting portion 3b at the same time as the fastener tape 3 is woven with the meshing head 21 facing the inside of the fastener tape 3, and the fastener is attached. Weave tape 3.

After weaving the fastener tape 3, the element mounting portion 3b side is folded back in a U shape, and the heat setting is performed with the meshing head 21 of the element row 5 protruding outward from the U shape folded portion. As a result, a fastener stringer 2 for a hidden slide fastener in which the element row 5 cannot be seen from the tape surface side can be obtained.

Next, the meshing head 21 of the element 4 arranged in the open area 17 of the element row 5 on the right side is cut off at predetermined pitch intervals to form a non-meshing portion 9 that serves as a separation starting point 8. The hidden slide fastener 1 can be obtained by inserting the slider 6 into the left and right element rows 5 of the fastener stringer 2.

By manufacturing the hidden slide fastener 1 in this way, the hidden slide fastener 1 is manufactured by simply adding a step of cutting off the meshing head 21 of the element 4 without improving the existing manufacturing equipment of the hidden slide fastener. 1 can be easily obtained. Therefore, a significant cost increase in the manufacture of the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment can be suppressed.

In the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration, the non-meshing portion 9 formed by cutting off the meshing head 21 of the element 4 as described above is designated as the separation starting point 8. By arranging at a pitch, the average meshing strength in the open area 17 is controlled within the range of 100N or more and 300N or less, particularly 150N or more and 200N or less.

As a result, the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment can be suitably used for the seat cover opening of the vehicle seat 91 in which the side airbag device 92 as shown in FIG. 4 is mounted. .. The vehicle seat 91 shown in FIG. 4 has a seat cushion (seat portion) 93 and a seat back (backrest portion) 94. Further, these seat cushion 93 and seat back 94 include a cushion member (not shown) formed by molding a foamable synthetic resin into a predetermined shape, and seat covers 93a and 94a covering the surface of the cushion member, respectively. In particular, the vehicle seat cover 94a covers the cushion member of the seat back 94 in a good manner by sliding the slider 6 after covering the seat back 94 to close the hidden slide fastener 1 of the present embodiment. ..

In this case, in the hidden slide fastener 1 of the present embodiment, the total length of the element row 5 is set to 60 to 80 cm as described above, and in the element row 5, the open area 17 is set to the side airbag device 92. It is provided in an area with a length of 30 to 40 cm facing each other. Further, the average meshing strength in the open area 17 is 100 N or more, and each separation starting point 8 is formed by one non-engagement portion 9 so as to prevent the fingertips of the occupant from entering, for example.

Therefore, for example, even if the occupant presses or twists the element row 5 in which the hidden slide fastener 1 is engaged from the cover surface side with a fingertip, the left and right element rows 5 are prevented from being unexpectedly separated. Therefore, the meshing state of the element row 5 can be stably maintained.

Further, the hidden slide fastener 1 has an average meshing strength of 300 N or less in the open area 17 of the element row 5, and moreover, a plurality of separation starting points 8 are provided in the open area 17 of the element row 5. Therefore, when the side airbag device 92 is activated and the airbag expands and expands, the expansion pressure of the airbag presses the entire open area 17 provided in a part of the element row 5, and thus a plurality of airbags are expanded. Separation of the element row 5 from the separation starting point 8 occurs at the same time.

As a result, the element row 5 in the open area 17 can be quickly and surely separated, and the airbag can be expanded and deployed instantly and smoothly. Therefore, the influence of the slide fastener 1 on the deployment time and deployment behavior of the airbag can be extremely reduced. In this case, the portion of the element row 5 other than the open area 17 can be separated in order from the end on the open area 17 side, if necessary, by separating the open area 17.

Further, in the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, when the left and right element rows 5 are separated due to the expansion pressure of the airbag, even if some elements 4 are impacted by the separation and cracked. Since the element row 5 is composed of continuous elements, it is possible to prevent the fragments of the elements from scattering. Therefore, when the airbag is expanded and deployed, the broken pieces of the element do not scatter toward the occupant, so that the safety of the occupant can be ensured more reliably.

In addition, the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment has the shielding property and the hiding property peculiar to the hidden slide fastener that the element row 5 is hidden and protected from the tape surface side when sewn on the seat cover 94a. As a result, the appearance and durability of the vehicle seat can be improved. In particular, in the hidden slide fastener 1 of the first embodiment, since the separation starting points 8 composed of one non-meshing portion 9 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the open area 17 of the element row 5, the element row is shielded. The element string 5 can be stably concealed and protected without locally deteriorating the property and concealing property.

In the above description, a case where the hidden slide fastener 1 according to the first embodiment is used for the seat cover 94a of the vehicle seat 91 is described. However, the application of the slide fastener according to the present invention is not limited to such a vehicle seat cover, and can be used for various articles, and in particular, a specific meshing strength with respect to the slide fastener is obtained. It is preferably used for the required articles.

For example, in an automobile, members called roof linings are arranged on both the left and right sides of the ceiling from the front windshield to the rear windshield, and in this roof lining, the head of the occupant is placed in the side collision of the vehicle. It is equipped with a protective airbag device for head protection. The slide fastener according to the present invention is a tubular airbag cover that holds the shape of an airbag that is regularly folded by a predetermined procedure in a head protection airbag device installed in such a roof lining. It is also preferably used for such purposes.

As a result, since the slide fastener of the present invention attached to the airbag cover is normally closed with a predetermined meshing strength, the folded shape of the airbag is appropriately held by the airbag cover. Further, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the slide fastener of the present invention receives the expansion pressure of the airbag and is quickly released as described above, so that the airbag can be expanded and deployed instantly.

In addition, the slide fastener of the present invention is also suitably used for a gas-expandable life jacket (life jacket) in which a confidential bag (buoy) is expanded by carbon dioxide or the like. That is, a general gas-expandable life jacket contains a small cylinder that generates gas and a confidential bag that expands with the gas generated from the small cylinder.

Therefore, if the slide fastener of the present invention is attached to the portion of the life jacket in which the confidential bag is housed, when gas is generated from the small cylinder, the slide fastener receives the expansion pressure of the confidential bag and is quickly applied. The confidential bag can be inflated smoothly. Further, the life jacket to which the slide fastener of the present invention is attached has an advantage that the confidential bag and the small cylinder can be easily replaced.

Subsequently, the hidden slide fastener according to the modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Here, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a partially enlarged view of the separation starting point of the hidden slide fastener according to the modified example, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part when the left and right element rows of the slide fastener are engaged. It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows the state of the separation origin part schematically.

In addition, in the following modification of the first embodiment, the description in the second to fourth embodiments, and the reference drawings thereof, the same configuration as the member described in the slide fastener of the first embodiment is provided. The members to have are represented by using the same reference numerals, and the description of the members will be omitted accordingly.

In the hidden slide fastener 1', which is a modified example shown in FIG. 5, the separation starting point 8'arranged in the open area of the element row 5 removes a part of the meshing head from the element 4 constituting the normal meshing portion 7. It is composed of a weak meshing portion 10 formed by exclusion. That is, in this modified example, the weak meshing portion 10 constituting the separation starting point portion 8'is formed at the tip of the meshing head 21 of the element 4 without providing the protruding portion 26 projecting back and forth in the tape length direction. ing.

By forming such a weak meshing portion 10 in place of the non-meshing portion 9 arranged on the slide fastener 1 of the first embodiment described above, when the left and right element rows 5 are meshed, FIG. As shown, although the element 4 constituting each separation starting point 8'enters and meshes between the meshing heads 21 of the adjacent elements 4 of the other party, the meshing head 21 of the element 4 has a protruding portion 26. Therefore, the meshing strength of the left and right element rows 5 can be weakened. Therefore, when a pressing force of a predetermined magnitude or more such as an expansion pressure of an airbag is received, the element row 5 can be easily separated from the separation starting point 8'.

Further, since the separation starting point 8'formed by such a weak meshing portion 10 enters between the meshing heads 21 of the other element 4 when the element row 5 is meshed as described above, the separation starting point 8'is formed. Even in the provided portion, the meshing form of the element row 5 can be stabilized in the same manner as the meshing form of the normal meshing portion 7. As a result, when sliding the slider 6, the sliding operation of the slider 6 can be smoothly performed without feeling a sense of discomfort that the slider 6 is caught in the element row 5 in the open area.

If the separation starting point 8'by the weak meshing portion 10 as described above is a hidden slide fastener 1'arranged in the open area, for example, by changing the number of pitches of the separation starting point 8', the average in the open area The meshing strength can be controlled. Therefore, the hidden slide fastener 1'corresponding to this modification is formed by controlling the average meshing strength in the open area within a range of 100 N or more and 300 N or less, so that the slide according to the first embodiment described above is described. The same effect as that of the fastener 1 can be obtained, and it can be suitably used for the seat cover opening of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

(Second embodiment) Next, the slide fastener according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a normal type slide fastener according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part schematically showing a state of a separation starting point when the left and right elements of the slide fastener are engaged.

In the normal type slide fastener 31 shown in FIG. 7, coiled fastener elements 34 are formed along the tape length direction on the tape side edges of the left and right fastener tapes 33 woven by the ground weft and the ground warp, respectively. It is equipped with a pair of left and right fastener stringers 32 that have been sewn together, and a slider 36 that engages and disengages the left and right element rows 35. The fastener tape 33 is not particularly limited, and various tapes capable of sewing the fastener element 34 can be used.

The fastener element 34 is formed by pressing a monofilament made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide or polyester at predetermined intervals by stamping to form a meshing head, and then winding the fastener element 34 in a coil shape. A core string 41 is inserted into the coiled fastener element 34, and the coiled fastener element 34 is sewn on the side edge portion of the fastener tape 33 by double chain stitching of the sewing thread 42.

A part of the element row 35 is provided with an open area capable of separating the left and right elements 34 in the meshed state when a force larger than a predetermined value is applied without sliding the slider 36. There is. This open area is provided with a predetermined length in the tape length direction of the element row 35.

Further, in the open area of the element row 35, the normal meshing portion 37 in which the left and right elements 34 are alternately and regularly meshed with each other and the meshing head 21 of the element 34 are cut off to form a non-meshing portion 39. The starting point 38 and the starting point 38 are alternately arranged on the fastener stringer 32 on the right side. The separation starting point 38 in the second embodiment is formed by sewing the coiled fastener element 34 to the fastener tape 33 and then cutting off the meshing head 21 of the element 34 constituting the separation starting point 38. A cut end face 25 is formed at the tips of the upper and lower legs 22 and 23 of the element 34. As a result, when the left and right element rows 35 of the slide fastener 31 are meshed, the element 34 constituting each separation starting point 38 does not mesh with the meshing head 21 of the other element 34, so that the meshing strength of the element row 35 is increased. Can be lowered.

At this time, in the second embodiment, the separation starting point 38 formed by the non-meshing portion 39 is only the element row 35 on the right side so that the average meshing strength in the open area of the element row 35 is 100N or more and 300N or less. It is arranged for every 10 elements. Regarding the slide fastener 31 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to control the average meshing strength in the open area by changing the pitch of the separation starting point 38 formed in the open area.

The slide fastener 31 according to the second embodiment having such a configuration has an average meshing strength of 100 N or more in the open area of the element row 35, and each separation starting point 38 does not allow, for example, the fingertips of an occupant to enter. As such, it is formed by one non-meshing portion 39. Therefore, even if the meshing element row 35 is pressed or twisted with a fingertip, it is possible to prevent the left and right element rows 35 from being unexpectedly separated, and the meshing state of the element row 35 is stabilized. Can be maintained.

Further, the slide fastener 31 has an average meshing strength of 300 N or less in the open area of the element row 35, and a plurality of separation starting points 38 are provided in the open area of the element row 35. Therefore, when the entire open area of the element row 35 receives a predetermined pressing force such as the expansion pressure of the airbag, the element row 35 is separated from the plurality of separation starting points 38 at the same time. As a result, the element row 35 in the open area can be quickly and surely separated. Therefore, the slide fastener 31 according to the second embodiment can also be suitably used for the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of only the fastener element 34'of the slide fastener 31'according to the modified example of the second embodiment. The fastener element 34'shown in FIG. 9 is formed by pressing a synthetic resin monofilament by stamping at predetermined intervals to form a meshing head, and then bending the fastener element 34'in a zigzag shape. This zipper-shaped fastener element 34'is sandwiched between the upper and lower legs 22 and 23 with a fastener tape inserted, and the fastener tape is sewn with a sewing thread to form a pair of left and right fasteners. A stringer is formed.

Then, from the obtained fastener stringer, the meshing head 21 of the element 34'at a predetermined position is cut off to form a separation starting point 38'consisting of a plurality of non-meshing portions 39', so that the average meshing in the open area is formed. It is possible to obtain a slide fastener 31'with the strength controlled within the required range.

In this way, the slide fastener 31'is configured by using the zigzag fastener element 34'instead of the coiled fastener element 34 of the slide fastener 31 according to the second embodiment described above. The same effect as the morphology can be obtained.

(Third embodiment) Next, the slide fastener according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the slide fastener according to the third embodiment. The slide fastener 51 shown in FIG. 10 is not shown in which a pair of left and right fastener stringers 52 in which a plurality of individual fastener elements 54 are integrally molded on the tape side edge of the fastener tape 53 and the left and right element rows 55 are engaged with and detached from each other. It has a slider.

The fastener tape 53 has a core cord portion 61 formed on opposite side edge edges, and a fastener element 54 made of synthetic resin is injected into an element attachment portion including the core cord portion 61 of the fastener tape 53. The element row 55 is formed by arranging rows along the tape length direction by molding. In this case, each fastener element 54 has a leg portion 62 fixed to the fastener tape 53 so as to sandwich the core string portion 61, a neck portion 63 extending in the tape width direction so as to be tied from the leg portion 62, and a neck portion. It has an oval-shaped meshing head 64 on the tip side of 63.

Further, in the open area arranged in a part of the element row 55, the normal meshing portion 57 and the separation starting point 58 formed as the first non-meshing portion 59 by omitting the formation of the element 54 are alternately arranged. It is arranged. At this time, the separation starting point 58 is arranged on the right fastener stringer 52 for each of 10 elements. By arranging the separation starting points 58 by the first non-meshing portion 59 at a predetermined pitch, the meshing strength of the element row 55 is lowered, and the average meshing strength in the open area of the element row 55 is 100N or more and 300N. It can be controlled as follows.

The separation starting point 58 in the third embodiment is a cavity of the fastener element 54 at a position that becomes the separation starting point 58 when a plurality of fastener elements 54 are injection-molded on the fastener tape 53 using, for example, a mold. It can be easily formed by performing injection molding using a mold not provided with.

In the case of the slide fastener 51 according to the third embodiment having such a configuration, the meshing element row 55 is pressed or twisted with a fingertip as in the first and second embodiments described above. Even if it does, the left and right element rows 55 can be effectively prevented from being separated unexpectedly, and the meshed state of the element rows 55 can be stably maintained.

Further, the element row 55 in the open area can be quickly and surely separated by receiving a predetermined pressing force such as an expansion pressure of the airbag in the entire open area of the element row 55. Therefore, the slide fastener 51 according to the third embodiment can also be suitably used for the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the element mounting portion of the slide fastener 51'according to the modified example of the third embodiment. The separation starting point 58'formed on the slide fastener 51'shown in FIG. 11 is composed of a first non-meshing portion 59 in which the formation of the element 54 is omitted as in the slide fastener 51 according to the third embodiment. Instead, it is composed of a second non-meshing portion 60 having only the leg portion 62 without forming the neck portion 63 and the meshing head portion 64 of the element 54.

The slide fastener 51'in which the separation starting point portion 58'is formed by the second non-meshing portion 60 can obtain the same effect as the slide fastener 51 according to the third embodiment described above. Further, in this slide fastener 51', since the leg portion 62 is arranged at the separation starting point portion 58', for example, when the left and right element rows 55 are engaged, the portion where the second non-engagement portion 60 is provided is engaged. The form can be stabilized as compared with the case where the first non-meshing portion 59 described above is provided. As a result, when the slider is slid on the element row 55, the sliding operation of the slider can be performed more smoothly.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, the slide fastener according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a main part showing only the fastener element of the slide fastener according to the fourth embodiment in an enlarged manner. The slide fastener 71 shown in FIG. 12 is not shown in which a pair of left and right fastener stringers in which a fastener element 74 is sewn on the tape side edge of the fastener tape to form an element row and the left and right element rows are engaged with and detached from each other. It has a slider.

The fastener element 74 constituting the left and right element rows has a meshing head 81 having a protrusion 84 in the tape length direction, and upper and lower legs 82, 83 extending parallel to each other from the meshing head 81. However, it has a U-shape when viewed from the side. Further, in each of these fastener elements 74, a connecting thread 85 is inserted through the ends of the upper and lower leg portions 82 and 83, and all the fastener elements 74 are sewn to the fastener tape 53 in a state of being connected to each other.

Further, the upper and lower legs 82 and 83 of each fastener element 74 are formed with recesses 86 for accommodating sewing threads (not shown) for sewing the fastener elements 74 on the tape side edge side of the connecting threads 85. There is. As a result, each fastener element 74 can be stably sewn at a predetermined position by the sewing thread, and it is possible to prevent the sewing thread and the slider from rubbing against each other when the slider is slid and the sewing thread is cut. ..

In addition, an open area is provided in a part of the element row, and in order to make the average meshing strength in this open area 100 N or more and 300 N or less, a separation starting point 78 is specified in the element row on the right side in the open area. It is arranged at the pitch of. In the fourth embodiment, the separation starting point 78 is composed of a weak meshing portion 79 formed by omitting the formation of the protruding portion 84 from the meshing head portion 81 of the fastener element 74.

Even in the slide fastener 71 according to the fourth embodiment, the meshing element row is pressed or twisted with a fingertip as in the first to third embodiments described above. However, it is possible to effectively prevent the left and right element rows from being unexpectedly separated, and it is possible to stably maintain the meshed state. Further, the element row in the open area can be quickly and surely separated by receiving a predetermined pressing force such as an expansion pressure of the airbag in the entire open area of the element row.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. (Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1) First, in order to investigate the average meshing strength of the slide fastener according to the present invention in the open area, as a measurement sample thereof, for example, the separation starting points 8 are arranged at a predetermined number of pitches in the open area as shown in FIG. A plurality of fastener chains for hidden slide fasteners (Examples 1 to 5) and conventional fastener chains for hidden slide fasteners (Comparative Example 1) in which a separation starting point is not arranged were prepared.

In the fastener chains of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1, the side edge portions of the left and right fastener tapes 3 are folded back in a U shape, and the coil-shaped fastener element 4 meshes with the tape side edge portions. The left and right element rows 5 are formed by sewing with the head protruding outward from the U-shaped folded portion. At this time, the chain width of the fastener chains of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 is set to 5 to 6 mm.

Further, the fastener chains of Examples 1 to 5 have an open area in a part of the element row 5, and one element row 5 in the open area has a meshing head of the fastener element 4. A separation starting point 8 composed of the excised non-meshing portion 9 is formed. At this time, the separation starting point 8 is set every 60 pitches (about 100.8 mm) in Example 1, every 30 pitches (about 50.4 mm) in Example 2, and every 15 pitches (about 25.2 mm) in Example 3. , In Example 4, it is formed every 10 pitches (about 16.8 mm), and in Example 5, it is formed every 5 pitches (about 8.4 mm). On the other hand, the fastener chain of Comparative Example 1 is formed in the open area of the element row without any separation starting point.

Next, the average meshing strength of each fastener chain in the open area is determined by performing the following chain lateral pull strength test on each of the prepared fastener chains of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1. I asked.

In this chain lateral pull strength test, first, the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fastener chain in the tape length direction are fixed to hold the fastener chain so as not to loosen, and further, the left and right fastener tapes 3 are left and right at predetermined positions. Grip each with a pair of glampers 19. Next, a load is gradually applied to the left and right element rows 5 in the meshed state by moving the left and right glampers 19 holding the fastener tape 3 in a direction in which they are separated from each other. Then, by measuring the load when the element row 5 is separated from the fastener chain, the meshing strength of the element row 5 at the position gripped by the glamper 19 is obtained.

At this time, the gripping width (dimension in the tape length direction) of the fastener tape 3 by the glamper 19 is set to 25.4 mm. Further, the position where the glamper 19 grips the fastener tape 3 is the position where the separation starting point 8 is provided in the tape length direction with respect to one separation starting point 8 as shown in FIG. The tape gripping position 19a, the second tape gripping position 19b which is an intermediate position between the separation starting point 8 and the adjacent separation starting point 8 formed at a predetermined pitch, and the first tape gripping position 19a and the second tape gripping. It is set at three positions of the third tape gripping position 19c, which is an intermediate position with the position 19b, and the meshing strength of the element row is obtained at each tape gripping position 19a to 19c.

Then, such a lateral pull strength test is performed on each of the five separation starting points in the open area for each of the measurement samples of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1. As a result, the meshing strength of the element rows at a total of 15 tape gripping positions was determined for each fastener chain. Since the separation starting point is not arranged for the fastener chain of the comparative example, the meshing strength of the element row was determined at any 15 positions in the open area.

Further, after obtaining the meshing strength at 15 tape gripping positions for each fastener chain, the average meshing strength of these 15 fastener chains was calculated to calculate the average meshing strength in the open area of each fastener chain. The results of the average meshing strength of each fastener chain of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 obtained in this manner in the open area are shown in accordance with the graph of FIG.

In the graph of FIG. 14, the plot of shows the meshing strength measured at the first tape gripping position, the plot of × shows the meshing strength measured at the second tape gripping position, and further, + The plot of is shown the meshing strength measured at the third tape gripping position.

As shown in FIG. 14, when comparing the average meshing strengths of the open areas in each of the fastener chains of Examples 1 to 5, the pitch of the separation starting points arranged in the open areas changes. It can be confirmed that the average meshing strength in the open area is changing. From this, it can be seen that in the hidden slide fastener according to the present invention, the average meshing strength in the open area of the slide fastener can be easily controlled within a desired range by arbitrarily changing the pitch of the separation starting point.

Further, from the results shown in FIG. 14, the fastener chains of Examples 3 to 5 in which the pitch of the separation starting point is 15 pitches or less are within the range of 100 N or more and 300 N or less in the average meshing strength in the open area. In particular, the samples of Examples 4 and 5 have an average meshing strength in the range of 150 N or more and 200 N or less. Therefore, the hidden slide fastener provided with the fastener chain of Examples 3 to 5 can be suitably used for the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

On the other hand, the fastener chain of Comparative Example 1 used for the conventional hidden slide fastener has an average meshing strength of about 700 N in the open area, which is too high. It is difficult to separate the left and right element rows even if it receives. Therefore, it is clear that the fastener chain of Comparative Example 1 is not suitable for the hidden slide fastener used for the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

(Examples 6 to 14 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3) Next, as a measurement sample, for example, a plurality of normal type fastener chains for slide fasteners in which separation starting points are arranged at a predetermined number of pitches in an open area as shown in FIG. 7 (Examples 6 to 14). ) And a conventional normal type fastener chain for slide fasteners (Comparative Examples 2 and 3) in which the separation starting point is not arranged.

In the fastener chains of Examples 6 to 14 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, coiled fastener elements 34 are sewn along the tape length direction on the tape side edges of the left and right woven fastener tapes 33, respectively. The left and right element rows 35 are formed. At this time, the chain widths of the fastener chains of Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 are all set to 6 to 7 mm. On the other hand, with respect to the fastener chains of Examples 11 to 14 and Comparative Example 3, fastener elements having a smaller size than those of Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 are attached, and the chain width thereof is large. Both are set to 4 to 5 mm.

Further, the fastener chains of Examples 6 to 10 have an open area in a part of the element row 35, and within the open area, a separation starting point composed of a non-meshing portion 39 in which the meshing head is cut off. Part 38 is every 60 pitches (about 110.4 mm) in Example 6, every 30 pitches (about 55.2 mm) in Example 7, every 15 pitches (about 27.6 mm) in Example 8, and in Example 9. It is formed every 10 pitches (about 18.4 mm), and in Example 10 it is formed every 5 pitches (about 9.2 mm). On the other hand, the fastener chain of Comparative Example 2 is formed in the open area of the element row without any separation starting point.

Further, the fastener chains of Examples 11 to 14 also have an open area in a part of the element row 35, and within the open area, a separation starting point composed of a non-meshing portion 39 in which the meshing head is cut off. Part 38 is every 80 pitches (about 100.8 mm) in Example 11, every 40 pitches (about 50.4 mm) in Example 12, every 20 pitches (about 25.2 mm) in Example 13, and in Example 14. It is formed every 10 pitches (about 12.6 mm). On the other hand, the fastener chain of Comparative Example 3 is formed in the open area of the element row without any separation starting point.

Next, the average meshing strength of each fastener chain in the open area was obtained by performing the above-mentioned chain lateral pull strength test on each of the prepared fastener chains of Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2. .. Further, the same chain lateral pull strength test was performed on each of the fastener chains of Examples 11 to 14 and Comparative Example 3. The results of the average meshing strength of the open area in each of the fastener chains of Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 thus obtained are shown in accordance with the graph of FIG. 15, and Examples 11 to 14 are also shown. And the result of the average meshing strength of the open area in each fastener chain of Comparative Example 3 is shown together with the graph of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it can be confirmed that the average meshing strength of the open area is changed by changing the pitch of the separation starting points arranged in the open area. From this, in the normal type slide fastener according to the present invention, the average meshing strength in the open area of the slide fastener can be easily controlled within a desired range by arbitrarily changing the pitch of the separation starting point. I understand.

Further, from the results shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fastener chains of Examples 9, 10, 13, and 14 are provided with the fastener chains because the average meshing strength in the open area is within the range of 100 N or more and 300 N or less. The conventional type slide fastener can be suitably used for the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

On the other hand, the fastener chains of Comparative Example 2 and Comparative Example 3 used for the conventional slide fastener have average meshing strengths of about 1000 N and about 600 N in the open area, which are too high, respectively. Therefore, it is clear that these fastener chains are not suitable for slide fasteners used in the opening of the seat cover of the vehicle seat in which the side airbag device is installed.

<figref num="1">It is a schematic rear view which shows the slide fastener which concerns on 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">It is an enlarged view of the main part schematically showing the separation starting point part in the slide fastener by partially enlarging.</figref><figref num="3">It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state of the separation origin part at the time when the left and right elements of the slide fastener are meshed.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view which shows the vehicle seat in which the slide fastener is used.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a partially enlarged view of a separation starting point of a slide fastener according to a modified example of the first embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows typically the state of the separation origin part when the left and right element rows of the slide fastener mesh with each other.</figref><figref num="7">It is a schematic front view which shows the slide fastener which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part which shows typically the state of the separation origin part when the left and right elements of the slide fastener mesh with each other.</figref><figref num="9">It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows enlarged only the fastener element of the slide fastener which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="10">It is a schematic front view which shows the slide fastener which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="11">It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows the element attachment part of the slide fastener which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment by enlargement.</figref><figref num="12">It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows enlarged only the fastener element of the slide fastener which concerns on 4th Embodiment.</figref><figref num="13">It is explanatory drawing explaining the position which a glamper holds at the time of performing the lateral pull strength test of a fastener chain.</figref><figref num="14">It is a graph which shows the result of having calculated the average meshing strength in the open area of each fastener chain of Example 1 to Example 5 and Comparative Example 1.</figref><figref num="15">It is a graph which shows the result of having calculated the average meshing strength in the open area of each fastener chain of Example 6 to Example 10 and Comparative Example 2.</figref><figref num="16">It is a graph which shows the result of having calculated the average meshing strength in the open area of each fastener chain of Example 11 to Example 14 and Comparative Example 3.</figref><figref num="17">(A) is a plan view showing a conventional slide fastener, and (B) is an enlarged view of a main part showing a connecting link of the slide fastener.</figref><figref num="18">(a) is a perspective view showing the front surface side of the single fastener element included in the conventional slide fastener, and (b) is a perspective view showing the back surface side of the single fastener element.</figref><figref num="19">It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the left and right fastener elements are meshed in the slide fastener.</figref><figref num="20">It is a perspective view which shows the state which the element row of the slide fastener is separated.</figref>

Code description

1,1'Hidden slide fastener 2 zipper stringer 3 Fastener tape 3a Tape body 3b element mounting part 4 Fastener element 5 element column 6 slider 7 Normal meshing part 8,8'Separation starting point 9 Non-meshing part 10 Weak mesh 11 Ground weft 12 ground warp 13 Lower fixing warp 14 Top fixing warp 15 Warp for tightening 16 Positioning warp 17 Open area 19 Grandper 19a 1st tape gripping position 19b 2nd tape gripping position 19c 3rd tape gripping position 21 Biting head 22 Upper leg 23 Lower leg 24 Connection 25 Cut end face 26 Overhang 31,31'Slide fastener 32 zipper stringer 33 Fastener tape 34,34'Fastener element 35 element column 36 slider 37 Normal mesh 38,38'Separation starting point 39,39'Non-meshing part 41 Core cord 42 sewing thread 51,51'Slide fastener 52 Fastener stringer 53 Fastener tape 54 Fastener element 55 Element row 57 Normal mesh 58,58'Separation starting point 59 1st non-meshing part 60 2nd non-meshing part 61 Core cord 62 legs 63 neck 64 Biting head 71 slide fastener 74 Fastener element 78 Separation starting point 79 Weak meshing part 81 Biting head 82 Upper leg 83 Lower leg 84 protrusions 85 connecting thread 86 Recess 91 Vehicle seats 92 Side airbag device 93 Seat cushion 93a seat cover 94 seat back 94a seat cover