JP7600407B2 - Manufacturing method of fastener stringer, fastener chain and slide fastener, and electroplating device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to manufacturing methods for fastener stringers, fastener chains and slide fasteners, as well as electroplating equipment.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose electroplating of metal elements of a fastener chain. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5, etc. of Patent Document 1, a conductive medium 111 is contained in an insulating container 110, and a fastener chain 7 is passed through the conductive medium 111. The metal element 3 of the fastener chain 7 and a plate-shaped cathode 118 are electrically connected via the conductive medium 111. An opening 116 is provided in the insulating container 110, and contact between the metal element 3 and the plating solution is ensured. The anode 119 is disposed opposite the fastener chain 7 with the opening 116 of the insulating container 110 in between. A plating film is formed on the metal element 3 mainly on the side facing the anode 119. Patent Document 2 also discloses a similar technology (see Figs. 2, 3, etc. of Patent Document 2).

Patent documents 3 and 4 disclose electroplating by putting a base material such as a button into a plating tank. In particular, they disclose that a special plating layer is formed by using a permanent magnet to make a magnetic medium flow together with the base material such as a button, and plating is performed while the magnetic medium collides with the base material such as the button (see, for example, FIG. 20 of Patent document 3 and FIG. 20 of Patent document 4). Patent documents 3 and 4 are plating methods intended for small items such as buttons and sliders, and are not intended for long fastener chains with elements attached to a fastener tape.

Patent document 5 discloses a technology in which a fastener chain is passed between an anode 23 and a cathode 24, and the fastener elements on the anode 23 side are colored a first metallic color, and the fastener elements on the cathode 24 side are colored a second metallic color. In order to obtain these two metallic colors, the fastener elements are positioned away from the cathode (see FIG. 1, paragraph 0012 of Patent document 5).

International Publication No. 2018/109983 International Publication No. 2018/109998 International Publication No. 2018/189916 International Publication No. 2018/190202 International Publication No. 2016/075828

It is significant to form a plating film on the metal element of a fastener chain using a new method different from existing methods. However, when a fastener stringer or fastener chain is put into a plating tank as a substitute for the base material (in short, the button shell) of Patent Documents 3 and 4, stirring may not be performed well, and the fastener tape may impede the electrical connection between the metal element and the cathode.

A manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a fastener chain or fastener stringer in which a plating film is formed on a metal element, and includes the steps of: applying a voltage between one or more cathodes and one or more anodes at least partially immersed in an electrolyte in a plating bath; generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte when or for a period in which a voltage is applied between the one or more cathodes and the one or more anodes; controlling the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer so that at least the metal elements of the fastener chain or fastener stringer are disposed in a space in which the alternating magnetic field is generated; and moving a plurality of magnetic media in response to the alternating magnetic field, electrically connecting the metal elements of the fastener chain or fastener stringer to the cathodes via the plurality of magnetic media, and causing the plurality of magnetic media to collide with the plating film growing on the metal elements. The position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer can be controlled as a result of the fastener chain or fastener stringer running continuously or intermittently on a predetermined running path, but this is not necessarily the case. The manufacturing method of the fastener chain can also be understood as an electroplating method for generating a plating film on the metal elements of the fastener chain.

A method for manufacturing a slide fastener according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of cutting the fastener chain obtained by the above-mentioned manufacturing method, and a step of attaching a slider to the short fastener chain obtained by cutting, thereby enabling engagement and disengagement of metal elements of a pair of fastener stringers of the short fastener chain.

An electroplating apparatus according to a further aspect of the present disclosure is an electroplating apparatus for producing a plating film on a metal element of a fastener chain or fastener stringer, and includes a plating tank for storing an electrolyte in which one or more cathodes and one or more anodes are at least partially immersed, an alternating magnetic field generating unit for generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte of the plating tank, and one or more supports for the fastener chain or fastener stringer arranged so that at least the metal element of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is disposed in a space in which the alternating magnetic field is generated. The cathode allows a plurality of magnetic media to move in response to the alternating magnetic field between the metal element of the fastener chain or fastener stringer supported by the one or more supports and the cathode, and is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the metal element via the plurality of magnetic media.

In some embodiments, the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is controlled so that the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is along a predetermined direction in which different magnetic poles are arranged alternately to generate an alternating magnetic field. One or more supports may be provided for this purpose.

In some embodiments, the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer are controlled so that (i) the major surfaces of the metal elements are substantially perpendicular to the magnetic axis of the magnetic poles, and/or (ii) the fastener chain or fastener stringer faces the magnetic poles in a flat orientation across its width.

In some embodiments, the fastener chain run includes one or more spiral runs and/or the one or more cathodes include one or more spiral cathodes.

In some embodiments, the step of generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte includes rotating one or more magnetic rotating parts having different magnetic poles arranged alternately in the direction of rotation.

In some embodiments, the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is controlled as a result of running the fastener chain or fastener stringer (e.g., helically) around the magnetic rotating portion.

In some embodiments, the magnetic rotating portion is housed in a rotatably sealed magnetically permeable housing.

In some embodiments, the process of generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte includes rotating each of the different magnetic rotating parts provided as one or more magnetic rotating parts, and the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is controlled as a result of running the fastener chain across the different magnetic rotating parts.

In some embodiments, running the fastener chain around the different magnetic rotating portions includes running the fastener chain in opposite directions in a spiral path around the different magnetic rotating portions.

In some embodiments, the position and orientation of the fastener chain or fastener stringer is controlled as a result of the fastener chain running along the rotational direction of the magnetic rotating portion.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a plating film can be formed on a metal element of a fastener chain using a new method that differs from existing methods.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method for electroplating a metal element of a fastener chain according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fastener chain. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plating film is formed on a base material of a metal element. FIG. 4 is a time chart relating to an electroplating method. 4 is another time chart relating to the electroplating method. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electroplating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic side view of a magnetic rotating portion rotatably accommodated in a magnetically permeable housing of an electroplating apparatus; 4 is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of permanent magnets in a magnetic rotating portion. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an anode mounting frame provided outside a magnetically permeable housing of an electroplating apparatus. Schematic diagram for explaining the behavior and action of multiple magnetic media, where (a) shows the magnetic media placed in a magnetic field formed by magnetic flux directed radially outward from the north pole of a permanent magnet, and (b) shows the magnetic media placed in a magnetic field formed by magnetic flux directed radially inward toward the south pole of a permanent magnet. FIG. 13 is a schematic top view showing how the fastener chain is inverted between the spiral running paths. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electroplating apparatus having four spiral tracks. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an electroplating apparatus having four spiral paths, and the rotation direction of the magnetic rotating part is different from that of FIG. 12. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electroplating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic diagrams for explaining the behavior and action of multiple magnetic media in an electroplating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in which (a) shows a state in which the upper cathode is positioned between the upper surface of the metallic element and the north pole, and the lower cathode is positioned between the lower surface of the metallic element and the south pole, and (b) shows a state in which the upper cathode is positioned between the upper surface of the metallic element and the south pole, and the lower cathode is positioned between the lower surface of the metallic element and the north pole. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electroplating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a table showing the evaluation results regarding washing and dyeing processes.

Various embodiments and features will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art can combine the various embodiments and/or features without the need for excessive explanation, and can also understand the synergistic effects of this combination. In principle, overlapping explanations between embodiments will be omitted. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention, and are simplified for the convenience of drawing. Each feature is not only effective for the electroplating apparatus and fastener chain manufacturing method disclosed in this application, but is understood as a universal feature that is also applicable to various other electroplating apparatuses and fastener chain manufacturing methods not disclosed in this specification.

The method for manufacturing a fastener chain according to the present disclosure includes four steps S1 to S4, which are shown in FIG. 1. In step S1, a voltage is applied between a cathode and an anode, which are at least partially immersed in an electrolyte in a plating bath. In step S2, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the electrolyte when or during which a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode. In step S3, the position and orientation of the fastener chain are controlled so that at least the metal elements of the fastener chain are arranged in a space in which an alternating magnetic field is generated. For example, the fastener chain is caused to run continuously or intermittently on a predetermined running path so that the fastener chain passes through an alternating magnetic field, and as a result, the position and orientation of the fastener chain are controlled. In step S4, a plurality of magnetic media move in response to the alternating magnetic field, the metal elements of the fastener chain are electrically connected to the cathode via the plurality of magnetic media, and the plurality of magnetic media collide with the plating film growing on the metal elements. Note that step S4 can be achieved by performing steps S1 and S2 with magnetic media charged in the plating bath. When step S3 is performed as a result of the running of the fastener chain, it can be performed so as to overlap steps S1, S2, and S4 on the time axis, but this is not necessarily the case.

According to the above-mentioned manufacturing method, the growth of the plating film and the collision of the magnetic media with the plating film occur simultaneously, which promotes the formation of a plating film of sufficient quality (e.g., sufficient processing resistance). The position and orientation of the fastener chain are controlled, and the fastener tape is prevented from interfering with the electrical connection between the metal element and the cathode.

In order to increase the efficiency of the alternating magnetic field, it is preferable to control the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 so that the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1 is aligned along a predetermined direction in which different magnetic poles are alternately arranged to generate the alternating magnetic field. Furthermore, it is preferable to control the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 so that the main surface of the metal element is approximately perpendicular to the magnetic axis of the magnetic pole and/or the fastener chain 1 faces the magnetic pole in a flat position in its width direction. This promotes the formation of a plating film with uniform quality and/or thickness. Note that the flat position means a state in which the fastener chain 1 is not significantly bent in its width direction, and does not mean that both fastener tapes of the fastener chain 1 are arranged on the same plane, but also includes local bending and waving of each fastener tape. Of course, the bent state in which the metal element is covered by the fastener tape in the fastener chain 1 is not included in the above-mentioned flat position. With respect to the orientation of the metal element, approximately perpendicular means an angle within the range of 80° to 100°.

Electroplating can be performed efficiently when the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 are controlled as a result of the fastener chain 1 running continuously or intermittently on a predetermined running path 80. The predetermined running path 80 can be defined by a plurality of support members 78, but this is not necessarily limited to this. The process of controlling the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 can also be interpreted as a process of running the fastener chain continuously or intermittently on a predetermined running path so that the fastener chain passes through an alternating magnetic field.

The above process can be carried out on (one of) the fastener stringers as an alternative to the fastener chain. In this specification, the manufacturing method of the fastener chain is described exclusively, but it is equally applicable to the manufacturing method of (one of) the fastener stringers, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

The magnetic media moves in response to an alternating magnetic field and is sufficiently conductive to ensure electrical connection (i.e., short circuit) between the cathode 10 and the metallic elements 4a, 4b. Magnetic media of various shapes can be used, and in some cases non-spherical media are used. For example, pin media such as cylinders or prisms are used. The pin media can be stainless steel pins with a diameter or maximum width of about 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm and a length of 3 mm to 15 mm. Ferromagnetic materials other than stainless steel can also be used.

The pin media rotates in response to the alternating magnetic field (when the direction of the magnetic field changes, the pin media changes from a first position corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field before the change to a second position corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field after the change). The pin media is also displaced by being drawn by the magnetic pole. In addition to this behavior of the pin media, the pin media collide with each other, and further, with the fastener chain (especially the metal element). Although the behavior of each pin media is disordered, the electrical connection between the cathode and the metal element is maintained continuously or intermittently, not accidentally, by the collection of the pin media. Here, the collision means that the rotational momentum and translational momentum obtained from the alternating magnetic field are given to the metal element when the magnetic media is in a state where it is separated from the metal element (the magnetic media do not have to be separated from each other), which is different from the case where the electrode and the plated object move relatively in a state where they are in constant contact with each other in the existing plating technology described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

By appropriately setting the rate of change of the magnetic field, the impact force of the magnetic media on the plating film can be optimized. The collision of the magnetic media may flatten the plating film or remove part of its surface, which may result in a delay in the growth of the plating film. However, the collision of the magnetic media with the plating film may improve the quality of the plating film (e.g., processing resistance or adhesion to the substrate). When adhesion to the substrate is improved, the collision can be said to mean a collision with momentum that affects changes in the crystal structure of the plating layer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fastener chain 1 is an elongated object that extends in a predetermined direction with a predetermined width, and has a pair of fastener stringers 2a, 2b. Each fastener stringer 2a, 2b has a fastener tape 3a, 3b and a metal element 4a, 4b attached to the side edge of the fastener tape 3a, 3b. The fastener chain 1 is formed by the metal elements 4a, 4b of the pair of fastener stringers 2a, 2b being engaged with each other. The metal elements 4a, 4b of the pair of fastener stringers 2a, 2b can be engaged with each other using a slider (not shown), and can also be disengaged in the same manner.

The metal elements 4a are attached to the side edge of the fastener tape 3a at a predetermined interval, and therefore are not electrically connected to each other on the fastener tape 3a. Similarly, the metal elements 4b are attached to the side edge of the fastener tape 3b at a predetermined interval, and therefore are not electrically connected to each other on the fastener tape 3b. When the metal elements 4a and 4b engage with each other, they can come into contact with each other and have a common potential. Note that the contact state between the metal elements 4a and 4b may change due to collisions of magnetic media, etc., while the fastener chain 1 is running.

After electroplating the metal elements 4a, 4b, the fastener chain 1 is cut into a short fastener chain by a cutting process, a slider is attached to this short fastener chain, and then a stopper is attached to the fastener chain as necessary. A short fastener chain with a slider (or a stopper in addition to the slider) attached is generally called a slide fastener. The fastener chain 1 does not have a slider, which is a component of the slide fastener that is the final product, attached, and can be transported efficiently and smoothly downstream.

The fastener tapes 3a and 3b are flexible bands made of a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a mixture thereof. The fastener tapes 3a and 3b have a pair of main surfaces, a front surface seen from the front side of the fastener chain 1 and a back surface seen from the back side of the fastener chain 1, and have a thickness defined by the pair of main surfaces. The metal elements 4a and 4b are attached to the core strings of the fastener tapes 3a and 3b through their plastic deformation. The metal elements 4a and 4b have a pair of legs attached to the side edges (typically the core strings) of the fastener tapes 3a and 3b, and a head connecting the pair of legs. In some cases, with respect to a pair of side surfaces of the head intersecting the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1, an engagement protrusion is provided on one side surface and an engagement recess is provided on the other side surface. In other cases, an engagement protrusion is provided on each of the pair of side surfaces. The metal elements 4a and 4b have a pair of main surfaces, a front surface seen from the front side of the fastener chain 1 and a back surface seen from the back side of the fastener chain 1, and have a thickness defined by the pair of main surfaces.

After the electroplating process of the present disclosure, the base material 4g of the metal elements 4a, 4b is coated with a plating film 4h, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing how the base material 4g of the metal elements 4a, 4b is coated with a plating film 4h.

An example will be described in which the substrate 4g of the metal element is made of brass (CuZn) and tin (Sn) is used as the anode. According to the electroplating disclosed herein, the plating film 4h contains the metal elements (Cu, Zn) of the substrate 4g in addition to tin (Sn). The proportion of Cu and Zn (called the first plating film metal element) in the plating film 4h decreases continuously as the plating film 4h moves away from the substrate 4g in the thickness direction. The proportion of Sn (called the second plating film metal element) corresponding to the anode decreases as the plating film 4h moves closer to the substrate 4g in the thickness direction. The proportion of the second plating film metal element is maximum at the top surface of the plating film 4h, and the proportion of the first plating film metal element is minimum or zero at the top surface of the plating film 4h. Needless to say, it is also possible to form one or more additional plating films on the plating film 4h. Various combinations of the metal elements of the substrate 4g and the metal elements of the anode are possible, and the one described here should be understood as merely a non-limiting example.

The order of steps S1 to S4 described above will be explained in more detail. Steps S1 and S2 do not need to be performed completely in sync, and there may be a time difference in the start or end timing (see FIG. 4). Steps S1 and S2 may also be performed intermittently (see FIG. 5). When step S3 is performed as a result of the running of the fastener chain, it is performed overlapping with steps S1 and S2 along the time axis (see FIG. 4), or is performed without overlapping with steps S1 and S2 along the time axis (complementary) (see FIG. 5). Step S4 is performed overlapping with steps S1 and S2 along the time axis.

In FIG. 4, after time t2, the metal element receives a supply of electrons from the cathode, and metal ions from the anode are continuously deposited on the metal element. In addition, the magnetic media continuously collides with the plating film that grows with the deposition of the metal ions. In FIG. 5, in the period between time t1 and time t2, a plating film is formed on the metal element of the stopped fastener chain, and the magnetic media continuously collides with the plating film. In the period between time t2 and time t3, the fastener chain is caused to run a predetermined distance. This is repeated until the desired plating film is formed on the metal element.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing method (electroplating) of the fastener chain and the device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that various electroplating devices can be used for the method according to the present disclosure, and the electroplating device disclosed in the present disclosure is merely one example. As shown in FIG. 6, the electroplating device 100 has a plating tank 30, a conveying mechanism 40, an alternating magnetic field generating unit 50, and a running path 80 for the fastener chain 1. The fastener chain 1 enters the plating tank 30 from outside the plating tank 30 through the rollers 41 and 42 of the conveying mechanism 40, and exits the plating tank 30 from inside the plating tank 30 to outside the plating tank 30 through the rollers 43 and 44 of the conveying mechanism 40. The specific method of conveying the fastener chain 1 is arbitrary, and for example, a winding roller, a gripper, or a roller pair (a combination of a drive roller and a pressure roller) can be used for the conveyance. The fastener chain 1 travels on the running path 80 in the plating tank 30, and includes a portion immersed in the electrolytic solution 35 of the plating tank 30 and the other portion.

The plating tank 30 stores an electrolyte 35 in which one or more cathodes 10 and one or more anodes 20 are immersed. The plating tank 30 is an insulating container having a bottom plate 31 and a side plate 32, and can be closed with a lid as an option. The electrolyte 35 in the plating tank 30 is, for example, a cyanide-based plating solution, which is circulated between the plating tank 30 and an external sub-tank. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, it is preferable to use a plating solution that does not contain specific harmful substances such as cyanide, chromium, and selenium. The cathode 10 and the anode 20 are connected to a DC power source E1, and a voltage is applied between them. The voltage application state can be controlled by turning the switch SW on and off. The anode 20 can be a soluble or insoluble anode. The metal element of the anode 20 is appropriately determined according to the metal element of the desired plating film. The cathode 10 is provided in the electrolytic solution 35 away from the anode 20 in order to supply electrons to the metallic elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1 (to set the metallic elements 4a, 4b at a cathode potential).

The alternating magnetic field generating unit 50 generates an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte 35 of the plating tank 30. An alternating magnetic field means a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction change over time. The running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 is provided so that the fastener chain 1 is placed in the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generating unit 50. When the generation of the alternating magnetic field and the running of the fastener chain 1 are performed simultaneously or during the same period, the metal elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1 pass through the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generating unit 50.

In the present electroplating apparatus 100, the cathode 10 allows the multiple magnetic media to move (e.g., rotate) between the metal elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1 supported by the support member 78 and the cathode 10 in response to the above-mentioned alternating magnetic field, and is provided so as to be electrically connected to the metal elements 4a, 4b via the multiple magnetic media. In other words, (i) a space is provided between the metal elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1 supported by the support member 78 and the cathode 10 in which the multiple magnetic media move in response to the alternating magnetic field, and (ii) this space is set so that the metal elements 4a, 4b are electrically connected to the cathode 10 via the multiple magnetic media, and the multiple magnetic media can collide with the plating film growing on the metal elements 4a, 4b.

The above-mentioned configuration ensures that both the growth of the plating film on the metal elements 4a, 4b and the collision of the magnetic media with the plating film occur simultaneously. This promotes the formation of a plating film of sufficient quality (e.g., processing resistance). In addition, when the fastener chain is caused to run continuously or intermittently on the running path 80 defined by the support member 78, the electroplating process can be performed efficiently.

The support member 78 may be provided to control the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 so that the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1 is aligned with a predetermined direction (e.g., the circumferential direction and/or rotational direction of the magnetic rotating part 60 described below) in which different magnetic poles are alternately arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the fastener chain 1 faces the magnetic poles in a flat position in its width direction. This promotes the formation of a plating film with uniform quality and/or thickness.

The alternating magnetic field generating unit 50 includes a motor 61 and a magnetic rotating unit 60 rotated by the motor 61. The motor 61 is, for example, a DC or AC motor. In the magnetic rotating unit 60, different magnetic poles (i.e., N poles and S poles) are arranged alternately in the direction of rotation. A permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a combination of these can be used as the magnetic poles. In the case shown in FIG. 7, a permanent magnet is used for the magnetic poles. The magnetic rotating unit 60 has a rotating body 63 rotatably fixed to a rotating shaft 62 of the motor 61, and a plurality of permanent magnets 64 provided on the outer surface of the rotating body 63. The rotating body 63 is, for example, a hollow cylindrical member made of stainless steel. The permanent magnet 64 can be a rare earth magnet such as a neodymium magnet, but other types can also be adopted. It is not necessary to provide one motor 61 corresponding to one magnetic rotating unit 60. The output of the motor 61 can also be supplied to a plurality of magnetic rotating units 60 via an appropriate power transmission system. The rotating shaft 62 of the motor 61 can be fixed to an opening in the bottom plate 31 of the plating tank 30 via a waterproof bearing.

The multiple permanent magnets 64 are arranged so that the S poles and N poles are alternately arranged in the rotation direction of the magnetic rotating unit 60 (see FIG. 8). When the magnetic rotating unit 60 rotates in response to the operation of the motor 61, the magnetic rotating unit 60 alternates between the S pole and the N pole when viewed from a predetermined position on the radial outside of the magnetic rotating unit 60. The magnetic media (e.g., pin media) at a predetermined position on the radial outside of the magnetic rotating unit 60 flows in the rotation direction of the magnetic rotating unit 60 while rotating in response to the change in magnetic pole (closest to the magnetic media). The rotation speed of the magnetic rotating unit 60 is, for example, 100 to 4,000 rpm.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the outer surface of the magnetic rotating unit 60, N-pole arrangement zones Z1, Z3, Z5 in which permanent magnets 64 with their N poles facing outward are arranged, and S-pole arrangement zones Z2, Z4 in which permanent magnets 64 with their S poles facing outward are arranged may be alternately provided in the rotation direction of the magnetic rotating unit 60. In FIG. 8, the N-pole arrangement zones Z1, Z3, Z5 and the S-pole arrangement zones Z2, Z4 extend straight up and down parallel to the rotation axis of the magnetic rotating unit 60, but this is not limited to such an embodiment. In some cases, taking into account the sedimentation of the magnetic media due to gravity, the N-pole arrangement zones Z1, Z3, Z5 and the S-pole arrangement zones Z2, Z4 extend obliquely up and down non-parallel to the rotation axis of the magnetic rotating unit 60, or extend zigzag up and down non-parallel to the rotation axis of the magnetic rotating unit 60.

The electroplating apparatus 100 further includes a magnetically permeable housing 70 in which the magnetic rotating part 60 is housed rotatably and hermetically. The magnetically permeable housing 70 transmits magnetic flux from the N pole to the S pole of the permanent magnet 64 of the magnetic rotating part 60 inside the magnetically permeable housing 70, and can form a magnetic field outside the magnetically permeable housing 70. The magnetically permeable housing 70 does not rotate together with the magnetic rotating part 60 based on the operation of the motor 61, but remains stationary at a predetermined position, and is connected to the rotating shaft 62 (at its bottom plate and top plate) via a waterproof bearing, for example. By providing the magnetically permeable housing 70, the magnetic rotating part 60 can be protected from the electrolyte 35 and/or the rotational resistance of the magnetic rotating part 60 can be reduced. The magnetically permeable housing 70 is made of a resin such as polypropylene, acrylic, or vinyl chloride.

A plurality of support members 78 are provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70 as one or more supports for supporting the fastener chain 1. This controls the position and posture of the fastener chain 1 and defines its running path 80. Preferably, the fastener chain 1 is supported in a flat posture by the support (e.g., the support member 78). The fastener chain 1 can run circumferentially around the magnetic rotating part 60, specifically, at a position radially outside the rotation axis 62 of the magnetic rotating part 60. Although the magnetic flux density decreases as it moves radially outward from the magnetic rotating part 60, the fastener chain 1 can run in the vicinity of the magnetic rotating part 60 by providing the support member 78 on the magnetically permeable housing 70. The magnetic media can move significantly between the magnetically permeable housing 70 and the fastener chain 1 in response to the alternating magnetic field, and the magnetic media can collide strongly against the plating film. In some cases, a plurality of support members 78 are attached to the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70 so as to define the spiral running path 80 of the fastener chain 1. By forming the traveling path 80 in a spiral shape, it is possible to prevent the electroplating apparatus 100 from becoming large in size.

Each support member 78 is an L-shaped member, and specifically has a first rod portion 78a extending radially outward from the rotation axis 62 of the magnetic rotating portion 60, and a second rod portion 78b extending upward at a predetermined interval from the outer surface of the magnetic permeable housing 70. The first rod portion 78a prevents the fastener chain 1 from sinking in the electrolyte 35 in response to gravity. The second rod portion 78b prevents the fastener chain 1 from falling away from the outer surface of the magnetic permeable housing 70 due to gravity, magnetic media, water flow, etc. The support member 78 can be fixed to the outer periphery of the magnetic permeable housing 70 by any method, such as screwing or gluing.

The cathode 10 can be provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70. The cathode 10 is provided so as to extend along the running path of the fastener chain 1. This is expected to improve the electrical connection of the metal elements 4a, 4b to the cathode 10 via the magnetic media. In some cases, the cathode 10 is provided spirally around the magnetically permeable housing 70 in correspondence with the spiral running path 80 of the fastener chain 1. In addition or alternatively, the cathode 10 is provided at a position where the metal elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1 running on the running path 80 face the cathode 10. Note that the permanent magnet 64, the magnetically permeable housing 70, the cathode 10, the magnetic media, and the metal elements 4a, 4b are arranged coaxially in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the magnetic rotating portion 60.

When the cathode 10 is provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70, an induced electromotive force is generated in the cathode 10 due to the rotation of the magnetic rotating part 60, and an induced current flows in the cathode 10. In order to reduce this effect, the cathode 10 is provided in a linear shape (rather than a cylindrical shape) on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70. The magnetic flux interlinked with the cathode 10 is reduced, and the induced electromotive force and induced current can be suppressed. The helical cathode 10 can be constructed by winding the linear cathode 10 in a helical shape on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70. The linear cathode 10 can be provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70 in a manner other than a helical shape. The cathode 10 can be fixed to the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70 by a method such as a screw, adhesive, or fitting.

If the cathode 10 is provided in a linear or spiral shape, the length of the cathode 10 will be long. In order to stabilize the cathode potential, multiple contacts with the DC power source E1 can be provided on the cathode 10 in one magnetically permeable housing 70, or the cathode 10 can be divided and the contacts with the DC power source E1 can be provided separately.

A frame 72 can be used to place the anode 20 near the running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 (see FIG. 9). By attaching multiple anodes 20 to the frame 72 directly or indirectly via a cage or the like, multiple anodes 20 can be placed at different locations along the running path 80 of the fastener chain 1. This can reduce bias in the metal ion concentration along the running path 80 of the fastener chain 1. For example, a mesh cage is attached to the frame 72, and a metal plate (functioning as the anode 20) is placed in the cage.

The frame 72 is located radially outward of the magnetically permeable housing 70 with respect to the rotation axis 62 of the magnetic rotating part 60. The frame 72 is a cylindrical mesh member having horizontal members 73 spaced apart in the vertical direction and vertical members 74 connecting the horizontal members 73 in the vertical direction. The frame 72 is constructed so as not to interfere with the running path 80 of the fastener chain 1. Metal ions eluted from the anode 20 can reach the metal elements 4a and 4b of the fastener chain 1 on the running path 80 through the mesh of the frame 72. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the anode 20 can also be disposed near the running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 without using the frame 72.

The role of the magnetic media will be further explained with reference to Figure 10. In Figure 10(a), the N-pole arrangement zone of the magnetic rotating part 60 is located inside a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the magnetic permeable housing 70. In Figure 10(b), the S-pole arrangement zone of the magnetic rotating part 60 is located inside a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the magnetic permeable housing 70. In both states of Figure 10(a) and Figure 10(b), an appropriate amount of magnetic media 9 is present between the cathode 10 and the metallic elements 4a, 4b. In Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the magnetic flux is shown by dashed lines.

In the process of changing the direction of the magnetic flux from FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(b), each magnetic media 9 rotates and displaces. Regardless of the change in the orientation and displacement of each magnetic media 9, the metal elements 4a, 4b can be electrically connected to the cathode 10 via multiple media before, during, or after the change or throughout the entire process. Some magnetic media 9 collide with the plating film growing on the metal elements 4a, 4b as they rotate. In the fastener chain 1, the metal elements 4a, 4b can be electrically connected to the cathode 10 via other metal elements 4a, 4b even if they are not electrically connected to the cathode 10 via the magnetic media 9.

Although not necessarily limited to this, the magnetic media 9 can be used to assist in the transport of the fastener chain 1. For example, the rotation direction of the magnetic rotating part 60 and the running direction of the fastener chain 1 running around it are set to the same direction. In addition to rotating in response to the alternating magnetic field, the magnetic media 9 is entrained by the permanent magnets 64 of the magnetic rotating part 60 and flows in the same direction as the magnetic rotating part 60. The flow of the magnetic media 9 pushes the fastener chain 1, making it easier for the fastener chain 1 to run in the same direction.

The metal elements 4a and 4b of the fastener chain 1 have a first surface 5 facing the cathode 10 and a second surface 6 facing the opposite side of the cathode 10 (see FIG. 10). If the anode 20 is arranged radially outward from the magnetically permeable housing 70 relative to the fastener chain 1 and equivalent magnetic media are present on the first surface 5 side and the second surface 6 side of the metal elements 4a and 4b, the growth rate of the plating film on the second surface 6 side of the metal elements 4a and 4b will be greater than the growth rate of the plating film on the first surface 5 side of the metal elements 4a and 4b. In order to prevent the plating film from having a difference in thickness between the front and back of the metal elements 4a and 4b, it is advisable to invert the front and back of the fastener chain 1 on the running path of the fastener chain 1.

As shown in Figure 6, the plating tank 30 is provided with two alternating magnetic field generating sections 50, an upstream spiral running path is provided on the outer periphery of the permeable housing 70 of the upstream alternating magnetic field generating section 50, a downstream spiral running path is provided on the outer periphery of the permeable housing 70 of the downstream alternating magnetic field generating section 50, and a front/back reversal section 90 of the fastener chain 1 is provided between these spiral running paths.

In the case shown in FIG. 11, the front-back reversing section 90 only has two guide rollers 91, 92. The front-back reversing of the fastener chain 1 is achieved by reversing the running direction of the fastener chain 1 between the upstream magnetically permeable housing 70 and the downstream magnetically permeable housing 70. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the plating tank 30 is viewed from above, the fastener chain 1 runs clockwise on the upstream spiral running path and runs counterclockwise on the downstream spiral running path. In this way, the front and back of the fastener chain 1 are reversed, which promotes uniformity of the thickness of the plating film on the front and back of the metal elements 4a, 4b. Note that the front-back reversing of the fastener chain 1 can be performed by various other methods.

The operation method of the electroplating apparatus 100 will be described with a focus on a specific portion of the fastener chain 1. First, as the fastener chain 1 is transported, the specific portion of the fastener chain 1 is guided by the rollers 41 and 42 to reach the running path 80 in the electrolyte 35. Before the specific portion of the fastener chain 1 runs along the running path 80, the magnetic rotating part 60 rotates based on the operation of the motor 61, and an alternating magnetic field is generated around it. The running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 is disposed in an alternating magnetic field, and the magnetic media 9 moves therein. A voltage is applied between the cathode 10 and the anode 20 by the DC power source E1.

When a predetermined portion of the fastener chain 1 travels along the travel path 80, the metal elements 4a, 4b are electrically connected to the cathode 10 provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing 70 via the magnetic media 9. The magnetic media 9 also repeatedly collides with the plating film formed on the metal elements 4a, 4b. During the period when the predetermined portion of the fastener chain 1 travels from the lower end to the upper end of the spiral travel path 80, the plating film grows and the magnetic media 9 collides with the plating film continuously. In this way, the formation of a plating film of sufficient thickness is promoted while avoiding the increase in size of the electroplating device 100.

The specified portion of the fastener chain 1 is then turned over and travels in the opposite direction along the next spiral travel path 80, that is, from the top to the bottom. During this travel period, as described above, the plating film grows and the magnetic media 9 collide with the plating film continuously. In this way, a plating film is formed on the front and back of the metal elements 4a, 4b of the fastener chain 1. After traveling along the spiral travel path 80, the specified portion of the fastener chain 1 is guided by the rollers 43, 44 and exits the electrolyte 35.

In addition, metal ions are also deposited on the contact portions of the metal elements 4a, 4b to form a plating film. During electroplating, the engaging rows of the metal elements 4a, 4b are continuously electrically connected to the cathode 10 via the magnetic media 9 along the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1, and therefore the occurrence of a potential gradient in the engaging rows of the metal elements 4a, 4b along the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1 is suppressed. A sequencer can be used to control the on/off of each motor 61 and the on/off of the switch SW. The sequencer can also control the start and stop of transport of the fastener chain.

In the above description, mainly with reference to FIG. 6, a configuration in which two alternating magnetic field generating units 50, two spiral running paths, and one front/back reversal unit 90 are provided has been described, but a configuration in which only one alternating magnetic field generating unit 50 and one spiral running path are provided is also envisioned. The running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 is not necessarily limited to a spiral shape, and may be linear, zigzag, etc. Also, the fastener chain 1 may be hung in a serpentine shape over multiple magnetically permeable housings 70, and this may be repeated along the rotation axis of the magnetic rotating unit 60.

Below, variations will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 16. Figs. 12 and 13 show a form in which four alternating magnetic field generating units 50, four spiral running paths, and two front-back reversing units 90 are provided. In Fig. 12, the fastener chain 1 runs clockwise upward on the first spiral running path, counterclockwise downward on the second spiral running path, counterclockwise upward on the third spiral running path, and clockwise downward on the fourth spiral running path. In Fig. 13, the fastener chain 1 runs counterclockwise upward on the first spiral running path, clockwise downward on the second spiral running path, clockwise upward on the third spiral running path, and counterclockwise downward on the fourth spiral running path. By providing four or more alternating magnetic field generating units 50 and four spiral running paths, a sufficient thickness of the plating film can be ensured even if the running speed of the fastener chain 1 is increased.

14 and 15 show a configuration in which the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 are controlled by the rollers 41, 42 of the conveying mechanism 40 rather than the support member 78 (i.e., the rollers 41, 42 of the conveying mechanism 40 function as supports for the fastener chain 1). Even in such a case, the same effect as described above can be obtained to the extent that there is no contradiction.

14 and 15, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 50' is provided above and below the horizontal running path of the fastener chain 1. As described above, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 50' has a magnetic rotating unit 60' (the magnetic rotating unit is shown simply in FIG. 15) and a magnetically permeable housing 70'. As described above, the magnetic rotating unit 60' is rotatably sealed and housed in the magnetically permeable housing 70', and rotates in response to the operation of the motor. A plurality of magnetic rotating units 6' may be provided in the magnetically permeable housing 70'. In this case, the rotating shaft of the motor is arranged horizontally. A running path 80 of the fastener chain 1 is provided between the upper and lower magnetically permeable housings 70'. Cathodes 10 are arranged at a predetermined interval above and below so as to sandwich the metal elements 4a and 4b of the fastener chain 1 running on this running path 80. In addition, anodes 20 are arranged on both the upper and lower sides of the fastener tape of the fastener chain 1. The magnetic media 9 rotates in response to the rotation of the magnetic rotating part 60, ensuring electrical connection between the cathode 10 and the metal elements 4a, 4b, and growing a plating film on the metal elements 4a, 4b. During the growth of the plating film, the magnetic media 9 repeatedly collides with the plating film. This results in the formation of a plating film of good quality similar to that described above. Note that, although the fastener chain 1 passes between a pair of alternating magnetic field generating parts 50' only once in FIG. 14, multiple pairs of alternating magnetic field generating parts 50' may be installed in the plating tank 30 so that the fastener chain 1 passes between the pair of alternating magnetic field generating parts 50' multiple times.

Figure 16 shows that the fastener chain 1 is supplied in a predetermined position and orientation into the electrolyte of the plating tank 30, and a plating film is formed on the metal element by electroplating. In the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain 1, one end is supported by one or more supports 120, and the other end is supported by another one or more supports 120. In this manner, the position and orientation of the fastener chain 1 can also be controlled. The specific configuration of the supports 120 varies, and the number of supports also varies. In the illustrated example, a total of four supports 120 are provided, two of which are assigned to one end of the fastener chain 1, and the other two are assigned to the other end of the fastener chain 1.

Each support 120 is composed of a fixed member 121, 124, a spring 122, and a pressure ball 123. The fixed members 121, 124 are fixed at a predetermined position in the plating tank 30. One end of the spring 122 is fixed to the fixed member 121, and the pressure ball 123 is fixed to the other end of the spring 122. The fastener tape of the fastener chain 1 is sandwiched and positioned between the support surface of the pressure ball 123 and the fixed member 124. As is clear from Figure 16, it is not necessary to run the fastener chain. Just to be clear, the fastener stringer in Figure 16 can also be supported at a predetermined position and orientation by the support 120.

Example A plating film was formed on a metal element of a fastener chain using the plating device shown in FIG. 13 of the present application. The rotation speed of the magnetic rotating part was 400 rpm. The running speed of the fastener chain was 3.5 m/min. The power supply voltage was 1 V, and a current of 10 A was passed through each cathode. The electroplating time was 7 minutes. This fastener chain was sewn onto denim fabric, and a washing process was performed. As the washing process, a dark color process in which the denim fabric maintains its dark color and a light color process in which the denim fabric becomes light in color were performed.

In the washing process, denim fabric with zipper chains was pre-treated, stone washed, bio washed, and eco bleached in that order. In the light color process, strong bleaching was further performed after eco bleaching. Pre-treatment was a hot water washing process for removing starch, and the fabric was washed in hot water at 90°C for 20 minutes, hot water at 60°C for 5 minutes, and warm water at 30°C for 5 minutes. Stone washing was a process in which the fabric was washed together with pumice for 30 minutes. Bio washing was a process in which enzymes were used to dissolve the fibers to soften the denim fabric and remove the feathers, and cellulase was added to hot water at 55°C and washed for 20 minutes. Eco bleach was a process in which glucose was used to remove the color of the denim fabric and bring out its whiteness, and the fabric was washed for 20 minutes with glucose (20 g/L) and NaOH (15 g/L) added to hot water at 90°C. Bleaching is a process in which denim fabric is decolorized using a bleaching agent to make it whiter. Sodium hypochlorite was added and the fabric was washed in hot water at 50°C for 15 minutes.

In addition to the washing process, the fabric was also dyed. Two dyeing processes were carried out: one using a sulfur dye and the other using a reactive dye. In the sulfur dyeing process, alkaline material, dye, dyeing accelerator, and reducing agent (thiogen) were added to hot water at 50°, and the denim fabric with zipper chain was immersed in the water at 85° for 20 minutes. In the reactive dyeing process, the reactive dye was added to hot water at a specified temperature, and the denim fabric with zipper chain was immersed in the water for a specified time. In addition to the washing and dyeing processes, a salt spray test was also carried out for 24 hours.

Comparative Examples 1 and 2
In Comparative Example 1, a cathode electrode (e.g., the conductive medium of Patent Documents 1 and 2) was directly brought into contact with the metal element to perform electroplating. In Comparative Example 2, a plating film was formed on the metal element by an electroless plating method. The running speed of the fastener chain was 30 m/min. Then, washing processing, dyeing processing, and a salt spray test were performed in the same manner as in the examples.

As shown in Figure 17, it was confirmed that the plating film formed in the Example was of equal or better quality than that of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Although there was some peeling before and after washing in both Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the Example, it was confirmed that the peeling was milder in the Example. Furthermore, in the dyeing process using reactive dyes, as in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, no peeling of the plating film was observed before and after dyeing in the Example. In the dyeing process using sulfide dyes, discoloration was observed as in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, but the area where discoloration occurred was smaller in the Example than in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Furthermore, when a test was conducted in which salt water was sprayed continuously for 24 hours, no surface discoloration was observed in the Example, as in Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

From the above results, it has been confirmed that the plating film on the metal elements of a fastener chain manufactured by the disclosed manufacturing method (electroplating method) has processing resistance that is not inferior to that of the plating film on the metal elements of a fastener chain manufactured by existing manufacturing methods (electroplating method or electroless plating method).

In detail, for the light-color washing process, the Example has a higher uniformity of the surface of the plating layer of the metal element compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. For the dyeing process using reactive dyes, the Example maintains a higher degree of gloss of the plating layer of the metal element compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Thus, the Example shows improvements in the uniformity and gloss of the surface of the plating layer compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

In light of the above disclosure, those skilled in the art may make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The reference signs included in the claims are for reference only and should not be referred to for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the claims.

1: fastener chain 2a: fastener stringer 2b: fastener stringer 4a: metal element 4b: metal element 7: fastener chain 10: cathode 20: anode 30: plating tank 35: electrolyte 50: alternating magnetic field generating unit 60: magnetic rotating unit 70: magnetically permeable housing

Claims (25)

A method for manufacturing a fastener chain (1) or a fastener stringer (2a, 2b) in which a plating film is formed on a metal element (4a, 4b), comprising the steps of:
applying a voltage between one or more cathodes (10) and one or more anodes (20) that are at least partially immersed in an electrolyte in a plating bath (30);
generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte when or for a period during which a voltage is applied between the one or more cathodes (10) and the one or more anodes (20);
controlling the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) so that at least the metallic elements (4a, 4b) of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) are disposed in a space in which the alternating magnetic field is generated;
a step of moving a plurality of magnetic media (9) in response to the alternating magnetic field, electrically connecting the metal elements (4a, 4b) of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) to the cathode (10) via the plurality of magnetic media (9), and causing the plurality of magnetic media (9) to collide with a plating film growing on the metal elements (4a, 4b). The manufacturing method described in claim 1, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) are controlled so that the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) is along a predetermined direction in which different magnetic poles are alternately arranged to generate the alternating magnetic field. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) are controlled so that (i) a main surface of the metal element (4a, 4b) is perpendicular to a magnetic axis related to the magnetic pole, and/or (ii) the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) faces the magnetic pole in a flat attitude in a width direction of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b). The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringers (2a, 2b) are controlled as a result of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringers (2a, 2b) running continuously or intermittently on a predetermined running path (80). The method of claim 4, wherein the predetermined travel path (80) is defined by a plurality of support members (78). The manufacturing method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cathode (10) extends along the running path (80) of the fastener chain (1). The method of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the one or more anodes (20) include a plurality of anodes (20) arranged at different locations along the running path (80) of the fastener chain (1). The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the running path (80) of the fastener chain (1) includes one or more spiral running paths (80) and/or the one or more cathodes (10) include one or more spiral cathodes (10). The manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the step of generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte includes rotating one or more magnetic rotating parts (60) in which different magnetic poles are arranged alternately in the rotational direction. The manufacturing method described in claim 9, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) is controlled as a result of running the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) around the magnetic rotating portion (60). The manufacturing method described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) is controlled as a result of running the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) in a spiral shape around the magnetic rotating portion (60). The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the magnetic rotating part (60) is housed in a magnetically permeable housing (70) that is sealed in a rotatable manner. The manufacturing method described in claim 12, characterized in that the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing (70) is provided with a plurality of support members (78) for supporting the fastener chain (1). The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the cathode (10) comprises a linear or spiral cathode (10) provided on the outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing (70). The step of generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolyte includes rotating each of the different magnetic rotating parts (60) provided as the one or more magnetic rotating parts (60);
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringers (2a, 2b) is controlled as a result of running the fastener chain (1) over the different magnetic rotating portions (60). The manufacturing method described in claim 15, characterized in that running the fastener chain (1) around the different magnetic rotating parts (60) includes running the fastener chain (1) in opposite directions on a spiral running path (80) around the different magnetic rotating parts (60). A manufacturing method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the fastener chain (1) is reversed between the different magnetic rotating parts (60). A manufacturing method as described in any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringers (2a, 2b) are controlled as a result of the fastener chain (1) running along the rotational direction of the magnetic rotating part (60). A step of cutting the fastener chain (1) obtained by the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 18;
A method for manufacturing a slide fastener includes a step of attaching a slider to the short fastener chain (1) obtained by the cutting, thereby enabling engagement and disengagement of the metal elements (4a, 4b) of a pair of fastener stringers (2a, 2b) of the short fastener chain (1). An electroplating apparatus (100) for forming a plating film on a metal element (4a, 4b) of a fastener chain (1) or a fastener stringer (2a, 2b), comprising:
a plating tank (30) containing an electrolyte in which the one or more cathodes (10) and the one or more anodes (20) are at least partially immersed;
an alternating magnetic field generating unit (50) for generating an alternating magnetic field in the electrolytic solution of the plating tank (30);
one or more supports (78, 42, 43, 120) for the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) arranged so that at least the metal elements (4a, 4b) of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) are disposed in a space in which the alternating magnetic field is generated;
the cathode (10) allows a plurality of magnetic media (9) to move in response to the alternating magnetic field between the metal elements (4a, 4b) of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) supported by the one or more supports (78, 42, 43, 120) and the cathode (10), and is provided so as to be electrically connectable to the metal elements (4a, 4b) via the plurality of magnetic media (9). The electroplating apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the one or more supports (78, 42, 43, 120) are provided to control the position and orientation of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) so that the longitudinal direction of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) is along a predetermined direction in which different magnetic poles are alternately arranged to generate the alternating magnetic field. The electroplating apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the alternating magnetic field generating unit (50) includes one or more magnetic rotating units (60) in which different magnetic poles are arranged alternately in the rotational direction. The electroplating apparatus of claim 22, characterized in that the magnetic rotating part (60) is housed in a rotatable and sealed magnetically permeable housing (70). The electroplating apparatus of claim 23, characterized in that the one or more supports (78, 42, 43, 120) include one or more support members (78) provided on an outer surface of the magnetically permeable housing (70). The electroplating apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the cathode (10) extends along a running path (80) of the fastener chain (1) or the fastener stringer (2a, 2b) supported by the one or more supports (78, 42, 43, 120).

Images