Active cooling helmet

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of active cooling helmet, belong to head protection appliance technical field;The active cooling helmet of the utility model is composed of shell protective layer that bears and disperses impact force, buffer layer that absorbs high impact and compression load, gasket and cooling module that improve wearing comfort, phase change material is encapsulated inside cooling module, active cooling is realized by phase change material absorbing head heat phase change, cooling module is accurately arranged on human brain parietal bone, or / and frontal bone top, the main heat dissipation area of head is adhered, so that cooling effect reaches best, while using the slow-release heat dissipation layer with lower heat transfer coefficient, local overcooling stimulation of head can be avoided;In addition, all components are detachable structure design, which is beneficial to replacement, and phase change material can be repeatedly used for heat exchange, with lower use cost and high environmental value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of head protection equipment technology, specifically to an active cooling helmet. Background Technology

[0002] According to Article 51 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, "When a motor vehicle is in motion, the driver and passengers shall use seat belts as required, and the motorcyclist and passengers shall wear safety helmets as required." However, in the high temperatures of summer, wearing a helmet can cause excessive sweating of the head, seriously affecting the rider's comfort while driving and their head's thermal comfort. Especially in recent years, national temperatures have shown a continuous upward trend, with a significant increase in the frequency of extreme high-temperature weather in summer, and some areas have even repeatedly broken historical high-temperature records. In such sweltering conditions, the discomfort faced by motorcyclists wearing helmets becomes increasingly prominent.

[0003] In hot weather, when the head is covered by a helmet, heat is difficult to dissipate, leading to excessive sweating in a short time. Sweat not only runs down the face, affecting vision, but can also seep into the eyes, causing stinging and seriously interfering with safe driving. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to the heat can cause a strong feeling of stuffiness and discomfort in the head, easily leading to irritability and fatigue, which in turn reduces attention and reaction time, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

[0004] However, even with these challenges, we cannot ignore the crucial protective role of safety helmets in traffic accidents. According to statistics, correctly wearing a safety helmet can reduce head injuries in motorcyclists by over 60% and the mortality rate by about 40% in accidents, making its value in protecting lives irreplaceable. To better balance safety and comfort when wearing helmets in summer, it is necessary to provide a helmet that effectively reduces the temperature of the human body, especially the brain, during wear. This is particularly important for workers in outdoor industries such as food delivery and errand running who need to work in high temperatures and require adequate head protection.

[0005] Chinese utility model patent application No. 202420620082.9 discloses a helmet with passive cooling. The passive cooling component consists of a perforated mesh, a connecting shell, channels, an air guide plate, a vertical plate, a first through hole, a first baffle, a second baffle, and a second through hole. During riding, the oncoming wind enters through the perforated mesh, is guided by the air guide plate, and then blows into the helmet cavity through the first through hole via two channels. It then disperses into the inner lining and the interior of the helmet through the second through hole. Utilizing the principle of passive cooling, it effectively cools the head without external power, increasing riding comfort. However, it should be noted that although this technical solution has a certain cooling effect, in high-temperature weather conditions, natural wind also carries a high amount of heat, even higher than body temperature. Therefore, while the technical solution described in this patent application has a certain cooling effect, the cooling effect is not significant and cannot meet the cooling requirements of helmets under increasingly hot weather conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an active cooling helmet to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an active cooling helmet, comprising: a shell protective layer that bears and disperses impact force, a buffer layer that absorbs high impact and compressive loads, a pad that enhances wearing comfort, and a cooling module. The shell protective layer is the outer layer, the pad is the innermost layer, the buffer layer is disposed between the shell protective layer and the pad, and the cooling module is disposed between the buffer layer and the pad, or / and both the buffer layer and the pad are the innermost layers. The cooling module is spatially located above the parietal bone of the human skull, or / and the frontal bone.

[0008] As a further improvement to this application, the cooling module includes: a packaging shell and a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is stored inside the packaging shell.

[0009] As a further improvement to this application, the packaging shell may be a packaging bag or a packaging box, and the packaging shell is provided with fasteners for easy disassembly.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the cooling module is provided with a slow-release heat dissipation layer on its inner side, and the slow-release heat dissipation layer is attached to the pad.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the location where the pad adheres to the slow-release heat dissipation layer is the heat exchange interface layer.

[0012] As a further improvement to this application, the pad is detachably mounted on the buffer layer or the housing protection layer.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, the shell protective layer and the buffer layer are provided with multiple ventilation channels that penetrate through the inside and outside, for ventilation of the front, top and rear of the helmet. One end of the ventilation channel opens inside the buffer layer and the other end opens on the outer surface of the shell protective layer. The outer surface of the shell protective layer is provided with multiple cover plates, which are detachably installed at the opening of the ventilation channel.

[0014] As a further improvement to this application, part of the ventilation duct is located at the top of the cooling module.

[0015] As a further improvement of this application, a grille is provided at the ventilation duct opening located on the outer surface of the housing protective layer.

[0016] As a further improvement of this application, a heat insulation layer is provided between the shell protective layer and the buffer layer.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This application utilizes a cooling module formed by storing phase change material within an encapsulated shell inside the helmet. This module absorbs heat from the head and undergoes a phase change to achieve active cooling. Compared to traditional passive ventilation solutions, it maintains a stable cooling effect even under extreme high-temperature conditions, solving the technical problem of low cooling efficiency of natural wind. By precisely positioning the cooling module above the parietal bone and / or frontal bone of the skull, it conforms to the main heat dissipation areas of the head, maximizing the cooling effect. Furthermore, the use of a slow-release heat dissipation layer prevents localized overcooling of the head. The easily removable padding facilitates the replacement of the slow-release heat dissipation layer or the cooling module. Additionally, the phase change material can be reused for heat exchange, resulting in low operating costs and high environmental value. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer layer and cooling module structure of the first embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gasket according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3A wireframe diagram;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling module of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling module of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling module, heat dissipation layer, and pad of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gasket of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a cooling module and a heat dissipation layer;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a complete structural diagram of a further improvement of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat insulation layer of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the gasket connector of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the gasket connector of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the gasket connector of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth structure of the gasket connector of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 17 This is a fifth structural schematic diagram of the gasket connector of this utility model.

[0037] In the diagram: 1-Shell protective layer; 11-Ventilation duct; 111-Grate; 112-Cover plate; 2-Buffer layer; 3-Pad; 31-Connector; 32-Heat exchange interface layer; 4-Cooling module; 41-Encapsulation shell; 42-Phase change material; 43-Fastening fastener; 5-Slow-release heat dissipation layer; 6-Insulation layer; 71-Hook and loop fastener; 72-Rough surface; 73-Snap fastener; 74-Slot; 75-Insertion piece; 76-Rail track; 77-Magnet; 78-Zipper. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Please see Figure 1-4 This embodiment provides an active cooling helmet, including: a shell protective layer 1 that bears and disperses impact force, a buffer layer 2 that absorbs high impact and compressive load, a pad 3 that improves wearing comfort, and a cooling module 4. The shell protective layer 1 is the outer layer, the pad 3 is the innermost layer, the buffer layer 2 is disposed between the shell protective layer 1 and the pad 3, and the cooling module 4 is disposed between the buffer layer 2 and the pad 3, or / and both the buffer layer 2 and the pad 3 are the innermost layers. The cooling module 4 is spatially located above the parietal bone of the human brain, or / and the frontal bone.

[0041] Please see Figure 6-7 As a further improvement of this application, the cooling module 4 includes: a packaging shell 41 and a phase change material 42, wherein the phase change material 42 is stored inside the packaging shell 41.

[0042] It should be noted that phase change material (PCM) refers to a substance that can absorb or release a large amount of latent heat through changes in physical state (solid-liquid, liquid-gas, or solid-gas) within a certain temperature range. The phase change material described in this application uses solid-liquid phase change to absorb heat and reduce the head temperature, and then re-solidifies after the ambient temperature decreases, achieving a recyclable cooling effect.

[0043] The phase change material 42 described in this application is one or more of organic materials, inorganic materials, and composite materials, and has excellent solid-liquid phase change heat storage capacity.

[0044] The material of the encapsulation shell 41 in this application is made of a high compressive strength composite plastic material, which is required to withstand multiple repeated temperature changes.

[0045] As a further improvement to this application, the packaging shell 41 may be a packaging bag or a packaging box, and the packaging shell is provided with fasteners 43 for easy disassembly.

[0046] It should be noted that the packaging shell 41 of this application can be a flexible packaging bag or a rigid packaging box, as long as it has high compressive strength and good sealing tightness. The packaging shell 41 should be provided with a fastener 43 that is easy to disassemble, which can be a pull ring, a snap fastener of a specific shape, a protrusion, or a groove. The function of the fastener 43 is to facilitate carrying the cooling module 4 and to facilitate the installation or disassembly of the cooling module 4.

[0047] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 10 As a further improvement of this application, the cooling module 4 is provided with a slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 on the side near the human brain, and the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 is attached to the pad 3.

[0048] It should be noted that since the temperature of the cooling module 4 is relatively low, direct contact with the human body may cause local cold stimulation to the head. The function of the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 is to prevent the cooling module 4 from directly contacting the head and to provide a heat exchange rate that is acceptable to the helmet wearer, thereby improving the comfort of using the cooling module 4. The slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 can not only be used by adhering to the pad 3, but can even be part of the pad 3, as long as it can achieve its heat exchange effect.

[0049] Please see Figure 9 As a further improvement of this application, the position where the pad 3 adheres to the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 is the heat exchange interface layer 32.

[0050] It should be noted that traditional helmet pads are commonly made of sponge, antibacterial fabric, or breathable mesh, which can fit the head, absorb sweat and breathe, and provide good comfort. However, these materials have relatively low thermal conductivity, which cannot meet the usage requirements of the cooling module 4 in this application. Therefore, it is necessary to set a heat exchange interface layer 32 with a high thermal conductivity at the part of the pad 3 that contacts the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5, so as to quickly dissipate heat from the head; or even replace the entire pad 3 with a material with a high thermal conductivity to facilitate overall head cooling.

[0051] As a further improvement of this application, the pad 3 is detachably mounted on the buffer layer 2 or the housing protective layer 1 via the connector 31.

[0052] It should be noted that the pad 3 used in this application can be detachably installed on the buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1, which facilitates the replacement of the cooling module 4 and the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5. Since different people have different heat resistance, the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 with different heat transfer coefficients or thicknesses can be selected based on the head heat generation rate, head skin temperature, and phase change material 42 material to achieve personalized configuration.

[0053] Please see Figure 1-5 As a further improvement of this application, the shell protective layer 1 and the buffer layer 2 are provided with multiple ventilation channels 11 that penetrate through the inside and outside, for ventilation of the front, top and rear of the helmet. One end of the ventilation channel 11 opens inside the buffer layer 2 and the other end opens on the outer surface of the shell protective layer 1. The outer surface of the shell protective layer 1 is provided with multiple cover plates 112, and the cover plates 112 are detachably installed at the opening of the ventilation channel 11.

[0054] It should be noted that this application uses multiple ventilation ducts 11 and cover plates 112 adapted to the openings of the ventilation ducts, which can further assist the cooling module 4 in cooling and heat dissipation.

[0055] As a further improvement to this application, part of the ventilation duct 11 is located on the top of the cooling module 4.

[0056] It should be noted that this application provides a ventilation duct 11 at the top of the cooling module 4, which allows outside air to enter the helmet. After passing through the cooling module 4, the heat in the air is carried away by the cooling module 4, changing from hot air to cool air. When it comes into contact with the wearer, it can achieve the comfortable effect of natural cool air.

[0057] As a further improvement of this application, a grille 111 is provided at the ventilation duct opening located on the outer surface of the housing protective layer 1.

[0058] Please see Figure 11-12 As a further improvement of this application, a heat insulation layer 6 is provided between the shell protective layer 1 and the buffer layer 2.

[0059] It should be noted that the purpose of setting the heat insulation layer 6 between the shell protective layer 1 and the buffer layer 2 in this application is to isolate the external environmental heat from the shell protective layer 1 into the helmet, so as to reduce the melting rate of the cooling module 4 and the temperature inside the helmet as much as possible.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] This embodiment further discloses information based on Embodiment 1. Specifically, the phase change material 42 used in the cooling module 4 of this application can be a hexadecane / stearic acid composite organic phase change material (PCM), with a component ratio of n-hexadecane:stearic acid = 70:30 (mass ratio). The n-hexadecane provides a high latent heat value, while the stearic acid regulates the phase change temperature to near the skin temperature range. The phase change temperature range of this composite phase change material is 30–34°C, and the latent heat value is 180–200 J / g. Its aliphatic saturated hydrocarbon structure ensures long-term chemical stability and low oxidation tendency. In use, it is encapsulated with polyurethane wall material to form a diameter of 50-100 mm. The microcapsule structure prevents liquid phase leakage. The heat absorption duration of this material is in the range of 45–90 minutes, depending on the external heat flow and heat exchange rate. It has a good cycle life, with a latent heat retention rate of ≥90% after 500 phase change cycles.

[0062] The outer casing 41 is made of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite material with a compressive strength ≥15MPa and a thermal cycle resistance of >300 cycles. When rigid encapsulation is used, it is supported by an internal honeycomb support skeleton and an outer glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite material with a wall thickness of 1.5mm. When flexible encapsulation is used, the glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite material is arranged as a three-layer co-extruded film structure and the edges are sealed by ultrasonic welding.

[0063] In other embodiments of this application, the phase change material 42 used in the cooling module 4 can also be a Na2SO4·10H2O / polyvinyl alcohol coating material, with a component ratio of Na2SO4·10H2O:PVA composite coating = 95:5. The phase change temperature is 32–33°C, and the latent heat value is about 250J / g. It has the advantages of high heat exchange efficiency, better thermal conductivity than pure organic PCM, and low price. Experimental verification shows that it can operate stably for 30–100 cooling cycles. Furthermore, the stability of cyclic use can be improved by adding stabilizers to inhibit phase separation.

[0064] The slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 of this application can be a graphene-reinforced polyurethane thermal conductive film with a thermal conductivity of 2.5–4.8 W / m·K (varying with graphene content). The structure consists of graphene sheets incorporated into the PU matrix at 1–3 wt% to form continuous thermal conductive channels, which can quickly dissipate local heat, prevent the problem of "local condensation on the condenser plate", have good temperature uniformity, are soft and have strong conformability, are suitable for the internal curved surface structure of helmets, and have a service life of >1000 hours with stable performance under repeated mechanical bending.

[0065] In other embodiments of this application, the slow-release heat dissipation layer 5 can also be an aluminized thermal conductive cloth / aluminum foil composite PET film layer with a thermal conductivity of about 1.2–1.6 W / m·K. By anodizing / coating a hydrophilic nanolayer, the thermal radiation coefficient is improved, which has a good reflective shielding effect on infrared rays, helps to prevent sunburn and cool down, has good flexibility, is suitable for low curvature parts or hat top areas, and can be directly thermally bonded to the phase change material module.

[0066] The thermal insulation layer 6 of this application can be a foam ceramic-silicone composite thermal insulation layer with a thermal conductivity of ≤0.08W / m·K. Its structure consists of microporous ceramic spheres (hollow) + silicone elastic filling. It can withstand surface heat flow up to 150°C, has slight shock absorption performance, and is suitable for areas near the outer shell or exposed to direct sunlight. It can slow down the inward conduction of heat flow. Its service life is greater than 5 years under normal temperature conditions.

[0067] In other embodiments of this application, the heat insulation layer 6 may also be a nano-aerogel felt layer (Silica Aerogel Felt) with a thermal conductivity of 0.018–0.025 W / m·K (dry state) and a thickness of 2–5 mm, which is suitable for the interlayer between the helmet shell and the inner liner, and has the advantages of ultra-low thermal conductivity and lightweight.

[0068] Please see Figure 13-17 The pad 3 described in this application is fixed to the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1 by a connector 31. Specifically, the connector 31 can be a Velcro connector, that is, by sewing Velcro 71 on the back of the pad 3 and arranging a rough surface 72 on the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1, the two are bonded together, thus allowing for detachable installation; it can be a snap or slot connector, that is, snaps 73 are installed on the edge or back of the pad 3 and slots 74 are arranged on the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1, the two are fastened together, thus allowing for detachable installation; it can also be a track or insert connector, that is, a track 76 is arranged on the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1, and a matching insert 75 is embedded on the back of the pad 3, thus enabling quick overall disassembly; it can also be a magnetic connector, that is, magnets 77 are pre-embedded in the pad 3 and the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1 for magnetic adsorption; it can also be a zipper connector, that is, a zipper 78 is sewn between the pad 3 and the helmet buffer layer 2 or the shell protective layer 1, thus enabling quick installation and disassembly.

[0069] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0071] The terms "first," "second," and "third" (if any) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the present utility model described can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as a process, method, system, product, or maintenance tool that includes a series of steps or units, not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or maintenance tool.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the structure of this utility model, several modifications and improvements can be made, and these should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model. These will not affect the implementation effect of this utility model or the utility model of the patent.

Claims

1. An active cooling helmet, characterized in that: It includes a shell protective layer (1) that bears and disperses impact force, a buffer layer (2) that absorbs high impact and compressive load, a pad (3) that improves wearing comfort, and a cooling module (4). The shell protective layer (1) is the outer layer, the pad (3) is the innermost structure, the buffer layer (2) is disposed between the shell protective layer (1) and the pad (3), and the cooling module (4) is disposed between the buffer layer (2) and the pad (3), or / and both the buffer layer (2) and the pad (3) are the innermost structures. The cooling module (4) is located above the parietal bone of the human brain, or / and the frontal bone.

2. The active cooling helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling module (4) includes: a packaging shell (41) and a phase change material (42). The phase change material (42) is stored inside the packaging shell (41). The phase change material (42) is one or more of organic materials, inorganic materials and composite materials, and has the ability to store heat through solid-liquid phase change. The packaging shell (41) is a high compressive strength composite plastic and is shaped as a packaging bag or packaging box. The packaging shell (41) is provided with fasteners (43) that are easy to disassemble.

3. The active cooling helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling module (4) has a slow-release heat dissipation layer (5) on the side of the outside near the human brain, and the slow-release heat dissipation layer (5) is attached to the pad (3).

4. The active cooling helmet according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position where the pad (3) adheres to the slow-release heat dissipation layer (5) is the heat exchange interface layer (32).

5. The active cooling helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell protective layer (1) and the buffer layer (2) are provided with multiple ventilation channels (11) that penetrate through the inside and outside. One end of the ventilation channel (11) opens inside the buffer layer (2) and the other end opens on the outer surface of the shell protective layer (1). The outer surface of the shell protective layer (1) is provided with multiple cover plates (112). The cover plates (112) are detachably installed at the opening of the ventilation channel (11). The ventilation channel opening on the outer surface of the shell protective layer (1) is provided with a grille (111).

6. The active cooling helmet according to claim 5, characterized in that: Part of the ventilation duct (11) is located on top of the cooling module (4).

7. The active cooling helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat insulation layer (6) is provided between the shell protective layer (1) and the buffer layer (2), and the heat insulation layer (6) isolates the external environmental heat from entering the helmet from the shell protective layer (1).

8. The active cooling helmet according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: A connector (31) is provided between the pad (3) and the buffer layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1).

9. The active cooling helmet according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connector (31) is a Velcro connector, snap fastener, slot connector, track, insert connector, magnetic connector, or zipper connector.

10. The active cooling helmet according to claim 9, characterized in that: Velcro (71) is sewn onto the back of the pad (3), and a rough surface (72) is arranged on the helmet buffer layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1), and the two are bonded together to form a Velcro connector; Snap fasteners (73) are installed on the edge or back of the padding (3), and slots (74) are arranged on the helmet buffer layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1). The two are fastened together to form a snap fastener and slot connector. A track (76) is arranged in the helmet buffer layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1), and a matching insert (75) is embedded in the back of the pad (3). The two are assembled to form a track and insert connector. Magnets (77) are embedded in the pad (3) and the helmet buffer layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1). The magnets are magnetically attracted to each other to form a magnetic connector. Zippers (78) are sewn onto the padding (3) and the helmet cushioning layer (2) or the shell protective layer (1), and the zippers interlock to form a zipper connector.

Images