ELECTRIFYED ZIPPER

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrified zipper in which an electrical function is transferred via sliding contacts or movable contacts on conductors (4) to one or more opening and closing mechanisms (5) that are movable along the zipper. The invention can be applied to flexible and inflexible materials (1) and allows the positioning of one or more electrical functional units along the zipper. The electrical functional unit can be of various types and comprises all components or devices known to those skilled in the art and capable of being manufactured in a suitably miniaturized design, or combinations thereof. This includes at least all functions or combinations thereof that are conceivable in a mobile device or as accessories to mobile devices. The electrified zipper according to the invention thus replaces any kind of cable trail.Electrical functional units can be, for example, lights, heat sources, control elements, pushbuttons, switches, displays, touchscreens, smartwatches, tablets, mobile phones, cameras, scanners, input and output units, signaling devices, loudspeakers, microphones, sensors, actuators, position sensors, medical sensors and stimulators, connector units, charging units, contacts, distributors or combinations of these functions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to movable units for electrical functional units, such as lighting devices, which can be spatially displaced on two flat materials by means of a closure system for two mechanically complementary fastener strips. Zippers can be used, in particular, as the closure system. State of the art

[0002] Zippers themselves are known to those skilled in the art in a variety of forms. Electrified zippers are described, for example, in EP3509455B1 or EP2687113A1. However, the systems disclosed here cannot be used to move electrical functional units such as lighting devices on flat materials. Task

[0003] The present invention extends the principle of the zipper to include the transmission of electrical functions into the moving system of the closer or opener. The focus here is not on the property of connecting two materials, but rather on the ability to move an electrical functional unit along a path without having to provide a cable trail. All functional principles of a zipper can, but do not have to, be retained. Thus, this new property of the electrified zipper can, in principle, be used in all applications in which zippers or zipper-like principles have previously been used. However, electrification also opens up new potential applications. The invention is described below, and potential applications are illustrated using figures. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention therefore relates to displaceable units for electrical functional units, two flat materials, each having mechanically complementary closing bands at least on one edge, at least one electrical conductor arranged parallel to the closing bands and at least one displaceable closing system for the mechanically complementary closing bands, wherein the closing system includes a closing and / or opening mechanism for the mechanically complementary closing bands, characterized in that the closing system has at least one electrical contact, which is in mechanical contact with the electrical conductors and establishes an electrical connection with the electrical functional units.

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, the displaceable units for electrical functional units relate to an electrified zipper comprising a zipper with one or more closing and / or opening mechanisms, one or more electrical conductors, one or more sliding contacts and one or more electrical functional units, characterized in that the electrical conductor(s) are attached to the zipper and the sliding contact(s) connect the electrical conductor(s) to the electrical functional unit(s) connected to the one or more closing and / or opening mechanisms.

[0006] The invention further relates to the use of the movable unit in all disclosed embodiments as a ceiling or wall light, lampshade, office furniture, room solution, partition wall, room divider, toy, bag or as a piece of clothing.

[0007] Electrical loads, switches, light sources such as LEDs or sensors can be used as electrical functional units.

[0008] Mechanically complementary fasteners include pinch fasteners, zippers, magnetic fasteners, and hook-and-loop fasteners. The term "zipper" used below is synonymous with other fasteners such as pinch fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0009] In the embodiment as an electrified zipper, the electrical function associated with the closing and / or opening mechanism comprises an electrical consumer and / or a power source and / or an electrical contact and / or an actuator and / or a sensor and / or an operating element or combinations of these.

[0010] The basic idea of ​​the present invention comprises a manually detachable or partially detachable connection along a line between generally flexible fabric, film-like or flat materials. In this case, opposing rows of interlocking teeth are released or hooked into one another using a closing or opening mechanism. In a zipper, the mechanism is usually referred to as a 'closer'. In the following, the closing or opening mechanism (5) is generally referred to as an 'opener'. Variants of zippers with a similar functional principle can also comprise non-segmented hooking mechanisms in which flexible linear mechanisms are used. This is the case, for example, with freezer bags, which can also be operated using a 'closer'. In the following, all components referred to as zippers should always also comprise the alternative connection mechanisms mentioned.Zippers can also typically have up to two fasteners, with the closed part of the zipper usually located between the two mechanisms. This is used when a zipper can be at least partially opened from both sides when closed. This arrangement is used, for example, in anoraks.

[0011] In addition to the mechanical connection of the two parts, zippers can also provide watertightness and airtightness. Other functions of the fastener include locking, where the fastener's operating handle is usually designed to prevent the fastener from sliding along the zipper in one position. Another function can include locking. All of these functions can be combined with the arrangement according to the invention.

[0012] The basic principle is Fig. 1, which shows an electrified zipper consisting, in this case, of two electrified fastener tapes (2). A plurality of fastener elements or fastener teeth (3) are attached to a longitudinal edge of the electrified fastener tape, which fastener elements are suitable for forming a shielding fastener strip when connected. This basic principle of connecting two fastener tapes corresponds to that of a zipper. Electrical conductors (4) applied parallel to the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape(s), which can be in the form of, for example, a copper fabric tape or a conductive seam or metal tape or foil or resistance wire and can be sewn on, woven in, glued or welded on, represent open contact lines along the fastener. These can also be structured or interrupted in sections.Another component of the electrified zipper is the opener (5), to which sliding contacts are attached which are in contact with the conductors. As with a zipper, the opener has the function of opening and closing the two fastening strips by moving along the fastening strips. The opener can also be constructed in several parts, so that the sliding contacts are not directly attached to the part of the opener which carries out the function of opening and closing the fastening strips. When two conductors are used, these can, for example, be placed symmetrically on both sides of the connecting longitudinal edge, or attached next to each other or opposite one another on one side of the zipper. Further embodiments are disclosed with reference to further figures. The invention also comprises the use of one or more openers, which may becan be moved alternately as openers and closers along the fastener tapes. These can be threaded onto the end of a fastener tape over the flattened combined locking teeth (6) like a zipper. The back of the electrified fastener can be covered with a cover tape (1) to protect the contacts. If the electrified fastener is applied to an object, the cover tape can be omitted. The cover tape can also be made of a stiffer material to prevent the conductors from causing short circuits due to the tape bending along the mechanism. Alternatively, the conductors are attached so close to the teeth that a short circuit is ruled out due to the stiffness of the teeth. Insulating foil strips can also be attached to protect adjacent or opposite conductors from short circuits.Because the zipper has two very close edges on the back of the closure strip where the fastener tapes meet, a closure line (14) is visually formed. In zippers with a water- or airtight property, this closure line is almost invisible.

[0013] The invention further encompasses a wide variety of possible uses, functions, and designs for the electrically connected openers. This use encompasses supply connections, consumers, sensors, operating elements, actuators, transmitters, or combinations of these, whereby the number of sliding contacts and conductors must take into account the functional requirements of the opener. The electrically connected opener should always be understood as a whole that encompasses the function of opening or closing, as well as an electrical function. Possible applications include all functions known to those skilled in the art, typically operated with low voltage, that can be suitably connected to an opener. The possible range of functions can extend to all functions available on a smartphone or smartwatch. However, only connections for functional elements can be connected to the opener.

[0014] Possible electrical functional units include lamps, heat sources, loudspeakers, headphones, displays (cables with power lines and, for example, a modulated signal), cameras, charging devices, fans, and pumps. Sensors can be: temperature, light, humidity, pressure, vibration, cameras, transmitters, ultrasonic generators or receivers, in particular distance sensors, or NFC sensors. Safety functions such as signal generators, electric shock devices, and emergency call functions can also be integrated. The functions can also be linked to the movement or position of the opener via sensors. Implementation variants are described in the following sections; each of the described variants can be combined with the functions mentioned above. The invention also includes position measurement by the electrical functional units.control unit connected to the zipper, which is determined, for example, by measuring the line resistance or other measuring methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0015] Preferably, the electrical contacts are in mechanical contact with the electrical conductors as sliding or rolling contacts.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 shows the opener consisting of a two-sided arrow-shaped coupling element (7) and a U-shaped clamping element, viewed in profile, which consists of two leading edges (8). Furthermore, the mechanism comprises two parallel sides ( Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b). Both sides are connected via the coupling element (7). It should be noted that the same coupling element is sketched in both figures. The basic shape of both sides is shown, for example, as a rounded rectangle, but can take on a different shape according to the same mechanism. Further shapes obvious to a person skilled in the art are possible on the top and bottom sides, depending on the desired function.

[0017] A large number of locking elements or locking teeth are attached to the longitudinal edge of an electrified fastener tape at predetermined intervals, so that when connected, a shielding closure strip is produced ( Fig. 1). The locking teeth (3) are coupled together or separated using the opening and closing mechanism. During the uncoupling process, the arrow-shaped coupling element pierces the individual locking elements, thereby directly separating the individual fastener bands. During the coupling process, the clamping element guides the locking teeth toward each other using the guide edges (8) so that they can be joined together at the correct angle.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2a shows a variant of the bottom of the opener and contains the sliding contacts (10) that enable the electrification of the mechanism, through which the electrical functions described in the summary are ensured. A sliding contact consists, for example, of a bent strip, e.g., a phosphor bronze sheet, inserted into the base plate (9).

[0019] The one with the stripe from the Fig. The current taken from the electrical conductors (4) shown in Figure 1 is led to the center of the mechanism via an electrical bridge inserted in the base plate and via the vertical conductors (11), along the coupling element to the other side or the top ( Fig. 2b) of the mechanism.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2b shows a variant of the top side of the opener and contains sliders (12) opposite the sliding contacts, which exert a counterpressure on the sliding contacts to ensure permanent contact. The conductors (11) extending from the bottom side of the opener ( Fig. 2a) are guided vertically to the top of the opener, are the same as for Fig. 2a, they are routed along the coupling element through the base plates (9) to the back of the opener's top. Here, they can be used for any electrical function, e.g., for conventional lamp bases.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a locking system is used in which the closing and opening mechanisms are connected to each other.

[0022] In the embodiment as an electrified zipper, this has at least one opening and at least one closing mechanism, wherein at least one opening and one closing mechanism are connected to one another.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2c shows a cross-section through the opener which shows an example of the electrical connection through the opening in the zipper.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 shows the opening and closing release mechanism consisting of a one-sided arrow-shaped coupling element (13) and a U-shaped clamping element, viewed in profile, which consists of two leading edges (8). Furthermore, the mechanism comprises two parallel sides ( Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b). Both sides are connected via the coupling element (13). It should be noted that the same coupling element is sketched in both figures. The basic shape of both sides is, for example, rectangular, but can take on a different shape according to the same mechanism. Further shapes are possible on the top side, depending on the desired function.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the invention in which at least one closure system is used, which has either a closing or an opening mechanism, which is not followed by an opposing mechanism that reverses the decoupling and thus 'exposes' a gap. The mechanisms for opening and closing, or decoupling and coupling, are not connected to each other here. This mechanism can be used, for example, in bags or clothing, where the original function of the zipper, for example, opening the bag, is still used.

[0026] A large number of locking elements or locking teeth are attached to the longitudinal edge of an electrified fastener tape at predetermined intervals, so that when connected, a shielding closure strip is produced ( Fig. 1). The locking teeth (3) are coupled together or separated using the opening and closing mechanism. During the uncoupling process, the arrow-shaped coupling element pierces the individual locking elements, thereby directly separating the individual fastener bands. During the coupling process, the clamping element guides the locking teeth toward each other using the guide edges (8) so that they can be joined together at the correct angle.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3a shows a variant of the bottom of the opener and contains the sliding contacts (10) that enable the electrification of the mechanism, through which the electrical functions described in the summary are ensured. A sliding contact consists of a bent strip, e.g., a phosphor bronze sheet, inserted into the base plate (9).

[0028] The one with the stripe from the Fig. The “current” taken from the electrical conductors (4) shown in Figure 1 is led to the center of the mechanism via an electrical bridge inserted in the base plate and via the vertical conductors (11), along the coupling element to the other side or the top ( Fig. 3b) of the mechanism.

[0029] Fig. 3b shows a variant of the top of the opener and contains sliders (12) opposite the sliding contacts, which exert a counterpressure on the sliding contacts to ensure permanent contact. The conductors (11) extending from the bottom of the opener ( Fig. 3a) are guided vertically to the top of the opener, are the same as for Fig. 3a, they are routed along the coupling element through the base plates (9) to the back of the opener's top. Here, they can be used for any electrical function, e.g., for conventional lamp bases.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows several lamp designs in which the electrified zipper is used.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4a shows an example of using the electrified zipper for a ceiling or wall light. The simple, flexible positioning of the openers, which can be used to control a light, allows for quick and easy illumination of different scenarios. For example, this lamp could be used in museums or exhibition architecture to quickly adjust the lighting to new exhibits or scenarios, redefining the lighting installation.

[0032] For flexible light adjustment, a construction is needed that, based on the opener and the associated electrified zipper, allows the light of a lamp to be directed or tilted. This can include both the light source itself and the lampshade. Using a joint known to those skilled in the art or a combination of several types of joints, any direction or tilt can be achieved. Overall, with such a construction, the direction or tilt of the light is not dependent on the inclination or rotation of the carrier tape (1) or carrier material.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4b shows an example of another luminaire design in which the electrified zipper can be an integral part of the lampshade (15) or a diffuser. Here, multiple lighting conditions can be created by moving one or more luminaires (16). The zipper not only conducts the required current, but could also simultaneously change the shape and volume of a lampshade or a diffuser. For example, a luminaire could use the electrified zipper to open or close the body while illuminating the same body from the inside and / or outside. The openers (5) used here would have to have a one-sided coupling element (13) (cf.

[25] ).

[0034] Fig. Figure 4c shows an example of another lamp design in which the electrified zipper can be an integral part of the lampshade (15) or a diffuser. Here, by moving one or more lamps (16), different lighting conditions can be created. The zipper not only conducts the required current, but could also simultaneously change the shape and volume of a lampshade or a diffuser. For example, a lamp could use the electrified zipper to open or close the body while illuminating the same body from the inside and / or outside. The openers (5) used here would have to have a one-sided coupling element (13) (cf.

[25] ). The electrified zipper used here is shielded by a cover strip (1) and thus protected from a short circuit between the two sewn-on conductors. Unlike the electrified zipper made of Fig. 1, the closure tape (2) has locking teeth (3) on both edges. The closure tape is intertwined in a spiral, so that one edge is connected to the opposite edge by means of the locking teeth. The cover tape is sewn centrally between the two edges between the conductors or connected using a method known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Fig. 4d is a plug-in light depiction and includes a plug-in connector (17) to which a light or other end device can be plugged using two wires or metal rods (19). This plug-in connector, which is connected to the opener and whose position along the electrified zipper is variable, enables double-sided use of the power supply with one-sided zipper use. Double-sided use is achieved by plugging the bent metal rods onto the plug-in connector (17) with both the freestanding side and the non-freestanding light side. It enables simple, variable adjustment of the light position on the back and front of a strip equipped with an electrified zipper. The current emitted by the electrified zipper is conducted via the metal rods to the light / end device.The slightly curved, freestanding loop of the metal rods, which is connected to the cover, allows for easier unplugging of the rods from the connector. Fig. 4c also shows additional insulation (18) by means of a silicone tube that encloses the conductors.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4e shows the side view of the plug-in light. The light can be attached to either side of the electrified zipper using the bent metal rods (19), as long as they are bent as shown in the example and routed to the back.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5 shows a possible application of the invention. In the field of office furnishings and spatial solutions, the electrified zipper could be integrated beneath the surface of a partition wall (20), allowing electrical functional units (21) or electrical connectors (22) to be used in multiple locations. Electrical connectors could be used for end users, such as mobile phones, smartphones, PCs, laptops, desk lamps, and wireless charging devices, and could be placed anywhere along the inserted electrical zipper.

[0038] An inserted electrified zipper in a vertical orientation on, for example, a room divider could be advantageous in a height-adjustable desk to ensure electrical connections at any desk height without cables being stretched or clamped.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 shows another possible application of the invention in the form of a round power cable which can provide freely movable branches (23) at several points.

[0040] Fig.Figure 7 shows an electrified zipper in which a unit comprising an opener contains a holder for a mobile device (25), which offers functions similar to a smartphone or a smartwatch, or represents one of the two. The electrified zipper, represented as a closure line (14), supplies the device and makes it truly mobile, for example on a piece of clothing (26). The device's power supply (e.g., the battery or solar modules) can thus be stored or attached to a different part of the garment. In addition to the conductors installed along the zipper, additional cables can also be installed in the supply line to the electric zipper. Other functions beyond the power supply can also be relocated to a different part of the object, and for example, only the necessary functions can be connected to the closers. This makes it possible to construct a very lightweight device.One application could, for example, be an electrified zipper attached from the upper arm of a piece of clothing up to the area of ​​the cuff, so that the mobile device connected to the fastener can be moved from a position on the upper arm to a position corresponding to that of a wristwatch. A protective pocket (24) can also be sewn onto the upper arm in a suitable position, into which the mobile device can be pushed. The device can thus be moved from a "parking position" that is comfortable for the wearer to wear, to an operating position and is electrically contacted and at least supplied with power at all times. The parking position can also be moved to another position suitable for e.g. sensory tasks.In this context, it seems sensible to introduce a new class of device whose display size lies between that of a smartphone and that of a smartwatch, so that more extensive functions can be offered than with a smartphone, but without causing any significant hindrance to the wearer.

[0041] The application area can be in logistics, for security forces such as the police, or for seniors, people with disabilities, or athletes who require a secure connection to a device with sufficient power for extended periods. Another possible use could be in the design and luxury industries.

[0042] A variation of the invention involves an electrified zipper in which the sliding contacts are not attached continuously along the zipper, and the movement of the closure only leads to contact with the sliding contacts in a few or even just one position. This movement can then directly execute functions. This could, for example, simply activate a charging device or also trigger other functions.

[0043] One variation of the invention uses an opposite zipper in addition to the electrified zipper, with the opener operating both zippers simultaneously. This means that the electrical function unit can then be transferred to the opposite zipper as well. This makes it possible to create, for example, light strips with movable lamps, whereby the lamps can then also be arranged opposite one another without a mechanism on the outside of the strip holding and contacting the lamp attached to the back. This also enables movable access from one side to the other or from an outside to the inside. This could be used in bags or backpacks to move or reposition an end device, such as a lamp, from the outside to the inside. Electrical functions on both sides can also be controlled via an opener.

[0044] In addition to the conductors attached along the zipper, wires or other bendable but sufficiently stiff cords or cables could be attached to the zipper, giving the zipper a rigidity that allows the zipper to be bent into different shapes with the movable consumers (e.g. lamps), so that the consumers can be arranged in the room as desired along the line defined by the zipper.

[0045] A further variation of the invention includes one or more electrified zippers sewn onto a flexible material, e.g., a pillow-like object, with which various functions can be shifted and / or switched on or off as defined in paragraph

[42] by sliding the respective openers. This embodiment can be used, for example, in the toy industry. It includes, for example, an interactive learning or sliding game on baby- and child-friendly elastic or "cuddly toy"-like objects. List of designations 1 masking tape 2 closure strap 3 locking teeth 4 conductors 5 openers 6 Flattened locking teeth 7 Two-sided coupling element 8 Leading edge 9 Base plate 10 sliding contact 11 Vertical ladder 12 gliders 13 One-sided coupling element 14 Closure line 15 Lampshade 16 lights 17 Plug connection 18 Insulation 19 ladder poles 20 Partition wall 21 Electrical functional unit 22 Electrical connection 23 Junction 24 protective bag 25 end devices 26 items of clothing QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3509455B1

[0002] EP 2687113A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Movable unit for electrical functional units, comprising two flat materials, each having mechanically complementary closure bands at least on one edge, at least two electrical conductors arranged parallel to the closure bands and at least one movable closure system for the mechanically complementary closure bands, wherein the closure system includes a closing and / or opening mechanism for the mechanically complementary closure bands characterized by that the locking system has at least two electrical contacts which are in mechanical contact with the electrical conductors and establish an electrical connection with the electrical functional units. [2] Movable unit according to claim 1 characterized by that the electrical functional units are electrical consumers, switches, light sources or sensors. [3] Movable unit according to claim 1 or 2 characterized bythat the complementary fastening straps are designed as a pinch fastener, zipper, magnetic fastener or Velcro fastener. [4] Movable unit according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized by that sliding or rolling contacts are used as electrical contacts and are in mechanical contact with the electrical conductors. [5] Movable unit according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by that a locking system is used in which the shooting and opening mechanisms are connected to each other. [6] Movable unit according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized by that at least two locking systems are used, each having a shooting and an opening mechanism and which are not connected to each other. [7] Use of the movable unit according to one of claims 1 to 6 as the ceiling or wall light, lampshade, office furniture, room solution, partition wall, room divider or as a piece of clothing.

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