Device for the automated operation of zip fasteners

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the automated operation of zippers according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Zippers are fasteners that can be undone at will and connect two sections, for example, of a garment, through a positive fit. They consist of two side panels with prongs or teeth and a slider or carriage that allows these prongs to be hooked together and released again. Zippers are inexpensive to manufacture from metal or plastic. Zippers are among the most common fasteners in clothing and leather goods.

[0003] A variety of solutions for electrically driving and automatically operating zippers are known in the prior art. These solutions also often involve securing such a zipper, especially when it comes to a zipper on a bag.

[0004] For example, EP 3 239 441 A1 discloses a zipper with a closure and security device that is secured by a fingerprint. This is a solution intended to help protect the zipper against unauthorized opening. However, this disclosure does not address the possibility of operating this zipper with an electric motor, but rather concerns exclusively the securing of the zipper in a corresponding receptacle, for example, in a travel bag.

[0005] The other European publication 3 566 610 A1 relates to an automatic zipper system with an electric drive unit, which also provides authorization options, for example, through a fingerprint sensor. This also includes an electric drive unit in a housing that interacts with the slider of the zipper to transport it along the zipper and thus open or close the zipper.

[0006] Further similar solutions are disclosed in the publications JP 2001-269203 A, US 2018 / 0042343 A1, and US 2015 / 0082582 A1. These also involve electromotive drives powered by energy from storage media that move along the zipper to open or close it. Different forms of engagement with the zipper are provided, for example, electromotively driven gear assemblies that engage with the zipper teeth of the zipper tape and move the sliding body of the zipper. These are devices installed on specially designed zippers, i.e., a combination of a zipper with a closure device that is tailored to the design properties of this zipper, connected to it, and interacting with it.

[0007] WO 2019 / 069376 A1 discloses a slider movement device for a zipper of an open product, comprising a base mountable on the slider, a drive unit installed on the base, wherein the device is formed from two housing halves hinged together by means of a connecting joint, which enclose the zipper slide with or without an actuating handle arranged thereon, so that they can be opened for arrangement on the zipper slide and closed again for later actuation on the zipper.

[0008] The publication JP 2002 125722 A discloses a device for the automated actuation of a zipper, comprising at least an electric motor drive and mechanical drive bodies for moving the device for opening and closing the zipper, wherein a drive element is pressed against pressure rollers by the spring force of a compression spring.

[0009] Against this background, the present invention is a further development of such devices. The object of the present device is to enable it to be applied to and operated on conventional zippers.

[0010] According to the invention, this is achieved by a device for actuating a zipper having the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0011] The further claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0012] The core idea of ​​the present invention is to create a device that can be used flexibly. The device is therefore designed to consist of a housing that can be attached to or placed on any zipper in order to operate it.

[0013] The housing of the device forms an essential aspect of the invention. According to the invention, the housing is formed from at least two shells, which engage a zipper on the front and back and contain the mechanical components for operating the zipper. These interacting housing halves are connected to one another via an articulated connection, allowing easy opening of the housing for attachment to a zipper, and then for the housing halves to be pressed against the zipper.

[0014] The invention provides for the housing halves to be connected to each other via a spring element at a defined distance adapted to the thickness of a zipper, with a spring element pressing the free ends of the housing halves together. The housing is opened against this spring pressure, allowing the device to be attached to or placed on the zipper.

[0015] Arranged in the housing in various configurations are mechanical elements that drive the motorized movement of the device on the zipper. These include, for example, gears and rubberized drive wheels, which, individually or in combination, achieve movement on the zipper or along the sides of the zipper. The gears are designed to engage with corresponding recesses defined by the zipper, which is why the number of gears on the drive wheels is matched to the widths of the prongs or zipper teeth forming the zipper in such a way that the number and radius of these gears ensure engagement in the spaces between these prongs.

[0016] The invention also provides that drive and pressure means are advantageously arranged opposite one another in both halves of the housing in such a way that they create a counterpressure to one another, thus enabling better pressure either in the spaces between the staples or against the fabric on the side of the zipper. These opposing drive and pressure means can be identical elements or a combination of, for example, rubberized wheels and gears.

[0017] Also located in the housing is at least one motor drive, which interacts with the mechanical drive elements, for example, gears, in the housing half in which the drive is located. Depending on the design of the invention, only one motor drive in one half of the housing can cause the movement of the device along the zipper. Advantageously, pressure rollers, for example, are also arranged on the opposite side, which may then simply be freely mounted and not motor-driven.

[0018] Alternatively, a design is provided in which motor drives are provided in both halves of the housing and, in this respect, movable mechanical drive components in the form of, for example, gears or rubberized wheels are arranged in both halves of the housing.

[0019] In this respect, the battery required for the electric drive can be located either in one or both halves of the housing.

[0020] The different designs also offer advantages in different applications. For example, a design with only one motorized drive housing half can be constructed more flatly, since the opposite side can be designed as a flat housing half with pressure rollers that may generate counterpressure, in which no motor drive and thus no battery can be installed.

[0021] It is also provided that a receptacle for the operating handle of the zipper slide is provided in the upper housing half, facing away from the garment or bag containing the zipper. This means that when the device is applied to a zipper, the operating handle of the zipper slide is guided through this receptacle in the upper housing half and clamped therein, so that when the device is actuated, the actual closure element of the zipper is moved via the handle located thereon.

[0022] This also makes it clear that the device's housing completely moves this zipper operating slide and thus also overlaps it. The housing dimensions are therefore selected so that they completely encompass commercially available zipper operating slides, allowing the operating handle of these zipper slides to be inserted into the corresponding receptacle in the top of the housing.

[0023] Alternatively, this operating handle can be removed from the zipper slider, and the connection to the device can be established via at least one integrated retaining pin that engages the eyelet on the zipper slider, which is normally used to attach the operating handle. This creates a very stable connection that simultaneously allows the upper housing part of the device to lie flat against the zipper. The various designs described here are generally available either in a design that accommodates the operating handle or in a design without an operating handle.

[0024] Furthermore, it is expedient to provide a display on the top of the upper housing half to provide information, for example, about the charge level of the batteries. Furthermore, the top can also contain a sensor that can be activated, for example, via a fingerprint, or alternative activation buttons to start the device.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment of the present device provides for it to have an electronic circuit chip that can be controlled via a mobile device, for example, an app on a smartphone. This control makes it possible, for example, to activate the zipper not by triggering the device itself, but rather by a start impulse via this app on the smartphone.

[0026] In particular, an application on a person's back is conceivable. For example, if a dress has a zipper that needs to be closed at the back, the device can be attached to the dress before putting it on. After putting on the garment, the smartphone app can then be used to command the zipper to be activated. This will then automatically close the zipper at the back and can be removed again at the back of the neck. Other applications are also conceivable and useful.

[0027] In addition to the smartphone app and manual activation of the device, other remote control concepts can be used. Bluetooth and infrared remote controls, for example, are sensible alternatives.

[0028] The batteries of the device for automated zipper operation are rechargeable using a compact and portable charging case, which can be configured as a 3000 mAh charging case, for example. With an advantageous design, the charging case can have an additional power connection, such as a USB port, and can be repeatedly recharged like a power bank as a temporary storage device. Depending on its capacity, the charging case can recharge the device 10 to 20 times before it needs to be recharged again.

[0029] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to some drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a design of the device in a lateral and top view in a flat construction; Figure 2 shows a side view of the device with two drive motors in both housing halves; Figure 3 shows a side view of the device with a drive roller arranged in the upper housing half; Figure 4 shows a side view of a design of the device with a drive roller arranged in the upper housing half in a central housing arrangement; Figure 5 shows a top view of a design of the device with the drive roller arranged in the upper housing half in a central housing arrangement according to Figure 4 ; Figure 6 shows a design of the device in a side view with the operating handle 5 and retaining pin 18 removed, and Figure 7 shows a section AA of the device according to Figure 6 with the operating handle 5 and retaining pin 18 removed.

[0030] In Figure 1the basic structure of the device is shown without a drive mechanism. An upper housing half 1 and a lower housing half 2 are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of a joint 7. In the rear end region of the housing, a spring body 6 is arranged laterally next to the joint 7, which spring body can be compressed. This means that the two end extensions 11 of the housing halves 1 and 2 can be moved towards one another against the pressure load of the spring, thus opening the free ends 12 of the housing halves 1 and 2. In this way, the opening between the free ends 12 of the housing halves 1 and 2 can be enlarged such that the entire device can be pushed onto a zipper and engages over the zipper slide.

[0031] In addition to these housing halves 1 and 2 and their connecting means, the upper housing half 1 contains a battery chamber 3 and a motor chamber 4, respectively housing a rechargeable battery for the power supply and the electric drive for the mechanical drive components. Both elements are connected via contacts (not shown in detail) in such a way that the battery voltage can be transferred to the electric motor.

[0032] Also in both the side view and the top view of the Figure 1An opening 9 is shown in the upper housing half 1, through which the handle 5 of the zipper slide is guided. Not shown in detail here are any additional mechanical components that cause this handle to jam. This can be achieved, for example, by rubber retaining pads or articulated retaining jaws that only pivot when the handle 5 is passed through, but cause jamming when pulled in the opposite direction.

[0033] In the lower housing half 2, which in this design is the Figure 1 is very flat, pressure rollers 8 are shown, with which this flat housing half 2 slides onto the zipper. Compared to these pressure rollers 8 in this Figure 1 Not yet shown, the mechanical drive elements can be driven by the electric motor and pressed against the pressure rollers 8 by the spring force of the compression spring 6.

[0034] The pressure rollers are in the present Figure 1 It is arranged only in the front area of ​​the lower housing half 2, but can also extend across this housing half 3 along its longitudinal axis to facilitate even easier sliding of the device along the zipper. The size of the pressure rollers 8 is also merely exemplary. The pressure rollers 8 can also be significantly larger. Alternative designs, such as a circumferential belt or the like, are also provided in different designs.

[0035] In Figure 1 Also located on the top side next to the opening 9 is a display 10, which can, for example, show the available battery power. Also built-in, but not shown in detail in the drawing, is a control chip that would enable control of the device, for example, via a smartphone app.

[0036] Figure 2shows an alternative design, which differs mainly in its lower housing half 2 from Figure 1 This now also has at least one motor chamber 4', which is supplied with voltage either via the previously described battery in the battery chamber 3 or via an additional battery in an additional battery chamber 3' next to the motor chamber 4'.

[0037] Furthermore, this design differs in its overall construction in that a significantly deeper design is chosen because this is necessary because of the additional motor drive in the lower housing half 2. This works together with an additional drive element 13, which is arranged in the lower housing half 2. In the design shown, this is a rubberized wheel, but a gear or a similar drive element 13 could also be used in this position.

[0038] It is relevant that this drive body 13 is arranged opposite another drive body 14 in such a way that both clamp the zipper between them with pressure, thereby transmitting force from the wheels to the zipper, and thus enabling the device to move along the zipper into an opening or closing position. In the present design, both drive bodies 13 and 14 are assigned to the rear free ends 12 of the housing halves 1 and 2. However, alternative devices are also provided, where, for example, drive elements 13 and 14 are arranged in a cooperating manner at several points on the housings 1 and 2. Such designs are not illustrated here.

[0039] Finally, in Figure 3 a comparable design to Figure 1, whereby in this figure, a mechanical drive body 14 is also shown at the free end 12 of the upper housing half 1. This results in a flat design, which is particularly comfortable, for example, when clothing and when guiding the device along a person's back. Here, these mechanical drive components, in this case a rubberized wheel 14 and the pressure rollers 8, are located opposite each other, which should enable the device to slide easily along the zipper. Otherwise, this design has Figure 3 all elements of the previously described Figure 1 on.

[0040] In the Figures 4 and 5 is a similar design to Figure 3, whereby in this design, a mechanical drive body 14 is not located at the free end 12 of the upper housing half 1, but centrally. Furthermore, this mechanical drive component, in this case a rubberized wheel 14, and the pressure rollers 8 are opposite each other, which is intended to enable easy gliding of the device along the zipper. The upper part 1 contains the opening 9 through which the handle 5 of the zipper slide is guided, as shown in Figure 5 shown.

[0041] In addition to these housing halves 1 and 2 and their connecting means, the upper housing half 1 contains a battery chamber 3 and a motor chamber 4, respectively housing a rechargeable battery for the power supply and the electric drive for the mechanical drive components. Both elements are connected via contacts (not shown in detail) in such a way that the battery voltage can be transferred to the electric motor.

[0042] The main advantage of this design is the improved power transmission due to the central engagement of the drive component, in this case the rubberized wheel 14 and the pressure rollers 8. These are arranged directly next to the opening 9 for the handle 5 of the zipper slide, which is why the basic body of this design is in comparison to the top view in Figure 1is widened in the middle area to allow these components to be arranged directly next to the zipper slide, as in Figure 5 shown. Relocating the drive component, in this case the rubberized wheel 14 and the pressure rollers 8, centrally next to the opening 9 for the handle 5 of the zipper slider results in better guidance of the zipper to be opened or closed and thus a more stable function of the device.

[0043] In addition to the design with an opening 9 in the upper housing half 1 for receiving the operating handle 5 of the zipper, another advantageous design is in the Figures 6 and 7characterized in that the operating handle 5 is removed from the zipper slide 17 before use of the device. This is generally easily possible, either by removing the operating handle 5 with pliers or by slightly bending open the upper eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 18 and removing the operating handle 5.

[0044] The zipper slide 18 generally has an upper eyelet 19 for arranging the operating handle 5, into which the operating handle 5 is inserted. According to the invention, this eyelet 19 remains open on the upper side of the zipper slide 17 when the device is arranged on the zipper. To achieve the detachable connection between the device and the zipper slide 17, the invention provides a design in which at least one retaining pin 18 is arranged transversely to the direction of displacement of the device or the path of the zipper itself, which engages the upper eyelet 19 on the zipper slide 17.In this respect, this at least one retaining pin 18, which extends firstly in the upper eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17 and secondly in the upper housing part 1, establishes a connection between the zipper slide 17 and the upper housing part 1 of the device via this eyelet 19. For this purpose, the invention provides, for example, that corresponding bores are provided in the upper housing part 1 of the device, through which the retaining pin 18 can be displaced transversely to the zipper, at least at the end.

[0045] It is also provided according to the invention that the retaining pin is either formed in one piece or that it is composed of two retaining pin sections 18 which meet in the eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17.

[0046] Various design solutions determine how this displacement of the retaining pin(s) 18 to engage the eyelet 19 occurs. On the one hand, a mechanical construction is provided which, for example, uses pushing or pulling means such as guide wires or guide arms, possibly in combination with spring bodies, to ensure that when the upper housing part 1 is opened, the retaining pins 18 or even the individual retaining pin 18 are guided back into the corresponding bore in the housing part 1 by a pulling movement or a movement of the guide arms laterally, thus releasing the zipper slide 17.

[0047] Alternatively, electromagnetic actuation means can also be used, which act on the retaining pin(s) 18. For example, a design is provided in which two retaining pins 18 are retracted laterally into the housing when the device is opened by actuatable electromagnets, which retract these retaining pins into the housing part 1 against spring forces 20 when the upper housing part 1 is opened. Conversely, these lateral retaining pins 18 are released when the housing part is closed, whereby the lateral retaining pins 18 are pressed back into the eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17 via the spring forces.

[0048] Alternatively, only a retaining pin 18 guided in the upper housing part 1 can be displaced via electromagnetic actuating elements. The retaining pin 18 is either displaced into the center position against a spring force 20 when the housing part 1 is closed and released when the upper housing part 1 is opened, whereby the spring force moves it out of this holding position. Or, conversely, the retaining pin 18 in the upper housing part 1 is retracted against a spring force 20 by the electromagnetic actuating elements and then returned to the holding position by the spring force 20 when the upper housing part 1 is closed again.

[0049] This arrangement of the retaining pins 18 and the corresponding connection to the zipper slide 17 advantageously ensures that the connection of the zipper slide 17 to the upper housing part 1 of the device is rigid and stable. There is no articulated mobility of the connection in the area of ​​the operating handle 5 on the eyelet 19, as is normally the case when operating a zipper, since the operating handle 5 is deliberately removed before the device is installed.

[0050] This also makes it possible to further reduce the overall height of the device, since the upper housing part 1 can be brought even closer to the zipper slide 17. A better visual result can now also be achieved, since the upper housing part 1 can have a completely closed surface, which can be used, for example, by an operating display.

[0051] Because the operating handle 5 is removed from the zipper slide 17, the unit serving as a remote control in this design is designed in the form of an operating handle 5, which can be reattached to the eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17 using detachable fasteners. The background to this is that when the device is removed from the zipper, for example, to charge the device with a charger, this remote control can be attached to the zipper slide 17 as an operating handle. Thus, this element of the remote control fulfills a dual function and can also be used as a replacement operating handle 5 for the zipper when the device is not in use.

[0052] Another alternative design of two retaining pins 18 meeting within the eyelet of the zipper slide 17 is provided, in which the tips or free ends of the retaining pins 18 meeting in the eyelet 19 are beveled on the top and bottom. This creates two vertically aligned, inclined sliding surfaces on the top and bottom of the retaining pins 18, which serve to ensure that the retaining pins 18, loaded with springs 20, can be easily pressed onto the top eyelet 19 for attachment to the zipper slide 17.

[0053] The retaining pins 18 are then moved out of their central position by the bevels, creating a gap between the free ends of these retaining pins 18, through which the eyelet 19 can be guided. After the eyelet 19 has slid between these free ends of the retaining pins 18, the latter are pushed together again by the spring force 20 acting on them. This causes the two retaining pins 18 to snap into the open eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17. The reverse process also occurs when the upper housing half 1 is removed or opened, since the upper surfaces of the free ends are also beveled and thus allow it to slide off the eyelet 19 when opened. This results in a structurally very simple yet functional connection between the eyelet 19 of the zipper slide 17 and the retaining pins 18 on the upper housing part 1.

[0054] In principle, the various designs shown and described in the figures are provided either in the design for accommodating the operating handle or in the design without an operating handle, i.e., further combinations of the different designs and their combinations of features are also the subject of this application and part of the disclosure.

[0055] Overall, the device according to the invention is intended to enable a zipper closure device to be arranged on any item of clothing, bag, or other object. The different designs discussed in the figures can be tailored to the specific application where the device is used, be it, for example, clothing or the zipper on a bag or suitcase. When arranged on a bag, a stronger zipper design is certainly expedient, which is why the design with two motors can be used here. Furthermore, a greater depth into the interior of, for example, a bag is unproblematic.

[0056] For example, if the device is to be operated on the body of a person wearing clothing, a flat design would be more appropriate.

Claims

1. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener comprising at least one electromotive drive and mechanical drive bodies for moving the device for opening and closing a zip fastener, characterized in that - the device is formed from two housing halves (1, 2), which surround a zip slider (17) with or without an operating tab (5) arranged thereon on the zip fastener (15), - wherein these housing halves (1, 2) are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of a connecting joint (7) in such a way - that they can be opened for arranging on a zip slider and closed again for later operation on the zip fastener, - wherein the housing halves (1, 2) are pressed against one another by way of a compression spring (6) between the housing halves (1, 2) at the jointed connection (7).

2. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to Claim 1, characterized in that pressure areas (11) are arranged in the region of the jointed connection (7) and the compression spring (6) in order to press the housing halves (1, 2) against one another by way of the connecting joint (7) in this region, and thus move the free ends (12) of the housing halves (1, 2) away from one another and consequently open the housing as a whole.

3. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least in the upper housing half (1), facing outwards from the zip fastener, a battery compartment (3) for receiving a rechargeable battery and a motor compartment (4) for receiving an electric drive are arranged.

4. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in one of the housing halves (1, 2), a drive body (13, 14) is arranged for bearing against or engaging in the zip fastener (15).

5. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive body (13, 14) on the opposite housing half (1, 2) is assigned pressing rollers (8) or a further drive body (13, 14) in such a way that pressure is applied to the zip fastener (15) guided between these elements.

6. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the drive body (13, 14) and / or the pressing rollers (8) and / or further drive bodies (13, 14) arranged on the opposite housing half (1, 2) are offset with respect to the zip slider (17) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device or arranged parallel thereto, and consequently next to the zip slider (17) on both sides.

7. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that battery compartments (3, 3') and motor compartments (4, 4') are arranged in both housing halves (1, 2), allowing drive bodies (13, 14) to be arranged and operated in both housing halves (1, 2).

8. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that activation on the device itself is performed by means of a switch arrangement and / or touchscreen arrangement or a fingerprint sensor, which produce a start-stop pulse.

9. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device has an electronic circuit chip, which is controlled by a mobile device such as an app on a smartphone, whereby the operation of the zip fastener is not initiated from the device itself but by a starting pulse sent by this app on the smartphone.

10. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that remote control of the device takes place via Bluetooth or infrared remote controls.

11. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the batteries of the device are rechargeable by inserting the device into a compact and portable charging box which has an additional mains connection and - is designed as a mains charger and / or as a repeatedly rechargeable power bank.

12. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an aperture (9) in the upper housing half (1) is arranged in such a way that it is suitable for receiving the operating tab (5) of a zip slider (17) .

13. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that - a receptacle (16) in the upper housing half (1) is arranged in such a way that it is suitable for receiving the zip slider (17) without the operating tab (5) in an eyelet (19) arranged on the upper side of the zip slider (17), - wherein, with the upper housing half (1) closed, at least one retaining pin (18) is arranged as engaging transversely to the longitudinal axis, and consequently the direction of movement of the device, in this eyelet (19) arranged on the upper side of the zip slider (17) and releasably connects the zip slider (17) to the device.

14. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to Claim 13, characterized in that the at least one retaining pin (18) is designed as displaceable into the eyelet (19) arranged on the upper side of the zip slider (17) by means of mechanical pulling or pushing elements and / or spring elements or operating elements acting electromagnetically on the retaining pin, wherein this change in the position of the retaining pin (18) is initiated by the movement of the upper housing half (1).

15. Device for the automated operation of a zip fastener according to one of the preceding Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that two retaining pins (18) are guided displaceably in the upper housing half (1) and, with the upper housing half (1) closed, meet in an engaging manner in the eyelet (19) arranged on the upper side of the zip slider (17), and thus releasably connect the zip slider (17) to the device.