EP3566610B1 - Automatic zip system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an automatic zipper system that is motor-driven.

Field of Invention:

The zipper (also called a zip fastener or zip for short) is a closure that can be released as often as you like and is based on a form fit. It consists of two side parts with staples (small teeth) and a slider (Swiss German: sled) with which the staples can be hooked together and released again. Nowadays, zippers can be made inexpensively not only from metal, but also from plastic. There are also waterproof zippers. In the field of clothing and leather goods, it is one of the most important fastener parts.

From the pamphlets DE202012103368A , CN102894624 , CN105615186 , CN201146949 , CN201718679 , Cn202233611 , CN202788322 , CN203789324 , CN203814751 , CN204541049 , CN20474858 , CN205106701 , CN20543249 , CN205512742 , CN20547637 , C205884952 , US20080295300 , KR10201302265 , US20090226050 , WO2015024029 , EP3239441 , WO 98/00041 A1 , U.S. 2015/082582 A1 , U.S. 2018/042343 A1 , CN 204 742 860 U different zippers are known.

Overview of the invention:

Z P The invention relates to an automatic zipper system as defined in claim 1. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

More specifically, the invention encompasses an automatic zipper system comprising a zipper comprising a zipper tape with zipper teeth and a slider body. A further component is a housing which at least partially surrounds the zip fastener and in which an electric drive unit is arranged which is in operative contact with the sliding body in order to transport and/or lock it along the zip fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is arranged at the end of the closed zipper. It thus forms around the last end of the zipper that has not yet been closed and allows the zipper to be automatically closed completely by the drive unit independently pulling the sliding body further into the housing. Areas of the housing can be open so that the upper area is exposed so that the upper side of the sliding body together with the handle plate or the slider handle is exposed. It is also conceivable that the housing is completely closed, so that the entire sliding body disappears completely in it.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises at least one belt which can be brought into operative contact with the sliding body, preferably from below and/or the side, and which is driven by at least one actuator in order to transport the sliding body forwards or backwards along the zipper.

This strap may be located within the housing and preferably extend the full length of the housing. The belt is pressed against the sliding body by pressure elements. Friction is thus created which allows the slider to be transported within the housing and thus completely closes the zip fastener. The frictional force is preferably so strong that it is not possible to manually pull the slide out of the housing. In a further embodiment, a locking element can also be arranged in the housing, which locks the slider body so that it cannot be pulled out. The locking element is activated when the sliding body is advanced into a specific position within the housing. This position can be determined by sensors. The locking element can be, for example, a bolt that is inserted into the sliding body. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the belts are designed as toothed belts or chains that engage in gear wheels. The gears can also be locked to prevent the sliding body from being pulled out.

In a further embodiment, at least two belts are provided, which are each arranged on both sides of the sliding body in the housing in order to transport or lock the sliding body by clamping between them. Both belts are guided by one or more drives over rollers.

The rollers, in turn, are connected to the housing via spring elements. Lateral pressure is exerted on the sliding body by the spring elements. This lateral pressure means that the movement of the belt can be transferred to the sliding body. In a possible embodiment, in which the belts are in the form of toothed belts, corresponding teeth are also formed on the side of the sliding body, preferably in the lower part. This enables a firm engagement to be achieved without slipping.

In an alternative embodiment, the strap can also be arranged underneath the zipper and can be operatively connected to the underside of the sliding body.

In a possible embodiment, the housing is located in the end area of the closed zip fastener in order to automatically transport the sliding body to the end of the zip fastener by the drive unit. Preferably, the housing still bends at the end in order to then end inside or outside, for example, the bag. This makes it possible for the sliding body to move completely into the interior of the pocket. This approach allows the user to move the zipper almost entirely manually, then hand it over to the device of the invention just prior to locking. In this case, the sliding body is guided to the entrance of the housing in order to then be detected by sensors. At this moment, the drive unit is activated and automatically pulls the sliding body inside the housing to lock it there. Conversely, the user touches the housing or a handle plate of the sliding body that still protrudes from the housing, and the drive recognizes from the touch or from a slight pull that the sliding body should be moved out of the housing. In In this case, the sliding body is guided out of the housing via the drive unit, and the user can fully open the zipper. Leading out the sliding body can also be made dependent on the user authenticating himself to the invention. i.e. only certain people are authorized to open the zipper.

In order to achieve these functions, one embodiment includes one or more sensors that detect the insertion of the sliding body into the housing and/or the position of the sliding body inside or outside the housing in order to control the electronic drive unit based on this information , so that when the sliding body is inserted into the housing, the sliding body is activated by the drive unit in order to automatically transport the sliding body further into the housing. And alternatively, when the sliding body is in the case and an instruction is sent to the driving unit to take out the sliding body, the sliding body drives out from the case.

To enable functionality, a power supply and control board are housed within the housing, these components preferably being housed in a housing area formed on the underside of the zipper so that access is not possible when the zipper is closed. The underside is the side that, for example in the case of a bag, is directed towards the inside of the bag. The top is the side where the grip panel is located, which is used by the user to operate the zipper from the outside.

For authentication, the drive unit is connected to a biometric sensor (fingerprint/fingerprint sensor, face recognition sensor, speaker recognition sensor, etc.) - hereinafter the term fingerprint sensor also stands for the general term biometric sensor - which instructions, preferably via the control board , transmitted to the drive unit in order to transport the sliding body in one direction or the other, depending on the recognized fingerprint. The connection can be via a contact connection or a wireless connection. Also, the biometric sensor can be placed in close proximity on or around the zipper, or remote from it. In this case, if possible, only the non-safety-relevant sensors are arranged on the top. The actual logic, and its calculation and recognition of the fingerprint / or. the biometric information is preferably carried out on the underside in a circuit board. The control in the circuit board can be configured wirelessly or with a cable using an app on a computer or smartphone. For example, a USB port can be located on the underside of the case, which is only accessible when the zipper is open. This prevents access to the connection, for example when the bag is closed.

In one possible embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is arranged on a grip plate of the slider handle, which is connected to the slider body, so that the fingerprint/the biometric information of a user can be recognized when gripping the grip plate. It is also conceivable that only a narrow slot is present in the housing, which is suitable for guiding the handle plate outside of the housing, with the sliding body completely inside Housing is performed. In this case, a preferably round area, which is located at the end of the grip plate, serves to accommodate the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor. In one possible embodiment, this recording can be illuminated so that the user can also have secure access to this sensor at night.

In an alternative embodiment, in which the sliding body including the handle plate is fully retracted into the housing and is no longer accessible to the user from the outside, the sensor for detecting the fingerprint/biometric information can also be arranged on the top of the housing. It should be noted here that the cable routing is designed in such a way that it is not damaged by the moving zipper. It is also conceivable that the sensor, which is arranged on the housing, is illuminated.

In principle, the lighting for the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor can be switched on depending on a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor detects whether a hand is approaching the housing and then switches on the lighting. It is also conceivable that when the housing is touched, a contact sensor detects that the user is looking for the fingerprint sensor/biometric sensor in order to then illuminate it. It is also conceivable that motion sensors and brightness sensors are used to switch the lighting on and off. Switching on can take place with certain movement patterns and/or brightness levels.

It is also conceivable that the lighting can only be activated when the sliding body is arranged completely or partially in the housing.

The control circuit board and/or the power supply is/are provided with a connection, preferably USB, for charging and for configuring or setting parameters and for charging the battery.

In a further embodiment, further lighting can be provided, which is formed on the underside of the housing. This is lighting for the area that can be closed by the zipper, which can be activated, preferably by sensors, in particular motion sensors, the fingerprint sensor and a sensor that detects that the sliding body is not in the housing. It is also conceivable that there are sensors that determine the opening status of the zip fastener. i.e. when the zipper is fully open or in an open state that allows reaching through the zipper, the interior lights may be activated to allow better viewing of the items inside. It is also conceivable that a timer is provided which switches off the lighting again after a certain period of time.

In another embodiment, there is an alarm control that detects tampering with the automatic zipper system to generate an alarm signal. With the help of the drive system, for example, this controller can detect whether the zip fastener or the sliding body should be forced out of the housing. In this case, an alarm message is issued via a loudspeaker or in the form of a radio signal. The receiver of the radio signal is described below. It can be about a computer or a smartphone or other radio signal transmitter.

It is also conceivable to integrate a GPS and/or mobile network unit, via which the position of the zipper system can be determined via radio interrogation. Thus, in the event of theft and possibly forced opening, the geographical position can be determined and a corresponding message can be sent to a recipient via the network.

A radio unit for a network can also be used for this purpose, which establishes contact with a local computer system, mobile device or smartphone, in particular 3G, 4G, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, Zig-Bee, for exchanging information, for configuration or for control .

A further part of the invention is a bag characterized by a zip fastener according to the invention, the zip fastener being attached with the underside of the zip fastener facing towards the interior of the bag.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a biometric sensor / fingerprint or other switch for locking and opening bags, luggage and mobile and stationary transport units as well as clothing, shoes, mobile and stationary tents and sleeping units and objects in general, which are are provided with a zipper and can therefore be closed.

In the preferred embodiment, the impulse for automatic unlocking and locking of the locking system takes place via the actuation of the biometric sensor/fingerprint or functionally equivalent switch types, which takes place using the personal biometric legitimation of the user via a wireless connection type, such as Bluetooth, via an app with the locking system. The personal release condition can be saved via an internal memory chip and/or app in the locking system or externally in a cloud.

The invention includes a housing into which the zipper is at least partially inserted. Guards may be placed at the inlet of the enclosure to protect against dirt, dust, water, and mechanical tampering and/or entrapment of fingers, hair, and objects.

A sensor is fitted in the housing which detects when the element attached to the slider or to the underside of the slider approaches the housing. However, this element can also be the underside of the slider.

The element attached to the underside of the slider cannot or can ride along the outer edges of the zipper fasteners.

A motor device is thus provided for guiding freely movable zip fasteners, which can thus be automatically drawn in and pushed open, locked and unlocked. This actuator system/drive system is operated electronically, together with a sensor system, and is characterized by particular reliability because it avoids the problematic loads of an electromechanical system on the slide itself.

The drive system can be designed using different motor guide variants, which can be inserted and closed automatically as well as guided back and opened into a housing from the side or from below. As Guide variants, motor groups, toothed belts and linear motors can be used.

This device is preferably not visible from the outside/above. The sensor in the housing sends a signal via an evaluation logic to the actuators, which are located below and/or above to the right and left of the zipper and which can also be connected to one another via another strap.

The actuator system can transport the slide into and/or out of the housing.

The actuator system includes one or more actuators that propel the belt. The number of actuators depends on the use of the actuator system.

The actuator system can be connected to the housing by a spring-like suspension or installed on the housing with the same function. The device attached to the slider initiates an automatic closing and forward movement when the slider is retracted (locking of the closure system). The device attached to the slider initiates an automatic opening and reverse movement when the slider is executed (unlocking of the locking system).

Furthermore, lighting systems for interior lighting can be located below the housing.

One and/or more loudspeakers for the alarm signal in the event of theft or when the user is removed from the system can also be located underneath the housing or the underside.

The sensor as well as the actuators are supplied with energy and control signals via a cable.

If necessary, the release signal to the actuator system can also be activated via an electronic device, an app a smartphone, via WLAN or Bluetooth or in another wireless form.

Figure description:

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht der vorliegenden Erfindung von oben.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht der Erfindung von der Unterseite.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine alternative Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Fingerabdrucksensor/ biometrischen Sensor/ auf dem Gehäuse von der Oberseite.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine gebogene Ausführungsform im Schnitt von der Seite.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Anwendung der vorliegenden Erfindung innerhalb einer Tasche.

The figures are briefly described below.

• 1 Figure 12 shows a schematic top view of the present invention.
• figure 2 shows a schematic view of the invention from below.
• figure 3 Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a fingerprint sensor/biometric sensor/on the case from the top.
• figure 4 shows a curved embodiment in section from the side.
• figure 5 Figure 1 shows an application of the present invention within a pocket.

Description of specific embodiments:
The figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the invention from above. Here, the invention comprises a housing 7, which preferably has an upper side and an underside, which may consist of an upper housing half and a lower housing half. The top faces the user, while the bottom faces the interior. The zipper 3 comprises a zipper tape 4 consisting of 2 opposite partial tapes each provided with zipper teeth 11 . The zipper teeth interlock.

The zipper teeth are brought together and hooked together by a sliding body 5 (also called a slider). A handle plate 6 (slider handle) is articulated on the sliding body, which enables the user to grip and move the sliding body. A fingerprint sensor/biometric sensor 1, which allows authentication of a user, is arranged on the push handle. Basically there is according to figure 1 and 3 different versions of the upper housing part. In one possible embodiment, the sliding body with the fingerprint sensor/biometric sensor moves completely into the housing and is no longer accessible from the outside. In a further embodiment, the sliding body moves into the housing and only the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor is stopped in front of the housing so that it is accessible from the outside. In yet another embodiment, the upper housing part has a slit that partially or completely exposes the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor and/or the sliding body. Basically it is conceivable that the sensor is arranged on the housing or the sensor is arranged on the handle plate. Alternatively, two sensors that are each arranged can also be possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the holder of the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor is provided with lighting that possibly surrounds the sensor in a circle so that it can be quickly detected visually even in the dark.

The figure 2 shows schematically the invention and the housing from below. A variety of actuators 8 or belt guide elements are used to drive a belt / friction belt / toothed belt 10. The actuators or the Belt guide elements are pressed against the side wall of the sliding body 5 by springs 9 so that they can transport it.

In addition, a circuit board 12 with components is preferably arranged in the lower part of the housing, which on the one hand takes over the control of the drive and on the other hand records the data obtained from the sensors, in particular the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor. Furthermore, a power supply line 13 is provided, which leads from the battery/rechargeable battery to the circuit board. Signal control lines 14 connect the individual components and sensors to one another. Connection means 15 are also shown, which firmly connect the lower half of the housing to the upper half. These are preferably screws or rivets or other permanent and stable connecting element.

The figure 3 1 shows an alternative embodiment in which the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor 1 is arranged in the upper half of the housing. In this case, the sliding body moves completely into the housing. In this case, the grip plate does not require an additional biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor.

The figure 4 shows an embodiment in side section, according to the concept of FIG figure 3 . Here the housing is bent and leads away downwards. This can be achieved that the sliding body is guided around the curve down to be guided inside a pocket or outside, as it is in the figure 5 able to see.

The figure 5 shows a specific application of the present invention in a pocket. The bag is shown in section from the side. The bag includes a bag handle 24; below this handle is the Zipper 23 arranged. On the left side of the zipper 23 is the housing 21 according to the present invention, which has drive means as shown in FIGS Figures 1-4 have already been described. A biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor 22 is located on the top of the housing 21. A lighting element 26 is arranged on the underside of the housing 21, which, as already described above, illuminates the interior of the bag, which is formed by the bag body 25, depending on specific events illuminated.

The bag has a large number of induction elements for charging internal and external electronic devices. The batteries inside the bag can be charged by an induction receiver 28 . This can in particular be the battery of the drive device according to the invention for the zipper. It can also be an inductive transmitter to charge devices inside the pocket. In this case, the transmitter 27 is connected to the battery 29 . Furthermore, the battery 29 can also be charged inductively by an induction receiver 28 or by an external connection 37 . USB ports 30 are provided for charging the battery in the pocket or for charging devices in the pocket. A circuit board 32 with components is provided in the lower area of the bag for checking all the batteries, charging units and connections.

A dynamo 31 can also be provided, which makes it possible to carry out an emergency charging of the battery manually, for example by means of a crank, so that the functionality of the bag for emergency operation is enabled. In this way it can be achieved that the bag can also be opened when no energy is available to charge the batteries.

Power supply lines 33 and signal control lines are present for the drive and communication of the individual components, which connect the individual components to one another and supply them.

A power supply line 33 is provided for the external charging station 33, which can also be designed as an induction transmitter.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire power supply and control unit can be manufactured as a compact module with its own housing 35 that can be placed in the lower area of the bag and the bag can be incorporated there. Depending on the format of the bag, it is designed differently. Here, the components are arranged differently or formed different sizes.

Reference List

• 1 fingerprint sensor / biometric scanner
• 2. Fingerprint version with/without lighting
• 3. Zipper
• 4. Zipper tape
• 5. Sliding body (slider)
• 6. Grip plate (slider grip)
• 7. Housing
• 8. Actuator with drive shaft
• 9. Feather
• 10. Belts / friction belts / toothed belts
• 11. Zipper teeth
• 12. Circuit board with components
• 13. Power supply line
• 14. Signal control line
• 15. Connection of upper and lower housing
• 16. Battery / Battery
• 21. Motor housing automatic locking and unlocking zipper
• 22. Fingerprint / biometric scanner
• 23. Zipper
• 24. Bag handle
• 25. Bag body
• 26. Lighting
• 27. Induction Receiver
• 28. Induction Transmitter
• 29. Battery / Battery
• 30. USB port out
• 31. Dynamo for emergency battery charging
• 32. Circuit board with components
• 33. Power supply line
• 35. Housing all-in-one unit
• 36. External induction transmitter charging station
• 37. USB port

Claims (14)

1. Automatic zipper system for a zipper (3) comprising a zipper tape (4) with zipper teeth (11) a slider body (5) ,

   having a housing (7) which is designed to surround the zipper (3) at least in regions, and in which an electrical drive unit (10, 8) is arranged which can be brought into operative contact with the slider body (5) so that the latter can be transported along the zipper (3) and/or can be locked;

   characterized in that

   the drive unit is directly or remotely connected to a biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor (1) which transmits instructions, preferably via a control board (12), to the drive unit, so that the sliding body can be transported in one direction or the other depending on the detected biometric sensor/fingerprint.
2. The automatic zipper system according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive unit comprises at least one belt (10) which can be brought into operative contact with the slider body, preferably from below and/or the side, and which is driven by an actuator (8) so that the slider body can be transported forwards or backwards along the zipper.
3. Automatic zipper system according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two straps (10) are provided, each of which can be arranged on both sides of the slider body in the housing (7), so that the slider body can be transported or locked between them in a clamping manner.
4. Automatic zipper system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing can be positioned in the end region of the closed zipper so that the slider body is automatically transportable to the end of the zipper by the drive unit.
5. Automatic zipper system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a sensor is provided which detects the insertion of the slide body into the housing and/or detects the position of the slide body inside or outside the housing in order, based on this information, to control the electronic drive unit, so that when the sliding body is inserted into the housing, the sliding body activates the drive unit to automatically transport the sliding body further into the housing, or when the sliding body is in the housing and an instruction is sent to the drive unit to guide the sliding body out, the drive unit moves the sliding body out of the housing.
6. Automatic zipper system according to the preceding claim, wherein a power supply (16) and a control board (12) are arranged in the housing, said components preferably being arranged in a housing area located at the bottom side of the zipper so that access is not possible when the zipper is closed.
7. Automatic zipper system according to the preceding claim, wherein the biometric sensor/fingerprint sensor is disposed on a handle plate of the slider handle that is in communication with the slider body so that the biometric data/fingerprint of a user is detectable when gripping the handle plate.
8. Automatic zipper system according to the preceding claim, wherein the handle plate has an illumination to indicate the location of the fingerprint sensor, preferably the illumination is activatable when the slider body is located in the housing.
9. Automatic zipper system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein control board and/or power supply is provided with a port preferably USB, to be configured or charged.
10. Automatic zipper system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an illumination for the area closable by the zipper is provided in the housing on the underside, wherein an illumination can be activated, preferably by sensors, in particular movement sensors, the fingerprint sensor and a sensor which detects that the sliding body is not located in the housing.
11. Automatic zipper system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an alarm control is provided that detects tampering of the automatic zipper system to generate an alarm signal.
12. Automatic zipper system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a GPS and/or mobile network unit via which the position of the zipper system can be determined by radio and/or comprising a radio unit for contact with a network or a local computer system, mobile terminal or smartphone, in particular 3G,4G,5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, Zig-Bee, for the exchange of information, for configuration or for control.
13. Zipper characterized by an automatic zipper system according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. A bag characterized by a zipper according to claim 13, wherein the zipper is secured such that the bottom of the zipper faces the interior of the bag.

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