[0001] The present invention relates to an exposure unit for a surface coating film deposition
treatment, in particular for the exposure of zipper teeth.
[0002] As is well known, there are surface coating processes traditionally used in various
sectors as a quality alternative to common surface finishing techniques (e.g. electroplating,
painting, etc.), compared to which they have much higher physical and aesthetic characteristics.
[0003] It is, however, well known that such surface coating processes are not generally
used for the coating of small parts, e.g. zipper teeth, which are traditionally treated
by means of painting or galvanic plants, but which not only suffer from a reduced
production capacity in the face of a significant encumbrance, but also result in a
coating with mechanical, physical and chemical properties that are not always adequate.
[0004] There is therefore a need to improve the process structure for coating and protecting
zipper teeth. The technical task that the present invention proposes is, therefore,
to realise an exposure unit for the coating and protection of zipper teeth that eliminates
the complained of technical drawbacks of the known technique.
[0005] Within the scope of this technical task, one aim of the invention is to realise an
exposure unit for the coating and protection of zipper teeth in which the teeth are
individually held in certain positions.
[0006] Another purpose of the invention is to make an exposure unit for coating and protecting
zipper teeth in which the teeth are exposed to coating and protection on surfaces
of specific interest. Another purpose of the invention is to realise an exposure unit
for coating and protecting zipper teeth in which the teeth are evenly distributed
in the exposure to the coating.
[0007] The technical task, as well as these and other purposes, according to the present
invention are achieved by making an exposure unit for exposing zipper teeth to a treatment
of depositing a surface coating film, wherein said zipper teeth have two opposite
legs, respectively connected by a bridge which delimits a recess between said legs
, characterised in that it comprises a metallic or metallised retaining means for
retaining said zipper teeth in specific positions, wherein said metallic or metallised
retaining means is configured for a force connection by elastic mechanical engagement
in said recess between said legs of said zipper teeth .
[0008] In a preferred form of realisation, metallic or metallised retaining means is configured
for an electrical connection of said zipper teeth.
[0009] In an embodiment, metallic or metallised retaining means comprises at least one filiform
element. In one form of realisation, metallic or metallised retaining means comprises
pairs of elastically deformable fingers.
[0010] In one form of realisation, the metallic or metallised retaining means comprises
at least one disc along the outer circumference of which elastically deformable finger
pairs are extended in overhang.
[0011] Other features of the present invention are also defined in subsequent claims.
[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the
description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the exposure unit of zipper
teeth to a surface coating film deposition treatment according to the invention, illustrated
by way of illustration and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a tooth of a zipper;
Figures 2 A, 2 B, 2 C show schematically an assembly of a first form of execution
and some details of the exposure unit according to a first form of execution of the
exposure unit, where in particular figure 2 B shows the detail of figure 2 C sectioned
along line A-A;
Figures 3 A, 3 B, 3 C, 3 D schematically show an assembly and some details of a second
form of execution of the exposure unit, where in particular figure 3 B shows the detail
of figure 3 C sectioned along line A-A;
Figures 4 A, 4 B, 4 C, 4 D schematically show some details of a third form of execution
of the exposure unit, where in particular Figure 4 A shows the detail of Figure 4
B sectioned along line A-A;
Figure 5 A, 5 B, 5 C schematically show an assembly and some details a fourth form
of execution of the exposure unit;
Figures 6 and 7 schematically show a perspective view, an overall view and some details
of a fifth form of execution of the exposure unit;
Figure 8 schematically shows an overview of an exposure unit according to the present
invention.
[0013] The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings, which form part
of it.
[0014] In drawings, similar reference numbers typically identify similar components, unless
the context indicates otherwise.
[0015] The illustrative forms of realisation described in the detailed description and drawings
are not intended in a limiting sense.
[0016] Other forms of realisation may be used, and other modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter depicted here.
[0017] The aspects of this description, as generally described in this context and illustrated
in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety
of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and are part
of this description.
[0018] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a unit for exposure of zipper teeth
to a deposition treatment is shown of a surface-coating film indicated overall by
reference number 1.
[0019] As depicted in figure 1, the tooth 100 of a zipper has two opposite legs 101, 101
A and 101 B respectively, connected by a bridge 102 that delimits between the opposite
legs 101 a recess 103. For the formation of the finished zipper, the teeth 100 are
arranged at predetermined distances along a webbing, typically made of flexible textile
material, which passes through the recess 103 and is permanently engaged by a plastic
mechanical deformation of the opposite legs 101.
[0020] The surfaces of tooth 100 inside the recess 103 therefore do not require mechanical
and aesthetic surface treatment, as they are no longer visible and no longer operationally
engaged in the finished zipper; all other surfaces, on the other hand, require surface
treatment, both for the aesthetic quality of the zipper and for the continuous engagement
in operation of opening/closing the zipper. Advantageously and innovatively, according
to the present invention, the exposure unit 1 comprises means for retaining 10 of
the teeth 100 in certain positions.
[0021] Advantageously and innovatively, the retaining means 10 is configured for a force
connection by elastic mechanical engagement in the recess 103 between the opposing
legs 101 of the single tooth 100.
[0022] Appropriately, the retaining means 10 is metallic or metallised and is configured
for an electrical connection of the teeth 100.
[0023] Retaining means 10 is formed, as we shall see in detail below, by filiform elements
11.
[0024] In a first form of execution depicted in figures 2 A- 2 C, the exposure unit 1 is
configured as a cylindrical metal cage formed by two bases 1a, 1b connected by a series
of parallel rectilinear rods 1c placed on the outer circumference of the two bases
1a, 1b.
[0025] The cylindrical cage is preferably arranged with a vertical axis.
[0026] The filiform elements 11 are formed in this case directly from the parallel straight
metal rods 1c of the cylindrical cage placed on the outer circumference of the bases
1a, 1b of the cylindrical cage.
[0027] The teeth 100 are positioned on the metal filiform elements 11 at uniform and suitably
predetermined distances d to ensure maximum exposure of the surfaces of the individual
teeth to be coated; with mechanical engagement in the elastic field, the opposite
legs 101 of the teeth 100 are fixed on the filiform element 11.
[0028] In this case, the position of the teeth 100 along the filiform metal elements 11
and the distance d can be finely adjusted to optimise the number of treated teeth
per unit length of the filiform metal elements 11.
[0029] Appropriately, the metal filiform elements 11 and the bases 1a, 1b of the metal cylindrical
cage electrically connect the teeth 100 , which are thus all at the same electrical
potential in the deposition chamber of the surface coating film: all surfaces of the
teeth 100, except those inside the recess 103 for which no treatment is required,
remain exposed for coating.
[0030] In a second form of execution, the filiform elements 11 are formed this time from
electrically conductive flexible cords 12 of a cross-section and consistency appropriate
to the elastic mechanical engagement in the recess 103 of the tooth 100.
[0031] The teeth 100 are positioned on the electrically conductive flexible cords 12 at
uniform and suitably predetermined distances d to ensure maximum exposure of the surfaces
of the individual teeth to be coated, and with a mechanical engagement in the elastic
field the opposite legs 101 of the tooth 100 are fixed on the conductive flexible
cord 12.
[0032] In this case, the flexible cords 12 can be stretched between two opposing tensile
supports and can be arranged parallel and straight.
[0033] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 3 A - 3 D, the flexible cords 12 may be
supported in an exposure unit 1 again configured as a cylindrical cage where each
flexible cord 12 is spirally wound with pitch p1 around a corresponding rod 13 of
the cylindrical cage and where, in order to hold each flexible cord 12 in position,
it may be subjected to a certain tension and possibly arranged along a helical guide
groove (not shown) provided on the surface of the rod 13.
[0034] Again, the cylindrical cage is metallic to simplify the electrical connection between
all the teeth. In a more complex design variant, the cylindrical cage may be non-metallic,
as the electrical connection between the teeth 100 may also be provided by connecting
the ends of various flexible cords 12.
[0035] The flexible cords 12 can in fact be connected in series or in parallel and are thus
all at the same electrical potential in the deposition chamber of the surface coating
film: again, all surfaces of the tooth 100, except those inside recess 103 for which
treatment is not required, remain exposed for coating.
[0036] Again, the position of the teeth 100 along the filiform metal elements 11 and the
distance d can be finely adjusted as desired to optimise the number of treated teeth
per unit length of the filiform metal elements 11.
[0037] In a third embodiment, the filiform elements 11 are formed of electrically conductive
flexible cords 12 supported by electrically conductive flexible webs 14 of fabric,
wherein the flexible cords 12 have a cross-section and consistency appropriate to
the elastic mechanical engagement in the recess 103 of the tooth 100.
[0038] More precisely, cords 12 are applied along one longitudinal edge of webs 14.
[0039] The webs 14 can already be configured in length and width as the final load-bearing
elements of the finished zipper.
[0040] The teeth 100 are positioned and fixed on the flexible cords 12 at uniform distances
d1 and already definitive of the position of the tooth 100 in the finished zipper,
on a section of length D2 of a section of length D1 of the flexible web 14; the greater
total length D1 has end sections D3 and D4 free of teeth 100 and suitable for completing
the finished zipper with other accessory and functional elements.
[0041] Favourably, flexible web 14 has a plurality of sections of length D1.
[0042] In this case, the flexible webs 14 can be stretched between two opposing tension
supports and can be arranged parallel and straight.
[0043] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 4 A - 4 D, the flexible webs 14 may be supported
in an exposure unit 1 again configured as a cylindrical cage wherein each flexible
web 14 is spirally wound with pitch p2 around a corresponding rod 13 of the cylindrical
cage and wherein, in order to hold each flexible web 14 in position, the latter is
arranged along a helical guide groove 40 provided on the surface of the rod 13.
[0044] Again, the cylindrical cage is metallic to simplify the electrical connection between
all the teeth. In a more complex design variant, the cylindrical cage may be non-metallic,
as the electrical connection between the teeth 100 may also be provided by connecting
the ends of various flexible webs 14.
[0045] The flexible cords 12 and/or flexible webs 14 can thus be connected in series or
in parallel and are thus all at the same electrical potential in the deposition chamber
of the surface coating film: again, all surfaces of the teeth 100, except those inside
the recess 103 for which no treatment is required, remain exposed for coating.
[0046] In a fourth form of execution, the filiform elements 11 are formed by elastically
deformable finger pairs 21, where each finger pair 21 holds a single tooth 100.
[0047] Finger pairs 21 are supported by rods 20.
[0048] Innovatively, according to the present invention, each rod 20 is metallic and straight
and supports pairs of fingers 21, also metallic.
[0049] The pairs of fingers 21 are distributed with step g longitudinally along the rectilinear
rod 20 from which they extend in overhang.
[0050] In this case, as is evident from Figures 5 A - 5 C, the exposure unit 1 is always
configured as a metal cylindrical cage formed by two bases 1a, 1b connected by a series
of parallel rectilinear rods 1c placed on the outer circumference of the two bases,
and the rods 20 supporting the pairs of fingers 21 coincide with the rods 1c of the
cylindrical cage.
[0051] The rods 20 are particularly flat and the finger pairs 21 project from a longitudinal
edge of the rods 20.
[0052] The pairs of fingers 21 more precisely jut out diverging from each other orthogonally
to the longitudinal direction of the rods 20.
[0053] As mentioned, the teeth 100 are individually positioned and fixed on a pair of fingers
21, for a mechanically engaged force connection by elastically deforming the fingers
of the pair as they approach the recess 103 of the tooth 100.
[0054] Fingers 21 and rods 20 electrically connect tooth 100, which are then all at the
same electrical potential in the surface coating film deposition chamber: again, all
surfaces of tooth 100, except those inside recess 103 for which no treatment is required,
remain exposed for coating.
[0055] In a fifth form of execution depicted in Figures 6 A - 7, the filiform elements 11
are still formed by elastically deformable finger pairs 21, where each finger pair
21 holds a single tooth 100.
[0056] In this case, however, unlike the previous one, the elastically deformable, metallic
finger pairs 21 are supported in overhang by the circumference outside of a metal
disc 30 .
[0057] The finger pairs 21 are distributed with step s along the outer circumference of
the metal disc 30. The pairs of fingers 21 more precisely project radially from disc
30 diverging from each other. The teeth 100 are individually positioned and fixed
on a pair of fingers 21, for a mechanically engaged force connection by elastically
deforming the fingers of the pair as they approach each other within the recess 103
of the teeth 100.
[0058] Appropriately, the fingers 21 and metal disc 30 electrically connect the teeth 100,
which are then all at the same electrical potential in the deposition chamber of the
surface coating film Innovatively and advantageously according to the present invention,
the exposure unit 1 is configured as a plurality of coaxial metal discs 30, spaced
and stacked along a Z axis, and electrically connected.
[0059] Innovatively and advantageously, the exposure unit 1 for the exposure of zipper teeth
100 to a surface coating film deposition treatment includes means of moving said teeth
100 with planetary motion.
[0060] As illustrated in Figure 8, a plurality of exposure units 1 are circumferentially
placed on a turntable 200, rotating about its own central axis Z1, within the deposition
chamber: each exposure unit 1 is equipped with its own means of movement, not shown
in the figures, which activate a rotation of exposure unit 1 about its own vertical
axis Z, parallel to the axis Z1.
[0061] A law of motion superintends and determines the rotations of the plurality of exposure
units 1 and turntable 200, giving the teeth 100 an epicyclic motion in the deposition
chamber for continuous and effective exposure to surface treatment.
[0062] The present invention also discloses and protects a method for deposition of a surface
coating film on teeth 100 for zippers, comprising arranging an exposure unit having
metallic or metallised retaining means 10 of individual teeth 100 in specified positions,
arranging the teeth 100 on the exposure unit 1 by means of a force connection engagement
of the metallic or metallised retaining means 10 in the recess 103 between the legs
101 of the teeth 100, placing the exposure unit 1 in a deposition chamber, applying
the surface coating film on the teeth 100 while the exposure unit 1 is moved with
a determined law of motion.
[0063] The operation of the exposure unit for exposing zipper teeth to a surface coating
film deposition treatment according to the invention is apparent from what is described
and illustrated.
[0064] In practice, it has been found that a exposure unit for exposing zipper teeth to
a surface coating film deposition treatment according to the invention is particularly
advantageous for retaining the teeth individually in certain positions.
[0065] Another advantage of the invention is that it exposes the teeth to coating and protection
on surfaces of specific interest.
[0066] Another advantage of the invention is to evenly distribute the teeth in the coating
exposure.
[0067] An exposure unit for exposing zipper teeth to a surface coating film deposition treatment
thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which
are within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all details are replaceable
by technically equivalent elements.
[0068] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according
to requirements and the state of the art.
1. An exposure unit (1) for exposing zipper teeth (100) to a treatment of depositing
a surface coating film, wherein said zipper teeth (100) have two opposite legs (101),
respectively (101 A, 101 B) connected by a bridge (102) which delimits a recess (103)
between said legs (101), characterised in that it comprises a metallic or metallised retaining means (10) for retaining said zipper
teeth (100) in specific positions, wherein said metallic or metallised retaining means
(10) is configured for a force connection by elastic mechanical engagement in said
recess (103) between said legs (101) of said zipper teeth (100).
2. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said metallic or metallised retaining means (10) is configured for an electrical
connection of said zipper teeth (100).
3. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said metallic or metallised retaining means (10) comprises at least one filiform
element (11).
4. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said at least one filiform element (11) is formed by at least one rod for retaining
a plurality of teeth (100).
5. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim 3, characterised in that said at least one filiform element (11) is formed by at least one flexible cord (12)
for retaining a plurality of teeth (100).
6. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said flexible cord (12) is wound spirally around a rod (13).
7. The exposure unit (1) according to either of claims 5 and 6, characterised in that said flexible cord (12) is supported by a flexible fabric strip (14).
8. The exposure unit (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said at least one filiform element (11) is formed by a plurality of pairs of elastically
deformable fingers (21), wherein each pair of fingers (21) is configured to retain
a single tooth (100).
9. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said plurality of pairs of elastically deformable fingers (21) is supported by at
least one straight metal bar (20) from which said plurality of pairs of elastically
deformable fingers (21) extends outwardly.
10. The exposure unit (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that said plurality of pairs of elastically deformable fingers (21) is supported by at
least one metal disc (30) along whose outer circumference said pairs of fingers (21)
extend outwardly.
11. The exposure unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of said metal discs (30), which are coaxial, spaced apart,
set one above the other and electrically connected.
12. The exposure unit (1) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a means for moving said zipper teeth (100) with epicycloidal motion.
13. A method for depositing a surface coating film on zipper teeth (100), wherein said
zipper teeth (100) have two opposite legs (101) connected by a bridge (102) that delimits
a recess (103) between said legs (101), characterised by providing an exposure unit (1) having a metallic or metallised retaining means (10)
for retaining said zipper teeth (100) in specific positions, arranging said zipper
teeth (100) on said metallic or metallised retaining means (10) by means of a force
connection by engagement of said metallic or metallised retaining means (10) in said
recess (103) between said legs (101) of said teeth (100), placing said exposure unit
(1) in a treatment chamber for the deposition of a surface coating film, and applying
said surface coating film on said zipper teeth (100), while said exposure unit (1)
is moved according to a specific law of motion.