EP2762028B1 - Belt buckle for the releasable connection of a belt - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a buckle for releasably connecting a belt with another belt or other object, wherein the buckle has at least one male buckle part with at least one insertion extension and at least one female buckle part with at least one insertion extension and at least one locking device, wherein for locking the Buckle parts of Einsteckfortsatz the male buckle part in the Einsteckfortsatzaufnahme the female buckle part is inserted and the buckle parts by means of the locking device in a locking state are locked together.

Generic buckles are used to releasably connect straps with each other or releasably attach a strap to another object. These buckles are used both in the field of mountain sports and aviation but also for safety at work and the like and have now found a wide distribution. Generic buckles are eg in the international design DM / 045484, in the EP 2 165 619 A2 and the WO 2012/162712 A2 shown.

Due to their applications, the buckles must be very reliable and it should not be possible to accidentally operate errors, as often the life or at least the health of the user depends on the correct functioning of the buckles.

One possible source of danger is that in the locked state, the locking device is inadvertently brought from its locking position to the unlocked position and it can come to an unintentional disconnection of the buckle parts.

To prevent this it is for example from the AT 510 489 B1 known to provide an additional counter latch, which secures the locking device in its locked position against unintentional opening.

Disadvantage of this counter latch is that the overall construction and possibly also the operation of the buckle is more expensive by them.

The object of the invention is to realize an alternative way of securing the buckle against unintentional unlocking of the locking device with the smallest possible number of parts.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes that the buckle parts in the locked state can be arranged in at least one neutral position relative to each other, in which the locking device for separating the buckle parts from each other in an unlocking position can be brought, and the buckle parts in the locked state in addition to at least one of the neutral position pivoted blocking position relative to each other can be arranged, wherein the locking device is blocked in the blocking position to prevent the separation of the buckle parts from each other in a locking position.

It is thus a basic idea of the invention that the buckle parts in the locked state can be pivoted against each other and it automatically comes out of the neutral position by swinging the buckle parts out to a blocking position in which the locking device is blocked and thus no longer unintentionally separating the Buckle parts can come from each other. This makes it possible to completely dispense with the known in the prior art counter latch for blocking the locking device, so that a simple but still very easy to use construction of the buckle with little parts is possible. It should be remembered in particular that the belt or straps attached to the buckle parts in actual use usually ensure that the buckle parts from the neutral position in or one of the blocking positions are pivoted. This means that an opening of the locking device in buckles according to the invention and thus a separation of the buckle parts is only possible if the buckle parts are previously brought selectively in the neutral position. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention provide in this context that the buckle in the locked state has at least two blocking positions and the neutral position is arranged between the blocking positions.

In preferred embodiments of the invention can be provided that in the locked state of one of the buckle parts relative to the other buckle part is pivotable on its way from the neutral position into the blocking position in the direction of the locking device. It is also favorable in this context if the buckle parts in the locked state between neutral position and blocking position are pivotable in one plane only. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide two interlocking devices in the locked state on opposite sides of the insertion extension. It is favorable if one of the buckle parts is pivotable relative to the other buckle part in the locking state on its way from the neutral position into the blocking position in each case towards one of the locking devices. Preferably, both the female and the male buckle parts are formed symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry. The symmetry axes of the female and male buckle part are in preferred embodiments in the locked state in the neutral position to each other or at least parallel to each other. In the locked state and in the blocking position, however, the symmetry axes are favorably tilted relative to one another, that is to say they are arranged at an angle deviating from the parallel.

It is again explicitly pointed out at this point that the locking state is the state in which the male buckle part with its insertion extension is inserted so far into the insertion extension receptacle of the female buckle part that the locking device mentioned Lock parts locked together. In this locking state, the buckle parts can be pivoted relative to each other between at least one neutral position and at least one blocking position back and forth. The unlocking position of the locking device is then mentioned when the locking device is in the state in which it does not lock the buckle parts together, which is the case in the locking position of the locking device. For the sake of completeness it is also pointed out that the buckle may not only have a male buckle part and a female buckle part but also a plurality of male and / or a plurality of female buckle parts which are locked together accordingly. As already stated, the buckle may also have more than one locking device.

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the locking device engages in the locking state in an undercut of the buckle, wherein the locking device in the neutral position can be brought out of the undercut and locked in the blocking position positively in the undercut. The undercut can be formed in the insertion extension of the male buckle part. In this case, the locking device is then conveniently part of the female buckle part. Of course, there are also embodiments of the invention where this is exactly the opposite. In these then the undercut in the female buckle part, that is formed in particular in the Einsteckfortsatzaufnahme and the locking device or devices are then part of the male buckle part.

It is preferably provided that the locking device is designed as a, about a pivot axis pivotable lever. The locking device or the pivotable lever is conveniently spring-loaded in the direction of the locking position. It preferably has a grip area on one side of its pivot axis and a locking area on the opposite side of the pivot axis.

The insertion extension of the male buckle part may have a T-shaped head. The or the undercuts can then be arranged in the crossing region of the T-shape. An undercut is an at least one side open recess, regardless of how it was made. Undercuts may be formed by machining, casting, or otherwise known in the manufacture of a component or its subsequent machining. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the undercut on the side on which the lever can be pivoted out of the undercut in the neutral position, is limited by a retaining lug for the positive locking in the blocking position. In the retaining lug is advantageously provided that this is closer to the pivot axis of the lever or the locking device, at least in the blocking position, as the deepest bulge of the undercut. Particularly preferably, it is also provided that the male buckle part and the female buckle part each have a stop area and abut the stop areas in the blocking position to each other and prevent deeper penetration of the insertion of the male buckle part in the Einsteckfortsatzaufnahme of the female buckle part. These stop regions can be formed on the male and female buckle part respectively at different locations. It can be, for example, molded parts of the male buckle part, in particular on its insertion extension, which cooperate correspondingly with corresponding molded part receivers of the female buckle part. The locking device itself may have corresponding stop areas. Of course, the stop regions can also be formed in the insertion extension receptacles of the female buckle part. Basically, there are a variety of possible embodiments, which can be realized in each case corresponding to each other on the male buckle part or female buckle part. In order to make the pivoting of the invention between the neutral position and blocking position, it is at least favorable if at least in the neutral position in the locked state between the stop regions of the male buckle part and those of the female buckle part a appropriate free space is available. In preferred embodiments, the male buckle part has a shaped part in the form of a head with a narrow neck. The female buckle part has, in these embodiments, a cooperating form part receptacle with a corresponding but slightly larger shape, so that the said clearances for pivoting out of the neutral position are given.

A method for operating a buckle according to the invention can provide that the buckle parts are pivoted in the locked state relative to each other in a blocking position to block the locking device in this blocking position to prevent the separation of the buckle parts in a locking position. Furthermore, it can be provided that the buckle parts are pivoted into the neutral position relative to each other in order to bring the locking device for separating the buckle parts from each other in an unlocked position.

• Fig. 1 bis 4 Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Gurtschnalle im Verriegelungszustand in der Neutralstellung;
• Fig. 5 bis 10 verschiedene Ansichten des Ausführungsbeispiels der Fig. 1 bis 4 im Verriegelungszustand in einer Blockierstellung;
• Fig. 11 ein etwas abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten männlichen Schnallenteils und
• Fig. 12 eine Seitenansicht darauf.

Further features and details of preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the variants according to the invention shown in the figures. Show it:

• Fig. 1 to 4 Views of a buckle according to the invention in the locked state in the neutral position;
• Fig. 5 to 10 different views of the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 4 in the locked state in a blocking position;
• Fig. 11 a slightly modified embodiment of an inventively designed male buckle part and
• Fig. 12 a side view on it.

The Fig. 1 and 2 show two top views of the buckle 1 in the assembled and locked state, ie in the locked state in which the insertion of 5 male buckle part 4 is fully inserted into the insertion extension 7 of the female buckle part 6. The
(continue on page 7 of the original description) Locking devices 8 are in this case in their locking position. The Fig. 1 to 4 show the neutral position in which the locking devices 8 can be brought or pivoted into their unlocked position by pressing on the actuation areas 19, so that the male buckle part 4 can be pulled out with its insertion extension 5 from the insertion extension receptacle 7 of the female buckle part 6, around the buckle parts 4 and 6 separate from each other. Shown dashed lines are the straps 2 and 3, which are releasably connected together by means of the buckle 1. In order to fasten the straps 2 and 3 on the respective buckle part 4 and 6, the buckle parts 4 and 6 corresponding belt receivers 15 and 16. These may be formed in any forms known in the art. In the first exemplary embodiment, the male buckle part 4 has an adjustable belt receptacle 15 with a displaceably mounted clamping web 17. The female buckle part 6 of this first embodiment is equipped with a fixed web 18 and thus not provided for adjusting the belt. Of course, embodiments of the invention are possible in which the adjustability of the Gurtaufnahmen 15 and 16 is exchanged, both Gurtaufnahmen 15 and 16 are adjustable or both Gurtaufnahmen 15 and 16 are formed with corresponding fixed webs 18.

As this is particularly good in the two plan views according to Fig. 1 and 2 can be seen, the insertion extension 5 of the male buckle part 4 on both sides of molded parts 20 and 21, which protrude in the illustrated locking state in corresponding form part receptacles 22 and 23 of the female buckle part 6. In the neutral position shown in the first four figures are corresponding free spaces 27 and 28 between the mold parts 20 and 21 on the one hand and the mold receptacles 22 and 23 on the other hand, whereby a pivoting of the two buckle parts 5 and 6 relative to each other in the explained below in more detail Blocking position is possible. All this happens in the locked state in which the locking device 8 in its locking position, the two buckle parts 4 and 6 lock together.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the buckle 1 in the neutral position and also the section line AA. Fig. 4 shows the section through the buckle 1 along the section line AA Fig. 3 , In the 3 and 4 the straps 2 and 3 are not shown.

In horizontal section according to Fig. 4 is particularly good to see that the locking means 8 of this embodiment are designed as pivotable about the pivot axis 10 each formed lever. On the one hand with respect to the pivot axis 10 is in each case the actuating portion 19 can be pressed with the finger to the respective locking device 8 of the in Fig. 4 shown locking position to bring in the unlocked position. The respective actuating region 19 with respect to the pivot axis 10 opposite the locking means 8 each have a locking portion 26, with which they engage in the illustrated locking position in undercuts 9 of the male insertion extension 5, so as to lock the male buckle part 5 in the female buckle part 6. Good to see in this embodiment, the biasing springs 24, which bias the locking device 8 each toward their locking position. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the insertion extension 5 of the male buckle part 4 has a T-shaped head 25. The mentioned undercuts 9 are in the crossing region of this T-shaped head 25th

In the in the Fig. 1 to 4 shown neutral position, the locking means 8 can be pivoted by pressing the respective actuating portion 19 in its not shown unlocking position about the respective pivot axis 10 so as to be led out or swung out of the undercuts 9. If this is the case, the unlocking position is reached and the insertion extension 5 can be pulled out of the Einsteckfortsatzaufnahme 7 to separate the male buckle part 4 from the female buckle part 6. For this purpose, in the neutral position, the male buckle part 4 with its insertion extension 5 can be pushed a little deeper into the insertion extension receptacle 7, so that the locking regions 26 the locking means 8 at the, the undercuts 9 outwardly bounding retaining lugs 11 can be passed.

The Fig. 5 to 10 now show a blocking position in which the locking devices 8 are also in the respective locking position and can not be brought into the unlocked position by pressing on the actuating portions 19 but. From the neutral position according to the Fig. 1 to 4 seen from the male buckle part 4 and the female buckle part 6 relative to each other by a certain pivot angle X (see Fig. 8 ) pivots. This pivoting takes place in the embodiment shown exclusively in a plane, which with reference to the Fig. 1, 2, 4 . 5, 6, 8 . 9 and 10 parallel to the respective drawing plane. The swinging out of the buckle parts 4 and 6 relative to each other from the neutral position to the blocking position takes place in practice almost automatically by attached to the buckle parts 4 and 6 straps 2 and 3, so almost always a blocking position is taken, if the buckle 1 not targeted Unlocking and separating the buckle parts 4 and 6 from each other is first brought into the neutral position. As a result, an unintentional opening or unlocking of the locking devices 8 is virtually permanently avoided without additional components.

In the blocking position, the male buckle part 4 and the female buckle part 6 of the embodiment shown abut each other with their respective stop regions 13 and 14 such that a deeper penetration of the insertion extension 5 of the male buckle part 4 into the insertion extension receptacle 7 of the female buckle part 6 is prevented. The abutment portions 13 and 14 may, as stated, be formed at various locations of the male buckle portion 4 and the female buckle portion 6. They must each correspond only to one another in order to prevent further or deeper penetration of the insertion extension 5 into the insertion extension receptacle 7 in the blocking position. In the variant shown, the abutment areas 13 and 14 on the molded parts 20 and 21 or molded part receptacles 22 and 23 of the male and female Buckle part 4 and 6 formed. Furthermore, as in Fig. 8 can be provided corresponding stop areas 13 and 14 also on the locking devices 8 itself.

Fig. 8 shows the section BB according to Fig. 7 , The buckle parts 4 and 6 are, as I said, also in Fig. 8 in the blocking position. Here it is particularly easy to see how the retaining lugs 11 hold the locking areas 26 of the locking devices 8 in a form-fitting manner in the respective undercuts 9. As a result, the locking devices 8, even if accidentally pressed on the actuating portions 19, not unlocked so not be pivoted from the locking position shown in the unlocking position, not shown. The locking portions 26 do not come past the retaining lugs 11, as the insertion extension 5, as I said, due to the abutting stop portions 13 and 14 can not be pushed even deeper into the insertion extension receptacle 7. Unlocking the locking device 8 is therefore only possible if the male buckle part 4 and the female buckle part 6 relative to each other in the in the Fig. 1 to 4 shown neutral position is pivoted back.

In the embodiment of the buckle 1 shown here, the male and female buckle parts 4 and 6 are correspondingly symmetrical with respect to one in the Fig. 2 and 6 each drawn symmetry axis 31 and 32 are formed. In the neutral position, the axes of symmetry 31 and 32 lie on each other. In the blocking positions, they are arranged at an angle, ie not parallel to one another.

In Fig. 9 is the same situation as in Fig. 6 shown, however, the female buckle part 6 in the region C is partially corresponding in a sectional view Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 10 shows the area D Fig. 9 increased. It can be seen here, as the locking portion 26 and thus the locking device 8 is held positively by means of the retaining lug 11 in the undercut 9 that an opening, so pivoting the locking device 8 in the unlocked position also at Actuation of the actuating portion 19 is not possible. The retaining lug 11 is for this purpose in the blocking position shown closer to the pivot axis 10 than the radius 30 of the deepest bulge 12 of the undercut 9. The radius 30 is the distance between the pivot axis 10 and said deepest bulge 12. Drawn is also the tangent 29 on the radius 30.

Fig. 11 shows a slightly modified embodiment of the male buckle part 4. This differs from the embodiments shown above only in that in the Gurtaufnahmebereich 15 of this male buckle part 4, no movable clamping web 17 but a fixed web 18 is formed. Otherwise, the shape of the male buckle part 4 in particular in the region and the shape of the insertion extension 5 corresponds to the first embodiment.

In Fig. 12 is again shown a side view of the male buckle member 4. Especially good to see, here are the two moldings 20 and 21st <b> legend </ b> to the reference numbers: 1 buckle 17 clamping web 2 belt 18 Fixsteg 3 belt 19 operating range 4 ' male buckle part 20 molding 5 Einsteckfortsatz 21 molding 6 female buckle part 22 Shaped product receiver 7 Einsteckfortsatzaufnahme 23 Shaped product receiver 8th locking device 24 biasing spring 9 undercut 25 T-shaped head 10 swivel axis 26 locking area 11 retaining nose 27 free space 12 deepest bulge 28 free space 13 stop area 29 tangent 14 stop area 30 radius 15 belt receiver 31 axis of symmetry 16 belt receiver 32 axis of symmetry

Claims (10)

1. Belt buckle (1) for the releasable connection of a belt (2) to another belt (3) or to another object, wherein the belt buckle (1) has at least one male buckle part (4) with at least one plug-in extension (5) and at least one female buckle part (6) with at least one plug-in-extension receptacle (7), and at least one locking device (8), wherein, in order to lock the buckle parts (4, 6), the plug-in extension (5) of the male buckle part (4) is insertable into the plug-in-extension receptacle (7) of the female buckle part (6) and the buckle parts (4, 6) are lockable to each other in a locking state by means of the locking device (8), characterized in that, in the locking state, the buckle parts (4, 6) are arrangeable relative to each other in at least one neutral position, in which the locking device (8) can be brought into an unlocking position in order to separate the buckle parts (4, 6) from each other, and, in the locking state, the buckle parts (4, 6) are additionally arrangeable relative to each other in at least one blocking position pivoted in relation to the neutral position, wherein, in the blocking position, the locking device (8) is blocked in a locking position in order to prevent the buckle parts (4, 6) from being separated from each other.
2. Belt buckle (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the locking state, the buckle parts (4, 6) are pivotable exclusively in one plane between the neutral position and the blocking position.
3. Belt buckle (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the locking state, one of the buckle parts (4, 6) is pivotable in a direction towards the locking device (8) relative to the other buckle part (4, 6) on its path from the neutral position into the blocking position.
4. Belt buckle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the locking state, the belt buckle (1) has at least two blocking positions, and the neutral position is arranged between the blocking positions.
5. Belt buckle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the locking state, the locking device (8) engages in an undercut (9) of the belt buckle (1), wherein the locking device (8) can be guided out of the undercut (9) in the neutral position and is retained in an interlocking manner in the undercut (9) in the blocking position.
6. Belt buckle (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the undercut (9) is formed in the plug-in extension (5) of the male buckle part (4).
7. Belt buckle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking device (8) is designed as a lever which is pivotable about a pivot axis (10).
8. Belt buckle (1) according to Claim 5 or 6 and according to Claim 7, characterized in that the undercut (9), on the side on which the lever can be pivoted out of the undercut (9) in the neutral position, is bounded by a retaining lug (11) for interlocking retention in the blocking position.
9. Belt buckle (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that, at least in the blocking position, the retaining lug (11) is located closer to the pivot axis (10) than the lowest bulge (12) of the undercut (9).
10. Belt buckle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the male buckle part (4) and the female buckle part (6) each have a stop region (13, 14) and, in the blocking position, the stop regions (13, 14) bear against each other and prevent the plug-in extension (5) of the male buckle part (4) from penetrating deeper in the plug-in-extension receptacle (7) of the female buckle part (6).

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