EP3019045B1 - Closure device having an actuating element - Google Patents

Description

• ein erstes Verschlussteil,
• ein zweites Verschlussteil, das in eine Befestigungsrichtung an dem ersten Verschlussteil angeordnet werden kann und in einem Schließzustand mit dem ersten Verschlussteil verbunden ist, und
• ein Betätigungselement, das an dem zweiten Verschlussteil beweglich angeordnet ist.

Derartige Verschlussvorrichtungen sind insbesondere überall dort anwendbar, wo zwei Teile lösbar miteinander verbunden werden sollen. Beispielsweise eignet sich eine derartige Verschlussvorrichtung als Verschluss für eine Tasche oder einen anderen Behälter, als Haltevorrichtung oder als Verbindungsvorrichtung zur Verbindung zweier auf Zug belasteter Elemente, beispielsweise zweier Zugseile oder Gurte. In einer konkreten Anwendung ist eine solche Verschlussvorrichtung beispielsweise zur Kopplung einer Leine mit einem Halsband für Haustiere einsetzbar.The invention relates to a closure device according to claim 1. Such a closure device comprises in particular

• a first closure part,
• a second closure member which can be arranged in a fastening direction to the first closure member and is connected in a closed state with the first closure member, and
• an actuator movably mounted on the second closure member.

Such closure devices are particularly applicable wherever two parts are to be releasably connected to each other. For example, such a closure device is suitable as a closure for a bag or other container, as a holding device or as a connecting device for connecting two loaded on train elements, for example, two pull ropes or straps. In a In concrete application, such a closure device can be used for example for coupling a leash with a collar for pets.

Also conceivable is an application in pressure-loaded elements.

In a closure device of the generic type, in the closed state, the second closure part is held on the first closure part via the actuating element. For this purpose, the second closure part interacts with the actuating element in such a way that in a loaded state with a force acting on the second closure part relative to the first closure part along the fastening direction, the actuating element is firmly connected to the first closure part and holds the second closure part on the first closure part. In other words, the second closure part is not attached directly to the first closure part, but is held indirectly via the actuating element on the first closure part. If the second closure part is subjected to tension, the second closure part acts on the actuating element and locks the actuating element such that the actuating element can not be readily released from the first closure part and thus the closure device is locked. In the loaded state, the first closure part and the second closure part in this way are firmly connected to one another via the actuating element.

In contrast, in a relieved state, in which no or only a small force acts on the second closure part relative to the first closure part, the closure device is not locked, and the second closure part is releasable by actuating the actuating element of the first closure part.

Conventionally, for example, for coupling a dog leash with a dog collar a carabiner is used, which is arranged on the dog leash and engages in a mounting bracket on the dog collar. Such carabiners are also used for connecting two tension cables and can in principle transmit large tensile forces. However, conventional carabiners, especially when used on a dog leash, can be heavy and, if necessary, be difficult to handle.

From the WO 2011/029582 A2 a generic closure device is already known, in which an actuating element in the closed state via a at least partially elastic (locking) section is frictionally held or latching on the first closure part. The actuator engages with a Locking portion or a plurality of locking portions each in an associated detent opening on the first closure part to hold the second closure member in a loaded state securely to the first closure member. The latching openings are located in an outer wall of a receptacle of the first closure part, in which the second closure part is at least partially inserted with the actuating element in order to connect the two closure parts together.

Object of the present invention is to provide an improved closure device available that can be operated in a simple and haptic pleasant way and at the same time creates a solid, non-releasable in the loaded state connection of two closure parts.

This object is achieved by a closure device having the features of claim 1.

In principle, in a closure device according to the invention the second closure part is held in the closed state via the actuating element to the first closure part and thus a connection between the first closure part and the second closure part is made. The connection between the actuating element and the first closure part is preferably frictionally engaged or latched via an at least partially elastic (locking) section, thus preferably constitutes a frictional connection or a detent connection, in which the actuating element is frictionally or positively held on the first closure part becomes. The second closure part, on which the actuating element is movably arranged, interacts with the actuating element such that in the loaded state, ie when a force is applied to the second closure part, the frictional or positive connection of the actuating element to the first closure part is blocked and not can be solved. In the loaded state, the connection with it is insoluble, so that even large forces between the first closure part and the second closure part can be safely absorbed by the closure device and accidental release is excluded.

In contrast, in the unloaded state in which no or only small forces act on the second closure part, the closure device is not locked. In other words, for example, there is a frictional connection or locking connection of the actuating element with the first closure part in the unloaded state in principle, but can be solved to separate the first closure member from the second closure member and to open the closure device. In the unloaded state, the closure device is thus detachable, the Reibschluss- or locking connection between the actuating element and the first closure part can be canceled, and the actuating element can be removed together with the second closure part of the first closure part.

Characterized in that the frictional and / or positive connection via an at least partially elastic (blocking) portion of the actuating element is produced, results in the closed state, a particularly strong connection with a frictional engagement and / or a form fit, which is also suitable for receiving large forces , but at the same time can be solved in a light and haptic pleasant way again.

According to the invention a closure device is characterized in that the actuating element has two spatially separated and each at least partially elastic locking portions and the locking portions interconnecting actuating portion and the actuating element rests with the locking portions on the first closure member to hold the second closure member to the first closure member , The locking portions are in this case by actuation of the actuating element on the actuating portion jointly releasable from the first closure part. Furthermore, it is provided that, in the connected state of the two closure parts, the at least two barrier sections connected to one another via the actuation section in the interior of a receptacle, which is defined by at least one of the two closure parts, respectively abut against a holding section of the first closure part extending within the receptacle to hold the second closure part to the first closure part.

A holding section will thus be e.g. not formed by an inner wall of a receptacle of the first closure part, but extends in the interior of the receptacle spaced from the receiving walls outwardly bounded walls. By way of example, this is an elongated, central section, against which the elastic locking section frictionally and / or positively engages in the closed state in order to hold the second closure part against the first closure part.

Accordingly, a locking portion of the actuating element, for example, in each case between at least two edge portions of the closure part, the transversely to Fastening direction are spaced from each other and are inserted into the receptacle of the first closure part and / or define a receptacle for the first closure part on the second closure part and bound. The edge sections of the second closure part in each case define between them an inner region of the second closure part, in which the actuating element is arranged. The actuating element is then arranged in preferred embodiments movable on these edge portions of the second closure member.

In the solution according to the invention, for example, by a single handle and by actuating the actuating element on the individual actuating portion a plurality of locking portions are separated from their respective associated holding portion or a common holding portion of the first closure member, so that the second closure member can be solved by the first closure member.

In one embodiment variant, the above-described holding section may be rotationally symmetrical, so that the first closure part and the second closure part are rotatable relative to one another in the closed state of the closure device.

In one embodiment, a holding section configured symmetrically and centrally within the receptacle of the first or second closure part has at least two opposing holding surfaces against which one of the locking sections of the actuating element abuts in order to hold the second closure part against the first closure part. In this case, the holding section can project, for example, web, pin or pin-like within the receptacle and have the holding surfaces for the actuating element on an outer circumferential surface.

In a possible embodiment variant, a second closure part is inserted with a web-like, pin-like or pin-like projecting holding section into a receptacle of the first closure part defined between edge sections of the first closure part in order to close the closure device. In this case, the first closure part with its protruding holding portion may be formed, for example, compact in cross-section T-shaped. The holding section can in this case be inserted between mutually oppositely arranged locking sections of the actuating element. About the at least partially elastic locking portions while allowing the holding portion is allowed, but at the same time ensured that in a properly connected state of the two closure parts these are held together by the locking portions abut the locking portion.

Both closure parts or one of the closure parts-preferably the second closure part with the actuating element-can be stiffened in one exemplary embodiment, if appropriate also only locally. In one embodiment, the second closure part is stiffened in the areas where the second closure part is connected to the actuating element and in particular the locking portions of the actuating element.

A stiffening can be achieved, for example, by the closure part being correspondingly coated and / or produced at the stiffened regions from a second material, which has a higher strength compared to a first material from which the remaining regions of the closure part are made , Conceivable here would be the production as a multi-component injection molded part and / or as a component with at least one at least partially overmolded by a plastic material metal insert.

Alternatively or additionally, a region-related stiffening can be achieved by a separate stiffening element mounted on the closure part. For fixing a catch connection can be provided, so that the stiffening element can be easily and without tools arranged on the closure part and fixed thereto. In one embodiment, a stiffening sleeve is provided which is pushed onto the second closure part, preferably along the attachment direction for the first closure part. Here, the stiffening sleeve is preferably fixed via at least one latching connection in the region of at least one edge section of the second closure part, for example via at least one latching opening on the stiffening sleeve into which a latching nose protrudes at the edge section, when the stiffening sleeve reaches the intended position on the stiffening sleeve second closure part is pushed.

According to an embodiment, which is readily combinable with the variants explained above, the second closure part has a connection section which connects the second closure part and the actuating element to one another in such a way that, in the case of a force acting on the second closure part, the connection section reaches a (elastic) Section of the actuating element acts so that the connecting portion presses the portion of the actuating member against a holding portion of the first closure member to hold the second closure member to the first closure member. Accordingly, the one section can also be the previously described locking section of the actuating element. According to the invention, it is further provided here that the connection section is connected to the actuating element via a first film hinge and to the second closure part and via a second film hinge.

By means of film hinges not only a cost-effective production of the second closure part with the actuating element arranged movably thereon can be achieved, but also the mobility of the actuating element on the second closure part can be improved.

Preferably, the connecting portion between the film hinges is formed pressure stable. By way of a pressure-stable connection section, it can be achieved that the latter provides a certain pressure stability and thus a better load capacity of the actuating element, in particular in the closed state. In addition, a slight deformability of the actuating element is ensured via the coupling of the connecting portion to the actuating element and the second closure part by means of film hinges, so that it can be released if necessary from the first closure part.

In one embodiment, the connecting portion between the film hinges is provided with a cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical portion. Such a preferably formed as a solid body portion may give the connecting portion the necessary pressure stability. In a variant based thereon, a connecting section is provided, for example, between the film hinges with a cylindrical body having an elliptical base, wherein the film hinges are provided in a region of a circumferential surface of the cylinder, which lies in the direction of the longer major axis of the ellipse. A connecting portion thus connects the two opposed film hinges and extends for example from an edge portion of the second closure member and inwardly to the actuating element.

According to a variant, which can be easily combined with the above-explained variants, a guide element guided in at least one guide is provided, through which a second closure part engages Actuation of the actuating element for releasing the second closure part is limited by the first closure part.

Consequently, the mobility of the actuating element can be limited to the displacement path or displacement angle required for blocking or unlocking via such a guide element.

In a second closure part with a connecting portion or a plurality of connecting portions and film hinges can be additionally ensured by the guide member that no excessive bending or torsional forces can act on a film hinge upon actuation of the actuating element.

The guide element can be connected to the actuating element and the guide can be formed on the second closure part or vice versa.

In one embodiment variant, an actuating direction of the actuating element for releasing the second closure part from the first closure part is predetermined by the guide element on the second closure part. In one embodiment, an actuating direction is predetermined, for example, by the guide element is connected to the actuating element and has two guide pins arranged along a common axis, which are each guided in a transversely to this axis longitudinally slid guide opening (as a guide) to the second closure part.

Furthermore, it can be provided that an actuating portion of the actuating element defines a handle opening into which can be intervened for actuating the actuating element. In this way, a manual release of the two closure parts from each other and thus the opening of the closure device is facilitated.

In one embodiment variant, the actuating element has more than two spatially separate locking sections, each of which bears against a holding section of the first closure part in order to hold the second closure part via the actuating element on the first closure part. In this case, several (eg three) locking sections are arranged offset relative to one another on the actuating element in a circumferential direction about the fastening direction. For example, the locking portions may be circumferentially offset by 120 ° to each other and in the closed state with respect to the fastening direction radially inwardly against a common holding portion of the first closure member are pressed to hold the second closure member to the first closure member.

Incidentally, the geometry of the holding portion of the first closure member and a locking portion or more locking portions of the actuating element may be selected so that by interaction of the respective locking portion with the holding portion, the second closure member may be held in different positions relative to the first closure member. The second closure part can thus be locked along the fastening direction in different intermediate positions. For example, in this case a friction and / or positive connection may be provided, so that, for example, different locking positions are given.

In one embodiment, for example, has a central web-shaped holding portion of the first closure part a plurality of convex thickening along its extension axis, which each define a detent position for the second closure part. The locking portions of the actuating element each have a corresponding to the thickening, preferably corrugated inner contour. A locking portion thus forms in each case at least one concave curvature on which a positive connection with a convex thickening is possible. By the curvatures of the at least partially elastic locking portions opposite each other transverse to the mounting direction, a releasable locking of the actuating element at each thickening and thus in different relative positions of the second closure member to the first closure member is possible.

Of course, a latching in different intermediate position can also be realized in an analogous manner with a plurality of holding sections, which are each assigned exactly to one of a plurality of blocking sections.

A locking can be achieved, for example, via a micro-toothing. Here are z. B. substantially perpendicular to the subsequent load direction microscopic locking projections on the locking portions and / or a holding section before. The latching projections may have, for example, a rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular cross section. Accordingly, the locking projections may not only protrude tooth-like, but also be formed by microspheres.

A difficultly releasable locking, in particular with a micro-toothing, can be advantageous in particular in the case of a closure device for a security-relevant closure. Here a less smooth opening of the closure is more tolerable, if in return unintentional opening can be even more reliably excluded even with larger loads. For example, a closure device with a micro-toothing in the closure of a life jacket can be used.

A closure device according to the invention can be used in particular in a simple manner as a handle, e.g. be used in a bag with roll closure. Usually conventional snaps are used in bags with roll closure, but can open unintentionally when they are used as a handle, since when enclosing by hand, the stirrups can be operated unintentionally. These disadvantages are avoided with the solution according to the invention.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1A-1F

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussvorrichtung mit mehreren Sperrabschnitten eines Betätigungselements, die in einem Schließzustand an einem gemeinsamen, sich innerhalb einer Aufnahme eines ersten Verschlussteils erstreckenden Halteabschnitt anliegen;

Fig. 2A-2C

Einzelansichten des zweiten Verschlussteils mit dem Betätigungselement in unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 3A-3B

unterschiedliche Ansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung in einem Schließzustand und unter Belastung;

Fig. 4A-4B

unterschiedliche Ansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung mit betätigtem Betätigungselement in einem entlasteten Zustand, so dass das zweite Verschlussteil von dem ersten Verschlussteil lösbar ist;

Fig. 5A-5F

unterschiedliche Ansichten eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussvorrichtung mit einem abgewandelten Betätigungselement, das eine geringere Anzahl an Verbindungsabschnitten aufweist, die jeweils mit dem Betätigungselement und dem ersten Verschlussteil verbunden sind;

Fig. 6A-6C

Einzelansichten des zweiten Verschlussteils der Verschlussvorrichtung der Figuren 5A-5F mit dem Betätigungselement in unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 7A-7B

unterschiedliche Ansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung der Figuren 5A-5F in einem Schließzustand und unter Belastung;

Fig. 8A-8B

unterschiedliche Ansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung der Figuren 5A-5F mit betätigtem Betätigungselement in einem entlasteten Zustand;

Fig. 9

eine dritte Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussvorrichtung mit einem Betätigungselement mit drei Sperrabschnitten, die in einer Umfangsrichtung um eine Befestigungsrichtung jeweils um 120° zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind und zum Halten des zweiten Verschlussteils an dem ersten Verschlussteil an einem zwischen Ihnen radial innen liegenden Halteabschnitt anliegen;

Fig. 10A-10D

in unterschiedlichen Ansichten ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussvorrichtung mit einem ersten Verschlussteil, an dem ein Versteifungselement angeordnet ist, und einem zweiten Verschlussteil, das teilweise in eine Aufnahme des ersten Verschlussteils eingeschoben wird, in einem unverbundenen Zustand beiden Verschlussteile;

Fig. 11A-11D

in mit den Figuren 10A bis 10D übereinstimmenden Ansichten das vierte Ausführungsbespiel in einem Schließzustand und damit in einem verbundenen Zustand der beiden Verschlussteile.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1A-1F

a first embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a plurality of locking portions of an actuating element, which abut in a closed state on a common, extending within a receptacle of a first closure part holding portion;

Fig. 2A-2C

Individual views of the second closure part with the actuating element in different positions of the actuating element;

FIGS. 3A-3B

different views of the closure device in a closed state and under load;

Fig. 4A-4B

different views of the closure device with actuated actuator in a relaxed state, so that the second closure part of the first closure part is releasable;

Figs. 5A-5F

different views of a second embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a modified actuator having a smaller number of connecting portions, which are respectively connected to the actuating element and the first closure member;

Figs. 6A-6C

Individual views of the second closure part of the closure device of Figures 5A-5F with the actuating element in different positions of the actuating element;

Figs. 7A-7B

different views of the closure device of Figures 5A-5F in a closed state and under load;

Figs. 8A-8B

different views of the closure device of Figures 5A-5F with actuated actuator in a discharged state;

Fig. 9

a third variant of a closure device according to the invention with an actuating element with three locking portions, which are arranged offset in each case by 120 ° in a circumferential direction to each other and rest for holding the second closure member to the first closure member at a radially inner between them holding portion;

10A-10D

in different views, a fourth embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a first closure part, on which a stiffening element is arranged, and a second closure part, which is partially inserted into a receptacle of the first closure part, in an unconnected state, both closure parts;

Figs. 11A-11D

in with the FIGS. 10A to 10D matching views the fourth exemplary embodiment in a closed state and thus in a connected state of the two closure parts.

The attached FIGS. 1A to 9 show different variants of inventive closure devices, each of which realize the features of the appended claims.

The FIGS. 1A to 4B show a first inventive embodiment of a closure device 1 with a first closure part 2 and a second closure part 3 which can be arranged thereon. The second closure part 3 is in a in the Figures 1C . 1F and 3A-3B shown closed state connected to the first closure part 2. The closure device 1 here has an actuating element 4 with two mutually opposite, elastically formed locking portions 41a, 41b, which abut in a closed state at a web-shaped support portion 24 of the first closure member 2 within a receptacle 20 to the second closure member 3 at the first To hold closure part 2.

The two locking sections 41a and 41b, each formed with a corrugated inner contour, are connected to one another via an actuating section 40, which defines a handle opening 400. The second closure part 3 is thereby introduced to close the closure device 1 along a fastening direction E partially in the receptacle 20, so that the locking portions 41 a, 41 b of the actuating element 4 are received in a closed state in the receptacle 20, the actuating portion 40 with the handle opening 400, however, for actuating the actuating element 4 from the outside outside of the receptacle 20 is located.

The positive connection of the locking portions 41a and 41b with the holding portions 24 via two form-fitting portions 41.1a, 41.2a and 41.1b, 41.2b, which at each one of the locking portions 41a or 41b a concave curvature, and two pairs of lateral convex thickenings on the Holding section 24. By the plurality (in the present case two) along the holding section 24 consecutive lateral thickening several (in the present case two) locking positions are given, in which the second closure part 3 is held on the first closure part 2. If the second closure part 3 has been inserted sufficiently far into the first closure part 2, the elastic barrier sections 41a and 41b snap onto the holding section 24. A pair of lateral thickenings of the holding portion 24 is then each partially enclosed in opposing concave curvatures by the form-locking portions 41.1a and 41.2a or 41.1b and 41.2b.

It should be noted at this point that for the specification of a detent position on the holding portion 24 of course, instead of a pair of lateral thickening, a single circumferential thickening, such as a detent, or another, be provided on the holding portion 24 pattern extending geometry can. A geometry which extends in pattern on the holding section can be formed, for example, by projecting spherical surfaces or spherical shells, in particular by microspheres. Basically conceivable in this context is the provision of sections which extend at least partially opposite to the attachment direction E and thus present opposite to the load direction, so that hereby at least one undercut is produced and at a proper connection of the two closure parts 2 and 3 at least one locking portion 41 a , 41b, the holding portion 24 engages behind.

The locking portions 41a, 41b are arranged centrally between two longitudinally extending and formed as a bracket arms insertion portions 30a and 30b of the second closure member 3, the edge portions of the second closure part 3 define. The insertion sections 30a and 30b surround with a connecting end of the second closure part 3, the actuating element 40 in a U-shape. At these insertion portions 30a and 30b are further formed in each case two mutually spaced connecting portions 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d. The connecting sections 5a, 5b and 5c and 5d are connected via film hinges 53 with their insertion section 30a or 30b. Furthermore, the connecting portions 5a to 5d, which have a cylindrical portion with an elliptical base, each connected via a further film hinge 54 with the respective opposite locking portion 41a, 41b.

The lenticular appearing connecting portions 5a to 5d are formed and aligned such that in a force acting on the second closure member 3 force F _B, the respective connecting portions 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d push the locking portions 41a, 41b against the holding portion 24 of the first closure member 2 for holding the second closure part 3 to the first closure part 2. The connecting portions 5a to 5d are connected via the film hinges 53 and 54 to each other with respect to the fastening direction E - offset positions with an insertion section 30a or 30b and the adjacent locking portion 41a or 41b. Moreover, since the film hinges 53 and 54 are arranged respectively along the major axis of the elliptic base of the connecting portions 5a to 5d, the connecting portions 5a to 5d extend in this manner in the unloaded state of the operating member 4 inclined to one with the fastening direction E. coincident extension direction of the locking portions 41a and 41b. In the unloaded state, each main axis of the elliptical base of a lenticular connection section 5a to 5d extends at an acute angle of less than 90 °, for example at an angle in the range of 45 ° to 80 °, in particular of approximately 70 ° to the attachment direction E, see above in that the main axis extends obliquely in each case from the insertion section 30a or 30b, on which a connecting section 5a to 5d is articulated, in the direction of the actuating section 40 of the second closing part 3. The main axes of the connecting sections 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d are oriented in pairs parallel to one another. In this way, the actuating element 4 in the region of its locking portions 41a, 41b can be spread open by pulling on the actuating portion 40 against the fastening direction E and thus a connection with the holding portion 24 can be achieved in a simple manner.

The actuator 4 with its locking portions 41a and 41b is designed so that it can latch with the holding portion 24 of the first closure member 2 and by the interaction of the second closure member 3 with the actuator 4 in a loaded state, for example, when a tensile force F _B engages the second closure part 3, the actuating element 4 is fixedly connected to the first closure part 2 at its holding portion 24 form and frictionally engaged. In other words, under load, a tensile force F _B acting on the second closure part 3 is deflected into a holding force for securing the positive and / or frictional connection between the blocking sections 41 a, 41 b and the holding section 24.

By engaging in the handle opening 400 and pulling on the actuating portion 40, the blocking connection between the actuator 4 and the first closure member 2 can be solved in a simple manner and thus the second closure member 3 against the original attachment direction E are separated from the first closure member 2. Due to the elasticity of its locking portions 41a and 41b and the connection of these locking portions 41a, 41b to the insertion portions 30a, 30b via film hinges 53, 54, spreading of the actuating element 4, in particular in the area of the locking portions 41a, 41b, is achieved by pulling on the actuating element 4 , the locking portions 41a and 41b are further spaced from each other. As a result, the connection of the locking portions 41a, 41b with the holding portion 24 of the first closure part 2 is separated. In other words, an actuating force F _L applied to the actuating element is deflected into a releasing force for releasing a positive and / or frictional connection between the locking sections 41 a, 41 b and the holding section 24.

The actuating element 4 is arranged so movable within the second closure part 3 that the actuation of the actuating element 4 for releasing straight in an operating direction (under application of an actuating force F _L ), in which also the second closure part 3 for separating from the first closure part. 2 is relocated. Accordingly, an intuitive unlocking of the closure device 1 is given by pulling the second closure part 3 inserted into the first closure part 2 in the same direction as the activation element 4 relative to the second closure part 3.

An actuating travel of the actuating element 4 for release is thereby limited by stops 34a, 34b formed on the second closure part 3. Hereby, an excessive and therefore damaging load on the actuating element 4 along the fastening direction E and the film hinges 53, 54 can be avoided upon actuation of the actuating element 4. The stops 34a and 34b can also limit the insertion of the second closure member 3 in the first closure part 2, a displacement of the actuating element 4, when this comes through its locking portions 41a and 41b in contact with the holding portion 24, the web-like along the fastening direction E in the recording 20 protrudes. The stops 34a and 34b thus avoid an excessive and thus damaging loading of the actuating element 4 along the fastening direction E. Thus also when closing the closure device 1 Thus, it is ensured that at a proper closing and opening of the closure device 1 no failure of the film hinges 53, 54 occurs.

At fastening sections 21 and 31 of the closure parts 2 and 3, components which are to be coupled to one another via the closure device 1 can be fastened to one another, such as straps, ropes or lines. The attachment portions 21 and 31 in this case extend substantially transversely to the attachment direction E at one end of the respective closure part 2 or 3. The stops 34a and 34b for limiting the actuation path for the activation element 4 are each close to an (upper) region of the insertion portions 30a , 30b formed on which the insertion sections 30a and 30b are connected to each other via the provided with the attachment portion 31 end of the second closure part 3.

For easier opening and closing of the closure device 1, gripping surfaces 32a and 32b are provided on longitudinal sides of the second closure part 3. These grip surfaces 32a and 32b are provided with a corrugated or roughened surface. By way of this, the second closure part 3 can be gripped securely and held between the fingers of one hand.

In order to facilitate the snap-in of the actuating element 4 on the holding portion 24 when closing the closure device 1, run-up slopes 410a and 410b are provided at the free ends of the locking portions 41a, 41b. A continuous spreading of the actuating element 4 during the insertion of the second closure part 3 into the first closure part 2 is promoted by these run-on slopes 410a, 410b, in that the run-on slopes 410a, 410b slide on the thickening of the holding section 24.

With the FIGS. 5A to 8B a second variant of a closure device 1 'according to the invention is illustrated. In contrast to the previously explained embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B Here, in particular, the actuating element 4 'of a second closure part 3' with its locking portions 41a 'and 41b' designed differently, so that in interaction with a holding portion 24 'of a first closure part 2' only exactly one locking position is predetermined. The blocking portions 41a 'and 41b' each have only a single convexly curved positive-locking region 41.2a or 41.2b with starting slope 410a or 410b at a concave curvature. By means of these form-fit regions 41.2a and 41.2b, the holding section 24 'can be engaged behind by the actuating element 4' in the region of a pair of lateral convex thickenings in order to hold the second closure part 3 'on the first closure part 2'. Accordingly, the number of connecting portions 5b, 5d that connect the locking portions 41a 'and 41b' to the insertion portions 30a and 30b formed as bracket arms is also reduced.

Furthermore, the embodiment of the FIGS. 5A to 8B no inwardly projecting stops 34a, 34b, but a guide member 6, which limits the actuation path of the actuating element 4 '. The guide member 6 is connected to the operating portion 40 and is formed elongated. Furthermore, the guide element 6 has two pin-shaped ends (guide pins) which are displaceably guided along the actuating direction of the actuating element 4 'in each case in a guide opening 36a or 36b on the second closure part 3'. By the guide member 6 in and against the fastening direction E and perpendicular thereto (perpendicular to the plane) acting forces are limited, so that the film hinges 53, 54 can not be overloaded.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 shows a closure device 1 *, in which a first closure part 2 * has a centrally disposed and elongated holding portion 24 * and a second closure part 3 * has three in the circumferential direction about the fastening direction E to each other by 120 ° offset and each at least partially elastically formed locking portions. The holding section 24 * protrudes centrally from a (upper) part of the first closure part 2 * serving as the base and forms three holding webs projecting outwards in a star-shaped cross-section. The three locking portions, of which only two locking portions 41a, 41b in the FIG. 9 are visible, are in a closed state and thus to lock the two closure parts 2 * and 3 * to each other on the retaining webs of the holding portion 24 * blocking. The locking portions 41a, 41b have for this purpose again each a corrugated inner contour. This inner contour corresponds in each case to a corrugated outer contour of a holding web of the holding section 24 *, so that each locking section 41a, 41b can rest thereon positively and frictionally when the second closing part 3 * has been inserted sufficiently far into the first closing part 2 *.

Each blocking section 41a, 41b is also movably arranged here by means of two connecting sections 5a, 5b or 5c, 5d or 5e, 5f configured identically to the preceding exemplary embodiments, at a respectively assigned insertion section 30a, 30b, 30c of the second closing section 3 *. In this case, the pressure-stable cylindrical connecting sections 5a to 5f are each connected via film hinges 53, 54 to a locking section 41a, 41b and to an insertion section 30a, 30b, 30c.

The individual locking portions 41a, 41b are also connected to each other here via a common operating portion 40 * of the actuating element 4 *, so that they can be brought by force application to the actuating portion 40 * simultaneously out of engagement with the holding portion 24 *. The actuating portion 40 * is disc-shaped here.

Also in the closing direction 1 *, the second closure part 3 * is inserted with the actuating element 4 * into a receptacle 20 * of the first closure part 2 *. In the closure device 1 *, the receptacle 20 * of the first closure part 2 * is bounded by three arms connected to and encompassing the holding section 24 *. The three arms are claw-like from a base of the first closure part 2 *. At this base of the first closure part 2 *, for example, a belt or rope section can be fastened.

At a base of the second closure part 3 * opposite the base of the first closure part 2 * in the closed state, three further attachment segments 31a, 31b, 31c projecting laterally transversely to the fastening direction E are further exemplarily formed here. About this attachment portions 31a, 31b and 31c, the closure member can be fixed to one or more other components. The base of the second closure part 3 * also limits the permissible actuation travel of the actuation element 4, in that the actuation section 40 * opposite to the attachment direction E can be displaced maximally up to this base.

It is understood that the illustrated wavy contours of the locking portions 41a, 41b; 41a ', 41b', over which a positive connection between the respective locking portion and a holding portion 24, 24 ', 24 * is possible, are not mandatory. Here also a purely frictional connection could be realized via flat and, for example, correspondingly roughened surface. A positive and / or frictional connection can be achieved for example via a micro-toothing. Here are z. B. substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force or load F _B microscopic locking projections on the locking portions 41 a, 41 b; 41a ', 41b' and / or a holding section 24, 24 ', 24 *. The latching projections may have, for example, a rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular cross section. Accordingly, the locking projections may not only protrude tooth-like, but also be formed by microspheres.

In the FIGS. 10A to 10D and 11A to 11D 1 shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device 1 "according to the invention Figures 10 A to 10D two closure parts 2 "and 3" in an unconnected state while the FIGS. 11A to 11D show the closure device 1 "in the closed state with interconnected closure parts 2" and 3 "in different views.

The second closure part 3 "of this closure device 1" essentially builds on the second closure part 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG FIGS. 1A to 4B on, so that matching elements are identified by identical reference numerals. The second closure part 3 "of FIGS. 10A to 11D thus also has an actuating element 4 arranged and adjustably mounted between two insertion sections 30a "and 30b" located opposite one another. The actuating element 4 comprises the locking portions 41a and 41b and is mounted on connecting portions 5a to 5d at the insertion portions 30a "and 30b" such that the actuating element 4 during Connecting the two closure parts 2 "and 3" together and to release the connected closure parts 2 "and 3" can be spread apart from each other.

Compared to the previously described embodiments, the first closure part 2 "of the closure device 1" is executed reduced and forms no receptacle 20 itself, in the connected state of the two closure parts 2 "and 3" the actuator 4 is taken with its locking portions 41a and 41b. Rather, the first closure part 2 "has a T-shaped cross-section, so that the first closure part 2" thus has a base with the fastening portion 21 and a holding portion 24 "with a latching area 240" extending perpendicularly and web-like away therefrom. on. In the base with the attachment portion 21, for better centering of the first closure part 2 "on the second closure part 3" and for restricting the degrees of freedom of the first closure part 2 "relative to the second closure part 3" in the connected state, two recesses 20a "and 20b" intended. In the recesses 20a "and 20b" engages in the closed state of the closure device 1 "in each case an insertion section 30a" or 30b "of the second closure part 3". The web-like holding portion 24 "thus protrudes between these two recesses 20a" and 20b "on the first closure part 2".

The two insertion portions 30a "and 30b" in the present closure device 1 "together with the base on which the attachment portion 31 is formed again define a U-shaped framed receptacle 30" on the second closure member 3 ", within which not only the activation member 4, but in which also the first closure part 2 "with its holding portion 24" when closing the closure device 1 "can be inserted. In the connected state of the two closure parts 2 "and 3" thus also in this embodiment, the holding portion 24 extends "centrally within a receptacle 30" of the second closure member 3 "to the two closure parts 2" and 3 "to each other on the concern of the locking portions 41 a and 41b at the latching areas 240 "of the holding section 24" located between the insertion sections 30a "and 30b." A difference from the variants explained above is that not even the first closing section 2 "has an (additional) holding section 24". surrounding recording is formed

To build on the construction of a second closure part 2 according to the embodiment of the FIGS. 1A to 4B make sure about the Barrier portions 41a and 41b, a sufficient holding force is applied and the insertion sections 30a and 30b under load not (elastically) deform, so possibly the first closure part 2 "unintentionally released, the second closure part 3" in the embodiment of 10A to 11D stiffened in the region of its insertion sections 30a "and 30b".

For this purpose, a stiffening element in the form of a stiffening sleeve 7 as a separate component is pushed onto the second closure part 3 "along the attachment direction E and fixed to the second closure part 3". The insertion sections 30a "and 30b" are in this case almost completely inserted through the stiffening sleeve 7, so that only the ends of the insertion sections 30a "and 30b" protrude from the stiffening sleeve 7, which engage in the recesses 20a "and 20b" of the first closure part 2 " The length of the stiffening sleeve 7 is further selected so that it does not cover the operating portion 40 with the handle opening 400 in its assembled state and thus the operating portion 40 of the actuating element 4 in the connected state of the two closure parts 2 "and 3" readily outside is accessible.

The stiffening sleeve 7 is fastened to the second closure part 3 "via a snap-in connection For this purpose, first laterally slightly protruding first latching sections with latching lugs 300a" and 300b "are provided at the two insertion sections 30a" and 30b ", which are symmetrical to one another at the two insertion sections 30a "and 30b" formed latching noses 300a "and 300b" snap into corresponding locking openings 70a and 70b of a second latching portion on the stiffening sleeve 7, if this is intended to be pushed onto the second closure part 3 ". In this way, the stiffening sleeve 7 can be mounted without tools on the second closure part 2 "and fixed thereto.

As in particular in the sectional view of Fig. 10D and 11D according to the in the Figures 10C and 11C Marked lines RR and PP is visible, the stiffening sleeve 7 in the assembled state from the outside completely surrounds the two insertion portions 30a "and 30b" completely, thus ensuring that the second closure part 3 "neither upon insertion of the holding portion 24" of the first closure part 2 " between the locking portions 41a, 41b is still extended at a load of the closure device 1 "in the region of its insertion portions 30a" and 30b "and thus the closure device 1" does not close properly or unintentionally opened.It is thus ensured that the two closure parts 2 " and 3 "about the form and / or frictional engagement of the locking portions 41a and 41b are held on the held between them holding portion 24 "in the connected state to each other and their connection can be solved only by operating the actuator 4, as shown for example in the sectional view of Fig. 11C is illustrated.

In particular, in the embodiment of the FIGS. 10A to 10D and 11A to 11D it is conceivable that a second closure part 3 "with different first closure parts 2 or 2" can be combined. In this case, the second closure part 3 "without stiffening sleeve 7 with its insertion sections 30a" and 30b "can be inserted into a receptacle 20 formed by the first closure part 2. If the second closure part 3" is combined with a first closure part 2 ", the itself is not provided Insertion sections 30a "and 30b" almost completely enclosing receptacle 20, but is inserted with its freely projecting holding portion 24 "in the second closure part 3" defined receptacle 30 ", the second closure part 3" is provided for this purpose with the stiffening sleeve 7. Derart can be provided in a simple manner, a kit for different closure devices 1, 1 ', 1 ", in which a second closure part 3" with or without stiffening sleeve 7 with different first closure parts 2, 2' and 2 "can be combined.

A further variant provides that the above-described holding section 24 "is rotationally symmetrical and thus the first closure part 2" and the second closure part 3 "are mutually rotatable in the closed state.

All illustrated embodiments are preferably made of plastic and are characterized in particular due to the pressure-stable connection sections 5a to 5f by an easy manufacturability and excellent robustness, so that they do not fail even in continuous use. Furthermore, in each case the actuating travel for an actuating element 4, 4 ', 4 * is limited to an admissible extent in order to avoid, in particular, an excessive stress on the film hinges 53, 54 upon actuation of the respective actuating element 4, 4', 4 *. In addition, all embodiments shown by an intuitive operation, especially when unlocking, characterized, since this an actuator 4, 4 ', 4 * in the same direction relative to the second closure part 3, 3', 3 ", 3 * must be relocated into which the removal of the second closure part 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3 * from the first closure part 2, 2', 2", 2 * takes place.

Locking devices of the type described here can be used anywhere where two parts are to be releasably connected to each other. For example Such a closure device is suitable as a closure for a bag or other container, as a holding device or as a connecting device for connecting two loaded on train elements, for example, two pull ropes or straps. In concrete application, such a closure device can be used for example for coupling a leash with a collar for pets.

Also conceivable and advantageous are those applications in which the closure device must not rise under load, such as buckles for baby carriers, closures for life jackets or the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 ', 1 ", 1 *

closure device

2, 2 ', 2 ", 2 *

(first) closure part

20, 20 *

admission

20a ", 20b"

recess

21

attachment section

24, 24 ', 24 ", 24 *

holding section

240, 240 "

Rest area

3, 3 ', 3 ", 3 *

(second) closure part

30 "

admission

30a, 30a ", 30b, 30b", 30c

insertion

300a ", 300b"

Latching nose (1st latching section)

31

attachment section

31a, 31b, 31c

attachment section

32a, 32b

grip

34a, 34b

attack

36a, 36b

guide opening

4, 4 ', 4 *

actuator

40, 40 *

actuating section

400

grip opening

41.1a, 41.2a

Form-fit area

41.1b, 41.2b

Form-fit area

410a, 410b

starting slope

41a, 41a '

blocking portion

41b, 41b '

blocking portion

53, 54

film hinge

5a-5f

connecting portion

6

guide element

7

Stiffening sleeve (stiffening element)

70a, 70b

Latch opening (2nd latching section)

e

mounting direction

F _B

traction

F _L

operating force

Claims (15)

1. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) with:

   - a first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*),

   - a second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*), which can be arranged on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) in a fixing direction and which is connected to the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) in a closed state, and

   - at least one actuating element (4, 4', 4*) which is movably arranged on the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*),

   wherein at least one of the closure elements (2, 2', 2", 2*, 3, 3', 3", 3*) has a receptacle (20, 20', 30") into which the other closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*, 3, 3', 3", 3*) can be shoved at least partially,
   wherein the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) in the closed state is held on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) via the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) and for this the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) interacts with the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) such that, in a loaded state, when a force is acting on the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) relative to the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) along the fixing direction, the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) is firmly connected to the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) and holds the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*), while in an unloaded state the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) can be loosened from the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) by activating of the actuating element (4, 4', 4*), and
   wherein the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) has two spatially separated and at least partly elastic locking segments (41a, 41a', 41b, 41b') and an actuating segment (40, 40*) connecting the locking segments (41a, 41a', 41b, 41b') to each other, and the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) bears with the locking segments (41a, 41a', 41b, 41b') against the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*), in order to hold the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*), and the locking segments (41a, 41a', 41b, 41b') can be loosened together from the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) by activating the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) on the actuating segment (40, 40*),
   characterized in that
   in the connected state of the two closure elements (2, 2', 2", 2*, 3, 3', 3", 3*), the at least two locking segments (41a, 41b; 41a', 41b') joined together by the actuating segment (40, 40*) inside the receptacle (20, 20*, 30") respectively bear against a retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*) of the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*), extending inside the receptacle (20, 20*, 30"), in order to hold the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*).
2. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the closed state in a loaded state the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) is held at its locking segment (41a, 41b, 41a', 41b') by friction and/or positive locking on the retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*) of the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*).
3. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two locking segments (41a, 41b, 41a', 41b') of the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) are arranged between at least two edge segments (30a, 30b, 30c; 30a", 30b") of the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*), which are spaced apart transversely to the fixing direction (E) and are shoved into the receptacle (20, 20*) of the first closure element (20, 20*) or frame the receptacle (30').
4. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*), against which a locking segment (41a, 41b, 41a', 41b') bears in the closed state, extends lengthwise and/or centrally within the receptacle (20, 20*, 30").
5. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking segments (41a, 41b, 41a', 41b') bear against a common retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*) of the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*).
6. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the locking segments (41a, 41b; 41a', 41b') each bear against one of at least two retaining surfaces of the retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*) in order to hold the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*).
7. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a friction locking or snap connection between the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) and the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) is locked in the loaded state of the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*), but can be released in the unloaded state of the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*).
8. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

   - the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) in the closed state is held by an at least partly elastic segment on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*),

   - the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) has a connecting segment (5a-5f), which joins together the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) and the actuating element (4, 4', 4*), so that when a force is acting on the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) the connecting segment (5a-5f) acts on a segment of the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) such that the connecting segment (5a-5f) presses the segment of the actuating element (4, 4', 4*) against a retaining segment (24, 24', 24", 24*) of the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*) in order to hold the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) on the first closure element (2, 2', 2", 2*), and

   - the connecting segment (5a-5f) is connected by a first film hinge (53) to the second closure element (3, 3', 3", 3*) and by a second film hinge (54) to the actuating element (4, 4', 4*).
9. Closure device (1, 1', 1", 1*) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the connecting segment (5a-5f) is formed in pressure stable manner between the film hinges (53, 54) and/or in that the connecting segment (5a-5f) between the film hinges (53, 54) is provided with a cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical segment.
10. Closure device (1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - the actuating element (4') in the closed state is held by an at least partly elastic segment on the first closure element (2'),
    and

    - a guide element (6), which is led in at least one guide (36a, 36b), which bounds an activating path of the actuating element (4') on the second closure element (3') for the releasing of the second closure element (3') from the first closure element (2').
11. Closure device (1') according to Claim 10, characterized in that the guide element (6) is connected to the actuating element (4') and the guide (36a, 36b) is formed on the second closure element (3') or in that the guide element is connected to the second closure element and the guide is formed on the actuating element (4').
12. Closure device (1') according to Claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the guide element (6) on the second closure element (3') dictates an activating direction of the actuating element (4') for the releasing of the second closure element (3') from the first closure element (2').
13. Closure device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating segment (40) of the actuating element (4, 4') defines a grip opening (400), which can be engaged in order to activate the actuating element (4, 4').
14. Closure device (1*) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (4*) has more than two spatially separated locking segments (41a, 41b), each of which lies against a retaining segment (20*) of the first closure element (2*) in order to hold the second closure element (3*) via the actuating element (4*) on the first closure element (2*).
15. Closure device (1*) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the locking segments (41a, 41b) are arranged on the actuating element (4*) staggered apart in a circumferential direction about the fixing direction (E).

Images