EP3405062B1 - Closure device for detachably connecting two parts - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates in particular to a locking device for detachably connecting two parts to one another according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a closure device comprises the features of claim 1.

In the case of closure devices, there is often the task, on the one hand, of allowing simple operation when closing and opening and, on the other hand, of ensuring a secure closed position from which no unintentional opening of the closure device is possible.

the DE 10 2007 024 118 A1 , which discloses the preamble of claim 1, describes a closure of the type of a zipper, in which magnetic elements are coupled and lined up with one another in a closed position. A mechanical hold is provided here by engagement of an element in an associated recess on an adjacent closure element.

the U.S. 2004/0107547 A1 describes a closure device in which a closure element with a hook in a closed position is positively engaged with a closure element with a counter-hook.

the U.S. 4,941,236 describes a clasp for a wristwatch which, for example, can have sawtooth-shaped, magnetized sections in cross section.

the U.S. 4,399,595 describes a fastener for clothing that has a magnetic effect.

the EP 0 923 887 A2 describes a magnetic closure device in which two closure parts can be attached to one another and are held together magnetically in a closed position.

According to the aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a closure device of the type mentioned at the beginning with the characterizing feature of claim 1 .

Accordingly, it is provided that the first closure part has at least one first form-fitting section and that the second closure part has at least one second form-fitting section, wherein in the closed position the at least one first form-fitting section and the at least one second form-fitting section engage with one another in a form-fitting manner in order to form a line parallel to the Closing direction directed relative movement of the closure parts relative to each other, through which the closure parts would be removed from each other to prevent. In other words, the form-fitting sections of the first closure part on the one hand and of the second closure part on the other hand engage behind each other in the closed position in a form-fit manner with respect to the closing direction.

The form-fitting engagement of the two closure parts with one another enables a secure connection in the closed position of the closure device. In addition, shearing forces acting on the closure parts can be absorbed as a result.

The closure parts can preferably be designed to be essentially rigid. For example, the closure parts can consist at least partially of a nylon material.

The at least one first form-fitting section and the at least one second form-fitting section have a form-fitting surface running obliquely to the closing direction. In the closed position, the oblique form-fitting surface is engaged behind by a complementary form-fitting surface on the respective other form-fitting section.

According to a development, at least one of the closure parts is provided with at least one first guide section, which is designed to specify a relative movement of the closure parts against one another, when the closure parts are placed on one another, perpendicular to the closing direction, in order to move the at least one first form-fitting section and the at least one second form-fitting section together to bring the positive engagement.

In one variant, a multiplicity of first and second magnet sections are provided.

In this case, in the closed position of the closure device, the second magnet sections can be at least partially accommodated by a multiplicity of intermediate spaces which are each formed between two first magnet sections.

In a variant, at least one of the magnet sections comprises a permanent magnet having a cross-section in the shape of a non-rectangular parallelogram.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first closure part and/or the second closure part comprises a base body which extends essentially parallel to a respective extension plane. In the closed position of the closure device, the closing direction is perpendicular to the plane of extension of the first closure part and/or to the plane of extension of the second closure part.

In one variant, at least one magnet section provided on a closure part and/or at least one permanent magnet provided on a closure part can have at least one surface aligned obliquely to the plane of extension of the base body, which forms a form-fitting surface, a guide surface and/or a contact section.

Possible embodiment variants according to the aspect of the invention are illustrated both by the appended subclaims and in the appended figures and their description.

Fig. 1A

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Verschlussvorrichtung mit Magnetabschnitten und Formschlussabschnitten;

Fig. 1B-1I

Aufsichten und Schnittansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 1A; und

Fig. 2A

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Verschlussvorrichtung mit Magnetabschnitten, die einen parallelogrammförmigen Querschnitt aufweisen; und

Fig. 2B-2D

Aufsichten und Schnittansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 2A.

Show it:

Figure 1A

a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a closure device with magnet sections and form-fitting sections;

Figures 1B-1I

Top and sectional views of the closure device Figure 1A ; and

Figure 2A

a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a closure device with magnet sections having a parallelogram cross-section; and

Figures 2B-2D

Top and sectional views of the closure device Figure 2A .

the Figures 1A to 1I show different views of a first exemplary embodiment of a closure device 1 with magnet sections 21, 31 and positive-locking sections 23, 33. Such a closure device 1 can generally be provided for the detachable connection of two parts to one another. For example, such a closure device 1 can be arranged on a piece of clothing or on a bag.

As for example in the Figure 1A shown, the closure device 1 comprises a first closure part 2 and a second closure part 3, the two closure parts 2, 3 for closing the closure device 1 along a closing direction Z being attachable to one another. Each closure part 2, 3 has a base body 20, 30, which essentially extends in a respective extension plane XY, X'Y'.

Three first magnet sections 21 are arranged on the base body 20 of the first closure part 2, with two adjacent magnet sections 21 being spaced apart from one another and forming an intermediate space 22 between one another. A second magnet section 31 is arranged on a side of the base body 30 of the second closure part 3 that faces the first magnet sections 21 .

In the exploded view according to Figure 1A it becomes clear that each first magnet section 21 comprises a first permanent magnet 211 with a first magnetization direction M1, the first magnetization direction M1 pointing from a north pole N to a south pole S of the respective first permanent magnet 211. Correspondingly, the second magnet section 31 also includes a second permanent magnet 311 with a second magnetization direction M2, which points from a north pole N to a south pole S of the second permanent magnet 311. When the closure device 1 is used, the permanent magnets 211, 311 are arranged in recesses provided for this purpose in the first magnet sections 21 and the second magnet section 31, respectively.

To close the closure device 1, the first closure part 2 and the second closure part 3 can be attached to one another along the closing direction Z in such a way that the closure device 1 has a Figure 1I shown closed position occupies. The respective extension planes XY, X'Y' of the base body 20, 30 of the first closure part 2 and the second closure part 3 in the closed position run essentially parallel to one another and perpendicular to the closing direction Z.

Based on Figure 1I it is clear that the second magnet section 31 is accommodated in the closed position by one of the gaps 22 formed between adjacent second magnet sections 21 . In this case, an attractive magnetic force K1, K2, which is essentially perpendicular to the closing direction Z is directed. The magnetic forces K1, K2 directed perpendicularly to the closing direction Z hold the closure device 1 securely in its closed position.

To generate the attractive magnetic forces K1, K2 in the closed position, the permanent magnets 211, 311 are arranged in the respective magnet sections 21, 31 in such a way that the first direction of magnetization M1 and the second direction of magnetization M2 run parallel to one another and are essentially perpendicular to the closed position Z are. In the closed position, the magnetization directions M1, M2 and the attractive magnetic forces K1, K2 run essentially parallel to the extension planes XY, X'Y' of the base bodies 20, 30.

the Figures 1B to 1I , to which reference is made in more detail below, illustrate an example of a possible closing process of the closure device 1 Figures 1B , 1D , 1F and 1H each provide a top view of the closure device 1 according to FIG Figure 1A in dar, and each subsequent Figures 1C , 1E , 1G and 1I show associated sectional views along the respective section line AA.

In the Figures 1B and 1C an open state of the closure device 1 is shown. On the other hand, they illustrate Figures 1H and 1I a closed position of the closure device 1. Possible intermediate positions which the closure device 1 can assume during a closing process are shown in FIGS Figures 1D to 1G shown.

In addition to the magnet sections 21, the first closure part 2 includes six positive-locking sections 23, two of which laterally frame a magnet section 21 and each have a positive-locking surface 231 running obliquely to the closing direction. Like the magnet sections 21 , the three form-fitting sections 23 are arranged at regular intervals from one another on the base body 20 of the first closure part 2 . Likewise, the second closure part 3 comprises two complementary to the first form-fitting sections 23 second form-fitting sections 33, the frame the second magnet section 31 laterally and each have a form-fitting surface 331 running obliquely to the closing direction Z.

The first form-fitting sections 23, on the one hand, and the second form-fitting sections 33, on the other hand, are provided and arranged so that they engage with one another in a form-fitting manner when the closure device 1 is in the closed position such that a relative movement of the closure parts 2, 3 relative to one another, directed counter to the closing direction Z, by which the Closure parts 2, 3 would be removed from each other is prevented. In other words, the form-fitting sections 23, 33 of the first closure part 2 on the one hand and of the second closure part 3 on the other hand engage behind each other in the closed position in a form-fit manner with respect to the closing direction Z, see FIG Figure 1I . For this purpose, the inclined form-fitting surfaces 231 of the first form-fitting sections 23 face the base body 20 of the first closure part 2 . The form-fitting surfaces 331 of the second form-fitting sections 33 face the base body 30 of the second closure part 3 accordingly.

The form-fitting engagement of the two closure parts 2, 3 by means of the form-fitting sections 23, 33 enables a secure connection in the closed position of the closure device 1. Unintentional opening of the closure device 1 due to a relative movement of the closure parts 2, 3 counter to the closing direction Z, through which the two closure parts 2, 3 would be separated from each other can thus be prevented. In addition, external shearing forces, which can act perpendicularly to the closing direction Z on the closure parts 2, 3, can be absorbed by the form closure of the form closure sections 23, 33 with one another.

In another variant (not shown), the first form-fitting sections 23 and/or the second form-fitting sections 33 can be formed by a "real" mechanical undercut on the respective closure part 2, 3, with the first form-fitting sections 23 and/or the second form-fitting sections 33 each have at least one form-fitting surface running essentially perpendicularly to the closing direction Z.

Furthermore, first guide sections 24, 34 are provided on the two closure parts 2, 3 in each case. The first guide sections 24, 34 in the exemplary embodiment shown are designed as first guide surfaces 241, 341 running obliquely to the closing direction Z on the positive-locking sections 23, 33, which laterally frame the magnet sections 21, 31.

As exemplified in the Figure 1G clarified, the first guide sections 24, 34 are designed so that, when the closure parts 2, 3 are placed on one another, a relative movement R2 of the closure parts 2, 3 directed perpendicularly to the closing direction Z against one another is specified in order to move the at least one first form-fitting section 23 and the at least one second form-fitting section 33 to bring each other into the form-fitting engagement that the in Figure 1I shown closed position corresponds.

For this purpose, the first guide surfaces 241 of the first closure part 2 each form a first contact section 25 for sliding on the first guide surfaces 341 of the second closure part 3. Conversely, the first guide surfaces 341 of the second closure part 3 each form a first contact section 35 for sliding on the first guide surfaces 241 of the first closure part 2.

For example, when the second closure part 3 is attached to the first closure part 2 in the closing direction Z, the second closure part 3 can slide with its first contact sections 35 on the first guide surfaces 241 of the first closure part 2 and thereby be deflected perpendicularly to the closing direction Z (according to the Figure 1G relative movement R2 drawn in) that the form-fitting surfaces 231, 331 of the first closure part 2 and of the second closure part 3 come into positive engagement with one another in order to prevent a relative movement directed parallel to the closing direction Z, through which the closure parts 2, 3 would be moved apart.

When sliding on the first guide surfaces 241 of the first closure part 2, the second closure part 3 is loaded with a shearing force perpendicular to the closing direction Z, which causes the movement to be deflected and the relative movement R2 resulting therefrom into the closed position. This process corresponds to the step of in the Figure 1G shown intermediate position of the closure device 1 to the in Figure 1I shown closed position.

In this way, a particularly simple closing process is made possible, since a user only needs to put the closure parts 2, 3 together approximately along the closing direction Z. The form-fitting locking of the form-fitting sections 23, 33 with one another then occurs almost automatically as a result of the shearing force produced by means of the guide surfaces 241, 341 or by means of the contact sections 25, 35 and the relative movement R2 resulting therefrom. The magnetic attraction between the magnet sections 21, 31 has an additional supporting effect on the closing process.

Like in the Figure 1I shown, in the closed position the first magnet sections 21 and the magnet section 31 are arranged one behind the other collinear with the effective direction of the shearing force occurring for assuming the closed position, ie with the direction of the relative movement R2. The first direction of magnetization M1 of the first permanent magnets 211 arranged in the first magnet sections 21 and the second direction of magnetization M2 of the second permanent magnet 311 arranged in the second magnet section 31 run parallel to one another and are essentially perpendicular to the closing direction Z. With respect to the first direction of magnetization M1 and the second direction of magnetization M2, the first magnet sections 21 and the second magnet section 31 are arranged one behind the other.

The attracting magnetic forces K1, K2, which are directed perpendicularly to the closing direction Z, also hold the closure device 1 in its closed position when the closure parts 2, 3 are subjected to an external shearing force acting against the relative movement R2, provided that the external shearing force exceeds the magnetic forces K1 , does not exceed K2. Unintentional opening of the closure device 1 can be prevented in this way. In contrast, external shearing forces acting on the closure parts 2, 3 in the direction of the relative movement R2 can be absorbed by the form-fitting engagement of the form-fitting sections 23, 33 in the closed position.

In addition to the first guide sections 24, 34, second guide sections 27, 37 are provided on the two closure parts 2, 3 in each case. The second guide sections 27, 37 are also designed as second guide surfaces 271, 371 running obliquely to the closing direction Z on the positive-locking sections 23, 33, which laterally frame the magnet sections 21, 31.

The function of the second guide sections 27, 37 is derived from the step in Figure 1E shown intermediate position to the in Figure 1G shown intermediate position visible. Accordingly, the second guide sections 27, 37 are designed so that when the closure parts 2, 3 are placed on one another, a first relative movement R1 of the closure parts 2, 3 directed perpendicularly to the closing direction Z against one another is initially specified in order to guide the first guide sections 24 of the first closure part 2 on the one hand and the first On the other hand, to bring guide sections 34 of the second closure part 3 into contact with one another (cf. Figure 1G ).

For this purpose, the second guide surfaces 271 of the first closure part 2 each form a second contact section 26 for sliding on the second guide surfaces 371 of the second closure part 3. Conversely, the second guide surfaces 371 of the second closure part 3 each form a second contact section 36 for sliding on the second guide surfaces 271 of the first closure part 2.

For example, in a first step, the second closure part 3 can slide with its second contact sections 36 on the second guide surfaces 271 of the first closure part 2 and thereby be deflected perpendicularly to the closing direction Z (according to the Figure 1E drawn-in first relative movement R1) that the first guide surfaces 241, 341 of the first closure part 2 and of the second closure part 3 come into contact with one another (see Figure 1G ).

In a second step, then the second closure part 3, as already mentioned above with reference to Figures 1G and 1I has been described, along the first guide section 24 in a second relative movement R2 in the direction of the form-fitting section 23 of the first closure part 2 in order to positively engage with it and thus produce the closed position of the closure device 1. The second relative movement R2 is directed in the opposite direction to the first relative movement R1.

The described interaction of the second guide sections 27, 37 and the first guide sections 24, 34 ensures a certain tolerance when attaching the closure parts 2, 3 to one another, which simplifies the closing of the closure device 1 for a user. In this way, the user does not have to make an effort to attach the two closure parts 2, 3 to one another in a targeted manner in the region of their first guide sections 27, 37.

It is of course also possible that when the closure parts 2 , 3 are attached to one another, the first closure part 2 comes into direct contact with the first guide section 34 of the other closure part 3 without being deflected beforehand on the second guide section 37 . In this case, the attachment can take place in the area of the entire width of the first guide sections 24, 34, so that a particularly targeted attachment is not necessary. The first guide sections 24 , 34 taken by themselves thus also contribute to a tolerance in the attachment movement and thus to a particularly simple closing process of the closure device 1 .

the Figure 2A shows a second exemplary embodiment of a closure device 1 according to the invention in a perspective exploded view Figure 2B provides the closure device 1 according to FIG Figure 2A in a plan. In Figure 2C is an associated sectional view along the in Figure 2B drawn section line AA shown. the Figure 2D shows a sectional view of the closure device 1 according to the second embodiment in its closed position.

The in the Figures 2A to 2D The closure device 1 shown has a similar basic structure and function as that referred to in FIG Figures 1A to 1I described closure device 1. The above description of the first embodiment thus applies in principle to the second embodiment according to Figures 2A to 2D .

In contrast to the first embodiment, however, have in the closure device 1 according to Figures 2A to 2D Both the magnet sections 21, 31 and the permanent magnets 211, 311 arranged therein each have a cross-section in the form of a non-rectangular parallelogram (see in particular Figures 2C and 2D ). The first form-fitting sections 23 and the second form-fitting sections 33 are each formed by a surface of a magnet section 21, 31 that runs obliquely to the closing direction Z.

In particular in a cascaded embodiment with at least three first magnet sections 21 and the resulting at least two intermediate spaces 22 (as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS Figures 2A to 2D ) the following advantage: if the second closure part 3 is to be moved from a first closed position, in which it is accommodated by a first intermediate space 22-1, into a second closed position, in which it is accommodated by a second intermediate space 22-2 This is done by a force F applied perpendicularly to the closing direction Z, without the closure device 1 first having to be opened with a force acting counter to the closing direction Z, since the side surfaces of the magnet sections with a parallelogram cross-section redirect the force F accordingly. The locking device 1 thus acts in a similar way to a freewheel, which locks in one direction and can be easily adjusted in the other direction. The closure device 1 can also be opened in a particularly simple manner as a result.

Reference List

1

locking device

2

First closure part

20

Main body of the first closure part

21

First magnet section

211

First permanent magnet

22, 22-1, 22-2

spaces

23

First form-fit section

231

First interlocking surface

24

First guide section

241

First guide surface

25

First investment section

26

Second investment section

27

Second section of leadership

271

Second guide surface

3

Second locking part

30

Main body of the second closure part

31

Second magnet section

311

Second permanent magnet

33

Second form-fitting section

331

Second form-fitting surface

34

First guide section

341

First guide surface

35

First investment section

36

Second investment section

37

Second section of leadership

371

Second guide surface

f

power

K1, K2

magnetic forces

M1

First direction of magnetization

M2

Second direction of magnetization

N

North Pole

R1, R2

relative movements

S

South Pole

XY, X'Y'

Extension planes of the basic bodies

Z

closing direction

Claims (13)

1. A closure device (1) for detachably connecting two parts together, with:

   - a first closure part (2) which has at least two first magnetic portions (21) which are spaced apart from one another and form an intermediate space (22) between them, and

   - a second closure part (3) which has at least one second magnetic portion (31), wherein the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) can be placed against each other in a closing direction (Z), such that the closure device (1) assumes a closed position in which the at least one second magnetic portion (31) is at least partially received in the intermediate space (22), wherein in the closed position, an attractive magnetic force (K1, K2), which is oriented perpendicularly to the closing direction (Z), acts between firstly the at least one second magnetic portion (31) and secondly each of the at least two first magnetic portions (21) forming the intermediate space (22),

   wherein the first closure part (2) has at least one first form-fit portion (23), and the second closure part (3) has at least one second form-fit portion (33), wherein, in the closed position, the at least one first form-fit portion (23) and the at least one second form-fit portion (33) stand in form-fit engagement with each other, in order to prevent a relative movement of the closure parts (2, 3) against each other parallel to the closing direction (Z),

   the closure device is characterized in that

   the at least one first form-fit portion (23) and the at least one second form-fit portion (33) have a form-fit face (231, 331) running obliquely to the closing direction (Z), wherein, in the closed position, the form-fit faces (231, 331) engage behind each other.
2. The closure device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first closure part (2) has a plurality of first magnetic portions (21) which are evenly spaced apart, wherein in each case two first magnetic portions (21) form between them an intermediate space (22) which is configured to at least partially receive the at least one second magnetic portion (31) in the closed position.
3. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that on at least one of the closure parts (2, 3), at least one first guide portion (24, 34) is provided which is configured, when the closure parts (2, 3) are placed against each other, to predefine a relative movement (R2) of the closure parts (2, 3) against each other in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction (Z), in order to bring the at least one first form-fit portion (23) and the at least one second form-fit portion (33) into form-fit engagement with each other.
4. The closure device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the at least one first guide portion (24, 34) is formed by a face of the magnetic portion (21, 31) running obliquely to the closing direction (Z).
5. The closure device (1) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one first guide portion (24, 34) comprises at least one first guide face (241, 341) running obliquely to the closing direction (Z).
6. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first form-fit portion (23) and/or the at least one second form-fit portion (33) is formed by an undercut on the respective closure part (2, 3).
7. The closure device (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the first and/or second form-fit portion (23, 33), formed by an undercut on the respective closure part (2, 3), has at least one form-fit face running substantially perpendicularly to the closing direction (Z).
8. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first magnetic portion (21) comprises at least one first permanent magnet (211) with a first magnetization direction (M1), and the at least one second magnetic portion (31) comprises at least one second permanent magnet (311) with a second magnetization direction (M2).
9. The closure device (1) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that in the closed position of the closure device (1), the at least one first magnetic portion (21) and the at least one second magnetic portion (31) are arranged such that the first magnetization direction (M1) and the second magnetization direction (M2) run parallel to each other and are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the closing direction (Z).
10. The closure device (1) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that in the closed position of the closure device (1), the at least one first magnetic portion (21) and the at least one second magnetic portion (31) are arranged behind one another in relation to the first magnetization direction (M1) and the second magnetization direction (M2).
11. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the magnetic portions (21, 31) and/or at least one of the permanent magnets (211, 311) has a cross-section in the form of a non-rectangular parallelogram.
12. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) are formed structurally identically apart from the respective magnetization directions (M1, M2) of the first and second permanent magnets (211, 311).
13. The closure device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second closure part (3) comprises a plurality of second magnetic portions (31) which are evenly spaced apart from each other, wherein in each case two second magnetic portions (31) form between them an intermediate space (32) which is configured to at least partially receive the at least one first magnetic portion (21) in the closed position.

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