Closure for the releasable connection of two elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a clasp, in particular for necklaces, bracelets or other pieces of jewelry, comprising a first clasp part (1) with a receiving space (6), a second clasp part (2) which can be inserted into the receiving space (6) on the first clasp part (1) and a locking mechanism for unlocking the second clasp part (2) in the receiving space (6) of the first clasp part (1), wherein the locking mechanism has at least one spring element (5) arranged on one of the two clasp parts (1;2) which can be actuated transversely to an insertion direction of the second clasp part (2) and which interacts with a locking projection (7) formed on the other clasp part (2;1) for locking and which is tensioned when the second clasp part (2) is inserted into the receiving space (6) of the first clasp part (1) and engages behind the locking projection (7) under its spring force when an insertion depth is reached.The invention aims to create an improved clasp, particularly for jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets, that is discreet and easy to use, yet also reliable and secure. This is achieved by providing the clasp part (2), which has the locking projection (7), with a release pin (9) that is slidable along the clasp part (2) in the insertion direction. This release pin has an actuating surface that can be positioned against the at least one spring element (5), lifting the spring element out of the locking projection (7) against its spring action. The solution according to the invention allows for particularly easy operation of the clasp, even without having visual contact with it, which can often be the case, for example, when putting on or taking off a necklace.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure for the releasable connection of two elements, according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] German patent DE 198 47 052 ​​C2 discloses a clasp for jewelry components, which is cited as an example of a carabiner clasp. It consists of a hook-shaped, curved base body open on one side and a movable locking lever connected to it. In its rest position, into which it is pressed by the force of a spring, the locking lever at least partially closes the opening of the base body and, together with the base body and spring, forms a first closed eye. The connection between the base body and the locking lever is formed exclusively by the spring, which is connected at its ends to the base body on one side and to the locking lever on the other. The locking lever has a lever arm that, in its resting position, points towards the side of the base body opposite the opening and projects into an elongated recess in the base body.The length and position of the recess determine the maximum deflection of the locking lever, with the locking mechanism featuring a second closed eye formed by the base body, the spring, and the locking lever with its attached lever arm. Such locking components are visually conspicuous, which is undesirable in many cases. Furthermore, these types of locks are difficult to handle, particularly due to the small lever length. Well-known spring ring locks exhibit the same disadvantages.

[0003] Commercially available magnetic clasps, which lack safety features and therefore must be sheared or pulled apart with considerable force to open, can open unintentionally if the jewelry gets caught on something. With excessively strong magnets, the jewelry can even break. German patent DE 2007 018 237 U1 discloses a magnetic clasp that incorporates a bayonet fitting as a safety measure to prevent accidental loss, in contrast to a classic magnetic clasp. However, the bayonet fitting requires a guide groove and a projection, which complicates operation, as the clasp can only be closed in one specific, predetermined position relative to each other.

[0004] German patent DE 298 07 859 U1 describes a clasp for jewelry, comprising a case with a side opening providing access to the interior. Inside the case are two levers, each pivotally mounted at its ends furthest from the opening on a projecting pivot bearing. Each lever has a projection extending from the case through a recess in its long, narrow sides. When pressure is applied to these projections, the levers pivot around the projections against the force of a wire spring. This causes the ends of the two levers closest to the opening to be pressed towards the adjacent long, narrow sides of the case. These ends each have an engagement element with inclined surfaces that slope downwards in the insertion direction of the first end of the jewelry piece towards the adjacent long, narrow side.Following this, an undercut is provided on each engagement element, which interacts with a hook-shaped engagement element on the extensions. When the first end of the jewelry is inserted into the housing, the engagement elements of the first end of the jewelry slide onto the inclined surfaces of the engagement elements of the levers and deflect them against the force of the spring until the engagement elements have slid over the projecting edge of the undercuts and the levers spring back. This is intended to create a particularly reliable and secure clasp, since, in addition to the frictional connection between the levers and the extensions of the plug-in part of the first end of the jewelry, the spring ensures a simultaneous positive fit at the undercuts between the engagement elements of the end of the jewelry and the engagement elements of the lever.A disadvantage of this known clasp is not only its relatively complex construction, but also the cumbersome process of releasing the locking mechanism between the clasp located inside the housing and the end of the jewelry piece inserted through the opening in the housing. This requires pressing two small protrusions protruding from the housing together to move the levers apart against the force of the spring, thereby releasing their engagement with the end of the jewelry piece. Furthermore, these protrusions detract from the clasp's design.

[0005] German patent DE 197 41 406 C2 discloses a clasp for jewelry components, which is cited as an example of a bayonet clasp. In this clasp, the guide groove is located on the plug part and a projection is found in the plug receptacle. A spring is located in the housing of the plug receptacle, which is compressed when the plug part is inserted. After the plug part is rotated, the spring expands again and secures the plug part in the designated recess of the groove. The fact that only one precise orientation of the two clasp parts must be maintained relative to each other makes operation more difficult.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved clasp, particularly for jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets, which is discreet and easy to use, yet also reliable and secure. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The embodiment according to the invention, in which the locking element having the locking projection is provided with a release plug that is slidable along the locking element in the insertion direction and has an actuating surface that can be positioned against the at least one spring element and lifts it out of the locking projection against its spring action, allows for particularly easy operation of the closure, even without having visual contact with it, which can often be the case, for example, when putting on or taking off a necklace. To unlock, the release plug simply needs to be moved in the axial direction or insertion direction of the locking element, whereby its actuating surface comes into contact with the spring element and then lifts it out of its engagement with the locking projection – transversely to the direction of movement of the release element.

[0008] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the release plug can be designed in the form of a sliding sleeve which is axially displaceable on the locking part having the locking projection. The receiving chamber can have a round, oval or polygonal cross-section, with the second locking part being adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving chamber.

[0009] The actuating surface of the release plug is preferably adapted in shape and dimensions to the design of the locking projection. Thus, if the locking projection is designed as an annular ring in one embodiment, which has proven particularly advantageous when the locking element is designed as a rotationally symmetrical component, the actuating surface of the release plug is then preferably also annular, and may have the same or a slightly larger outer diameter.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second locking element can have a guide head adapted to the inner cross-section of the receiving space, with a rib adjoining its rear end face. The guide head then forms, with its rear end face in the insertion direction, the locking projection for the at least one spring element. In this embodiment, the release plug can preferably be mounted axially displaceable on the rib in the direction towards the guide head and in the opposite direction, and thus be easily moved relative to the rib of the locking element.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release plug can be provided with an actuating projection that is extended relative to the actuating surface on a rearward area facing away from the locking projection. This allows the release plug to be easily located and actuated even without visual contact.

[0012] Preferably, at least one spring element is associated with a correspondingly adapted recess formed in a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber, into which the spring element can be moved when the second locking part is inserted and removed. When the locking mechanism is unlocked by sliding the release plug, the at least one spring element is then moved into its corresponding, adapted recess. The spring element, now under preload, receives lateral support in the recess and is protected in this position, so that no damage is to be expected.

[0013] It is particularly preferred if the at least one spring element is designed in the manner of a leaf spring clamped at one end, which interacts with the locking bar projection via a free bar end projecting radially inwards or outwards relative to the clamped end. The leaf spring can have essentially any cross-sectional shape, e.g., a rectangular, round, or oval cross-section, and the shape is not limited to these examples. Depending on the choice of cross-sectional shape and spring material, various spring constants and section moduli result, which can be advantageously selected for different applications.

[0014] If the locking mechanism has several spring elements, preferably arranged axially or rotationally symmetrically, a uniformly good locking effect is ensured over the circumference of the closure.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a locking element acting between the second connector part and the release plug, wherein the arrangement can advantageously be such that the release plug is provided with the locking element to secure its position. If the release plug is designed as a sliding sleeve that is slidable along a ridge formed on the second connector part, the locking element is arranged on the second connector part, preferably such that it secures the sliding sleeve essentially only in its retracted rest position, by sliding the sleeve over the locking element in this position. As soon as the sleeve is moved a certain distance towards the first connector part to release the spring elements, it disengages from the locking element arranged at the rear end of the ridge and can then move freely without resistance.In a particularly simple and cost-effective version, the locking element can therefore be an O-ring or a comparable component made of an elastomer material, which is arranged under slight tension between the second plug part and the release plug.

[0016] It is possible to provide the release plug with an insertion aid, in particular, for example, with a ramp facing the spring element or a guide cone, which facilitates lifting the spring element out of its locking position. It can also be advantageous to provide permanent magnets on the first and / or second locking part, particularly in the receiving area and / or in the area of ​​the locking projection, which provide the operator with guidance / threading assistance when closing the lock by centering one locking part relative to the other due to the effective magnetic forces.

[0017] Further details and advantages of the invention can be found in the exemplary embodiments, which are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] It shows: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a closure according to the invention in the open state, in longitudinal section; Fig. 2 the subject of the Fig. 1 in the closed state, in longitudinal section; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a closure according to the invention in the open state, in longitudinal section; Fig. 4 a third embodiment of a closure according to the invention in the open state, in longitudinal section; Fig. 5 The closure according to the invention in the closed state in a cross-section AA according to Fig. 2; . Fig. 6 to 9 Alternative designs of the closure according to the invention in the closed state in Fig. 5 corresponding illustrations.

[0019] The various closures illustrated as examples in the drawings are primarily used to close pieces of jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets.

[0020] A first embodiment of the closure shows Fig. 1 in the open and Fig. 2 in the closed state. The closure essentially consists of a first closure part 1 and a second closure part 2, the design of which is adapted to the first closure part so that it can be inserted into it. The first closure part 1, which can also be referred to as the plug receptacle, forms a housing 3 with a receiving chamber 6, in the circumferential wall of which several recesses 4 are provided. These recesses 4 are adapted in shape and number to leaf-spring-like springs 5, which are clamped at their front end, on the right side in the drawing, at the edge of the opening of the receiving chamber 6. The arrangement is such that, in the unloaded state, the free ends of the springs, which are spaced away from the opening, project radially inwards into the receiving chamber, i.e., they are arranged obliquely or conically, which can be clearly seen in the longitudinal sectional views of the drawing.To interact with the springs 5, the second locking or plug part 2 forms an elongated web 8 with a front head 7 and a projection 10 at the opposite end. A release plug 9 is axially displaceably mounted on the web, which has a smaller cross-section than the head 7 and projection 10. Since all the embodiments shown in the drawings have webs with a circular cross-section, the release plug is formed by a tube or a sliding sleeve 9 whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the web 8, so that the release plug can be easily slid along it. The outer diameter of the release plug 9 is adapted to that of the head 7 or is slightly larger than it.

[0021] The two closure parts 1 and 2 can preferably be arranged at two different ends of a necklace, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry that must be opened and closed for putting on and taking off. The two ends (or two other elements) are connected by inserting the second closure part or plug part 2, head 7 first, into the housing 3 of the first closure or plug receiving part 1. As the plug part 2 is inserted into the receiving space 6, the head 7 pushes the springs 5 ​​radially outward, while the plug part 2 is pushed increasingly deeper into the receiving space 6. The outwardly bent springs then enter their respective recesses 4, which are adapted to the length and shape of the springs. The lateral walls of these recesses reliably prevent the springs from bending in any direction other than radially.After the head 7 has passed the springs 5, these spring back to their relaxed original position, with their free ends, located inside the receiving chamber, engaging on the left side in the longitudinal section views against the rear end face of the head 7, which forms a locking projection. The second locking part 2 is thus positively locked into the first locking part 1. To allow the plug part 2 to be pulled out of the receiving chamber 6 of the first locking part 1, the release plug 9 is provided, which is mounted to move axially back and forth along the web 8. To release the locking mechanism, it can be pulled out of its first, rear position into the... Fig. The head 7, shown in positions 1 to 4, is moved forward towards the first locking part 1 and the head 7 locked therein by the springs 5. In doing so, its annular front face, whose outer diameter is slightly larger than that of the head 7, comes into contact with the obliquely inwardly directed springs in the housing 3 and, with increasing axial insertion depth into the housing 3, pushes these springs radially outwards until the springs are compressed so far into their respective recesses that their free ends no longer engage the locking projection of the head 7, and the head 7 can thus be withdrawn freely from the first locking part.

[0022] Depending on the specific embodiment, different cross-sectional contours can be selected. In the Fig. 5-9 show some suitable examples.

[0023] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of an embodiment in which the housing 3 has a round shape. The receiving chamber (6) also has a round shape, as does the connector part 2, which is adapted to the shape of the receiving chamber 6. The round geometry of the connector part 2 is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for a precisely defined relative position of the two locking parts, which significantly simplifies the insertion of the connector part 2 into the receiving chamber. The recesses 4 for the springs 5, also provided in the housing in this embodiment, are geometrically matched to the shape of the springs 5. In this embodiment, the springs 5 ​​have a rectangular cross-section, which is reflected in the shape of the recesses 4. The geometric shape of the web 8 depends on that of the interior of the tube 9; in this embodiment, the web 8 and the interior of the release plug 6 have a round cross-section.

[0024] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in a corresponding representation as Fig. 5. Here, the housing 3 has a rectangular cross-section, including the receiving space 6. Accordingly, the connector part 2 also has a rectangular cross-sectional shape adapted to the shape of the receiving space 6. The recesses 4 provided in the housing for the springs 5 ​​are geometrically matched to the shape of the springs 5. Since the springs 5 ​​are rectangular in this embodiment, the corresponding recesses 4 also have a rectangular shape. The design of the web 8 is adapted to the inner cross-section of the tube 6 and is rectangular in this embodiment.

[0025] In the further, in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the housing 3 is again round in cross-section, and the receiving space 6 also has a round shape. The connector part 2 is adapted to the shape of the receiving space 6. Here, too, the housing 3 has recesses 4 for the springs 5. Since the springs 5 ​​have a circular cross-section in this embodiment, the groove-like recesses 4 have a groove base adapted to the circular shape.

[0026] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the housing 3 and the receiving chamber 6 formed therein are again round in cross-section. The connector part 2 is adapted to the shape of the receiving chamber 6. In this embodiment, the springs 5 ​​are formed by several segments of a tubular profile. Since the combined shape of the four springs forms a round tubular profile, a corresponding clearance is provided for the recess 4 in the wall of the receiving chamber. The design according to this embodiment can offer advantages arising from Fig. 4.

[0027] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the housing 3 has an oval shape on the outside, while the receiving chamber 6 has a round cross-section, and the connector part 2 is adapted to it. Here too, the housing contains recesses 4 for the springs, each aligned with the others.

[0028] Turning now back to the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the head 7 of the second locking or plug part 2 is rounded at the front. This facilitates the insertion of the plug part 2 into the receptacle on the first locking or plug receptacle part 1. Alternatively, other geometries for the front guide surface of the head can be chosen, e.g., tapered or flat. At the opposite end of the head, i.e., towards the rear rib 8, it is important that the geometry includes a step or shoulder relative to the rib 8, against which the springs 5 ​​engage and find a secure hold. The head 7 can have a certain length with a constant diameter or cross-section between the front guide surface and the subsequent shoulder at the transition to the rib 8, which serves as a guide and simplifies insertion into the receiving space 4.

[0029] A key element of the locking mechanism is the release plug 9, designed as a tube or sliding sleeve in the exemplary embodiments, which is mounted to move axially back and forth along the web 8. Its profile geometry can also vary; the internal shape is fundamentally adapted to the shape of the web 8 and can therefore be freely selected to ensure axial movement. Where the tube 9 needs to be moved into the plug receptacle 1, its external shape is adapted to the geometry of the receiving space 6. It should be slightly larger than the head 7. This ensures that the springs are reliably disengaged from the stop collar formed by the rear edge of the head when the tube is pushed into the receiving space until it reaches the stop against the rear end face of the head for release.

[0030] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the release plug has a pipe projection 12 on its rear side, which allows the tube 9 to be easily located and operated. The geometric shape of the pipe projection 12 is not limited to the example shown; it can be designed according to the desired specifications.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the tube 9 has a chamfer 15 or bevel at its front end, which points towards the head. A tapered shape is chosen for the chamfer 15. This design simplifies the insertion of the plug part into the plug receptacle 1, into the designated receiving space, and under the free ends of the springs 5. Alternatively, other geometries for the chamfer 15 can be chosen, e.g., tapered or flat.

[0032] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is a means of securing the tube 9 in the closed position. This is advantageous to prevent unintentional opening of the closure. The securing mechanism can be achieved in a variety of ways. Depending on the intended application of the closure, a choice can be made, for example, between an elastic band, a spring, magnets, or a ring made of elastic material 13 adapted to the geometric shape of the bridge 8, e.g., an O-ring.

[0033] An example is in Fig. Figure 4 shows the elastic ring 13 attached to the side of the bridge 8 facing away from the head 7, near the projection 10 on the bridge. For mounting the appropriately designed closure part, the rear collar 19 can be provided with a threaded hole into which the bridge, which has an external thread on the rear, is screwed. A drop of thread-locking compound reliably prevents the screw connection from loosening unintentionally. Before final assembly, the elastic ring is slid onto the bridge, and then the tube is placed over it. When the tube 9 is slid over the elastic ring 13, the ring is compressed slightly, thereby exerting a certain amount of pressure on the tube 9 and securing it. This prevents the tube 9 from moving, for example, due to sudden movements, and thus from unintentionally opening the closure.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, permanent magnets 11 are provided in both the connector receptacle 1 and the connector 2 to simplify operation. These primarily serve as an additional threading aid and not for force transmission. The geometric shape of the magnets 11 is also preferably suited to the requirements of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Fig. The geometric specifications explained in section 1 were chosen.

[0035] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments; rather, various modifications and additions are recognizable to the person skilled in the art, which fall within the scope of the invention. In particular, all new and / or advantageous individual features and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawings can each be essential to the invention and can also be combined with one another in essentially any way without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0036] The invention provides a closure for connecting two elements, wherein the closure part consists of detachably connected parts, one of which is designed as a plug receptacle 1 and the other as a plug part 2, wherein any number of springs 5 ​​can be arranged in the housing 3 of the plug receptacle 1, which enable the head 7 to snap into place when the plug part 2 is inserted into the receiving space 6. The cross-section of the housing 3 can have any geometric shape, and the shape of the plug part 2 can be adapted to that of the receiving space 6.

[0037] The springs 5 ​​can have any geometric shape, with the recesses 4 being able to accommodate the springs 5 ​​appropriately. The plug part 2 preferably consists of a head 7, a bridge 8 and a tube 9, wherein the tube 9 is expediently mounted to be axially movable back and forth on the bridge 8 and can be moved between a first position in which the closure is closed and a further position in which the springs 5 ​​are bent into the recesses 4 provided for this purpose, thus enabling the closure to be opened.

[0038] Advantageously, the tube 9 can have a tube projection 12. It can also have a locking mechanism in the closed position.

[0039] It is also advantageous if permanent magnets 11 are fixed in both connector receptacle part 1 and connector part 2, thus facilitating the insertion of one into the other locking part. For easier insertion, the head and / or the tube can also have a chamfer. Reference symbol list: 1 first locking part / plug receptacle part 2 second locking part / plug part 3 housings 4. Recess for spring 5 Spring (element) 6 Recording room 7 (Guide) head / bar projection 8 bridge 9 release plugs / tubes 10 lead 11 Permanent magnet 12 Pipe projection / actuating projection 13 elastic material / safety element 14 Recording chamber tubes 15° chamfer / run-on slope QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 198 47 052 ​​C2

[0002] DE 2007 018 237 U1

[0003] DE 298 07 859 U1

[0004] DE 197 41 406 C2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Clasp, especially for necklaces, bracelets or other pieces of jewellery, with - a first closure part (1) with a receiving space (6), - a second closure part (2) which can be inserted into the receiving space (6) on the first closure part (1), - a locking mechanism for the unlockable locking of the second closure part (2) in the receiving space (6) of the first closure part (1), wherein the locking mechanism has at least one spring element (5) arranged on one of the two closure parts (1; 2) which can be actuated transversely to an insertion direction of the second closure part (2), which spring element cooperates with a locking projection (7) formed on the other closure part (2; 1) for locking and which is tensioned when the second closure part (2) is inserted into the receiving space (6) of the first closure part (1) and engages behind the locking projection (7) under its spring force when an insertion depth is reached,characterized by in that the locking part (2) having the locking projection (7) is provided with an unlocking plug (9) which is displaceable in the insertion direction along the locking part (2) and which has an actuating surface which can be positioned against the at least one spring element (5) and which lifts the latter out of the locking projection (7) against its spring action. [2] Closure according to claim 1, characterized by that the unlocking plug (9) is designed in the form of a sliding sleeve which is mounted in an axially displaceable manner on the locking part (2) having the locking projection (7). [3] Closure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the receiving space (6) has a round, oval or polygonal cross-section and that the second closure part (2) is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving space. [4] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the actuating surface of the release plug (9) is adapted in shape and dimensions to the design of the locking projection (7). [5] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second closure part (2) has a guide head (7) which is adapted to the inner cross-section of the receiving space (6) and forms the locking projection, with a web (8) adjoining its rear end face, wherein the rear end face of the guide head forms the locking projection for the at least one spring element (5) and the unlocking plug (9) is mounted on the web so as to be axially displaceable in the direction of the guide head (7). [6] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the unlocking plug (9) is provided with an actuating projection (12) which is extended relative to the actuating surface in a rear area facing away from the locking projection. [7] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one spring element (5) is assigned an adapted recess (4) formed in a peripheral wall of the receiving space (6), into which recess the spring element can be displaced when the second closure part (2) is inserted and pulled out. [8] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one spring element (5) is designed in the manner of a leaf spring clamped on one side, which cooperates with the locking projection by means of a free locking end projecting radially inwards or outwards relative to the clamped end. [9] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking mechanism has several, preferably axially symmetrically arranged spring elements (5). [10] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a securing element (13) acting between the second plug part (2) and the unlocking plug (9). [11] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the unlocking plug (9) is provided with an insertion aid, in particular a run-up slope (15) directed towards the spring element (5) or a guide cone. [12] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by permanent magnets (11) provided on the first and / or second closure part, in particular in the receiving space (6) and / or in the region of the locking projection (7).

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