Locking assembly for locking at least one traction element

Abstract

Locking assembly for locking at least one traction element (S2), comprising a first locking part (1) and a second locking part (2), wherein the first and second locking parts (1, 2) can be attached to and connected to one another and the second locking part (2) has a functional section (200) for guiding at least one traction element (S2) on the second locking part (2), characterized by that the first and second locking parts (1, 2) are adjustable relative to each other between at least two relative positions in a connected state, wherein the first and second locking parts (1, 2) are jointly displaceable along the at least one tension element (S2) in at least one of the relative positions, and in another relative position the first locking part (1) is provided for locking the at least one tension element (S2) to the second locking part (2), wherein the locking assembly (A) is thereby at least restrained against displacement along the at least one tension element (S2), and that the first and second locking parts (1, 2) are in a starting position relative to each other after being attached to each other, which corresponds to a first relative position, and are adjustable relative to each other into a locking position which corresponds to a second relative position, wherein the at least one traction element (S2) can be locked in the locking position via a locking area (102a) of the first locking part (1) on the second locking part (2) and at least one positive locking element (102, 202) on one locking part (1, 2) of the first and second locking parts (1, 2) is positively locked in a receptacle (203, 103) on the other locking part (2, 1) of the first and second locking parts (1, 2).

Description

[0001] The proposed solution concerns a locking assembly for locking at least one traction element.

[0002] Fastening elements are widely known in various forms, such as webbing, straps, cords, ropes, strings, or shoelaces. Especially when used on clothing, accessories, shoes, backpacks, bags, or protective clothing, these elements must be regularly tensioned and locked in a taut state. Buckles are frequently used for this purpose. Shoelaces are typically locked in a taut state using a conventional knot, cord stopper, or at least a hook-and-loop fastener. Current locking mechanisms for these elements are often inconvenient or inefficient. When using cord stoppers, the length of the fastening elements must be determined by the maximum opening required for the specific application. This results in, for example, bothersome, relatively long loose ends on shoelaces. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this area.

[0003] Against this background, a locking assembly for locking at least one traction element with first and second locking parts is proposed.

[0004] According to the proposed solution, a locking assembly comprises a first locking element and a second locking element, wherein the first and second locking elements can be attached to and connected to one another (by a user of the locking assembly). The second locking element has a functional section for guiding at least one traction element on the second locking element (e.g., for the sliding mounting of the second locking element on the at least one traction element). In a connected state, the first and second locking elements are adjustable relative to each other between at least two relative positions.In at least one of the relative positions, the first and second locking parts are jointly displaceable along the at least one traction element, and in another relative position, the first locking part is provided for locking the at least one traction element to the second locking part, whereby the locking assembly is at least inhibited against displacement along the at least one traction element.

[0005] The proposed solution is based on the fundamental idea of ​​a locking assembly (without a pull cord) in which two separable first and second locking elements are provided as individual components. These elements can be connected by a user by simply attaching them to one another to lock the at least one pull cord. The second locking element is designed for sliding mounting on the at least one pull cord, so that the second locking element—when disconnected from the first locking element—is freely movable along the pull cord. In this disconnected, separated state, the first and second locking elements can each be held securely by at least one common intermediate element, such as a cord. However, this is not mandatory and may even be disadvantageous in some applications.To lock the traction element relative to the second locking element, the first and second locking elements must first be connected. In the connected state, the first and second locking elements remain movable along the at least one traction element in at least one relative position. However, in this connected state, the first and second locking elements can also assume at least one—or exactly one—other relative position in which the first locking element is designed to lock the at least one traction element to the second locking element. Thus, in the locking assembly comprising the at least one traction element, the first locking element locks the traction element to the second locking element. This prevents the locking assembly from moving freely along the at least one traction element and may even completely prevent its movement.A restraint on the movement of the locking assembly along the traction element therefore implies that the locking of the traction element by the first locking element against the second locking element prevents and thus blocks any movement of the locking assembly along the traction element. For example, with one embodiment of the proposed locking assembly, a webbing, strap, cord, rope, string, or shoelace can be tensioned and locked in a tensioned state by the first and second interconnected locking elements.

[0006] In principle, it can be provided that the first and second locking elements are jointly slidable along the at least one tension element and adjustable relative to each other in the connected state when the first and second locking elements are in a first relative position. From such a first relative position, the first and second locking elements can be adjustable (relative to each other) into a second relative position, whereby in this second relative position the first locking element is provided for locking the at least one tension element to the second locking element, thereby at least restraining the locking assembly against displacement along the at least one tension element.This therefore includes a design variant in which it is possible to adjust the first and second locking parts from a first relative position originally assumed after attachment to another (second) relative position, in which the first locking part is provided for locking the at least one traction element to the second locking part.

[0007] Within the framework of the proposed solution, it is also possible for a (second) relative position, in which the first locking element is designed to lock the at least one tension member to the second locking element, to be assumed upon joining the locking elements. The at least one tension member can thus be locked solely by joining the first and second locking elements, without requiring any additional relative displacement of the locking elements after they are connected. Even in such an embodiment, the first and second locking elements, in their connected state, are adjustable to at least one further (first) relative position relative to each other, in which the first and second locking elements are jointly slidable along the at least one tension member, and thus the entire locking assembly is slidable along the at least one tension member.

[0008] Because the first and second locking elements are separate, and in particular completely separable, components of the locking assembly, and only need to be connected to each other to lock the at least one tensioning element, the second locking element, for example, can be freely moved along the tensioning element when unconnected to the first locking element. This makes handling extremely convenient for the user, as, for example, tensioning the tensioning element for lashing is only possible when connected to the second, first locking element. In an unconnected state, the second locking element is freely movable along the at least one tensioning element. Accordingly, separating the two locking elements also releases the tensioning element, so that any lashing achieved in this way is and remains completely released.Furthermore, the separability of the locking assembly allows for shorter tensioning elements than would be possible without this feature. For example, with shoelaces, the tensioning elements can be shorter than with laces that are tensioned using a standard cord lock and are not easily detachable. In the latter case, the length is primarily determined by the intended tensioning range and not by the opening width of the shoe required to put it on. However, one version of the proposed solution allows for the latter.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first and second locking elements are pivotable and / or slidable relative to each other in the connected state, in particular essentially linearly slidable. The adjustment movement provided in the connected state for locking the at least one tension element thus includes a pivoting movement and / or a translational movement. For example, the first and second locking elements can be attached to each other along an insertion direction, wherein the first and second locking elements are in the connected state - are pivotable relative to each other along a pivot axis running parallel to the direction of application and / or - are movable relative to each other about an adjustment axis running perpendicular to the direction of application.

[0010] The first and second locking parts can be pivoted and / or moved from a starting position to a locking position in the connected state after being attached to each other.

[0011] For the permissible adjustment movement of the first and second locking parts relative to each other, the first locking part and the second locking part can each have at least one guide section. A first guide section of the first locking part and a second guide section of the second locking part can be connected to each other by attaching the first and second locking parts, whereby a guide path is then defined by the connected, for example, positively interlocked, first and second guide sections, along which the first and second locking parts are adjustable relative to each other in the connected state.When the first and second locking parts are properly aligned and connected, the interacting first and second guide sections define a physical guide along which an adjustment movement of the first and second locking parts relative to each other is permitted. Thus, in the connected state of the first and second locking parts, the interacting first and second guide sections define a pivoting and / or translational direction along which the first locking part can be adjusted relative to the second locking part in order to achieve a locking of the traction element to the second locking part via the locking area of ​​the first locking part.

[0012] The first locking element may have a locking area for locking the at least one traction element in a relative position. For example, in the connected state, the locking area of ​​the first locking element may be designed to engage a guide channel of the functional section of the second locking element, which is intended to guide a section of the at least one traction element through the functional section. In the connected state, the locking area can therefore engage in the guide channel to act on the traction element or a section in contact with it, thereby clamping the traction element section guided in the guide channel of the second locking element.

[0013] In this context, it is particularly possible that a locking area of ​​the first locking element is designed as a clamping area, via which a section of the at least one tension member can be clamped to the second locking element. This includes, for example, an embodiment in which a section of the tension member is clamped between a region of the functional section of the second locking element, e.g., on an inner wall of the guide channel, and the clamping area of ​​the first locking element. Alternatively, the clamping area can act on a section of the functional section of the second locking element (which, for example, is opposite an inner wall) and thereby achieve a clamping effect.

[0014] To further secure the second locking element, which is locked relative to the traction element, one embodiment of the locking assembly can provide a self-reinforcing mechanism for the locking clamp when a load is applied to the traction element. In this embodiment, a guide for the at least one traction element is provided on the second locking element via its functional section. When the first and second locking elements are connected, the guide, in conjunction with the traction element locked to the second locking element via the clamping area, and when the traction element is subjected to a tensile force, causes an adjustment of the first and second locking elements relative to each other. This adjustment amplifies the clamping force applied by the clamping area to lock the at least one traction element.Consequently, when the first and second locking elements are connected and the traction element is locked to the second locking element via the guide, a tensile force applied to the traction element causes an adjustment of the first and second locking elements relative to each other. This adjustment amplifies the clamping force applied by the clamping element to lock at least one traction element. By introducing a load onto the locked traction element, the clamping effect is amplified due to the load application area of ​​the traction element, which is defined by the guide on the functional section and thus by its geometry. At this point, the loaded traction element (and consequently adjusted relative to the locking assembly) transmits at least part of the tensile force to the functional section.The locking assembly is therefore designed to shift the clamping area of ​​the first locking element (stronger) along a clamping direction towards a section of the tensioning device under load, and / or to shift the second locking element, with a section of the tensioning device guided against it (stronger), against the clamping area. With this design variant, a greater load on the locked tensioning device consequently leads to a strengthening of the clamping force via the locking assembly. This ensures that the tensioning device remains in its locked state and, for example, continues to be tensioned and thus securely fastened.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first locking element has at least one first magnetic element, and the second locking element has at least one second magnetic element. The first and second magnetic elements attract each other to assist in the locking elements assuming a connected state when they are brought into contact. Under the influence of the first and second magnetic elements, the first and second locking elements are thus magnetically forced into a connected state when sufficiently close, so that they assume a predetermined initial position relative to each other. The mutually attracting first and second magnetic elements can also, if necessary, hold the first and second locking elements in this initial position.

[0016] This includes, for example, the fact that in the initial position (and thus one of the possible relative positions) of the first and second locking parts, the first and second locking parts can only be separated from each other by overcoming the magnetic force exerted by the first and second magnetic elements (especially in the opposite direction to the direction along which the first and second locking parts were attached). Consequently, along a spatial axis parallel to the direction of attachment, it is not absolutely necessary to provide another connection between the first and second locking parts to prevent them from separating along this spatial axis. However, this is of course not excluded.For example, a positive locking mechanism may exist between the first and second locking parts in the initial position, which prevents the first and second locking parts from separating, so that the first and second locking parts must first be moved to a release position relative to each other that differs from the initial position in order to be able to separate the first and second locking parts from each other again.

[0017] In one embodiment, it is provided that, in the connected state of the first and second locking elements, when they are in a first relative position, a displacement of the first and second locking elements on the traction element causes an adjustment of the first and second locking elements relative to each other, resulting in the traction element being locked onto the second locking element by means of a locking section of the first locking element. In the connected state, the first and second locking elements are therefore configured and designed such that a joint displacement of the first and second locking elements along the at least one traction element causes the first and second locking elements to be adjusted into a second relative position, and thereby a locking section of the first locking element locks the at least one traction element onto the second locking element.The joint displacement along the traction element should thus lead to an adjustment of the first and second locking parts relative to each other, via which a locking of the traction element can be achieved using the locking area.

[0018] In such a design variant, the locking of the traction element can be achieved by a joint movement of the interconnected first and second locking parts along the at least one traction element, and thus without further actuation of the locking assembly, making it particularly easy to fix the locking assembly to the traction element.In this context, the first and second locking elements have a design and, in the connected state, a bearing relative to one another, which allows for a joint displacement of the first and second interconnected locking elements along the at least one tension element. This displacement (at least along one of two possible displacement directions) can then lead to the tension element locking onto the second locking element via the locking area of ​​the first locking element, at least when the at least one tension element runs non-parallel to a displacement direction of the first and second locking elements away from the interconnected locking elements. In this case, the at least one tension element runs non-parallel to the displacement direction of the first and second locking elements away from the locking assembly on a side of the functional section under load.This allows a force to be introduced into the locking assembly, which leads to a relative displacement of the first and second interconnected locking parts and thus to a locking effect of the locking area of ​​the first locking part.

[0019] For adjusting the first and second locking parts relative to each other into a locking (second) relative position, the second locking part provided for guiding the traction element can have a load application area that contacts the at least one traction element on a section of the traction element that is not parallel to the direction of movement, so that during the joint movement, a force can be introduced into the locking assembly through the interaction of the load application area with the at least one traction element, which leads to an adjustment of the first and second locking parts into the locking relative position.The functional section thus defines a load application area which, with the second locking element held against the traction element, causes a displacement of the locking assembly along the traction element after the first and second locking elements are connected. This displacement results in at least a portion of the adjusting force applied by a user for the displacement being converted, through the interaction of the load application area of ​​the functional section with a section of the traction element extending non-parallel to the functional section, into a force that moves the first and second interconnected locking elements into the locking relative position. In this relative position, the other, first locking element locks the traction element to the second locking element, thereby inhibiting, and in particular preventing, the locking assembly from further displacement along the direction of displacement.In such a design variant, the locking assembly is thus formed with a functional section on the second locking part, from which, in use of the locking assembly, the traction element can extend away from the locking assembly along a direction of extension that is not parallel to the direction of displacement, and the locking assembly, when displaced along the direction of displacement, contacts the traction element at least at points over the load application area of ​​the functional section at a section extending away in this manner, whereby a force is introduced via the traction element at the load application area for adjustment into the locking relative position in response to the displacement of the locking assembly.The force introduced at the load application area acts along a force vector which has a (transverse) force component that runs perpendicular to the direction of displacement and thus leads to an adjusting force on the locking assembly, which results in an adjustment of the first and second locking parts into the locking relative position along a guide path defined via the locking assembly.

[0020] If the first and second locking elements, connected to each other, are pivotable about a pivot axis defined on the locking assembly in their connected state, the load application area can, for example, be offset from this pivot axis in the direction of movement in order to convert at least part of the adjustment force applied by a user for movement into a force for locking the traction element. The force introduced at the load application area then acts along a force vector that has a (transverse) force component that is opposite to or perpendicular to the direction of action of the (locking) force, along which it acts on the traction element or a section of the second locking element in contact with it, in order to lock the traction element.In other words, the force vector of the force applied at the load application area has a (transverse) force component that is opposite to or perpendicular to a direction of action of the (locking) force, so that the force applied at the load application area causes a locking of a traction element guided on the locking assembly.

[0021] If the first and second locking elements, when connected, are displaceable along an adjustment axis defined on the locking assembly, particularly linearly displaceable, the load application area can, for example, be positioned offset along the adjustment axis relative to a locking area of ​​the first locking element. This allows at least part of the adjustment force applied by a user for displacement to be converted into a force for locking the tensioning element. The force introduced at the load application area then acts along a force vector that has a (transverse) force component aligned with (i.e., pointing in the same direction as) a (locking) force. This force vector acts on the tensioning element or a section of the second locking element in contact with it, thus locking the tensioning element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the load application area can be formed by an opening edge at an opening in the functional section, where the traction element is guided out of a guide channel of the functional section. In an embodiment with pivotally mounted first and second locking elements, the opening edge can, for example, be arranged offset from the pivot axis.

[0023] In principle, a certain degree of friction between a traction element and a functional section along which the traction element is guided can be advantageous. This ensures that, when the first and second interconnected locking elements are moved together, their relative displacement is forced, thus achieving the locking of the traction element without further user intervention. Such friction is provided, for example, by a guide for the functional section along which the traction element is slidably guided when the respective locking element is held against the traction element.

[0024] For example, the functional section guiding the traction element can be dimensioned and matched to the thickness of the traction element (especially in the case of a traction element with a circular cross-section, to a specific diameter of the traction element) in such a way that the friction between the functional section and the traction element is maintained at a predetermined level. This ensures a minimum level of friction. Sufficient friction between the traction element and the functional section, as set in this way, can eliminate the need for any displacement of the locking assembly to achieve reliable clamping with a self-reinforcing effect when the traction element is under load. Such a locking assembly can be used in combination with a traction element, for example, in applications where the traction element is not constantly under tension but needs to be locked under load, such as in a loosely laced fashion shoe.

[0025] Alternatively, the functional section guiding the tension member can be dimensioned and matched to the thickness of the tension member (especially in the case of a tension member with a circular cross-section, to the diameter of the tension member) in such a way that the tension member experiences no friction through the functional section. In such a design variant, a displacement of the locking assembly with a corresponding tensioning of the tension member may be necessary to achieve an initial clamping with a self-reinforcing effect. Such a locking assembly can be used in combination with a tension member, for example, in applications where the tension member is only to be applied after the locking parts have been engaged by displacing the locking assembly (with the interconnected locking parts), as in a sports shoe that is worn laced under tension.

[0026] According to the proposed solution, the first and second locking parts, after being attached to one another, are initially in a position relative to each other that corresponds to a first relative position. They can then be adjusted to a locking position corresponding to a second relative position by moving them together relative to each other. In the locking position, at least one tension element can be locked to the second locking part via a locking area of ​​the first locking part. At least one positive locking element on one locking part of the first and second locking parts is positively engaged in a receptacle on the other locking part of the first and second locking parts. This positive locking element thus prevents the first and second locking parts from separating in the locking position.If at least one traction element is locked via the locking assembly, the first and second locking parts cannot be separated from each other as long as the first and second locking parts are in their locking position.

[0027] For example, in the locking position, the at least one positive locking element engages an edge section on the receptacle, thus preventing the first and second locking parts from separating from each other, particularly in the opposite direction to the alignment along which the locking parts were engaged. Without return to the initial position, separation of the first and second locking parts is prevented by the at least one positive locking element.

[0028] In principle, it can be provided that the first locking element is adjustable from its initial position to the locking position along a first adjustment direction relative to the second locking element, and that at least one positive locking element already engages positively in the receptacle in the initial position, so that the first locking element can be adjusted beyond its initial position relative to the second locking element along a second adjustment direction opposite to the first, in order to separate the first and second locking elements again. Consequently, in the initial position of the first and second locking elements – possibly assisted by magnetic force – separation of the first and second locking elements is not possible without user adjustment relative to each other.Regarding the initial position that the first and second locking parts automatically assume after being attached in one embodiment, the first locking part is therefore adjustable on the one hand along the first adjustment direction for locking the at least one traction element and on the other hand in the opposite second adjustment direction for separating from the second locking part.

[0029] In a possible further development, at least one positive locking element is provided on the first locking part, and a receptacle is provided on the functional section of the second locking part. The functional section can have an opening through which a section of the tensile element and / or a section of the second locking part contacting the tensile element is accessible for locking by the locking area of ​​the first locking part. Through the opening in the receptacle provided for the positive locking element, the locking area of ​​the first locking part can thus act on a section of the tensile element or a section of the second locking part contacting the tensile element, in order to lock the tensile element to the second locking part. This includes, in particular, an embodiment in which the at least one positive locking element has the locking area. Specifically, the locking area can be integrated into the positive locking element.With the engagement of the positive locking element in the receptacle of the second locking part, the locking area is thus already positioned at the opening or at least opposite it, in order to achieve a locking of the at least one tension member via the locking area when the relative position of the first and second locking parts changes. Alternatively, the at least one positive locking element and the locking area can be separate from each other and, for example, formed by different, spaced-apart sections of the first locking part. Here, the positive locking element can engage in the receptacle of the second locking part, but a further section with the locking area can also be spaced apart from this. This section can act independently of the positive locking element on the tension member or on the section of the second locking part that contacts the tension member, thus locking the tension member.

[0030] The section that contacts the traction element to lock it can, for example, be formed by an elastic preloading element, such as a spring tongue, which is preloaded against the traction element. The elastic preloading element can then be moved, in particular pressed, against the traction element by the action of the first locking element, which is adjusted relative to the second locking element, in order to lock the traction element. Of course, it is also possible to provide a section formed on or mounted on the second locking element that can only be brought into locking, in particular clamping, contact with the traction element by the action of the first locking element, which is adjusted relative to the second locking element, and without this section being elastically preloaded against the traction element.In particular, this includes, for example, that the section contacting the traction element is adjustably mounted on the second locking element, especially pivotably. Thus, the section that contacts the traction element for locking purposes can be formed by an integrally formed or separate component that is adjustably mounted. It also includes that the section contacting the traction element is formed by a section of an (elastically) deformable wall of a guide channel or by a section of an (elastically) deformable sleeve of the second locking element, wherein the traction element is guided in the guide channel or the sleeve. Such a deformable section can be deformed, especially compressed, under the influence of the first locking element, which is adjusted relative to the second locking element, so that the traction element is locked to the second locking element via the (elastically) deformed section.The clamping effect on the traction element can be further increased, if necessary, by mechanical reduction or translation, for example by force-redirecting ramps, due to the indirect action of the first locking element on the traction element (via the contacting section).

[0031] To assist in assuming a predetermined starting position after the first and second locking parts are joined, one embodiment provides for at least one guide element, e.g., in the form of at least one ramp section, on one of the first and second locking parts. This guide element, in conjunction with the other locking part—and optionally a further guide element—generates a displacement movement of the first and second locking parts relative to each other, with a movement component transverse to the joining direction, when the first and second locking parts are joined. Thus, at least one guide element, e.g., at least one ramp section, on one of the first and second locking parts allows for a predefined starting position or at least assists in assuming this starting position (especially if the assumption of the starting position is also magnetically assisted).The displacement movement with a movement component transverse to the application direction makes it particularly possible to ensure that, when the first and second locking parts are placed against each other, the two locking parts are immediately guided into a locking, especially clamping, initial position for the traction element, possibly even without a simultaneous positive fit between the locking parts. Alternatively or additionally, the displacement movement with a movement component transverse to the application direction also makes it possible to bring at least one positive-locking element into engagement with the recess, and that this positive-locking element then engages an edge section of the receptacle even in such an initial position.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first and second locking parts are designed to be pivotable or slidable relative to each other (especially in opposite directions) when connected, in order to separate them again. Adjustment of the first and second locking parts relative to each other specifically includes situations where a user-applied force moves only one locking part relative to the other, locked part. For example, the first and second locking parts can be pivoted or slid relative to each other by two fingers of a user's hand (e.g., using a pincer grip) to separate them again.The arrangement and geometry of the first and second locking parts are therefore chosen such that a user can pivot or move the locking parts relative to each other with two fingers of one hand, thereby bringing the first and second locking parts into a relative position in which the locking parts can be separated from each other, or by pivoting or moving the first and second locking parts relative to each other the locking parts can be separated from each other again directly.

[0033] For example, it is provided that the first and second locking elements, after being attached to one another, are in a starting position relative to each other and can be adjusted by a common movement into a locking position relative to each other, in which the at least one traction element can be locked onto the second locking element via the locking area. The first and second locking elements can then be pivoted or slid relative to each other from the locking position in order to release the locking of the at least one traction element. In this context, it can also be provided, in particular, that the first and second locking elements - are pivotable or displaceable from the locking position relative to each other, in particular in opposite directions to each other, into a release position (corresponding to or different from the initial position) in which the locking of the at least one traction element is released and the first and second locking parts are displaceable along the at least one traction element in the connected state, and - from the release position, they can be pivoted or moved further relative to each other, in particular further in opposite directions, in order to separate the first and second locking parts from each other.

[0034] In such a design variant, it is possible, for example, to control whether the locking parts are initially only movable together along the traction element or – by increasing the adjusting force – are completely separated from each other by adjusting the height (i.e. strength) of the adjusting force applied by a user to the first and second locking parts.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, a variant design provides that the first and second locking parts can be attached to one another along an insertion direction. In the connected state, a displacement movement of the first and second locking parts relative to each other, with a movement component opposite to the insertion direction, can be generated via at least one ramp section on one of the first and second locking parts in conjunction with the other locking part when the first and second locking parts are to be separated. Thus, via the at least one ramp section, an adjusting force applied by a user, for example, is converted into a movement of the first and second locking parts opposite to the insertion direction, thereby facilitating the separation of the first and second locking parts.The at least one ramp section thus assists in separating the two locking parts from each other if the locking parts are displaced sufficiently relative to each other by a user-applied adjusting force, in particular, in a possible further development, in opposite directions. If first and second magnetic elements are provided on the locking parts, a weakening of the magnetic force can also be achieved via the at least one ramp section if the displacement movement generated by the ramp section causes the first and second magnetic elements to be spaced further apart from each other.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that, to support the separation of the first and second locking parts from each other, a magnetic force generated by the first and second magnetic elements of the locking parts is reversed from attraction to repulsion (by appropriately aligning the poles of the magnetic elements) when the first and second locking parts are moved relative to each other in the direction of a release position.

[0037] As explained above, the first and second locking elements can be attached to one another along a single insertion direction. In one embodiment, the functional section of the second locking element provides a guide for the at least one pulling element on the second locking element, which runs essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction. Thus, the two locking elements are designed for insertion by a user along an axis that is oriented essentially perpendicular to the path of the pulling element on the second locking element. Alternatively, the functional section of the second locking element can provide a guide for the at least one pulling element on the second locking element, which runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction. The orientation of the guide with respect to the intended insertion direction can depend, in particular, on the application and the type of pulling element.

[0038] In one embodiment, the locking assembly is designed to lock two traction elements. For this purpose, the first locking element can also have a functional section for guiding a second traction element. The first locking element can thus, for example, be slidably mounted on a second traction element via this functional section. In the connected state, the first and second locking elements are adjustable in at least one (first) relative position along both traction elements. In another (second) relative position, the first locking element is designed to lock one (second) traction element to the second locking element, and the second locking element is designed to lock the other (first) traction element to the first locking element. This at least prevents the locking assembly from sliding along both traction elements.All features described above with reference to the locking mechanism of a pull rod of the second locking element and the locking area of ​​the first locking element can readily also apply to the locking mechanism of a further pull rod of the first locking element and the locking area of ​​the second locking element in embodiments where two pull rods are provided. For example, the further locking area of ​​the second locking element can also be designed as a clamping area and / or engage in a recess on the first locking element.

[0039] In particular, it may be provided that by jointly moving the first and second locking parts in the connected state along both traction elements, the first and second locking parts can be adjusted relative to each other, whereby the first locking part locks the second traction element to the second locking part via its (first) locking area and the second locking part locks the first traction element to the first locking part via its (second) locking area.

[0040] In the case of two locking elements, each designed to guide a traction element, both (first and second) functional sections of the locking assembly can have a load application area. This area, when the interconnected first and second locking elements are moved together along the two traction elements, contacts a section of the respective traction element that runs non-parallel to the direction of movement. This contact area, through the interaction of the load application areas with the two traction elements, allows an adjustment force to be introduced into the locking assembly during the joint movement. This force causes the first and second locking elements to move into their locking (second) relative position.

[0041] In order to be able to use locking elements that are as similar as possible and / or to achieve the most uniform and / or synchronous locking of both traction elements, it may be provided that guides for the two traction elements are specified on the functional sections of the first and second locking elements, which in the connected state (when the first and second locking elements are in a starting position) are essentially or exactly mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0042] Alternatively, guides can be specified on the functional sections for the two traction elements, which are not mirror-symmetrical to each other in the connected state and, for example, run perpendicular to each other - essentially or exactly.

[0043] Referring to the preceding explanations regarding the orientation of a guide on a functional section with respect to a intended application direction, it is also possible, in the case of two tensioning elements to be guided on the locking assembly, for a first guide for a first tensioning element to be provided on the first locking element, which runs essentially parallel or perpendicular to the application direction, and for a second guide for a second tensioning element to be provided on the second locking element, which runs essentially parallel or perpendicular to the application direction. In particular, it is possible for both tensioning elements to be guided perpendicular to the application direction. This can be advantageous, for example, in an application where the tensioning elements are formed by shoelaces. It is also possible for both tensioning elements to be guided parallel to the application direction.This can be advantageous, for example, in an application where the traction elements are formed by webbing straps.

[0044] The first and second locking parts can be pre-tensioned against each other in their connected state by at least one spring element, for example, in the form of a torsion spring. In particular, the first and second locking parts can be pre-tensioned by the at least one spring element into a locking position in which the first and second tensioning elements are locked via the first and second locking areas. From this locked position, the two locking parts would have to be pivoted in opposite directions by a user against a pre-tensioning force applied by the at least one spring element in order to release the locking mechanism and move the locking assembly along the two tensioning elements.

[0045] In principle, at least one of the locking parts can be provided with a recessed grip. Such a recessed grip is intended to define an area for manual force application by a user of the locking assembly. A user can, for example, conveniently grip the recessed grip with at least one finger of one hand to move the locking assembly along the at least one pulling element when the locking parts are connected.

[0046] The proposed solution is intended, for example, for locking at least one traction element designed as a webbing strap, belt, cord, rope, string, or shoelace. One embodiment of the proposed locking assembly can thus be part of a closure comprising the at least one traction element, in particular part of a webbing closure, strap closure, cord closure, rope closure, rope closure, or shoelace closure.

[0047] The attached figures illustrate possible implementation variants of the proposed solution.

[0048] This shows: Fig. 1A a first embodiment of a proposed locking assembly with two locking parts that can be attached to one another, each of which is slidably held on a traction element, wherein the first and second locking parts are in an unconnected state; Fig. 1B the locking assembly of the Fig. 1A in an unconnected state in a position opposite the Fig. 1A Representation rotated by 180°; Fig. 2A an exploded view of a locking assembly of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B; Fig. 2B an exploded view of the locking assembly in relation to the Fig. 2A Representation rotated by 180°; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the locking assembly, with the two locking parts in a connected state and in a starting position; Fig. 4 the locking assembly of the Fig. 3 in front view; Fig. 5 the locking assembly de Fig. 3 in rear view; Fig. 6 a sectional view of the locking assembly along the section line BB of the Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the locking assembly along the section line FF of the Fig. 5; Fig. 8 a bottom view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 3; Fig. 9 a top view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 3; Fig. 10 a sectional view of the locking assembly along the section line AA of the Fig. 9; Fig. 11 a perspective view of the section view of the Fig. 10; Fig. 12-20 in with the Fig. 3 to 11 matching views show the locking assembly with the two locking parts in a locking position that the two locking parts have assumed by pivoting relative to each other as a result of a displacement along the two traction elements; Fig. 21 a perspective view of the locking assembly after releasing a lock by pivoting the two locking parts in opposite directions into a release position, for example by a user using a pincer grip on the locking parts and squeezing together the thumb and index finger involved in the pincer grip; Fig. 22-29 in with the Fig. 13 to 20 matching views the locking assembly of the Fig. 21; Fig. 30-37 in with the Fig. 22 to 29 concurring views show the locking assembly after a further pivoting of the two locking parts relative to each other via the in the Fig. beyond the release position shown in 21 to 29, thereby separating the two locking parts from each other; Fig. 38A-48 in with the Fig. 1A to 11 agreeing views show a further embodiment of a proposed locking assembly in which only one of the locking parts is slidably held on a traction element; Fig. 49-57 in with the Fig. 40 to 48 matching views of the locking assembly of the Fig. 38A to 48 with the locking parts pivoted relative to each other into the locking position compared to the initial position; Fig. 58A-67 in with the Fig. 38A to 48 agreeing views show a further embodiment of a proposed locking assembly in which a traction element is specified on each of the two locking parts, wherein guide channels are provided for the traction elements on the two locking parts, which at least sectionally specify a substantially perpendicular course of the traction elements on the locking assembly; Fig. 68-75 in with the Fig. 49 to 57 concurring views the locking assembly of the Fig. 58A to 67 in the pivoted locking position; Fig. 76A-77B in with the Fig. Views 1A to 2B agree on another locking assembly; Fig. 78 a perspective view of the further design variant of a locking assembly of the Fig. 56A-57B, with locking parts that can pivot relative to each other when connected, wherein the Fig. 78 shows the locking parts in a starting position and in the locking assembly shown, at least one of the locking parts has a locking area for locking a traction element and a positive locking element for positive locking of the two locking parts to each other in the locking position; Fig. 79 the locking assembly of the Fig. 78 in front view; Fig. 80 the locking assembly of the Fig. 78 in rear view; Fig. 81 a sectional view of the locking assembly along the section line BB of the Fig. 80; Fig. 82 a bottom view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 78; Fig. 83 a top view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 78; Fig. 84 a sectional view of the locking assembly along the section line AA of the Fig. 83; Fig. 85 a perspective view of the section view of the Fig. 84; Fig. 86-93 in with the Fig. 78 to 85 concurring views the locking assembly of the Fig. 78 to 85 with the locking parts in the locking position; Fig. 94 a sectional view of a further development of a locking assembly of the Fig. 1A to 37, in which a narrowing is provided in the guide channel of the second locking part for a (stronger) frictional contact between the traction element and an inner wall of the guide channel; Fig. 95 in with the Fig. 94. In agreement, an alternative development is provided in which a stronger deflection of the traction element is provided in the guide channel for a (stronger) frictional contact with the traction element; Fig. 96 in with the Fig. 94 and Fig. 95 agrees an alternative further development in which a thicker traction element is guided in the guide channel; Fig. 97 in with the Fig. 94 to 96, in agreement, a further alternative development in which a membrane is provided in the guide channel for (stronger) frictional contact with the traction element; Fig. 98 in with the Fig. 94 to 97 agree on a further alternative development in which a pretensioning element for the traction element in the form of a spring tongue is provided in the guide channel; Fig. 99A in front view a further development of the locking assembly with the locking parts in a starting position; Fig. 99B a sectional view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 99A according to the sectional views of the Fig. 94 to 98, where in the sectional view the Fig. 99B shows an alternatively designed spring tongue in the guide channel of the second locking part; Fig. 100A-100B in with the Fig. 99A and Fig. 99B concurring views the locking assembly of the Fig. 99A to 99B with the locking parts in the locking position in which a locking area of ​​the first locking part acts on the spring tongue to clamp the traction element in the guide channel of the second locking part; Fig. 101A-102B in with the Fig. 99A to 100B agreeing views, a further development of the execution variant of the Fig. 99A to 100B, in which an additional tooth area is formed on the spring tongue; Fig. 103A-104B is a further training course based on the variant of Fig. 95 and in which a deflection area in the guide channel of the second locking part is formed with an additional ramp area for the deflection of the traction element; Fig. 105A-105B in with the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B agreeing views an embodiment variant of a proposed locking assembly in which the locking parts to be attached to one another are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other in the connected state in order to be able to be adjusted relative to each other between a starting position and a locking position in the connected state; Fig. 106A-106B in with the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B agreeing views the locking assembly of the Fig. 105A and Fig. 105B in exploded view; Fig. 107 in perspective view the locking assembly of the Fig. 105A to 106B with the first and second locking parts in the connected state and in the starting position; Fig. 108 a front view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 107; Fig. 109 a rear view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 107; Fig. 110 a sectional view of the locking assembly according to the section line FF of the Fig. 109; Fig. 111 a bottom view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 107; Fig. 112 a top view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 107; Fig. 113 a sectional view of the locking assembly according to the section line DD of the Fig. 112; Fig. 114 a perspective view of the section view of the Fig. 113; Fig. 115-122 in with the Fig. 107 to 114 concurring views the locking assembly of the Fig. 107 to 114, with the first and second locking parts in the locking position that the first and second locking parts have assumed by translational adjustment relative to each other as a result of a common displacement along the two traction elements; Fig. 123-130 in with the Fig. 107 to 114 and 115 to 122 agreeing views the locking assembly of the Fig. 107 to 122, with the first and second locking parts after a user-made counter-rotating adjustment of the locking parts to move the locking parts from the locking position to a release position in which the locking of the traction elements is released in order to separate the locking parts from each other; Fig. 131A-131B in with the Fig. 105A and Fig. 105B concurring views, further training, a locking assembly of the Fig. 105A to 130, with the first and second locking parts pressed together when aligning; Fig. 132 in perspective view the locking assembly of the Fig. 131A and Fig. 131B with the first and second locking parts in the connected state and in the starting position; Fig. 133 a front view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 132; Fig. 134 a rear view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 132; Fig. 135A a sectional view of the locking assembly according to section line FF of the Fig. 134; Fig. 135B a sectional view of the locking assembly according to the section line GG of the Fig. 134; Fig. 136 a bottom view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 132; Fig. 137 a top view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 132; Fig. 138 a sectional view of the locking assembly according to the section line DD of the Fig. 137; Fig. 139 a perspective view of the sectional representation of the Fig. 138; Fig. 140-147 in with the Fig. 132 to 139 concurring views the locking assembly of the Fig. 131A to 139, with the first and second locking parts in the locking position; Fig. 148A-148B in with the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B agreeing views a variant of the locking assembly in which the two locking parts can be positively connected to each other via a plug connection; Fig. 149 in a side view the locking assembly of the Fig. 148A and Fig. 148B when attaching the first and second locking parts to each other; Fig. 150 a sectional view according to the section line BB of the Fig. 149; Fig. 151 in with the Fig. 150 concurring views the locking parts in the connected state; Fig. 152 a perspective view of the locking assembly of the Fig. 148A to 151, with the first and second locking parts in the starting position; Fig. 153A-153B in with the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B agreeing views a further development of the execution variant of the Fig. 1A to 37, in which a grip recess for a user is formed on each of the two locking parts of the locking assembly; Fig. 154A-154B in with the Fig. 38A and Fig. 38B concurring views a further development of the execution variant of Fig. 38A to 57, in which a grip recess for a user is formed on each of the two locking parts of the locking assembly; Fig. 155A-155B in with the Fig. 58A and Fig. 58B concurring views a further development of the execution variant of Fig. 58A to 75, in which a grip recess for a user is formed on each of the two locking parts of the locking assembly; Fig. 156A-156B in with the Fig. 76A and Fig. 76B concurring views a further development of the execution variant of Fig. 76A to 93, in which a grip recess for a user is formed on each of the two locking parts of the locking assembly.

[0049] The Fig. Figures 1A to 37 show, in various views and relative positions, the first and second locking elements 1 and 2 of a first embodiment of a proposed locking assembly A, which can be used to lock two tension elements S1 and S2, for example in the form of straps, cords, ropes, strings, or shoelaces, in a tensioned state. The locking elements 1 and 2 each have a component body 10 or 20 with a functional section 100 or 200, on which a respective first or second associated tension element S1 or S2 extends through a guide channel 104 or 204. The respective locking element 1 or 2 is slidably held on the respective first or second tension element S1 or S2 via the guide channel 104 or 204 of a functional section 100 or 200 of a locking element 1 or 2. The guide channel 104, 204 extends completely through the functional section 100, 200 in each case.

[0050] Each locking element 1 or 2 is freely longitudinally displaceable along its associated traction element S1 or S2. Only by connecting the two locking elements 1 and 2 is it possible to lock the respective traction element S1 or S2 to the associated locking element 1 or 2, or vice versa. The separate locking elements 1 and 2 can be joined together along an alignment direction Z. By joining them, the locking elements 1 and 2 can be detachably connected to form a closure that is displaceable along both traction elements S1 and S2.

[0051] As can be seen from the illustrations of the two locking parts 1, 2 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1B, where the locking parts 1, 2 are shown in an unconnected state, guide sections 101 and 201 are formed on the component bodies 10, 20. These guide sections engage with each other in a form-fitting manner when the two locking parts 1, 2 are brought into contact. A first guide section 101 on the component body 10 of the first locking part 1 projects from the component body 10 in an annular or pin-like shape, optionally also in an annular or cylindrical shape, and can engage in a recess on the component body 20 of the second locking part 2, which is bordered by the second guide section 202. This second guide section 202 is designed in this case as a projecting, curved (along a semicircular line) web.This means that the first guide section 101 of the first locking part 1 is at least partially enclosed by the second guide section 201 of the second locking part 2 when the two locking parts 1, 2 are connected to each other.

[0052] On an edge region of a component body 10 or 20 opposite the respective functional section 100 or 200, a locking element 1 or 2 has a positive locking element 102 or 202. The positive locking element 102, 202 projects substantially transversely to the insertion direction Z on the first or second locking element 1 or 2 and is designed to engage in a recess 203 or 103 of the respective other (second or first) locking element 2 or 1. The recess 103, 203 extends on the respective locking element 1 or 2 on an inner side of the functional section 100 or 200 facing the respective guide section 101 or 201.

[0053] The joining of the two locking parts 1 and 2 is facilitated by two mutually attracting magnetic elements M1 and M2. A first magnetic element M1 is located in the component body 10 of the first locking part 1, and a second magnetic element M2 is located in the component body 20 of the second locking part 2. These two magnetic elements M1 and M2 also ensure a specific relative position of the locking parts 1 and 2 when connected. Thus, after being joined, the locking parts 1 and 2 are intended to be in a predetermined initial position relative to each other, corresponding to their initial relative positions. For this purpose, a first magnetic element M1 is provided on the component body 10 of the first locking part in the area of ​​the first guide section 101.A second magnetic element M2, which interacts magnetically with the first magnetic element M1, is provided in the component body 20 of the second locking part 2 in the area of ​​the second guide section 201. Due to their polarization, the two magnetic elements M1 and M2 tend to align themselves with each other in a specific way when sufficiently close, thus supporting the assumption of a specific relative position of the locking parts 1 and 2 containing the magnetic elements M1 and M2.

[0054] The intake of the in the Fig. The initial position of the two locking elements 1, 2 relative to each other, as shown in the perspective view of the locking assembly A, is supported by two guide elements in the form of ramp sections 105, 205 of the locking elements 1 and 2, in addition to the magnetic elements M1, M2. Each ramp section 105, 205 is formed on the respective component body 10 or 20 with a ramp surface running obliquely to the insertion direction Z. When the two locking elements 1, 2 are placed against each other along the insertion direction Z, the ramp sections 105, 205 come into contact with each other and slide along each other in the insertion direction Z as the locking elements 1, 2 are brought further close together. This sliding of the ramp sections 105, 205 along each other forces a displacement movement on the locking parts with a movement component transverse to the application direction Z for the two locking parts 1, 2.This causes the respective positive locking element 102 or 202 to be at least partially displaced into the respective associated recess 203 or 103 on the other locking element 2 or 1 along a transverse direction running perpendicular to the insertion direction Z when the two locking parts 1, 2 are attached to each other.

[0055] As can be seen in particular from the exploded view of the Fig. 2A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2B, an opening is formed on the inner wall of each recess 103, 203 leading to the respective guide channel 104 or 204. A clamping area 102a or 202a, formed on the transversely projecting positive locking element 102, 202, can engage in the guide channel 204 or 104 of the other locking part 2 or 1 through this opening. Each clamping area 102a, 202a is formed by a serrated end face, via which – as will be explained in more detail below – the respective tensioning element S2 or S1 can be clamped and locked in the guide channel 204 or 104.

[0056] Once the two locking parts 1, 2 are attached and connected, they initially lie in the position shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 11 show the initial positions relative to each other in different views. The (first) positive locking element 101 of the first locking element 1, which engages in the recess 203 on the second locking element 2, already engages behind an edge section 203R that borders the recess 203 on the functional section 200 of the second locking element 2. Conversely, the other (second) positive locking element 201 of the second locking element 1, which engages in the recess 103 on the first locking element 1, already engages behind an edge section 103R that borders the recess 103 on the functional section 100 of the first locking element 1.

[0057] Without repositioning the two locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other, the two locking parts 1, 2 can no longer be separated from each other in the opposite direction to the application direction Z. This is also evident from the front view of the Fig. 4 and the rear view of the Fig. 5 clearly visible.

[0058] In the connected state of the two locking parts 1, 2, the functional sections 102, 200 form the longitudinal sides of the locking assembly A. The two functional sections 100 and 200 form actuating surfaces 106 and 206 facing away from each other on the longitudinal sides, via which a user can grip the two locking parts 1 and 2 with one hand, and in particular with a pincer grip. Using a pincer grip, pressure can be applied to the two locking parts 1, 2 with the index finger and thumb, allowing the two locking parts 1, 2 to be adjusted relative to each other, in this case by pivoting them in opposite directions.The interconnected guide sections 101 and 202 define a pivot axis D for the pivotable mounting of the two locking elements 1, 2. This pivot axis may move transversely to the application direction Z during a pivoting movement. It lies between the two functional sections 100 and 200, in whose guide channels 104 and 204 the two traction elements S1 and S2 are guided. The guide sections 101, 202 provide physical guidance and ultimately a guide path along which the two interconnected locking elements 1, 2 can be adjusted relative to each other.

[0059] In the connected state and initial position of the locking elements 1, 2, the guide channels 104 and 204 for the two tension elements S1 and S2 are essentially mirror-symmetrical to each other. The guide channels 104 and 204 are each curved, so that in the connected state of the two locking elements 1, 2, the tension elements S1 and S2 each have a concave curve towards each other on the locking assembly A. Each tension element S1, S2 is guided in the respective guide channel 104 or 204 past the clamping area 202a or 102a of a locking element 2 or 1, which projects into the guide channel 104 or 204 (see in particular the sectional views of the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11). As can be seen in particular from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 7 to 11, in the initial position, the respective clamping area 102a or 202a is not clamped against the respective traction element S2 or S1. This implies that a clamping area 102a, 202a does not contact the respective traction element S2 or S1 at all in the initial position, or in any case, does not contact it in such a way that the clamping areas 102a, 202a block any movement of the locking assembly A along both traction elements S1, S2. The locking assembly A, with its interconnected locking elements 1, 2, is therefore movable along both traction elements S1 and S2.

[0060] The locking elements 1, 2 are mounted together in the connected state, and the tensioning elements S1, S2 are guided on the guide channels 104 and 204 such that a joint displacement of the locking elements 1, 2 along a displacement direction V generates a pivoting movement of the locking elements 1, 2 relative to each other about the pivot axis D defined by the guide sections 101, 201. The tensioning elements S1, S2 are guided outwards at the (lower) openings 104.2 and 204.2 of a respective guide channel 104 or 204 located in the displacement direction V and are fixed – for example, in the case of shoelaces on a shoe – so that the sections of the tensioning elements S1, S2 protruding from the lower openings 104.2 and 204.2 do not run parallel to the displacement direction V and do not run away from each other.As a result, the functional sections 100 and 200 are subjected to a load when the locking assembly A is moved along the direction of movement V, under which the locking part 1 or 2 forming the associated guide channel 104 or 204 is subjected to a (transverse) force component, which leads to a pivoting movement of the locking part 1 or 2 relative to the other locking part 2 or 1 about the pivot axis D.

[0061] For adjusting the first and second locking elements 1, 2 relative to each other into the locking position, the locking elements each have a load application area 104R, 204R, which contacts the respective associated traction element S1 or S2 at a section extending along a direction K1 or K2 that is not parallel to the direction of displacement V. During the simultaneous displacement, the interaction of the load application area 104R, 204R with the traction element S1, S2 introduces a force into the locking assembly A, which leads to an adjustment – ​​in this case, a pivoting about the pivot axis D – of the first and second locking elements 1, 2 into the locking position.A functional section 100 or 200 therefore defines a load application area 104R or 204R, respectively, which, after the first and second locking parts 1, 2 are connected, causes a displacement of the locking assembly A along the two tension elements S1 and S2. This displacement results in at least a portion of an adjustment force applied by a user for the displacement being converted into a force for moving the first and second connected locking parts 1, 2 into the locking position. The force introduced at the respective load application area 104R, 204R acts along a force vector that has a (transverse) force component running perpendicular to the displacement direction V. This force results in an adjustment force on the locking assembly A, which in turn moves the first and second locking parts 1, 2 into the locking position along a guide path defined by the guide sections 101, 201 of the locking assembly A.

[0062] A load application area 104R, 204R is thus provided here in each case offset in the displacement direction V (downwards in the figures) to the pivot axis D in order to convert at least part of the adjusting force applied by a user for the displacement into a force for locking the respective tensioning element S2, S1. In this way, a force introduced at the respective load application area 104R, 204R acts on the side of the respective functional section 100 or 200 under load along a force vector that has a (transverse) force component that opposes a (locking) force, here clamping force, along which it acts on the tensioning element S2 or S1 via the clamping area 102a or 202a in order to lock the tensioning element S2 or S1. With regard to, for example, the Fig. Thus, a load application area 104R, 204R is located below the pivot axis D at points 12 to 20, and the force vector of the acting load points in a different direction than the force vector that acts on the respective clamping area 102a, 202a due to the adjustment of the locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other.

[0063] For example, by shifting the interconnected locking parts 1, 2 along the direction of movement V towards a shoe and with the free ends of the traction elements S1, S2 held by a user (in the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 (symbolized by holding forces F1, F2 acting opposite to the direction of displacement V), the locking parts 1 and 2 pivot about the pivot axis D in opposite directions to each other, i.e., for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first locking part 1 pivots along a first pivot direction D1 counterclockwise and the second locking part pivots along a second pivot direction D2 clockwise.

[0064] The corresponding pivoting movement results, on the one hand, in a further positive engagement of the positive locking elements 102, 202 in the associated recesses 203, 103, and on the other hand, in an adjustment of the clamping areas 102a, 202a formed thereon in the direction of the respective associated tension member S2 or S1. The clamping areas 102a, 202a, are thus pivoted in clamping directions corresponding to the pivot directions D1, D2 towards a section of the respective associated tension member S2 or S1. Through the pivoting movement of the first locking element 1, the locking area 102a on the positive locking element 102 is thus pressed against a section of the second tension member S2 guided in the guide channel 204. As a result of the pivoting movement of the other locking part 2, the locking area 202a on the other positive locking element 202 is pressed against a section of the first traction element S1 guided in the guide channel 104.The traction elements S1 and S2 are thus clamped within the respective guide channels 104 and 204 by the clamping areas 102a, 202a and are therefore held in a tensioned state, which is supported by pulling on the free ends of the traction elements S1, S2 with a force F1 or F2.

[0065] By clamping the traction elements S1, S2 to a first or second locking element 1, 2, each achieved by a clamping area 202a, 102a of the respective other locking element 2 or 1, each traction element S1, S2 is locked in the locked state in one direction. By pulling in the opposite direction, namely in particular opposite to the displacement direction V, but more generally with a force component that points against the pivot direction D1 or D2 along which the respective clamping area 102a, 202a was pressed against the traction element S2 or S1, the respective traction element S1, S2 can be further adjusted with respect to the locking assembly A, i.e., pulled further.In the illustrated (and also the following explained) embodiment variant, a pulling element S1, S2 can thus continue to be pulled upwards with respect to the locking assembly A, since the force acting on the respective pulling element S1, S2 then pushes back the respective clamping area 202a, 102a.

[0066] In the tensioned state, the sections of the tensioning elements S1 and S2 leading out of the lower openings 104.2 and 204.2 of the guide channels 104 and 204 then run, for example, according to the illustrations of the Fig. 12 to 20 substantially at an angle of 70° to 90°, in particular substantially at an angle of 90° to a section of the same traction element S1, S2, which projects from the guide channel 104, 204 at upper openings 104.1 or 204.1 of the same guide channel 104, 204 opposite to the direction of displacement V.

[0067] If the locking elements 1, 2 are in a second relative position pivoted relative to each other by means of a common displacement along the displacement direction V, the locking elements 1, 2 assume a locking position in which, on the one hand, the clamping areas 102a and 202a lock the tensioning elements S1, S2 relative to the locking assembly A. Furthermore, the positive locking elements 102 and 202 are in a positive engagement within the associated recess 203 or 103, in which the respective edge section 203R or 103R is engaged in such a way that the two locking elements 1, 2 can no longer be pulled apart from each other opposite to the original insertion direction Z (at least not without pivoting the locking elements 1, 2 in the direction of the initial state and beyond relative to each other). The connected state of the two locking parts 1, 2 is thus positively secured in the locking position via the positive locking elements 102, 202.

[0068] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the tensioned state of the tension elements S1, S2 is ensured even when a load B1 or B2 acts on the tension elements S1, S2, which is determined by the Fig. Figure 20 illustrates this. If the sections of the traction elements S1, S2 leading out of the lower openings 104.2, 204.2 are subjected to a force pointing away from the locking assembly A, this only results in a greater pivoting of the respective locking part 1, 2 in the pivot direction D1 or D2 about the pivot axis D and thus of the clamping areas 102a, 202a - along a clamping direction coinciding with the pivot direction D1 or D2 - onto the section of the respective other traction element S2 or S1 present in the guide channel 204, 104.

[0069] The locking mechanism via the clamping of the two locking elements 1, 2 is thus reinforced when a load B1, B2 is applied to the tensioning elements S1, S2. Consequently, under a tensile force B1 or B2, the clamping by the locking elements 1, 2 has a self-reinforcing effect. This is further supported by the fact that, under a load B1 or B2, the respective tensioning element S1 or S2 engages the associated functional section 100 or 200 at the load application area 104R or 204R, which is formed by an opening edge at the lower opening 104.2 or 204.2 and is offset from the pivot axis D.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment of a locking assembly A, the tensioning elements S1, S2 can be locked by a user in a tensioned state by manually sliding the locking parts 1, 2 in the direction of movement V. In the locked position of the two locking parts 1, 2, further tensioning is possible by further sliding the locking parts 1, 2 in the direction of movement V and / or by pulling on the upwardly projecting sections of the tensioning elements S1, S2 with tensile forces F1, F2 (while simultaneously manually holding the locking assembly A in the assumed position). When a load B1, B2 is applied to the tensioning elements S1, S2, acting on a section of a tensioning element S1, S2 extending from a lower opening 104.2, 204.2, the clamping locking action is reinforced via the locking parts 1, 2.

[0071] The Fig. Figures 23 to 29 show the locking assembly A with the two locking parts 1, 2 in a release position. The locking parts 1, 2 were pivoted into this position relative to each other about the pivot axis D defined by the guide sections 101, 201 by applying actuating forces OF1, OF2 to the actuating surfaces 106, 206. The actuating forces OF1, OF2 are applied manually to a lower section of the guide sections 100 and 200, for example, by a user's grip of a pair of pincers. This causes the lower halves of the guide sections 100, 200, which form the lower openings 104.2, 204.2, to be pressed together. The locking parts 1, 2 are thereby pivoted in opposite directions -D1, -D2 from the locking position beyond the initial position into the openings 104.2, 204.2. Fig. The release position shown in Figures 21 to 29 is pivoted. This counter-rotating pivoting of the two locking elements 1 and 2, triggered by manual actuation by a user, distances the clamping areas 102a and 202a from the sections of the respective traction elements S1 and S2, thus releasing the clamping mechanism. The locking assembly A, with the locking elements 1 and 2 still connected to each other, can therefore be freely moved again along the traction elements S1 and S2, particularly in the opposite direction to the movement direction V.

[0072] If the locking elements 1, 2 are pivoted further in the pivot directions -D1, -D2 relative to each other by increased pressure on the actuating surfaces 106, 206, the ramp sections 105, 205 of the two locking elements 1, 2 come into sliding contact with each other. The sliding of the ramp sections 105, 205 against each other results in a displacement movement with a movement component opposite to the original application direction Z. The further pivoting of the locking elements 1, 2 under the influence of the applied actuating forces OF1, OF2 consequently leads not only to the complete pivoting out of the positive locking elements 102, 202 from the recesses 203, 103, but also to a separation of the component bodies 10, 20 opposite to the application direction Z.By pressing on the actuating surfaces 106, 206, not only can the clamping locking of the traction elements S1, S2 be released, but the positive locking between the locking parts 1, 2 can also be released, allowing the component bodies 10, 20 to be separated against the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic elements 1 and 2. The locking parts 1, 2 can thus be completely separated from each other by a user with a single movement.

[0073] In the version of the Fig. 38A to 57 are identical components marked with identical reference numerals. In contrast to the version of the Fig. In this embodiment, only one of the locking parts 1, 2 – here the second locking part 2 – has a traction element S2 guided on a functional section 200. The other, first locking part 1 is not fixed to a traction element. Instead of a guide channel 104, the functional section 100 of the first locking part 1 forms a grip area 107. A user can, for example, hold the first locking part 1 with the fingers of one hand at this grip area 107 and connect it to the second locking part 2 in order to lock the traction element S2 guided on the second locking part 2 as needed.

[0074] For example, the second pulling element S2 is also a shoelace. As with the first embodiment described above, the pulling element S2 can also be a webbing strap, a belt, a rope, or a cord, for example, from a garment, a bag, or a backpack. If the pulling element S2 is to be locked in a taut state, the two locking parts 1 and 2 are connected. After being attached, the locking parts 1 and 2 are initially in a starting position in their connected state, in which they can still be moved together along the pulling element S2.

[0075] The interconnected locking parts 1, 2 are pivotably mounted to one another via their guide sections 101, 202, so that the locking parts 1, 2 can pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis D defined herein, so that the clamping area 102a on the positive locking element 102 engaging in the recess 203 of the second locking part 2 can clamp the tensioning element S2 to the second locking part 2. Fig. Figures 49 to 57 illustrate the corresponding locking position of the two locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other in comparison to the initial position of the connected locking parts 1, 2, which are shown in the Fig. Figures 40 to 48 are shown. In both the initial and locked positions, the two locking parts 1 and 2 are positively connected to each other via positive locking elements 102 and 202 in this embodiment as well, and thus cannot be separated from each other, particularly in the locked position. The only difference in the embodiment shown here, compared to the previously described embodiment, is that the positive locking element 202 of the second locking part 2 does not have a clamping area 202a.

[0076] In principle, it is not mandatory that the traction elements S1, S2 - as in the version of the Fig. 1A to 57 - is guided perpendicular to the application direction Z on the locking assembly A. It is also possible that at least one or even both of the tensioning elements S1, S2 are guided parallel to the application direction Z. This can be advantageous, for example, in an application where the tensioning elements S1, S2 are formed by webbing.

[0077] In the version of the Fig. 58A to 75, for example, only has the second locking part 2 compared to the first explained version of the Fig. Sections 1A to 57 are designed differently, such that, in the case of interconnected locking parts 1, 2, the sections of the traction elements S1, S2 guided thereon run along the locking assembly A rotated by 90° relative to each other. This is how it proceeds according to the illustrations of the Fig. 61 to 67 in a starting position of the interconnected locking parts 1, 2, the section of the first traction element S1 running along the first locking part 1 – with the locking assembly A appropriately aligned – runs essentially along a vertical line, while a section of the traction element S2 running along the second locking part 2 runs essentially along the horizontal line. The guide channels 104, 204 guiding the traction elements S1, S2 along the locking parts 1, 2 thus run essentially perpendicular to each other in the interconnected state of the first and second locking parts 1, 2.

[0078] In particular with reference to the positive engagement of the locking parts 1, 2 in one another in a locking position according to the Fig. 68 to 75 and the locking of the traction elements S1, S2 by pivoting the locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other about the pivot axis D defined by the mutually engaging guide sections 101, 201, result in no functional difference compared to the embodiment variants described above. Due to the different path of the section of the second traction element S2 guided on the guide channel 204 of the second locking part 2, for example, only a clamping area 102a formed on the positive locking element 102 of the first locking part 1 is designed differently in order to act on the section of the second traction element S2 in the locking position and to be able to clamp the section between the clamping area 102a and an inner wall of the guide channel 204.

[0079] The Fig. 76A to 93 show, on the one hand, in the unconnected state ( Fig. 76A-76B) and on the other hand in exploded view ( Fig. 77A-77B) and showing an initial position of the first and second locking parts 1, 2 ( Fig. 78 to 85) and showing a locking position of the first and second locking parts 1, 2 ( Fig. 86 to 93) a further development of the execution variant of Fig. 1A to 37, in which the positive locking element 202 for the positive locking of the first and second locking parts 1, 2 to one another does not also form the clamping area 202a of the second locking part 2. Rather, in the embodiment variant of Fig. 76A-93 The component structures formed for this purpose on the second locking element 2 differ. Thus, a section with the clamping area 202a projects radially from the component body 20 of the second locking element 2 – with respect to the pivot axis D – via which the first tensioning element S1 can be locked to the first locking element 1. A section for forming the positive locking element 202 projects radially forward in the circumferential direction at a distance around the pivot axis D. The functions of clamping the first tensioning element S1 to the first locking element 1 and the positive locking between the first and second locking elements 1, 2 in the locking position are therefore separated from each other on the component body 20 of the second locking element 2 and are performed by different sections of the component body 20.

[0080] For example, the positive locking element 202 can already engage the edge section 103R on the functional section 100 of the first locking part 1 if the two locking parts 1, 2 have only been pivoted slightly from their initial position towards the locking position, without the clamping area 202a engaging in the recess 103, and in particular without the clamping area 202a already contacting the section of the first traction element S1 guided in the guide channel 104. As can be seen, for example, in the perspective view of the Fig. 86 or the rear view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 88, in this embodiment, the clamping area 202a does not necessarily have to engage behind the edge section 103R to provide a positive locking connection between the first and second locking parts 1 and 2, thus securing their connected state. While engagement of the clamping area 202a is possible, it is not mandatory, as the separate positive locking element 202, located in the pivot direction D2, sufficiently engages behind the edge section 103R.

[0081] As explained above, a certain degree of friction between a traction element S1, S2 and the respective functional section 100 or 200 on or in the respective guide channel 104, 204 can be advantageous in order to force the relative displacement of the first and second interconnected locking elements 1, 2 to one another when they move together, thus achieving the locking of the traction elements S1, S2 via the clamping areas 102a, 202a without further, additional user intervention. To increase the corresponding friction and thus the preload of the traction element S1, S2 on an associated locking element 1, 2, a further development, for example, provides for the adjustment of the Fig. 94 for the second traction element S2 a narrowing 2040 within the guide channel 204 of the second locking part 2 (whereby here - as also in the embodiments explained below - variants explained in connection with a locking of the second traction element S2 may alternatively or additionally be provided for a locking of the first traction element S2 and are not shown again separately for the sake of clarity).

[0082] In further training according to the Fig. 95 is the section of the second traction element S2 guided in the guide channel 204 in the direction of the upper opening 204.1 via a deflection area 2041 - compared to the design variant explained above. Fig. 1A to 37 - more strongly deflected, so that a more curved course of the traction element S2 in the guide channel 204 is achieved.

[0083] In further training according to the Fig. 96 is a traction element S2 with a larger diameter b guided in the guide channel 204, so that an outer surface of the traction element S1 rubs more strongly against the inner wall of the guide channel 204.

[0084] During the further education of Fig. 97 a membrane 2042 is provided within the guide channel 204 to locally narrow the guide channel 204.

[0085] In further training according to the Fig. Within the guide channel 204, an elastic preload element in the form of a spring tongue 2043 is formed. This spring tongue 2043 projects into the inner wall of the guide channel 204 and is spring-elastically adjustable against a restoring force towards the inner wall. When a tensile element S2 is guided in the guide channel 204, the spring tongue 2043 presses with its free end against a section of the tensile element S2, thus applying a preload force to it.

[0086] In further training according to the Fig. 99A to 100B, a spring tongue 2043* is also provided within the guide channel 204 of the second locking part 2. This spring tongue 2043* is accessible via the opening in the recess 203, so that in the locking position, it can be acted upon by a clamping area 102b of the first locking part 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping area 102b is formed by a convexly curved section on the positive locking element 102. Via the outer surface of this clamping area 102b, the first locking element 1, in its position pivoted in the direction of rotation D1 (when both locking elements 1, 2 are in the locking position), can press against the spring tongue 2043* and thus achieve a locking clamping of the traction element S2 between the spring tongue 2043* and the opposite inner wall of the guide channel 204. Fig. Figure 99A shows the rear view of the locking assembly A with the first and second locking parts 1, 2 in the initial position. Fig. 99B shows a longitudinal section of the Fig. 99A. The Fig. 100A and Fig. 100B again show in with the Fig. 99A and Fig. 99B matching views the locking assembly A with the two locking parts 1, 2 in the locking position.

[0087] In with the Fig. Views 99A to 100B, which are consistent, show the Fig. 101A to 102B a further development of the execution variant of Fig. 99A to 101B. Here, a toothed area 20430* is formed on the section of the spring tongue 2043* that is to be brought into contact with the guide channel 204. This allows the engagement of the area of ​​the spring tongue 2043* pressed against the section of the tension member S2 in the locking position of the locking parts 1, 2 to be increased, especially if the tension member S2 is made of a fibrous or textile material.

[0088] However, it is also possible that, instead of the spring tongue 2043, an alternatively designed section is formed in the area of ​​the guide channel 204 of the second locking element 2 or is mounted on the component body 20 of the second locking element 2, which, under the influence of the first locking element 1, which is adjusted relative to the second locking element 2, can be brought into locking, in particular clamping, contact with the second tensioning element 2, without this section being elastically pre-tensioned on the second tensioning element 2. For example, a (flexibly) deformable wall can be provided on the guide channel 204, or the tensioning element S2 can be guided in a (flexibly) deformable sleeve of the second locking element 2.Under the influence of the clamping area 102b of the first locking part 1, a deformation, in particular a crushing of a section of the deformable wall or the deformable sleeve, can then take place in order to clamp the pulling element S2 to the second locking part 2.

[0089] In further training according to the Fig. At the end of the guide channel 204, which is located towards the upper opening 204.1, a ramp section 2044 is formed that is directed more strongly outwards and slopes more steeply. The ramp section 2044 imposes a greater deflection on the traction element S2 within the guide channel 204 in order to increase friction or preload between the second locking element 2 and the section of the traction element S2 guided by its functional section 200.

[0090] The Fig. Figures 105A to 130 show a further embodiment of a proposed locking assembly A, in which, unlike the embodiments described above, the separate locking parts 1, 2 are not pivotally mounted relative to each other in an attached and connected state, but are slidably mounted relative to each other. After being attached along an attachment direction Z according to the Fig. 105A and Fig. 105B, the locking parts 1, 2 are thus in a connected state in which the locking parts are displaceable along an adjustment axis L running perpendicular to the insertion direction Z (see in particular Fig. 115 to 117).

[0091] The locking parts 1, 2 of the version variant of the Fig. Sections 105A to 130 each again feature a central guide section 101 or 201 for mounting the two locking elements 1, 2 in a connected state. On the respective component body 10 or 20 of a locking element 1, 2 that forms the guide section 101 or 201, a functional section 100 or 200 is again formed laterally, on which an actuating surface 106, 206 is provided for manual operation by a user to release a locking mechanism. Each functional section 100 or 200 also again forms a guide channel 104 or 204 through which a first or second traction element S1, S2 is guided, so that the locking elements 1, 2 are slidable along the respective traction element S1 or S2 in a disconnected state.

[0092] Each locking element 1, 2 forms a clamping area 102a or 202a on the respective component body 10 or 20 for locking the traction element S2, S1 to the respective other locking element 2 or 1. In this embodiment, the respective clamping area 102a or 202a is formed by an L-shaped projecting arm on the component body 10 or 20, which is opposite the respective functional section 100 or 200. The respective guide section 101 or 201 of a locking element 1 or 2 is therefore located between the functional section 100 or 200 and the L-shaped clamping area 102a or 202a on the respective locking element 1 or 2.

[0093] As can be seen in particular from the exploded views of the Fig. 106A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 106B, both locking parts 1, 2 each have a magnetic element M1 or M2 in the area of ​​their respective guide section 101, 201. The magnetic elements M1, M2 attract each other magnetically along the insertion direction Z to facilitate the connection of the two locking parts 1, 2 and to support the first and second locking parts 1, 2 assuming a starting position relative to each other in a connected state. When the two locking parts 1, 2 are placed against each other, they are moved towards each other by the magnetic force of the first and second magnetic elements M1, M2, whereby ramp sections 105 and 205 of the two locking parts 1, 2 are again brought into contact with each other.As the two ramp sections 105, 205 run into each other, the locking parts 1, 2 are given a displacement movement with a movement component perpendicular to the application direction Z, so that the locking parts 1, 2 assume their starting position in the connected state.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide section 101 projects from the component body 10 of the first locking element 1 along the insertion direction Z, for example, projecting in a cylindrical or annular shape. The guide section 201 of the second locking element 2 also projects from its component body 20, here defining a recess into which the guide section 101 of the first locking element 1 can fully engage. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide section 201 of the second locking element 2 is, for example, sleeve-shaped and has an elongated cross-section. The ramp section 205 of the second locking element 2 has an inclined surface within the guide section 201 that points inwards on the inner circumference of the recess of the (second) guide section 201.In contrast, the ramp surface 105 of the (first) guide section 101 on the first locking element 1 is formed on an outer circumference of the guide section 101 with an inclined surface running outwards in the direction of the clamping area 102a. When the first and second locking elements 1, 2 are placed against each other along the insertion direction Z, the two ramp sections 105, 205 slide along each other and cause the guide section 101 of the first locking element 1, which engages in the recess of the second guide section 201, to shift transversely to the insertion direction Z, so that the two locking elements 1, 2 engage the Fig. Assume the starting positions shown in 107 to 114 relative to each other.

[0095] In the initial position, the respective clamping area 102a or 202a engages a section of the tensioning element S2 or S1, which projects from an upper opening of the guide channel 204 or 104 on the other locking element 2 or 1. This ensures that relative displacement of the locking assembly A with the interconnected locking elements 1, 2 along the two tensioning elements S1, S2 is not blocked.

[0096] By slidably receiving the (first) guide section 101 of the first locking element 1 in the recess of the other (second) guide section 201 of the second locking element 2 along the adjustment axis L (whereby opposing inner walls of the recess preferably form a physical guide for the first guide section 101 along the adjustment axis L), the locking elements 1, 2 can be adjusted in opposite directions to each other, i.e., in this case along opposite adjustment directions L1, L2, along the adjustment axis L, in order to clamp and lock a section of a tension element S2 or S1 extending between the respective clamping area 102a or 202a and a section of the component body 20 or 10. As shown by the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 115 to 122, in this embodiment of a proposed locking assembly A, the locking parts 1, 2 are mounted together and the traction elements S1, S2 are guided to them in such a way that, by a common displacement of the interconnected locking parts 1, 2 along a displacement direction V on the first and second traction elements S1, S2, the locking parts 1, 2 are moved from their originally assumed starting position in opposite directions to each other - in this case in the adjustment directions L1, L2 along the adjustment axis L in a straight line - into a locking position in which the clamping areas 102a, 202a clamp the traction elements S1, S2 to the locking assembly A.By shifting into the locking position, the respective clamping area 102a or 202a is adjusted in the direction of an edge section on the component body 20 or 10 of the respective other locking part 2, 1, so that the respective clamping area 102a or 202a clamps a section of the tensioning element S2 or S1 between this edge section and the clamping area 102a or 202a.

[0097] A load application area 104R, 204R is located on the locking assembly A of the Fig. Sections 105A to 130 are each offset along the adjustment axis L (to the right or left with respect to the guide sections 101, 201) from the locking area 102a, 202a of the respective locking part 1 or 2, in order to convert at least part of an adjustment force applied by a user for moving the locking assembly A along the direction of movement V into a force for locking the respective tensioning element S2, S1. In this way, on the side of the respective functional section 100 or 200 under load, a force introduced at the respective load application area 104R, 204R acts along a force vector that has a (transverse) force component which is in the same direction as a (locking) force, here clamping force, along which it acts on the tensioning element S2 or S1 via the clamping area 102a or 202a in order to lock the tensioning element S2 or S1.The force vector of the applied load therefore points in the same direction as the force vector that acts on the respective clamping area 102a, 202a due to the adjustment of the locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other.

[0098] In the locked position, the clamping effect generated by the clamping areas 102a and 202a also acts as a self-reinforcing force in this design variant when a load B1, B2 acts on the sections of the traction elements S1, S2 that extend out of the guide channels 104 and 204 in the direction of displacement V (cf. Fig. 122).

[0099] The displacement of the locking parts 1, 2 along the adjustment axis L relative to each other also results in the two locking parts 1, 2 being additionally secured to one another by a positive locking mechanism, so that in the locked position, separation of the locking parts 1, 2 opposite to the insertion direction Z is prevented. For this positive locking, a groove-shaped recess 203 is provided on an inner wall of the guide section 201 of the second locking part 2. A positive locking element 102, designed as an edge extension on the outer circumference of the guide section 101 of the first locking part 1 (in this case in the adjustment direction L1), engages positively in this recess 203 when the locking parts 1, 2 are moved into the locked position.

[0100] If the locking mechanism of the locking assembly A on the tensioning elements S1, S2 is to be released, for example, to release the tensioning elements S1, S2 (designed as shoelaces or straps) from a taut state, a user can manually, preferably using a pair of pliers, grasp the actuating surfaces 106 and 206 of the functional sections 100 and 200 and move the two locking parts 1, 2 in opposite directions -L1 and -L2 along the adjustment axis L. This distances the clamping areas 102a and 202a from the respective sections of the tensioning elements S2, S1 and disengages the positive locking element 102 with the recess 203. With further adjustment along the adjustment axis L, the ramp surfaces 105 and 205 then slide against each other again.This creates a displacement movement opposite to the application direction Z, by which the two locking parts 1, 2 are separated from each other.

[0101] The Fig. Figures 131A to 147 show a further development of the execution variant of the Fig. 105A to 130, which are functionally equivalent to the version variant of the Fig. 105A to 130 is identical. In the case of the Fig. In the locking assembly A shown in Figures 131A to 147, the first and second locking parts 1, 2 are therefore also adjustable translationally relative to each other in a connected state in order to lock two tension elements S1, S2 to the locking assembly A and thus prevent the locking assembly A from being displaced along the tension elements S1, S2. In deviation from the embodiment of the Fig. 105A to 130 are in the version variant of the Fig. 131A to 147 only the guide sections 101 and 201 and the receptacle 203 on the second locking part 2 and the positive locking elements 102 of the first locking part 1 engaging therein are designed differently.

[0102] A guide path defined by the guide sections 101 and 201 for the translational displacement of the two locking elements 1, 2 along the adjustment axis L is designed such that a positive locking connection between the first and second locking elements, by which the first and second locking elements 1, 2 are locked against separation in the locking position, already exists before the first and second locking elements assume their locking position. This can also be advantageous to support the use of tension elements S1, S2 with different diameters and / or different cross-sectional geometries.

[0103] Thus, two positive-locking elements 102, projecting transversely to the adjustment direction L1 of the first locking part 1 on the first guide section 101, engage with mutually projecting edge sections 203R within the receptacle of the second guide section 201, when the two locking parts 1, 2 have been moved relative to each other from their initial position towards the locking position, but have not yet reached the locking position. In this way, the two locking parts 1, 2 are already positively locked to each other before the locking assembly A is locked to the two tension members S1, S2. In the embodiment of the Fig. 131A to 147, therefore, a positive fit is not achieved - as in the version variant of the Fig.105A to 130 - via a positive locking element 102 of the first guide section 101 pointing in the adjustment direction L1 and engaging behind an edge section 203R of the receptacle 203 only when the locking position is reached. Rather, the positive locking is achieved via two positive locking elements 102 projecting in opposite directions, each transverse to the adjustment axis L, which engage behind an associated edge section 203R of the receptacle 203 even during the adjustment of the first and second locking parts 1 and 2 in the direction of the locking position.

[0104] The Fig. Figures 148A to 152 show another variant of a locking assembly A.

[0105] In the connected state of the locking parts 1, 2 of the design variant of the Fig. In parts 148A to 152, the locking elements 1 and 2, as in the previously described versions, are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis D between two relative positions. Components identical to those in the previously described versions are marked with identical reference numerals. The locking assembly A of version 148A also features the following: Fig. 148A to 152 no magnetic elements M1, M2.

[0106] In the version of the Fig. Figures 148A to 152 describe the connection between the first and second locking parts 1, 2, allowing them to pivot relative to the pivot axis D, via a bearing pin 108 of the first locking part 1, which physically defines the pivot axis D. The bearing pin 108 can be inserted into a bearing pin opening 208 of the second locking part 2 and locked into place. The bearing pin 108 has two locking elements 108.1 and 108.2 that are elastically displaceable relative to each other. These locking elements are elastically displaceable along the insertion direction Z when the two locking parts 1, 2 are attached and snap into the bearing pin opening 208 with end-end locking lugs when the first and second locking parts 1, 2 are fully attached and assume their initial position (see in particular the figures below). Fig. 150 and Fig. 151).

[0107] To separate the two locking parts 1, 2 from each other again, the locking parts 108.1 and 108.2 of the bearing pin 108 can be pressed towards each other, so that the locking lugs of the locking parts 108.1 and 108.2 no longer prevent the two locking parts 1, 2 from being pulled away from each other in the opposite direction to the insertion direction Z.

[0108] Even in the version variant of the Fig. Furthermore, as described in sections 148A to 152, it may be provided that, via cooperating ramp sections on the locking parts 1, 2, the two locking parts 1, 2 can be lifted off from each other and thus separated from each other by pivoting them against each other.

[0109] In a further development of the execution variant of the Fig. Figures 148A to 152 may provide that the interconnected locking parts 1 and 2 are pre-tensioned into their locking position relative to each other by means of a spring element – ​​e.g., in the form of a torsion spring. Under the action of the legs of the torsion spring, the clamping areas 102a and 202a of the two locking parts 1 and 2 are then pre-tensioned towards an opposite inner wall of a guide channel 204 or 104 of the respective other locking part 2 or 1, so that, with a traction element S2 or S1 guided therein, the locking assembly A is immovably fixed to the respective traction element S1, S2. In order to be able to move the locking assembly A with the two locking parts 1, 2 along the traction elements S1, S2, a user must actuate the outer, oppositely facing actuating surfaces 106, 206 and apply actuating forces OF1, OF2.This causes the two locking parts 1 and 2 to pivot in opposite directions -D1 and -D2 against the restoring force applied by the spring element and to be moved into the release position, in which the clamping areas 102a and 202a are each pivoted further or completely out of the respective guide channel 204 or 104. This allows the locking of the traction elements S1, S2 on the locking assembly A to be released.

[0110] The Fig. 153A-153B, 154A-154B, 155A-155B and 156A-156B show in with the Fig. 1A-1B, 38A-38B, 58A-58B and 76A-76B respectively, agreeing views, further developments of the execution variants of the Fig.1A to 37, 38A to 57, 58A to 75, and 76A to 93. In the illustrated further developments, a grip recess 109 or 209 is provided on the component bodies 10 and 20 of the two locking parts 1 and 2. These grip recesses 109 and 209 are each dimensioned such that a user of the locking assembly A can grip the respective locking part 1, 2 with at least one finger (in particular, a thumb) of one hand. This allows, for example, a manual adjusting force to be conveniently introduced into the locking assembly A to adjust the two locking parts 1, 2 relative to each other when the two locking parts 1, 2 have been placed against each other and are connected. Thus, for example, a user with fingers of one hand – e.g.,The user grasps the locking assembly with their thumb on one grip recess 109 or 209 and with the index finger of the same hand on the other grip recess 209, 109 to reposition the two locking parts 1, 2 and pull them upwards against the direction of movement V. The counterforce applied by the at least one pulling element S1, S2 causes the locking parts 1, 2 to pivot relative to each other into the non-locking relative position, thus releasing the clamping force of the at least one pulling element S1, S2. The grip recesses 109, 209 facilitate adjustment of the locking parts 1 and 2 relative to each other without separating them. Reference symbol list 1 First locking part 10 component bodies 100 Functional section 101 First section of the guide 102 Positive locking element 102a, 102b Clamping area (locking area) 103 recording 103R Edge section 104 Guide channel 104.1, 104.2 Opening 104R Opening edge / Load application area 105 First ramp section (first guide device) 106 Area of ​​activity 107 Grip area 108 bearing journals 108.1, 108.2 Latching part 109 Recessed handle 2 Second locking part 20 component bodies 200 Functional section 201 Second Leadership Section 202 Positive locking element 202a Clamping area (locking area) 203 recording 203R Edge section 204 Guide channel 204.1, 204.2 Opening 204R Opening edge / Load application area 2040 narrowing 2041 Deflection area 2042 Membran 2043, 2043* Spring tongue (preload element) 20430* Dental area 2044 Ramp area 205 Second ramp section (second guide device) 206 Area of ​​activity 207 bearing journals 207.1, 207.2 Latching part 208 Bearing pin opening 209 Recessed handle A locking assembly B1, B2 Load / Tensile force b diameter D Swivel axis D1, D2 Swivel direction F1, F2 holding force / tensile forces K1, K2 Extension direction on clamping side L adjustment axis L1, L2 Adjustment direction M1 First magnetic element M2 Second magnetic element OF1, OF2 Actuating force S1, S2 shoelaces (pulling aids) V Direction of movement Z Direction of application

Images