MAGNETIC LOCKING DEVICE WITH A RETAINING ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a closure device is used to connect two assemblies together, for example, as a closure for containers, bags, items of clothing, helmets, or for connecting other assemblies together. Such a closure device should be easy to close and also easy to reopen. In a closed position, the closure device should provide a secure hold for the assemblies to be connected and, in particular, secure the assemblies to one another with such strength that the assemblies cannot be easily separated from one another, at least not without deliberately actuating the locking mechanism.

[0003] Such a closure device comprises a first closure part, which has a housing part, a spring locking element arranged elastically on the housing part and having at least one first latching section, and a first magnetic element. The closure device also comprises a second closure part, which has a blocking element with at least one second latching section and a second magnetic element. The first closure part and the second closure part can be placed against one another in a closing direction under the magnetic attractive effect of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. In a closed position, the first latching section and the second latching section engage one another in a form-fitting manner, such that the first closure part and the second closure part are held against one another counter to the closing direction.

[0004] While in the closed position the locking parts are held together by the engagement between the spring locking element and the blocking element, the locking parts can be separated by releasing the engagement between the spring locking element and the blocking element. For this purpose, two components of the locking device can be moved relative to each other by applying an actuating force. Once the positive engagement between the spring locking element and the blocking element is released, the locking parts can be separated.

[0005] Such a closure device is known, for example, from EP 2 040 572 B1 and EP 2 252 176 B1. A closure device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE10217212152 A1.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a closure device in which unintentional opening is made more difficult.

[0007] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the closure device has an inhibiting element which is designed to inhibit a movement of the assemblies relative to one another, wherein, when an actuating force between the assemblies is greater than an inhibiting force, the assemblies are movable relative to one another.

[0009] The closure parts can be attached to one another along the closing direction in a simple, tactilely comfortable manner by locking the locking sections. In the closed position, the locking sections of the spring locking element on the one hand and the locking element on the other ensure a secure hold of the closure parts against one another. By moving the components of the closure device relative to one another, the closure device can be opened by disengaging the locking sections of the spring locking element on the one hand and the locking element on the other hand.

[0010] To further complicate unintentional opening, the closure device has a restraining element designed to provide a restraining force to inhibit the opening movement when the assemblies move relative to one another. The restraining element is configured such that the restraining element inhibits the opening movement but does not (completely) block it, so that if the actuating force between the assemblies exceeds the restraining force, the closure device can be opened by overcoming the restraining element. The restraining element thus complicates the opening process and in this way reduces the risk of unconscious, unintentional release of the closure device. However, the restraining element does not block the opening movement in such a way that opening is only possible after actuation of the restraining element (brought about by an additional actuating means).

[0011] Moving the assemblies relative to each other to open the locking device breaks the positive engagement between the locking sections of the spring locking element and the blocking element. The relative movement of the assemblies can, for example, move the spring locking element relative to the blocking element. Alternatively, the relative movement of the assemblies can, for example, spread the spring locking element—while the spring locking element is otherwise stationary—thus breaking the positive engagement.

[0012] In one embodiment, one of the assemblies is associated with the spring locking element, so that moving this assembly moves the spring locking element relative to the locking element. The relative movement of the assemblies thus disengages the spring locking element from the locking element, thus removing the connection between the locking parts and allowing the locking parts to be separated from each other.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the assemblies is a component of the first closure part, and the other of the assemblies is a component of the second closure part. For example, one of the assemblies can be implemented by the first closure part as a whole, and the other of the assemblies can be implemented by the second closure part as a whole. By moving the closure parts relative to one another, the spring locking element and the blocking element are moved relative to one another to open the closure device, thereby releasing the positive engagement between the spring locking element and the blocking element.

[0014] In one embodiment, one of the assemblies can be realized by the housing part of the first closure part, which is to be moved toward another housing part of the first closure part to open the closure device. By moving the housing part of the first closure part, the spring locking element arranged on the housing part is moved toward the first closure part and thus also toward the blocking element of the second closure part, thereby releasing the positive engagement between the locking sections of the spring locking element and the blocking element to open the closure device.

[0015] If one of the assemblies is part of the first closure part and the other of the assemblies is part of the second closure part, the inhibition provided by the inhibiting element during opening occurs between the closure parts, namely between the assemblies of the closure parts that are to be moved for opening. In another embodiment, however, it is also possible for the inhibition to be effected between assemblies that are part of one of the closure parts, so that a relative movement of assemblies of one of the closure parts is inhibited by the inhibiting element during opening.

[0016] For example, in one embodiment, both assemblies can be part of the first closure part. The assemblies are moved relative to one another to open the closure device, with the locking element acting between the assemblies and inhibiting the opening movement of the assemblies relative to one another. For example, one of the assemblies can be formed by the housing part on which the spring locking element is arranged. The other of the assemblies, in contrast, can be realized by another housing part of the first closure part, relative to which the housing part of the first closure part carrying the spring locking element is to be moved.

[0017] In one embodiment, the locking element is arranged on one assembly and is designed to interact with the other assembly during a relative movement of the assemblies. The locking element can, for example, be arranged integrally on the assembly and, during a relative movement, interact with the other assembly in such a way that the other assembly, for example, rubs against the locking element, thus providing a check.

[0018] In one embodiment, the locking element assumes a basic position in the closed position of the locking device. To overcome the locking, the locking element can be deflected from this basic position when the assemblies move relative to each other. The deflection is not achieved by an additional actuating means, but rather by the interaction of the assemblies with each other during the opening movement, so that the locking element impedes the opening movement but does not need to be separately actuated to permit opening.

[0019] In particular, the locking element can be designed to be fully or partially elastic and thus elastically deflectable from its home position. After the opening process has been completed, the locking element returns to its home position due to its elasticity, so that upon subsequent closing, the locking device is again inhibited from opening.

[0020] In addition or alternatively to the elastic deflectability of the locking element, it is conceivable that the locking element is designed to act between the assemblies when the assemblies move relative to one another along a direction of movement in such a way that one of the assemblies is adjusted transversely to the direction of movement relative to the other of the assemblies. To open the closure device, the assemblies are moved relative to one another along a direction of movement. The locking element acts between the assemblies and causes the assemblies to be adjusted (also) transversely to the direction of movement relative to one another when moved along the direction of movement. For this purpose, the locking element can be designed as an elastic element or, if appropriate, also as a rigid element and can be arranged on one of the assemblies.The locking element is designed in such a way that when the assemblies move relative to each other, the other assembly runs into the locking element and is thereby adjusted relative to one of the assemblies. This can, for example, provide friction between the assemblies, which counteracts the opening movement of the assemblies relative to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking element is designed to adjust one of the assemblies transversely to the direction of movement relative to the other of the assemblies against a magnetic attraction force of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. In this embodiment, the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic elements also acts at least between the assemblies. Because the locking element adjusts the assemblies against the magnetic attraction force during the opening movement, a locking force is provided between the assemblies, wherein the locking force is predetermined by the force required to adjust the assemblies relative to one another against the magnetic attraction force.

[0022] In one embodiment, the spring locking element and the blocking element are movable relative to each other to open the closure device along an opening direction that differs from the closing direction. One of the assemblies is assigned, for example, to the spring locking element, and the other of the assemblies is assigned, for example, to the blocking element, so that the spring locking element and the blocking element can be moved relative to each other by relative movement of the assemblies.

[0023] The term "the opening direction differs from the closing direction" should be understood to mean that the opening direction is neither the same nor opposite to the closing direction. The opening direction can, for example, be perpendicular to or at an oblique angle to the closing direction, so that the closing and opening of the locking device occur along different directions.

[0024] For closing, the closure parts are placed against one another along the closing direction. During closing, the locking element of the second closure part and the spring locking element of the first closure part engage with one another in a locking manner, while the spring locking element is elastically pushed aside, so that in the closed position, the locking element is held positively against the closing direction by the spring locking element. For opening, the closure parts are moved toward one another along the opening direction to disengage the locking sections from one another, preferably by moving the locking sections tangentially to one another and thus disengaging them.

[0025] The disengagement of the locking element and the spring locking element can be achieved by a relative movement between the spring locking element and the locking element. Alternatively, the disengagement can also be achieved by force-deflecting elements that push the locking section of the spring locking element aside, as described, for example, in EP 2 166 895 B1, or by a hybrid.

[0026] The locking element counteracts the opening movement of the assemblies relative to each other. The locking element can be arranged in a variety of locations to inhibit the opening movement.

[0027] Thus, the inhibiting element can be designed in particular for interaction between the first closure part and the second closure part and can be arranged on the first closure part for interaction with the second closure part or on the second closure part for interaction with the first closure part.

[0028] For example, the inhibiting element can be arranged on the housing part of the first closure part for interaction with a housing portion of the second closure part or with the locking element of the second closure part. Alternatively, the inhibiting element can be arranged on a housing portion of the second closure part for interaction with a housing portion of the first closure part.

[0029] If the housing part of the first closure part is mounted, for example, as a slide on a housing of the first closure part and the housing part with the spring locking element arranged thereon is moved along the opening movement to the housing of the first closure part, the inhibiting element can also act between the housing part and the housing of the first closure part in order to inhibit an opening movement of the spring locking element on the first closure part.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking element can be movably arranged on a base of the second closure part, wherein the inhibiting element in this case acts, for example, between the locking element and the base of the second closure part and in this way inhibits a movement of the locking element for opening.

[0031] In general, the locking element can interact between those assemblies which are to be moved towards each other in order to open the closure device, wherein the locking element is designed in such a way that the locking element enables the opening movement when the locking force is overcome, without a separate actuation of the locking element being necessary.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inhibiting element can be deflected elastically relative to the housing part of the first closure part or to the second closure part.

[0033] The locking element can, for example, be formed integrally with the housing part of the first closure part or with a base of the second closure part, for example in the form of an elastically deformable spring tongue. For example, such a spring tongue can be cut free in sections from a housing section of the housing part of the first closure part or a housing section of the second closure part and extend along the opening direction, wherein the locking element can be deflected perpendicular to the opening direction during the opening movement under elastic deformation.

[0034] In another embodiment, the locking element is not formed integrally, for example, with the housing part of the first closure part or with a base of the second closure part, but rather as an element arranged so as to be movable relative to the housing part of the first closure part or the base of the second closure part, for example in the form of a lever element. Such a separate locking element can, for example, be elastically prestressed and thus elastically deflectable.

[0035] The locking element has an elastically deformable spring portion and a locking head for interacting with one of the assemblies. If the locking element is arranged, for example, on the housing part of the first closure part, the locking head can be designed to interact with the second closure part, for example, with the locking element of the second closure part. If, in contrast, the locking element is arranged on the second closure part, the locking head can be designed to interact with the first closure part, for example, a housing portion of the first closure part.

[0036] The locking head has a run-up slope onto which a portion of one of the assemblies runs. The run-up slope extends, for example, obliquely to the opening direction. If the locking element is arranged, for example, on the first closure part, for example, on the housing part of the first closure part, the second closure part, for example, the locking element of the second closure part, can run onto the run-up slope when the closure device is opened, thereby pushing the locking element aside and thereby providing a locking force.

[0037] The locking force can be adjusted, for example, by the angle of the run-up slope relative to the opening direction and by the elastic properties of the locking element.

[0038] In addition, the at least one second locking section of the locking element of the second closure part has a run-up slope for interacting with the inhibiting element.

[0039] In principle, the locking force can be adjusted, in particular, by the design of ramps on the locking element and / or on a component interacting with the locking element, by the elastic properties of the locking element, by lever ratios on the locking element, and by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements of the locking parts. The locking force is dimensioned such that unintentional opening is reliably prevented, while a user can still open the locking device by overcoming the locking force.

[0040] The blocking force can act as a breakaway force that must be overcome to open the device. Once overcome, the device can be opened relatively easily. Such a breakaway force can be provided, for example, by an elastically deflectable element. After the blocking element is pushed aside, the (further) opening of the closure device can be achieved relatively easily by moving the spring locking element and the blocking element relative to each other.

[0041] In a configuration in which the arresting element is arranged on the housing part of the first closure part (which implements one of the assemblies), the locking element (which implements the other of the assemblies) engages with the arresting element in the closed position. Thus, even in the closed position, the arresting element interacts with the locking element essentially without play, so that, to open the closure device during an opening movement, the locking element runs directly onto the arresting element and interacts with it.

[0042] In an embodiment in which the arresting element is preferably arranged on the housing part of the first closure part, the blocking element does not interact with the arresting element arranged on the first closure part in the closed position and is therefore not in contact with the arresting element in the closed position. Upon opening, the blocking element can thus initially be moved over a certain opening path towards the spring locking element until the blocking element comes into contact with the arresting element, wherein the opening path is such that the arresting effect of the arresting element sets in before the positive engagement of the first locking section and the second locking section is canceled. The opening movement is thus inhibited before the closure parts are released from one another.

[0043] The magnetic elements interact in a magnetically attractive manner. The magnetic elements can each be formed by a permanent magnet or an array of permanent magnets, with the magnetic elements facing each other with opposite poles and thus interacting in a magnetically attractive manner along the closing direction.

[0044] In another embodiment, one of the magnetic elements can be designed by a permanent magnet or an arrangement of permanent magnets and the other of the magnetic elements can be designed by a ferromagnetic armature and thus passively magnetic.

[0045] In one embodiment, when the closure device is opened, the magnetic elements are sheared off tangentially from one another by moving the assemblies toward one another. During the opening movement, the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element weakens and can even turn into repulsion beyond a certain opening distance. This enables an easy, tactile separation of the closure parts from one another once the positive engagement between the locking sections of the spring locking element and the blocking element is released.

[0046] The inhibition of the inhibiting element can occur when the magnetic elements are (still) attracting each other. In another configuration, however, the inhibition can only occur when the magnetic elements interact repulsively after a certain opening travel.

[0047] The magnetic elements interact in a magnetically attractive manner along the closing direction, thus assisting the locking parts in closing the locking device. Due to the magnetic effect, the closing can occur largely automatically, for example, when the locking parts are brought closer together, so that the magnetic effect draws the locking element into locking engagement with the spring locking element.

[0048] The spring locking element can, for example, be in the form of a circumferentially open C-ring on which one or more locking sections are formed, which, for example, point radially inward. The locking element, in this case, for example, pin-shaped, can be inserted into the spring locking element to positively lock the locking element to the spring locking element.

[0049] In another embodiment, the spring locking element can be formed, for example, by one or more locking tongues, for example by opposing locking tongues, between which the locking element can be inserted.

[0050] In one embodiment, the locking element of the second closure part has a blocking section for blocking the opening movement. The locking element can be rotated about the closing direction relative to the spring locking element between a first position and a second position, wherein the blocking section faces the inhibiting element arranged on the first closure part in the first position, but does not face it in the second position. In the first position, the closure device cannot be opened due to the interaction of the blocking section with the inhibiting element. In the second position, however, the closure device can be opened by overcoming the inhibiting force.

[0051] In one embodiment, for example, a run-up slope can be formed in the region of the blocking element for running onto the blocking element, which, however, only faces the blocking element in the second position, so that the closure device can only be opened by overcoming the blocking force in the second position of the blocking element relative to the blocking element. The blocking section, on the other hand, can, for example, have a vertical flank that extends perpendicular to the opening direction, so that the blocking section cannot interact with the blocking element to push it aside. If the blocking section faces the blocking element in the first position, the blocking element cannot be pushed aside by interacting with the blocking element, so that opening is blocked. Opening can only take place when the blocking element has been brought into the second position relative to the spring locking element.

[0052] For example, the blocking element can be pre-tensioned towards the first position towards the first closure part so that the blocking element is received in a blocking manner on the spring locking element in the closed position. Such pre-tensioning can be brought about, for example, by the magnetic elements, in that the magnetic elements automatically move the blocking element into the first position when the closure device is closed. This can be achieved in that the magnetic elements each have at least two magnetic poles which point towards the other magnetic element, wherein in the first position the magnetic poles are magnetically attractive to one another, whereas in the second position there is magnetic repulsion between the magnetic elements so that the blocking element automatically moves into the first position relative to the spring locking element when the closure device is closed.

[0053] In another embodiment, preload can be achieved, for example, by an elastic element, such as one or more spring elements. Alternatively or additionally, preload toward the first position can be achieved by gravity or by inclined planes.

[0054] Alternatively, the locking element may not be pre-tensioned in the direction of the first position, so that the locking element can only be adjusted between the first position and the second position by manual operation of a user.

[0055] The restraining element is not necessarily designed as a mechanical element for providing a mechanical restraining force. For example, in one embodiment, the restraining element can be implemented by a third magnetic element arranged and configured such that the third magnetic element magnetically counteracts the relative movement of the assemblies relative to one another for opening the closure device. In this case, a magnetic restraining force is provided, caused, for example, by a magnetic repulsion, which must be overcome when the assemblies are moved relative to one another for opening the closure device.

[0056] The inhibiting element in the form of the third magnetic element can, for example, be arranged on the housing part of the first closure part. The inhibiting element in the form of the third magnetic element can, for example, be offset from the first magnetic element of the first closure part in the opening direction, so that the second closure part, with the second magnetic element arranged thereon, is brought closer to the inhibiting element in the form of the third magnetic element in the opening direction when the closure device is opened. To open the closure device, a repulsion between the third magnetic element on the first closure part and the second magnetic element of the second closure part must therefore be overcome.

[0057] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the closure device from a different perspective; Fig. 2 is a view of the closure device before closing; Fig. 3A is a top view of the closure device before closing; Fig. 3B is a side view of the closure device; Fig. 3C is a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 3A ; Fig. 3Your enlarged view in section B according to Fig. 3C ; Fig. 4A a plan view of the closure device, in a closed position; Fig. 4B a side view of the closure device; Fig. 4C a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 4A ; Fig. 4Your enlarged view in section B according to Fig. 4C ; Fig. 5A a top view of the closure device, during opening; Fig. 5B a side view of the closure device; Fig. 5C a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 5A ; Fig. 5Your enlarged view in section B according to Fig. 5C ; Fig. 6A a top view of the closure device, during further opening; Fig. 6B a side view of the closure device; Fig. 6C a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 6A ; Fig. 6Your enlarged view in section B according to Fig. 6C ; Fig. 7A a plan view of the closure device, in the open position; Fig. 7B a side view of the closure device; Fig. 7C a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 7A ; Fig. 7Your enlarged view in section B according to Fig. 7C ; Fig. 8 a view of another embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 9A a plan view of the closure device, in the closed position; Fig. 9B a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 9A ; Fig. 10A a top view of the closure device, when opened; Fig. 10B a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 10A ; Fig. 11A a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 9A ; Fig. 11Legs enlarged view in section C according to Fig. 11A ; Fig. 11C an enlarged view in section D according to Fig. 11A ; Fig. 12 a sectional view along the line BB according to Fig. 10A ; Fig. 13 a view of yet another embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 14 a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 13 ; Fig. 15A a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 14 ; Fig. 15 Legs enlarged view in section C according to Fig. 15A ; Fig. 16A a sectional view along the line BB according to Fig. 14 ; Fig. 16Legs enlarged view in section D according to Fig. 16A ; Fig. 17A a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 17B the sectional view according to Fig. 17A , in a different position of a locking element relative to a spring locking element; Fig. 18A a schematic diagram of an interaction of a locking element with an inhibiting element; Fig. 18B a view of the arrangement according to Fig. 18A , when opening; Fig. 18C the view according to Fig. 18B , upon further opening; Fig. 19 a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 20A a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 19 , in a closed position; Fig. 20B Sectional view along the line CC according to Fig. 20A ; Fig. 20C an enlarged view in section C according to Fig. 20B ; Fig. 21A a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 19 , when opening; Fig. 21 Legs sectional view along the line DD according to Fig. 21A ; Fig. 21C an enlarged view in section D according to Fig. 21B ; Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a closure device; Fig. 23A is a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 22 , in a closed position; Fig. 23B Sectional view along the line EE according to Fig. 23A ; Fig. 23C an enlarged view in section E according to Fig. 23B ; Fig. 24A a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 22 , when opening; Fig. 24 Legs sectional view along the line FF according to Fig. 24A ; and Fig. 24C an enlarged view in section F according to Fig. 24B .

[0058] Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D show an embodiment of a closure device 1 which has a first closure part 2 and a second closure part 3 to be connected to the first closure part 2 along a closing direction X.

[0059] The first closure part 2 has a housing part 20, which forms a contact surface 200 on a raised portion, around which a receiving groove 201 extends for receiving a spring locking element 21. The spring locking element 21 has the shape of a C-ring and is open at one point to form an opening 212. From a spring portion 210 extending in a C-shape around the closing direction X, locking portions 211 in the form of undercuts protrude radially inward.

[0060] As can be seen from the exploded view according to Fig. 1B As can be seen, the housing part 20 forms a receiving opening 202 for receiving a magnetic element 22. In the mounted position, the receiving opening 202 is closed to the outside by a cover element 3.

[0061] The housing part 20 of the first closure part 2 is fixedly received between housing parts 23, 24, which are screwed together to form the closure part 2 and, for example, receive an assembly assigned to the closure part 2 between them, so that the housing parts 23, 24 are fixed to the assembly.

[0062] The housing part 23 forms an engagement opening 230 into which the second closure part 3 can be inserted in the closing direction X with a pin-shaped locking element 31 and within which the spring locking element 21 is arranged, as can be seen from Fig. 2 can be seen. The housing part 23 is open in the closing direction X on the side facing the second closure part 3 to form the engagement opening 230 and is also open laterally through an opening 231 along an opening direction Y directed transversely to the closing direction X.

[0063] The second closure part 3 has a base 30, which is to be secured to an associated assembly. The locking element 31 protrudes from the base 30 and forms a shaft portion 310 and a locking portion 311 in the form of an undercut, which extends circumferentially around the closing direction X.

[0064] A magnetic element 32 is accommodated in the locking element 31 and interacts attractively with the magnetic element 22 of the first closure part 2.

[0065] Referring now to Fig. 2 and 3A-3D , the first closure part 2 and the second closure part 3 can be placed against one another in the closing direction X in order to bring the locking element 31 into engagement with the engagement opening 230 on the housing part 23 and thus with the spring locking element 21 arranged within the engagement opening 230.

[0066] The attachment is carried out by magnetic attraction of the magnetic elements 22, 32 in a magnetically assisted manner, so that the closure parts 2, 3 are attracted to each other when they approach each other.

[0067] When applied, the locking element 31 with a circumferential run-on slope 312 on the locking section 311 comes into contact with the locking sections 211 on the spring locking element 21 and thereby pushes the locking sections 211 aside with radial spreading of the spring locking element 21 until the locking section 311 has moved past the locking sections 211 and the locking sections 211 snap into engagement with the locking section 311, as in the transition from Fig. 3A-3D towards Fig. 4A-4D is evident.

[0068] In the Fig. 4A-4D In the closed position shown, the locking sections 211 on the inside of the spring section 210 of the spring locking element 21 are in positive engagement with the circumferential locking section 311 of the blocking element 31, so that the closure parts 2, 3 are held together in a positive fit along the closing direction X.

[0069] How this Fig. 4C As can be seen, the locking element 31 rests against the contact surface 200 of the housing part 20 in the closed position. The magnetic elements 22, 32 are magnetically attractive to one another.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, a locking element 25 in the form of an elastically deflectable spring tongue formed integrally and in one piece on the housing part 20 is arranged on the housing part 20 of the first closure part 2. The locking element 25 has, as can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 4D can be seen, an elastically deformable spring section 250 which is connected at one end to the housing part 20 and carries at its other, free end a locking head 251 which projects upwards counter to the closing direction X and forms a run-on slope 252 on a side facing the locking element 31 of the second closure part 3.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the inhibiting element 25 extends substantially along an opening direction Y, along which the blocking element 31 is to be moved relative to the spring locking element 21 to open the closure device 1. The inhibiting element 25, designed in the manner of a spring tongue, is directed opposite to the opening direction Y and points with the inhibiting head 251 toward the blocking element 31 received on the spring locking element 21 in the closed position.

[0072] The inhibiting element 25 provides an inhibition that counteracts the opening of the closure device 1 and thus makes opening more difficult.

[0073] To open the closure device 1, the closure parts 2, 3 are to be moved relative to one another along the opening direction Y, so that the locking element 31 is moved out of engagement with the spring locking element 21 through the opening 212 formed laterally on the C-shaped spring locking element 21. The opening direction Y is directed essentially perpendicular to the closing direction X, so that the opening movement differs from the closing movement.

[0074] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D The closure parts 2, 3 thus form assemblies that are to be moved relative to one another in order to open the closure device 1. As a result of the closure parts 2, 3 being moved relative to one another, the spring locking element 21 and the blocking element 31 are moved relative to one another and disengaged from one another, thereby breaking the connection between the closure parts 2, 3 and allowing the closure parts 2, 3 to be separated from one another.

[0075] During opening, the locking element 31 is moved out of the area of ​​the spring locking element 21, so that the locking sections 211, 311 are disengaged. During the lateral movement of the locking element 31, the locking section 311 on the locking element 31 runs with its run-up slope 312 onto the arresting element 25, so that the arresting element 25 is deflected perpendicular to the opening direction Y (in the embodiment downwards in the direction of the closing direction X), as is the case in the transition from Fig. 4A-4D towards Fig. 5A-5D is evident.

[0076] To deflect the locking element 25, a force is required that counteracts the opening movement of the closure device 1. The locking force thus provided acts as a breakaway force in that at the start of the opening movement, a large force is required to deflect the locking element 25 perpendicular to the opening direction Y by the run-up slopes 252, 312 running onto each other. If the locking element 25 is deflected, as in Fig. 5D shown, further opening can be done easily.

[0077] As can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 4C As can be seen, the locking element 25 with the locking head 251 is in contact with the locking portion 311 of the locking element 31 in the closed position. The locking element 25 thus counteracts the opening movement right from the start, so that the opening of the locking device 1 can only occur by deflecting the locking element 25.

[0078] Alternatively, there may also be a play between the inhibiting element 25 and the locking element 31 in the closed position, so that the locking element 31 only interacts with the inhibiting element 25 after a certain opening path in the opening direction Y.

[0079] During the opening movement of the blocking element 31 relative to the spring locking element 21 on the housing part 20, the magnetic elements 22, 32 are sheared off from one another tangentially along the opening direction Y, weakening the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic elements 22, 32. If the magnetic elements 22, 32 have been moved sufficiently far towards one another, a so-called edge effect can even result in a magnetic reversal and thus repulsion between the magnetic elements 22, 32, so that the closure parts 2, 3 can be easily separated from one another after the blocking element 31 has been moved out of the area of ​​the spring locking element 21.

[0080] As from Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig. 6A-6D As can be seen, in the region of the lateral opening 231 of the housing part 23, a guide surface 204 is formed which is curved in sections and thus inclined, so that the locking element 31 is guided along a removal direction E on the closure part 2 for easy removal from the closure part 2.

[0081] Fig. 7A-7D show the locking device 1 with separate locking parts 2, 3.

[0082] In another, in Fig. 8 bis 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 1 is formed by two closure modules 26, 32, each having two closure parts 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. Thus, the closure module 26 has two first closure parts 2A, 2B on a housing 260, which can be engaged with two second closure parts 3A, 3B on a body 320 of the second module 32.

[0083] To close the closure device 1, the closure modules 26, 32 can be placed against one another along the closing direction X, whereby the locking elements 31 of the second closure parts 3A, 3B on the side of the module 32 engage in a locking manner with the spring locking elements 21 of the first closure parts 2A, 2B on the side of the module 26, so that in the Fig. 9A, 9B and Fig. 11A-11C In the closed position shown, the modules 26, 32 are held together.

[0084] To open, the modules 26, 32 can be rotated relative to each other around a rotation axis D, as in the transition from Fig. 9A, 9B towards Fig. 10A, 10B can be seen. For this purpose, the module 32 is rotatably mounted on the module 26 via a pivot pin formed on the body 320, which, in the closed position, engages in a pivot pin engagement 261 on the housing 26 of the module 26. Due to the rotational movement, the locking elements 31 of the closure parts 3A, 3B are synchronously removed from the spring locking elements 21 of the closure parts 2A, 2B, so that the modules 26, 32 can be removed from one another counter to the closing direction X.

[0085] How this Fig. 8 in conjunction with Fig. 11C und 12 As can be seen, each first closure part 2A, 2B of the module 26 is assigned a blocking element 25 which blocks the opening movement. With regard to the design of the blocking element 25, the embodiment according to Fig. 8 bis 12 identical to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D .

[0086] In another case, in Fig. 13 bis 16A , 16BIn the embodiment shown, the second closure part 3 is identical to that in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D However, a first closure part 2 has, in comparison to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D a housing 27 on which a housing part 20 is arranged in the manner of a slider so as to be movable along an opening direction Y', so that the spring locking element 21 on the housing part 20 along the opening direction Y' can be moved relative to the locking element 31 which, in the closed position, engages in an engagement opening 271 of the housing 27 by actuating an actuating element 205 formed on the housing part 20 and designed as a push button, in order to open the closure device 1.

[0087] In this embodiment, the housing part 20 is prestressed by a spring element 270 relative to the housing 27 in the direction of a position in which the blocking element 31 can be connected to the spring locking element 21. To close the closure device 1, the blocking element 31 is inserted in the closing direction X into the engagement opening 271 of the housing 27 and thereby engaged with the spring locking element 21 on the housing part 20, as can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 15A can be seen. To open, the housing part 20 is displaced in the opening direction Y' toward the housing 27 via the actuating element 205, so that the spring locking element 21 is thereby moved toward the locking element 31 and disengaged from the locking element 31.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, a locking element 25 is arranged on the housing part 20, which is analogous to the locking element 25 of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D The inhibiting element 25 acts identically to the inhibiting element 25 in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D , counteracts the opening movement in that the inhibiting element 25 interacts with the blocking element 31 via the inhibiting head 251 and is deflected during the opening movement under elastic deformation and thereby provides an inhibition.

[0089] In a Fig. 17A, 17B illustrated embodiment, which in its basic structure is similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bis 7A-7D is formed on the locking element 31 of the second closure part 3, a blocking section 313 with a vertical flank 314. The blocking section 313 serves to Fig. 17B shown position to block opening of the locking device 1.

[0090] In the embodiment according to Fig. 17A und 17B The locking element 31 is rotatable about a rotation axis A relative to the spring locking element 21. The locking element 31 can thus be moved between a Fig. 17B shown blocking position and one in Fig. 17A shown release position to the spring locking element 21. In the blocking position, the blocking section 313 with the flank 314 formed thereon, perpendicular to the opening direction Y, faces the inhibiting element 25, which in this embodiment is designed as a spring tongue protruding counter to the closing direction X without a run-up slope formed thereon.

[0091] When closing the locking device 1 according to Fig. 17A, 17B the locking element 31 is magnetically pulled into engagement with the spring locking element 21 due to magnetic interaction between the magnetic elements 22, 32 on the closure parts 2, 3. Due to the polarization of the magnetic elements 22, 32, as shown in Fig. 17B As can be seen, the locking element 31 is moved into the blocking position according to Fig. 17B in which unlike poles of the magnetic elements 22, 32 are attractive to each other.

[0092] In this blocking position, the blocking element 31 is positively engaged with the spring locking element 21 and is also blocked against opening by the blocking section 314 facing the inhibiting element 25 with its vertical flank 314 on the blocking element 31.

[0093] To open the closure device 1, the locking element 31 is to be rotated about the rotation axis A directed along the closing direction X to the closure part 2, as in the transition from Fig. 17B towards Fig. 17A is visible, so that in the release position according to Fig. 17A the locking section 311 with the run-up slope 312 formed thereon faces the inhibiting element 25 and the closure device 1 can thus be opened by overcoming the inhibition by the inhibiting element 25 by moving the blocking element 31 in the opening direction Y towards the closure part 2 and thus disengaging it from the spring locking element 21.

[0094] As from Fig. 17A As can be seen, in the release position, the magnetic elements 22, 32 with the same poles (N, S) are opposite each other, so that the magnetic elements 22, 32 interact in a repulsive manner. This causes the blocking element 31 to automatically move into the blocking position according to Fig. 17B is moved back if the locking device 1 is not opened.

[0095] In the embodiments described above, the locking element 25 is designed as a spring tongue integrally formed on the housing part 20 of the closure part 2. However, this is not limiting.

[0096] Thus, the inhibiting element can also be formed at a different location on the first closure part 2 or on the second closure part 3. If the inhibiting element is arranged on the first closure part 2, it cooperates with the second closure part 3 to inhibit opening, for example. If, on the other hand, the inhibiting element is arranged on the second closure part 3, the inhibiting element cooperates with the first closure part 2 to inhibit the opening movement. Another embodiment is conceivable - for example, with a multi-part design of the closure parts 2, 3 as in the embodiment according to Fig. 13 bis 16A , 16B - that the inhibiting element acts between housing parts of the first closure part 2 or analogously between housing parts of the second closure part 3 and thus inhibits an opening movement on one of the closure parts.

[0097] In the previously described embodiments, the locking element 25 is inherently elastic. However, this is not limiting. Thus, the locking element can also be arranged as a separate element, movable and deflectable, on an associated closure part.

[0098] This is shown schematically in Fig. 18A bis 18C In the example shown, the locking element 25 is designed as a lever element that is articulated about a hinge axis 253 on a housing part 23 of a closure part 2 and is elastically prestressed relative to the housing part 23 via a tensioning device 254.

[0099] In the example shown, the inhibiting element 25 is in a basic position ( Fig. 18A ) with a head towards the locking element 31 accommodated on the housing part 23, so that at the beginning of the opening movement, due to the lever ratios, a comparatively large, inhibiting force is provided via the inhibiting element 25. If, during the opening movement ( Fig. 18B, 18C ) the locking element 25 is deflected, the locking force decreases due to the changing lever ratios until the locking element 31 can be removed from the housing part 23.

[0100] One in Fig. 19 bis 21A , 21C The embodiment shown corresponds largely to the one described above with reference to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D described embodiment.

[0101] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D is in the embodiment according to Fig. 19 bis 21A-21C the locking element 25 on the housing part 20 is not designed as an elastically deflectable spring tongue (as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D ), but as a projection element rigidly formed on the housing part 20.

[0102] How this Fig. 20A-20C As can be seen, in the closed position the blocking element 31 of the second closure part 3 with the locking section 311 formed thereon is in contact with the inhibiting element 25 in the form of the rigid projection.

[0103] If the closure device 1 is to be opened, the second closure part 3 is moved in the opening direction Y relative to the first closure part 2, whereby the blocking element 31 with the locking section 311 formed thereon runs onto the locking element 25 via run-up slopes on the locking section 311 and the locking element 25, as is the case in the transition from Fig. 20A-20C towards Fig. 21A-21C can be seen. By interacting with the locking element 25 on the housing 20 of the first closure part 2, the second closure part 3 is thus lifted off the first closure part 2 opposite to the closing direction X, namely in an adjustment direction H, counter to the magnetic force of attraction between the magnetic elements 22, 32 of the closure parts 2, 3. Because the magnetic force of attraction must be overcome for this to happen, a force is required for the second closure part 3 to run onto the locking element 25 on the first closure part 1, which force must be overcome in order to be able to move the closure parts 2, 3 towards one another for opening. This provides an inhibition.

[0104] The blocking force provided by the blocking element 25 is set by the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic elements 22, 32 as well as the shape of the run-up slopes on the blocking element 25 and on the locking section 311. The blocking force acts as a breakaway force in that when the locking section 311 of the blocking element 31 runs onto the blocking element 25, a comparatively large force is required for further movement after running onto the blocking element 25 in the state according to Fig. 21C but then a comparatively small force is required to further open the locking device 1.

[0105] Furthermore, the embodiment according to Fig. 19 bis 21A-21C identical to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D designed, so that reference should be made to the previous explanations in this regard.

[0106] In another case, in Fig. 22 bis 24A-24C In the embodiment shown, the inhibiting element 25, in contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 19 bis 21A-21C , formed by a further, third magnetic element in the form of a permanent magnet, which is arranged on the housing part 20 of the first closure part 2 and is arranged in front of the magnetic element 22 in the opening direction Y, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 23B is evident.

[0107] The further magnetic element, which implements the inhibiting element 25, inhibits an opening movement of the second closure part 3 in that the further magnetic element points with a different pole (north pole N) towards the second closure part 3 than the magnetic element 22 (south pole S), as can be seen from Fig. 22 is evident.

[0108] In the closed position according to Fig. 23A-23C The magnetic elements 22, 32 of the closure parts 2, 3 are magnetically attractive to each other. For this purpose, the magnetic elements 22, 32 face each other with opposite poles, so that the north pole N of the magnetic element 32 of the closure part 3 points toward the south pole S of the magnetic element 22.

[0109] If the closure device 1 is opened by moving the second closure part 3 in the opening direction Y relative to the first closure part 2, as in the transition from Fig. 23A-23C towards Fig. 24A-24C As can be seen, the magnetic element 32 is brought closer to the magnetic element forming the arresting element 25 in the opening direction Y. The magnetic element 32 of the second closure part 3 thus comes into contact with the magnetic element forming the arresting element 25 on the housing part 20 of the first closure part 2 with a pole of the same name (north pole N), as can be seen from Fig. 24C The magnetic elements 25, 32 thus interact in a magnetically repulsive manner.

[0110] To bring the closure part 3 closer to the magnetic element forming the inhibiting element 25, a force is required to utilize the magnetic repulsion force. This force has an inhibiting effect, so that the opening movement of the closure device 1 is magnetically inhibited.

[0111] Furthermore, the embodiment according to Fig. 22 bis 24A-24C as the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D designed so that the explanations of the embodiment according to Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7D should be referred to.

[0112] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0113] A locking device of the type described can be used in a variety of ways to connect two assemblies together.

[0114] By inhibiting the opening movement, the risk of unintentional opening is reduced, so that the locking device can provide a secure hold in the closed position with additional security against unintentional opening. Bezugszeichenliste

[0115] 1 Locking device 2 Locking part 20 Housing part 200 Contact surface 201 Receiving groove 202 Receiving opening 203 Cover element 204 Guide surface 205 Actuating element 21 Spring locking element 210 Spring section (C-ring) 211 Latching section (undercut) 212 Opening 22 Magnetic element 23 Housing part 230 Engagement opening 231 Side opening 24 Fastening element 25 Locking element 250 Spring section 251 Locking head 252 Run-up bevel 253 Axis 254 Clamping device 26 Module 260 Housing 261 Pivot engagement 27 Housing 270 Spring element 271 Engagement opening 3 Locking part 30 Base 31 Locking element 310 Pin 311Locking section (undercut) 312Bevel 313Blocking section 314Vertical flank 32Module 320Body ARotation axis DRotation axis ERemoval direction HAdjustment direction XClosing direction Y, Y'Opening direction

Claims

1. Closure device (1), comprising a first closure part (2) which comprises a housing part (20), a spring locking element (21) arranged on the housing part (20) in an elastically resilient manner and having at least one first latching portion (211) and one first magnet element (22), and a second closure part (3) which comprises a first blocking element (31) having at least one second latching portion (311) and one second magnet element (32), wherein the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) can be placed against one another in a closing direction (X) under a magnetically attractive effect of the first magnet element (22) and of the second magnet element (32), and in a closing direction the at least one first latching portion (211) and the at least one second latching portion (311) are engaged with one another in a form-fitting manner, such that the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) are held against each other counter to the closing direction (X), wherein two assemblies of the closure device (1) are movable relative to one another by introduction of an actuation force, in order to overcome the form-fitting engagement of the first latching portion (211) and the second latching portion (311) for opening the closure device (1), and comprising an inhibiting element (25) which is configured to inhibit a movement of the assemblies relative to one another, wherein in the case of an actuation force between the assemblies which is greater than an inhibiting force the assemblies are movable relative to one another, characterised in that the inhibiting element (25) comprises an elastically deformable spring portion (250) and an inhibiting head (250) for interaction with one of the assemblies, wherein the inhibition head (251) comprises a run-up slope (252) onto which a portion of the one of the assemblies abuts upon movement of the assemblies relative to one another, wherein the at least one second latching portion (311) comprises a run-up slope (312) for interaction with the inhibiting element (25).

2. Closure device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that one of the assemblies is assigned to the spring locking element (21) and the spring locking element (21) is movable with respect to the blocking element (31) by moving the one of the assemblies.

3. Closure device (1) according to either claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one of the assemblies is part of the first closure part (2) and the other of the assemblies is part of the second closure part (3), in particular in that one of the assemblies is formed by the housing part (20) of the first closure part (2) and the other of the assemblies is formed by the second closure part (3).

4. Closure device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the assemblies are part of the first closure part (2).

5. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inhibiting element (25) is arranged on one of the assemblies and configured to interact with the other of the assemblies in the case of a relative movement of the assemblies.

6. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inhibiting element (25) can be deflected out of a basic position for overcoming the inhibition.

7. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inhibiting element (25) is configured, in the case of a movement of the assemblies along a movement direction relative to one another, to act between the assemblies in such a way that one of the assemblies is adjusted transversely to the movement direction relative to the other of the assemblies, in particular in that the inhibiting element (25) is configured to adjust the one of the assemblies transversely to the movement direction relative to the other of the assemblies counter to a magnetic attractive force of the first magnet element (22) and of the second magnet element (32).

8. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for opening the closure device (1) the spring locking element (21) and the blocking element (31) are movable relative to one another along an opening direction (Y) that is different from the closing direction (X), in particular oriented transversely to the closing direction (X).

9. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inhibiting element (25) is arranged on the housing part (20) of the first closure part (2) or on the second closure part (3), in particular formed integrally with the housing part (20) or with a base (30) of the second closure part (3).

10. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blocking element (31) is in contact or is not in contact in the closed position with the inhibiting element (25) arranged on the first closure part (2), and in the case of the opening movement, comes into contact with the inhibiting element (25) before the form-fitting engagement of the first latching portion (211) and the second latching portion (311) is overcome.

11. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the case of the movement of the assemblies relative to one another the first magnet element (22) and the second magnet element (32) are moved relative to one another under weakening of the magnetic attractive force between the first magnet element (21) and the second magnet element (31).

12. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blocking element (31) of the second closure part (3) comprises a blocking portion (313) for blocking the movement of the assemblies relative to one another, wherein the blocking element (31) is rotatable around the closing direction (X) relative to the spring locking element (21) between a first position and a second position, wherein the blocking portion (313) faces the inhibiting element (25) arranged on the first closure part (2) in the first position, and does not face this in the second position, such that in the first position the closure device cannot be opened and in the second position the closure device (1) can be opened by overcoming the inhibiting force.